18 Months Post -Op,

Happy Holidays -
I apologize for the long delay of an entry, but my life has taken a huge spin about and I've not had time.
So as most of you know, I am 18 months post op and have inspired FIVE of my friends to journey down the WLS road as well.  All I can do is be supportive and cheer them on.  I am willing to help those who want to help themselves. Know that WLS is not for everybody, sometimes diet & exercise is enough.

The first holiday of this season was extremely difficult for me to manage, believe it or not. I managed to get through it and MANAGED to even hit more than 1200 calories that day  without exploding.  Its all about portion, moderation, and timing.

Since this surgery, I've managed to switch from eating good snacks to being a choco-holic, but with severe moderation. I have maintained my weight since August and am please as is the Doctor.  I still struggle with thin hair due to lack of protein requirements in my diet as well as Vit D deficiency and Vit B6 & 12, but those can be fixed with  daily supplements.

With Winter upon us, I can start to get out and do some snow shoeing. I'm so very excited.

Just thought I would pop in and wish all of my followers a Merry Christmas.

Here is an updated frontal comparison as well as side views.

Hugs,
Bonnie

12 Months and 3 days Post op VSG - no Regrets!

Hello,
Its been since November 2012 that I wrote last.   Six months Post op.  That seems like ages ago.  I'm sure my entries will be come less and less as time goes on.

Today, I am 169.8 pounds! :)  that would be 159 pounds LESS than I was when I started my journey, for those of you counting pounds.

                                 June 10, 2011  @ 331 pounds      February 17, 2013 @ 181 pounds

I'm ecstatic.  I can't believe how great I feel, how  I look, and how awesome my support system still is.  I've become a support people too for several people in various states of a gastric surgery or weight loss..  I am helping them (I hope).  I was blessed with the tools and a second chance on life.  I want to pay it forward.  I don't pretend to be a know it all, I just know what I know and what works for me.  I will never say it will work for you. I can only share my experience. I've had some ask for help and take it. I've had some ask for help and not take it.   Those who've asked and took it have been successful, no matter the route they've taken.  Those who have failed have probably lied to me and themselves.   I'm not offended or upset.  You have to want this. You are the maker of your own destiny. YOU control your own life.  If you lie to yourself  when it comes to what you eat, how you eat, and why you eat, then you lie to ONLY yourself and nobody else.  Until you are honest with yourself, you can not make the change.  I was there once.


I have managed to accomplish a lot of Firsts in the second half of my year.  I've fit into a kayak without squeeeezing into it, I've played broom ball, went snowshoeing, gone ice skating with my children, started running three days a week with the help of couch to 5K with TIED shoes, I went on the water slide at Jay Peak Pump House without worrying about the weight limit, I BOUGHT a real bathing suit (not just shorts and a tank top), and I hiked Hunger Mountain.  I did it!  All of those things, with doubts and apprehension, but I did it.

My yearly check ups went great. I followed up with my Surgeon as well as my primary physician.  I mainly went to my primary to thank her for the push.  She pushed me once and I bucked her because I was lying to myself.  The second push from her was not bucked.  I thanked her at this visit in many tears of happiness.    For those of you wondering... There are NO regrets, even though I've had a few side effects, but what's to regret?  SO what I lost my thick hair, I got a great new hair cut :) and So what if my Vitamin B12 is in the toilet.. Its just a needle once a month. But, my cholesterol has dropped drastically as well.  The good is coming up and the bad is going down. My weight loss has slowed/plateaued and now I've started to build muscle :)  Yeah me!  The picture above was taken April 26, 2013 near my one year surgeversary

 I've probably added 10 or more years onto my life.   I enjoy every day as the gift that it is.  There are challenges and struggles that go along with this, but ya know what?   I'm alive! I'm healthier.   I will get to grow old with the one I love and  enjoy being a grandmother, (Eventually).  I have so much to be thankful for. 

I will admit that I did become a bit of a food Nazi around the holidays and after it was pointed out to me multiple times,  I toned it down and eventually all together stopped being vocal about it.  I guess I was just so excited to be so healthy I got carried away.  I wanted everybody around me to be healthier too.  Ya know... They are!  I guess part of me was jealous which I why I was so Nazi-ish.  They were eating sweets and junk, as much as they wanted and when they wanted without a worry.  I missed that, but I did really well.  I did eat some of it.. Some of it I paid for and some I did not.

I am frequently asked now, 'Can you eat this?  Can you eat that?'  The answer is "YES."  I can eat whatever I want.  Does it agree with me?  Not always, but I never refuse myself anything.  That's where you get in trouble.  I eat what I want when I want just knowing the consequences and prepared to deal with them.

In fact my tastes have changed drastically.  for those of you who know me.. I never did chocolate,  sweets, or steak. Well, Now I don't do milk, bread, rice, or complex starches regularly either, but give the chance for chocolate cake or a piece of steak.. You betcha!  All in moderation of course. 

Again I thank all of my friends and extended family for your constant support and encouragement during this journey.  I especially thank my immediate family for putting up with all the Nazi business AND my frustrations, discouragement, and whining.  Without you being there to keep me strong and steadfast, I would not be on the right track and I would be standing alone!  I love you all

With Chocolate Kisses,

Bonnie

Six month four day- post op!

Six months Post Op!
Well today I weighed in being 6 months and 4 days out. 207!!! Not quite below 200 which was my six month goal, butHaven't seen this in months, heck; YEARS. Who am I kidding?! 124 total since the beginning and 100 # from surgery date!! Excited? You bet! Considering they advised 80 pounds is the norm in the first year!

It's amazing the people that drive right by me because the just don't recognize me or people who don't wave for the same reason. Heck my own mother drove right by me cuz she thought "somebody else" was driving a car that looked like mine. It's ok, I don't recognize me either.

I have to share what happened to me just yesterday. I was asked, when I was at CVMC to get blood drawn if my personality changed; mind you my youngest daughter was with me ( my physical support person - one of them through all of this) .. Anyway, simultaneously we answer " she says 'YES' and me? I say no!! Lol. We both laugh and then I look at her confused - STILL IN FRONT OF THE REGISTRATION PERSON She simply says " she's Much happier". My heart melted. It's true. I'm happy with me, loose flabby skin, missing belly button and all! Healthier! The new me! This woman proceeded to talk to us about wanting to do this herself, but had no support. Before I could say anything, my youngest daughter says to her "Ill be YOURS! I'll go with you every step if the way". Needless to say this woman and myself were moved to tears for two entirely different reasons! How proud I was!

Keep in mind The last six months have NOT come without challenges, but the successes outweigh those Ten to One (10:1. )
I often get asked "what, if anything, do I regret about this surgery/ process?" My answer: NOTHING! The only challenge I constantly have is I've yet to find a food that cures the 'need' to eat. You know that comfort food the one that satisfies. Haven't found it. I HAVE found my sweet tooth :/ which I NEVER HAD. For those of you that are thinking " oh no!" No worries, two pieces of dove bar and I'm done. :). If The fat content in anything is higher than 4g- my body throws a fit, therefore I stay away, but it's soo worth it The only issue I hate and am trying to really grasp ahold of is the major amount if hair loss. But hey, what's a lil clogging drain or rats nest hair brush!? Lol. Biotin and B complex overload is my best friend these days.

I worried in the past I'd fail, but I don't anymore I'd slip back. I listen to my body (as I always have) and pay the price if I don't. This is a LIFESTYLE change not a quick fix. In fact, I've taken over all the grocery shopping AND food preparation at home. oh don't worry, Matt still cooks but with me by his side AFTER I've / we've shopped. Lol. Makes him crazy but it needs to happen.

Another question I get asked is "what can you eat?" I'm just like you I can eat whatever I want. Just depends on whether I want the consequences or not. If I don't eat it, it's because I don't want the consequences,it's not because I can't. Did you think is give up grilled cheese forever!? Haha - you're funny. Once a month (due to bread and fats) I treat myself - yes I do pay but I do treat myself to half a sandwich :).

I've managed to now run 2 miles, walk 4.5miles and hike more! All without struggling. My middle son and I fave plans for some XC skiing this winter as well as some snowshoeing! how excited am i to be able to wear ski pants. :) with all this exercise I hope to tone and prep my cardio for the spring.

My goal is to run the Sap Run @ Maple Festival time in April 2013, but my first running attempt, I think will be is going to be the one mile Reindeer Run in St Albans December 6th. :).

14 weeks post op.. challenges loom

It’s been a while since I’ve blogged and I truly apologize.  I’ve been a little busy.  Work, a 2 year old, August Birthdays AND Matt gone to guard camp, but today (at work) I’ve made time..

For those of you asking and counting ~ 243 as of August 2^nd and still coming down.  My next professional weigh in is November, right before the Holidays :/  The past fourteen weeks have proved to be a challenge every day, both good and bad equally, but there isn’t a day that goes by that I regret my decision.  Say it’s the easy way out, say I cheated.. Say whatever you want, but know doing this was never an easy decision.  There are days I question (due to the challenges) myself as to whether I did the right thing and the answer is always the same, but I never regret it.

I am down a total of 88 pounds since June 10, 2011 and since surgery date weigh in, I’m 64.8 pounds down!  Yeah for me!  Its still coming off to the point where it scares me because of how fast its coming off.  The purpose of all this right?!  Here’s where the challenges come in.

It does, however, seem like I have MORE of a body image issue now than I ever did when I was morbidly obese. Everybody else is full of praise and wonderment at my transformation, but I only see the flaws, I never saw before.  Sounds like it’s time for a support group meeting.

I love the fact that I can get rid of my clothes and buy new ones.  Shopping has a whole new meaning. I actually enjoy it.  And the new underwear – ah the new underwear.. NO more granny panties.  

 The types of food I love to eat have ceased to exist.  Anything I eat makes me nauseous so I end up drinking my meals for the most part. However, I have discovered steak J and I love it.

I have also for the first time in probably 10 years went hiking on August 4^th with my Middle Son, William. What a great feeling. J 

And the other night… I watched Extreme Make over Weight Loss Edition.  I cried for practically the entire episode.  I kept thinking, I went through that, I know how she feels.  Did I really look like that and do I look like that now?!  Amazing transformation in progress.

june 10, 2011                                                                        August 2, 2012

Five weeks and still.........

So I'm five weeks post op and my next appointment isnt until June 21st :/  My home scale is broke and have yet to make it out to purchase a new one!  Im hearing lots of nice things from lots of people :))  Thank you all.
For those of you who ask, "Do you notice a difference?"  The answer is yes and no.  Yes in my clothes.  The old ones hang and the new ones are not even anywhere close to what I use to buy, which makes shopping fun! I can shop with my girls on the same side of the store and not "meet up" with them later :))

No.. when I look in the mirror, I dont see the weight coming off, but then again.... I never saw the weight going on either.  I never saw myself as 330 pounds.  But to look back now.. Holy Shit.  So comparing pictures, I see it.

Im struggling some with the diet piece of it.  I can eat some soft foods, but then there are some,, Forget it. They just make me vomit.  Eating and driving.. NOT AN OPTION!  Makes me throw every time :/  so its drink drink drink for me whilst driving.  No gum chewing sucks too.

I received a very nice compliment the other day and without even realizing it.. I was told that my story helps so many other people.  I dont see it that way, but if you can pull strength ideas from my story then please do so.. I loved knowing that I am helping somebody else.  Good for me (this time).

I love all of you who support and follow.

June 9 2011                                       April 21 2012                                                          

  
                                                                              June 9, 2012  

<3 Bonnie!

Week 3 Post Op!!!!

Post Op diet is killing me.. I really wanna just bite into a huge burger with cheese and onions.. I know that will NEVER happen again.  It will be the size of a Half Dollar at best :)

Life After Bariatric Surgery

The Post-Op Diet

Your special diet actually starts before surgery with 10 days of a high protein liquid diet.  After surgery, the diet progresses from liquids to regular food slowly over 6 weeks.

Phase 1 – Sugar free clear liquids enough to stay hydrated (includes water, broth, diet gelatin, decaf coffee or tea, sugar free clear beverages, etc.)

Phase 2 – High Protein liquids – includes milk and milk-based drinks, protein supplements, low sugar yogurt, creamed soup, low sugar pudding

Phase 3 – Blended – includes foods blended to a smooth consistency, plus protein supplements

Phase 4 – Soft - small portions of soft cooked foods

Phase 5 – Regular – small portions of high protein foods These diets are explained in great detail at the mandatory post op nutrition class.

Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation

Because intake of food is restricted, the post bariatric surgery patient may become vitamin or mineral deficient. All post op patients are prescribed nutritional supplements. Bypass and sleeve patients, because their surgeries also cause malabsorption of nutrients, receive multivitamins, iron, calcium with Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 and a B complex. Lap band patients take a multivitamin and calcium with Vitamin D. Labs are tested periodically to assure good nutrient status.

week 3 post op

I weigh in Wednesday.

277.8 and frustrated.

This week has been a frustrating one for me personally! I'm back to work full time which has been great. My co-workers have been so supportive, some even offering things I cant have just because they forget.

the frustration for me is the fact that  my body is not healing the way it is suppose to.  The drain tube has been out for two weeks, but I still have this horrible hole on my right abdominal side, its healing, just not like it suppose to.. So once again, I enlisted the help of my 13 year old son, who was so/so about doing it... the hole has to be packed nightly until it heals.  Grrr.

My other frustration is that while I'm losing the weight (and feeling great btw), I feel like it should be coming off faster. Some people who have been here say it could stop in a week or two because all i can do is WALK for exercise and then it will pickup again when I can become really active.

I've managed to get one of my garden boxes planted (thanks to Matt turning the dirt) and half of the large box has been turned (thanks to Keisha), but the rest.............. ugh, the rest!

I'm tired of sitting idly.  I feel like I should be able to be up and running around and have to constantly remind myself that I am ONLY three weeks post op.

Today,  went to do the trash run and as I was getting ready to load it in the car, my Oldest son, Kohl said "Mom, you're not suppose to be lifting anything",  as I continue to try, not listening to him, he said DON'T lift that, I will do it.  My response, I wasn't.. He said I saw you. Leave it for me and I will do it.  Jeez! :/ :)  So I left it.  I guess that part, not being able to do all I want or am use to doing is the most frustrating part for me.

I had a great conversation last night with a close friend of mine, who had full GB, she reminded me of the same things I already know!  She is 9 months post op, so she's been down this road, its just frustrating for me.

My 2 week post op check yielded 8 more pounds away bringing me to 277.8.. (54 pounds since  I started this journey).   I haven't seen this number since I was PREGNANT with my 13 year old.  HOLY Cow.  I'm not seeing the changes, OK maybe in  My feet, my fingers, and my upper body are losing it, but that is NOT the place i want it to go away! LOL.... I'm hoping its moving its way down and eventually these hips and ass will take some of the blame and shed it!.

I also received the offer of "new to me" clothes :)  size 16!  Yikes.. That scares me.. I haven't seen that size since BEFORE I was pregnant with my Youngest daughter 19 years ago.  but I gladly accepted them.  size 14 s my goal weight.  Don't ask what size i am in now.. I'm still wearing stupid tie string pants because of the incisions and drain site.  I'm guessing if I HAD to I'd be 22? Maybe..

Anyway, that my gripe for this week. FRUSTRATION.