So, just before I began to write this post I was going to talk about my strategy to break 70lbs this week. Then, I thought to myself, lets weigh-in right now even though I weighed in yesterday and see if it's happened yet... Long and behold, I am at 71lbs of loss!
But the real reason I felt inclined to write today, is because yesterday I went shopping and I didn't really mean to buy a whole lot because I am about to take a three week holiday and figured I'd have lots of time then to "browse". Well, you know what they say when you are on a roll while shopping, "Strike the iron while its hot!" I was doing that little dance of joy right in the dressing room itself. I had grabbed some smaller sizes as I suspected I was getting down some and it was time to see if I was there yet. I am proud to report (this isn't my final goal, but for now I'm completely happy about this) that I am down to a size 18 on the pants and can wear XL and 1X on top. I am officially out of the those god awful 20s. Another couple of sizes and I'll be able to start shopping again the "normal" section and not have to pick through the awful plus sizes that always seem to try to make you like worse than you already do. I hate plus sizes. They pick floral imprints or colors or shapes that just are dreadful. That is why I wear a lot of black. It's a normal basic staple that you can't screw up. But, as I have been losing weight I have found I am buying other colors again. However, yesterday, I did buy two pairs of black pants and then another pair of the blue jeans I had in a 22, now in the size 18 - because the 22s are being held up by a belt. I have lost about 5 inches off my bustline now, maybe even more. I never took all my measurements at the beginning (I think I did not really want to know how bad off I was).
I leave for my Christmas Vacay in 6 days. I am looking forward to this trip, because I know this will give my family a chance to see the changes up close. Not just my physical looks, but also how I eat and move. I know they've been concerned about my health for a few years, and rightfully so. Back when I had my own business, I worked 60-80hrs/week, ate once a day, no exercise, and drank too much. I was so unhealthy back then. My blood pressure was high and I was so stressed out. Then we sold our business back in '04 and I thought I'd take care of myself back then. I even considered the surgery back then too, but opted not to since I could do it on my own. I was too busy enjoying myself and traveling to even really truly do something about it. Then my husband himself had two health scares in two years. I totally forgot about myself and then eventually went back to work full-time as the economy went down hill and found ourselves in a crunch just like everyone else. And from there on, my weight crept back up.
But enough of that, I have finally done something about it and it's working! I am trying to eat different things each day as I don't want to be stuck eating the same thing day in/day out.
Trying on clothes is so much fun now! It'll be nice when I can look in the mirror and see my problem areas totally gone. I am still waiting for that to happen. My mid-section has always been a source of frustration and once I see that disappear I'll feel truly free of the unsightly bulges.
Yes, I am excited! The thought that when I get back from my Christmas break, that I'll actually be down another few pounds and maybe even dare to think I'll be down 80lbs by then is amazing! I am so stoked!
Once again, best thing I ever did for myself. I can't stress that enough to others who are thinking about doing this for themselves. Its drastic and your life changes in more ways than you can imagine, however, the positives far outweigh the negatives.
Which brings me to my final point for today - I hate negative comments or thoughts. I have noticed when people try to bring others down and always have to make a negative statement in response to one you've made. What's up with that? It's always the same people too! I feel sorry for these people. They must be truly unhappy in life. Here's a thought for everyone reading this, think before you speak or write, is my negative comment really a valid point or am i lashing out because it's my usual response. Why is it that I am doing this? There's a book and video series out there called "The Secret". I recommended negative nay-sayers to read about this concept. It basically talks about how positive thoughts and energies will bring forth positive results. There is so much truth to this concept on a logical basis that I challenge those people to try it for awhile.
Why must we be negative? There are realists, then they're are just those party poopers. Positivity is so much nicer to be around. Negativity, I avoid like the plague. When I am around negative people, it has a tendency to spread easily. I have removed all negativity from my life. I don't have time for it, it's a plague I no longer wish to catch.
Think about it, do something about it. Here's the website for "The Secret":
http://www.thesecret.tv/thesecretbook/
Enjoy!
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Friday, November 23, 2012
Day after Thanksgiving and the weight loss still continues, AWESOME!
Well, I'd be lying if I didn't say I was nervous about this time of the year. This is always the time of the year where I gain typically anywhere from 5-15lbs. This is where I'd gain the weight for the year, every year and get heavier every year because of it.
Halloween, no candy = success!
Thanksgiving - I did not cook, therefore ate out instead = success!
***going home for Christmas, I have an incredible family support system, I already know = success!
I weighed in this morning showing a total of 68lbs of loss! Super excited and so truly thankful again that I chose to tackle this issue the way I did. I always said to myself that I could lose the weight, the where/how/when was always the question. Once again, the reason this works for me, I cannot physically eat more. For me that is a true blessing. For others, they may be mortified that they have to give up their enjoyment of eating and not find enjoyment in eating anymore. For me, it was enjoy food - live shorter, or find a way not to make food my enjoyment and live longer! I chose the latter. I love life and living. I, if possible my god's good will, want to live a long and healthy life. I realize that things happen and that perhaps someday something could happen to me that has nothing to do with my weight, but circumstances. But if I can be the change in my life for better for now, that is more important.
Living each day, to the fullest. That is what my goal is. I work hard, play hard, and love hard. I want my life to mean something to myself - because once I'm gone and those around me pass into the next life, no one else will remember. I want to look back at my life and say to myself, "I tried everything and did all that I could do to live a good life."
Thus far, I have not been disappointed. I have done so many extraordinary things to date, that I have lived more than I ever dreamed possible. I have had an amazing childhood, great travels, many wonderful people I've met along the way, and lived in many different places. I have been truly blessed with the tools of adjusting to life as it comes. I've had my share of ups and downs, just like anyone else, but one constant that I try to do is push through everything, no matter what. There have been tough times in recent years, but it has only made me stronger. I believe things happen for a reason and learning for that reason alone is what we need to do. It may not be clear right away, but as time presents itself - the answer will be revealed. I write this blog, not to impress people, I write this blog simply to document all that I am going through in this journey.
Of all my challenges in life, which I've had many and those closest to me understand me and those challenges, the challenge of my weight is one of the biggest ones I've encountered. I've struggled for so many years, as early as I can remember, as the one constant I could never ultimately overcome. I was an average child and teenager. Looking back now, I did not really have a noticeable weight issue until my early 20s. However, I've always felt fat. I could always lose 20lbs, 10lbs, 50lbs, or more. The dressing rooms in countless stores, I would also curse at the mirror. The clothes that didn't fit the way I wanted them too, or the things I wanted to wear, but could not. Always trying to look my best has not always been easy for me. Sometimes it was just easier not to care. But as I find myself now approaching 40 this next year and being in a good place with myself mentally, I realize that I quite like myself after all! Once I reach my first milestone of weight loss, I am going to be easier on myself and give myself a pat on the back for a job well done. Once I get the final milestone of my ultimate weight loss goal, I will try my very best to maintain the loss, however, will not obsess about it. My final gift to myself, be happy and don't let it be my life. I will hopefully have learned all the new valuable ways to eat properly by this point and have daily exercise ingrained into my life that keeping the weight off will be fine. I will never go back to where I started at, I remind myself daily how awful that felt both mentally and physically. I do not know who that person was, I think I simply gave up. I had no hope, was so enraged by that number on the scale I went into a state of denial. The mirror and clothes though gave me a reality check.
It can be done. Changing your life in whatever circumstance you need. Just find the tools you need to help resolve your problem. For me, pretending there wasn't one was my issue. When I got the call about my dad's health this past year, it woke me up. All that he is going through, is all that would await me if I continued down the path I had gone. I realized then, as I do now that you are never too young and have so much time to figure things out. I have lost friends in the past few years, who were not considered old and died for various reasons that perhaps death could have been avoided if they had taken better care of themselves. I've almost lost my husband twice, both times in his 30s. We are not immortal. We are human beings and we have to take care of this one body we are given.
I apologize for this long ranting for today's post. But, I felt it necessary to continue to reflect upon how I arrived at this point. Each day I find myself shaking my head, or nodding my head at some realization of what this weight loss has meant to me. I know once I conquer this, I truly can do anything I put my mind too.
Here are some wonderful quotes that I find really inspirational:
Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.
Norman Vincent Peale
Always continue the climb. It is possible for you to do whatever you choose, if you first get to know who you are and are willing to work with a power that is greater than ourselves to do it.
Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.
Confucius
If you can dream it, you can do it.
Walt Disney
Until next time...
Halloween, no candy = success!
Thanksgiving - I did not cook, therefore ate out instead = success!
***going home for Christmas, I have an incredible family support system, I already know = success!
I weighed in this morning showing a total of 68lbs of loss! Super excited and so truly thankful again that I chose to tackle this issue the way I did. I always said to myself that I could lose the weight, the where/how/when was always the question. Once again, the reason this works for me, I cannot physically eat more. For me that is a true blessing. For others, they may be mortified that they have to give up their enjoyment of eating and not find enjoyment in eating anymore. For me, it was enjoy food - live shorter, or find a way not to make food my enjoyment and live longer! I chose the latter. I love life and living. I, if possible my god's good will, want to live a long and healthy life. I realize that things happen and that perhaps someday something could happen to me that has nothing to do with my weight, but circumstances. But if I can be the change in my life for better for now, that is more important.
Living each day, to the fullest. That is what my goal is. I work hard, play hard, and love hard. I want my life to mean something to myself - because once I'm gone and those around me pass into the next life, no one else will remember. I want to look back at my life and say to myself, "I tried everything and did all that I could do to live a good life."
Thus far, I have not been disappointed. I have done so many extraordinary things to date, that I have lived more than I ever dreamed possible. I have had an amazing childhood, great travels, many wonderful people I've met along the way, and lived in many different places. I have been truly blessed with the tools of adjusting to life as it comes. I've had my share of ups and downs, just like anyone else, but one constant that I try to do is push through everything, no matter what. There have been tough times in recent years, but it has only made me stronger. I believe things happen for a reason and learning for that reason alone is what we need to do. It may not be clear right away, but as time presents itself - the answer will be revealed. I write this blog, not to impress people, I write this blog simply to document all that I am going through in this journey.
Of all my challenges in life, which I've had many and those closest to me understand me and those challenges, the challenge of my weight is one of the biggest ones I've encountered. I've struggled for so many years, as early as I can remember, as the one constant I could never ultimately overcome. I was an average child and teenager. Looking back now, I did not really have a noticeable weight issue until my early 20s. However, I've always felt fat. I could always lose 20lbs, 10lbs, 50lbs, or more. The dressing rooms in countless stores, I would also curse at the mirror. The clothes that didn't fit the way I wanted them too, or the things I wanted to wear, but could not. Always trying to look my best has not always been easy for me. Sometimes it was just easier not to care. But as I find myself now approaching 40 this next year and being in a good place with myself mentally, I realize that I quite like myself after all! Once I reach my first milestone of weight loss, I am going to be easier on myself and give myself a pat on the back for a job well done. Once I get the final milestone of my ultimate weight loss goal, I will try my very best to maintain the loss, however, will not obsess about it. My final gift to myself, be happy and don't let it be my life. I will hopefully have learned all the new valuable ways to eat properly by this point and have daily exercise ingrained into my life that keeping the weight off will be fine. I will never go back to where I started at, I remind myself daily how awful that felt both mentally and physically. I do not know who that person was, I think I simply gave up. I had no hope, was so enraged by that number on the scale I went into a state of denial. The mirror and clothes though gave me a reality check.
It can be done. Changing your life in whatever circumstance you need. Just find the tools you need to help resolve your problem. For me, pretending there wasn't one was my issue. When I got the call about my dad's health this past year, it woke me up. All that he is going through, is all that would await me if I continued down the path I had gone. I realized then, as I do now that you are never too young and have so much time to figure things out. I have lost friends in the past few years, who were not considered old and died for various reasons that perhaps death could have been avoided if they had taken better care of themselves. I've almost lost my husband twice, both times in his 30s. We are not immortal. We are human beings and we have to take care of this one body we are given.
I apologize for this long ranting for today's post. But, I felt it necessary to continue to reflect upon how I arrived at this point. Each day I find myself shaking my head, or nodding my head at some realization of what this weight loss has meant to me. I know once I conquer this, I truly can do anything I put my mind too.
Here are some wonderful quotes that I find really inspirational:
Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.
Norman Vincent Peale
Always continue the climb. It is possible for you to do whatever you choose, if you first get to know who you are and are willing to work with a power that is greater than ourselves to do it.
Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.
Confucius
If you can dream it, you can do it.
Walt Disney
Until next time...
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Learning from other's experiences...
Nothing is more helpful than those that are going through the same process as you. I appreciate the support I get from friends and family, but there are so many questions, frustrations, and other feelings one goes through while you embark on this journey. If someone ask me that they were considering this surgery, I certainly would have a lot of information and advice, but nothing prepares you for it fully until you are at that moment living it.
The information I learn and read about through online forums and clubs is so helpful and motivating that one bit of advice I would give, is be sure you have access to forums about obesity and specifically to those with people that have had the same type of surgery as you have. So many little things along the way pop up that it's impossible to know it all before surgery.
I thought it'd be interesting to share with you some of the questions or revelations being shared so you can see what we go through on a daily basis. I make sure I do this at least every day for now, as it keeps me motivated and at the same time some of my own questions get answered too, here are a few:
The information I learn and read about through online forums and clubs is so helpful and motivating that one bit of advice I would give, is be sure you have access to forums about obesity and specifically to those with people that have had the same type of surgery as you have. So many little things along the way pop up that it's impossible to know it all before surgery.
I thought it'd be interesting to share with you some of the questions or revelations being shared so you can see what we go through on a daily basis. I make sure I do this at least every day for now, as it keeps me motivated and at the same time some of my own questions get answered too, here are a few:
Well I have had two NSV's in the last two days:
Here they are
1. Had to get xrays done and needed to put on a gown, I fit in a regular gown and it tied! No more buttoning two gowns together for me!!
2. I tried on a size 16 pants today and they fit! Yup not even plus. That makes me feel good as it is officially half my former size! I started this journey at a tight 32!
NSV= Non Scale Victory
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Living with Regret
I suppose I'm venting. I started the process of gastric bypass at 429lbs I am now down to 364. Before the surgery no one teased me, I was actually a very big healthy girl despite my weight, maybe it has something to do with my age which I just turned 27. I was a very happy and out spoken person and the only time I've ever gotten sick is my once a year cold. Now after the surgery I feel sick all the time. I'm out of surgery for 5 weeks now and my doctor just told me to go on liquids for another week and I've been on them for one week already. I feel like I'm going to die from starvation any minute now even though I'm not hungry. I've gotten in about 800 calories over the last week. I'm tired all the time. I cry all the time. I cry probably at least once a hour. I'm nauseated and I throw up liquids. I throw up pills. I just think to myself was it better to be overweight and fulfilled; then become thinner and feel like I've given away my life?
I suppose I'm venting. I started the process of gastric bypass at 429lbs I am now down to 364. Before the surgery no one teased me, I was actually a very big healthy girl despite my weight, maybe it has something to do with my age which I just turned 27. I was a very happy and out spoken person and the only time I've ever gotten sick is my once a year cold. Now after the surgery I feel sick all the time. I'm out of surgery for 5 weeks now and my doctor just told me to go on liquids for another week and I've been on them for one week already. I feel like I'm going to die from starvation any minute now even though I'm not hungry. I've gotten in about 800 calories over the last week. I'm tired all the time. I cry all the time. I cry probably at least once a hour. I'm nauseated and I throw up liquids. I throw up pills. I just think to myself was it better to be overweight and fulfilled; then become thinner and feel like I've given away my life?
**Answers:
Dry those tears, Missy! Everyone has a bit or buyers remorse right after surgery. Your body is in the early stages of healing. Not to mention the crazy hormone swings from lack of nutrition and just having a very traumatic surgery!
You've been out of surgery for just 5 weeks. Some people have an easy time, some do not. But just about everyone, in the long run, is very pleased with the results. Hang in there and do as you are told. Don't be afraid to call your doctor's office every time you think you need to.I promise when you look back on this (in your skinny jeans!) you'll realize it was so worth it.
We are here for you too.
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Boy do I remember that time!
The good news: you are not alone. Many of us feel this way in the first few months of surgery.
The bad news: that doesn't make you feel any better, does it?
Ok, here is the REALLY good news. This time next year it is likely you'll be half the size you are now. You may even be even healthier, more fit and more vibrant that you were the day you went into surgery. By then you will have had a host of "non-scale victories" that take you by surprise. They are different for us all. For some it's crossing your legs for the first time. For others it's buckling an airplane safety belt with ease or running a mile or WALKING a mile. But whatever that "thing" is for you, you're going to surprise yourself...and it's going to be pretty awesome.
So consider this a "dues paying" period of sorts. Your body is putting you through the ringer. The good thing about the human body is that it is designed to correct itself almost immediately after we alter it. So even now it's healing. And as it does you will begin to feel more human. It won't happen overnight but if you work with your surgical team and take care of yourself it will happen!
So take heart. It sucks. BELIEVE me I know! Everything made me sick in the first few months following surgery and I hated everything about not being able to eat my misery away. But it gets better.
And if none of that helps there's this: I'm really happy you joined this board. Welcome!
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Alright, I'm tired of eating the same old food. I need some spice in my life. I've been eating chili, lunch meat, cheese, and shrimp mainly. Eggs kept making me sick so I had to give up on that, but I'm just starving (as it seems) and sometimes I don't want to eat just because I'm so bored of the food. Anyone have any examples of awesome food they were able to get away with? I.E, homemade thin pizza, seasoned chicken, etc. I've checked out recommended websites, but I just don't seem to see anything that catches the eye I guess.**Answers:
It will depend a lot on what you are allowed to eat and how far out you are.
You mention thin pizza how about crustless pizza? get Italian sausage spread it thin like crust on a broiler pan so there is a pan under it for any grease to drop into and brown it til it's cooked add tomato sauce, cheese and any other fave toppings you are allowed to have then put it back in the oven until the cheese is melted and the edges are brown.. or look up a recipe for coliflor crust pizza.
I love a good seasoned chicken sometimes with low sugar or sugar free bbq sauce.
Meatloaf goes down real well for me I just use ground beef, eggs, whole wheat crackers (sparingly) and seasoning topped with low sugar ketchup and bake.
while I can't handle most pork products I can eat about 2 bones of ribs..yummy. And I cook bacon in the microwave between two papertowels til crispy and the papertowels soak up all the grease. I then break them into pieces and eat like chips.
my friend who had this surgery loves cottage cheese with cinnamin and splenda. (I don't like cottage cheese so can't speak from personal experience)
good luck! I too get in a rut when I'm too lazy to cook but boy when I cook does it taste good!
You mention thin pizza how about crustless pizza? get Italian sausage spread it thin like crust on a broiler pan so there is a pan under it for any grease to drop into and brown it til it's cooked add tomato sauce, cheese and any other fave toppings you are allowed to have then put it back in the oven until the cheese is melted and the edges are brown.. or look up a recipe for coliflor crust pizza.
I love a good seasoned chicken sometimes with low sugar or sugar free bbq sauce.
Meatloaf goes down real well for me I just use ground beef, eggs, whole wheat crackers (sparingly) and seasoning topped with low sugar ketchup and bake.
while I can't handle most pork products I can eat about 2 bones of ribs..yummy. And I cook bacon in the microwave between two papertowels til crispy and the papertowels soak up all the grease. I then break them into pieces and eat like chips.
my friend who had this surgery loves cottage cheese with cinnamin and splenda. (I don't like cottage cheese so can't speak from personal experience)
good luck! I too get in a rut when I'm too lazy to cook but boy when I cook does it taste good!
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I eat a lot of steamed edamame, cottage cheese with a tsp of no sugar added preserves, Carb Master yogurt, pistachios, tender steak, shake n bake boneless pork chops, and protein ice cream from http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2008/08/protein-ice-cream.html
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I've been where you're at, so I started checking out alot of high protein/low carb
& WLS cookbooks from the library. My latest is checking out Pinterest since I'm more of a visual person and I like to see the pictures before I try a something new. I don't want to go thru the hassle of making a new recipe if it wont visually appeal to me in the end.
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& WLS cookbooks from the library. My latest is checking out Pinterest since I'm more of a visual person and I like to see the pictures before I try a something new. I don't want to go thru the hassle of making a new recipe if it wont visually appeal to me in the end.
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People Just Don't Understand
Only a select few people at my job know I plan to under go weightless surgery. Today I work I overheard two of my coworker Making fun of people who have procedure like this done; in general
not directed at me. It still however hurt. What they were saying was so mean and terrible. I could not beleive my ears. I dont understand How people can be so mean. I just need to walk away take a break.
This is my way of venting. Thanks for being here. November 27 is the First day of my new life.
not directed at me. It still however hurt. What they were saying was so mean and terrible. I could not beleive my ears. I dont understand How people can be so mean. I just need to walk away take a break.
This is my way of venting. Thanks for being here. November 27 is the First day of my new life.
**Answers:
Thanks, I only want a few people to know I am having the procedure specifically to avoid chitchat gossip that goes on in the office setting. My family and close friends are supportive whi h is the most important thing for me. This is clear example why I do not say anything to anyone about my decision.
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I have just learned to let it roll of my back because I know I needed this surgery. I am 1 week out and everyone knew i was having this done, only a few ppl have said bad things that actually knew me, the other bad things came from ppl that didnt know me and what i have been though. Just pay no mind to these ppl most ppl who say bad things are either jealous they cant do it themselves and/or dont want you to be happy, you know mesiry loves company and the ones who are naturally skinny they just dont get it and when ppl dont understand something they automaticaly say bad things about it.
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You could speak up and tell them you don't think it's nice to make fun of people or that making fun of people that need surgery (any type of surgery) is inapproriate. I would do that, personally, whether I had WLS or not. Making fun of people is just not OK.
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Wonder what your HR department would have to say?
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I cant eat any meat, not even tuna. After a couple of bites I get a sharp pain then vomit. I told the dietition at my dr's office & she said to just keep trying. Anyone else have this issue? Any advice would be great. Thanks!
**Answers:
I did not move to solid foods until I was 8 weeks out. My thinking is that it is just too early. Sometimes meat is too dry or the pieces are too large to be chewed well. I would take a step back to soft foods then try again in a couple of weeks.
The first time I tried chicken I got the foamies and very sick. I was not able to eat chicken until I was about or 7 months out. Just be patient. What you are experiencing is not unusual.
The first time I tried chicken I got the foamies and very sick. I was not able to eat chicken until I was about or 7 months out. Just be patient. What you are experiencing is not unusual.
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I am 5 months out and cannot stand to eat meat. What a twist, huh? I did ok in the beginning with meat and what I mean by that I was able to eat tuna, chicken if I chewed it to death and I can do fish. The meat has to be moist. You have to give it a little while. Just make sure you can eat other forms of protein. I know this can be problematic but at eight weeks I would focus on fluids and protein of the soft kind, yogurt, beans, cheese. But first and formost it doesn't matter what I post, what is important is to eat the plan your surgeon has you on. He may not even have the items I listed as foods to consume. I can sympathize. Best of luck!
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So, I didn't know where else to go and I may call the doctor tomorrow. But since I've lost 50lbs in the last 2 1/2 months, I think my skin is having a hard time keeping up. My point being, the last two days I'm experiencing a rash right in the middle of my (sorry for the wording, fat roll on the bottom). I am usually pretty good at showering and cleaning at least once a day. I skipped my shower on Saturday and last night I noticed an odour. When I looked I about died. So immediately I jumped in the shower and soaped and cleaned up the best I could. Then I put on some talcum powder to help get it dry in there. Of course my skin is irritated a bit and it burns a little bit. I was fine until tonight, the same sensation and odour re-appeared. So I soaked in a bubbly jet tub for like an hour. Then I rinsed with the removable shower head really well with cooler water. I added the talcum powder again. It still burns.
So, is there anyway to get rid of this on my own, or do I have to get meds from the doctor? I really prefer to clear things naturally, if possible. I hate taking a pill for every little thing, if I don't have to.
Any advice or experiences would be great!
Thank you!
So, is there anyway to get rid of this on my own, or do I have to get meds from the doctor? I really prefer to clear things naturally, if possible. I hate taking a pill for every little thing, if I don't have to.
Any advice or experiences would be great!
Thank you!
**Answers:
Your doctor can get you some medicated anti fungal powder. Also this sounds gross but it works and no one will know but you.
Take a clean sock, douse it in powder that has corn starch in it, Insert it into the folds of your skin so that the skin holds it in place, if you really have to use some medical tape to hold it in place.
The Sock and the cornstarch will wick away the moisture and your rash/fungus will be history.
Take a clean sock, douse it in powder that has corn starch in it, Insert it into the folds of your skin so that the skin holds it in place, if you really have to use some medical tape to hold it in place.
The Sock and the cornstarch will wick away the moisture and your rash/fungus will be history.
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I'm certainly no doctor & there has been alot of good advice already. However, I used to get severe rashes in the crease under my boobs (I know TMI) right after I had my 3rd daughter. After not being able to deal with the uncomfortable burning anymore, I grabbed my daughters Creamy Desitin (diaper rash cream) & smeared some on the rash just before bedtime, then washed well in the morning. It was a life savor & my body naturally healed it on its own with no issues or antifungal treatments.
Hope you find some relief!
Hope you find some relief!
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Doctor's office says to use a stick of deoderant, it helps create a dry barrier and allows for the fungus not to be able to "feed" off the moisture. This works really well, however, if you've scratched, it'll burn.
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My 20th class reunion is on Saturday. I was not a heavy teenager. I did start to put on some weight my senior year, but nothing too major.
I have kept in contact with a handful of people from my graduating class. They have known me huge and now the new me.
I am so excited to be attending my reunion about 20lbs smaller than I was the day I graduated from high school.
I went to my 10 year and I remember fretting for months over finding an outfit. I had just had a baby and felt so huge, even though I wasn't close to my highest weight. NOW I can wear almost anything I want and I am having a hard time deciding because everything fits nice and I don't have to compromise my outfit for something that I have to wear just because it is my size.
I have kept in contact with a handful of people from my graduating class. They have known me huge and now the new me.
I am so excited to be attending my reunion about 20lbs smaller than I was the day I graduated from high school.
I went to my 10 year and I remember fretting for months over finding an outfit. I had just had a baby and felt so huge, even though I wasn't close to my highest weight. NOW I can wear almost anything I want and I am having a hard time deciding because everything fits nice and I don't have to compromise my outfit for something that I have to wear just because it is my size.
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I could post so many more, but you get the idea. I haven't edited the spelling or content because I wanted to keep it real. This is real people going through Weight Loss Surgery (W.L.S. is the acronym used frequently). As I continue to write this blog, I have learned a great deal about this process over the past year. It has been about a year now since I took the first step in working towards getting this surgery. In December of 2011 I had my first doctor's appointment. July 26th was my surgery date. As of this morning I have fluctuated again, down 61lbs. I suspect this latest "stall" is due to the fact that my last round of loss lasted three weeks and lost another 12lbs. My body tends to stop for a week or so and then the weight loss will resume again. I have gotten used to this. I don't "cheat", I stick to the same plan. I don't eat less to try to lose weight and I don't overdo exercise or any other means. I am trying for a new "healthier" approach and doing anything else distorts the real weight loss.
I know this will be a long road, a lifetime. But, in the end I will be better for it and live a longer life. I did this for me, and that's all that matters.
Here are some wise words to end this segment:
"Change and growth take place when a person has risked himself and dares to become involved with experimenting with his own life."
Herbert Otto
Until next time!!!!!!
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Holding Steady at 62lbs, and that's ok!
I have been losing a tad too quickly in this last round (I believe about 12lbs in less than three weeks). At this point, I need to stop and take a breath and absorb where I am at. My clothes are still not able to keep up with me, and now I am really starting to notice the hair loss aspect of this journey. They say from 3-6 months hair loss is normal. At first my attitude was, "I could stand to lose a bit of hair anyway, so no biggie". Well, going through it is another thing altogether! I can't get over how much hair is coming out everyday. Back in my hairdressing days I frequently preached that it was normal to lose 80-100 hairs per day. But I know what I am losing now is far more than that! I know my body is still trying to adjust with the whole 500 calories per day and all the movement I now do since I am not carrying around that extra 62lbs anymore. I did buy some Nioxin hair products as suggested by a friend, but it doesn't seem to be slowing it down any.
I am trying not to be too vain, but my hair was always my "crowning glory" - no pun intended:) I am blessed to have a full thick head of hair like my father and I would like to carry on that tradition. Well, perhaps it won't be as bad as I think it will be and once my body starts to settle down again after the six months period, I'll be able to get some back.
This is a challenge, I know I've said it before but I'll say it again. The last few days I haven't been taking all my vitamins and my liquids are not as plentiful. I think I just get tired of constantly having to think about getting it all in.
This is going to be a short entry, but I felt it important to document that frustration with the hair loss. I honestly thought I didn't have to worry about it. But, hence, I am.
Also, for the record, it is October 31st - Halloween and I have not had ANY candy this year! That in itself is a friggen miracle! I do allow myself a sliver of a bday cake at work. It was a poppyseed, maple nutty topping cake. It was delightful, and I am glad that I was able to partake in the celebration, but in a very minor way. You can't always say "No".
Here's my quote this week:
"Insist on yourself. Never imitate."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
I am trying not to be too vain, but my hair was always my "crowning glory" - no pun intended:) I am blessed to have a full thick head of hair like my father and I would like to carry on that tradition. Well, perhaps it won't be as bad as I think it will be and once my body starts to settle down again after the six months period, I'll be able to get some back.
This is a challenge, I know I've said it before but I'll say it again. The last few days I haven't been taking all my vitamins and my liquids are not as plentiful. I think I just get tired of constantly having to think about getting it all in.
This is going to be a short entry, but I felt it important to document that frustration with the hair loss. I honestly thought I didn't have to worry about it. But, hence, I am.
Also, for the record, it is October 31st - Halloween and I have not had ANY candy this year! That in itself is a friggen miracle! I do allow myself a sliver of a bday cake at work. It was a poppyseed, maple nutty topping cake. It was delightful, and I am glad that I was able to partake in the celebration, but in a very minor way. You can't always say "No".
Here's my quote this week:
"Insist on yourself. Never imitate."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Monday, October 22, 2012
59lbs and the rewards are plentiful already!
Today, I crossed my legs for the first time in years! Yesterday, I cleaned the house and unloaded the dishwasher and continue to house clean for hours...prior to the surgery my back and knees wouldn't allow me to stand for more than a few minutes at a time. Stairs, oh I used to hate stairs. My husband would have to carry the laundry baskets up and down for me. My balance and mobility to go up and down were greatly diminished as the weight went higher. It was embarassing, it was humiliating, now my knees and my back don't ever hurt anymore. I went shopping this past weekend, sat in a dressing room cheering at myself in the mirror as my size 26 body is now down to a size 20. YAY ME! I even did a spin class with one of my co-workers the other day and did not stop for more than a few seconds, twice. Now of course I wasn't "spinning" as hard as they other people in the room, but I could do it! A few months ago, there would have been no way that I could have done that class. Celebrating all these milestones these past few weeks has been so motivating. I am over the moon happy with my progress and know it's just the beginning!
That is why I am sharing my story as I go. There will be some tough times, as I don't see the scale move, or that eating is no longer a comfort to me like it used to be. Then, there will be some great times as this last week has been day after day!
I am four days away from my three months since surgery and I am down a total of 59lbs! I had set a goal by the time I went home for Christmas - the first Christmas I've been home in over five years, that I would be down 70-75lbs by then. It looks like I'm on track to be close to that, if not in par with that goal. It's true, can I eat better? Can I exercise more? Sure, but the fact that I've already made the changes that I have is already proof enough that I am on the right track.
One word of advice for those out there watching their loved ones go through this process. Don't offer advice or you need to do this while we go through this process. We know! We are living it everyday. We know you care and want the best for us, but remember we are humans that have endured a lot to get to this point. We are literally taking baby steps to absorb what has happened to our bodies. We cannot possibly eat like we used to anyway, so for now that is not going to be a problem. Exercise, sure, but make it all about having fun to where it's not like exercise. I shopped for four hours the other day, that was way more fun then walking on a treadmill or riding the stationary bike. I get up all the time now. I go for walks on my lunch break, I get up from my desk more frequently. It's work in progress. But I do move more than I did before. I imagine as I get thinner I will be able to wear nicer work-out clothes where I'll start to feel more comfortable in a gym setting, I'm just not quite there yet.
We will get there, be patient. We aren't doing anything wrong, we are doing what we are suppose to do. The weight is coming off, lives are being changed. Life is pretty overwhelming right now. Don't add to it. Words of encouragement and love are all that we need. All the other stuff is what drove the scale up in the first place. We need to feel good about us and where we are going. So...focus on the positive now, not the negatives. We are done with the negatives, that why we got the surgery in the first place.
And for those people out there who think we took the easy way out, go, do it and see if it is. It's not! It's hard, eating has changed forever for me. I can't "enjoy" it like I used to. It hurts sometimes to eat, sometimes I have to throw up. Sometimes it feels like someone is punching me repeatedly in the chest when things don't quite agree. Liquids, I'm lucky if I get down 40oz a day, that's a good day. I can't eat/drink at the same time nor would I want to now because I'd get sick. I spent a lot of money to get this done, I certainly don't want to waste that investment.
Overall, I thank god everyday for showing me the way to do this surgery. I wished I had done it sooner! Every morning is like Christmas when I wake up and decide what to wear that day. Seeing my transformation in the mirror, hearing it from others who look back twice as they past me in the hallway. That is why I do it. I feel good again. I feel like I should for a 39 year old woman.
Leaving you with this quote, another favorite of mine:
With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.
Eleanor Roosevelt
That is why I am sharing my story as I go. There will be some tough times, as I don't see the scale move, or that eating is no longer a comfort to me like it used to be. Then, there will be some great times as this last week has been day after day!
I am four days away from my three months since surgery and I am down a total of 59lbs! I had set a goal by the time I went home for Christmas - the first Christmas I've been home in over five years, that I would be down 70-75lbs by then. It looks like I'm on track to be close to that, if not in par with that goal. It's true, can I eat better? Can I exercise more? Sure, but the fact that I've already made the changes that I have is already proof enough that I am on the right track.
One word of advice for those out there watching their loved ones go through this process. Don't offer advice or you need to do this while we go through this process. We know! We are living it everyday. We know you care and want the best for us, but remember we are humans that have endured a lot to get to this point. We are literally taking baby steps to absorb what has happened to our bodies. We cannot possibly eat like we used to anyway, so for now that is not going to be a problem. Exercise, sure, but make it all about having fun to where it's not like exercise. I shopped for four hours the other day, that was way more fun then walking on a treadmill or riding the stationary bike. I get up all the time now. I go for walks on my lunch break, I get up from my desk more frequently. It's work in progress. But I do move more than I did before. I imagine as I get thinner I will be able to wear nicer work-out clothes where I'll start to feel more comfortable in a gym setting, I'm just not quite there yet.
We will get there, be patient. We aren't doing anything wrong, we are doing what we are suppose to do. The weight is coming off, lives are being changed. Life is pretty overwhelming right now. Don't add to it. Words of encouragement and love are all that we need. All the other stuff is what drove the scale up in the first place. We need to feel good about us and where we are going. So...focus on the positive now, not the negatives. We are done with the negatives, that why we got the surgery in the first place.
And for those people out there who think we took the easy way out, go, do it and see if it is. It's not! It's hard, eating has changed forever for me. I can't "enjoy" it like I used to. It hurts sometimes to eat, sometimes I have to throw up. Sometimes it feels like someone is punching me repeatedly in the chest when things don't quite agree. Liquids, I'm lucky if I get down 40oz a day, that's a good day. I can't eat/drink at the same time nor would I want to now because I'd get sick. I spent a lot of money to get this done, I certainly don't want to waste that investment.
Overall, I thank god everyday for showing me the way to do this surgery. I wished I had done it sooner! Every morning is like Christmas when I wake up and decide what to wear that day. Seeing my transformation in the mirror, hearing it from others who look back twice as they past me in the hallway. That is why I do it. I feel good again. I feel like I should for a 39 year old woman.
Leaving you with this quote, another favorite of mine:
With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.
Eleanor Roosevelt
Saturday, October 13, 2012
11 wks - 55lbs! Broke that Plateau:)
Well, finally this week I broke that darn plateau. It took me nearly three weeks to see that scale move back down again, talk about a tough battle of wits. No matter what means one uses to lose weight, the journey itself remains the same. It's funny because I'm lucky if I eat 500-600 calories/day but yet I lose weight at this point like before when on Weight Watchers. But, the big difference is this is a good steady pace and I don't have the hunger or want to eat like I did before.
That is the biggest change I've noticed up to this point. The fact that eating is no longer a fun thing to be enjoyed. It's actually a pain to eat, because it doesn't always agree with you and you are struggling to keep up with the three meals a day, getting your liquids in and primarily ensuring you meet at least your 50grams/day in proteins. It's exhausting to focus on these elements and you literally have to be thinking about it all day, even though you are not in the least hungry.
So, again, for comparison purposes, I am going to post some pictures again so you can see the results thus far:
I think the visual is always important. It is nice to mention no more blood pressure meds, I've lost 6 inches off my waist, my shoe size has already dropped a half size.
That is the biggest change I've noticed up to this point. The fact that eating is no longer a fun thing to be enjoyed. It's actually a pain to eat, because it doesn't always agree with you and you are struggling to keep up with the three meals a day, getting your liquids in and primarily ensuring you meet at least your 50grams/day in proteins. It's exhausting to focus on these elements and you literally have to be thinking about it all day, even though you are not in the least hungry.
Yesterday, I had my first puking incident. I have been queasy and nauseated all week, my boss pointed out that perhaps it was induced my stress - after that statement I realized he was right. At any rate, it was the end of the week when I came home last night and decided to eat something before we went to the movie. I had a stuffed chicken breast, in which I had eaten twice before with no incidents. But like everything else this week, when I began to eat the chicken I could feel it wasn't going well. I pushed on and eat nearly half of the chicken. Big mistake, that horrible pressure built up in my new stomach area and I could feel the nausea again coming on. I got myself to the bathroom just in time and sure enough every bit of that chicken came back up. I knew better, garlic is definitely one of the culprits since I don't seem to do well with anything in garlic either. Immediately after I couldn't stand that taste in my mouth so I grabbed a sugar-free orange popsicle and felt better right away. I drank probably 3 1/2 - 16oz bottles that day, so for me that was very successful.
Today, I feel so much better. I good night's rest and feeling less stressed has made all the difference. I was going to do a 5K today, but felt that my three work-out sessions this week were sufficient and that I would most definitely go to the gym tomorrow instead.
Walking, a whole other world to me now. I had been part of a walking group on campus, where I work over the summer months and at my heaviest I was struggling to keep up with the group. I would have to always turn back mid-way and start heading back because I wasn't fast enough to keep up with the faster walkers. The other day a co-worker and myself did an entire walk that would have been done with my group, plus the walk back to our building in 45mins....I was talking the entire time and felt great! The other walks were about 1hr. 10mins for me to complete so the difference to me is staggering, to say in the least. 55lbs. sure makes a difference and it has made the difference! I feel so much better.
For those still wondering if they should do this surgery - I'm telling you it is exactly what someone needs that has any issues with weight or food. I know I am still in the beginning process and have a ways to go to show the final results, but I have NEVER lost 55lbs. before and lord knows I've been on enough diets in my lifetime where I could have had the opportunity to lose the weight. I think the best I ever did was nearly 30lbs a couple of different occasions.
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| 2 weeks after surgery |
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| Before at my heaviest |
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| 8/27/12 - 4 weeks after surgery |
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| 10/11/12 - 11 weeks after surgery |
I think the visual is always important. It is nice to mention no more blood pressure meds, I've lost 6 inches off my waist, my shoe size has already dropped a half size.
Super excited and happy at where I am at for me. Remember, this is only about yourself and no one else. No one else can tell you what to do with your body, but when you are indeed ready to take on this challenge, just think of all other things you can achieve once this achievement has been succeeded?!
I'll leave you with one of my favorite poems, Author Unknown
I'll leave you with one of my favorite poems, Author Unknown
YOU ARE WHAT YOU THINK.
If you think you are beaten you are;
If you think you dare not, you don't;
If you want to win but think you can't;
It's almost a cinch you won't.
If you think you dare not, you don't;
If you want to win but think you can't;
It's almost a cinch you won't.
If you think you'll lose you're lost;
For out of the world we find
Success begins with a fellow's will;
It's all in a state of mind.
For out of the world we find
Success begins with a fellow's will;
It's all in a state of mind.
Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger and faster man,
But sooner or later the man who wins
Is the man who thinks he can.
To the stronger and faster man,
But sooner or later the man who wins
Is the man who thinks he can.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
My first plateau, so frustrating
So, it finally happened my first plateau! It's not a great feeling, but at the same time I know it's to be expected. I have now just started to really introduce working out to my schedule, so I am hoping that'll change it up to where I can start seeing the scale drop more. However, on the plus side in a good way, my clothes keep getting bigger, so I am convinced even though one doesn't lose weight all the time, the inches continue to go away.
I feel a lot better than nearly 50lbs ago. When I walked the treadmill yesterday for a total of 40 mins, I did not feel any pain whatsoever on my knees or fatigue at all. If I had walked that before, I'd feel and my body would have hated me. So much more energy and that overall feeling of tiredness and fatigue does not occur like it did before.
So, as I write this I am planning to go to the gym a total of 4 times per week, 1hr. per day. I am starting out slowly to work up my stamina and strength. Eventually I would like to be able to have the stamina and strength to enjoy day long hikes here for next summer. Alaska has so many wonderful hiking trails, but sadly I have to really explore them since my arrival over two years ago. Being too heavy prevented me from feeling like I could be any fun to explore with. So, my vow is by next summer, I will conquer and hike like I've never done before!
This is a short entry today, because the frustration of this latest plateau has really diminished my excitement. The emotional roller coaster of diets in general is not my favorite issue and in years past this is usually where I'd give up and say the heck with it. However, I have to tell myself I have never lost 49lbs all at once before and this is to be expected. I am not "cheating" and that is why I still get frustrated. I am getting in about 50-60grams of protein per day and my liquids are still a struggle. I am lucky if I get 30-40oz of fluids per day.
I am still having bouts of eating something one day, it agrees with me, and then the very next day I eat it again and boom, doesn't agree with me. It's also frustrating. Don't ever go buy a lot of what you think will agree with you, because it doesn't always mean it will.
When I started this blog, my intention was to state all the positives and negatives so others could see the possible journey they could have. If you're like me, knowing a lot of the ups and downs to a process can help you better prepare for what lies ahead. I still feel there is nothing like experiencing it though. The psychological aspect is more than I thought it would be. I feel great, my clothes are all getting too big for me and I am complimented daily on how much I've changed. However, that stupid scale still doesn't have the numbers I want yet and that has always been a battle for me.
At least it's not that number I saw three months ago! That's all the matters right now. I am not on blood pressure meds anymore and the worst of the surgery is behind me. Moving ahead, will get through this!
I feel a lot better than nearly 50lbs ago. When I walked the treadmill yesterday for a total of 40 mins, I did not feel any pain whatsoever on my knees or fatigue at all. If I had walked that before, I'd feel and my body would have hated me. So much more energy and that overall feeling of tiredness and fatigue does not occur like it did before.
So, as I write this I am planning to go to the gym a total of 4 times per week, 1hr. per day. I am starting out slowly to work up my stamina and strength. Eventually I would like to be able to have the stamina and strength to enjoy day long hikes here for next summer. Alaska has so many wonderful hiking trails, but sadly I have to really explore them since my arrival over two years ago. Being too heavy prevented me from feeling like I could be any fun to explore with. So, my vow is by next summer, I will conquer and hike like I've never done before!
This is a short entry today, because the frustration of this latest plateau has really diminished my excitement. The emotional roller coaster of diets in general is not my favorite issue and in years past this is usually where I'd give up and say the heck with it. However, I have to tell myself I have never lost 49lbs all at once before and this is to be expected. I am not "cheating" and that is why I still get frustrated. I am getting in about 50-60grams of protein per day and my liquids are still a struggle. I am lucky if I get 30-40oz of fluids per day.
I am still having bouts of eating something one day, it agrees with me, and then the very next day I eat it again and boom, doesn't agree with me. It's also frustrating. Don't ever go buy a lot of what you think will agree with you, because it doesn't always mean it will.
When I started this blog, my intention was to state all the positives and negatives so others could see the possible journey they could have. If you're like me, knowing a lot of the ups and downs to a process can help you better prepare for what lies ahead. I still feel there is nothing like experiencing it though. The psychological aspect is more than I thought it would be. I feel great, my clothes are all getting too big for me and I am complimented daily on how much I've changed. However, that stupid scale still doesn't have the numbers I want yet and that has always been a battle for me.
At least it's not that number I saw three months ago! That's all the matters right now. I am not on blood pressure meds anymore and the worst of the surgery is behind me. Moving ahead, will get through this!
Monday, September 17, 2012
Yay, down 49lbs from my Heaviest!
Hi Everyone!
This has been a great day for me. I woke up and weighed myself this morning and was absolutely astounded to see the number on the scale reflect a 49lbs loss total from my heaviest weight (this was last January). The further I get away from that number the happier I will be!!!
Tonight, after work I went swimming with a co-worker of mine. It felt great even though we only swam for 30 minutes. I pushed myself a bit and felt great at the time, a big difference from six months ago. Then I could only swim a length at a time. Tonight I was doing two at a time and actually probably could have done more had I not been waiting up on my friend. I didn't want to get too ahead of her. It was probably just as well, i am feeling it now as I write this.
My stamina is back, my mind isn't as sharp as it was pre-surgery though. I get frustrated at work as I tend to not think as cohesively as I did pre-surgery. Is suspect the lack of food and energy sources may be the culprit. I know I shouldn't drink caffeine, but perhaps it would help a bit more in my mind area.
The difference in the way I move is amazing. That extra nearly 50lbs was just dreadful. I can' t believe I allowed myself to get that big?! Now that I've gotten it off, I can see I am so much better off. I have not weighed this latest number since about 2006. My goal is by the time I go home for Christmas this year, to be down a total of 75lbs! That would be super awesome.
I have quit playing facebook games and now have spent more of my free time planning my new regimen for the healthier me. It's a lot of work to plan meals and figure out what exercise one can do to "change it up" and keep it interesting.
This is a quick post, but I will post some more pictures here in the upcoming weeks. I think it has been becoming even more noticeable in the past ten pounds.
I feel so darn good, it is so nice to have lost more weight at one time than ever before. I have hit a monumental milestone for myself today and I feel great!
Here's a great quote:
"Even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there."
This has been a great day for me. I woke up and weighed myself this morning and was absolutely astounded to see the number on the scale reflect a 49lbs loss total from my heaviest weight (this was last January). The further I get away from that number the happier I will be!!!
Tonight, after work I went swimming with a co-worker of mine. It felt great even though we only swam for 30 minutes. I pushed myself a bit and felt great at the time, a big difference from six months ago. Then I could only swim a length at a time. Tonight I was doing two at a time and actually probably could have done more had I not been waiting up on my friend. I didn't want to get too ahead of her. It was probably just as well, i am feeling it now as I write this.
My stamina is back, my mind isn't as sharp as it was pre-surgery though. I get frustrated at work as I tend to not think as cohesively as I did pre-surgery. Is suspect the lack of food and energy sources may be the culprit. I know I shouldn't drink caffeine, but perhaps it would help a bit more in my mind area.
The difference in the way I move is amazing. That extra nearly 50lbs was just dreadful. I can' t believe I allowed myself to get that big?! Now that I've gotten it off, I can see I am so much better off. I have not weighed this latest number since about 2006. My goal is by the time I go home for Christmas this year, to be down a total of 75lbs! That would be super awesome.
I have quit playing facebook games and now have spent more of my free time planning my new regimen for the healthier me. It's a lot of work to plan meals and figure out what exercise one can do to "change it up" and keep it interesting.
This is a quick post, but I will post some more pictures here in the upcoming weeks. I think it has been becoming even more noticeable in the past ten pounds.
I feel so darn good, it is so nice to have lost more weight at one time than ever before. I have hit a monumental milestone for myself today and I feel great!
Here's a great quote:
"Even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there."
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
6 weeks nearly and down 40lbs!
Well here we are, six weeks from surgery and now I am really starting to see and feel a difference. I am going to include some pictures in this one as the progression of my change is beginning to become apparent. This morning I had to toss three pairs of dress pants aside because they were just too big to wear at all now. Before surgery, they were so tight I really didn't want to go the next size up. What a great feeling! I think the pictures will speak for themselves.
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| 2 weeks after surgery-27lbs down |
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| about 5 weeks after surgery-36lbs down |
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| At my heaviest ever! |
As a write this now and see the differences here I am astounded of the difference already. Look how puffy I was in the picture on the left. I was eating anything I wanted, and it showed. I never want to go back to that again! I could hardly move, to go up and down stairs to tie my shoes, all of it was too hard. I never thought that would happen to me. But it did. Deciding to do the surgery probably saved my life, or even prolonged it for many more years. I know I still have a lot of the journey to complete, but I have started and now am in the "mode". I can no longer eat what I want, my body cannot tolerate most foods just yet. And even when it does, I won't be able to eat more than a half cup to a full cup in one meal. Fine by me!
I have now progressed to both semi and hard foods. I am just so thankful not to be eating that crappy pureed stuff. The re-fried beans, apple sauce, and instant mashed potatoes were getting very old! Today I ate my first protein chip and it was awesome! That "crunch" felt great, it had been over a month and a half since I've had that sensation. I only could eat about 5 of them, but just savoring each bite was enough for me!
I look forward to the upcoming weeks of integrating my exercise program and learning how to work it all together. I still have a ways to go, but I feel confident that I can get there!
Until next time!
Daphne
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Back to work- great one week, not so much next...
I went back to work a week ago, and the first week felt fine. I was getting back my stamina and was working up to a big event on Saturday. Unfortunately, I think I overdid it and did not drink much on Saturday as I got too busy and probably only drank about 8oz. of fluids all day. By Sunday I was feeling a touch of nausea. Monday at work, I was struggling, but I had so much to do I felt like I need to push through it all.
Then today, even after a great night's sleep, I woke up proceeded to get dressed and ready for work and as I was walking out the door I felt the nausea come back again. I decided to try and tough it out again, but by mid-afternoon I no longer could stop thinking about it. I just came home at that point. I got onto the forums that I usually frequent on obesityhelp.com and found someone going through the same thing but on a much grander scale to where she had to go to the E.R.. It appears I may have a touch of dehydration. I am not surprised because lately the plain water is just not going down too well. I've tried herbal tea and other liquids, but it just isn't getting me back on track. So, tonight is my goal to just keep drinking fluids until I go to bed. Perhaps this will be the answer.
I have always had a tough time drinking enough and eating enough at work. This has been a bad habit of mind for years and it'll be more important now to make sure it doesn't continue. Typically, before I got the surgery, I may eat lunch some days, or I would not. Most often I would come home so hungry and just start eating even before my dinner was ready. I would eat at night and then go to bed. That was one of my worst problems. Now, I am still forgetting as the day goes by to continually drink whatever is on my desk. I try to eat, but with this nauseous feeling I'm not hungry. At least at the moment, as I write this, I am drinking a 16oz. Crystal Light. I am hoping this will help, and when I did get home I had a sugar-free popsicle. As much as I don't feel like having anything I know this is important.
Funny, five weeks after surgery and this is when I start to not feel good. I was looking forward to my doctor's appointment next week so I could move up to soft foods. I sure hope I can stave off the hospital visit, if necessary I may have to stay home tomorrow and just rest up and drink more fluids around the clock. This is not fun!
For what's its worth, I did call the doctor's office and the nurse did tell me this was normal around where I"m at in recovery. I guess its my body trying to adjust and figure out what the heck is going on. As I sit here now, I realize that it won't be all smooth sailing. There will be times where I won't be perfect and I'll have to be okay with that. I am grateful that I have a great job and they are completely understanding.
Until next time....hopefully I'll be much better:)
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
This really works!!! Smiles all day today:)
Well, today after so many days of waiting for the scale to drop like it did when I got home from the surgery it finally dropped nicely. Now I am down a total of 32.6lbs since I started this process. Tomorrow will mark my three week anniversary of the surgery. I am totally content and have adjusted to this pureed diet well. Not every day can I eat everything and not everyday do I feel I've eaten enough, but all in all I have done remarkably well without bad cravings and feeling sorry for myself.
One thing I did to get myself through this is make meals for my husband for when he gets home from work. It forces me to face food that I cannot eat on a daily basis and the more I don't eat it the easier it gets. I've gone to a movie and survived people eating that wonderful popcorn all around me. By the end of the movie that smell, I was sick of it and wanted to nothing to do with it. Sense of smell is a powerful tool and can be all a person needs to get the craving somewhat cured. The pinto re-fried beans at Taco Bell are quite good too. I longed for the Nachos my hubby had, but it wasn't long before the fullness returned to my stomach and I wasn't interested in thinking about eating anymore.
My next hurdle is to get the stamina level back up and be able to walk without any pain. It's amazing how out of shape one can become recovering from surgery. Last week I had little to no pain, now this week I can barely finish a walk with the excruciating pain in my upper back. Either this is really good, or it's a setback. I am too afraid to call the doctor, I'm just gonna suck it up.
I am hoping to go back to work next week, but I"m afraid it may be half-time for at least the first part of the week. If this pain doesn't go away and if I don't up my stamina I won't be able to hack a full day at work yet. I'll take it one day at a time, and if I'm not ready that's what it is.
I will keep posting as often as I can. I really want people to get a good feel for what to expect when you get this surgery. For me, there was a lot of things other people told me about it, but it's not like going through it yourself. You really realize how drastic the decision you made was and embrace the loss once it begins. I wished I didn't have to do this but it was really time to do something before things really started to happen that I could not back away from. My line I used a lot was, "Oh, I'm still young I have plenty of time". Truth is if you want to live a long healthy life you need to take care of yourself, the sooner the better. I also want to grow old without a ton of health conditions that can prevent me from really enjoying life. I want to be able to swim in the ocean with the dolphins again, zip-line across the rain forests, hike the Swiss Alps, or even wear a bikini for the first time in my life, publicly! I know it won't be the answers to everything, but being healthy and fit will be far more easier to tackle life than the extra weight, high blood pressure, possibly diabetes and heart issues that can develop after a lifetime of abuse to your body.
Do yourself a favor, write a list of things you'd like to do...don't think about what you can do now but things you really want to do. Look at the list and see how many of those things you can do now. Take that list and map out your health and fitness to get you there. What a sense of accomplishment once you get there! Life is really short and it should be lived doing everything possible to get the most out of it.
I have a new lease on life and couldn't be more happier. This is really just the beginning. The joys of what will come down the road are waiting for me. I can't wait!
One thing I did to get myself through this is make meals for my husband for when he gets home from work. It forces me to face food that I cannot eat on a daily basis and the more I don't eat it the easier it gets. I've gone to a movie and survived people eating that wonderful popcorn all around me. By the end of the movie that smell, I was sick of it and wanted to nothing to do with it. Sense of smell is a powerful tool and can be all a person needs to get the craving somewhat cured. The pinto re-fried beans at Taco Bell are quite good too. I longed for the Nachos my hubby had, but it wasn't long before the fullness returned to my stomach and I wasn't interested in thinking about eating anymore.
My next hurdle is to get the stamina level back up and be able to walk without any pain. It's amazing how out of shape one can become recovering from surgery. Last week I had little to no pain, now this week I can barely finish a walk with the excruciating pain in my upper back. Either this is really good, or it's a setback. I am too afraid to call the doctor, I'm just gonna suck it up.
I am hoping to go back to work next week, but I"m afraid it may be half-time for at least the first part of the week. If this pain doesn't go away and if I don't up my stamina I won't be able to hack a full day at work yet. I'll take it one day at a time, and if I'm not ready that's what it is.
I will keep posting as often as I can. I really want people to get a good feel for what to expect when you get this surgery. For me, there was a lot of things other people told me about it, but it's not like going through it yourself. You really realize how drastic the decision you made was and embrace the loss once it begins. I wished I didn't have to do this but it was really time to do something before things really started to happen that I could not back away from. My line I used a lot was, "Oh, I'm still young I have plenty of time". Truth is if you want to live a long healthy life you need to take care of yourself, the sooner the better. I also want to grow old without a ton of health conditions that can prevent me from really enjoying life. I want to be able to swim in the ocean with the dolphins again, zip-line across the rain forests, hike the Swiss Alps, or even wear a bikini for the first time in my life, publicly! I know it won't be the answers to everything, but being healthy and fit will be far more easier to tackle life than the extra weight, high blood pressure, possibly diabetes and heart issues that can develop after a lifetime of abuse to your body.
Do yourself a favor, write a list of things you'd like to do...don't think about what you can do now but things you really want to do. Look at the list and see how many of those things you can do now. Take that list and map out your health and fitness to get you there. What a sense of accomplishment once you get there! Life is really short and it should be lived doing everything possible to get the most out of it.
I have a new lease on life and couldn't be more happier. This is really just the beginning. The joys of what will come down the road are waiting for me. I can't wait!
Here is a good quote:
"No Matter how many mistakes you make or how slow you progress, you are still way ahead of anyone who isn't trying"
- Tony Robbins
Monday, August 6, 2012
Ten Days Since Surgery - all is going well
Hello!
Well, it appears it has been a few days since my last post. I am still doing the pureed foods of course and will be for another 3-4 weeks. I am finding that I struggle to get all the meals and snacks with my fluids in each day. It's tough. Spacing out a 1/2 hour at least between eating and drinking makes everything so timed and sometimes we don't want to feel like we're on a schedule, but really I am. My daily meals have become: Breakfast - Oatmeal with sugar-free syrup and sugar-free/seedless blackberry jam
Mid-morning snack - if i get around to it usually is a popsicle, sometimes a protein shake
Lunch - Re-fried Beans 4 oz, or 2 oz of re-fried beans and 2 oz. of apple sauce
Mid-afternoon snack - once again either a popsicle or a protein shake. I seem to do this one as I get hungrier between lunch and dinner.
Dinner - Egg, a whole one if I can eat it. Sometimes I do the egg for breakfast and mix all these dishes around. Most times its egg for lunch and re-fried beans for dinner.
Late evening snack - if I get around to it, again a popsicle or a protein shake
I have been holding steady at 25lbs loss for a few days now (up and down a pound, kind of annoying). I am a bit frustrated as I barely eat anything and my body is fighting me at the moment. I know once I start any physical exercise that will make a difference. I have been scared to lately though, I have had to contend with a pulled muscle on my left side rib-cage and I don't want to re-jar it again. I find when I start doing chores around the house, about 5-10mins into it my stomach tightens like I've done a 1000 sit ups. That's usually when I stop. I am still not lifting anything and can't really for another 4 weeks.
I do have a doctor's appt in two days and will find it interesting to see how I've progressed in his eyes. It'll be nearly two weeks since I had seen him last.
I am trying to keep myself busy as I am not one to just sit around and do nothing. Between tending my small business at home, facebook, blogging, reading, watching the Olympics, and writing in my journal my days seem to go quite fast. Reading has been hard on me, holding a book for long periods of time seems to be a challenge. Even if I lay down to read, finding a comfortable position can be a struggle as my side begins to hurt and I am paranoid of straining my incisions on my stomach.
However, all things considered I am 25lbs less than I was when I started the two pre-op diet and since the surgery and that should make me happy. It's nice to know that I am on my way!
Until next time...Thanks for visiting!
Well, it appears it has been a few days since my last post. I am still doing the pureed foods of course and will be for another 3-4 weeks. I am finding that I struggle to get all the meals and snacks with my fluids in each day. It's tough. Spacing out a 1/2 hour at least between eating and drinking makes everything so timed and sometimes we don't want to feel like we're on a schedule, but really I am. My daily meals have become: Breakfast - Oatmeal with sugar-free syrup and sugar-free/seedless blackberry jam
Mid-morning snack - if i get around to it usually is a popsicle, sometimes a protein shake
Lunch - Re-fried Beans 4 oz, or 2 oz of re-fried beans and 2 oz. of apple sauce
Mid-afternoon snack - once again either a popsicle or a protein shake. I seem to do this one as I get hungrier between lunch and dinner.
Dinner - Egg, a whole one if I can eat it. Sometimes I do the egg for breakfast and mix all these dishes around. Most times its egg for lunch and re-fried beans for dinner.
Late evening snack - if I get around to it, again a popsicle or a protein shake
I have been holding steady at 25lbs loss for a few days now (up and down a pound, kind of annoying). I am a bit frustrated as I barely eat anything and my body is fighting me at the moment. I know once I start any physical exercise that will make a difference. I have been scared to lately though, I have had to contend with a pulled muscle on my left side rib-cage and I don't want to re-jar it again. I find when I start doing chores around the house, about 5-10mins into it my stomach tightens like I've done a 1000 sit ups. That's usually when I stop. I am still not lifting anything and can't really for another 4 weeks.
I do have a doctor's appt in two days and will find it interesting to see how I've progressed in his eyes. It'll be nearly two weeks since I had seen him last.
I am trying to keep myself busy as I am not one to just sit around and do nothing. Between tending my small business at home, facebook, blogging, reading, watching the Olympics, and writing in my journal my days seem to go quite fast. Reading has been hard on me, holding a book for long periods of time seems to be a challenge. Even if I lay down to read, finding a comfortable position can be a struggle as my side begins to hurt and I am paranoid of straining my incisions on my stomach.
However, all things considered I am 25lbs less than I was when I started the two pre-op diet and since the surgery and that should make me happy. It's nice to know that I am on my way!
Until next time...Thanks for visiting!
Here's an inspirational quote I like:
"The virtue lies in the struggle, not in the prize." by Richard Monckton Milnes.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Pureed Foods...interesting
Well I'm on my Day One of Pureed foods. I won't lie, it hasn't been an easy day either My hubby brought me some oatmeal with sugar-free, seedless Blackberry Jam. I could not get past two bites of the oatmeal. I gave up as I began to experience that gassy feeling that pushes back up, not something I care to feel again. So, I pleaded with him to just bring me a popsicle.
Lunchtime was another attempt, however, I think his less than stellar non-gourmet approach is not cutting it. The baby food he brought me (yes, baby food!) of mashed potatoes and turkey was disgusting! Two or three bites of that and I was like, No Thanks! However, he did redeem himself with the unsweetened, no sugar added apple sauce. I ate the bowl up! It totally agreed with me. This is a tough time trying to figure out what I can eat and what I can't.
Right now I am craving a really good homemade chicken broth. The store bought stuff just isn't the same.
It now has been four days since surgery and I am down a total of 17lbs, since the 30g/day carb diet started two weeks prior. I tried to pull on a pair of my pants today, but my tummy is still a bit swollen.
Sleeping is a challenge for me, as I usually sleep on my stomach. The first couple of days in the hospital I had to lay on my back, which was fine since I was so sleepy anyway. When I got home the first night the fluids in me prompted me to visit the bathroom all night long on the hour every hour so that was kind of a bust. I did nap well the next day and go to bed again early the next night and I fared well. However, last night was not kind to me and I seemed to have pulled a muscle on my upper rib-cage area. I suspect I was sleeping on my side and twisted it a bit. Kind of painful. Again, I kind of over did it yesterday with a bit too much up and around and can feel it today.
So no matter how antsy we get, rest up this first week. My body is definitely still adjusting. It's weird when I try a new food, my stomach rumbles non-stop for the first couple of bites. Then if it agrees with me it'll stop and I'll just have to contend with the little hiccups that shake your body enough to make you wince. Otherwise, when something doesn't agree with you, you get that push up/down effect of gas from your tummy area...I don't like it.
These were the kind of things I wished I had known about, learning on your own can be a bit scary. As I heal and progress I will be sometimes frankly a bit graphic and descriptive on some of the things I am feeling. I think it is important for others to understand that this is not the easy way out and this can be just as hard as all the other weight loss methods. However, I don't regret this decision still, as it is making me listen to my body and understand that food cannot be overindulged and should be eaten for a matter of survival, not pleasure seeking.
Until tomorrow...
Saturday, July 28, 2012
What is the Gastric Route Y Bypass? Here's the answer...
I have had several people ask me what is the difference between all the surgeries? And why did I chose the Route Y one for myself? Here is a breakdown of each of the surgeries that are available to obese patients.
Route Y Bypass (most common):
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| Route Y Bypass |
The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is generally considered to be the best surgical procedure for the treatment of morbid obesity. Weight loss is achieved by reducing the functional portion of the stomach to a pouch one ounce or less in size, and by creating a stoma, a small opening between the stomach and the intestine.
The small size of the stomach pouch causes the patient to have a sensation of fullness after eating only a small portion of food. The small stoma delays stomach emptying, making the sensation of fullness last longer. These are called the Restrictive components of the procedure.
The limb of intestine coming down from the small pouch is called the Roux limb. The limb of intestine coming down from the bypassed portion of the stomach can be called the Biliary or Bypassed limb. The remaining portion of the intestine is called the Common Channel. Food does not pass down the Bypassed limb, only the Roux limb and the Common Channel. The longer the Bypassed limb, the less the length of intestine actively working to absorb nutrients from the food that is eaten. Digestive juices that normally help absorb nutrients from the food enter the Bypassed limb from the larger portion of the stomach, the liver, and the pancreas, and pass down the Bypassed limb to the Common Channel. These juices do not mix with the food while it is passing down the Roux limb. The longer the Roux limb, the longer the portion of intestine trying to absorb nutrients without the benefit of these digestive juices. Both of these changes result in less absorption of nutrients and contribute to weight loss, and are called the Malabsorptive components of the procedure.
Exactly how the operation is done for an individual patient depends on their individual anatomy, their general health status, whatever changes they may have from prior surgeries, and what they hope to achieve from the operation. The stomach compartments can be completely divided from each other or simply partitioned, the small stomach pouch and the intestinal limbs may be connected to each other with either staples or sutures, a small band may be placed around the stomach pouch, and the two intestinal limbs may be made longer or shorter. The drawing below depicts the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass operation. Note that the two portions of the stomach are completely divided from each other. This is my preferred way of making the pouch, as simply partitioning the stomach instead of completely dividing it may entail a higher risk of the two parts connecting themselves back together, which would defeat the operation. Some very fine surgeons prefer to just partition the stomach and not to divide it completely, and I may choose to do the operation that way from time to time.
My preferred length for each of the intestinal limbs is approximately 100 cm, or 3 feet. These are reasonable lengths of intestine to bypass from the food stream and to isolate from the flow of digestive juices, but still leaves enough (approximately 14 feet) intestine in the Common Channel to allow for adequate nutritional intake. Making the limbs longer will increase the amount of malabsorption, and increase the potential weight loss. But increasing the length of the limbs also increases the requirement for dietary supplementation of vitamins, minerals and protein, increases the incidence of side effects such as diarrhea, and increases the potential for excessive weight loss.
***This information is from my Doctor's website and should always be consulted with your own Bariatric doctor.
Gastric Sleeve Bypass:
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| Gastric "Sleeve" Bypass |
Gastric sleeve surgery (sleeve gastrectomy) is one of the newer forms of bariatric surgery but has quickly been gaining popularity over the recent years. Also known as vertical sleeve gastrectomy, vertical gastroplasty or sleeve gastroplasty, this procedure is another option for those looking to help with their morbid obesity through gastric bypass surgery. The gastric sleeve is a restrictive procedure meaning that it achieves weight loss results by restricting the amount of food that your body is physically able to take in. There is no malabsorption involved with this procedure but can be followed up with a malabsorptive procedure afterwards if the patient wishes.
Gastric sleeve surgery involves permanently removing a large portion of the stomach, anywhere from 60% to 85% of the total stomach. The portion left behind is a slim tube or "sleeve" that will serve as your new stomach. This stomach is already connected naturally to the stomach inlet and outlet which means that no rerouting of the intestines is needed.
What differentiates a gastric sleeve procedure from other weight loss surgeries is the nerves to the stomach and the outlet valve (pylorus) of the stomach remain intact to preserve the functions of the stomach while at the same time, reducing the volume it is able to hold. There is no bypass of the intestines with the gastric sleeve, only stomach capacity reduction. A sleeve gastrectomy also works because it removes the part of the stomach that produces Ghrelin, which is a hormone that stimulates appetite. This helps to noticeably reduce without completely eliminating a person appetite.
Advantages of the Gastric Sleeve
The primary features of gastric sleeve surgery are reducing the size of the stomach up to 85%, to restrict food intake while also reducing the hormones that create the craving for food due to the removal of the excess stomach portion. This reduces the production of the Ghrelin hormone which in turn reduces the hunger sensation.
The advantage of gastric sleeve surgery include:
- 30 to 60% extra weight loss within the first 12 months of the procedure
- Less invasive than gastric bypass
- No cutting or, disconnection or alteration of the intestines
- No risk of “dumping syndrome” typically associated with gastric bypass
- No need for implementation of foreign devices in to the body such as a gastric band
- Less restrictive post-surgery diet
- Procedure may be followed by gastric bypass or duodenal switch for even better results for super obese patients (those with a BMI > 70)
- Can be performed laparoscopically on extremely obese patients
Disadvantages of the Gastric Sleeve
As with any medical procedure of this nature, there is always the potential for adverse affects. The biggest potential drawback for some people with this procedure is that is irreversible and thus you must really understand all of the implications before proceeding with gastric sleeve surgery.
In addition the following potential drawbacks should be taken in to consideration:
- Since the gastric sleeve is a restrictive weight loss procedure and not malabsorptive, inadequate weight loss or weight regain is more likely to occur than would in a procedure involving intestinal bypass
- The newly created pouch has the potential to stretch over time
- Weight Loss only really noticeable with total change in diet combined with exercise
- Additional surgery may be required for follow-up procedures to combine methods
- Leakage may occur at the site of stapling
- Still no knowledge of long term results due to short history of procedure
- Insurance may not cover due to the short history of the procedure making the cost potentially prohibitive for many people
- Advantages of the Gastric Sleeve
- The primary features of gastric sleeve surgery are reducing the size of the stomach up to 85%, to restrict food intake while also reducing the hormones that create the craving for food due to the removal of the excess stomach portion. This reduces the production of the Ghrelin hormone which in turn reduces the hunger sensation.
- The advantage of gastric sleeve surgery include:
- 30 to 60% extra weight loss within the first 12 months of the procedure
- Less invasive than gastric bypass
- No cutting or, disconnection or alteration of the intestines
- No risk of “dumping syndrome” typically associated with gastric bypass
- No need for implementation of foreign devices in to the body such as a gastric band
- Less restrictive post-surgery diet
- Procedure may be followed by gastric bypass or duodenal switch for even better results for super obese patients (those with a BMI > 70)
- Can be performed laparoscopically on extremely obese patients
- Disadvantages of the Gastric Sleeve
- As with any medical procedure of this nature, there is always the potential for adverse affects. The biggest potential drawback for some people with this procedure is that is irreversible and thus you must really understand all of the implications before proceeding with gastric sleeve surgery.
- In addition the following potential drawbacks should be taken in to consideration:
- Since the gastric sleeve is a restrictive weight loss procedure and not malabsorptive, inadequate weight loss or weight regain is more likely to occur than would in a procedure involving intestinal bypass
- The newly created pouch has the potential to stretch over time
- Weight Loss only really noticeable with total change in diet combined with exercise
- Additional surgery may be required for follow-up procedures to combine methods
- Leakage may occur at the site of stapling
- Still no knowledge of long term results due to short history of procedure
- Insurance may not cover due to the short history of the procedure making the cost potentially prohibitive for many people.
Duodenal Switch
Duodenal switch is a bariatric surgical procedure employed to combat obesity. This form of bariatric surgery helps obese patients control their weight and begin the path to a healthier, more active lifestyle. Not all obese individuals qualify for this form of surgery. Good candidates have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more. Candidates with a BMI of 35 qualify if they show signs of unhealthy, weight-related symptoms such as heart disease or diabetes.
The surgery consists of a restrictive and malabsorptive surgical procedure. The restrictive element is a partial gastrectomy that reshapes and removes a portion of the stomach. The remaining portion, where the food exits, resembles a banana and has a capacity of around six ounces.The malabsorptive element separates the flow of bile and pancreatic juices by rearranging the small intestines. Further down, the physician reconnects the two intestinal paths. The food and digestive juices combine in the last 18 to 24 inches of the small intestine. Limited fat absorption takes place as the food heads towards the large intestine.Advantages of Duodenal Switch
People who choose duodenal switch surgery experience greater weight loss with a low risk of weight gain. The pyloric valve, the portion of the stomach connected to the duodenum, remains intact. As a result, patients do not experience the “dumping” syndrome commonly associated with the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. The malabsorptive component is partially reversible for patients with malabsorption difficulties. Duodenal switch patients experience weight loss at a more rapid pace compared to those who choose the laparoscopic banding procedure. In addition the following are all potential advantages of the Duodenal Switch procedure:- Typically greater weight loss over a longer period of time
- Weight loss of up to 60% to 80%
- Patients can eat a more "normal" and less restrictive diet compared to gastric bypass or gastric banding
- No "dumping syndrome"
- Intestinal rerouting is reversible
- People with very high BMI and extreme obesity who are not eligible for other weight loss surgeries may still qualify for the Duodenal Switch
Disadvantages of Duodenal Switch
Duodenal switch surgery carries more risks compared all other traditional weight loss surgeries. Complications occur more often in this form of surgery due to a higher BMI. Patients may lose too much weight. Duodenal switch patients may experience long-term nutritional deficiencies and be subject to a lifetime of medication and special foods. Other complications include anemia, infection, gallstones and hernias. Other potential disadvantages include:- Most complex of all the weight loss surgery options
- Certain foods may become intolerable
- Increased risk for intestinal problems or gallstones
- Potential for malnutrition or vitamin deficiency
- Potential for frequent gas, bloating or change in body odor
Risks & Complications
Because there is a higher complexity level to this surgery, there are an increased and higher rate of risks associated. Learn more about the potential risks and complications associated with a duodenal switch procedure.
Gastric Banding/Lap Band
(usually recommended only up to 75lbs of loss)
Gastric banding, or laparoscopic adjustable banding is a bariatric surgery procedure that uses an adjustable belt placed around the upper portion of the stomach. This band is made out of silicone and is designed to constrict the size of the stomach and the amount of food that can be held in the stomach. At the same time, it slows down the passage of food to the intestines which helps signal to the brain that the stomach is full. The band is filled with saline which can be increased or decreased based upon your needs and your doctors recommendations. A small port is accessed near the surface of the skin that your doctor can then add or remove saline through. Adding saline tightens the band and shrinks the size of the stomach pouch that can accept food. This should make you feel fuller, quicker and decrease the appetite and as a result help you lose weight.While gastric banding is meant to be a long term weight loss remedy, some people will require a follow up procedure to re-position, replace or remove the gastric band. This could be due to complications or ineffectiveness of the band.There are two primary options you can choose from when deciding if a gastric band is the right option for you. The LAP-Band and REALIZE Band are very similar in many ways but there are slight differences between the two. Learn more about how to choose which band is right for you.Advantages of Gastric Banding
- With gastric banding you typically have a shorter operation, lasting around 1 hour
- You're in the hospital recovering for no more than 24 hours total. This is compared to a 2-3 hour surgery with gastric bypass and a multiple day stay in the hospital for recovery.
- Total recovery time is reduced to 6 weeks, down from 3 months, when opting for gastric banding.
- Gastric banding is one of the safer weight loss surgeries
- Procedure is reversible
- Patients must work harder to lose weight after this procedure is complete since it relies on food restriction only, and is not a malabsorptive procedure in the way that other bariatric surgery procedures achieve their results.
- This means that your diet will be restricted for a longer period of time after gastric banding.
Gastric banding is relatively new when compared with gastric bypass surgery and there are some key differences when you compare the two procedures. The advantages of gastric banding over gastric bypass or other bariatric surgeries are:There are however, some drawbacks for choosing this procedure.There are common complications related to gastric banding that affect all types of weight loss surgeries including nausea, vomiting or risk of infection. There are however, also unique complications related to gastric banding that you should be aware of before deciding on the bariatric surgery that is right for you.Writer's Note: All these procedures should be talked in-depth with your surgeon/doctor. Your choice is ultimately yours as you will have to live with the results of the surgery. Always use caution and research using multiple outlets for your decision.
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