Hello RS ,
I have been lurking around this site for the last year. It started with reading about women of similar body types like myself getting a TT (because that is what I thought I would do). As I considered all that went into a TT, I decided to get more of this weight off my "morbidly obese - per all the national weight guides" frame. I am 5'8 @ 270Lbs and pretty active when it comes to exercising. Most of my weight came after my first child. Well... 3 kids and 17 years later I am still carrying this weight. My husband doesn't see an issue but I do.
In preparation for my TT, I needed to see my doctor for a medical clearance. Instead of approving that clearance he talked to me about my overall health and asked if I had considered weight loss surgery because I was a prime candidate for it with my BMI over 40. Long story extremely shortened, I reluctantly inquired about weight loss surgery. After reading about bariatric surgery and meeting with the bariatric surgeon I committed to getting this done.
I started in May, going through all the gyrations required by my insurance company to cover the cost of the surgery. I completed all the physical and mental health evaluations, counseling sessions and supervised weight management as required. As of September, I have been approved for surgery! My scheduled date is October 1, 2015. I'm happy and scared.
I started the liquid diet on September 17th @ 258lbs. The first 3 days didn't go well as I cracked like an egg ~8pm each night and ate a little something random. Days 4 and 5 were better because I did all liquid all day. It is tough because I have to really concentrate on not accidentally eating. Today is day 6 and I just pray that I continue to have the strength to drink liquids all day. Pray for me! It's not turning back now.
Updated on 24 Sep 2015:
This liquid diet deal is more challenging than I thought. I have good days and ok days but I'm hanging in here. I keep reading and it seems the range in which people are on the liquid diet varies between 3-14 days and in some cases I've seen 1+ months. For me, it was a 14 day liquid diet plan....
- DAY 1 through 3 - I started the liquid diet on September 17th @ 258lbs. The first 3 days didn't go well as I cracked like an egg ~8pm each night and ate a little something random.
- DAY 4 through 7 - I handled these days better because I did all liquid all day. Not even any cravings for food.
- DAY 8 - September 24 @ 254.2 Ugh...I failed ~10pm I ate cole slaw (and I don't even really crave that). I think the problem is that I am still exercising each day, getting in ~4-6 miles walking.
I have got to do better. I have exactly no time to spare because I do not want to jeopardize my surgery, which is in 6 days. Praying for peace over this beast.
Has anyone eaten on the liquid diet this close? If so, what happened?
Updated on 28 Sep 2015:
I'm fading on this liquid diet....
- DAY 9 through 11 - I made it through with all liquids. In addition to the protein mix I bought from the doctors office, I started drinking Premier Protein. Those are pretty good and come in Chocolate, Strawberry and Vanilla.
- DAY 12 - September 28th @ 252.4. I caved in and had pizza for lunch. I am in meetings this week for work and they are catering lunch EVERYDAY. I completely threw in the towel and ate 2 pieces of Veggie pizza - it was so good.
With 2 days left, I can certainly do 2 days full liquids.
Updated on 28 Sep 2015:
After much thought, I decided to go ahead and post some pictures of my body 2 days Pre-Op. (I spared you the ones where I'm in a sports bra, lol.) It's because of all the pics and journeys I have seen and read that I am even able to blog about my own journey. If these pics inspire anyone else to make this life changing decision, then I've done my part.
I have to admit, though I have come down almost 20 lbs, nothing about what I saw in these pics was flattering. Hats off to my husband for loving me through it all. The good news is that, this is the beginning of the end of looking this way. I CAN'T WAIT!!!!
Updated on 1 Oct 2015:
Today is surgery day! I'm headed to the hospital. I'm a little nervous but praying it out. I know GOD doesn't make mistakes. God willing and everybody able, I'll be posting an update later this evening.
Motto: Through the SLEEVE, I will achieve
Updated on 2 Oct 2015:
Yesterday, I had a successful surgery. Dr. Richard and team were exceptional. Upon arrival, I was in waiting room ~10 before they took me to prep for surgery. Once behind those double doors it was all about the business. -Weigh in, urinate in the cup, change into the gown, be still for this IV, meet this nurse, meet that nurse, doctor came in to check on me, meet the anesthesiologist, tell your family you'll see them later.
Then this....
I walked into the OR (I literally walked). PowWow'd with all the OR staff. Looked around the room, almost asked them to take a selfie {didn't have a camera} then got on the table, They talked to me until I went under. Next I remember, I was in recovery.
Updated on 2 Oct 2015:
Day 0 - The post op pain is real. I had excruciating pain in the recovery room. It didn't last long because the nurse got right on it. Can't tell you how long I was there because I don't remember. Next recollection I had was in my private room resting. I must say, no pain present because they have been giving me pain meds and fluid through the IV. Between ice chips and walking around, I slept on and off all day.
Day 1 - Still no pain, more walking around. I went to have my leak test, that went well. My diet is now, liquids. I should go home this evening.
Updated on 4 Oct 2015:
Day2/Day3 - I am still doing ok. I have only taken 1 dose of my prescription pain med and non of the prescription nausea med. My days are pretty normal aside my exercise routine. I am drinking my protein shakes and ~17oz of water. Tomorrow I will start my vitamins. According to my Fitbit, I have only been doing ~5K steps a day (2.5miles) where I at least get in ~12K a day. I plan to get back to my dedicated walking tomorrow rain or shine.
My body is gassy. I feel it in my stomach and throat. Other than that...I'm just waiting for the scale to move down. I have not been weighing myself; because when I gained that weight after surgery - I was not happy. I decided to weigh myself twice a month so next weigh in for me will be Oct. 15th. That is all for now.
Motto: Through the SLEEVE, I will achieve
Updated on 7 Oct 2015:
Just updating on my journey. I am doing good. No issue aside getting use to the new way of life. My follow up with the doctor is on Friday, October 9th.
I started my vitamins a few days ago. Not really feeling the chewable everything. I'd prefer to swallow my vitamins but I understand the point. I am taking in ~32oz of water each day but only getting in 1 or 2 Premier Protein shakes. I cooked for the family on Sunday and accidentally through a piece of fish and rice in my mouth - didn't have any issue chewing, swallowing or digesting it. Over the course of a few days, I peeled off my bandages and tape strips. My incisions look pretty good, they just feel a little knotty. Otherwise, it's all good.
Inquiring Mind:
What are some of the things you all done to improve the look and feel of your incisions?
Updated on 9 Oct 2015:
I just want to say - THANK GOD for all that HE IS. I feel so good it's unbelievable. Nothing particular just that I feel very normal, pain free and smaller.
Today I had my post op check up with my doctor today. We covered 3 areas....
(1) How do I feel? - Ha! Like a new spirit. I am down 3 lbs (@ 249.2) from my surgery day weight. This actually is good news for me because (TMI ALERT) I came on my cycle yesterday and that normally increases my weight between 3-5 lbs. (Mind you 48hrs after my surgery I got on the scale and was 8 lbs heavier and vowed not to weigh myself at home but twice a month. That weight is gone minus 3 more lbs) I have been walking ~3 days of the week and can tell in my thighs and core that my body is changing.
I was suppose to eat the egg this morning but I forgot. I grabbed my protein shake instead. I told him a ate some Goldfish (the crackers) yesterday if that is any consolation. I also spoke briefly with the nutritionist because I was ok'd to move to soft foods. Great!
(2) Checked my incisions - He said my incision are healing fine. Some bruising around one of the entry points but otherwise, it looks good. I forgot to ask him about scar treatment but I did ask the nurse. She said they would go down in due time - OK (#$*!).
(3) Did I have any questions? - Absolutely I do. ME: Is it normal not to take any of the pain nor nausea meds prescribed? Doc: It depends on the patient but its fine that you haven't used them. ME: Can I have non-chewable vitamins, this chewable stuff is more on my teeth than in my stomach? Doc: Keep chewing until your 1 month and we will talk about an alternative for you. ME: This seems too easy, I'm waiting for the other shoe to fall. Doc: You are doing great. I did not expect me to have any issues and that you will continue to experience more weight loss as long as you keep a balanced diet as outlined by the nutritionist.
Welp..that was it. Uneventful for the most part. I plan on getting back to my norm. The next time you hear from me will be on Oct. 15th with a weight and picture update. Until then I will continue to live by this: Motto: Through the SLEEVE, I will achieve