Update - 2 Months Post-op

Today was my 2 Month Post-Op with Dr. Srikanth.  I was very nervous (my blood pressure was 155/115 when I arrived and I have no history of hypertension) and then very relieved when he told me that I was doing a super job!

I have lost a total of 85 pounds since 10/01/2008.  I lost 40 pounds pre-op between 10/01/08 and date of surgery, 11/19/08.  Since Surgery (almost 9 weeks) I have lost an additional 45 pounds (I had a stall week 3, but for the past few weeks have been averaging a loss of one pound daily).

I am very pleased with my progress and very happy that I'm achieving it with a purely restrictive procedure.  I'm still on soft foods, but this Wednesday, 01/21/2009, I move to the period of virtual endless possibilities.  Obviously, my new tiny tummy is doing its part in allowing me to "eat" only about 1/3 cup of most things thicker/denser than soup.  I'm very pleased with my decreased hunger - I literally have to force myself to eat because I am just not hungry!  As long as I continue to make healthy food choices, drink my protein, and take my vitamins/supplements I am confident that I can continue losing weight at a steady pace.

The exercise component is a burden for me due to osteoarthritis in both knees, chondromalacia patella, Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  While I'm please with my weight loss, a part of me is also frustrated because I know that if I could exercise like a normal person; especially aerobic exercise, I'd be losing even faster.  That said, I am exercising at least 30 minutes daily; I attend a "gentle yoga" workshop weekly, and physical therapy twice weekly for back pain.  My last two PT sessions have been in the pool and I was told today that I as a patient, I could use their pool free of charge to walk laps, etc..

I have outgrown most of my clothes.  I've been living in clothes that other WLS patients provided to me.  In Oct 2008, I was wearing at least 32/24's.  I had to purchase a pair of black slacks for a function in Seattle tomorrow night and found that I could fit into pants ranging in size from 22-26 depending on style, manufacturer, etc.  I'm wearing size 24 jackets.  My regular shirts have gone from 5X to 2X.  One of the hardest things to get used to is clothes touching my body.  I was definitely of the mind that baggy would camouflage my girth.  I am very much looking forward the OH WA Forum members meeting this weekend; to both get rid of some clothes and hopefully find some new ones.

It's not been a bed of roses these past two months.  I've dealt with fatigue and exhaustion brought on by both over exertion too quickly and not getting my protein/liquids/supplements in every day with 100% compliance.  I'm having issues with rashes under my breasts and in my abdominal folds.  I developed a series of boils (I have a history of cystic skin issues) under my arms and around the sides of both breasts which had to be lanced and required antibiotic treatment.

Even given the above, I have never, not for one second, regretted my decision to have WLS.  At minus 85 pounds I already have more energy and feel better overall.  Each day is a blessing and each day provides a new opportunity for success.  I will continue to take advantage of the gifts I've been given and thankful for the support I receive from my family, my friends, my surgeon, and members of this forum.

It's only going to get better!

Amy

Congrats on your success!!!!

I can totally relate to your comment about is my clothes being more form fitting...and how odd this feels... when I was heavier... I always liked my clothes a little loose.. shirts always past my the biggest part of my hips... now... I have several shirts that are tighter... its taken me a while to get use to my evolving body.

Helen

I think you are doing great too!!  Don't stress about the exercise, you are being more active and that counts more than you think!!

Your doing Fantastic! Those numbers are impressive. Hard to belive there is no malabsorpton!

Denisr

Oh Amy...forgot to say...I think Srikanth needs a new blood pressure monitor. My blood pressure was high like yours yesterday...and I don't have hypertension either.
Ura has said theirs runs high......

ttfn
Denise

CONGRATS, Amy!!!  You are doing an awesome job!!  You are so right - it is only going to get better...  Keep up the great work!
Hugs!

Great Job!!! Keep up the protien and Walks, the yoga will be great for you as well as walking laps in the pool.

I too see Dr. Srikanth and I thought that his BP Monitor was high... THe last two readings have been higher for normal for me too. But honestly I thought it was because I had gained a little weight. Thursday is my last (6 month) weight in and then all my documnets go to Cigna for approval.... I am so nervous, excited and a starting to get a little scared. But I will be a ROCK for me... I have to do this it's the only way I can honestly see having success at winning the battle of the bulge.

SARA
~M

Congrats Amy! You are doing fabulous! I hope that you can make use of the Size 22/24 things that I bring this Saturday!

Amy , you're doing fantastic ! I had terrible osteoarthritis in my knees , too . I have had surgery in both of them . The pain has decreased at least 75% since i've lost the weight . I don't have the Chonic fatigue syndrome or Fibromyalgia (sp) , like you do  . Hopefully those problems will improve , too .
When I was losing weight the fastest , I was tired & got dizzy easily , which I think is typical .
Congratulations on the great Doctors visit . I'll see ya saturday .  Kathy