RNY Surgery July 2010
Just wondering...
Hi everyone...just wondering how everyone is doing on your journey.
What is your biggest accomplishment?
What is your biggest struggle?
What is different than you thought it would be?
How are you feeling?
How much have you lost?
My biggest accomplishment has been starting to exercise again and actually enjoying it. I was weightlifting for about 6 months prior to surgery just to try and build up some strength. I got back into that about 2 weeks ago and started Yoga last week. I've been to Yoga twice and really really like it! It's been years since I have tried it and I haven't been since I had my hip surgery almost 2 years ago.
My biggest struggle is the vitamins. I'm just really having a hard time getting my vitamins, calcium, and medication in. Still working on it...ohhhh and not drinking while eating! VERY hard. I hate it when my mouth feels dry or needs to be rinsed out. So, I end up taking some sips. :(
I guess I thought I would lose more up front. I'm trying so hard not to compare myself to others but it's hard. I get worried that I will be the ONE person this doesn't work on. Everytime I get on the scale and it doesn't move or it moves up...I think...oh great, I guess that's it. I'm done. Rationally, I know it doesn't make sense and I talk myself through it, but I have had so many failures...
I'm feeling almost normal. I think the exercise has helped that quite a bit. I still have some bouts of nausea pretty frequently...I hate the taste in my mouth! Bleh!
I've lost 39.4 pounds. I so badly want to say 40. I will feel like 40 is significant because I can't remember being smaller than that in at least 11 years...Probably longer but that's what I remember!
Can't wait to see what everyone else says???
Namaste :)
Tammy
What is your biggest accomplishment?
What is your biggest struggle?
What is different than you thought it would be?
How are you feeling?
How much have you lost?
My biggest accomplishment has been starting to exercise again and actually enjoying it. I was weightlifting for about 6 months prior to surgery just to try and build up some strength. I got back into that about 2 weeks ago and started Yoga last week. I've been to Yoga twice and really really like it! It's been years since I have tried it and I haven't been since I had my hip surgery almost 2 years ago.
My biggest struggle is the vitamins. I'm just really having a hard time getting my vitamins, calcium, and medication in. Still working on it...ohhhh and not drinking while eating! VERY hard. I hate it when my mouth feels dry or needs to be rinsed out. So, I end up taking some sips. :(
I guess I thought I would lose more up front. I'm trying so hard not to compare myself to others but it's hard. I get worried that I will be the ONE person this doesn't work on. Everytime I get on the scale and it doesn't move or it moves up...I think...oh great, I guess that's it. I'm done. Rationally, I know it doesn't make sense and I talk myself through it, but I have had so many failures...
I'm feeling almost normal. I think the exercise has helped that quite a bit. I still have some bouts of nausea pretty frequently...I hate the taste in my mouth! Bleh!
I've lost 39.4 pounds. I so badly want to say 40. I will feel like 40 is significant because I can't remember being smaller than that in at least 11 years...Probably longer but that's what I remember!
Can't wait to see what everyone else says???
Namaste :)
Tammy
Biggest accomplishment is that I am losing and hopefully will never gain it back again. I am so happy to have a permanent solution. I have gotten down into some smaller scrubs for work and I'm folding up all my "big" clothes to give away. Always before when I dieted I would keep them b/c I knew eventually the weight would come back.
The hardest thing (literally) is the constipation. I have the worst hemorrhoids I have ever had and I am in pain. I'm taking stool softenener and MOM as needed but the roids are killing me! This morning I actually made a concoction of oatmeal, prune juice, skim milk, equal and unflav protein powder - hoping this may help
Other than that I am feeling good. I still have to eat mostly mushy stuff - if I try to eat more than a 1/2 oz of something like chicken or beef cut in small pieces it does not stay down well - if I puree it a little bit I'm fine. Still working on small bites, eating slowly but doing well.
See ticker for how much I've lost.
It looks like you are doing great Tammy!
The hardest thing (literally) is the constipation. I have the worst hemorrhoids I have ever had and I am in pain. I'm taking stool softenener and MOM as needed but the roids are killing me! This morning I actually made a concoction of oatmeal, prune juice, skim milk, equal and unflav protein powder - hoping this may help
Other than that I am feeling good. I still have to eat mostly mushy stuff - if I try to eat more than a 1/2 oz of something like chicken or beef cut in small pieces it does not stay down well - if I puree it a little bit I'm fine. Still working on small bites, eating slowly but doing well.
See ticker for how much I've lost.
It looks like you are doing great Tammy!
Debbie
Highest weight 295/Surgery weight 280 (15 pounds lost prior to surgery is included)
Highest weight 295/Surgery weight 280 (15 pounds lost prior to surgery is included)
HI there...I am new here..
My biggest accomplishment so far is that I am not day dreaming of Ice Cream and Sushi and not in that order Yuck..
My biggest struggle is not getting on the scale 4x a day...(oh and taking my vitamins correctly oh and chewing slowly)
I am not as hungry as I used to be of course but I have felt hunger and it was real because my tummy was growling and I gave i****er and waited like they say...and still it grumbled so I ate.
I dont quite feel great yet...I have no energy I sorta feel the same to be honest. I am 4 weeks post op VSG.
I have lost 33 lbs so far from the beg of the 2 week pre-op liquid diet tho.
So I am excited I am sure all is good... I am not abnormal I have compared myself to others and I am not going to cry about my situation being dif from others..I used to compare my kid to other kids and I stoppped doing that so I am not going to do the same with me. It is so easy to do believe me.
My biggest accomplishment so far is that I am not day dreaming of Ice Cream and Sushi and not in that order Yuck..
My biggest struggle is not getting on the scale 4x a day...(oh and taking my vitamins correctly oh and chewing slowly)
I am not as hungry as I used to be of course but I have felt hunger and it was real because my tummy was growling and I gave i****er and waited like they say...and still it grumbled so I ate.
I dont quite feel great yet...I have no energy I sorta feel the same to be honest. I am 4 weeks post op VSG.
I have lost 33 lbs so far from the beg of the 2 week pre-op liquid diet tho.
So I am excited I am sure all is good... I am not abnormal I have compared myself to others and I am not going to cry about my situation being dif from others..I used to compare my kid to other kids and I stoppped doing that so I am not going to do the same with me. It is so easy to do believe me.
"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anybody can start today and make a new ending!!"
I think my biggest accomplishment is starting an exercise plan. I'm walking 40 minutes a day 5 days a week. After Labor Day, I plan to start a water exercise class twice a week. I am having a huge problem with heel pain right now which makes walking feel awful.
My biggest excitement has been pulling out clothes that were too small and wearing them:) I am not losing as fast as I had expected at the beginning. I worry that I won't be able to lose what I need to lose. I've lost 22 pounds in the 5 weeks since RNY. The majority of that was in the first 2 weeks.
My biggest challenge is getting the 64 oz. of water in. It's weird because pre-surgery I drank about 96 oz. a day. I'm just not that thirsty, except for immediately following a meal when I feel like I'm completely parched. Quite often, the water makes me feel nauseous, too.
Sarah
My biggest excitement has been pulling out clothes that were too small and wearing them:) I am not losing as fast as I had expected at the beginning. I worry that I won't be able to lose what I need to lose. I've lost 22 pounds in the 5 weeks since RNY. The majority of that was in the first 2 weeks.
My biggest challenge is getting the 64 oz. of water in. It's weird because pre-surgery I drank about 96 oz. a day. I'm just not that thirsty, except for immediately following a meal when I feel like I'm completely parched. Quite often, the water makes me feel nauseous, too.
Sarah
Includes 16 pounds lost pre-op.
My biggest accomplishment... I would say is wearing a size XL clothes. I now need all new clothes, I'm not complaining!
My biggest struggle is protein drinks! YUK! Can't do them at all any more.
I guess for me I was suprised when I was actually hungry and that I want to eat. I have heard so many say that they have no desire to eat.
I also thought I would have lost more weight by now. I have stalled weight wise but am still losing inches (especially the boobs)!
I was worried about going back to work (I have a physical job) but am doing and feeling well. My foot pain is gone.
I still worry daily if I will keep the weight off this time.
Tia
Ready to bring on the beautiful!
*includes 23 lbs lost prior to surgery, but not the water weight in hospital.
Ready to bring on the beautiful!
*includes 23 lbs lost prior to surgery, but not the water weight in hospital.
I am in a unique situation as up until July 22 I had a lap band. It slipped more then half way down my stoamach and caused serious acid reflux problems so now I am starting over with the gastric bypass.
It is very different then the lap band as I had the surgery so quickly once they figured out the band had slipped I didn't get any of the pre op classes or support groups to prepare.
Many of the eating habits are the same so I guess I am fortunate in that respect as I already know I can eat only a little bit. Big difference is WHAT i can eat that will take adjusting.
I am so nervous that this will fail also and I will never get close to my goal weight.
Vitamins and supplements are the worst for me. I start out good and then fizzle out. I know in my head I can't this time as I could really suffer without the supplements so I need to get it in my head that supplements are NOT an option.
*SIGH*
It is very different then the lap band as I had the surgery so quickly once they figured out the band had slipped I didn't get any of the pre op classes or support groups to prepare.
Many of the eating habits are the same so I guess I am fortunate in that respect as I already know I can eat only a little bit. Big difference is WHAT i can eat that will take adjusting.
I am so nervous that this will fail also and I will never get close to my goal weight.
Vitamins and supplements are the worst for me. I start out good and then fizzle out. I know in my head I can't this time as I could really suffer without the supplements so I need to get it in my head that supplements are NOT an option.
*SIGH*
I'm so sorry you had such a tough experience. I think you will do well with the RNY though. I'm having a rough time with the vitamins too. I know I need them and I get started well in the mornings but then I get busy at work and forget and by the time I realize it...I've messed up!
Hope you are doing well!
Hope you are doing well!
Hi All,
I am a newbie here. I am just getting started after my surgery. Like most of us, I have lost and gained over 100 lbs over 10 times over my life and I finally got tired of the struggle and had a RNY procedure in July of 2004. The surgery was not successful because there was an undiscovered hiatal hernia which was thankfully repaired. The surgeon told me in recovery that he could not make my stomach as small as usual. I was very disappointed. Finally this year, I met another surgeon that took a real interest in me and my situation. We were able to have the insurance cover the re-do. On August 16th, I had the surgery I dreamed of 6 years ago. I was very motivated and was very careful to follow the two week liquid program before surgery. It has been 5 and 1/2 weeks since my surgery and I have lost about 55 lbs. I feel better, and am able to wear clothes I haven't been able to wear in years. I still have a long way to go, but I have made a good start.
My biggest accomplishment to this point is keeping my sanity. This past summer was jammed with personal and professional milestones. I completed and defended my dissertation, had a daughter turn 16 and get her drivers license, I turned 50, I graduated from my doctoral program, had a big celebration party, had my surgery, celebrated my 25th wedding anniversary, and my youngest daughter just turned 13.... I did all this from June 19th to the 24th of September. I am tired. The word that keeps coming to mind is survival. But I made it!!!
My biggest struggle to this point is learning to deal with my emotions...especially the negative ones. In the past, I would just retreat to the kitchen and eat a slab of cheese, or hunk of meat. I have learned that I need positive outlets to release my stress and anxiety. (Can anyone else relate?) I am usually a very easy going and low key person, but after the surgery, I have found that I have a difficult time letting things go and moving on. Anyway, the groups like this one have been inspirational to me and exercising helps too. I am trying to learn new ways to keep myself healthy and react in a more positive manner.
What is different? I thought that I would lose weight slower and that I would have more energy. So far, I have lost weight faster but have less energy. My doctor has already reduced my high blood-pressure medicine. With the small caloric intake, I find myself running out of energy a lot sooner in the day than before. I also didn't think I could get along without caffeine and diet sodas. So far, I have not had any difficult giving up coffee, tea and sodas. I have found Chrystal Lite and sugar free Popsicles.
I am really trying to exercise regularly. I have a treadmill which I am using for the first time in years. It is great. I also try to take long walks on the weekends. This is not easy for my sedentary job. I just have to do it before or after work...every day!!!
How am I feeling? Overall, I feel really good. With the exception of the low energy at night, I am lighter, feel better in my clothing, and my feet hurt a lot less (I have plantar faciitis). I was very surprised at how little pain I had from the surgery. I really did not need any pain meds...just used ice.
Today I am hopeful and am trying hard to protect my little pouch from expanding. I try to eat and drink small amounts and keep my protein to 70-90gms per day as my dietitian told me to do. I really want to succeed this time.
So far so good!
Blessings to you all
JB
I am a newbie here. I am just getting started after my surgery. Like most of us, I have lost and gained over 100 lbs over 10 times over my life and I finally got tired of the struggle and had a RNY procedure in July of 2004. The surgery was not successful because there was an undiscovered hiatal hernia which was thankfully repaired. The surgeon told me in recovery that he could not make my stomach as small as usual. I was very disappointed. Finally this year, I met another surgeon that took a real interest in me and my situation. We were able to have the insurance cover the re-do. On August 16th, I had the surgery I dreamed of 6 years ago. I was very motivated and was very careful to follow the two week liquid program before surgery. It has been 5 and 1/2 weeks since my surgery and I have lost about 55 lbs. I feel better, and am able to wear clothes I haven't been able to wear in years. I still have a long way to go, but I have made a good start.
My biggest accomplishment to this point is keeping my sanity. This past summer was jammed with personal and professional milestones. I completed and defended my dissertation, had a daughter turn 16 and get her drivers license, I turned 50, I graduated from my doctoral program, had a big celebration party, had my surgery, celebrated my 25th wedding anniversary, and my youngest daughter just turned 13.... I did all this from June 19th to the 24th of September. I am tired. The word that keeps coming to mind is survival. But I made it!!!
My biggest struggle to this point is learning to deal with my emotions...especially the negative ones. In the past, I would just retreat to the kitchen and eat a slab of cheese, or hunk of meat. I have learned that I need positive outlets to release my stress and anxiety. (Can anyone else relate?) I am usually a very easy going and low key person, but after the surgery, I have found that I have a difficult time letting things go and moving on. Anyway, the groups like this one have been inspirational to me and exercising helps too. I am trying to learn new ways to keep myself healthy and react in a more positive manner.
What is different? I thought that I would lose weight slower and that I would have more energy. So far, I have lost weight faster but have less energy. My doctor has already reduced my high blood-pressure medicine. With the small caloric intake, I find myself running out of energy a lot sooner in the day than before. I also didn't think I could get along without caffeine and diet sodas. So far, I have not had any difficult giving up coffee, tea and sodas. I have found Chrystal Lite and sugar free Popsicles.
I am really trying to exercise regularly. I have a treadmill which I am using for the first time in years. It is great. I also try to take long walks on the weekends. This is not easy for my sedentary job. I just have to do it before or after work...every day!!!
How am I feeling? Overall, I feel really good. With the exception of the low energy at night, I am lighter, feel better in my clothing, and my feet hurt a lot less (I have plantar faciitis). I was very surprised at how little pain I had from the surgery. I really did not need any pain meds...just used ice.
Today I am hopeful and am trying hard to protect my little pouch from expanding. I try to eat and drink small amounts and keep my protein to 70-90gms per day as my dietitian told me to do. I really want to succeed this time.
So far so good!
Blessings to you all
JB
