brewgal

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I still can't believe that it's only been a little over 2 months since my surgery and I've already lost 53lbs!!!  That is incredible...  for the first time today I actually SEE the difference in my appearance.  Don't get me wrong, I've felt the changes of my weight loss for some time but I haven't actually felt like the changes are that visible until just now.

I've been wearing jeans that have been untouched and collecting dust in my closet for years!!  Isn't that crazy??  I love it!!  :)

My challenges these days?  Keeping the exercise regimen going - I'm definitely more active but I really feel like I need to kick the exercise up a notch and begin some strength training - that will definitely be my New Year's resolution.  I hope joining a real gym will fit into the budget in 2010.

What have I learned?  If I don't meet (or at least get very close to) my protein and liquid goals each day my weight loss will stall.  If I don't plan my day ahead of time, I end up missing taking my vitamins or missing meals - very bad.  I can completely eliminate "foamies" and "slime" by eating slowly and chewing my food really well.  Protein shakes don't have to be torture - you can actually "doctor" them up to be something very tasty!!  Last but not least...  it really isn't that bad having to wait an hour after eating before I can have something to drink.

Life is good.......  looking forward to a great New Year!!

I wish all my OH buddies the same success and good health for the next year. 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!  :)

OK - that really doesn't mean anything.... 

I'm just over 5 weeks post-op now and down a total of 35 lbs.  I'm very happy about my weight loss so far and I have developed some really good eating habits.  Now I'm ready to start expanding my food choices - you know, a girl can only eat so many yogurts, re-fried beans, deli and canned meats and of course the dreaded protein shakes.  I'm supposed to gradually increase my meals to 5oz. in the next several weeks - it's just so weird to think of 5oz of food as being a HUGE meal!!  Ha ha!!  I haven't had any problems with eating any foods yet with the exception of getting nauseous when I drink milk....  the Dr thinks I might be a little lactose intolerant and recommended I switch to Lactaid or Soy Milk.  Right now I'm trying the Lactaid and that seems to be working.  I've never been a big milk fan but its never made me sick before.

So far my "pouch" has been pretty good to me....  getting my fluids in has gotten a lot easier - I don't feel like I need to take little baby sips anymore when I drink my water and I can pretty much drink pretty close to how I did before surgery (still no gulping though). 

I feel really good....  I find that I'm actually able to tighten the belts a few extra slots this month, I don't have any shoulder pain anymore and I have a lot more energy lately.  I'm so glad I made the decision to have RNY - like many I only wish I had done so earlier.  :)

So today was my first day back at work.....  (actually 10/19 - since I'm writing this after midnight).  Not too bad - I can't complain since I work on a computer all day and I work from home.  I probably could have even started back last week. 

I feel back like my old self....  the only reminders that anything has happened to me are when I get a little over eager about drinking my water and take in more than a sip, or if I eat a little too fast - since I'm off the pureed foods and now on soft stuff.  Both of these are mistakes that I have really only made a couple of times.

I'm only a bit worried b/c everything has basically been such smooth sailing since I came home from the hospital.  I have had virtually no pain, nausea, no vomiting, no soreness, several of my lap incisions have healed and there aren't even any scars, I haven't felt sick or weird or sad or depressed.  I feel like I'm waiting for something to happen......    hopefully not.  Either way, doing great!!  So far I'm down 23 lbs and counting......  I'm really working on keeping up with my fluid and protein intake - that's about my only challenge.

I hope all my other 10/7 surgery buddies are doing well and we all start dropping the lbs quick!!  :)

I got to come home today - finally!!!  I was kept an extra day b/c my blood pressure was a little low (I've never had any issues with BP) and my urine output was too low for the amount of liquids I was taking in.  Either way, I'm much better today.  I'm super happy that I got the surgery and I'm ready for the ultimate rewards to kick in.

I am still a little sore (thank you liquid Lortab for helping me out) and a bit tired - but otherwise I'm great!!!  :)

I remember being wheeled into the OR and asking why there wasn't any music playing - and being bummed out that there wasn't at least a radio playing in the background.  Then when the mask went over my face to "help me relax" I kept telling the anesthesiologist that "it wasn't working....  it wasn't working....  it wasn't working....  it wasn't.... it...." and the next thing I remember is being in my room with my mother.  Too funny!!  :)

I'm sending a very special thanks to Dr Kim & Company, and all the nurses and techs that were so helpful and kind during my hospital stay.

THANKS!!!

So I'm 2 days post op & they are keeping me 1 extra day in the hospital...  surgery went well but took a little longer than expected.  I don't have as much pain but I am pretty sore today.  I'm also very tired... no issues drinking water, broth, tea, crystal light or protein shakes mixed w/ 1% milk.

I'm off to do a couple extra laps around the floor.....  later.

Well here it finally is.....  the day before my RNY.  It's almost 1a.m. and I'm wide awake thinking of all the changes that lie ahead of me.  No more "all you can eat", no more 12 oz steaks, no more Cadbury Creme Eggs.  I'll miss them all - it's been fun while it lasted.  This day kinda reminds me of the day I decided to quit smoking - it's like I knew this day would one day come.  It's here and I'm ready for change.

I'm a little nervous, still practicing the relaxation techniques my therapist gave me (huge huge help) and I'm also excited.  To be quite frank, I'm more nervous about having to stay at my mother's house for a few days after my surgery - yikes.  I hate not having my perfectly comfortable bed every night - but certainly welcome the help. 

Well, I'm hoping my surgery goes well and the pain isn't unbearable.  I pray that the nausea and/or vomiting is at a minimum (if not, nonexistent).  I also wish the same to all my other OH friends that are also having surgery tomorrow (and later), I look forward to hearing about everyone's experiences and sharing our successes and challenges together.

See everyone on the loser's bench......  tee hee!!

Much love!!!  

So today was my first Pre-op appt with Dr Kim.....  today was the 2nd time in less than a month that this whole process actually seemed real (the first being when I got the call to schedule the surgery).  It was virtually painless, everything I heard in the nutrition class was the same thing I've read, heard, learned, etc.... over the last year.  It was nice to finally meet the "Nut" - she's cool.

Dr. Kim was equally nice, he really made me feel comfortable, took the time to answer all my questions and seemed to take a genuine interest in me and my health (as I've heard from numerous of his other patients).  I know that I've picked the right surgeon!!!  :)

Anyway, I'm in the home stretch now.........   5 more days till surgery (6 if you count the day of) and I'm still excited, nervous, and of course still hungry. 

And in the infamous words of my OH RNY sista Sunni - keep on sip sip sip sippin'