michelly1030

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I feel like a jerk for not checking in around here. I made so many "friends" on this site and learned so many valuable things pre and post-op.  I can't promise to check in more often, but I shall try!

Here I am 1 year and 10 months post-op and I currently weigh 170lbs. Thank you Christmas over-indulgences...and lack of self-control! Yes, I veered off of my high protein, low carb, no sugar life changing diet... woopsie. But BACK on the wagon once again.  Even had a protein shake the other day for breakfast, instant 48g protein and NO CARBS! Woot Woot!

I uploaded a new album, featuring my family and myself taken Nov 2011 for our Christmas cards and yearly family photos. There are a TON more but it takes so long to upload so I picked a few of the best. I am so happy with the way I look and I take photos all the time now. It's weird not to shy away from the camera and to see a "thin" me instead of the "old" me...the unhealthy version of myself.

My fibromyalgia, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis has greatly improved since my weight loss... although they are not caused by weight necessarily (weight bearing joint pain is related, however), surprisingly my symptoms have improved dramatically. I still take muscle relaxers (cyclobenzaprine) and other meds as needed... Fibromyalgia often disrupts sleep and without my relaxers (1 every night) I DO NOT sleep well... do not.  Unfortunately, sometimes it also makes me sleep too long and keeps me groggy when I was up early for work or something, then I depend on caffeine all day. Yikes. However, the trade off is worth it to be pain-free or have less pain and be able to walk without aching and whining. lol. But seriously, autoimmune illnesses are very frustrating... mostly because we don't know what causes them, we don't necessarily know what treatments will relieve them and there are no cures.


I went for a plastic surgery consultation with a well known and well respected plastic surgeon in my area... Unfortunately, the procedures themselves have been postponed because of the immense cost. $16,000!!!! This is for a tummy tuck with my abdominal muscles being attached back in place (separated due to large pregnancy, not weight gain, for once!) and breast augmentation and a breast lift of ONE breast.  My left is bigger than my right, always has been, therefore it also sags more than the right and has to be lifted, the nipple "moved" and then a smaller than the right implant goes in.  I loved the way I looked with the sports bra on and the implant inside. I wanted boobs NOW.  But I am weighing my options and considering going to UC DAVIS Medical Center for a consultation...they are less expensive and well respected, it's just a teaching center so you could have students watching ... I DONT CARE at all about people watching. I will never see them again. I did get a wonderful compliment from the surgeon I saw and her assistant, they were very complimentary on my weight loss and impressed by what little skin and sagging I had considering a 100 lb weight loss. They commented that I would heal VERY well and my operation would be routine and I was an excellent candidate. Granted, she would get $16,000 from me for this, but she seemed sincere. Lol
We'll see.

Other than that, life has been wonderful.  I changed jobs TWICE... I start my new job Tuesday, as Special Events Coordinator for Society for Handicapped Children and Adults.  I have worked for the last 4 months as a Program Director with United Cerebral Palsy of Stanislaus County.  The new job is a better fit for me, as I have dabbled in event planning since 2006... But I did love my time with UCP also.  I met some amazing people, made some wonderful professional connections and learned new things that will carry on to my new job. I am excited to see what I can do at Society for Handicapped. I have worked with them before when I was a "contestant" in a local, high profile, competition called Valley Apprentice, last March to July.  Although my team didn't win, we did amazing things for the organization including a Special Needs Ball at Del Rio Country Club, in Modesto, CA. We did that Ball in partnership with UCP, which is how I got to know the Director and eventually led me to a job with them.  We are doing the Ball again, this time in March, same country club and made a few changes. I am thrilled to be part of it once again.  life is good.

Haven't been on OH in forever! I feel bad because it seems like I was all over this site until I got into the swing of things post op and really started losing.

I am now 100 lbs down and at my goal weight of 160. I kinda have been fluctuating 1-2 lbs but never going over 162! I am really happy with everything and my health is great. Still having problems with fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis, but my osteoarthritis (which caused weight bearing joint pain) has improved GREATLY. Of course not carrying around 100 lbs is great for the knees! 

I will try to check in more often.

Wishing all of you good health and a great 2011

-Chelle

www.worththeweightloss.blogspot.com


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I am still sore in the abdomen and today I woke up with the headache from hell!!! I thought I was ready to go back to work and went 1 day, then called in sick yesterday. After talking with my doc's office, we decided I would not go to work today either and rest up. I described what I was feeling...pressure, pain and general uncomfortableness...she said everything sounded normal and working for 12 hrs sitting in a chair was most likely way too much pressure, too soon, on my tummy and my surgery sites. I think she was right. I came home in terrible pain and still walked for a mile with my husband and son, then really didn't feel good. Ugh... I have been resting since and I am starting to feel a bit better but can't shake the headache. Doc's office also suggested upping my fluid intake and getting back on regular gas-x for now. Which I have done. I took 2 tylenol today to help with the headache, but not working so far. I am going to try to get a nap in soon (I slept AWFUL) if I can get my son down for a nap. I think I should've had my MIL come watch him today so I could sleep...But I told her I could watch him. I still can't lift him but he's a pretty self-sufficient 2 yr old, he doesn't require lifting at all and will climb up in my lap if he wants. He knows to be careful of Momm'y belly... he's still saying "your belly hurts, mommy? are you betters?" haha He's the sweetest kid ever, I'm sure of it.
I will be back at work on Sunday. I think I will be ok by then as long as I take it easy the next few days. I am supposed to attend a friend's bday party on Friday night, it's a Tacky Prom theme, which sounds like a lot of fun, and who couldn't use some fun. BUt I am still debating whether to go or not. I think it will be a last minute decision if I go. I am fun without alcohol so being the only sober one there doesn't bug me. I offered to drive a couple friends if I do go. My husband has no desire to go, so he'll be home with Hunter. I am going to try to find a thrift store tacky dress Thursday in case I decide to go. I love theme parties.
Today I am in the recliner, again. Just took a shower and put fresh jammies on. Planning on watching a few movies and just chilling out. Rain is coming (it was 80 and beautiful just 2 days ago) so I feel blah anyways...

I am still GLAD I did the surgery and have no regrets. I knew with my autoimmune diseases recovery might be a little tougher and I expected it. I am attributing some of this to those diseases. I am not taking all the meds I normally take because they make me oversleep and then I am comatose all day the next day--- I don't wanna be so groggy. I may have to take something tonight to have a good night's sleep though. Lack of sleep really makes me flare up...so does stress. So I am trying to stay calm, positive and hopeful!! I can't wait to feel my version of normal again. I'm sure it will be soon!!

www.worththeweightloss.blogspot.com

My Journey to Good Health and a Smaller Number on the Scale...and more importantly, a dash of sarcasm and a pinch of humor

This blog is more update....

http://www.worththeweightloss.blogspot.com


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Today is Day 2 of my pre-op diet. I'm not sure if this is something that every bariatric surgeon "requires" but Dr. Coates does. During the 4 hour pre-op class, the nurse that was teaching told us that it is very important to have a very low calorie diet to shrink the liver for surgery. Since the surgery is laparoscopic, the liver must be light and small enough for the tools to hold it up while the surgeon does the RNY. I remember at my husband's pre-op class (he had RNY 2 yrs ago) there was actually a girl in there that did NOT do the 2 wk diet and when they opened her up for surgery her liver was way too big. So they closed her up and sent her home and also told her to attend another 4 hour class!! Needless to say, I am afraid! BUT just knowing my surgery is coming up has made my appetite shrink and I've lost 8 lbs in the last week. I am back down to 248 with a BMI of 38. This is what I was at when I was told to gain to get approved.. lol Isn't it ironic? 

It's hard to stick to this diet. But I am doing pretty well. Here is an example of a day on the diet:
(taken from my surgeon's book)

Breakfast: 1 hard boiled egg, 2 oz fresh apple slices
(1 vitamin, 1 coq10)
Mid-Morning Snack: 8 oz nonfat milk with protein powder

Lunch: 1 1/2 oz chicken, 2 oz fresh vegetables

Mid-Afternoon Snack: 8oz any fluid (calorie and sugar free) with protein powder

Dinner: 1 1/2 oz fish, 2 oz fresh vegetables, 2 oz fresh fruit
(1 vitamins, 1 coq10)


1-2 oz is not a whole lot, I will tell you that. But I am getting mentally prepared, so it's been ok. I must say that today I did plan to go to a Japanese restaurant with my friend, to have rice one more time... I ate half the rice, some teriyaki beef (2 oz), tempura veggies (1 carrot, 1 sweet potato, 1 broccoli, 1 green bean), 3 pieces california roll sushi and Miso soup. And a glass of unsweetened iced tea. Now, a few hours later, I am having a protein drink (Nectar Kiwi Strawberry mixed with ice water-- actually tastes pretty decent). So I still ate healthy, but didn't follow the plan to a T. The point is to lose weight and get in the habit of getting a lot of fluids in and my protein. As long as I keep dropping a little bit of weight, my liver should be fine.  I am so excited for surgery and a little nervous. But I am ready to make the change!! Can't wait to have this tool to help me be healthy!!

Well, 2 days ago I found out I was approved for Gastric Bypass and scheduled for my surgery and pre-op and post-op. I am SOOOOO excited and soooo happy. I was seriously starting to think that I was not going to be approved and was going to have to figure out some way to get the weight off that I hadn't tried- which leaves just about NOTHING... I've pretty much done it all....

BUT I WAS APPROVED!

I cannot wait. I start the 2 week pre-op diet on March 30th... and I am already scheduled for the 4 hour class on March 23rd...My life is going to change for the better and I can't wait.

Trying to stay positive...haven't gotten the approval yet. Called the surgeon's office (Dr Coates) and asked if they'd heard anything...they have not. They said that they submitted a request for approval Saturday..so tomorrow (Friday) will be 6 days after submission. I thought for sure I would know something by now. They seem to think they would know one way or another by Monday... I'd love an answer, especially an approval.  Hoping that tomorrow will be the big YES day...
I did get scheduled to attend the 4 hour Pre-Op Seminar on Tues March 23rd. Hopefully I will know if I am even having the surgery before then! 

sigh.....

www.worththeweightloss.blogspot.com

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