11 months post-op (long)

Dear OH Friends, I will be 11 months post-op tomorrow. I just thought I would drop a note to let everyone know how I am doing so far. Things have been going well. I weighed 118 this morning. That's down 107 lbs from my surgery day weight of 225. My "ideal weight" according to the "charts" is suppose to be 118 (which I hit at 10 months out--so I've been on a plateau this past month--no big deal). Although my surgeon originally gave me a goal weight of 110, I feel pretty comfortable where I am at now. Wouldn't mind making the 110 goal by my one year but don't feel stressed or obsessed if I don't. Kinda just want to stay under 120 lbs as my maintenance goal. I have some minor issues that I continue to address but nothing that makes me regret my decision to have the DS. My labs have been great and I will post my 1 yr post-op results next month. I have found that my appetite has definitely increased as compared to the first 6-9 months post-op. I do continue to deal with problems that are probably more related to my ulcers than anything else. I presently have at least one, rather large, incisional hernia on my left side. This is where the infection was that had to be treated and cared for by home health care until Christmas and my feeding tube. If I have any type of reconstructive abdominal surgery, the hernia issue may be a blessing in disguise. A plastic surgeon at a recent support group meeting recommends waiting until 2 years post-op from WLS before having any procedures done. So I guess I will wait another year to investigate the possibility of a tummy tuck (barring any problems from the hernia before then). I still have a few dumping/foaming incidents but they are only about once or twice a month at most and are manageable. I do have to limit my intake on rice, pasta, bread. I seem to be a bit sensitive to dense meats but do great with seafoods (which I prefer anyway). I've finally started exercising regularly (about 7 weeks now). I usually do a water aerobics class, 60 mins. on treadmill, and either a yoga or pilates basic class. I still don't enjoy any of it but I know I have to do it. The water aerobics class is not so bad but you can have it with the treadmill. I guess I mostly resent the time it takes out of my day to exercise. Now that the kids aren't in school for the summer, it's a bit more manageable. I hope to some day not dread the exercise thing like I do. All in all, life is good. My surgeon's office has had me speak to a few of their recent DS patients that are struggling. I've enjoyed doing that since I can certainly identify where they are coming from. I read the message board daily, even if it's just lurking. I always appreciate the honesty, support and information I get from everyone's posts--especially--Diana, Melissa Mermaid, Amanda S,--just to name a few. But, everyone that posts either to ask a question, answer a question, make an observation adds value to this forum and I appreciate it. Rhonda DS on 7/7/04 225/118/110

Rhonda, First of all, I want to say congrats on your success with the wls. It really helps for us pre-ops to hear post-ops stories/experiences with wls...whether it is good or bad. I wish I could say that I am going into this knowing what the outcome will be...but from actually being here on this site I have come to realize that anything could happen and that there are no set rules with wls. We can only give it our all and hope for the best. I am hoping that by next year I will have had wls and will be on my way to a healthier and more satisfied ME. I am doing all the required stuff...psyc consult, nutritional consult, gathering all the info that I think will help with the insurance co., keeping a food diary, trying to stay on track with the diet and hoping to force myself into the gym this week. As you can tell, I left the worst for last. Congrats again and hope that everything continues to go well for you! T--resa

Hi Rhonda - I'm Nancy (the nurse) from Kat's crawfish boil. You are doing really well and am glad to hear you're not obsessing about what an "ideal" weight should be. Live healthy and eat wisely (and yes, you must exercise) and all will be well. I'm down from 272 # to 162 lbs. and I am 5'10" so I really don't want to lose any more, though Dr. Lavin said I should stop around 160, which is 2 lbs. from goal. I have never regretted a day past this surgery and truly believe this has saved my life. I have so much confidence and enjoy buying clothes in the misses department (size 10-12). Life is Good, thank you, God! Best of everything, Nancy

What a ride you've had the last year. Congrats on the weight loss & improved health. 118 and a size 6 is AWESOME - who cares what the scale says.

Great to hear from you Rhonda!! I just got back from CA and tommorrow I'm going to head down to the personell office for the new hospital and talk to them about $$. Once I get that straight, I'll know what I need to do to go forward with surgery. Glad to hear that things are moving along for you... As for the exercise, I've gotten my own Gazelle, so I've kinda been doing that (well, cept while I was on vacation). I just haven't been able to motivate myself to do the water aerobics, despite how fun it sounds Keep it up! You're doing great.

Rhonda, I am so happy for you. You look so good. I hope that I get to my goal like you did. Lynn J., lap RNY 9/29/04 -122 lbs.