Time for an update! These past 6 weeks have flown by so fast. I've finally graduated to real food! It was so difficult to live on protein shakes, yogurt, and cream of wheat for 4 weeks. The taste and textures were starting to make me gag.
Honestly, the first couple weeks after surgery I experienced some regret. Mainly because of the pain I was feeling from my incisions and the muscles beneath them. But now that I am pain free and am able to eat regular food, I am adjusting to the changes much better. I am so happy that I made the decision to have surgery. It hasn't been easy at all. The lifestyle changes that I thought would become second nature, have taken a lot of mental retraining on my part. So for anyone who thinks WLS is taking the easy way out, you have been misinformed. Ha!
So, I'm headed back to work this week and my scrubs are feeling quite a bit looser than they were 6 weeks ago! Also I'm celebrating my 27th birthday tomorrow and I'm celebrating it being 28lbs lighter. Yay, me!
I am so incredibly grateful for the amazing support and encouragement I've received from my friends, family, and coworkers so far. Especially my husband, Tyler, who helped me heal quickly and took such good care of me even though I was such a pain in the butt. I think he can testify to the validity of the saying, "nurses make the worst patients."
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Successfully Sleeved!
"Where are you going on your vacation?" Asked the anesthesiologist as he pressed the mask against my face.
"Somewhere near the beach...maybe Hawwwaaaaiiii or...." Then I was asleep.
The next thing I remembered, I was waking up in my room on the third floor. My pain wasn't too bad. Except my stomach looked like someone beat me with a baseball bat. I stayed one night in the hospital. Tyler got to stay overnight with me on the fold out couch. I had no problems getting my fluids in and keeping them down. I passed my leak test Tuesday morning and got the okay to be discharged later that afternoon as long as I was able to meet my hydration needs.
Really the whole thing is still a blur. I remember walking the halls feeling stoned from the morphine. I remember thinking I was at home when I was really still in the hospital. I guess that's what happens when you work there. My RN's and CNA's were so sweet to me. I hope I didn't cause them too much trouble. I got myself in trouble for going into areas that are for Employees only. Like the linen room and pantry. When I got caught, I was all "but I am an employee!" lol Bad patient. It was a weird feeling being the patient instead of the nurse.
I wish Tyler would have hidden my cell phone from me for the first two nights. I was sending some bizarre texts to my friends and family. My vision was blurry from the Scopolamine patch so I couldn't proof read anything before I sent it. The blurry vision coupled with autocorrect on my iPhone made for some hilarious texts that made absolutely no sense. Now I know why everyone I texted kept telling me to get some sleep.
As far as my diet goes, I am drinking 2oz of protein drink over 30 mins and 2oz of water over 30 mins. Unless I'm sleeping, I need to constantly be sipping on water or protein. I have a follow up appointment with my surgeon on July 3rd and hopefully at that point he'll advance me to pureed foods. The coolest thing so far is that I am not hungry! That's all for now. Tootles!
Natalie
"Somewhere near the beach...maybe Hawwwaaaaiiii or...." Then I was asleep.
The next thing I remembered, I was waking up in my room on the third floor. My pain wasn't too bad. Except my stomach looked like someone beat me with a baseball bat. I stayed one night in the hospital. Tyler got to stay overnight with me on the fold out couch. I had no problems getting my fluids in and keeping them down. I passed my leak test Tuesday morning and got the okay to be discharged later that afternoon as long as I was able to meet my hydration needs.
Really the whole thing is still a blur. I remember walking the halls feeling stoned from the morphine. I remember thinking I was at home when I was really still in the hospital. I guess that's what happens when you work there. My RN's and CNA's were so sweet to me. I hope I didn't cause them too much trouble. I got myself in trouble for going into areas that are for Employees only. Like the linen room and pantry. When I got caught, I was all "but I am an employee!" lol Bad patient. It was a weird feeling being the patient instead of the nurse.
I wish Tyler would have hidden my cell phone from me for the first two nights. I was sending some bizarre texts to my friends and family. My vision was blurry from the Scopolamine patch so I couldn't proof read anything before I sent it. The blurry vision coupled with autocorrect on my iPhone made for some hilarious texts that made absolutely no sense. Now I know why everyone I texted kept telling me to get some sleep.
As far as my diet goes, I am drinking 2oz of protein drink over 30 mins and 2oz of water over 30 mins. Unless I'm sleeping, I need to constantly be sipping on water or protein. I have a follow up appointment with my surgeon on July 3rd and hopefully at that point he'll advance me to pureed foods. The coolest thing so far is that I am not hungry! That's all for now. Tootles!
Natalie
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Willpower. Testing, Testing, 1-2-3-4---10
Liquids, liquids, and more liquids!
This is only day 2 of the 10 day liquid diet.
I am so uncomfortable!
I am so hungry!
I am so grumpy!
I feel so bad for my hubby...
Shopping at Costco yesterday was scary. Not for me, but scary for the customers who would stop right in front of me, leave their cart in the middle of the isle, and go to the sample stand. I had to fight the urge to run them over! I was so angry with them for getting in my way. Angry for leaving their fat cart in my way when all I wanted to do was buy my sugar free jello and my protein drinks and get the heck out of there! It was so frustrating to be stalled by these people. The not hungry version of Natalie would have patiently waited in line behind them and moved along when my turn came. Hungry Natalie is a completely different person. My glare seared through their chomping faces as I passed them by. They were my enemy. Tempting me to veer from my predetermined path. I survived Costco and so did the unsuspecting, evil sample eating jerks...I mean customers. That was yesterday.
Today was a little easier. I was still annoyed by every little thing this morning but I managed to change my attitude after some quality time with my mom. I'm beginning to realize that being uncomfortable is okay and that I will live through it. I got this fat by comforting myself with food and by avoiding activities that made me uncomfortable.
1. I'm uncomfortable at church. This is why I haven't gone in a while. Disclaimer: This is purely me. This does not reflect on anyone at church at all. Whenever I go, I am always welcomed with open arms.
2. I'm uncomfortable at work (this is why I request LC's all the time). Working 12 hour shifts caring for the ill, as a morbidly obese girl is freaking back-breaking.
3. I'm uncomfortable going out. It's just embarrassing.
What am I going to do about it? I don't know yet. But I certainly hope that I can form a healthy relationship with all three of these things that I used to enjoy. Tyler is speaking in Sacrament meeting tomorrow so I am going to muster up some courage, put on the one skirt that fits me, and listen to my adorable husband speak.
I stumbled across this online today. It's good.
This is only day 2 of the 10 day liquid diet.
I am so uncomfortable!
I am so hungry!
I am so grumpy!
I feel so bad for my hubby...
Shopping at Costco yesterday was scary. Not for me, but scary for the customers who would stop right in front of me, leave their cart in the middle of the isle, and go to the sample stand. I had to fight the urge to run them over! I was so angry with them for getting in my way. Angry for leaving their fat cart in my way when all I wanted to do was buy my sugar free jello and my protein drinks and get the heck out of there! It was so frustrating to be stalled by these people. The not hungry version of Natalie would have patiently waited in line behind them and moved along when my turn came. Hungry Natalie is a completely different person. My glare seared through their chomping faces as I passed them by. They were my enemy. Tempting me to veer from my predetermined path. I survived Costco and so did the unsuspecting, evil sample eating jerks...I mean customers. That was yesterday.
Today was a little easier. I was still annoyed by every little thing this morning but I managed to change my attitude after some quality time with my mom. I'm beginning to realize that being uncomfortable is okay and that I will live through it. I got this fat by comforting myself with food and by avoiding activities that made me uncomfortable.
1. I'm uncomfortable at church. This is why I haven't gone in a while. Disclaimer: This is purely me. This does not reflect on anyone at church at all. Whenever I go, I am always welcomed with open arms.
2. I'm uncomfortable at work (this is why I request LC's all the time). Working 12 hour shifts caring for the ill, as a morbidly obese girl is freaking back-breaking.
3. I'm uncomfortable going out. It's just embarrassing.
What am I going to do about it? I don't know yet. But I certainly hope that I can form a healthy relationship with all three of these things that I used to enjoy. Tyler is speaking in Sacrament meeting tomorrow so I am going to muster up some courage, put on the one skirt that fits me, and listen to my adorable husband speak.
Monday, June 3, 2013
say what?
So umm, did I say I was deactivating my Facebook account? I don't remember that. I was told not to make any serious, life changing, or financial decisions for 24 hours after having my EGD because of the Fentanyl and Versed lingering in my system. Oops! They should add deleting social networking memberships to their list of things to be mindful of until the drugs wear off. Haha! Sorry for disappearing, Facebook friends. But no worries, I'm back on.
By the way, June 24th is my surgery day! I just found out today. So excited! And nervous. But mostly excited. The 10 day pre-op liquid diet begins on June 14th. I've been told the first three days are really difficult but then it gets better. The purpose of the liquid diet is to shrink the liver and reduce abdominal pressure. This reduces the risk of having to convert to an open procedure.
Here's a look of what this next month looks like for me:
June 10th: Pre-op blood work and chest x-ray
June 14th: Begin 10 day liquid diet
June 20th: Pre-op appointment with my surgeon
June 24th: Surgery
June 26th: Home
July 3th: Post-op appointment
Did I mention that there are about a half a dozen birthdays in the family during my liquid diet phase? This may be a bit tricky.
Well, that's all for now. Tootles.
Natalie
By the way, June 24th is my surgery day! I just found out today. So excited! And nervous. But mostly excited. The 10 day pre-op liquid diet begins on June 14th. I've been told the first three days are really difficult but then it gets better. The purpose of the liquid diet is to shrink the liver and reduce abdominal pressure. This reduces the risk of having to convert to an open procedure.
Here's a look of what this next month looks like for me:
June 10th: Pre-op blood work and chest x-ray
June 14th: Begin 10 day liquid diet
June 20th: Pre-op appointment with my surgeon
June 24th: Surgery
June 26th: Home
July 3th: Post-op appointment
Did I mention that there are about a half a dozen birthdays in the family during my liquid diet phase? This may be a bit tricky.
Well, that's all for now. Tootles.
Natalie
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Little Epiphanies
Sim-pli-fy a) to reduce to basic essentials b) to diminish in scope or complexity: streamline c) to make more intelligible.
I'm going back to the basics. Uncluttering. Simplifying my life. And I'm starting with things I waste time doing. Things like Facebook and watching too much TV.
I spend way too much time fooling around on Facebook so I deactivated my account yesterday. I love hearing from my friends and family and I feel I'd rather use more personal forms of communication to do so.
Sitting on my fluffy butt watching TV for hours in a day is unhealthy. I need to find a better way to fill my time. In the past, and even more recently, I've used TV as an escape from real life. A way to ignore what is really happening around me and instead dive into something where I can become emotionally disconnected.
Those are my little epiphanies this week. :)
P.S: I will be setting an official surgery date soon. Right now, it's unofficially June 21st. I'm still waiting for insurance approval to come back...
Natalie
I'm going back to the basics. Uncluttering. Simplifying my life. And I'm starting with things I waste time doing. Things like Facebook and watching too much TV.
I spend way too much time fooling around on Facebook so I deactivated my account yesterday. I love hearing from my friends and family and I feel I'd rather use more personal forms of communication to do so.
Sitting on my fluffy butt watching TV for hours in a day is unhealthy. I need to find a better way to fill my time. In the past, and even more recently, I've used TV as an escape from real life. A way to ignore what is really happening around me and instead dive into something where I can become emotionally disconnected.
Those are my little epiphanies this week. :)
P.S: I will be setting an official surgery date soon. Right now, it's unofficially June 21st. I'm still waiting for insurance approval to come back...
Natalie
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Learning Lots
I learned a little bit about myself today at my psych eval. And I learned a lot of stuff during the nutrition part of the eval, too.
To sum up my psych eval, most of my problems with food stem from the age of 11-12 and involve poor coping skills in reaction to my parent's nasty divorce and the emotional chasm between this event and my religious beliefs. Wow, that was a loaded sentence. Did that even make sense? Any who, this knowledge isn't really all that new to me, but it has never made more sense than it does now.
The nutrition eval was super informative. She taught me what to expect pre-op, post-op, and the weeks/months following. The main piece of information I came away with was protein. 80 milligrams of it per day. Also, advancing my diet from liquids, puree, soft, to regular over a six month period. I learned a lot of other cool stuff but it's probably only cool to me.
I should hear back from the insurance company within 7-10 days for my approval. Then surgery could be scheduled three weeks (ish) from my approval. So, I could possibly have my surgery in a little over a month.
My EGD is scheduled for May 28th. EGD = Esophagogastroduodenoscopy. A procedure where a camera scope looks at the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Sounds like fun, right? So grateful sedatives will be involved to get me through it!
Natalie
To sum up my psych eval, most of my problems with food stem from the age of 11-12 and involve poor coping skills in reaction to my parent's nasty divorce and the emotional chasm between this event and my religious beliefs. Wow, that was a loaded sentence. Did that even make sense? Any who, this knowledge isn't really all that new to me, but it has never made more sense than it does now.
The nutrition eval was super informative. She taught me what to expect pre-op, post-op, and the weeks/months following. The main piece of information I came away with was protein. 80 milligrams of it per day. Also, advancing my diet from liquids, puree, soft, to regular over a six month period. I learned a lot of other cool stuff but it's probably only cool to me.
I should hear back from the insurance company within 7-10 days for my approval. Then surgery could be scheduled three weeks (ish) from my approval. So, I could possibly have my surgery in a little over a month.
My EGD is scheduled for May 28th. EGD = Esophagogastroduodenoscopy. A procedure where a camera scope looks at the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Sounds like fun, right? So grateful sedatives will be involved to get me through it!
Natalie
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Psych Eval & Before/After Picture Criteria
This is gonna be fun! As part of authorization from the health insurance company, I have the great privilege of having a psychological evaluation. Can't wait! Actually, I am kind of excited about it because it means I'm one step closer to scheduling my surgery. Along with the shrink eval I'll have a nutrition eval. These are scheduled for May 14th :)
On another note...
I've observed something interesting in my research. Before and after pictures of folks who have had bariatric surgery are pretty dang hilarious. I know my sense of humor is a little twisted so bare with me. I just wonder what goes through their minds when this "before" photo is chosen. I've come to this conclusion:
Criteria for choosing a Before picture:
1. You must be wearing sweatpants or pajamas (preferably with cartoons on them).
OR
2. You must be wearing only your underwear.
3. You must not smile.
Now don't get too excited, I'm not taking any pictures of myself in my underwear. Sorry.
Criteria for choosing an After picture:
1. You must be wearing skin tight clothes.
2. You must show an excessive and unflattering amount of cleavage.
3. You must be posing in the mirror and snapping the photo with your cell phone camera.
My before/after pictures are going to be awesome and I will not be following this criteria :)
On another note...
I've observed something interesting in my research. Before and after pictures of folks who have had bariatric surgery are pretty dang hilarious. I know my sense of humor is a little twisted so bare with me. I just wonder what goes through their minds when this "before" photo is chosen. I've come to this conclusion:
Criteria for choosing a Before picture:
1. You must be wearing sweatpants or pajamas (preferably with cartoons on them).
OR
2. You must be wearing only your underwear.
3. You must not smile.
Now don't get too excited, I'm not taking any pictures of myself in my underwear. Sorry.
Criteria for choosing an After picture:
1. You must be wearing skin tight clothes.
2. You must show an excessive and unflattering amount of cleavage.
3. You must be posing in the mirror and snapping the photo with your cell phone camera.
My before/after pictures are going to be awesome and I will not be following this criteria :)
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