My Journey started in June 2010!

[SaguaroSanctuary]

THURSDAY, 15TH MARCH, 2012

I am at the end of a 2 week plateau, which is very frustrating as my daughters wedding approaches. I'm not losing my focus or enthusiasm because of this setback as I understand this is quite normal. I now go to the gym 3 days a week which is about to change to 4 days as of next week. I have lost 13kilos (29lbs) and very happy with my loss. I am working out with an Exercise Physiologist who just happens to have worked in a bariatric surgery some time ago. It made for a very interesting work out finding out EXACTLY what our bodies were put through.

She also told me that the GHRELIN HORMONE is removed with Gastric Sleeve surgery. This hormone gives you the hunger feelings and cravings. That's why I have no desire to eat the types of foods I've craved for in the past and I am now eating healthier than ever before. I've eaten 'out' several times and at no time have I had bread, potato, greasy foods or take aways. I usually take something with me if I know in advance that I won't be home for a meal. Hubby says I'm a cheap date, because all I order is small plate of steamed veggies

This is the end of week 2 of eating a normal diet.

TUESDAY, 21ST FEBRUARY, 2012

Well, it's now 3 weeks since surgery and the weight is dropping off! Yesterday I hit 100.4 which means I've lost 10.3kg in total in 5 weeks! You can now see I've lost weight in the face as well as my tummy and boobs! I took a photo of my scales with the reading, as it won't be long and it will just be a mere memory!

My wounds are healing well but the big cut is taking a little longer.
My favourite shorts are very loose, so I won't be getting much more wear from them, so sad!

My eating habits have changed big time. I am now on Stage 3 Puree Phase, which consists of fruit smoothies (yummy), porridge, yogurt, cottage cheese, mashed avocado, soup, steamed veggies and chicken mostly. I do have a lot of variety. Mostly I'm coping with very tiny meals but sometimes I push it just a little, and get very uncomfortable. I'm still not interested in drinking tea, so I have water or water with benefibre. I don't drink Coke zero anymore, nor have I had potato or bread (not that I'm allowed to have it at this stage), so all in all we're saving a lot of money! This morning I had 1/2 peach which was HEAPS! We had friends over on Sunday and I cooked a chicken and made a lovely salad for the men and I had my 'baby food'.

I have just 10 days left until I go onto Stage four - 'soft foods' which lasts for 1 week and then onto normal healthy eating.

It's really funny, I see foods I used to eat and I am JUST NOT INTERESTED! I don't crave for chocolate and I look at fattening food and it turns me off. All I want is healthy food! I lay in bed at night and all I can think about is what the new me will be like and wonder what size I'll be when Rebecca gets married (6th May).


SUNDAY, 5 FEBRUARY 2012
One Week Post Surgery: 7th February, 2012

WOW it's a week already since having my sleeve surgery. I was very well looked after at John Flynn Hospital Tugan QLD and as best I could, enjoyed my very first stay there. I found it very difficult getting water down initially, but eventually managed to get enough so they would let me go home on Wednesday 1st February. When I finally got home all I wanted to do was to sleep, so I did. It took 2 days to feel 'normal' and not so sleepy. The bruises were now emerging which made lovely photos to look back on. I bought a little program called THE PERFECT DIET TRACKER which allows you to track what you eat giving you fibre, kilojoules, calories, carbs etc in an instant. What I love are the GRAPHS for your measurements and weightloss. This is really a great visual when your struggling.

My diet for these 2 weeks post op consist of between 125ml-250ml/serve (2-3ltrs each day)
Water with benefibre
Prune juice
Clear soup
Yakult
Plain water
Optislim Shakes x 3

At first it was really hard to force myself to drink - I felt full the minute I woke up, so how am I going to get all of this down during the day? As my throat started to recover, the pain when swallowing seemed to ease as each day went by. I now find I can 'drink' bigger mouthfuls and therefore able to cope with the continual need to keep sipping every minute of every hour all day!

WEIGHT LOSS: Well to date I've lost 7kg over the past 3 weeks so that's very encouraging. I took my measurements 3wks ago and again yesterday. When I logged the information into the TRACKER, the weight is coming off my hips and boobs! Oh well, small sacrifice I say.

It's nice to know your family and friends are there to support and help you through this wonderful journey. I've had so many calls and well wishes - it's blown me away, cause sometimes I'd feel that no-one cared.

Well, that's it for now, got to get another drink down.


It's 6:29am Monday 30th January, 2012 - Surgery Day!


I went to bed expecting to sleep well. Of course I didn't! Half an hour here and there, bathroom break, an hour or so, another bathroom break, then a couple of hours clock watching. I must have fallen asleep and the next time I looked at the clock it was 4:59am. Quick, drink that 600ml of water beside the bed - no more drink after 5am they said.


Then my mind started racing as I tried to go back to sleep. Oh what's the use in fighting it, get up and switch off the alarm.


I'm so ready for this day, I'm bursting at the seams! I can't believe it's finally happening. I'm going to get my life back and be a happy healthy person again. I certainly won't be needing my antidepressant meds anymore.


My big sister sent me huge text messages wishing me well today as well as my best friend, Faith.
Friends have also called to wish me well which I am very grateful for.

It's raining again (day 9 of continual rain!) and we're fogged in. Living on Tamborine Mountain is such a different lifestyle, it's like living in a little country town, everyone knows everyone. We just love it here, very peaceful and quiet and from my sunroom we have distant views of the Gold Coast - when not raining of course.

Todate I've lost 4kilos!

Well, time to get organised we're leaving in 1hr. Next post will be post-op as soon as I am able.


SATURDAY, 21 JANUARY 2012

REALITY CHECK!

I had my husband take some before photos of me just to remind me NEVER to get to this weight again. I asked him to make sure they looked 'disgusting'. He showed me the first pic which was just a front view - it was OK, I didn't mind, after all, it was going to be the last time I look like this!

I decided to download the photos and have a look at them today - SHOCK HORROR. I can't believe I actually look like this, I was, and still am, mortified. No wonder I'm so lethargic and tired all the time. No wonder I'm so depressed! What a terrible reminder this is. I think I'm still in shock because I didn't think I looked that bad for my weight of 110.5 kg. It's really funny how you do see yourself isn't it?

I have been on my pre-surgery plan for 5 days now and enjoying every day. Seeing these photos will NOT deter me it's only making me stronger to beat this and come out the other end as a renewed person. I am more focused than I was 2 days ago now. Isn't that amazing? I am looking forward to having no more back pain, I'm looking forward to being able to crouch down again, I'm looking forward to going into a dress shop and buying what I want, not asking what the largest size is in the store. I'm really looking forward to being able to wear a dress again as I only wear slacks. I'm looking forward to cleaning out my wardrobe, I'm looking forward to getting some nice underwear! I'm looking forward to getting my energy back and being able to work easier in my large garden. I'm looking forward to wearing a swimsuit and feeling great about myself.


WEDNESDAY, 18 JANUARY 2012
Pre-Surgery


Day 2 of optifast shakes. I've managed to drink 2.5l water plus my shakes. Last night I had a big plate of allowable salad veggies and during the day, some fruit. I'm feeling a little light headed, but I'm sure this will pass.

16TH JANUARY, 2012 - Last 'Normal' eating day today

10am: My appointment with Taryn - my dietician.


We discussed my eating habits - which wasn't that bad really. (who am I kidding?) I eat as a COMFORT eater mostly. When I crave for chocolate - I JUST HAVE TO HAVE IT!!! If I'm out on my own I'll buy something nice and scoff it before getting home. I know this will change now and I say BRING IT ON - I'm ready! I was given a lot of information about pre surgery preparation & diet, Post surgery fluid phase for 2 weeks, Puree diet for 2 weeks and then soft foods 1-2 weeks, then long term healthy eating. I have to 'track' my fluid intake post-op and need to build that up to 2-3L per day.

So, I have everything in place now ready to commence my journey. Oh yeah, need to take some disgusting photos, just to remind me never to get to this WEIGHT EVER AGAIN!


7TH JANUARY, 2012 - COUNTDOWN TO APPOINTMENTS

Well it's only 4 days until I see Dr Layani and his team. I'm so excited I can hardly sleep. I've read everyone's entries about their journeys and their success stories - it's so inspiring and just amazing!

My daughter announced just before Christmas that she was getting married on 6th May, so I have a lot to focus on now, only problem is, I don't know what size I will be then to buy a new outfit.

My surgery date is booked for 30th January 2012

DECISION TIME:
2011- May
Saw my GP 5mths later and she referred me to Dr Layani. It took me until December, 2011 to make that call and to make the appointments. I can't wait and I am very excited about having this done now.

2010 - Dec
Six months later, I saw my GP and got a referral for Dr Nolan, I made some general phone enquires about the procedure and costs. I hung up feeling very depressed and burst into tears - I couldn't afford that sort of money.

2010 - June

I saw the Surgeon about my knee problems, he greeted me with a set of scales, weighed me and gave me a business card to see Dr Nolan about gastric sleeve surgery. I left the office in dismay and did nothing more about it.

[BBARB]

Good job! you are ding fantastic

[Sunflower]

Thanks for posring this. You have given yourself a great gift, How's the knee pain now? I also have terrible knee pain and was told if I was a little older they'd do the replacement right now (as long as I lost weight of course).

[compact]

Love your positive attitude, Sharon. It's an impressive blog you're building. Thank you for sharing. It's encouraging to see how well you are doing.
You had pain from the cutting of your stomach for awhile -- did you need pain meds? Sounds like it was very difficult for awhile there but definitely worth it!
Nel

[SaguaroSanctuary]

Hi Nel, thank you for your lovely message. I managed the pain without meds and the wound has now healed. Today my daughter got our Nintendo Wii fit up and running so now we can do that as well as the gym.

Have you decided if your going to have the sleeve surgery? I can highly recommend it, it's the best thing I've done for myself in such a long time. Let me know how your going, take care, Sharon

[Grace]

Congrats on sticking it out and you've made the right decision for your health!

[compact]

Hi Sharon,
I will have the surgery, but have only purchased insurance in January, so will have to wait until next year. I was going to try to pay up front without insurance but the doctors are not keen (I guess they see people getting upset with the ongoing costs). So I am planning to use this time to learn and prepare for such a big change. This community helps a lot, addressing many of my fears and concerns and helping all of me to understand and accept (and enjoy) where I am heading. Thanks for asking and for sharing.
Nel