Becky Hanlin
Almost 8 weeks out!
Aug 14, 2011
I cannot believe how time flies. This next Thursday will be 8 weeks out. I'm down 27lbs and average of 3.5lbs a week. I go back and forth on if its enough. The nurses at the clinic say I am right on track. However, I know one person that lost over 40 in the first 6 weeks. When I read that I wonder if I am doing something wrong.
I only eat 3 times a day plus 1 protein shake. I'm under 400-500 calories a day. I'm walking as much as I can with the pulled abdominal muscle. Some days I feel amazing and others I feel like I am failing still.
Its nice to see my clothes getting looser and looser. I think I can get another 2-3 weeks out of my weekend work pants. I don't want to have to shop a lot. I'm dreading fall and winter as I have nothing that I can recycle for those seasons.
Ty says he can feel me getting thinner, I'm becoming bonier, LOL..
Food/solids have been okay. I have gotten stuff stuck, more than I ever thought I would. Coke really does work!! Meat cannot be dry, there has to be a lot of moisture. BBQ sauce is helpful and microwaving meat is a art form!!
I've been getting all my protein, but have been bad with vitamins and liquid. I'm looking forward to this week as I'm going to start lifting again, nothing focused on my abdominal muscles, but I'm looking forward to getting back into a routine.
I'm close to the onerderland, I'm so excited, I have not seen that in almost 10 years. I just ordered my "congrats on onerderland" prezzie for myself. I figure by the time it gets here I will be there. :)
Until later, have a wonderful week and here is the latest pic of me!!
~Beck
2 comments
I only eat 3 times a day plus 1 protein shake. I'm under 400-500 calories a day. I'm walking as much as I can with the pulled abdominal muscle. Some days I feel amazing and others I feel like I am failing still.
Its nice to see my clothes getting looser and looser. I think I can get another 2-3 weeks out of my weekend work pants. I don't want to have to shop a lot. I'm dreading fall and winter as I have nothing that I can recycle for those seasons.
Ty says he can feel me getting thinner, I'm becoming bonier, LOL..
Food/solids have been okay. I have gotten stuff stuck, more than I ever thought I would. Coke really does work!! Meat cannot be dry, there has to be a lot of moisture. BBQ sauce is helpful and microwaving meat is a art form!!
I've been getting all my protein, but have been bad with vitamins and liquid. I'm looking forward to this week as I'm going to start lifting again, nothing focused on my abdominal muscles, but I'm looking forward to getting back into a routine.
I'm close to the onerderland, I'm so excited, I have not seen that in almost 10 years. I just ordered my "congrats on onerderland" prezzie for myself. I figure by the time it gets here I will be there. :)
Until later, have a wonderful week and here is the latest pic of me!!
~Beck
The light at the end of the tunnel!
Jul 19, 2011
Has finally arrived! What a difference a week can make.
Last Tuesday I went back to the PA and the clinic, they had the results of my blood work. I have a Thiamine and Magnesium deficiency as well as a build up of acid in my stomach.
I'm so happy to have some validation. When Maggie looked at my levels she said "no wonder why you feel so bad." The plan was get B1 shots every day last week and go to ambulatory care to get an IV of magnesium. She also decided to start me on pureeds early thinking it will help with the acid in my stomach, still taking the antacid 1 hour before I eat. Nor did she hesitate to sign off on my additional 3 weeks of short term disability. By Thursday the nausea was almost completely gone.
One week later, I have NO nausea, none!!! WOOT!!!! I have started eliminating the antacid to see how it feels before eating. Yesterday I thought I would try a little solids as pureeds have been going so well. I tried a little fish. That did NOT work!!! It got suck and I had to force myself to throw up. ACK, that sucked so bad, it was very painful. Today I ate chicken and a little mashed potatoes. I had no issues, I will continue to start introducing more solids, but I will be leaving the fish alone for awhile. Its a slow process, but it is really happening.
Ty comes home in 2 days, I am so happy. That was actually why I started the solids now, if I was to have an issue I didn't want it to be on the first day he was home.
I'm almost 1 month post-op and am down 18lbs, 40 since the first of the year. I was able to get into an old pair of jeans that are 18/20, very excited about that new development. Since feeling better I have been able to go do more things. Visit with my friend Lisa before they leave for Beijing, get my toes done and a hair cut. This weekend I have a friends barbeque I am attending, I'm looking forward to some grilled chicken.
Hope everyone out there is having a great week!!! I cannot thank everyone enough for the emotional support you have given me during the last month, it was a tough road, but it was made easier because of you!!
1 comment
Last Tuesday I went back to the PA and the clinic, they had the results of my blood work. I have a Thiamine and Magnesium deficiency as well as a build up of acid in my stomach.
I'm so happy to have some validation. When Maggie looked at my levels she said "no wonder why you feel so bad." The plan was get B1 shots every day last week and go to ambulatory care to get an IV of magnesium. She also decided to start me on pureeds early thinking it will help with the acid in my stomach, still taking the antacid 1 hour before I eat. Nor did she hesitate to sign off on my additional 3 weeks of short term disability. By Thursday the nausea was almost completely gone.
One week later, I have NO nausea, none!!! WOOT!!!! I have started eliminating the antacid to see how it feels before eating. Yesterday I thought I would try a little solids as pureeds have been going so well. I tried a little fish. That did NOT work!!! It got suck and I had to force myself to throw up. ACK, that sucked so bad, it was very painful. Today I ate chicken and a little mashed potatoes. I had no issues, I will continue to start introducing more solids, but I will be leaving the fish alone for awhile. Its a slow process, but it is really happening.
Ty comes home in 2 days, I am so happy. That was actually why I started the solids now, if I was to have an issue I didn't want it to be on the first day he was home.
I'm almost 1 month post-op and am down 18lbs, 40 since the first of the year. I was able to get into an old pair of jeans that are 18/20, very excited about that new development. Since feeling better I have been able to go do more things. Visit with my friend Lisa before they leave for Beijing, get my toes done and a hair cut. This weekend I have a friends barbeque I am attending, I'm looking forward to some grilled chicken.
Hope everyone out there is having a great week!!! I cannot thank everyone enough for the emotional support you have given me during the last month, it was a tough road, but it was made easier because of you!!
So when does it get better?
Jul 11, 2011
It has been the toughest recovery that I could imagine. I'm still consistently nauseated, every time I move I feel like I am going to yak. I'm on the 3rd regime of meds, this one is doubling up on the Zofran and taking it every 6 hours in addition to Rx strength antacid. I got this new order on Friday, Saturday I felt pretty good, still nauseated, but not as bad. If I were to rate how I feel normally it is a 6-7, Saturday I was at a 3-4. I still wouldn't have been able to work, but at least I wasn't going to puke.
Then Sunday came around and I wanted to die. Diarrhea all day long, the nausea was at a 8-9, I didn't get out of my PJ's all day. The meds didn't help at all. Today has been a roller coaster. This morning was normal, still sick, but this afternoon the diarrhea is back and the nausea is worse. Meds are not helping.
I see the Physicians assistant again tomorrow. I think we will be trying something else. I am hoping that since being moved back to broth didn't make a difference they will allow me to try purees this week like I was supposed to. I'm not holding my breath though.
When I saw Maggie, the PA, on Thursday she told me not to worry about work, that I would not have to go back until I feel better and if I need them to fill out anything they will. On Friday she told me to bring the STD paperwork with me on Tuesday. I'm going to ask for the additional time off. I don't think it will be an issue.
I am depressed, feeling like I am going backwards. I am sick of feeling sick. I got to talk to Tyler last night, it made me feel emotionally better. I am hoping solids will help.
0 comments
Then Sunday came around and I wanted to die. Diarrhea all day long, the nausea was at a 8-9, I didn't get out of my PJ's all day. The meds didn't help at all. Today has been a roller coaster. This morning was normal, still sick, but this afternoon the diarrhea is back and the nausea is worse. Meds are not helping.
I see the Physicians assistant again tomorrow. I think we will be trying something else. I am hoping that since being moved back to broth didn't make a difference they will allow me to try purees this week like I was supposed to. I'm not holding my breath though.
When I saw Maggie, the PA, on Thursday she told me not to worry about work, that I would not have to go back until I feel better and if I need them to fill out anything they will. On Friday she told me to bring the STD paperwork with me on Tuesday. I'm going to ask for the additional time off. I don't think it will be an issue.
I am depressed, feeling like I am going backwards. I am sick of feeling sick. I got to talk to Tyler last night, it made me feel emotionally better. I am hoping solids will help.
Off to the ER I go...
Jul 06, 2011
I have been nauseated since the Tuesday after my surgery. Dr. July has tried 3 different medicines to help my nausea and nothing is working. I am exhausted for feeling sick all the time. I do not vomit, and I am passing gas and having BM's, but I just am constantly nauseated.
Yesterday Dr. July finally sent me to the ER. 4 hours, 1 CAT scan and lots of tears, the ER Doc told me my belly is fine. Thanks the Gods!!!
However, he said some people just experience nausea until they can start eating solids. They gave me a whole bag of fluids in one hours and liquid Zofran. That helped for that evening, however I woke up this morning and it is back just as bad as before. My surgeons nurse called this morning to see how I was and what the ER doc said. She said she was goign to tell me the same thing. I told her the same and I am concerned as I go back to work next week, she said to call on Friday and we can talk about that then.
I am really concerned because I am scheduled to go back to work next week and I have not had a restful recovery. I'm going to ask my surgeon to extend my leave. My work allows for 6 weeks, so I am going to ask for the remainder, but I am really worried she will not give it to me. I believe it is justified, there is no way I could work feeling the way I do, none!!! I have to believe as a care taker, she will extend it so I can recover the way I am supposed too.
Tonight I had acupuncture, and that seemed to relieve the sickness a tad, I hope between that and the herbs I got will help some. I'll lost 11lbs since the surgery, but seem to have stalled this week. That concerns me too. I just have no energy, I have to force myself to eat and drink do I don't get dehydrated. With Tyler being gone, I just want to cry, I keep reminding myself I can do this, that I am strong enough, but I am having a had time believing it. I'm sure I will feel different tomorrow, but tonight I just want my sweetie and I want to cry on his shoulder and have him tell me it will get better.
1 comment
Yesterday Dr. July finally sent me to the ER. 4 hours, 1 CAT scan and lots of tears, the ER Doc told me my belly is fine. Thanks the Gods!!!
However, he said some people just experience nausea until they can start eating solids. They gave me a whole bag of fluids in one hours and liquid Zofran. That helped for that evening, however I woke up this morning and it is back just as bad as before. My surgeons nurse called this morning to see how I was and what the ER doc said. She said she was goign to tell me the same thing. I told her the same and I am concerned as I go back to work next week, she said to call on Friday and we can talk about that then.I am really concerned because I am scheduled to go back to work next week and I have not had a restful recovery. I'm going to ask my surgeon to extend my leave. My work allows for 6 weeks, so I am going to ask for the remainder, but I am really worried she will not give it to me. I believe it is justified, there is no way I could work feeling the way I do, none!!! I have to believe as a care taker, she will extend it so I can recover the way I am supposed too.
Tonight I had acupuncture, and that seemed to relieve the sickness a tad, I hope between that and the herbs I got will help some. I'll lost 11lbs since the surgery, but seem to have stalled this week. That concerns me too. I just have no energy, I have to force myself to eat and drink do I don't get dehydrated. With Tyler being gone, I just want to cry, I keep reminding myself I can do this, that I am strong enough, but I am having a had time believing it. I'm sure I will feel different tomorrow, but tonight I just want my sweetie and I want to cry on his shoulder and have him tell me it will get better.
1 week Post-op
Jun 30, 2011
I cannot believe it has been 1 week. Even with the bumps in the road, I would never have made a different decision. I am ready to be done with liquids, but I still have 2 more weeks. When I think about that it makes me a bit batty, but I know this too shall pass.
Speak of things passing or not is more like it, since last Saturday I have not been able to poo.
I can still pass gas, but no poo! I'm trying not to be concerned, and I don't want to take MOM, it tore apart my system prepping for the surgery and the thought of taking it again when my tummy still hurts from the surgery just makes me want to cry.
As of this morning I have lost 9 pounds.
My boyfriend says he can see it in my face and waist, but I don't see it yet. I continue to take pictures hoping to notice. 
Have a great 4th all!!
4 comments
Speak of things passing or not is more like it, since last Saturday I have not been able to poo.
I can still pass gas, but no poo! I'm trying not to be concerned, and I don't want to take MOM, it tore apart my system prepping for the surgery and the thought of taking it again when my tummy still hurts from the surgery just makes me want to cry.As of this morning I have lost 9 pounds.
My boyfriend says he can see it in my face and waist, but I don't see it yet. I continue to take pictures hoping to notice. Have a great 4th all!!
This is tough
Jun 29, 2011
I am almost 1 week post op. The surgery went well. They were able to do it laparoscipically. The surgeon said my insides were that of a skinny girl, no fat surrounding them. I really am a skinny girl trapped in a fat girls body. I am already sick of fluids! I want something real and thicker than broth/soup!! Argghhhh!!
I had a reaction to the tape covering my incisions. My skin started to blister and the incision started to become infected. I have had a lots of nausea.
My surgeon wrote me a script for some anti-nausea pills. Thankfully they do work some. I was completely miserable. Today, I tried to eat tomato soup, and the acid in it was too much. I had even diluted it 1:1. Now my tummy is back to to being icky. Thankfully the squash soup is fine. I'm going to try some pudding this weekend. I introduced protein powder yesterday and thankfully did not react to that.
I'm trying to stay positive, but I have to admit I am tired and a little emotional. I didn't think the liquid phase would be as hard as it has been on me. I am worried as my boyfriend on the last 8 years is going to be gone for the next 21 days on business in Europe and I'm going to be alone. I know I am strong enough, I just don't feel like it right now.
3 comments
I had a reaction to the tape covering my incisions. My skin started to blister and the incision started to become infected. I have had a lots of nausea.
My surgeon wrote me a script for some anti-nausea pills. Thankfully they do work some. I was completely miserable. Today, I tried to eat tomato soup, and the acid in it was too much. I had even diluted it 1:1. Now my tummy is back to to being icky. Thankfully the squash soup is fine. I'm going to try some pudding this weekend. I introduced protein powder yesterday and thankfully did not react to that.I'm trying to stay positive, but I have to admit I am tired and a little emotional. I didn't think the liquid phase would be as hard as it has been on me. I am worried as my boyfriend on the last 8 years is going to be gone for the next 21 days on business in Europe and I'm going to be alone. I know I am strong enough, I just don't feel like it right now.
Mild? Fire the marketing depatment and get a damn dictionary!
Jun 21, 2011
Seriously? How is Milk of Magnesia mild. Since 3am I've been in constant pain and living in the bathroom. The only good thing is I have lost 2 pounds since this started.
This time tomorrow they will be cutting me open. I'm still prepared to have the procedure converted to open. Still have this nagging feeling that is going to happen and am fine with that. I will just get some killer tattoo!!
Nervous and very excited.
4 comments
This time tomorrow they will be cutting me open. I'm still prepared to have the procedure converted to open. Still have this nagging feeling that is going to happen and am fine with that. I will just get some killer tattoo!!
Nervous and very excited.
Last day of work!!
Jun 20, 2011
Today was my last day at work. There was so much to do for my absense. My coworkers surprised me with flowers, a handmade card, a GC to Barnes & Noble for my Nook as well as healthy snacks. I was completely shocked, and started to cry. I am very blessed to have such wonderfully supportive people surrounding me.
My STD complany called me this afternoon. They wished me luck and wanted to verify the dates are correct on my paperwork. The rep said normal time away is 6-8 weeks and is surprised mine said only 3 weeks. I explained that the surgeon will only do 3 weeks at first and that I was worried about being forced to go back to work too soon. She said that she will send me out an extension form as she didn't think I would be ready. Also if my surgeon won't see me to see my general doctor. I felt good that they backed me up!
Tomorrow I start the Milk of Magnesia and the liquid diet before the surgery. My nerves are pretty raw right now. I have been trying to remain calm, but I am having a difficult time keeping it together. I think it would be better if I wasn't going to be by myself, but with Ty leaving for Europe it makes it a little tougher. I am so very proud of him!! However, I will miss him horribly!!
I will post more soon!!
1 comment
My STD complany called me this afternoon. They wished me luck and wanted to verify the dates are correct on my paperwork. The rep said normal time away is 6-8 weeks and is surprised mine said only 3 weeks. I explained that the surgeon will only do 3 weeks at first and that I was worried about being forced to go back to work too soon. She said that she will send me out an extension form as she didn't think I would be ready. Also if my surgeon won't see me to see my general doctor. I felt good that they backed me up!
Tomorrow I start the Milk of Magnesia and the liquid diet before the surgery. My nerves are pretty raw right now. I have been trying to remain calm, but I am having a difficult time keeping it together. I think it would be better if I wasn't going to be by myself, but with Ty leaving for Europe it makes it a little tougher. I am so very proud of him!! However, I will miss him horribly!!
I will post more soon!!
June 23rd!!
Jun 07, 2011
I finally have a surgery date!! My actual surgery will be Thursday, June 23rd at 7:30 am. I am requesting my STD to start days before, Tuesday the 22st and Wednesday the 23rd are prep days, I have medicine I need to take and a special diet, both which will prevent me from leaving the house. I submitted this morning to HR leave begin the 21st and return on Monday, August 8th.
Of course the surgeon tells you all the bad stuff that could possibly happen. It sort of freaked me out for a second. I started thinking "so is there anything good about this?" Then she says "good news, we don't have to worry about your gall bladder!" Nice!!!
I'm going to creat an email draft, Tyler will be able to send to everyone, so they know how I am and the room/phone # to call me. I should only have to stay for 1 night as long as my insides are working properly.
I have to be there at 5am on Thursday, holy balls that is early! The surgery typically takes 2 hours as long as they do not have to convert to the open procedure. *crosses fingers that they will not have to slice me open!*
Post more later, very excited!!
2 comments
Of course the surgeon tells you all the bad stuff that could possibly happen. It sort of freaked me out for a second. I started thinking "so is there anything good about this?" Then she says "good news, we don't have to worry about your gall bladder!" Nice!!!
I'm going to creat an email draft, Tyler will be able to send to everyone, so they know how I am and the room/phone # to call me. I should only have to stay for 1 night as long as my insides are working properly.
I have to be there at 5am on Thursday, holy balls that is early! The surgery typically takes 2 hours as long as they do not have to convert to the open procedure. *crosses fingers that they will not have to slice me open!*
Post more later, very excited!!
Approved!!!
Jun 05, 2011
On May 23rd I was taking a nap up north at Ty's mom's when my phone rang. It was the clinical nurse from BC/BS. She wanted to let me know that they have approved my RNY. I was so happy I started to cry. Minutes later Megan the supervisor from BC/BS called me to follow up and congratulate me on the work I put into the dietitian. She said it was above and beyond what they were looking for and I am to be commended. We then went over what my exact out of pocket expenses will be. I should have my letter within 7-10 days she said. Woot!!
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About Me
Hopkins, MN
Location
26.2
BMI
Surgery
06/23/2011
Surgery Date
Nov 11, 2010
Member Since
