Getting Real Fast

Hi friends,

I had my VSG in 2007.  Lost 70 pounds, felt amazing, had a new lease on life.  Then, in 2010, I became a parent of a special needs child through adoption, and I put everything aside to focus on this amazing little kid.  Well, he just turned 6, and I just got the wake up call.  I have gained 40 pounds.  Last fall, my bones and joints were hurting so much, I attributed it to a gluten sensitivity.  So I gave up gluten and added a probiotic to my routine.  It helped a lot--mostly with my IBS symptoms, and belly bloat.  But no weight came off.  I was still too tired--exhausted to exercise.  I would try.  I ran, I went to Orange Theory and loved it, but it took me a week to recover from every work out.  I really thought I'd spend the rest of my days on the couch getting bigger and bigger.

Last week, at my first physical in 3 years, I learned something startling.  My vitamin D level is alarming low.  17 (nml 30-100).  My vitamin B12 is also dangerously low 119 (nml 200 - 1100).  Part of the problem is the VSG, and my lack of any supplements.  Another part of the problem is the protonix I've been on since 2008 for GERD, which contributes to food intolerances and vitamin deficiencies.  I'm now on weekly b12 shots and a daily dose of 4000 ius of D3.  I also just ordered a multi vitamin, more D3 and calcium supplements from Bariatric Advantage, which I'm looking forward to starting.  Really hoping to see some vitality return so I can get this 40 off, and start feeling and looking like myself again. 

I had a dream surgery experience.  I followed the rules, lost the weight, had no complications, and found my life begin to expand in wonderful ways.  Now, I feel the shell closing up.  I hate going places, I'm back in hermit mode.  I need to get control.

I'm getting back to the rules immediately, including no slider foods, no junk carbs, no soda, 90 g. of protein, protein first, and low carb veggies second, no drinking with food, vitamins, exercise.  I will also continue to avoid wheat gluten, since it does seem to cause systemic inflammation in me.  In addition to the vitamin deficiency, I have high cholesterol (total and LDL).  I have an appointment for a retest in June, so I would like to see 25 pounds off me by then, with better blood levels.

If anyone else is in the same boat, please chime in.  We can support each other in this and get where we need to go.

Jen

How wonderful that you are focused on your child, and now yourself again. It is so hard to make sure we always treat ourselves with kindness, but we need to stay healthy and happy in order to help those we love also stay healthy and happy. You can do this. We can do this together. I am up about 17lbs and wake up every day committing to this journey - most days I do something off plan that moves me away from my goal, but I'm not giving up. One day at a time!!

Hi Jen!
Congratz on your new child at home!!!

I went thru the same thing. My ankles hurt every morning now. I gained 45pounds. This morning I was 187.7 UGHH!!!!!!

I was lazy with no energy either. I went to my doctor last year and I was given a monthly dose of B12 but I am anemic. My levels are low there. I'm pushing tho.
Today when I got on the scale and saw 187.7 I know that once I come home tonight.... I must do my T25. I need this weight to melt! I just wonder why is it so hard to come off now? Ugh!
Good luck! Let's get back on track here. Meal prep plays a big roll here.
Keep us posted!

I had RYN in June 2005. went from 305-175. Moved to NW Indiana and got up to 253. I've been doing the 5 day pouch test this week down 6 lbs this morning on Day 4. feel better. I didn't follow the rules and it was so easy at first. I need to connect with people and get this weight off, I feel terrible and feel like a failure.

You are so NOT a failure.  You kept off more than 50 pounds for 10 years!  That's amazing!!  We can get back on track.  We have the tools we need.  The hardest part is the physical withdrawal from the crap food.  You are already through that part!  You got this!

Hi Jen,

I've taken Bariatric Advantage vitamins ever since I was newly post-op.  I think getting your new vitamins from them will really help with your deficiencies.  You might think about using their auto-order so you don't run out and can keep on taking them without missing a beat.  

What a lucky little boy you have that you've devoted all these years to him.  Special needs kiddos can require lots of extra attention, energy and giving of ourselves.  I'm glad that you are giving to yourself by getting back on track, losing weight so you can feel better and keep up with him as he gets older.

Going back to the basics you've listed is exactly what it takes.  You'll get there.  I can hear it when I read your post.  One of the phrases I picked up from another BOTTer, DailyMae, is "Keep your head in the game."  I've taken that to heart.  Whenever head hunger hits or my mind wanders to consider an unhealthy food choice, I tell myself to keep my head in the game.  It has helped me so I share that to support you too.  

Best to you - Cathy

Thanks for the encouraging words, Cathy!  My vitamins arrived today, and I already took my 3 multi-caps.  :-)  I think the deficiencies might have been contributing to my bad food cravings, so I'm really looking forward to getting back in balance.  Empowering myself to make smart choices.  Had my 2nd B12 shot yesterday.  It's amazing how great I feel already!

Jen 

Hi Jen -

That's great.  I'm glad you feel better already.  I hope that continues!

As you can tell, I love quotes.  "Keep my head in the game" and now yours "Empowering myself to make smart choices."  Thanks!!!

Cathy