MY FIRST PLATEAU
I have just come through a 2 week plateau with my weight loss. As frustrating as this has been, I am still focussed and positive. I have been eating well and totally not interested in unhealthy eating anymore, so that's a big plus. Ralph & I have commenced gym sessions and as of next week, we are going 4 days a week. Today Rebecca set up the Nintendo Wii FIT so we can do that as well. I have eaten out on quite a few occasions now, and just order fresh steamed veggies. I no longer drink tea, except for Chai Tea - Latte occasionally as English Breakfast tastes awful now. I no longer drink Coke Zero.
My weight is now 97.2kg which is a 14kg loss to date - yeah!! I've recently joined a new forum for Gastric Sleevers which is a great source of support, encouragement and information. I check it every day!
This week I have my check up and my group meeting at Tugan with the Psych and Dietician, can't wait for that.
I've been surfing the net trying to get ideas of what I can wear to Bec's wedding. It's really frustrating when you don't know just how much more weight I'm going to lose and what shape my body will be in by the wedding date. There so many gorgeous outfits but they're all modelled by size 8 models!
My clothes are getting big on me now and I do need to get a few more to get me through, but I don't want to waste money on clothes that I will grow out of in a few months. Only a minor problem at this stage. We're both looking forward to the wedding and our trip to Cardwell straight after. We'll be walking every day as it is quite flat where we stay.
That's it for now, It's only 7 weeks to the wedding and lots to do.........until next entry, bye for now
Saturday, 17 March 2012
Monday, 20 February 2012
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. I put bees wax on it twice a day and it does help.
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 have 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) Toni is on Shakes 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). I want to buy nice clothes but I really don't know how to dress for my age? How weird is that? I desperately need new underwear! I think I'll have to have a long chat with my niece Tanya, she's good with things like that.
Well, that's it for now, must go and take some more measurements.
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. I put bees wax on it twice a day and it does help.
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 have 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) Toni is on Shakes 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). I want to buy nice clothes but I really don't know how to dress for my age? How weird is that? I desperately need new underwear! I think I'll have to have a long chat with my niece Tanya, she's good with things like that.
Well, that's it for now, must go and take some more measurements.
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 Shake 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 (Ralph wasn't happy) :) 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.
Faith, I'm right there with you and I know you can get going again - Love Shaz
It's 6:29am Monday 30th January, 2012 - Surgery Day!
I went to bed expecting to sleep well (not). 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.
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 Shake 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 (Ralph wasn't happy) :) 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 (not). 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!
Saturday, 21st January, 2012
I had my husband take some before photos (yesterday) 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 beleive 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 110kg. 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.
I had my husband take some before photos (yesterday) 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 beleive 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 110kg. 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
18TH JANUARY, 2012
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' 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.
COSTS
SO FAR: Today I've paid 'the gap fee' to Dr Layani. My Dr Visit
last week was $140 and received $77 back from medicare. Psych $220,
Dietician $120 which I can claim some back from my private health
insurer. I have also had to purchase B12 (sub-lingual) tablets $23.95 on eBay, fish oil capsules $4.99 (special), Elevit pregnancy multivitamin $24.99
and lastly, Optifast 21 sachets x 2, $39.99 per box. The anesthetist's fee
is $1250 which will be paid next week and I can claim some back through Medicare
(between $300-$400). Another expense is the 1 off excess to my medical
insurer $250 on admission day.
I need a blood test to ensure everything is OK and need to fast for this.
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!
STATS:
Starting weight 110.4kg
Upper
right arm: 15cm
Waist: 46cm
Hips: 57cm
thigh(r): 27cm
Bust: 49 1/2cm
Neck: 15 3/4cm
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 facebook entries about their journeys
and their success stories - it's 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 ???
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 make the appointments. I can't wait and I am very
excited about having this done now.
2010
- Dec
Saw
my GP got a referral for Dr Nolan, made general enquires about the procedure and costs and
hung up feeling very depressed - I couldn't afford that sort of money.
2010
- June
Saw
Surgeon about 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.
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