SharMoni
An Update (it's about time!!)
Jan 24, 2008
January 24, 2008
Wow, I haven't updated for so long it's hard to know where to begin. The last few months of 2007 went by with no real changes. I kept losing, kept feeling fine...things were going along as smoothly as could be. In late December I went in for a routine blood test. That's when things went south fast!! My iron came back at a 22. The "acceptable" iron level is anywhere from 42 to 100-something. So, I got a call from my surgeon's nurse and was told I had to see an oncologist about an iron infusion. I saw the Dr on Jan 7th. I was told what to expect at the procedure. I was also told that adverse reactions were somewhat more common with iron, but that they usually took place immediately and that I would be monitored closely, was going to be at the hospital, blah, blah, blah. So, I showed up on the 14th for my infusion. My nurse was great, I got hooked up, no problem and spent the next 6 or so hours watching Grey's Anatomy on my iTouch. I was to have 900 ccs of iron and was just feeling great and doing great. Then, with less than 10cc's to go, I had a reaction. My body completely cramped up and I went into shock. It was horrible!!! They stopped the infusion, pumped me full of fluids, gave me steroids, tons of benadryl. It took almost a hour to get me back under control. I wasn't able to move any of my joints, like they were fused or something. It was weird!! I went home that night still unable to make a fist and as the evening went on, I developed a shake in my right arm. I called for days about that and was told it was probably just an after effect of the muscle spasms and would eventually go away (it did after 5 days or so). I spent all day Tuesday sleeping and trying to recover from Monday. I went to work Wednesday, although I still wasn't back to myself. By Thursday morning I had developed a horrid pain in my lower back and wasn't able to lean up against anything. I went into the walk in clinic that afternoon. I explained to the Dr what had happened on Monday....her face went pale and she told me we had to immediately do a kidney function test (apparently, there was a possibility that they were shutting down due to the amount fluids I had been given). Well, 4 hours and 3 tests later, it was determined that I had a very sever kidney infection. They also insisted that this had nothing to do with the iron infusion, but I doubt that. So, now I'm on massive antibiotics, I can't take my multi-vitamins or my protonix because they will block absorption of the meds. I'm run down, look awful, feel awful.....it's HORRID!! The thing that really irks me is the fact that, even with the low iron, I felt just FINE!! I wasn't tired, I wasn't sore, I FELT FINE. But my Drs. all insisted that I had to have the infusion. Being a sheep and following their advice has left me in the current position that I'm in. I don't know what I'm going to do if my iron falls to that level again, I do know that I never want to go through another week like this!!
Wow, I haven't updated for so long it's hard to know where to begin. The last few months of 2007 went by with no real changes. I kept losing, kept feeling fine...things were going along as smoothly as could be. In late December I went in for a routine blood test. That's when things went south fast!! My iron came back at a 22. The "acceptable" iron level is anywhere from 42 to 100-something. So, I got a call from my surgeon's nurse and was told I had to see an oncologist about an iron infusion. I saw the Dr on Jan 7th. I was told what to expect at the procedure. I was also told that adverse reactions were somewhat more common with iron, but that they usually took place immediately and that I would be monitored closely, was going to be at the hospital, blah, blah, blah. So, I showed up on the 14th for my infusion. My nurse was great, I got hooked up, no problem and spent the next 6 or so hours watching Grey's Anatomy on my iTouch. I was to have 900 ccs of iron and was just feeling great and doing great. Then, with less than 10cc's to go, I had a reaction. My body completely cramped up and I went into shock. It was horrible!!! They stopped the infusion, pumped me full of fluids, gave me steroids, tons of benadryl. It took almost a hour to get me back under control. I wasn't able to move any of my joints, like they were fused or something. It was weird!! I went home that night still unable to make a fist and as the evening went on, I developed a shake in my right arm. I called for days about that and was told it was probably just an after effect of the muscle spasms and would eventually go away (it did after 5 days or so). I spent all day Tuesday sleeping and trying to recover from Monday. I went to work Wednesday, although I still wasn't back to myself. By Thursday morning I had developed a horrid pain in my lower back and wasn't able to lean up against anything. I went into the walk in clinic that afternoon. I explained to the Dr what had happened on Monday....her face went pale and she told me we had to immediately do a kidney function test (apparently, there was a possibility that they were shutting down due to the amount fluids I had been given). Well, 4 hours and 3 tests later, it was determined that I had a very sever kidney infection. They also insisted that this had nothing to do with the iron infusion, but I doubt that. So, now I'm on massive antibiotics, I can't take my multi-vitamins or my protonix because they will block absorption of the meds. I'm run down, look awful, feel awful.....it's HORRID!! The thing that really irks me is the fact that, even with the low iron, I felt just FINE!! I wasn't tired, I wasn't sore, I FELT FINE. But my Drs. all insisted that I had to have the infusion. Being a sheep and following their advice has left me in the current position that I'm in. I don't know what I'm going to do if my iron falls to that level again, I do know that I never want to go through another week like this!!
100lbs LOST!! FINALLY!!!!!
Jul 05, 2007
July 5, 2007
I DID IT!!! I can't believe it only took 6 months to reach the 100lb mark! I'm sooo excited! My Mom was here for the 4th. This is the first time she's seen me since April. She couldn't believe it! She said I looked just like the girl she remembered from jr. high. That's almost 25 years ago!! I'm so, so glad I decided to do this!! I feel great, I look great.....what more could you want?!?
I DID IT!!! I can't believe it only took 6 months to reach the 100lb mark! I'm sooo excited! My Mom was here for the 4th. This is the first time she's seen me since April. She couldn't believe it! She said I looked just like the girl she remembered from jr. high. That's almost 25 years ago!! I'm so, so glad I decided to do this!! I feel great, I look great.....what more could you want?!?
Things are slowing down
Jun 05, 2007
June 4, 2007
Well, I knew this day would come.....I'm no longer losing weight like crazy. Instead of the usual 2lbs here, 4lbs there, I'm now only losing 1-2 lbs a week. Still no plateau, still no gain, but I'm not losing like I was and like I was getting used to. I was hoping to be at my goal by my 6 month anniversary. Maybe that was a little excessive, but I thought it was obtainable. I am only 4 weeks from that and I'm 16lbs from goal, at the rate I'm losing at now, it's going to take at least 8 weeks to get there. So, I'm gonna shoot for my birthday (mid August) that should be easy enough to accomplish.
My Dr. never set a goal for me, so the one I'm working toward is of my own creation. Maybe I set my sights too "low"? I mean, I'm trying to hit 145lbs which is a weight I haven't been at since I was 19. But, I do think it's realistic and I would love so much to do it. My surgeon said he'd like to see me at 155 (that's 6lbs away). I thought he was crazy at the time, but I told myself that I would try for 10lbs less than that (since we were dreaming at the time). Now, just a few months later it all seems within reach. I don't, however, want to get back into the "if I could just lose 10 more pounds" routine. That was so discouraging and I think added to my weight gain. So, where ever I end up, I'm gonna be happy with it! My main goal is to never, ever, ever be 200 anything EVER again!!!!
Well, I knew this day would come.....I'm no longer losing weight like crazy. Instead of the usual 2lbs here, 4lbs there, I'm now only losing 1-2 lbs a week. Still no plateau, still no gain, but I'm not losing like I was and like I was getting used to. I was hoping to be at my goal by my 6 month anniversary. Maybe that was a little excessive, but I thought it was obtainable. I am only 4 weeks from that and I'm 16lbs from goal, at the rate I'm losing at now, it's going to take at least 8 weeks to get there. So, I'm gonna shoot for my birthday (mid August) that should be easy enough to accomplish.
My Dr. never set a goal for me, so the one I'm working toward is of my own creation. Maybe I set my sights too "low"? I mean, I'm trying to hit 145lbs which is a weight I haven't been at since I was 19. But, I do think it's realistic and I would love so much to do it. My surgeon said he'd like to see me at 155 (that's 6lbs away). I thought he was crazy at the time, but I told myself that I would try for 10lbs less than that (since we were dreaming at the time). Now, just a few months later it all seems within reach. I don't, however, want to get back into the "if I could just lose 10 more pounds" routine. That was so discouraging and I think added to my weight gain. So, where ever I end up, I'm gonna be happy with it! My main goal is to never, ever, ever be 200 anything EVER again!!!!
Esophageal Spasm????
May 23, 2007
May 23, 2007
I ended up on a 40 mile ambulance trip and spending another 4 hours in the ER last night just to be told that my heart was perfectly fine (thank heavens) and that I had an esophageal spasm, but they have no idea why or if it will/won't happen again! I had never heard of this, but was it ever painful and scary!! I never, ever want to go through that again! I called the surgeon's office this morning and they're going to up my Protonix to twice a day...hopefully that will help.
I ended up on a 40 mile ambulance trip and spending another 4 hours in the ER last night just to be told that my heart was perfectly fine (thank heavens) and that I had an esophageal spasm, but they have no idea why or if it will/won't happen again! I had never heard of this, but was it ever painful and scary!! I never, ever want to go through that again! I called the surgeon's office this morning and they're going to up my Protonix to twice a day...hopefully that will help.
What Am I Whining About???
May 15, 2007
May 15, 2007
OK, so this past week I've been feeling all sorry for myself because my weight loss seems to be slowing up. Is this pathetic or what? I did the math today.....I'm averaging over 4lbs of weight loss a week AND I'm not gaining any back! This is completely insane!!! Before WLS I would have been ecstatic to lose 10lbs and keep it off for a month or so, now I'm all boo-hooing because I can't get to 100lbs lost fast enough. I never thought I'd ever be this thin again and now all I can think about is getting thinner!!! Right now, I'm at my "when I met my husband" weight. In a few pounds I'll be at my "when I went back to college after being a nanny" weight. I want to be at my "after my freshman year of college" weight (of course, I was 2 inches shorter then) and my dream is to hit my "high school graduation" weight. Wow, is it possible to go from "the fattest I've ever been in my life" weight to "the thinnest I've ever been as an adult" weight all in the same year??? Who knows, but I'm gonna try!!!!!
OK, so this past week I've been feeling all sorry for myself because my weight loss seems to be slowing up. Is this pathetic or what? I did the math today.....I'm averaging over 4lbs of weight loss a week AND I'm not gaining any back! This is completely insane!!! Before WLS I would have been ecstatic to lose 10lbs and keep it off for a month or so, now I'm all boo-hooing because I can't get to 100lbs lost fast enough. I never thought I'd ever be this thin again and now all I can think about is getting thinner!!! Right now, I'm at my "when I met my husband" weight. In a few pounds I'll be at my "when I went back to college after being a nanny" weight. I want to be at my "after my freshman year of college" weight (of course, I was 2 inches shorter then) and my dream is to hit my "high school graduation" weight. Wow, is it possible to go from "the fattest I've ever been in my life" weight to "the thinnest I've ever been as an adult" weight all in the same year??? Who knows, but I'm gonna try!!!!!
Making New Friends
May 08, 2007
May 7, 2007
I haven't had a full-length mirror in my house in over 7 years. I sort of developed the "don't ask, don't tell" philosophy. If I couldn't see how bad I looked, then I didn't look so bad. Well, this weekend I put one up. It's crazy, I love looking in the thing now! And my scale....good grief how I hated stepping on that thing a few months ago. Now it's excitement everyday....how much have I lost? This is such a great feeling. I had lost hope that I'd ever get below 200 again and now I'm almost 35lbs below that. How cool is that?!?!?!?!
I haven't had a full-length mirror in my house in over 7 years. I sort of developed the "don't ask, don't tell" philosophy. If I couldn't see how bad I looked, then I didn't look so bad. Well, this weekend I put one up. It's crazy, I love looking in the thing now! And my scale....good grief how I hated stepping on that thing a few months ago. Now it's excitement everyday....how much have I lost? This is such a great feeling. I had lost hope that I'd ever get below 200 again and now I'm almost 35lbs below that. How cool is that?!?!?!?!
Lost nearly 1/3 of myself!
Apr 23, 2007
April 23, 2007
People keep asking me where the "rest" of me is. It sure is strange to have people you don't really even know tell how great you look!! I'm down nearly 80lbs and feel wonderful. I'm soooo glad I decided to do this. I haven't had one complication, am able to eat most things (in moderation) and shopping is starting to be way fun! I'm now wearing a size 12 jeans (down from a 24) and woman's M-L shirts (down from a 24/26). I just can't believe how different things are from just 3 1/2 months ago....this is sooooo cool!!!
People keep asking me where the "rest" of me is. It sure is strange to have people you don't really even know tell how great you look!! I'm down nearly 80lbs and feel wonderful. I'm soooo glad I decided to do this. I haven't had one complication, am able to eat most things (in moderation) and shopping is starting to be way fun! I'm now wearing a size 12 jeans (down from a 24) and woman's M-L shirts (down from a 24/26). I just can't believe how different things are from just 3 1/2 months ago....this is sooooo cool!!!
I Feel Great!!
Apr 03, 2007
April 3, 2007
I can't begin to say how happy I am with my decision to have WLS. I feel great, look tons better and am all around happier and healthier. I haven't set foot in a plus sized store since I had surgery. I'm wearing Old Navy size 16 "skinny" jeans (down from a 24) and am wearing size Lg shirts (down from a 22/24). That feels soooo good!! I haven't shopped in a regular store since my daughter was born in 1996. I'm going down to my Mom's for Easter. This will be the first time she's seen me since surgery and the first time I've seen my brothers in well over a year. It should be interesting!
I can't begin to say how happy I am with my decision to have WLS. I feel great, look tons better and am all around happier and healthier. I haven't set foot in a plus sized store since I had surgery. I'm wearing Old Navy size 16 "skinny" jeans (down from a 24) and am wearing size Lg shirts (down from a 22/24). That feels soooo good!! I haven't shopped in a regular store since my daughter was born in 1996. I'm going down to my Mom's for Easter. This will be the first time she's seen me since surgery and the first time I've seen my brothers in well over a year. It should be interesting!
Eating Better
March 14, 2007
I really need to update more often! Good grief!!!
I'm finally able to eat more "real" food. For a while there I thought I'd be eating soup the rest of my life. I still can't really do any meat that isn't part of a soup or very, very small pieces mixed in with something else. Oh well, that's fine for now.
I have my 2 month appointment with my surgeon and nut this Friday. I hope they're happy about my progress. I think I've done pretty well! I'm getting a little frustrated with support group. We only meet once a month and for the last 2 months it's been storming on that night. So, I haven't been to support group since my surgery. I'm hoping to get there this month, but who knows!
I really need to update more often! Good grief!!!
I'm finally able to eat more "real" food. For a while there I thought I'd be eating soup the rest of my life. I still can't really do any meat that isn't part of a soup or very, very small pieces mixed in with something else. Oh well, that's fine for now.
I have my 2 month appointment with my surgeon and nut this Friday. I hope they're happy about my progress. I think I've done pretty well! I'm getting a little frustrated with support group. We only meet once a month and for the last 2 months it's been storming on that night. So, I haven't been to support group since my surgery. I'm hoping to get there this month, but who knows!
8 Weeks and 50 Pounds
February 27, 2007
I can't believe I'm down 50 lbs! I'm just holding my breath for 3 more so I can hit the 199 mark. When I first talked to my Mom about this surgery she asked me if I had a goal weight. I told her if there was just a 1 in front of my weight I'd be happy. I'm almost there!!!
I'm still mostly comfortable with soups. I think my problem is bite size, but eating real solids just seems to make me very uncomfortable and I tend to throw up. On the up side, I have found some really great soup recipes. My clothes are getting way too big, but I don't really want to buy anything until I've slowed down on the losing a bit. I've been digging through my closet and have found jeans and sweats from years ago that are working out ok. I can't believe the stuff I still have. Shirts from college, jeans from when I first got married.....garage sale anyone?
I haven't really been doing a very good job on the exercising. I know I need to get on that. Seems like all my free time is spent shuffling the kids from event to event or taking care of the baby. I did go out and get a yoga mat and video, hopefully I can work that in somewhere!
I can't believe I'm down 50 lbs! I'm just holding my breath for 3 more so I can hit the 199 mark. When I first talked to my Mom about this surgery she asked me if I had a goal weight. I told her if there was just a 1 in front of my weight I'd be happy. I'm almost there!!!
I'm still mostly comfortable with soups. I think my problem is bite size, but eating real solids just seems to make me very uncomfortable and I tend to throw up. On the up side, I have found some really great soup recipes. My clothes are getting way too big, but I don't really want to buy anything until I've slowed down on the losing a bit. I've been digging through my closet and have found jeans and sweats from years ago that are working out ok. I can't believe the stuff I still have. Shirts from college, jeans from when I first got married.....garage sale anyone?
I haven't really been doing a very good job on the exercising. I know I need to get on that. Seems like all my free time is spent shuffling the kids from event to event or taking care of the baby. I did go out and get a yoga mat and video, hopefully I can work that in somewhere!
About Me
Middle 'o Nowhere, ND
Location
21.6
BMI
Surgery
01/02/2007
Surgery Date
Jun 19, 2006
Member Since
