Checking in with my Oregon Friends

Hi Everyone,

I've been absent so long I almost didn't remember my log in.  I got an e-mail notification someone left a message on one of my pics and I thought I better get on here and see what's going on with everyone.

It has been since May of last year since I posted an update on my profile.  Since then I had my 1 year revision post op appt. with my 2nd surgeon, Dr. Deveney at OHSU.  He says I'm doing grand and to keep it up. My labs are all normal now too.  Says to see him again in another year.  He claims he doesn't want to lose track of me.  I think that is in part because he ended up giving me a gastric sleeve and he wants to see how it holds up over the years.  He said he made my stomach so tiny, and that is probably why I had such a problem with pain when I swollowed in the beginning.  I don't have any pain anymore.  He said I could expect my sleeve to stretch a bit over time, so I try to keep on top of my weight.  However, I only weigh myself about every 2-3 weeks now.  I still have reflux and take Prilosec OTC twice a day, and that keeps me in check.

As for my weight, I am just SO happy!  Prior to my first surgery, my goal was to be at 120.  And I am at 120 now, and have been hovering around 118-121 for over 8 months.  I've noticed some changes in my body as things settle out and I gain back all the muscle I lost while I was so underweight.  My biggest problem is I haven't made the time to really get into an exercise program yet and I'm feeling flabby with this extra skin.  I don't truly think I'll ever be happy with the skin, and will eventually want it taken off around my waist.  I'm hoping with exercise I could get my legs looking good enough to not need anything done there.  Problem is, I am still VERY surgery shy, and still WAY in debt.  So surgery would be WAY down the line if I ever feel up to it.  In the meantime, I try to reconcile my mind into being happy with myself just the way I am.  It's hard.

As for my eating, I can tell I can eat a bit more at a sitting now, but still usually never more than about 1/2 of anything served to me. And I'm fine with that now.  I still bring home leftovers and actually eat them.  As far as the foods I'm eating, I can eat anything with no problem.  No dumping, since I have all my intestines back absorbing again.  Luckily, I have lost my severe sweet tooth, and I'm not a fan of sweets and desserts like I used to be.  I'd rather have a nice turkey sandwich than a candy bar.

All in all, even though I lost a year to getting to my ultimate outcome, I am satisfied with my sleeve, the fact that food doesn't hurt me, my eating habits and built in portion control with my tiny stomach.  I'm SO glad I have my intestines back absorbing.  I feel NORMAL now!

And an update on Family...I'm still married to my wonderful hubby.  He is a doll.  We had our one year recommittment ceremony last July, and will be doing another one this July.  My kids are happy and healthy.  Hubby has a great job as an electrician and I still have  my same job in HR.  They actually held my position for the 5 months I was off. 

I finally got the insurance company to pay for my 2nd surgery on appeal, so those bills were taken care of.  What a relief!  I still have major debt for living for 5 months without pay, and hubby without work for 6 months.  But we are making a dent now that he has a good job.

I can't complain.  Life goes on as NORMAL and I don't think much about the fact that I went through this.  It's so nice that it isn't in the forefront of my thoughts all the time like it was.  I think the further I get away from my revision, the better I will continue to feel, and heal.  

Sorry I've been so absent.  I do hope everyone here is doing well.  I have some catching up to do.

Kim, I am so glad to hear you are still doing well and are back up to your normal weight.  Enjoy life and keep in touch.  Julia

Thanks, Julia!  You look great!

Kim,  You look great too---I love you new picture and hair-do.  Julia

well hello there! I have wondered how you are doing. I was a preop when you were going through all of the problems with your surgery..I am glad things are great!!!

Tina

Hi Tina, Glad to see you are on the other side! Hope all is well!

 Kim!  It's so good to hear from you.  Better still to hear that you are doing well.  You gave us all a scare there for a while.  I'm so glad you found Dr. Deveney and that he managed to help you.  Health is one of the biggest keys to being happy. 

I had a major spinal fusion in November and was just sure I'd end up gaining weight due to lying around on the couch.  Turns out I ended up dumping another 12 pounds since the first of the year.  My restriction is really back and I'm just not hungry.  Really doing well.

It's so good to see you here.  Don't be a stranger!

Linda

Linda, sounds like you are doing great!  You've sure been through it with your back.  Wow.  You look wonderful! Congrats on your success!

Great to see you posting again, I was wondering what was happening with you. It's wonderful to hear that your revision went well and your finally living a normal life, you had such a rough time.
Take care of yourself,
Ciao Leslie