roni0907
Two Year Anniversary!
Sep 29, 2009
Hi all - it has been forever since I posted anything on this site. Yesterday was my two year anniversary from surgery and I can honestly say that 99% of the time I am VERY happy with how things have progressed. I want to take a moment to thank my wonderfully amazing friends and family, who have not only supported me with loving enthusiasm.
In regards to that small 1% that I am not happy about, all that stems from what I do. Sometimes, I still eat too fast. Sometimes I don't chew my food good enough. Sometimes I eat the wrong things - all those things make me ill. I still, on occasion, get sick. BUT, I realize it is because of things I AM DOING, not things from the surgery itself. I do get angry at myself when that piece of chicken doesn't go down because I didn't chew it enough. My lowest weight was 193 (never made it to goal of 170) and now two years out, it seems to fluctuate between 195-205 depending on my monthly cycle and if I am taking care of myself like I should be. When I see the scale is creeping up past 200, I immediately put myself back in check and try to get back into the 100s. I figure it is a whole hell of a lot easier to lose 10 lbs. than 50-100+ pounds! I stopped losing weight after 9 months, and from where I started, I am OK with where I ended up, even if I never made it to goal!
A LOT has changed in my life, not just because of the surgery, but in general. I got engaged a couple of months ago to a wonderful man who I dated at my heaviest (334 lbs.) and who came back into my life when I was almost one year out. Fat, thin, short, tall - he never cared what I looked like - he loves the person inside, and that has made all the difference. I will try and post a pic from our engagement party - it was such a fun day. The wedding will be in May 2010!
One thing I am not happy about is the excess skin all over, so tomorrow morning I am having brachioplasty to remove the excess skin on my arms! I know I will have scars, but I am ok with that. Funny thing is that I remember saying that I would rather have excess skin than be obese, now I say I would rather have scars on my arms than look at the excess skin! Weird how your perspectives on these things change when you are in the moment.
So I will bid farewell for now and check in later! Ciao!
0 comments
In regards to that small 1% that I am not happy about, all that stems from what I do. Sometimes, I still eat too fast. Sometimes I don't chew my food good enough. Sometimes I eat the wrong things - all those things make me ill. I still, on occasion, get sick. BUT, I realize it is because of things I AM DOING, not things from the surgery itself. I do get angry at myself when that piece of chicken doesn't go down because I didn't chew it enough. My lowest weight was 193 (never made it to goal of 170) and now two years out, it seems to fluctuate between 195-205 depending on my monthly cycle and if I am taking care of myself like I should be. When I see the scale is creeping up past 200, I immediately put myself back in check and try to get back into the 100s. I figure it is a whole hell of a lot easier to lose 10 lbs. than 50-100+ pounds! I stopped losing weight after 9 months, and from where I started, I am OK with where I ended up, even if I never made it to goal!
A LOT has changed in my life, not just because of the surgery, but in general. I got engaged a couple of months ago to a wonderful man who I dated at my heaviest (334 lbs.) and who came back into my life when I was almost one year out. Fat, thin, short, tall - he never cared what I looked like - he loves the person inside, and that has made all the difference. I will try and post a pic from our engagement party - it was such a fun day. The wedding will be in May 2010!
One thing I am not happy about is the excess skin all over, so tomorrow morning I am having brachioplasty to remove the excess skin on my arms! I know I will have scars, but I am ok with that. Funny thing is that I remember saying that I would rather have excess skin than be obese, now I say I would rather have scars on my arms than look at the excess skin! Weird how your perspectives on these things change when you are in the moment.
So I will bid farewell for now and check in later! Ciao!
10 Most Common Mistakes
Oct 03, 2008
Good things to keep in mind.....
The 10 Most Common Mistakes Weight Loss Surgery Patients Make (National Association for Weight Loss Surgery)
While weight loss surgery (WLS) is considered the most successful treatment for morbid obesity, it is just the first step toward a fresh start. Weight regain is a common phenomenon, as is illness when weight loss surgery patients do not follow recommended guidelines.
Breaking old patterns, establishing an effective post-WLS lifestyle, and addressing the emotional issues that often complicate obesity takes more than commitment; it takes support, information, and resources.
The National Association for Weight Loss Surgery (NAWLS) helps WLS patients shape new lives. We teach people what they need to know and help them makes the changes they need to make to achieve long-term WLS success -- physically, mentally, and spiritually.
In a November 2005 poll conducted by NAWLS, the following were identified as the top 10 mistakes WLS patients make:
1st Mistake: Not Taking Vitamins, Supplements, or Minerals
Every WLS patient has specific nutritional needs depending on the type of surgery you have had. Not only is it a good idea to ask your surgeon for guidelines, but also consult with an experienced WLS nutritionist. Understand there is not a standard practice that all surgeons and nutritionists follow in guiding WLS patients. So, it is important to do your own research, get your lab tests done regularly, and learn how to read the results.
Some conditions and symptoms that can occur when you are deficient in vitamins, supplements, or minerals include:
Osteoporosis; pernicious anemia; muscle spasms; high blood pressure; burning tongue; fatigue; loss of appetite; weakness; constipation and diarrhea; numbness and tingling in the hands and feet; being tired, lethargic, or dizzy; forgetfulness, and lowered immune functioning.
Keep in mind, too, that some conditions caused by not taking your vitamins, supplements, or minerals are irreversible.
2nd Mistake: Assuming You Have Been Cured of Your Obesity
A "pink cloud" or honeymoon experience is common following WLS. When you are feeling better than you have in years, and the weight is coming off easily, it's hard to imagine you will ever struggle again. But unfortunately, it is very common for WLS patients to not lose to their goal weight or to regain some of their weight back.
A small weight regain may be normal, but huge gains usually can be avoided with support, education, effort, and careful attention to living a healthy WLS lifestyle. For most WLSers, if you don't change what you've always done, you're going to keep getting what you've always gotten -- even after weight loss surgery.
3rd Mistake: Drinking with Meals
Yes, it's hard for some people to avoid drinking with meals, but the tool of not drinking with meals is a critical key to long-term success. If you drink while you eat, your food washes out of your stomach much more quickly, you can eat more, you get hungry sooner, and you are at more risk for snacking. Being too hungry is much more likely to lead to poor food choices and/or overeating.
4th Mistake: Not Eating Right
Of course everyone should eat right, but in this society eating right is a challenge. You have to make it as easy on yourself as possible. Eat all your meals--don't skip. Don't keep unhealthy food in sight where it will call to you all the time. Try to feed yourself at regular intervals so that you aren't as tempted to make a poor choice.
And consider having a couple of absolutes: for example, avoid fried foods completely, avoid sugary foods, always use low-fat options, or only eat in a restaurant once a week. Choose your "absolutes" based on your trigger foods and your self knowledge about what foods and/or situations are problematic for you.
5th Mistake: Not Drinking Enough Water
Most WLS patients are at risk for dehydration. Drinking a minimum of 64 oz. of water per day will help you avoid this risk. Adequate water intake will also help you flush out your system as you lose weight and avoid kidney stones. Drinking enough water helps with your weight loss, too.
6th Mistake: Grazing
Many people who have had WLS regret that they ever started grazing, which is nibbling small amounts here and there over the course of the day. It's one thing to eat the three to five small meals you and your doctor agree you need. It's something else altogether when you start to graze, eating any number of unplanned snacks. Grazing can easily make your weight creep up. Eating enough at meal time, and eating planned snacks when necessary, will help you resist grazing.
Make a plan for what you will do when you crave food, but are not truly hungry. For example, take up a hobby to keep your hands busy or call on someone in your support group for encouragement.
7th Mistake: Not Exercising Regularly
Exercise is one of the best weapons a WLS patient has to fight weight regain. Not only does exercise boost your spirits, it is a great way to keep your metabolism running strong. When you exercise, you build muscle. The more muscle you have, the more calories your body will burn, even at rest!
8th Mistake: Eating the Wrong Carbs (or Eating Too Much)
Let's face it, refined carbohydrates are addictive. If you eat refined carbohydrates they will make you crave more refined carbohydrates. There are plenty of complex carbohydrates to choose from, which have beneficial vitamins. For example, if you can handle pastas, try whole grain Kamut pasta--in moderation, of course. (Kamut pasta doesn't have the flavor some people find unpleasant in the whole wheat pastas.) Try using your complex carbohydrates as "condiments," rather than as the center point of your meal. Try sprinkling a tablespoon of brown rice on your stir-fried meat and veggies.
9th Mistake: Going Back to Drinking Soda
Drinking soda is controversial in WLS circles. Some people claim soda stretches your stomach or pouch. What we know it does is keep you from getting the hydration your body requires after WLS--because when you're drinking soda, you're not drinking water! In addition, diet soda has been connected to weight gain in the general population. The best thing you can do is find other, healthier drinks to fall in love with. They are out there.
10th Mistake: Drinking Alcohol
If you drank alcohol before surgery, you are likely to want to resume drinking alcohol following surgery. Most surgeons recommend waiting one year after surgery. And it is in your best interest to understand the consequences of drinking alcohol before you do it.
Alcohol is connected with weight regain, because alcohol has 7 calories per gram, while protein and vegetables have 4 calories per gram. Also, some people develop an addiction to alcohol after WLS, so be very cautious. Depending on your type of WLS, you may get drunker, quicker after surgery, which can cause health problems and put you in dangerous situations.
If you think you have a drinking problem, get help right away. Putting off stopping drinking doesn't make it any easier, and could make you a lot sicker.
The 10 Most Common Mistakes Weight Loss Surgery Patients Make (National Association for Weight Loss Surgery)
While weight loss surgery (WLS) is considered the most successful treatment for morbid obesity, it is just the first step toward a fresh start. Weight regain is a common phenomenon, as is illness when weight loss surgery patients do not follow recommended guidelines.
Breaking old patterns, establishing an effective post-WLS lifestyle, and addressing the emotional issues that often complicate obesity takes more than commitment; it takes support, information, and resources.
The National Association for Weight Loss Surgery (NAWLS) helps WLS patients shape new lives. We teach people what they need to know and help them makes the changes they need to make to achieve long-term WLS success -- physically, mentally, and spiritually.
In a November 2005 poll conducted by NAWLS, the following were identified as the top 10 mistakes WLS patients make:
1st Mistake: Not Taking Vitamins, Supplements, or Minerals
Every WLS patient has specific nutritional needs depending on the type of surgery you have had. Not only is it a good idea to ask your surgeon for guidelines, but also consult with an experienced WLS nutritionist. Understand there is not a standard practice that all surgeons and nutritionists follow in guiding WLS patients. So, it is important to do your own research, get your lab tests done regularly, and learn how to read the results.
Some conditions and symptoms that can occur when you are deficient in vitamins, supplements, or minerals include:
Osteoporosis; pernicious anemia; muscle spasms; high blood pressure; burning tongue; fatigue; loss of appetite; weakness; constipation and diarrhea; numbness and tingling in the hands and feet; being tired, lethargic, or dizzy; forgetfulness, and lowered immune functioning.
Keep in mind, too, that some conditions caused by not taking your vitamins, supplements, or minerals are irreversible.
2nd Mistake: Assuming You Have Been Cured of Your Obesity
A "pink cloud" or honeymoon experience is common following WLS. When you are feeling better than you have in years, and the weight is coming off easily, it's hard to imagine you will ever struggle again. But unfortunately, it is very common for WLS patients to not lose to their goal weight or to regain some of their weight back.
A small weight regain may be normal, but huge gains usually can be avoided with support, education, effort, and careful attention to living a healthy WLS lifestyle. For most WLSers, if you don't change what you've always done, you're going to keep getting what you've always gotten -- even after weight loss surgery.
3rd Mistake: Drinking with Meals
Yes, it's hard for some people to avoid drinking with meals, but the tool of not drinking with meals is a critical key to long-term success. If you drink while you eat, your food washes out of your stomach much more quickly, you can eat more, you get hungry sooner, and you are at more risk for snacking. Being too hungry is much more likely to lead to poor food choices and/or overeating.
4th Mistake: Not Eating Right
Of course everyone should eat right, but in this society eating right is a challenge. You have to make it as easy on yourself as possible. Eat all your meals--don't skip. Don't keep unhealthy food in sight where it will call to you all the time. Try to feed yourself at regular intervals so that you aren't as tempted to make a poor choice.
And consider having a couple of absolutes: for example, avoid fried foods completely, avoid sugary foods, always use low-fat options, or only eat in a restaurant once a week. Choose your "absolutes" based on your trigger foods and your self knowledge about what foods and/or situations are problematic for you.
5th Mistake: Not Drinking Enough Water
Most WLS patients are at risk for dehydration. Drinking a minimum of 64 oz. of water per day will help you avoid this risk. Adequate water intake will also help you flush out your system as you lose weight and avoid kidney stones. Drinking enough water helps with your weight loss, too.
6th Mistake: Grazing
Many people who have had WLS regret that they ever started grazing, which is nibbling small amounts here and there over the course of the day. It's one thing to eat the three to five small meals you and your doctor agree you need. It's something else altogether when you start to graze, eating any number of unplanned snacks. Grazing can easily make your weight creep up. Eating enough at meal time, and eating planned snacks when necessary, will help you resist grazing.
Make a plan for what you will do when you crave food, but are not truly hungry. For example, take up a hobby to keep your hands busy or call on someone in your support group for encouragement.
7th Mistake: Not Exercising Regularly
Exercise is one of the best weapons a WLS patient has to fight weight regain. Not only does exercise boost your spirits, it is a great way to keep your metabolism running strong. When you exercise, you build muscle. The more muscle you have, the more calories your body will burn, even at rest!
8th Mistake: Eating the Wrong Carbs (or Eating Too Much)
Let's face it, refined carbohydrates are addictive. If you eat refined carbohydrates they will make you crave more refined carbohydrates. There are plenty of complex carbohydrates to choose from, which have beneficial vitamins. For example, if you can handle pastas, try whole grain Kamut pasta--in moderation, of course. (Kamut pasta doesn't have the flavor some people find unpleasant in the whole wheat pastas.) Try using your complex carbohydrates as "condiments," rather than as the center point of your meal. Try sprinkling a tablespoon of brown rice on your stir-fried meat and veggies.
9th Mistake: Going Back to Drinking Soda
Drinking soda is controversial in WLS circles. Some people claim soda stretches your stomach or pouch. What we know it does is keep you from getting the hydration your body requires after WLS--because when you're drinking soda, you're not drinking water! In addition, diet soda has been connected to weight gain in the general population. The best thing you can do is find other, healthier drinks to fall in love with. They are out there.
10th Mistake: Drinking Alcohol
If you drank alcohol before surgery, you are likely to want to resume drinking alcohol following surgery. Most surgeons recommend waiting one year after surgery. And it is in your best interest to understand the consequences of drinking alcohol before you do it.
Alcohol is connected with weight regain, because alcohol has 7 calories per gram, while protein and vegetables have 4 calories per gram. Also, some people develop an addiction to alcohol after WLS, so be very cautious. Depending on your type of WLS, you may get drunker, quicker after surgery, which can cause health problems and put you in dangerous situations.
If you think you have a drinking problem, get help right away. Putting off stopping drinking doesn't make it any easier, and could make you a lot sicker.
Official member of the Century Club
May 18, 2008
Ok, so I FINALLY hit my 100lb. loss!!! I am so freaking excited that I can barely contain myself!! I was so close (at 99lbs.) then gained 2 pounds to make me 3lb. away from the 100 mark.....then I decided to stop being so OCD about the scale and stay off of it for a week. Well, after being gone for the weekend I decided to jump on the scale and low and behold, I passed my century mark with an extra lb. to boot!!! Doing the happy dance in my living room!
7 Months Post Op
Apr 27, 2008
Today I am 7 months post op and 99 lbs. lighter - I had really hoped to hit the 100 lb. milestone but being just one lb. shy in 7 MONTHS is nothing to complain about! I feel great - I am looking better all the time and this weekend I was able to buy a complete outfit in the Misses dept. instead of the plus size section at Kohl's. Extra large shirt and size 16 capris.....very excited about that! Pretty much able to eat whatever I want, but I have severely curbed my consumption of sugary foods since last time I posted because I learned that you cannot do the same things you have always done and expect different results! That isn't to say that I didn't have a bite of my dad's birthday cake over the weekend, but a bite is a whole heck of a lot better than a big piece I would have had as a pre-op. Still sticking to the other basic instructions as well - no soda, no straws, no sport-top water bottles, no gum, no alcohol.....I never thought I would be able to give up gum or the use of straws, but honestly the change has not been difficult at all because I understand why the use of all these items (except alcohol) puts air into your pouch and will stretch it out.....and I surely do NOT want that to happen.
Since my weight also plateaued over the past few weeks, I have also went back to the basics and started weighing all my food again. It is the little changes that have convinced me that need to be part of my life now, and I am more than ok with that!
6 Month Post Op
Mar 28, 2008
It is so hard to believe that my WLS was 6 months ago when it seems like just yesterday! Today I went to the doctor for my 6 month post op appt. and have lost 90 lbs weighing in today at 223! The PA told me I am right on track with my weight loss and actually a couple of pounds ahead of schedule, so that is good. She expects me to lose my remaining 60 lbs. within the next 6-8 months if I stick to the diet and excercise program they recommend. My goal she set for me is 25lbs. in the next 3 months, which at the rate I am losing, seems completely do-able.I am currently wearing size 16 in pants and either XL or 1X in tops, depending on the cut and the fabric. I no longer wear a 10W in shoes, and have had to take 2 large black garbage bags of shoes to Goodwill. This actually makes me sad because I love most of my shoes (what woman doesn't love shoes) and never anticipated having to get rid of those too. I am currently wearing a 9.5 in some shoes and a 10 in others. Regular width too! Not sure if my foot size will keep going down so will try my hardest to resist the urge to go out and replace my whole shoe wardrobe in the next while.
I will have the gym owner re-measure me this week or next to see if I have lost more inches :)
I generally eat about 1/2 cup of protein and 1-3 oz. of fruits or veggies at each meal. I am able to consume 64-84 oz. of water each day. Happy to report no increased hair loss from the month before, and I strongly believe the biotin has something to do with that. Snacking at work seems to be a problem though, and I am going to work at getting a handle on that problem now versus later on. No one ever said it was brain surgery, although not liking "bad" foods would be a good thing. Overall, I am extremely pleased that this tool has been such a positive thing in my life, and feel confident that I am for the most part making good choices on a day to day basis.
5 Month Post Op
Mar 05, 2008
So the weight loss has slllloooowwwed down dramatically, but I suppose as long as the scale is moving the right direction (which is to the left actually, but you know what I mean) then we are doing ok. I will admit I tapped back into the world of carbs and breading and sweets-oh my! The joys of simple carbs! But seriously, one would still feel like the scale should move a little more that it has.The same 5lbs go down, then up, then stay, then down - man I sure feel like a yo yo! I have become a bit obsessed with the movement of the bathroom scale, so when that scale stops for just a day I convice myself that's it's over and now I gotta come up with the excuse as to why I am a WLS reject!
Other than that, no dumping, no throwing up (except for the occasional too dry piece of chicken or turkey) and still no other food issues. Hair is starting to fall out a little now, especially in the shower when I wash my hair, but it is not excessive so I'm not going to complain. I continue to take 5mg of Biotin to try and prevent a huge amount of hair loss! I also take a calcium chew to try and prevent osteoporosis later down the line, some CoQ10 for the antioxidants, and folic acid. This is, of course, in addition to the regular chewable multi-vitamins, B1 and B12 pills I take.
My usual eating pattern is something like a hard boiled egg and a cheese stick for breakfast, tuna or chicken salad with some fruit for lunch, yogurt with fruit for a snack and a small piece of chicken and some veggies for dinner. Lettuce still isn't sitting well with me and seems to give me the stinkiest gas ever! Yuck! So note to self, stay away from the lettuce!
Excercise is better now that the weather has been warmer - we have been walking after work and yesterday I finished a Pilates class. Man, am I sore in places I didn't know I had any muscle in today. You know what they say - no pain, no gain (or loss)
Also, my shoes are so big on me! I kinda hate this because I love all my shoes and was looking forward to not having to replace them like the rest of my wardrobe. Good news is that I am wearing a 14/16 in tops and 16/18 on bottom, depending on the cut and the particular item of clothing. Tee Hee!
4 Month Post Op
Jan 29, 2008
I am 4 months out and am currently weighing in at 239.2 which is a total of 74lbs. lost since surgery! My mom's friend gave me 5 boxes of clothes and I am so grateful to her for that. There was quite a few things I will not be able to keep due to them being too big, etc. but I should be good for awhile. Happy to report that I was able to get into a few of the size 16 pants - this is the size I wore when I graduated from high school 16 years ago....amazing to think I am ALMOST down to that weight and size. This has been such a blessing for me. I have started to notice a little bit of hair loss, but I am not alarmed as I knew it was to be expected. I am still taking a biotin supplement to help this issue, so we will see how it ends up - other than that the only problem is the increasing amount of hanging skin under my arms and around my middle. It is so yucky but I guess this is the price we pay for years of bad decisions - I do see a little nip/ tuck in my future and have come to terms with that.
Measurements at 3.5 Months Out
Jan 18, 2008
I had my measurements taken yesterday at the gym and am so thrilled to say that I have lost a total of 49.5 inches overall since June of 2007, most of which happened after surgery! Here is the breakdown (all in inches):June 28, 2007 January 17, 2008 Total Lost
Chest 52.5 44.0 8.5
Waist 49.0 39.5 9.5
Hips 59.5 50.0 9.5
Upper Thigh 33.5 27.0 6.5 (each)
Upper Arm 19.0 16.0 3.0 (each)
Calf 19.5 18.0 1.5 (each)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Weight 325.2 lbs. 246.6 lbs. 78.6 lbs.
Airplane Seats!!!!
Jan 15, 2008
This past weekend I flew to Reno for John's Birthday - and not only did I fit comfortably in the airplane seat, but the seat belt had to be cinched several inches tighter in order to fit snugly over my body. I travel quite a bit for my job, and I used to always practically have a panic attack in the airport terminal just before a flight - always wondering if I would fit in the seat, always dreading having to ask for a seatbelt extender if I happened to sit in one of those seats that had a seemingly short belt. They weren't short I had to finally admit to myself, I was just too large of a woman for them. Flying got to be so stressful that I took (more like borrowed, long-term) a seat belt extender so that I wouldn't have to ask the flight attendant for one each time. I would ever so slyly pull it out of my purse and snap it into place each time I flew and then remove it and take it with me when I left. I will not ever have to do that again.One of my co-workers calls this a "little present" that I get to open at times along the way in my journey. To me, it is much more than that - it is a huge reminder that I am healthier than I have been in a very long time and that even though I have just started on this journey, blessings are around me every single day. I am so grateful for the chance to start over.
I plan on returning the (borrowed) seatbelt extender to the airline on my next flight!
3 Month
Dec 29, 2007
I hit my 3 month anniversary yesterday and am feeling great. Overall, I am down 62lbs. and 83 total from my heighest weight. Currently wearing size 18/20 in tops and 20 in pants which is down from 26/28 prior to surgery. I feel great, both mentally and physically. The holidays were challenging, with so much food everywhere. And bad food at that. On Christmas day I found out that I do not dump off of sugar or anything, which is good and bad. I almost wish I did so that I would stay away from it - now I will have to rely on my head to assist me in doing the right thing. Definately a challenge ahead, but what in life isn't a challenge?
Biggest thing I've noticed this month: Chairs in public places are not so snug anymore
Current Weight: 251
Surgery Day: 308
Pre Op Weight: 313
Highest Weight: 334
About Me
Concord, CA
Location
31.2
BMI
Surgery
09/28/2007
Surgery Date
Nov 03, 2006
Member Since
