At three months out from surgery I have lost 81 inches from 28 measuring spots on my body. I notice the size change a LOT in my legs, buttocks and stomach area.
The difficulties to this point are what I would consider minor. I am in the process of trying to get off of my blood pressure medication and that involves some dizzy spells from the medication because of the changes that are happening with my body. I also had to change from an oral estrogen to a patch to resolve some balance/head fog issues because of the malabsorption of the oral meds. It has been frustrating and at times a bit scary when I was not sure of the source of the problem, but not surprising to have a bit of a struggle as my body attempts to find a normal healthy level from which to operate.
I also have to remember to not over-stress myself with commitments that I am not ready for yet. My energy level is much improved, my knees hurt much less and I tend to get ahead of myself in projects and commitments. Last week I had my first major panic attack since 1989 and it was just because I had over-committed myself and was having more stressful things enter back into my quiet life. I am working on relaxation and just understanding the source of the issues to become much healthier for the future. If you have ever experienced a panic attack you know that it is a most unpleasant thing to go through. I will say though that being stuck in an Arizona ER is the pitts!!!! They are way understaffed and cannot meet the needs of the many people who rely on them. I ended up leaving after waiting 8 hours to see a doctor (there were only three) so I never did find out the results of my tests. I am trying to get the results sent to my primary doctor so that we at least know if anything strange was showing up.
I consider myself to be very fortunate to have found a wonderful surgeon and weight loss center and to have researched my surgery before I had it because I have had a very easy time with healing. I can eat or drink without serious problems that some WLS people experience. I have had minimal issues with nausea. I concentrate on drinking my 3 protein shakes each day (Champion Pure Whey Stack is my favorite) for 34 grams of protein each, eating sensible meals, taking my vitamin/mineral supplements, drinking plenty of water and Propel sports drink to keep my body well hydrated AND soon I will be exercising regularly when I no longer get dizzy. My three month labs were great so I am on the right track. This is a journey with many promises of a wonderful future ahead as long as I pay attention to the rules. Vitamin/Mineral supplementation is essential, quarterly blood tests are essential, not grazing around the surgery is essential to not putting my weight back on in the future, and getting in my protein is essential to good health and general sense of well-being because it helps me to feel better. Also, it is very important to eat small bites, chew thoroughly and slowly because to not do so can be rather 'um' uncomfortable.
Be sure to check back for the next update.
March 25, 2004
I thought I would check back in for the newest update. I am currently down 46.25 pounds. I found out that the physical issue that caused my panic attack was tied to what my PCP felt was an electrolyte imbalance. After some self-analysis of any recent changes in what I was doing, Steve suggested that the change in how I was taking my supplements was at the root of the problem. I had stopped dumping all my supplements into my shake at about 2 1/2 months post-surgery and was taking them by mouth. I evidently was not absorbing all that my body needed. I have since resolved that by going back to dumping all vitamins, etc in my shake AND by adding a new liquid vitamin/mineral supplement to my daily regimen called Glacial Milk. I am no longer having the symptoms that freaked me out the day of the panic attack and am most grateful. My dizzy issues come and go, but I have faith that eventually my body will cross over to its healthy zone and medications will cease to be needed. The biggest frustration is this limits my ability to drive because I don't want to cause an accident. But, this too shall pass. The dizzy issues are much improved over what they were when I changed to the estrogen patch.
Summer is rapidly approaching in Arizona. We had 97 last Sunday and I am not really ready for that. I just have to focus on making sure that I get in a lot of fluids to keep hydrated. I get in about 100 ounces a day, some days more so that is usually a plus for me.
I have been keeping a daily food journal since I came home from the hospital. It is helpful for tracking fat, fiber, protein, fluids, vitamins, medications, exercise, sugar readings, BP readings and anything else that I need to make note of. I have also set up an excel program to track all of my bloodwork so that I can see trends in how I am doing. I have an excel program set up for tracking my supplements so that I know I am not over-dosing myself. Next thing on my agenda is to begin cooking again on a regular basis. This will give me more control over the quality of what I eat. This is a bit difficult with Steve's job having him working such strange hours, but I think we can manage.
Well, I will soon be in the 230s and that will seem totally awesome. It has been many many years since I was there.
April 22, 2004
Here I am at 18 weeks post-surgery and down 54 pounds to 236. I never thought I would see the 230s again in my life. Wow. It has not been a totally smooth trip for me. In fact, I kind of describe it like flying into Denver Airport and having a lot of air turbulence. The dizzy issues continue, along with a variety of other things that I finally "think" I have an answer for. I believe that I have a magnesium deficiency and am seeing a bariatric M.D. who also specializes in holistic medicine. We are proceeding accordingly because he agrees that my many symptoms sound like a magnesium deficiency. Once I know for sure that I am on the right track I will put up information to hopefully help someone else. I do not believe that I am the only WLS person to have this issue. In fact, I believe our surgery makes this a very good likelihood. I go through my moments of feeling frightened and then I have my times of feeling excited about a good future. All par for the course, I am sure. I knew when I started this journey that I would have my challenges, but I was not sure of what they would be. I am getting a better idea as time goes on.
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