One Month Update

Hi Gang, Just wanted to update on my progress so far. Today was my 1 mo. anniversary; hard to believe I was tapping the morphine this time a month ago but the pain and the memories of the anxiety of dying on the table have all faded now. The incisions are healed and I'm back to work, exercising each day and figuring out this new pouch thingy. I had a slow start. While trying to get in all my protein I overdid it on the soups and ended up losing only 4lbs. at my 2 week checkup. Believe me when I say I was pissed. Here I rearranged my guts and I still can't lose weight??? First thing I wanted was a cheesesteak. Now, where did that thought come from??? I hadn't had any cravings or desires for anything and I'd been working the program as I was told and it wasn't bad. Whamo! Stress. The nutrionist, my husband and I all agreed it had to be the sodium in the soups I was consuming; even though some of them were low sodium it was more soup that I ever ate before. I asked to resume my diuretic but the doc didn't want me to. The nutritionist told me it was ok that I didn't make my protein goal this early out, to relax a little. To complicate that matter a little more I've found out I'm allergic to Whey protein concentrate which is in most of the protein powders and drinks as well as most yogurts, especially the smooth ones they want you to eat first out and I was pretty swollen from the allergy. Only Dannon light n fit works for me. I've switched to soy protein w/no problems but I'm trying my best now that I'm on pureed to get in as much through real food as I can. I haven't minded any of the phases thus far, nothing's bored me or made me throw up except for Profect, (the smell and texture was not for me!) everything's gone down almost too easy. I'm 95% happy about that and 5% waiting for the other shoe to drop. I can't really feel my pouch yet so I don't know when to stop so I just measure 2-4oz for everything. I'm now up to walking 3/4 mile each morning and this morning the scale showed a 27lb drop since surgery. Ta Da!!!! That's 23lbs in the last two weeks after getting rid of the soups and the swelling from the allergy. I feel great, have plenty of energy, didn't experience any of the post-op depression I've heard of and am off my GERD, Blood pressure and all but a trace of my diabetes pills (& no more needles!). So far it's been an all around positive experience and can I say thanks to all of you who helped me get through the anxiety of surgery and to the other side. I appreciate it very much. And to the Big Guy upstairs...thanks for watching over me and please do the same for my friends on this board awaiting surgery. God Bless you'all! Jackie

Jackie, Congratulations, 27lbs in a month is awesome. Im glad you figured out what was causing you the allergy and the slow weight loss. I had my surgery about a week before you and have been switched to solid foods (yipee!) but Im taking it slow. I haven't dumped or thrown up (except for one chicken incident) either and know what you mean about waiting for the other shoe to drop. Glad to hear how well you are doing. Tammy

Jackie, Congratulations on your weight loss this past month and on your anniversary!! Sounds like you are working it all out and doing great! Keep up the good work! Great job! Hugs, Deanna

Wow Jackie! Best wishes and keep it up!! God decided he wants you to stick around for a long time so think of it that way. Best wishes and much love/Hugs and Kisses, Sandy

Jackie, you are doing so good. Way to go girl!!! I am so happy to know how great you are feeling. You are doing super in the exercise department...I have kinda slacked off . I was going for walks almost daily for the first 2 weeks but now my walking days are spotty. I need to get my walk on! Congrats on doing such an excellent job! Elisa