Holiday Time

I started this last month:

It's the end of the Thanksgiving weekend and I have so much to be thankful for and since I haven't written an entry since August I thought I better get to it. Almost nine months since my surgery and almost 80 lbs lost.

Fast forward to today:

I really have been meaning to get back here but every time I think of it something distracts me; tonight I am determined to finish this entry.

Dave and I have been working with a personal trainer at the Y. It is fun to have our sessions together - to see if I can keep up with him. The only thing he beats me at is push-ups. But I surprised myself and was able to do 15 (the boy way not on my knees) the first time I tried. Now I can do 3 sets of 20.

Tonight I had to search in the storage shed for our bible (Jena has a religion final tomorrow) and came across my high school uniform. So I brought it in to try on. It fit!! Funny how our perceptions of ourselves change. In high school I thought of myself as fat. Now wearing the same skirt I think of myself as not skinny but as "not fat".

I am worried about the holiday eating. There is always lots of food - especially sweets - around. I have to stop my desire to "graze". Especially when I will be off work for 2 weeks. It is so easy to fall into old bad habits when I have lots of unstructured time. I will have to keep busy.

One way I am planning on keeping busy while at home with family is to start crocheting. I bought some yarn and found some simple how-to videos on youtube. They even have ones with instructions for left handers. If only I could see the stitches better - I need to update my eyeglass prescription. I will start with a simple scarf and go from there.

I hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday season. I'm not sure if I will have another entry before the new year, so Happy New to everyone. Looking forward to a happy and healthy new year.

Greetings from Hawaii

Maui is so great. We have an ocean front villa from which we can see the sunset between Lanai and Molakai. We can also see groups attempting to play volleyball in the up to 20 mph winds. It's hilarious.

Since I have been waking up by 8 am every morning, I go for a walk along the beach path. Last time we were here I considered walking to the pool enough exercise.

I also don't feel too self concious in my bathing suit - except for the loose skin on my thighs and upper arms. I have seen far worse bodies than mine in 2 piece suits.

On Saturday we are going up to the top of Haleakala, the volcano, to see the sunrise. We will then bike down to the bottom and have breakfast. I will probably need to being a protein bar to have along the way.

I'll let you know how it goes. Aloha for now.

Summer Fun

I have been enjoying summer - although since we are having a cooler weather than usual I am always cold.

My hair continues to fall out - luckily God gave me lots. I think it should stop soon and start its way back.

I am officially not fat any more - my BMI is 24.9 which is normal for my height. I am 9 lbs from my personal goal of 150 lbs. Perhaps I should aim lower?

Dave and I went to Napa, just for overnight, last weekend for our 17th Anniversary. It was nice to get away. I am such a "cheap date" - 1 glass of wine and I was "looped" as my mom would put it. (I wish she was here to see me achieve my goals.) The weather was nice and we had an enormous suite - 2 tvs and 2 bathrooms, what more could we ever need?

I have started working with a personal trainer at the Y. I hope I can tighten things up before we go to Maui in August, but its only a few weeks away. Oh, well, Jena and Dave will just have to deal with saggy ol' me.

I hope everyone else's summer is going well too.

Hair

Well, my hair is starting to fall out. Not that I am going bald but I am seeing a lot more hair on my hands when I wash my hair. It is an inevitable side effect of rapid weight loss; because the first month or so I was not getting enough protein. It will grow back. Lucky for me I have thick hair so it probably won't be noticeable, but I have gone back to my natural curly hair. All the blow drying and flat ironing seems to be more stress than my tresses need.

On a positive note, I am now a size 10 (I was a size 18 before surgery). One thing I have noted is that sizes have gotten bigger - meaning the last time I was this weight (about 20 years ago) I was a size 14. They have defiantly reworked women's clothes sizes to make us all feel smaller, but I'm not complaining.

I am meeting with a personal trainer at the Y on Monday to get a fitness assessment. I need to get on a program to tighten everything up. My skin and muscles need tightening. After all we will be in Hawaii in about 6 weeks and don't want to look all "saggy" at the pool.

Surgiversary

I had my 3 month Surgiversary on Tuesday. All has been going well, except that I found out that I am iron deficient and now take 3 iron tabs a day. If you have never taken iron I will tell you there are 2 bad side effects - this falls into the TMI category so don't finish this sentence if you would rather not - my poop is now a greenish black and I have lots of constipation.

On Friday I saw the surgeon. He is very pleased with my progress - 50 lbs down (I have lost 87% of my body fat), no more high blood pressure, no more diabetic tendencies, no more sleep apnea. I just need to be diligent about taking my vitamins and that darn iron. As a way of reinforcing that message I was told that one of the deficiencies that could result from not taking my vitamins is irreversible neurological damage. That scared me.

I have been trying to get to the Y 2-3 times a week. I am up to 10 minutes on the elliptical machine now and do 10 circuit weight machines - total weight lifted at last visit 10, 225 lbs. I am meeting with a Y "wellness" coach next week to get some exercises to tighten my flabby upper arms and sagging butt.

Jena and I went to her Alumnae picnic at GMS last night. None of the teachers, staff or parents there knew about my surgery. Most boldly looked me up and down and then said, "Wow, you lost a lot of weight." I just said, "Thanks." I have been so open about things, but didn't feel I needed to explain it to everyone there. It felt weird and good.

So glad it's finally summer weather here. I think I will go for a swim.

I have been feeling great.

I have been feeling great. I have one 4 ounce drink for breakfast that is 30 grams of protein. I didn't realize just how much better I feel since I have been having this drink daily until I didn't have it today. I was low energy all day.

I have been hitting the Y about 3 times a week. I have upped each machine to 2 sets and added 4 more machines. I still can't do more than 3-4 minutes on the elliptical machine but I am trying.

My weight hasn't moved much in the past few weeks - down to 184. But after reading some wls forums this is typical. The scale should start moving again soon!

60 - 14

I ate 60 grams of protein today!! Whoo Hooo!

The best part was that I had a cheesy, beefy burrito from Taco Bell for dinner - actually only 1/2 of it mostly without the tortilla. It was the yummiest thing I have eaten since surgery. I know I cannot eat Taco Bell on a regular basis but it was so great to eat something that tasted so good and satisfying.

After Taco Bell we went to Kohl's. Not my favorite store but I wanted to get a few pieces of clothing that fit. I bought a pair of jeans and capris - size 14. It will be so nice to have pants that don't fall off of me.

Thanks Dave for the early Mother's Day gift.

A whole week of work!

Wow, it's been a long time since I worked 5 days in a row. The first few days were rough and I had to leave early to go home and take a nap. But on Wednesday, I went to the van and took a nap at lunch time. I came back refreshed and stayed until 5pm. So I did the same thing on Thursday and Friday.

Unfortunately, I did not make it to the Y at all this week. I also did not go to yoga. I need more energy so I can work and exercise. My problem is PROTEIN.

I am only getting 30 -40 grams each day and what I need it 60. I did get some meal replacement packets - 8oz with 27 grams of protein. They don't taste great but...

I have also discovered Greek yogurt. It has twice the protein as regular yogurt. It is thicker and tarter than, say Yoplait but again the protein is what's important.

Today I had to go to a memorial service so I put on my basic black slacks. They are a Lane Bryant size 18. I was swimming in them. Luckily my sister has been staying with us and had a pair of size 14 pants that I could borrow. Even they were a little loose.

I wanted to put off buying clothes but I think I need to get a couple of pairs of jeans for work. And I definitely need some new bras. But I think I will be conservative on how much I buy - I want to save for a huge spree when I reach my goal weight.

Back to Work - again.

This feels like de-ja-vu all over again. But this time I am back to work for sure. Although, I am not sure if I can make it the whole day without a nap.

I am still struggling with getting in enough protein each day, which directly effects my energy levels. I am adding Beneprotein to everything I eat. I just don't have much of an appetite. Sometimes the thought of eating makes me nauseous.

I went to the Y 3 times last week. I spend 20 minutes on the stationary bike then do 6 circuit weight machines. I also went to Yoga class at the dance studio. I had some trouble with movements that involved bending over and then coming slowly up - I got dizzy. So I limited myself to the floor exercises.

I saw Dr Lau on Friday - he was happy with my progress and suggested I use some high protein supplements until my appetite comes back. My next appointment is in June.

I guess I should get back to work. Updates to follow.

Starting weight: 219.5 Current weight: 189

Who needs a gallbladder anyway?

So life without a gallbladder is just fine. I am getting back to normal again, although normal is a relative thing. I am not totally sure what my new normal is, yet.

I don't have much of an appetite, I can't even eat the 4 oz. of food I should at each meal. My worry is that I am not getting in enough protein. I am supposed to eat at least 60 grams of protein per day - that means 15 grams at each of my 4 meals. Without enough protein I will burn away muscle instead of fat. I am adding extra protein to my protein drinks and just about anything else I put in my mouth.

I am really low energy, but am determined to start exercising. I will hit the gym this week.

Last Wednesday, I went to the WLS support group at Stanford. There were about 20 women there who have had gastric by-pass, lap-band or gastric sleeve surgeries. There were a few there who had not had surgery yet as well. It was great to share our experiences and hear from those who were at the 1 year mark. To see their success was inspiring. I think I will attend this meeting again.

For those who are wondering about where the gallbladder is and what it does here is some info took from webmd.com:

What is cholecystitis?

Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, a small organ near the liver that plays a part in digesting food. Normally, fluid called bile passes out of thegallbladder on its way to the small intestine. If the flow of bile is blocked, it builds up inside the gallbladder, causing swelling, pain, and possible infection.

What causes cholecystitis?

A gallstone stuck in the cystic duct, a tube that carries bile from the gallbladder, is most often the cause of sudden (acute) cholecystitis. The gallstoneblocks fluid from passing out of the gallbladder. This results in an irritated and swollen gallbladder.

After surgery #2

I am home from the hospital. My surgery was yesterday afternoon - they took me to the surgical suite around 12 noon and I was back in my room at 5 pm. The procedure was less than an hour.

The doctor's said that my gallbladder was "ugly" and had some big stones. It really needed to come out. So it was a good thing they sent me for the Ultrasound even though my symptoms did not present as traditional gallbladder inflammation.

There are probably easier ways to get another 2 weeks off from work but I'm not one to take the easy way. So I will take it easy for a few days and then hopefully get back to the exercise program I haven't really started.

Thanks for all the well wishes. I love you all.

Back in the hospital

I'm typing thison my iphone from my bed at Stanford Hospital. Why am I here? Well I'm going ti have my gallbladder out.

I started the day by having an ultrasound as ordered by my doc because of my abdomenial pain last week.

When I'm done with the test they called my doc who said I needed to be admitted. Of couse there were no beds available so I went back to work and waited for the call. A few hours later I was back at the admitting dept.

I don't know when my surgery will be, sometime tomorrow. I should be home by Saturday. I'll keep you posted.

What a week!!!!!!!!!

The week started out great. I went to the Y on Monday to see how I felt using the stationary bike. I did 2 miles on the bike and felt great. I know that's not much but I thought it was a good start. On Tuesday I went back and did a fitness assessment. I was psyched to learn how to use a variety of machines to start toning up.

My plan was to go again on Thursday, but Wednesday night I started having lots of pain. I guess I had been trying too many foods that it was too soon to eat. The final straw was a piece of meatloaf on Wed. for dinner. Within an hour I was in severe pain. I didn't sleep much that night or the next.

I finally saw the doctor on Friday. It may be gallstones (30% of people who have gastric bypass end up with gallstones). They also thought I had an UTI (urinary track infection - not the auto tech school).

I feel so stupid - I rushed the process. It was too soon to eat something like meatloaf. It will be a long, long time before I try it again.

It is now Sunday, and I am still not 100%. I was supposed to go back to work tomorrow, but, I am putting it off for a couple more days.

I have learned my lesson. The guidelines provided by the WLS team at Stanford work - if you follow them. I will not stray again.

Although it wasn't a Happy Easter for me, I hope it was for all of you.

Minor Setback

Well, this has been a tough week. I was all set to start an exercise regime. I went to the Y in Cupertino took tour and got a 7 day visitor pass so I could check it out.

But on Monday night as I was getting out of the deep corner of my couch (for those who have never seen it we have a monster sectional sometimes referred to as "the couch that ate the living room") I twisted and strained the muscles on my left side. It hurt to move or bend, even a little, on that side - which it where most of the surgery took place. I spoke with Michael, my surgeon's nurse coordinator, about it and was told to apply heat. This helped, but it is now Friday and its still sensitive.

Needless to say I did not begin exercising this week and I am disappointed. On the other hand, my weight is now 204 - down 15 lbs.!

I will hit the gym this week but not too hard.

Post Op Dr Visit

On Friday I went to see Dr Lau for my 2 week post-op followup. He removed the bandages - thank God, they were starting to itch - now there are just 5 small, about 1 inch wide, incision marks. Since I have been tolerating all foods on the liquid diet he said I could go on to try other foods. Yahoooo! Soup was getting boring.

Now, for the numbers: My pre-surgery weight was 221 and my weight on Friday was 211. So 10 pounds in 2 weeks. Not bad.

Once I start a real exercise program things will really start to move. I plan on starting to do more than just walking next week. Dr Lau said I can do anything that doesn't hurt short of skydiving and scuba diving. My plan is to join the Y.

The week after surgery I felt lost - a case of "buyers remorse". I was thinking, "What have I done? How will I ever live like this?". But as the days have passed I have become positive that I can be successful in this new life.

Thanks to those who have left comments. I love it, please leave more.

Out to Lunch

Big day today - I went out to lunch with my sister, Angela. It was great to find I could go out to a restaurant, even on the liquid diet. I had a lovely bowl of cream of potato soup - carefully avoiding the bits of potato and ham in it. I brought a protein powder packet with me so I could mixed it in. I did make a mess of my water by trying to mix in a single serving packet of Crystal Light drink mix. The cup was too full and I had to ask for an extra cup with ice to mix it in.

It was such a beautiful day; I took the dogs for a long walk on their new leash (one leash with 2 ends). I am not sure if they like it but it sure makes it easy for me to walk them both at the same time.

Mary, my oldest, dearest and tallest friend, texted me from Florida where she is attending a conference - she has given up soda in solidarity with me.

More Energy

My energy is really picking up. Yesterday I took a short walk with Jena - my first excursion outside since coming home from the hospital.

Today I took a longer walk, all by myself. Later, Dave and I went to the grocery store for a few things. It felt weird to be in Safeway - all the foods and smells. But we just got the things we went for and got out.

I am ready for more substantial food. This liquid diet is so limiting. Hopefully I can move on to the next stage - pureed food - soon. Yummmmmmm.

Post Surgery - Day 4

I came home from the hospital on Wednesday and went straight to bed. My sister, Angela, came over and made my first meal - vanilla yogurt with extra protein powder. Yummy, but kind of sweet. Why are all foods that have artificial sugar too sweet?

Yesterday, I was determined to have a normal day. Dave stayed home to help me. It was funny trying to get him to understand the "recipe" for enriched milk (1/4 cup of dry milk added to 1 cup of skim milk). He needed to make 2 cups of e-milk to make a package of instant pudding. Chocolate pudding, mmmm...

My goal was to take a shower on Thursday but that didn't happen until today. Ahh, so nice to feel clean, but the yellowish antiseptic wash they put on you doesn't wash off. I guess it stains the skin.

Whew - not sure I was prepared for how lousy I would feel. I will take a walk today -if I can squeeze it into my busy nap schedule.

Thanks to everyone for your continued well wishes and prayers. I still need you all.

Love, MaryAnn

The day after surgery

Mostly i sleep

This morning i had a barium test to check
for links. I passed and my reward was lunch.

Cherry jello - too sweet
Bullioun - too salty
Lemonade - too sweet until i added the protien powder

I took a walk around the nurses desk. It made me a bit nauseus (sp?) no spell check on this blog lite software
On my iphone

Waiting for dave and jena to visit

At the hospital

Im at the hospital going through preop stuff.

George Shultz is here. Looks like his wife is having a procedure today.

They have taken my vitals and made me sign some forms. Im just waiting for my drugs.

They will take my phone soon. I will post again when i awaken.

3 days to go

My surgery is scheduled for 10:26 am on Monday. What a weird time - not 10:25 but 10:26 - I doubt they run the ORs that precisely, but ... So I have to arrive at the hospital by 8:26 am. This works out well. We can drop Jena off at school then head up to Stanford.

I made a list of foods I need to buy for my liquid diet - non-fat milk, non-fat dry milk (to mix with the skim milk to create "enriched" milk - more protein), non-fat sugar free yogurt, sugar free pudding mix (I will make the pudding with the enriched milk) and a few other allowable foods.

I think I will get a pedicure tomorrow - I'd hate to have the docs see ugly toes. What color is best for surgery - germicide orange, blood red, or scrubs green?

Thank God it will be a busy weekend cause I am counting the hours.

Pre-Op Visit

Eight days to go - I need to make a list of what to bring to the hospital. I need to get a robe since I will be up and walking the afternoon of the surgery.

I already have my vitamins (chewable) and calcium (liquid) that I will need to take everyday. Any medications I take after surgery will have to be either chewable or liquid since pills won't stay in my stomach long enough to dissolve and be absorbed. So many changes to come.

Friday I met with my surgeon to review the procedure, get prescriptions and sign the waivers. Then I met with the anesthesiologist, he explained how I will be put out for the surgery. I got most of the the paper work done so when I get to the surgery department next Monday I will be all registered. A very efficient system.

Emotionally, I am anxious and excited. I feel like I want to eat all the "bad" stuff I won't be able to eat after; every meal is like a "last meal". This is probably not the best idea, but what could it hurt?

I found this video on youtube that shows the surgery. Check it out.

Count Down to Surgery

Tomorrow it will be 2 weeks to my surgery. I am excited and scared; I am really doing this.
My primary care physician, Dr. Evaleen Jones has watched my weight struggles for the past 15 years; for the past 2 years she has been encouraging me to look into weight loss surgery. This past fall, I finally let her give me the referral to the surgeon.

After completing a brief survey about my health and weight history, I was given a appointment to meet with Dr. James Lau. I wasn't sure I would qualify for surgery but with a BMI of 36 and comorbidities (the simultaneous presence of two or more chronic diseases or conditions in a patient) of high blood pressure, pre-diabetes and sleep apnea, I was a candidate.

Dr. Lau explained that with the particular comorbidities that I have the Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass surgery would be more effective than the Lap Band or Sleeve, since it would resolve these issues almost immediately. After doing my own research I decided to go with Dr. Lau's recommendation.

I have my pre-op appointment with the surgeon and anesthesiologist this Friday. The count down continues...