Why I'm Glad I Had Gastric Bypass Surgery

In my last post, I promised to post some before and after pics. 

 The first picture is from June 2008, when I weighed my heaviest 
(approx. 294 pounds).

By August 18, 2009, the day of my surgery, 
I was down to 283 pounds:

By August 18, 2012, exactly three years after surgery, 

and one month after my tummy tuck, 
this is the final result (143 pounds):

And, a couple of weeks later, my first selfie!

So, there you have it.!!

A journey that started in January 2008 has ended better than I ever expected or hoped.

Good luck to all who are contemplating bypass surgery!

I guess I've been more active since my weight loss!

It's been a while - true - but I'm down to 143 pounds, size 10 in jeans and size medium in shirts. I can hardly believe it! Also, for the first time EVER, I'm wearing my younger sister's hand-me-downs - the sister who use to be a model and was always skinny and gorgeous). She still is, but now it seems I've caught up to her! Woo hoo!

For anyone contemplating gastric bypass surgery, I would encourage you to seriously consider it and weigh the cons over being obese (diabetes, heart-related illnesses, high blood pressure, bad cholesterol, etc.) against the pros of being active, healthy and fit - possibly for the first time in your life. It does take a serious commitment, which isn't one of my strong suits, but I did it and I've surprised even myself.

I think for my next post, I'll post a picture of me taken the day of the surgery and one take a few months ago and let you be the judge.

Happy holidays to all!

It's been a long time . . .

. . . but I've done it! I've lost over 130 pounds and have maintained my new weight for almost 9 months! Plus, I'm exercising more and feeling great as I have to move to clothes that are getting smaller and smaller. A very weird feeling, but a liberating one, too! Happy New Year, indeed!

I'm under 200!

Finally! Six months after surgery and I'm 85 pounds down! Sweet! I'm feeling incredible and find that I have so much energy. I guess I really didn't believe how much my weight affected my activity level.

I'm making sure I'm eating right and so far, so good. While I can't eat turkey, pumpkin pie, melted cheese, and sugar substitutes, I can eat baked potatoes, baked chicken, baked ribs, pasta and rice.

Now I have to really concentrate on my workouts because I want to tighten everything up. I love the treadmill and recumbent bike, which is what I use the most.

I'm also finding it hard to believe that I'm fitting into smaller sizes - sizes I haven't worn in over 14 years! But don't get me wrong - I'm enjoying it immensely!

Well, off to do some more housework. Go Team USA (men's ice hockey!)

Happy (Belated) New Year!

All in all, I think 2010 is going to be a good year for me. I'm now down to 209 pounds for a total of 75 pounds lost in 5 months. I'm feeling better than I have in years! Plus, I just got a brand new furnace which is keeping my old house nice and toasty for a lot less money!

The Chinese New Year - Year of the Tiger - is coming up on Feburary 14th, I believe. That should be fun. Only two more years (2012) until we're back in the Year of the Dragon - which is my sign.

Anyway - Happy Belated New Year to All and have a wonderful 2010!

Wow!

I can't believe it's been over 2 months since my last post! I guess that's because so much has been keeping my busy. I've been working out 2-3 times a week - mostly on the treadmill and bike, with weights thrown in here and there.

So - as the ticker indicates, as of today, I am down to 220 pounds! That's 64 pounds down from my top weight in July. I can hardly believe it!

Thanksgiving was depressing, though. It turns out that I can I can no longer enjoy turkey or pumpkin pie. Major bummer! But still - I can eat stuffing and baked chicken, so it's not that bad - in the whole scheme of things.

Back to the gym tomorrow and hopefully I'll be another 10 pounds down by Christmas!!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!

Two Weeks Later

I'm so glad I went back to work in the middle of last week. I couldn't believe how much it took out of me - getting back into the early morning routine, morning rush hour, and just the general day-to-day stuff. As I near the end of my first full week, I find I'm much more acclimated to everything and I'm actually enjoying myself. I thought I was getting stale but being away has given me a new appreciation and focus.

The really good news is that I'm now eating regular foods and found that beef and fish don't bother me. Chicken and pork are still on the watch list, but the fact that I can get some basic protein in is encouraging.

Next week is my birthday and I'm so glad I'm facing it almost 40 pounds lighter! I can't wait to see where I'll be this time next year. I don't want to get ahead of myself, but it seems more possible somehow. As if the losing a significant amount of weight in a short time has given me the incentive to do more - eat better, workout, and try to be more healthy in my habits.

Been a long time . . .

Yes, I've been able to eat real food, but after a few days (and with the cottage cheese gone), I was sick of the stuff. I've tried eating real food and have been able to tolerate it well - as long as it's thoroughly chopped and shredded to a very fine consistency. I don't know if this is strictly legal, but I was unable to stomach any more protein powders or shots. It's more the smell than the taste, but the plain fact is that I got nauseous at the thought of downing any of it.

I've tried drinking more water, which seems to help. Plus, I've been getting my exercise, so I hope that's helping. The only bad news is that I haven't lost any more weight in the past week. I've got my fingers crossed that this plateau is only temporary. I'm still taking my vitamins and supplements, so hopefully, it's just a stage.

I can't believe I go back to work next week (the 16th). It's hard to believe it's been a month already. Ah, well. The time off was nice while it lasted!

FALL IS IN THE AIR!

Finally - Some Real Food!

I just had my two week checkup and everything is going great! I'm down to 257.5 and I can finally eat some real food! The first thing I had was some cottage cheese and it tasted great! Tomorrow it's mashed potatoes and applesauce! I'm really excited about how well I'm sticking to the new food regimen and my vitamins. Those were two areas where I thought I'd fail.

I go back to the doctor's on October 7th for my 6 week check up and I hope to have lost even more! After that it will be one week of soft food and then I'm free to eat regular food (providing I can tolerate it).

I'm really glad I got the surgery done because it's given me a totally new outlook!

So Far, So Good

I'm really ready for real food. By that, I mean I'm ready to be off this liquid diet and actually have something to chew. I have my first follow-up appointment on Monday, so I want to see what the doctor has to say. I can definitely tell that my digestive system has changed, but what I really like is that whenever I think of food, I'm craving healthy choices. Like a nice broiled fillet of salmon with a side of spinach or a grilled chicken breast with green beans. I hope that's a good sign.

However, I still tire easily, so I know I'm not ready to return to work yet. Just running around on errands this morning with my son knocked me out for a four hour nap as soon as I got home. But at least I got my walking exercise in for the day!

Speaking of exercising, I'm finding it pretty easy to stick it, which I find surprising. I've never been one for working out, but I know I'll look and feel better if I keep it up. Now that I can actually tell that I've lost some weight, I'm getting excited. I can't wait to see how much I've lost since the day of surgery. One of my friends (who had the same surgery about five years ago) told me that she wouldn't be surprised if I've lost 15 pounds already. If true, I would be down to 257!

Back to the shakes and soups for now. Can't wait until I get clearance for cottage cheese! Mmm!

I can't believe it's been a week!

A week ago Tuesday I had my surgery and so far, I feel fine. I'm hungry for real food again, but I take that as a good sign.

I worked out on the treadmill again today. Two 15 minute sessions instead of three 10 minute sessions. It was a bit tougher, but I did it - and kept my heart rate in the fat burning range.

Right now, I'm finding it hard to keep drinking liquids - since I don't feel dehydrated. Don't get me wrong - I have been drinking water (okay, sipping), but it seems as if my stomach gets full after a few sips. Wonder what that's all about? I'll probably call the nutritionist tomorrow. I want to know when I can start soft foods. I know it's only been a week, but I really can't take this sweet stuff. I'd rather drink a couple of ounces of stuff with 25 grams of protein, than eat pudding and shakes. I know I've mentioned this before, but I'll be glad when I can have mashed potatoes and cottage cheese!

I tried doing some light chores today and it really took it out of me. At least I know not to push myself. Plus, I can rest whenever I want, which is a luxury I won't have once I get back to work.

Overall, I'm feeling pretty good but I haven't tried weighing myself. I don't want to be a scale watcher. I'd rather let me clothes tell me the weight is coming off!

5 Days Post-Surgery . . .

. . . and I really don't like eating a lot of sweet stuff. I'm trying to eat more broths, but it's a slow go to get all the protein I need. Bleah. I can't wait until I can have soft food because I love cottage cheese and mashed potatoes. Plus, I can mix in my protein powder and kill two birds with one stone!

So far, so good. I've been taking my vitamin supplements, doing my breathing exercises, and I've made it to the gym every day for 30 minutes on the treadmill. Not 30 minutes all at once, but three-10 minute shifts do quite nicely.

I'm hoping I'm able to shed the water weight I gained in the hospital, but I'm trying to focus on how much weight I've lost. Instead, I'm trying to concentrate on new eating patterns and habits.

My Aunt Madelene sent me a gorgeous bouquet of roses and eucalyptus which really brightened my day! My best friend, Cindi, has also sent me the cutest card (kitten in a tissue box with tissue on its head). So cute! It's nice to know I have the support of my family and friends. It really helps to stay on track!

Post-Surgery - 3 Days Later

I made it through surgery with no complications. Unfortunately, nobody told me that you actually gain weight after surgery - from the I.V. fluids. It was a shock to step on the scale and find an additional 14 pounds! The morning of surgery, I weighed 272 and was encouraged that I had lost 12 pounds since the beginning of July. Luckily, though, I was promised by the nurses that I would lose that extra weight since it was just excess fluids.

The only problem I've really been having is a fever. Low grade, for now, but I'm keeping an eye on it. Also, the pain meds they released me on don't seem to be working. The stuff they gave me in the hospital had Tylenol added but my scrip doesn't. So, while the pain may be down, my fever is up, which makes it hard to sleep.

But overall - I'm lucky. No nausea, which I was afraid of. I've also been able to keep broth down and my protein shake, so I know I can stick to this. I get to have sugar free pudding, too. My son is going to make it for me with skim milk and protein powder. Mmmmm - chocolate pudding to eat and I still meet my protein quota! Doesn't sound like a bad diet to me!

I have a couple of questions for the hospital, but I'll check with them tomorrow.

TOMORROW!

Yes, it's almost time! Tomorrow, at 9:00 a.m., I check in for surgery. Today, I had my hair cut into something that will be easier to care for as I recover. I

'm trying very hard not to be nervous, but I'm not doing a good job. My thoughts are all over the place, actually. I'm just trying to relax and rest and stay calm. I'm really trying not to think about tomorrow - it will come soon enough. Instead, I'm trying to focus on the outcome - the reason why I'm doing all of this - so I can be healthier. So I can work out for more than 25 minutes at a time. So I can feel better and not have to worry about developing diabetes or high blood pressure. So I can live longer and have a better quality of life.

Well, not much else to say right now. I will post more after the surgery. Also, I have to make sure to have my son take a "Before" picture for comparison purposes down the road.

TWO DAYS LEFT!

I'm getting more nervous as each day passes. Part of me feels in denial - as if I don't understand what a huge step this surgery means for my life. But, on the other, hand, I've been thinking about this for years, and actively pursuing it for two and half years. I guess it's hard to believe that it's finally going to happen.

I've also been working on visualizing myself thinner and healthier - to really solidify the mindset I'll need to make it a success. For the past two months, I've cut out caffeine (except for one or two cokes), downed protein shakes for breakfast and lunch, and worked at exercising more. I know that exercise is what's going to make this a success and, luckily for me, I already belong to Planet Fitness. Not only are they just a mile from my house, but they're open 24 hours during the week. I have no excuses and I know, even directly after surgery, I can at least use the treadmill.

I can see myself walking more and more each day, feeling the difference as the weight drops off and my muscles firm up. I also plan to document my progress - with pictures and with this blog - so I can see how far I've come.

I also find myself looking at clothes, in shops and in catalogs, that I never imagined I would ever be able to wear. I look at them now with a new eye, trying to imagine what I would pick when I'm thinner and can fit into them. And I know that soon - with persistence and patience - it will happen.

3 MORE DAYS!

Wow! I can't believe how the time has flown! I just had my last day at work (hectic, but I expected that) and now I'm only 3 days away from surgery!

My mom and my sister are coming up from Pennsylvania tomorrow for moral support. I'm so excited and so are they. They know how long I've been struggling with my weight. Plus, they've promised to buy me a whole new wardrobe once I've lost the weight. Frankly, however, I'm having a hard time even imagining what that would be like. After a lifetime of shopping in plus sizes, to think that I might be able to wear a size 12, 10, or even (dare I dream?) an 8? It seems unreal, but I've been finding myself looking at clothes in those sizes and wondering what I would choose if (when) I get down to that size.

Actually, I'm more concerned with toning myself up as the weight comes off. I really want to minimize the need for plastic surgery to remove loose skin due to sudden weight loss. That's why I'm glad I belong to a gym. My son, who is also very supportive of me, has promised to drive me to there those first few weeks when I can't drive myself. I won't be able to do much more than
walk on the treadmill, but I know it will help me heal faster.

Today, though, I have a lot of errands and housework to get done before I'm laid up. The countdown continues!!

Funny extra:


















I have a weird sense of humor, which is why I just love this!
I am such a Star Wars geek!

One Week Away!

It's hard to believe that I'm a week away from something I've been working towards for two years! I'm more excited than nervous, but I expect I'll be a lot more nervous as the surgery date approaches.

I'm glad to find that I actually like protein shakes and I'm excited by all the choices out there. I never knew there were so many fun flavors! I'm looking forward to trying them all and making up some of my own. But before the shakes, I'll have to get through two weeks of clear liquids. Lucky for me I like broth!

Six more days to August 18th! Six more days to the start of a new life!

My Journey

Okay - something new here. I'm scheduled for bariatric surgery on August 18, 2009. I've been thinking about this for over five years and pursuing it for over two years. It's hard to believe that my time is almost here, which is why I decided to track my thoughts and feelings in this blog.

I'm just setting this up for now and will be posting more, but at least I've got it started.

August 18, 2009 - The journey begins! Stay tuned!