Becoming a Healthier Me - My Weight Loss Journey

I still struggle with seeing myself as the person on the left.  I struggle with the 25 plus lbs the doctor says I have right now that is excess skin.  Especially what I call my over-hang abdominal/hip area.  The weight loss has become slower the past few months - but it is still coming off - which is good - I know. 

I truly appreciate your encouragement and prayers.  Keep them coming!  I can loose all this excess weight! 

I am Becoming a Healthier Me!

Weight Loss Update

I cannot believe it has been a month since I have last given an update on “Becoming A Healthier Me”. 

Have you ever had one of those months where you seem to be going in different directions and just cannot get your mind to concentrate on one thing for longer than 10 minutes?  Well that seems to be me on a regular basis!  That’s what happens when you have adult ADD….

The weight loss for 2 months since the gastric bypass surgery is 40 lbs.  Total weight loss since January 2013 is 90 lbs.  I am now on my permanent daily diet where I can eat not just protein but also some veggies, fruit and some starch/grains.  It’s still difficult trying to get my entire daily food intake, but I’m okay.  I take my children’s Flintstone’s Multi Vitamins with Iron 2 x a day, and Calcium Citrate, and Vitamin D every day.  Every two months I get a B-12 shot as well.  

I was hoping to begin Water Aerobics this week at our local High School’s indoor pool, but the instructor quit and now the school district has to find another instructor.  So pray they find one quick so I can get into the water and exercise.  I love the water! It is so forgiving on the joints. 

With the weight loss I am walking/standing more around the house.  But a catch 22 – since my knee is damaged (from 3 years ago) and needs surgery (when weight is off) I am in more pain because I am not supposed to bear weight on my knee.  So this is a bit discouraging because I know that walking is one of the best exercises I could do but I cannot due to my damaged knee.  I have been cleared to do abdominal exercises so hopefully I can firm up all this loose skin – With so much weight to loose and my age I suppose I will one day be a “skinny” saggy skin old lady!  HAHA!  

Unfortunately, fibromyalgia and arthritis is no respecter of persons so they continue to cause me difficulty as well.  But my stamina is better with the weight loss so that is good too.  

The average weight loss with gastric bypass is 20 lbs a month, so I am right on target – not bad for someone who cannot walk for exercise, but I know it will slow down if I do not increase my activity so please pray the school district will hire a new instructor for water aerobics.  The have a good group of people who participate twice a week so there is a need (each person pays $3.00 each class, so it would pay for the instructor).  

Of course I could not succeed without your continued prayers.  They are truly heartfelt and I appreciate each of my prayer warriors.  God Bless You All!  

Click chart below to view full photo chart

Insights Regarding My RNY Gastric Bypass and After Care

There are some things I have learned in regards to my: pre-gastric bypass; surgery and hospital stay; and post-surgery care in a nursing facility.  I would like to share my insights:

1)      Pre-surgery:  If you are considering weight loss surgery, you need to check out the various programs that are covered through your insurance company.  Not all hospitals have the same weight loss surgery programs.  Investigate the surgeons who perform the surgery, the hospital, the pre-weight loss program, and if they provide post-surgery support.  Read everything you can concern the different weight loss surgeries.  The internet is a great resource.  

2)      Something else I should have done prior to surgery:  Knowing ahead of time that I was going to go straight from the hospital to a nursing facility, I should have investigated various facilities prior to my surgery.  Just because a facility says it takes bariatric patients does not mean they know how to provide sufficient care for post-surgery gastric bypass patients.    A bariatric patient is just one who is of a certain weight that needs a special bed and other items for proper care.  Do not assume the insurance company and hospital has researched these facilities as well.  I suggest that you interview the facilities whether by phone or physically.  When you find one that claims they can care for post-gastric bypass patients, ask questions as to what they provide – especially the diet/food you will need while in their care.  If you find a facility, go visit the facility personally so you are not shocked like I was when I arrived at the care facility. 

Becoming a Healthier Me Post Gastric Bypass – Part 4 - There's No Place Like Home

I sounded like Dorothy on the Wizard of Oz on the drive home I kept saying to myself, “There’s no place like home!  There’s no place like home!”  If I could have clicked my shoes to get home faster I would have done it right in the car. 

When I entered our house I said, “I’m home!”  Of course there was no one there to greet me (our dog was still at our daughter’s home – and the cats – well they’re cats!  Lol), but it was so good to say, “I’m HOME!” 

Jim made sure I was settled and had everything I needed before he had to go back to work.  I encouraged him to go to work because all I wanted to do was rest and sleep.   I laid back on my recliner but it’s not the same as my own bed; but could I lie down and then get out of bed by myself?  After all, this is not a hospital bed, but I was determined – and that was enough!  I slowly sat down on the side of the bed, then I leaned my body on my left elbow, then I lifted my legs onto the bed and lowered myself onto my pillow laying on my side.  I fell fast asleep and woke up on the same side 3 hours later.  Oh, it felt so good to be in my own bed – so good to be home!

For the first time since my surgery I had finally slept through the night – and each night thereafter.  Each day I continue to grow stronger, though I still have trouble at times getting in all the protein and liquids I am supposed to consume each day.   Each of my doctors are amazed as to how well I am doing – and so am I! 

Considering I have been living with multiple chronic health conditions for over 30 years, my decision to have gastric bypass surgery was one of some risks and at the same time could help me to become a healthier me.  For ten years I have felt that the risks would be worth having the surgery in order to possibly become a healthier me – but I had to get others on board with my decision – family, doctors and finally insurance company.  For those who are considering the surgery but one or the entire aforementioned are not on board with your decision, I say – PERSEVERE!  If it is Go’s will – keep praying –it will happen- All in His time. 

Yes, there’s no place like home to recuperate.  I am so appreciative of all the prayers, cards and words of encouragement from family, friends, and online friends; I know that it is because of all the above that I am healing so well.   You are all part of my becoming a healthier me. 

Stay tune for my next entry:  My Insights Regarding My Care

Becoming a Healthier Me Post Gastric Bypass Part 3 – Post Surgery Care

After the surgery on Monday, June17^th I was transferred via ambulance on Wednesday, June 19^th to a nursing/rehab facility to continue my recuperation closer to home.  Needless to say the 1 hour and 30 min. drive was extremely bumpy!  Why don’t they make ambulances with better shocks?  I truly believe parts of me drop off on the road!

To say that my stay in the care facility was not the best would be an understatement.   The moment I stepped foot into the facility I cried and wanted to go home.  First my room was in the nursing home unit; then the next day they transferred me to the rehab unit (a little better).  Then I found out that I was their first post-surgery gastric bypass patient.  They had NO idea how to care for me nor could they provide the nutrition I needed; all making me more determined to get strong enough to go home as soon as possible.  Jim had to daily bring my nourishment and place it in the small ice cooler chest we provided so that I could receive my nourishment every hour to 2 hours as needed now that I have a stomach the size of a small chicken egg. 

I also had to be alert regarding my medications.  All meds had to be either crushed or in liquid form, then placed in either half ounce of water or my protein drink.  Physical therapy was also interesting as well.  I had to educate them as to what I can and cannot do per surgeon’s instructions.  They wanted to work on my “other” chronic conditions that I have had for decades.  I told them that I was not in there for my chronic health conditions and those things can be taken care of as an outpatient. 

It did not take me long to realize that the facility wanted me to stay my full insurance approved 30 days.  I agreed to stay until my post-surgery follow-up with my surgeon the following Wednesday.  If the surgeon said I could go home, then I would go home the next day.  The surgeon was pleased with my progress and healing and gave permission for me to go home to continue my healing process.

Needless to say, I was ecstatic!  As I returned to the care facility I happily gave them the note/ discharge papers from my surgeon.  The next morning the facility still wanted me to stay, but I stood my ground and I left late morning, Thursday, June 27^th. 

Oh, it is so good to be home! 

Stay tuned for more updates:  There’s No Place Like Home; Insights Regarding My Care

Weight Loss Photo Journal

My picture on the right looks a little funny.... 1) floors are not finished yet.... 2) hutch is empty due to waiting on floors to get done.  3)  I'm barefoot!  At least I'm not barefoot and pregnant!  lol!!! 

While I am in the Hospital this week, (gastric bypass surgery is Monday, June 17th @ 1:30 pm), our floors will get done as well.  So while my "insides" get a makeover - our living room will get a makeover as well. 

Thanks again for your continued prayers. 

Update on Becoming a Healthier Me

I cannot believe it has been a month since I last posted an update! Where has the time gone? Since my last post I have met twice with my surgeon and other medical professionals. My surgery is scheduled for Monday, June 17th! Yes, in just a few days! I have been on what is called Stage 2 Liquid Diet for two weeks which will continue for another two plus weeks. Stage 2 Liquid Diet consists of the following:

Liquids: Water, Crystal Light, Sugar Free Jell-O, decaf tea or coffee, broth or bouillon, and regular V8 Juice.
Protein Drinks: 60-80 grams a day – To replace my 3 “meals”.
Snacks: 2-4 a day – sugar free pudding, light yogurt with 8 grams or less of sugar and low fat, fat free or low fat cream soup.

I thought I would miss “eating” or chewing, but I don’t! I am doing quite well with this diet. Maybe it’s because I can still eat chocolate! My protein drinks are chocolate and my puddings are mostly chocolate! My taste buds are happy little campers! HA-HA!

Total weight loss from my heaviest weight is 50 lbs. I’m wearing some clothes that I wore 3 years ago! The other day Jim said, “That dress looks familiar.” I said, “It should - I wore it three years ago!” Jim tells me all the time how proud he is of me. He knows how hard I have worked - especially how hard I have worked to finally get the insurance to pay for my upcoming gastric bypass. It’s taken 10 years! So never give up people! Keep praying - If it is the Lord’s will it will happen – in His time. Just hang in there and persevere!

I should be in the Hospital about 3 days then transferred to a nursing facility close to home until I can get up or out of chairs and the bed by myself. I will be cut open from the sternum to the belly button and will not be able to use my stomach muscles for a while. I also will have to give myself injections of blood thinner for about 10 days after surgery to help prevent blood clots. This will certainly be a new experience for me in more ways than one.

Someone asked me the other day if I am looking forward to the surgery. I told them like an expectant mother – Not really looking forward to the pain of delivering a baby but looking forward to the life altering experience that motherhood brings. I’m not looking forward to the pain of surgery and recovery, but I am looking forward to the life changing experience that will occur due to the surgery. I’m looking forward to becoming a healthier me!

Yes, each day I am closer to my main goaol – Becoming a Healthier Me!

Thank you so much for your continued prayers. They truly are greatly appreciated!

Update on My Journey to Become a Healthier Me

It’s been a while since I wrote an update on Becoming a Healthier Me.  This past month has been a whirlwind with various medical appointments, tests etc….  My journey towards gastric bypass began July 2012 then a little “hiccup” with my insurance stopped the process for a short time.  After my insurance “hiccup” was solved I was able to get back on track in January 2013 to continue with the six months process towards gastric bypass surgery.  

I have had many people ask why the process takes so long.  I can truly see why Geisinger Bariatric Program is six months long.  They want to make sure we receive all the “tools” we need to assist us in becoming a “healthier me” as well as stay healthier for our lifetime.  Some of the “tools” that Geisinger Bariatric Program provides are:

1)      One on one counseling with a registered nutritionist throughout the six months and for life. 

2)      Monthly support groups (for life)

3)      Bariatric Surgery Patient Education Classes (with education notebook and book):

a.       Personal Responsibility

b.      Changing Lifestyle

c.       Building Support

d.      Managing Stress

e.      Setting Goals

f.        Eating Styles

g.       Getting Active

h.      Body Image   ,.

4)       Full medical evaluation, tests, and psychological evaluation.   

5)       Each professional staff member you see is available through phone, emails or personal appointments. 

6)      Life time appoints anytime you need to recharge or regroup to keep you on track with your weight loss and maintain your new weight for life.  

Of course I have an extra added benefit as well.  I have wonderful prayer partners that will continue to encourage and lift me up in their prayers.  

After going through the above program, I have reached the final step prior to surgery – this Friday, May 17^th I will meet with the surgeon who will perform the surgery.  They have assigned the most experienced surgeon for my gastric bypass.  Please continue to pray for my progress and process.  Upon meeting the surgeon I will then receive the date for my surgery.  Two weeks prior to surgery I will be on a liquid protein diet that will continue for the next 2 plus weeks after surgery until certain foods will slowly be introduced to my “new” much smaller stomach.  To learn more about the bariatric program and the different types of procedures please visit:  http://www.geisinger.org/services/bariatrics/index.html

I have not come to the decision of gastric bypass lightly.  This journey for me has been 10 years in the making.  I am 100% ready for the surgery to assist me in becoming a healthier me.  I know that the surgery has its risks and that it is a helpful tool in aiding me to lose the unhealthy excess weight.  I say

it is a helpful  tool because I know that if I do not utilize the other “tools” they have provided me through the education class that I can easily put the weight back on.  So gastric bypass surgery is NOT an easy way to lose weight!  Just look at the surgery itself – it changes your organs/inside of body drastically!  But for me it is the only way to lose the amount of weight needed to help me to become a healthier me.  

I will update you once I receive the date for me surgery.  Please continue to pray for me as I continue my journey to Become a Healthier Me.