Friday, April 13th, marked one month post op. Today, Sunday, April 16, 2012, I am weighing in at 216.8 pounds. Which means I have lost 39 pounds! I tried on a dress yesterday that I hadn't worn since before Samuel was born and it fit, that was a pleasant surprise.
I have heard that some people say that having bariatric surgery is the "easy way out." For me, at least, there hasn't been anything easy about this journey yet. Yes, losing the weight is great and there is something to be said for feeling like you are taking a proactive approach to your health, life and well being. However, this really is a life change, and not always an easy one.
People have asked me about feeling hungry or wanting to eat things that I can't. The truth is, for me, that I have to force my self to eat. The thought of eating is no longer enjoyable to me in the slightest. I would really be happy if I never had to see food again! :) I am never hungry. Ever. What does happen is that I feel like I have to eat because I know if I don't, I will be sick. So, it's more like the brain telling the body to eat versus the stomach. Learning to listen to my body and find a balance of the signals has proven difficult for me, but I am getting better at it. Not enough food= nausea, sugar drop and dry heaving. Too much= stomach pain, nausea & dry heaving. Sometimes, for me, getting it perfect still means nausea and dry heaving!
Nausea has proven to be my biggest enemy during this time. Currently I am on a double dose of nausea medication (one that they give chemo patients for nausea) and I am still in the bathroom at least once a day (if not more) dry heaving, sometimes violently, which makes me very sore and exhausted. I will be calling the doctor tomorrow about some more help with this. They have been great about helping me find a solution to get though this period, but we haven't yet found the winning combination.
I really had hoped to be further along in recovery by this point. I feel like I have had a rough time, although, I have not had any complications from surgery at all. According to the docs, everything I am going through is normal, although different for every person. Apparently, nausea can last 3 days or 3 months and there is not way to tell because each patient is different.
I have started walking with a friend four days a week. We walk for 30-40 minutes during her lunch break. Beyond that, I am still not leaving home regularly because I never know when I will be sick. Baby steps, I guess. The truth is, if the nausea and dry heaving would go away I would feel great!
I am very ready to feel good and normal again... or just NOT nauseous would be fantastic!
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Who did your surgery?
Surgeons are not known for their bed side manner. If you have had surgery you know this. Most surgeons are very technical and black/white. I have had seven or so surgeries over the course of my life and have found this to be true. However, Dr. Ross must have been cut from a different cloth! He is the gentlest and kindest surgeon I have ever met. He has a very caring and gracious spirit about him. When you are with him, you know that he cares about you, as a person, first. That is so important when having a surgery that is this serious. I would recommend him (and have) to anyone that is looking into bariatric surgery. He is fantastic! :)
Dr. Ross is board certified by the American College of Surgeons. He graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina and completed his general surgery residency at Spartanburg Regional. As bariatric medical director and primary bariatric surgeon, Dr. Ross has performed more than 1,100 weight loss surgeries.
Dr. Ross is dedicated to helping patients regain healthy, active lives. He is a member of the South Carolina Medical Association and the American College of Surgeons. He is a member and a fellow of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and is actively involved in the Bariatric Society of the Carolinas.
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