MelissaRoo

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It's Saturday morning today and I went to my exercise class like I do every Saturday lately.  Today is the end of this 6 week rotation and the instructor did my measurements.  This is where I am at since my measurements taken about 5 weeks ago:

DOWN 5 INCHES AND 7 LBS!!  IN 5 WEEKS?  That's crazy great!

Now I'm so glad I stuck with the exercise class.  Believe me, there were lots of days I didn't want to go or I had some excuses of why it was a bad to to go over there, but I always went twice a week.  I am pleased and have been blessed with a few moments of "WOW" since my surgery:


1.  My clothes are totally loose on my body.  I'm starting a pile of clothes that need to be sewn in, darts and waist bands need adjusting.  Some of them I just don't think ever looked good on me so I'm taking them to the resale shop today.  Same with a bunch of my shoes, I want some more flattering shoes now.

2.  I'm crossing my legs a little easier.

3.  My butt feels smaller.  When I walk, I can feel it's less jiggly!  I also feel a little more space between my thighs.  These are things only I notice, but it's a big deal to me!!

4.  I found some old smaller clothes in my closet that I can wear now.  YEAH!!

5.  I'm sleeping a little better and less fatigued during the day.

6.  I have more energy now that I'm down 42 lbs.

7.  My 7 yr. old daughter can sit on my lap now!

8.  My tastes have changed.  If something is too salty or sweet, it no longer appeals to me or I will spit it out.  I won't just settle for food, it has to be the right thing for me and I just don't want to eat it.  I also tend to pick out the best part of the food on my plate and I feel at peace leaving food on my plate or bowl.  I used to just wolf down my food to finish it, now I getting picky.  That's a big milestone for me.

9.  I had to move the seat up on my car when I drive because my butt is smaller!!  Getting in and out of the car is easier.

Well, that's all for now.  The kids and I are going to sort through stuff for the resale show this morning.  Better get back to work!

Wow, it's been a whirlwind these last weeks.  Summer is flying by and I can't believe August is here.  Just saw my surgeon 2 days ago and all is well.  I have no complaints and I'm feeling just fine these days!  

A  few weeks ago I started an exercise class and I go only twice a week.  It's a pretty hard work out and I am sore between workouts.  I am not able to do all the repetitions of each exercise because I don't have the muscle strength yet.  But I still go each time and I enjoy feeling stronger each time.  I have increased my endurance and strength each week.  I also have been keeping track of my measurements and am shocked at how each area of my body is decreasing in size!  I am making freinds at exercise class so it's also getting fun to see the same people each week. 

The nutritionist at my doctors office has given me some new food choices now that I'm creeping into my 12th week.  Soft peeled fresh fruit is next on my list to try.  I'm also going to start trying some more protein options such as more soy, tofu and meats.  I'm waiting on hamburger still.  That seems a little tough in my stomach and it sits there for a long time before going down.

Getting dressed for work is a little nicer now that I've lost some inches on my body.  I'm trying on some more fitted styles and it feels good to have a little more options in my clothing.  I sure do notice how my body feels different but I can't say I've had major "WOW" moments yet.  Soon, very soon, I'm sure!

The scale has been around 258 - 261, depending on the day.  I'm trying not to obsess about the actual lbs lost because I know my body is really toning up since exercise class.  I've also been pretty active outside of class.  I'm glad to run up the stairs now as I feel a lot more energy as I fly up the stairs.  That's a great victory for me!  The doctor's office said my bigger wt. loss numbers are going to happen after the 3rd month.  She said once my insides are finished healing at 3 months, my body will spend it's energy on losing wt. instead of recovering from surgery.  I am looking forward to seeing some numbers move around on the scale. 

Kids will be back to school in a few weeks.  Routines are going to get set into a tight schedule.  Time will fly and hopefully the wait to lose all these pounds will go quickly.  I am anxious to see what my WLS will do for me.

It's been a great journey so far.  I am thankful all is going well and feel truly blessed to be given this opportunity.  I am grateful for my wonderful friends and family to be supporting me in this process.  It means everything to have the support I have.  My daughter is going to help me take some more pictures to post soon.  Now I just have to remember how to get the pictures posted on here!! 

Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge.  
I said to the Lord, "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing."

As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight.  The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods.   I will not pour out their libations of blood or take up their names on my lips.

Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure.  The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.

I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.  I have set the Lord always before me.  Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.

You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasure at your right hand.

Thanks to Kim for sending this to me!  This is soooo true:

Theft Problem

YOU YOUNG ONES ... BEWARE . IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE:

You've heard about people who have been abducted and had their kidneys
removed by black-market organ thieves. Well, this kind of cruel theft is
happening with other body parts as well!

My thighs were stolen from me during the night a few years ago. I went
to sleep and woke up with someone else's thighs. It was just that quick.
The replacements had the texture of cooked oatmeal. Whose thighs were
these and what happened to mine? I spent the entire summer looking for
my thighs. Finally, hurt and angry, I resigned myself to living out my
life in jeans. And then the thieves struck again.

My Butt was next. I knew it was the same gang, because they took pains
to match my new rear end to the thighs they had stuck me with earlier.
But my new butt was
attached at least three inches lower than my
original! I realized I'd have to give up my jeans in favor of long
skirts.

Two years ago I realized my arms had
been switched. One morning I was
fixing my hair and was horrified to see the flesh of my upper arms swing
to and fro with the motion of the hairbrush. This was really getting
scary - my body was being replaced one section at a time. What could
they do to me next?

When my poor neck suddenly disappeared and was replaced with a turkey
neck, I decided to tell my story. Women of the world, wake up and smell
the coffee! Those "plastic" surgeons are using REAL replacement body
parts -stolen from you and me! The next time someone you know has
something "lifted", look again - was it lifted from you?

THIS IS NOT A HOAX. This is happening to women everywhere every night.
WARN YOUR FRIENDS!

P.S. Last year I thought someone had stolen my Boobs. I was lying in bed
and they were gone! But when I jumped out of bed, I was relieved to see
that they had just been hiding in my armpits as I slept. Now I keep them
hidden in my waistband.

***************
Hello, to all whom I love!

I just wanted to give you the Melissa Weight Loss Surgery Update, because I have nothing but GOOD to report!  A couple of you have emailed me for an update and I was waiting until my follow up appointment with my surgeon so as to give the 'official word' from the doc!  I just love how supportive you have been, it just means SO MUCH TO ME!!  I adore the encouragement and it makes a BIG difference to my daily walk through the highs and lows.  THANK YOU!

Well here is it.  Those numbers.  The nitty gritty weight numbers.  I am bearing all.  This makes me accountable!

2 weeks Pre-op:  296 
1 day pre-op:  286
1 day post-op:  299.8  (my highest ever, after surgery fluids/IV's)
1 week post-op:  279
3 weeks post-op:  271
6 weeks post-op:  265

Total so far:  31 lbs  (not including the IV fluids that made me gain during my hospital stay)

Overall experience has been positive.  I had one of my suture sites open up a little to drain some fluid, but there was no infection and the doc said it's pretty common.  Not really a problem.  Other than that, I can't complain now that the abdominal pain has gone away.  I am starting to get my energy back.  I am back to work as of 6/4/07.  The first 2 weeks back to work, I was totally exhausted.  Most days I couldn't make it to 2:00 during the work day without feeling totally drained and needing a nap.  The first week back to work I only worked half days so I could come home to rest.  When I look back on that, I wished I could have taken 4 - 6 weeks off work.  Oh well! 

I am consuming almost 600 calories a day to get in my recommended nutrition.  Here is how I eat every day:

Wake, sip some water.  Wait.  Eat my 1/2 cup meal (light yogurt or oatmeal or egg beaters or tuna).  Wait.  Take vitamin.
Wait.  Sip my first protein drink and water until lunch (protein drink is 25 g protein powder mixed with ice chips and water)
Run home for lunch:  1/2 cup meal (fish or shrimp or cream of something soup made with water or refried beans or yogurt.  Starting to add cooked soft vegetable as a side)
Wait.  Sip my 2nd protein drink and water until dinner time.
Dinner:  Same food selections as lunch.  Take second vitamin.
Exercise, if I didn't do it in the AM.
Wait.  Sip 3rd protein drink.  Take calcium supplement. 
(I get a monthly vitamin B 12 shot at the surgeon's office as part of WLS post-op recommendations)

That's my daily routine!  It's been fine.  I'm not starving at all.  I have little cravings here and there, but one bite of those things usually solves it.  The kids will have pizza, a hamburger or cereal and rarely will that trigger my cravings and if it does I'll just ask for a nibble.  I very quickly realize it's not worth aching for those foods after I have a nibble.  I just think I'd rather be able to cross my legs than eat pizza whenever I crave it.  I'd rather not be exhausted at work than eat a Snickers Ice Cream Bar.  I'd rather be able to easilly get in and out of the car than eat a Quarter Pounder and fries.  I'd rather my husband to be able to squeeze all of me in his arms with ease than eat a big Porter House and baked potato with cheese!  I'm not giving up foods as much as I am gaining more life!  It's all in my perspective, I'm understanding this clearly as I work with my new "tool" I have been given in my stomach pouch my surgeon has made for me.  It also has been great to get the support from those around me, the friends and family life you have been a big part of my life line.  Thank you!!

At my last doctor appointment, the nutritionist made some food suggestions now that my stomach should be all healed up.  I'm going to try Soy milk (I'm not tolerating milk products, except yogurt), tofu, oatmeal and shrimp.  For now, I am not eating any other grains, sugars, or breads.  She also suggested I add chicken, but so far I have thrown that up maybe because it's been too tough to digest or I cooked it with food that doesn't agree with me.  I have thrown up only twice since surgery.  It was self-inflicted, as I over-did it on my food.  My stomach takes about 20 minutes to tell me I over-did the amount.  Have to still learn to eat slowly.  I hate that overstuffed feeling more than ever now!

I'm exercising with the kids and Bob.  Walking and biking.  Swimming one time.  I look forward to doing that again but I don't have access to a pool.  I plan to start Tight 'N Tone exercise class in a few weeks with one of my friends.  3 times a week.  We'll be accountable to each other if we don't show up at class time!  I'll walk with the family and do my dumb bells on opposite days (I'm doing the treadmill and dumb bells now).  If I don't exercise and drink water, I will be plagued with loads of loose stretched out skin when I get to goal.  I expect there will be some of that either way, but will be much worse w/o exercise now.

I am so very happy in my decision to do this.  I absolutely do not regret this for one second.  I feel as if I have been given a second chance.  I have so many new possibilities in my life.  I am really excited as my body is changing.  I hope to report my inches on my next update.  I had a couple of weeks when my weight hardly budged on that stupid scale and I felt a little frustrated and disheartened.  However, I felt my clothes getting looser so I knew my body was still working in my favor.  At about 4 weeks post-op I started a measurement chart and I plan to measure every 4 weeks.  Clothing size has gone down 1 size, depending on the brand and piece of clothing.  I started in a size 26/28 (which was getting tight).  I am now 22 or 24, depending on what I put on.  I can't imagine ever not buying plus size clothes, since I have had to since about age 17.  For now, I plan on altering my clothes on my sewing machine and then start taking my clothes to resale or consignment.  I'll just try to get new clothes resale as much as I can to save money.

It's been fun to encourage people that are considering this surgery or just have fitness and weight goals.  I have learned so much and also am surprised how many other people have had WLS.  

All my very best to you!  Until next time...

Well, it's been a fast 2 weeks.  I came home 2 weeks today.  Everything went well, thank goodness.  I have been very sore.  My abdomen feels like someone keeps punching my gut.  I have a hard time staying comfy, especially at night.  But all in all, I don't have any major beefs to complain about.  Harvard did an EXCELLENT JOB taking care of me.  I could not have asked for better care.  They went above and beyond and I am so grateful for them.  If it wasn't for my kids, I would have wished to stay at the hospital for a few more days to take advantage of the hospital bed and the caring nurses.  

I started surgery at 286 lbs (I had lost 10 lbs during the 2 week liquid diet prep before surgery).  I was up to 299.8 the day after the surgery, due to all the fluids they pumped into me.  They said that was normal.  Today I am at 279 and holding for the last week.  I called the nurse today to ask her why I have been holding this weight for the last week, and she said it was fine.  I should lose up to 35 lbs the first 4 - 6 weeks.  I'm also about to start my monthly thing next week and I may be holding a little water due to that.

I was given a liquid vicodin for pain, which I have been using at night.  I get so sore in bed trying to stay in a supported and comfortable position.  I also have been using tylenol tablets during the day when I feel pretty bad.  I sleep with about 6 - 7 pillows to prop up my sore stomach and hug to my chest and between my knees so my back doesn't twist.  My poor hubby is fighting for room on the bed!  I finally let him back in the bed this weekend!  Poor guy!  He has been a trooper!

I'm trying my best to get my 65 g protien, my water, and my 3 allowable meals a day.  I'm sipping all day long to get it all in.  I go back to work next week, half days for the first week and then full time the 5th week after surgery.  I hope I can manage to still get all my drinking in my system while I'm working!  I work out of my car, on the road all day, rarely getting to the office.  I might have to make a stop at home once a day so I can make my protien drinks.  I'm not sure how to work that yet.  Also, it's not like I can pack a sandwich for work, so I'll need to plan out my puree foods to bring in a lunch bag.  I'm bannishing resteraunts for a while, it will just be tough to try and get the right foods in me...plus the expense.  

I'm mostly taking it easy.  Trying to get my 15 minute walks around the neighborhood a few times a day.  Making meals for my family.  A few chores each day to keep me active besides my walking.  The kids have their first week of summer break this week, so I have been enjoying the time with them here at home!  I worked on my tan last week!  NICE!

Well that's all for now.  I will take more pictures on my one month anniversary 6/14/07.  Until then...

Today is May 9, 2007.  It has been a whirlwind these last couple of weeks!  I have been wanting WLS since right after my 10 year old was born.  I started researching it and made the decisions RNY was the best fit for me.  My insurance did not cover the procedure so I waited and looked into getting other insurance coverage.  No luck.  Daughter #2 was born (she is 7 now).  New insurance from husbands job started and guess what?  Doesn't cover WLS!  Many years go by as well as many well meaning diet plans.  Gain more weight..  Husband changed jobs and new insurance covers WLS!!  Went to doctor 12/05 to start this process, insurance coverage started 1/3/06 and I start my prequalification process for Aetna.  Denied for surgery 5/06.  Denied again 10/06.  Keep plugging away.  Denied 3/07.  APPROVED 4/27/07 AND SCHEDULED FOR SURGeRY 5/14/07!!  Wow!  I'm so excited that it's actually happening already.  

The day I was approved, I weighed 296.  Since then I started the liquid diet prep 5/3/07 I am now down to 291.  Surgery is this Monday and it's getting surreal that it's actually going to happen!  I can't imagine that I might actually not be fat.  I've never been thin in my life.  My husband and kids have only known me heavy but they are very supportive in my pursuit, and are looking forward to a healthier mom and wife.  I had my informed consent appointment with Dr. McClelland at Harvard's Mercy Hospital yesterday.  All my preop testing.  Now the countdown begins!

Hoping to get rid of my CPAP, my hypertension, and joint and body aches.  Desiring to regain my energy and robust excitement  life with my children.  Bike riding, rollerblading, housekeeping and yardwork are some activities I look forward to getting the energy and mobility to enjoy again.  It's not my looks at the top of my list, it's my life.  Since I have been heavy all my life, I can't say that I look sloppy or messy as a big person.  I always keep myself looking pulled together and professional at work.  My hair, makeup, and clothes are always done.  I have a lot of friends and a great marriage.  I'm happy and content in life.  I just want back the energy to live it to my fullest.  I want to chase my kids.  HIke at the parks.  Be an active mom and worker.

I'm tired of the let down of diets that don't work.  I'm fed up investing myself and commiting to eatting plans that don't make sense.  I'm ready for this life-changing surgery.  I'm so ready!

I'm sad that I'm going to have to say good-bye to my friend that's been there for me all these years:  my friendship with food.  It's been a life-long companionship.  You were there for me when I was teased at school or by my 4 older brothers.  You comforted me when life let me down.  You celebrated with me during all of life's milestones.  Your cakes, buffets, and late-night snacks were my companion.  Fast food drive through:  You have helped me be fed when I didn't have the patience to pre-plan lunch for work.  You have satiated me for the last time and I will miss you.  Good bye, my dear friend food.  I'm going to eat to live.  I'm forever to eat to nourish my body and not feed my friendship with food.  37 years of friendship, and I'm done!

Melissa in IL