Shauna's Weight Loss Journal - ThinnerTimes

Shauna · 07-19-2006, 09:52 PM

Hi Everyone! I’ve decided to also do a journal of my weight loss journey. I think that at times it will be uncomfortable sharing, but I want to be successful, and to be successful, I feel that I will have to put it out here and be honest with myself. It’s me being accountable.

I’ll start with my GBS doctor: Today was my physical exam, and it was the second and last visit with him prior to the surgery, which is next week. The total visit lasted less than 45 minutes and went like this:

- Sign Consent Forms
- Answer True/False exam related to GBS
- Weigh
- Check Blood Pressure
- Receive Pre-Op Instructions
- Exam
- Photo Taken

I’m not sure what I expected of the exam but ... It was one of those exams that I truly hate! Hop on the exam table wearing the backless gown and panties so that the doctor can check you out from chest to toe! Thankfully it didn’t last more than 3 minutes!

When asked if I had any questions, I only had a few because, like I told him, this board is a great source of knowledge! My questions and his answers (not too convinced on all of them!):

Q: Will I have a proximal or distal operation?

A: He only performs proximal operations because the weight loss difference is not that great. Plus, for distal patients who do not religiously take care of them selves – taking their supplements, etc., they have poor health afterwards.

Q: Why do some patients dump, while others do not?

A: He says that while he had not experienced it, he thinks that every patient dumps but subconsciously stop eating as their body is preparing to dump. Therefore, the dump does not occur.

Q: What are my nutritional goals, as for protein and supplements?

A: For the rest of my life, take daily:

- 2 Multi Vitamins with Iron or 4 children’s chewable vitamins. (I’ll probably do the Flintstones!)
- 2 Calcium + Vitamin D Supplements
- Sublingual B-12 Tablets (500 – 5,000 mcg)
- Do not worry about the protein levels – You should be OK.

Q: What is the goal pouch size once I reach my desired weight?

A: He says that it should never get over 1 oz!

Q: What was his honest opinion, after looking at my body, regarding excess skin?

A: He said that I was young and that we’ll take care of it afterwards (PS).

Q: What are my Pre-Op requirements?

A: Liquid Diet on the Day prior to Surgery

To me, it all seems odd… Like maybe he’s only into the business for money. I don’t know, but I do know that I do not want to change doctors at this point. He’s nice enough but there are some things that concern me. Instances include: He doesn’t see the necessity of consulting with a nutritionist or counselor prior to or after surgery. His philosophy is, after the first six weeks of liquid / semi-gooey foods, that you basically eat what you want, and your body will let you know if it is OK to continue eating it! That is so different from what I have learned here, and I will follow your example. Again, I want to be successful.

Tonight at the pharmacy, I bought the 2,500 mcg sublingual B-12 tablets. I took one to see how they work – I was super tired this evening. I’m not sure if they work or if I am imagining that I’m not tired now! I haven’t been yawning for a couple of hours.

Tomorrow morning, I am going for my hospital tests. I’ll post a much shorter post about it afterwards!

Thanks for listening to the long post and for all the great advice!

Shauna · 07-22-2006, 09:56 PM

Thursday, I completed all my pre-op hospital tests: Chest X-Rays, abdominal sonogram, urinalysis, blood work, and pulmonary tests (breathing and blood oxygen level). Everything was fine until the last test, which was the blood oxygen level because they take the blood from an artery. Oh my! While I thought that it was painful for the needle going in, it didn’t compare to them digging in my wrist trying to find the artery!

The energy left my arm, and I seriously thought that I was going to faint for a moment. I know, big baby!! Thankfully, it didn’t hurt over 15 minutes. My sister was with me, and we laughed afterwards because what will I do next weekend when I’m really in pain from the surgery?? I’ll live on pain medications!

LyndasRoom · 07-22-2006, 10:51 PM

You'll do wonderfully Shauna! It's on to the countdown now!

Shauna · 07-26-2006, 09:54 PM

I visited the pulmonary doctor on Monday, and after a hundred questions, like why did I chose to do surgery now, what diets have I done, how much weight have I ever lost at one time, etc. etc., he acted surprised that I don't take any medications currently and other than being too fat and a few related minor issues, I'm healthy. So, then he began to tell me ALL the possible negative side effects of WLS! I was glad to tell him that I've researched the surgery and am comfortable with my decision. Finally after a seemingly long visit, he said that he would give his approval.

I spoke with my doctor's office today, and they just received the pulmonary approval today. They were worried that they wouldn't have it in time!

Tonight, I began the first steps to prepare for Friday morning's surgery. While I know that I'm making the right decision, it's still ... Scary?

Shauna · 08-25-2006, 10:47 PM

Today made me four weeks post-op, and I went to the doctor today for my release. My doctor was surprised that I've lost 37 lbs in four weeks and said that I'm doing good.

In two weeks, I'll be able to begin eating normal again. The doctor said that I could eat basically anything, including fruit and fresh vegetables. I'm kind of scared to eat fruit since it has so much natural sugar, but I look forward to eating fresh vegetables.

This week has been so much better, as compared to the first three weeks, and I finally see that it is going to be worth it!

AlabamaChick · 08-26-2006, 08:27 AM

Shauna, I'm so happy you are doing better now!

Shauna · 08-28-2006, 07:06 PM

I picked up this terrible 'cold' that is going around - stuffy head, runny nosey, sneezing, watery eyes, the 'I don't feel well' summer whatever. Anyways, so I went to my PCP today to get some shots to get rid of this, and I've lost 40 lbs as of today!

The nurse was like, 'I knew something was different about you when you walked in!'

When I first had the surgery, I had hoped to lose 25 - 30 pounds the first month. My imaginative dreams weren't 40. While I know a lot of it was probably water weight, it has made a difference in how I look and how my clothes fit. Weight lost is weight lost!

AlabamaChick · 08-28-2006, 08:20 PM

Great job Shauna!!!!!!! Now you are finally understanding what it feels like to enjoy the surgery, AFTER it's done! LOL