Just some thoughts… a pep-talk.

March 18, 2009 at 10:52 am (Weight Loss Surgery, WLS, WLS Post-op update)
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Everything is going okay. I’m feeling fine. I just was sitting here updating my little signature thing that graphs my progress… you see it below… and I started thinking about the psychological stuff that comes along with this whole thing.

When you go through the pre-op process one requirement is that you have a psychological evaluation done. Note: if your surgeon does not require this then I would seriously consider finding a new surgeon. I can understand how easy it would be to develop issues… many of which are, honestly, not bad but they do develop. Here is an example of ones that are not bad… it is still technically psychological, but not something where radars go up and you are considered to be “abnormal” on any psychiatrists list of definitions….

Anticipation… We all have this. Every single person who has this surgery done feels the “anticipation” of seeing that scale drop one more pound. When it doesn’t move there is, no matter who you are… and even if you haven’t had this surgery done, this “small” twinge of feeling that creeps up and makes you feel defeated, even if only for a moment. It may seem like it will take forever to lose the weight… another psychological thought process… but the reality is those who have had this surgery are losing an astronomical amount of weight very quickly. The first 75% of weight loss, based on every 100 lbs… they say…. is to basically be considered a “gift” and due solely on having had this surgery done. What you lose in the first 6 months is more due to the surgery than anything else that you do. They say that anything after that is your work. Your habits that you develop (eating and exercise) during those months after the surgery extend over and help you to continue the weight loss.

But… and going back again to my original thought… as you step on that scale and you feel that twinge of defeat because you hadn’t lost a pound in a day… wipe it out of your mind. For me I just think about how thankful I am that I am seeing these changes with my overall health improve. Hey… the Type II Diabetes has gone in remission and will STAY that way as long as I maintain. That is exciting. I will admit, though, that I get the psychological feeling of “anticipation” (anticipation is a psychological feeling, by the way… doesn’t mean you are crazy… sometimes we do feel like we may be just because we feel “anticipation”) when I stand on that scale and I am close to being in that next weight group… i.e., going from 200 to the 190’s, from the 190’s to the 180’s, to the 180’s into the 170’s, and now the 170’s into the 160’s…. you get the picture. For every group of 10 I find myself wondering, if just for a split moment, “Wow! What will it be like? I haven’t seen that weight in a long time.” Then I think, “Duh! You know what it will be like. It will be like it is right now! You will be standing here next month again asking yourself this same stupid question. That is what it will be like.” LOL! :O)

Another thing is the feeling, which here again is a psychological thought process, that even though you have lost all that you have you still look the same as you did before. You know that you don’t look the same, but yet in this small part of your brain you haven’t yet wrapped your mind around it. This is when you need to listen. Listen and accept the compliments that others will give you. Listen and understand that you are mastering a feat. You are doing good. Even if all you lose in a week is a half-pound you have to know that YOU are doing good. It doesn’t mean that you are at a plateau if you are still losing a half-pound, or even if you haven’t lost anything for two – three weeks. When you look at yourself in the mirror think about what you have done and the reasons why you are doing this and know you are doing awesome!

You will have moments where it seems so surreal. You will find yourself stumped by the very fact that at some point in time very soon you will be 100 lbs, or more, smaller. For me, and this is being honest, I have moments where I think it is unimaginable that I could be (and will be) as small as I was in high school. That I will be as small as my two oldest girls’ are now. If you have children that are in high school and are at the weight that they should be for their height… makes this fun. My two oldest girls’ have decided that instead of throwing out clothes that they “just don’t like anymore” they are holding them back for me. They are doing this of their own volition and I just can’t stop thinking about how cute they are. To take and think of me in that way. They are excited about this too. To them it is a opportunity to… LOL… “dress mommy up”. Just don’t let it get out of hand, is my thought on that. I do not think that as adults we should necessarily “attempt” to dress like teenagers… but instead buy clothes, or wear clothes rather, in a manner that expresses who YOU are. The hardest thing, yes, about losing weight fast is we go through this period where we are losing so quickly that our wardrobe can’t keep up. Face it. If you are trying to find a job and you need one good interviewing outfit… go to Goodwill or borrow a suit. AFTER you get the job you can explain that you have had this surgery and that you may not always have the ability to wear a different suit to work every day. Simply put, people are more supportive than you may think and you should NEVER underestimate your accomplishments. You did the surgery (or even if you haven’t done the surgery and are losing weight with your own will), that is a HUGE decision. You are showing dedication, you are showing will power, you are showing that you can accomplish a very difficult goal, you are showing that you care about your health, you are showing that you care about others, you are showing that you are able to handle tough situations. That makes you very special.

So the next time you are in that mirror and you have these small psychological thoughts creep up on you… just smile and know that you are someone who is making a difference.

Sorry if this seems like I have rambled. To many of you this is not a big deal, but it is for those who need to know… and sometimes it is just easier if it comes straight from someone who is walking through it. If you aren’t going through this process but have a loved one who is… YOU are everything to them. Remember they are not trying to make themself better than you…. they are trying to make themself better FOR you. Have fun with your loved one as they are going through this process. If you don’t like to shop… start. Go with them shopping, or do some online window shopping. If you don’t like one outfit tell them it is because of how the outfit is made, not how they wear the outfit. Explore the fun in helping them pick out clothes that are NOT black in color. It is spring… find some cute little outfit that (gasp) has polk-a-dots and that even though they may not be able to wear it right now you know they will be able to wear soon. Hang up the outfit so it can be a focal tool. Kind of like that old Yoplait Yogurt commercial for the “itty-bitty-tinny-weeny yellow polk-a-dot bikini”… just don’t make it a bikini just yet…. we may be sensitive to bikini’s especially if we know that there is a great chance that we will have excess skin that will have to be removed. Guys… don’t wear tight Speedo’s! THAT is just a fashion NO-NO!  Unless you plan on becoming the next Chris Jericho…or better still ROCK…  stay away from the tighty Speedo’s!  Just know that your loved one is thinking about how they are wanting you to love them for who they are. Your opinions DO matter.

Okay… I’m done. Now for me to break down this topic into smaller paragraphs. Till next time…. I’m off. Feel free to leave me a comment. I’d love for others to also see valuable insight, or questions that you may have as well. It does matter. It does help. Not for me specifically but for those who stop in and are reading. You are never to think you are alone in your weight loss issues. You are never to think that you are alone as a loved one who is trying to be supportive of another one going through this. You’re NOT!

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~Tammy~


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WLS Update: NOTE stomach flu after the surgery is BAD… VERY, VERY BAD!

January 18, 2009 at 3:49 pm (Movie Review, Uncategorized, Weight Loss Surgery, WLS Post-op update)
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Well, it has been a while since I have made a post to my blog. The days just seem to be passing by so quickly. A run-down…..

Christmas was good. My ex-husband lives in Illinois so my daughters don’t get to see him too often. I had made the decision that while he was here in town that the girls’ could spend the whole time with him. My gift to him, I guess you could say. Was it hard for me to not have them at home on Christmas day? No. I was just fine with it… because I had made that decision to let him have them all of the time he was here over Christmas. That was my decision and so I was fine with them not being here with me. They needed that time with him. My husband, son and I spent part of Christmas day over at my in-laws. It was a very enjoyable day and I had no problems as far as the post-surgical diet went or eating stuff that I shouldn’t have been eating.

New Year’s was a whole different story. It started out well, but ended rotten. I started out feeling great on New Year’s Day, but then by noon I started feeling really, really sick. I thought that possibly it was dumping syndrome, but I knew that it couldn’t have been that as at the moment that it started the only thing I had had was a protein shake, that I still wasn’t done drinking. The protein shake had the only new thing in it that I hadn’t tried up to that point: egg protein powder. The egg protein powder was actually great in making the shake itself seem light and it wasn’t bad at all, tasting wise, however I have since no desire to attempt that particular product again.

The symptoms reminded me of being in labor with my children, and that isn’t an exaggeration (unfortunately). Vomiting wasn’t there. Probably would be but with the little tummy food does not sit there long enough for it come back up (sorry so graphic). Dry heaves was more the issues than anything (again, sorry so graphic but I know that there are people out there who are will want to know specifically). After about 7 ½ hours of dealing with this and not being able to must up the desire to eat (which is a must) I was on the phone calling Carmel Surgical Specialists. Dr. Jones was on-call for their office over the holiday. Because of the extreme of the level of pain I was having, the nausea, the dry heaves and the probability that I was quickly becoming dehydrated she made the suggestion that I go up to Carmel St. Vincent’s ER. I am not that far from there, 20 minutes, so that was not going to be a problem.

I will honestly say I have not been in an Emergency Room yet that is like that of St. Vincent Carmel Hospital. Imagine walking into an ER going right up and immediately having your vitals checked out and then being taken back to one of 18 “private” ER rooms, that look just exactly like most of the private rooms when you are admitted to other hospitals, having the admittance person come right into your room to check you in, etc., etc. I asked what they do when they have a crowd of people in the ER at once. Where do they sit outside in the reception area? They told me they don’t sit in the reception area that they have always had enough beds (18 rooms plus) that they have never had to have anyone wait at all to go back. I looked at my husband and in between a pain episode I told him, “If I ever need to go to the ER again bring me here!” I love my PCP, he has been my Dr. for 18 years now, but I am sure he wouldn’t mind if I went to the other hospital branch that he is affiliated with. It is the same hospital, just in different areas.

The ER nurse had a little bit of difficulty getting an IV started in my arm. I was dehydrated pretty badly. It took her 5 sticks (which most nurses won’t even consider trying again after 2 or 3 sticks) to get the IV into a vein that wouldn’t roll on her. They sent me over to have a CT scan after they gave me some Morphine for the pain. Finished the scan, went back to the ER, and the ER nurse was rather agitated with the CT scan tech who turned off my IV fluid line. I didn’t know she did. I pretty much slept the whole time of the CT scan because Morphine, like most all pain meds, knocked me out. I was lucky that I even got off the bed and on the table to do the scan, and then back into the bed after the scan… I was THAT out of it. The scan showed that everything as far as my tummy went was just fine, in other words I didn’t have any obstruction or leaks. They also told me that the scan showed the staple line was healing just as it should and in the right time frame that they expect them to heal. That was good news. :O) BUT… It still didn’t take care of my issue. The diagnosis was in agreement with what I figured it probably was… the stomach flu… and a NASTY flu it was too. JUST as an FYI… the Incentive Spirometer (which I am probably misspelling) does NOT prevent you from getting the stomach flu!!!

I was admitted and stayed in the hospital until the 3rd of January… probably could have stayed a little longer, but I seriously got tired of staying in the hospital. Next time I will remember to have brought up to me either my laptop or at least a book to read! The silly IV came out of the vein at one point and I had to again go through getting stuck in order to get the line restarted. Four nurses and 7 more sticks later it was finally in place again. That was 12 sticks… ouch! My arms looked like a purple pin cushion. While I came home on the 3rd it actually took a whole week for that stomach flu to work its course. The pain was under control by the 3rd and that to me meant that I was at least functional again.

Went back for my six week check up with Dr. Gupta on the 15th (which was last Thursday), as well as for a Nutritionist visit. Everything there went well. Nothing out of the ordinary to tell there, except that my next check up is in another 6 weeks.

So… that pretty much does it for my update on how I am doing with this Roux-En-Y thing. Oh… weight lost? I guess I did forget to put that down here, didn’t I? Sorry. Since my last blog post I have lost 8 ½ lbs. and 16 ¼ inches over total body. That is a good loss in my opinion. I am satisfied with that. I think that 10 lbs. / month is a good steady goal to shoot for with my height and weight average. REMEMBER, those of you just starting this process or are thinking about going through with having this procedure, EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT!!! What is a healthy weight loss per month for one person is not necessarily going to be lost with another person. Some may lose way more, some may lose the average, and some even less than the average. As long as your Doctor is not concerned, as long as your Doctor tells you that you are on track… then that is all that matters. ALSO… stay away from the scales except for once a week… and start measuring yourself, too. Measuring yourself is a great way to see where you are losing weight at first, the most often, as well as to know that even if you aren’t losing a lot in pounds in a week you may be losing a great deal in inches. FINAL THOUGHT…. STAY AWAY from anyone that you know has had this terrible stomach flu especially if you are fairly fresh out from having the surgery done!!!

Till next time………. Go see two new movies out: Marley & Me and also Paul Blart: Mall Cop. Awesome movies!

~Tammy~


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RNY Post-Surgical Update

December 19, 2008 at 11:56 am (Uncategorized)
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So yesterday I went over to the “Y” to do a weekly weight check. Lost a whole half-pound! I am okay with this. I mean after all I did lose 16 the week before. On top of that I have been doing a great deal of riding on the bike and I am probably having some muscle build up.

I called the Bariatric Center and had the nurse pull my record and give me my measurements that they had done so I could start keeping track of those as well. I am done 4.5 inches in the hip and 3 inches in the chest. My husband had a few remarks about the inches lost in the chest… I told him to get over it. LOL. MEN!!! GEESH!!! LOL! I made up a VERY cool Excel spread sheet where I am graphing my weight and measurements. IF you would like to have this spread sheet for your own use feel free to send me an E-mail (listed below) and I will send that to you for your own personal use.

A funny thing occurred when I called to get those measurements. There is ONE other Tammy with the same last name as mine here in Indiana. The only difference between our names is our middle name. Anyway… apparently she has had this surgery as well. I figured out that they were talking about the other Tammy when they had the wrong date for when I first went in for consultation. Apparently she went in on February 28, 2008 and I went in on August 28, 2008 and our measurements were VERY close to being the same. They did tell me that we didn’t have the same surgeon. They didn’t tell me what her measurements were just that they were VERY close to each other. NOW when I call I will remember to give them my middle initial and date of birth. LESSON: IF you know there are others who have the same name as you… ALWAYS check to make sure that places have the correct person. I found out that she was out there back in the day when I sold Pampered Chef and the company had her in their system as a customer. They sent her my stuff. I got her contact information from the company and called her to let her know that it was on its way to her. When it came in she called me and I went out to her house and picked it up. I didn’t meet her as she just set my stuff on the porch. BUT… it was still rather comical. HOPE she never gets into trouble… in my line of work that may make for some serious confusion within the courts. LOL :O) I am sure she would never do such a thing though. Back in the day when I talked to her that time she seemed really nice. IF she ever reads this… I wish you the best of luck on your recovery, Tammy. She would know who she is by the previously described incident.

Well… That about does it for this update. I don’t know what else to write about. (GASP… SHOCK! LOL… to those who know me well.) :O) I’ll do another weight check next week on Christmas Eve and will attempt to post on the same day. BUT… In case I don’t get around to it… MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

~Tammy~

To send an E-mail you can contact me at: TammysWebLog@aol.com


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Another Roux-en-Y Update

November 5, 2008 at 10:11 pm (Weight Loss Surgery, WLS, WLS Post-Ins. Approval)
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Today I got in the mail the letter from Heather G – Surgical Coordinator with the following information forms/letters enclosed:

1) Surgical information letter giving date, time, location entrance number, and pre-surgery instructions (like no eating or drinking after mid-night on the day before / day of surgery, etc.

2) Pre-op testing information letter which gives the date of pre-op testing (November 17th), the time, length (3 hours), and instructions… like not eating after mid-night, and the types of testing that will be performed: Chest X-ray, Upper GI and Ultra Sound (although I will most likely not have to have the Ultra-sound due to the fact that I do not have my gallbladder any longer and the ultra sound is to look and see how the gallbladder is).

3) Reminder sheet that gives a reminder to call and schedule the nutritional class that is required.(November 25th)  This will be a six (6) hour long class starting in the morning and going until about 4:30, with a one hour lunch.

4) A informational letter (standard form letter) reminding that a pre-surgical diet of low carb and high protein diet.  I called Melinda, whose number was listed on the letter, and got more specifics about this and she confirmed that this should be started about 2 weeks prior to surgery.  She also went ahead and scheduled me for the nutritional class on November 25th.  I did inquire with her about the calcium citrate and vitamin B complex pills being able to be crushed and added to the protein shake instead of the applesauce.  She said that should be just fine.  She said that would also be okay after surgery as long as they weren’t the extended release.  I do not have a specific amount in which I have to lose prior to surgery because I am right on the line.  If I were significantly above that minimum required BMI amount then I would be required to lose some.  Melinda also confirmed my address and will be sending out a packet of stuff that I will have to fill out and bring it with me on the day of the nutritional class.

5)  They gave me a list of “Alternative Protein Supplements” that are acceptable listed by stores.  I will check with the Center and see if it is okay with them if I write this list into a page here on the blog.

6)  A map of the hospital property.

7)  A Surgery Waiting Room informational sheet that gives details for family, friends who may be waiting for you while you may be in surgery.

Okay… well… That is where I am at right now.

~Tammy~

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RNY Update

November 5, 2008 at 8:16 am (Weight Loss Surgery, WLS, WLS Post-Ins. Approval)
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Well I figure it is time to do an update on the progress of this surgery.  I, like many, have been on a side-tracked mind these last couple days due to the presidential race.  I had decided a long time ago when starting this blog that I would not talk about politics, so therefore I will not go into who I voted for or whether or not I am excited over the things to come in the next four years of our lives.  Today is a new day.  A day to get back on track.  With that said…..

I got the call last Friday to set the date for the surgery.  Only I missed it!  I was blow drying my hair.  I called Heather, left a message for her, enjoyed the weekend, and starting on Monday I prepared myself for another possible long week of waiting for a return phone call.  Thankfully I did not have to wait too long.  She called a little bit after 10 am on Monday November 3rd to schedule the surgery date.  On December 2nd at 2:00 PM (ET) I will be going into surgery.  I have to be at St. Vincent Carmel Hospital’s Bariatric Center of Excellence (located at St. Vincent Carmel Hospital) at 11 am.  Right now I am waiting for St. Vincent to call me back, as I had gone out early afternoon on Monday when they called, to do my pre-registration.  Heather told me that here soon she will be sending me out a huge packet of information, I will have to set the date to do my pre-op blood work and other testing and I will have to go and take a 6 hour nutrition class.  I am sure that there are more specific details but right now I do not know them.  As soon as I get more details I will post them here so that you will know, and those that are considering or beginning this process will also have an idea as what to expect in this phase.

Am I excited? Oh yeah! I know it may not “sound” like it at the moment, but right now it is still too early in the day for me to show much excitement.  I do have a LOT of stuff that needs to be done before the surgery… and not just stuff relating to the surgery itself.  So… now that the election stuff is all done things need to get back to normal.  I’ll write more later when I know something.

~Tammy~

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