Today marks 3 weeks since my VSG surgery. (That's vertical sleeve gastrectomy to those who don't have to deal with this info on a daily basis.) Three weeks. 21 days. On the other side. Wow. I didn't think I would ever make it here.
The first thing people who see me that knew about the surgery asks me is, "How are you?" Well, let me tell you...I am great. Excellent, Awesome. Magnificent. Outstanding. This is how I expected to be in June. This is unbelievable. I feel "good." In fact, I have been waking up earlier than normal. I don't feel like napping very often. (Well, you have to let me have a few - I mean, it IS Christmas break!)
The second thing everyone asks is, "How much have you lost?" Well, that depends on when you count from. On my "official" papers at the doctor's office, I have lost 28 pounds in the time from November 28 through December 23. (That includes the pre-op diet time.) However, I have actually lost 78 pounds already since I began this journey in March 2013. That is almost one of my children.
However, I am a little bummed. Another weight-loss surgery word is "stall." It is used to indicate that your body is currently stuck, and not losing weight. Well, I am a member of multiple weight loss surgery support groups, and I have always been annoyed when people freak out about a stall early on. I mean, did they not realize that they have just lost a large amount of weight in a short time, did they not understand that your body thinks it is starving, and is trying to save itself? What is wrong with these people? Well, guess what....I am that person. I have been at the same weight for about 10 days now, and it is freaking me out! I am barely able to consume 100 calories at a time, and I am not losing weight? What is happening? Is it me? The truth is, no, it is not me. My body is in shock. I am living off of a maximum of 500-600 calories a day now. Science tells me that as long as I continue this, I will lose weight. It is inevitable. There is an equation: Calories needed for your body > calories you take in = weight loss. It is a proven fact. And, 28# in 25 days is not bad.
I am not going to lie, the "all liquid" stage was not fun. Not terrible, but not fun. I am not a "sweets in the morning" type person, and when you are living on protein shakes, sweet is what you get! But I made it. I have had LOTS and LOTS of soup. Tomato Basil is a new favorite of mine, along with loaded potato. In fact, if you have any questions about any the creamy, not chunky soups at any Tupelo restaurant, I can probably help you out. This stage lasted for nearly two weeks, and I have survived it! Not only did I survive it, we even ate out several times, and I had no trouble to speak of.
Stage 2 was next, and in that stage, I was allowed pureed type foods. Runny grits, thin oatmeal, thicker soups, refried beans, applesauce, etc. Let me tell you - mashed potatoes and refried beans have been my staples! And cheese. Cheese was added to this stage, and let me tell you - I have melted it in soups, on beans, and a few times in a bowl without anything else! Also, refried beans opened up another restaurant option for the family... Mexican. We love Mexican. So, we went, and I "fancied up" some refried beans with a tiny bit of salsa and cheese dip, and it was DIVINE! And I was happy. (Also, it should be noted that I am not even able to eat an entire order of refried beans. My capacity is about 1.5-2 ounces now.)
I was supposed to start stage 3 on January 1. However, I have already started doing a little experimenting. The stages blend together at some spots, and I am just doing the best I can. I have experimented some, but typically only once a day, then I go back to a tried and true food. For instance, last night I made chicken salad (and chopped it into a puree with my Pampered Chef Chopper). It was so good! And, as that is the closest thing to dense protein, I was disappointed in what I was able to eat. I had fixed myself a small condiment bowl of it, and wasn't able to eat half. It is great. I get full so quickly, and I really don't crave a lot of things at all. Today, I haven't really experimented, I am just eating tiny bites of chicken salad, since I know it worked well.
Basically, I am doing great. This is an awesome journey, and I am so proud that God chose to make me wait. I truly appreciate it more than I would have if this had been an easy process.
Love to all!
Jolie
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Today Is a "Joyous" Day!
Well, I made it! Yay team! Finally, 18 months after the beginning of this journey, I have FINALLY taken the exit I was aiming for. And so far (all 3.5 days of it) have been smooth sailing!
On Tuesday, I didn't have to be at the hospital until 10 a.m. So, I got up, took the kids to school, came home and got ready for the day. I didn't feel well, I was dehydrated, and scared to death. We got there, and a sweet friend from church came to pray with us. When we went back, of course they needed a urine sample. (They really need to work on that - when you have been NPO for 10+ hours, following the bowel prep, it is hard to produce.) They had a hard time starting my IV (2 veins blew, 1 in each hand - another response to dehydration!) I was terrified. Dan was with me, of course. My rock. (I don't think I can do much without him!) Mama had a stomach virus, and wasn't able to be with us. But, we made it fine. It was an easy-going time.
Then, they finally took me back - I was terrified. I seriously almost told them to stop several times. I was terrified of the recovery, terrified of what would happen on the table. It was an unbelievable fear. Needless to say, I am so glad the nurse anesthetist worked quickly, or I might have been out having lunch ASAP! But, I drifted off to sleep quickly and painlessly.
I remember waking up (as much as one "wakes up") in the recovery room. All I could think was that I had a headache, and THAT is what I asked for medicine for! A headache! I really just wanted some ibuprofen, and a massage! I then remember them rolling me into the room with Dan, and getting one of the sweetest kisses ever. FYI - I love that man SO MUCH! The nurses on the bariatric hall are great, and I took great care of me - giving me the pain medicine quickly. At this time, Dan and I were still alone, as everyone who loves us had done us the favor of going to Sadie's orchestra concert. I woke up fairly quickly, and walked to the restroom with no problems. Then, remembering the death pain of walking after surgery last time, I steeled myself, and started down the hall. And guess what - It did not hurt! It was a little uncomfortable, but it didn't really hurt. Tuesday night I was up and down several times going to the restroom and walking, and I am proud to say I had completed my 18 laps (1 mile) before Dr. Pinson came to see me the next morning.
Wednesday morning, I had to go down for a swallow study. For those of you who don't know, that means I had to drink some barium, and make sure there were no leaks in my new, pocket-sized stomach. I passed. And almost passed out. That is not a pleasant memory! I felt so much regret for all of the patients I have sent for modified swallow studies over the years...Ick! I was very nauseated, but didn't really have a lot of pain, except a neck/headache. When Dan finally came back after work, we rolled up a towel for me to put under my neck instead of the pillow, and that was great!
Thursday, I woke up and literally just hung out until I was discharged about 3:15. My IV ran out early, so the nurse took it out for me. I wasn't in any pain. So, I just hung out, drank water and juice, and waited to be discharged.
Dan came by and picked me up, and we went to the car rider line to get my babies! I had great friends who had volunteered to bring them home for me, but the look in their eyes when they saw me was worth the wait! We came home, and started setting me up. It was great! A friend dropped by and brought the sweetest get well cards from my little friends at church and to check on me. I did without any pain medication or anti-nausea medicine all day Thursday.
Then, Friday came. I was expecting the worst, because we all know that our grandmothers tell us that "day 3" is the worst day of all. So, I woke up at 5:30, and Dan helped spur the kids to get ready for school. My sweet Moe brought me a massaging neck pillow for my headache/neckache. And I was bored. Bored. Bored. So, I drove over to the Wellness Center and walked half a mile. Then, I drove to school and picked up my kids. It was a great day. I took in about 47 ounces of the 64 ounces I am shooting for. As it is only day 3, though, I really can't hold that much at one time. But I will get there. Friday ended up as another "no pain medication" day, praise the Lord.
Today, I am taking it easy, watching Netflix, and catching up on some crocheting. Nothing major. And, I am praising the Lord. You see, now, I understand His timing. It wasn't about my timing, it was about His. He worked things out, and is providing me with an exceptional healing experience. Now, I am not naive. I know I will have bad days, but I pray that each of those "difficult" days will lead me to remember the blessings He has provided me!
And finally, a huge shout out of thanks to all of you who have posted on my Facebook, texted, called and checked on me, helped me out. The love and support I have received is totally overwhelming...
Thanks, Friends. I love you!
On Tuesday, I didn't have to be at the hospital until 10 a.m. So, I got up, took the kids to school, came home and got ready for the day. I didn't feel well, I was dehydrated, and scared to death. We got there, and a sweet friend from church came to pray with us. When we went back, of course they needed a urine sample. (They really need to work on that - when you have been NPO for 10+ hours, following the bowel prep, it is hard to produce.) They had a hard time starting my IV (2 veins blew, 1 in each hand - another response to dehydration!) I was terrified. Dan was with me, of course. My rock. (I don't think I can do much without him!) Mama had a stomach virus, and wasn't able to be with us. But, we made it fine. It was an easy-going time.
Then, they finally took me back - I was terrified. I seriously almost told them to stop several times. I was terrified of the recovery, terrified of what would happen on the table. It was an unbelievable fear. Needless to say, I am so glad the nurse anesthetist worked quickly, or I might have been out having lunch ASAP! But, I drifted off to sleep quickly and painlessly.
I remember waking up (as much as one "wakes up") in the recovery room. All I could think was that I had a headache, and THAT is what I asked for medicine for! A headache! I really just wanted some ibuprofen, and a massage! I then remember them rolling me into the room with Dan, and getting one of the sweetest kisses ever. FYI - I love that man SO MUCH! The nurses on the bariatric hall are great, and I took great care of me - giving me the pain medicine quickly. At this time, Dan and I were still alone, as everyone who loves us had done us the favor of going to Sadie's orchestra concert. I woke up fairly quickly, and walked to the restroom with no problems. Then, remembering the death pain of walking after surgery last time, I steeled myself, and started down the hall. And guess what - It did not hurt! It was a little uncomfortable, but it didn't really hurt. Tuesday night I was up and down several times going to the restroom and walking, and I am proud to say I had completed my 18 laps (1 mile) before Dr. Pinson came to see me the next morning.
Wednesday morning, I had to go down for a swallow study. For those of you who don't know, that means I had to drink some barium, and make sure there were no leaks in my new, pocket-sized stomach. I passed. And almost passed out. That is not a pleasant memory! I felt so much regret for all of the patients I have sent for modified swallow studies over the years...Ick! I was very nauseated, but didn't really have a lot of pain, except a neck/headache. When Dan finally came back after work, we rolled up a towel for me to put under my neck instead of the pillow, and that was great!
Thursday, I woke up and literally just hung out until I was discharged about 3:15. My IV ran out early, so the nurse took it out for me. I wasn't in any pain. So, I just hung out, drank water and juice, and waited to be discharged.
Dan came by and picked me up, and we went to the car rider line to get my babies! I had great friends who had volunteered to bring them home for me, but the look in their eyes when they saw me was worth the wait! We came home, and started setting me up. It was great! A friend dropped by and brought the sweetest get well cards from my little friends at church and to check on me. I did without any pain medication or anti-nausea medicine all day Thursday.
Then, Friday came. I was expecting the worst, because we all know that our grandmothers tell us that "day 3" is the worst day of all. So, I woke up at 5:30, and Dan helped spur the kids to get ready for school. My sweet Moe brought me a massaging neck pillow for my headache/neckache. And I was bored. Bored. Bored. So, I drove over to the Wellness Center and walked half a mile. Then, I drove to school and picked up my kids. It was a great day. I took in about 47 ounces of the 64 ounces I am shooting for. As it is only day 3, though, I really can't hold that much at one time. But I will get there. Friday ended up as another "no pain medication" day, praise the Lord.
Today, I am taking it easy, watching Netflix, and catching up on some crocheting. Nothing major. And, I am praising the Lord. You see, now, I understand His timing. It wasn't about my timing, it was about His. He worked things out, and is providing me with an exceptional healing experience. Now, I am not naive. I know I will have bad days, but I pray that each of those "difficult" days will lead me to remember the blessings He has provided me!
And finally, a huge shout out of thanks to all of you who have posted on my Facebook, texted, called and checked on me, helped me out. The love and support I have received is totally overwhelming...
Thanks, Friends. I love you!
Monday, December 8, 2014
Third Time's a Charm, Right?
Well, today may be a myriad of posts. I am home and pre-op today, so I am ALONE! For those of you who know us, you know I am never ALONE! I am in the same building with one of my kids at all times! So, today I have a relaxing day planned. I plan on packing, maybe cleaning a little, and working on some crochet/knit projects that I am trying to finish up.
In the last few weeks, I have been asked multiple times if I am nervous, excited, scared, etc. Well, in all honesty, I am tired. It has literally been 18 months since I first visited the Bariatric Clinic to start researching this procedure. At that time, I was very skeptical. But the more I investigated this procedure, the more interested I became. I was mid pre-op procedure in February, when it was cancelled. Then, I did the whole "pre-op" thing again in June. Now, here I am again!
I really haven't felt like posting much in the past 6 months. It has really taken me a lot longer to recover from the last surgery than I thought. But, I am now able to breathe without feeling it, and only rarely do I have any pain or twinges. That being said, I am not overjoyed at more anesthesia and cutting.
I will say this, the liquid diet is not as bad as you would think. I even went to a Grow Group Christmas party on Friday night, and had a great time. I ate some soup before we went, then had a shake while I was there. I stayed away from the food, and it was good! Then, I got home and we had been "Elfed" by our dear neighbors, with a box of goodies from Rosie's. I have just ignored the box this whole weekend, and I have made it fine. I will say this, I am a little anti-social at meal times. I find that I feel a little selfish right now, but I have talked to Dan and the kids, and let them know it is just a survival thing for right now, and that it WILL get better soon.
Thanks for all of your continued prayers...I hope to post again soon!
Love you all!
In the last few weeks, I have been asked multiple times if I am nervous, excited, scared, etc. Well, in all honesty, I am tired. It has literally been 18 months since I first visited the Bariatric Clinic to start researching this procedure. At that time, I was very skeptical. But the more I investigated this procedure, the more interested I became. I was mid pre-op procedure in February, when it was cancelled. Then, I did the whole "pre-op" thing again in June. Now, here I am again!
I really haven't felt like posting much in the past 6 months. It has really taken me a lot longer to recover from the last surgery than I thought. But, I am now able to breathe without feeling it, and only rarely do I have any pain or twinges. That being said, I am not overjoyed at more anesthesia and cutting.
I will say this, the liquid diet is not as bad as you would think. I even went to a Grow Group Christmas party on Friday night, and had a great time. I ate some soup before we went, then had a shake while I was there. I stayed away from the food, and it was good! Then, I got home and we had been "Elfed" by our dear neighbors, with a box of goodies from Rosie's. I have just ignored the box this whole weekend, and I have made it fine. I will say this, I am a little anti-social at meal times. I find that I feel a little selfish right now, but I have talked to Dan and the kids, and let them know it is just a survival thing for right now, and that it WILL get better soon.
Thanks for all of your continued prayers...I hope to post again soon!
Love you all!
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