Laureate's update - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Laureate · 11-05-2009, 05:52 AM

Judging from a lot of what I have read, I have been among the luckiest ones post surgery.

My operation was quick and went without a hitch -- unlike the woman ahead of me, whose scar tissue dragged hers out for more than three hours. I did well in the hospital and have done ever better since leaving.

I have been walking my dogs, raking piles of leaves and getting on with life fairly easily. I've been able to really enjoy my second week off work -- I even spent one day in the Smokies, which aren't but an hour away for me.

I feel fine to return to work next week.

I've tolerated the post-op foods without a problem and have gotten in plenty of protein. Protein shakes with skim milk have been no struggle and I've even enjoyed a few bites of scrambled egg and (separately) refried beans. I've had some Vitaminwater drinks as a change from Crystal Light products. Believe it or not, I got sick of SF popsicles!

Hungry? Nope. Not even head hunger. Yesterday, in town, I smelled wonderful smells coming from a nearby restaurant. I paused, enjoyed them, but got none of the hunger repsonse I used to. It was very nice -- like being immune to the sirens' song.

Today, I go to the surgeon's to get my annoying drain removed. I don't think I ever needed it judging by the lack of drainage. And aside from intense itching around the suture sites, I'm feeling strong and able.

I am already off of three medicines: Mobic for arthritis in my knees, Metformin for my now-gone diabetes and spiranolactone for swelling and blood pressure issues. Docs have also halved the dosage of a second blood-pressure med, Diovan, and anticipate my not needing it in a couple of months.

I'm still taking Protonix (and acid reducer) for the next couple of months until my pouch is well healed, and might get off that, too. I'll never get off my thyroid hormone because my thyroid is long gone due to cancer surgery almost two years ago.

Now for Laureate's lament:

Where's the weight loss? OK, I know it is coming down the road, but it sure is hard to go day after day under 1,000 calories (and yes, getting in plenty of fluids) and not see the scale budge. As I have said to a couple people, it feels like someone has played a mean joke: I've been punked!

Anyway, I know this is impatience talking and the loss will come. But it feels good to get it off of my chest for now!

TxHunni · 11-05-2009, 06:13 AM

Ohhhh Terri, I'm soooo glad to hear you're doing sooo well. I've been getting discouraged (scared?) hearing all the problems on here and it's sooo good to hear a good after-surgery post. I bet attitude has so much to do with it.

Keep those good posts coming

Highlandlass · 11-05-2009, 06:43 AM

Hi Teri, just think - you have lost 40 lbs since your high weight - that's awesome. Line up 40 lbs of butter or, a better example, like Valerie Bertinelli, get a 40 lbs pumpkin and that's what's gone already. The wait is worth it in weight loss!!!! I just came out of a 3 week stall, and can tell you I was pretty impatient too and now, all of a sudden I'm down another 3 lbs. You are so early out yet and like I said probably have some edema and fluid retention still. Its going to happen - you haven't been punked!!!

Diann · 11-05-2009, 06:52 AM

Hi Terri, You are doing an amazing job with your recovery! Raking Leaves - WOW. I had my surgery on Monday, came home Tuesday and and I am up and walking but still sore, especially my back. I am sure you will see the weight tumble off -I bet you are holding in some fluid, I feel water logged myself from all of the sipping. I know exactly what you mean about the SF popsicles too ! I am ready for something thicker than clear liquids. It is wonderful to hear that you are doing so well and I hope you continue down that road. Best wishes, Diann

Beth in Texas · 11-05-2009, 07:27 AM

Goodness Lady, you are quite an inspiration! I feel better and better each day, and can't wait to move on from this Hell week as it's been called. I believe just as Diann said, that scale will soon move in the direction we're expecting.

I believe what you've been able to do over the last week and a half is remarkable! Just keep doing what you're doing, enjoy the wonderful fall air around you, and remember that we're on the right side of time now! We're on a remarkable, life changing journey together. It's going to be great! /hugs!!

BrandnewMe · 11-05-2009, 08:16 AM

Glad to know you are feeling great! The weight loss will come, it's taking time to readjust to the new way. Your body thinks it's starving so it's probably holding on to everything right now. Once it realizes this is the new normal, it will start letting go.

Have fun these last few days off before returning to work!

Laureate · 11-05-2009, 09:53 AM

Thanks, you all. There's not a cloud in the autumn sky right now. I feel so lucky I have been well enough to enjoy, what for our area, has been the best of the season.

My impatience is, in part, because I have a closetful of nice clothes that I outgrew way to fast and I really want to wear some of them -- or at least a pair of jeans!

I actually bought a cool, new casual purse about a month back to carry when I can wear jeans again. 10 pounds down ought to put me back in them.

Come on, 10 pounds! Get off, 10 pounds?!

Vetty · 11-05-2009, 09:56 AM

You are doing so great! I hope that I can do as good as you! How is it being on the other side really? I am so excited for you!

Laureate · 11-05-2009, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vetty

You are doing so great! I hope that I can do as good as you! How is it being on the other side really? I am so excited for you!

For me, it has been no problem. As I said, I have had itchy sutures, but my PCP said use a little over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream and that has kept the itching under control.

Otherwise, I have done extremely well. I feel great. No hell week, although I did hate being in the hospital -- just because.

All that said, I tend to bounce back very well, period. Maybe attitude has something to do with it, but I think it's as much physiology, too.

Either way, I'm not knocking it.

Vetty · 11-05-2009, 10:41 AM

You so inspire me! You are a very stong person!