One year ago...a little long but happy reading (with pic).....
One year ago I was undergoing my RNY surgery @ Toronto Western Hospital, prior to my 2 weeks of Optifast I weighed in @ 227.5 with a BMI of 44.3. I was wearing size 18W and was struggling to fit into my clothes but determined not to have to buy larger clothes. I was diagnosed with high choloesteral, had high blood pressure, my resting heart rate was over 90 and was constantly aware of how I looked and felt about my body and body image.
Today, one year later, I weigh 129.5 with a BMI of 25.1. I no longer have high blood pressure, high choloesteral, and my resting heart rate is in the mid 70's. I walk with my head held high with confidence and can now fit into a size 4 or 6. I continue to lose weight although it has slowed down signficantly as maintaining is now my focus.
I have lost a total of 98 pounds and I am very proud of myself.
I am 2 pounds away from 100 pounds and .2 points away from a normal BMI.
Things I have not eaten in the last year include:
-red licorise, allsorts and other previously beloved candy
-sugar free or regular pop
-ice cream cones OR sundae's from McDonalds (a regular staple to my pre-RNY surgery diet)
-Mento's (OMG was I addicted to these)
-I no longer crave Lay's BBQ potatoe chips and can have them in the house (yes I did try them but didn't like them and only had 1 chip)
-chocolate and chocolate cookies (although I do love the chocolate protein bars)
-my love for peanut butter has all but diminished
Things I still have difficulty eating include:
-steak
-chicken
-pasta (although I can eat lasagna)
-scrambled eggs (although I can eat hard boiled, quiche and fried)
-haven't tried pork products yet (not a big pork eater anyway)
-spicey foods still upset my pouch
Things I have learned:
-chew, chew and chew or my pouch will not be a happy camper
-food does not = happiness
-I do not need to buy everything that fits anymore
-I am glad that I took pictures along my journey and I encourage everyone to do the same (they speak volumes, especially when you are in a plateau phas)
-surrounding myself with support has made this journey much easier
-drinking water and liquids is VERY important
-listening to my body is VERY important, talk to the nurse when things don't feel right (I have been diagnosed with an ulcer and am now on medication - pouch is very happy now)
-RNY is a tool, I still have to make wise choices regarding what I eat, what I drink and whether or not I exercise
Today, one year later, I weigh 129.5 with a BMI of 25.1. I no longer have high blood pressure, high choloesteral, and my resting heart rate is in the mid 70's. I walk with my head held high with confidence and can now fit into a size 4 or 6. I continue to lose weight although it has slowed down signficantly as maintaining is now my focus.
I have lost a total of 98 pounds and I am very proud of myself.
I am 2 pounds away from 100 pounds and .2 points away from a normal BMI.
Things I have not eaten in the last year include:
-red licorise, allsorts and other previously beloved candy
-sugar free or regular pop
-ice cream cones OR sundae's from McDonalds (a regular staple to my pre-RNY surgery diet)
-Mento's (OMG was I addicted to these)
-I no longer crave Lay's BBQ potatoe chips and can have them in the house (yes I did try them but didn't like them and only had 1 chip)
-chocolate and chocolate cookies (although I do love the chocolate protein bars)
-my love for peanut butter has all but diminished
Things I still have difficulty eating include:
-steak
-chicken
-pasta (although I can eat lasagna)
-scrambled eggs (although I can eat hard boiled, quiche and fried)
-haven't tried pork products yet (not a big pork eater anyway)
-spicey foods still upset my pouch
Things I have learned:
-chew, chew and chew or my pouch will not be a happy camper
-food does not = happiness
-I do not need to buy everything that fits anymore
-I am glad that I took pictures along my journey and I encourage everyone to do the same (they speak volumes, especially when you are in a plateau phas)
-surrounding myself with support has made this journey much easier
-drinking water and liquids is VERY important
-listening to my body is VERY important, talk to the nurse when things don't feel right (I have been diagnosed with an ulcer and am now on medication - pouch is very happy now)
-RNY is a tool, I still have to make wise choices regarding what I eat, what I drink and whether or not I exercise
VSG on 01/08/13
Hi Cindy....I do have hanging skin on my upper legs, lower abdomen and upper arms.
I think as we age (I am 50), the skin does not rebound the same way as it does when we are younger. I am not sure of your age but some people are very lucky with how their skins rebounds, other's have issues.
With you being muscular, hopefully you will keep the muscles and the hanging skin will be minimal. I am also told that it can take up to 2 years for the skin to rebound - that's what I am hoping for anyway.
Keep up the good work
I think as we age (I am 50), the skin does not rebound the same way as it does when we are younger. I am not sure of your age but some people are very lucky with how their skins rebounds, other's have issues.
With you being muscular, hopefully you will keep the muscles and the hanging skin will be minimal. I am also told that it can take up to 2 years for the skin to rebound - that's what I am hoping for anyway.
Keep up the good work
(deactivated member)
on 10/14/12 4:53 am, edited 10/14/12 4:53 am - Peterborough, Canada
on 10/14/12 4:53 am, edited 10/14/12 4:53 am - Peterborough, Canada
RNY on 10/19/12
Lynette, you look friggin amazing and glad to see you have some of the same food issues as I do. I love licorice, but black it my favorite. I love love love peanut butter and ice cream OMG that is heaven.
I am hopeing that by doing without them for a while my craving for those foods will diminish.
I was at Costco today, getting protein shakes and Calcium for post surgery and I looked at all of the people eating samples and it didn't even bother me.
Congratulations on your success and your future.
I am hopeing that by doing without them for a while my craving for those foods will diminish.
I was at Costco today, getting protein shakes and Calcium for post surgery and I looked at all of the people eating samples and it didn't even bother me.
Congratulations on your success and your future.
WOW girl, you look amazing!!
I'm so proud of you!!
You look 30 yrs younger!!
Go get'em sexy momma!!
I'm so proud of you!!
You look 30 yrs younger!!
Go get'em sexy momma!!
Referral: August/2011 Nutrition Class: April 3rd/2012 TWH
Orientation: Jan/11/2012 at TWH Nutrition Assesment: May 15th/2012
Social Worker: March 6th/2012 at TWH Psychologist: May15th/2012
Nurse Practioner: April 3rd/2012 TWH Meeting with Sleep Dr: June 19th/2012
Meeting w Surgeon: Oct 12th/2012 Surgery Date: February 27th/2013
Orientation: Jan/11/2012 at TWH Nutrition Assesment: May 15th/2012
Social Worker: March 6th/2012 at TWH Psychologist: May15th/2012
Nurse Practioner: April 3rd/2012 TWH Meeting with Sleep Dr: June 19th/2012
Meeting w Surgeon: Oct 12th/2012 Surgery Date: February 27th/2013