My Progress So Far...

So it's been almost 7 weeks since my gastric bypass.  Lots of really exciting things have happened already as a result of my surgery (aside from the issues related to my cyst), and it seems appropriate to celebrate these accomplishments.  


The initial list of medical problems that I suffered from that lead me to the Weight Management Institute was frightening.  But look!  Some improvements are already evident, and this is only the beginning.

• High blood pressure:
• I still suffer from high blood pressure, but "my numbers" seem to be improving!
• Chronic pain from osteoarthritis in my knees, ankles and low back: 
• ✔Dramatic Improvement in all areas have been noted!
• Non-insulin dependent diabetes:
•  ✔My blood sugar is consistently excellent, and I am no longer on medication for my diabetes!
• Chronic heartburn from GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease):
• ✔My heartburn and GERD are cured!  No more heartburn pain or need for medication since the surgery!   
• Severe sleep apnea requiring the use of a C-PAP machine at night:
• I continue to need the CPAP at this time, however as I continue to lose weight my doctor's suggest that this will likely change.
• Impaired mobility -  I was having difficulty getting around without a cane:
• I am much more comfortable walking, and already I can get around most of the time without a cane except for longer distances.
• Periodic venous stasis wounds on my legs requiring daily wound treatment and aggressive compression treatment ranging from compression hose to the use of a lymphedema pump.  
• ✔No wounds since the surgery.  Minimal episodes of swelling in my lower legs, though I do wear a less unpleasant form of compression most of the time. 

All in all this is pretty exciting news.  Today when I saw my dietician for my routine visit,  we did a body composition test showing that while I am losing both muscle and fat (which is to be expected), even with minimal exercise I'm losing a solid amount of fat.  My ultimate goal is to lose 3 pounds of fat for every 1 pound of muscle.  Today I am at 1.75 pounds of fat for every 1 pound of muscle.  This gives me a goal to work toward.


Other positive information from the session with the dietician: I can eat most things now as long as I am cautious about the food textures (apple skins, stringy veggies, dry or overcooked meats, etc.).  Of course I am eating really small amounts of food, still.  I am supplementing my diet with the same protein powder I used for the months before my surgery when I was on the "partial liquid diet".


I have lost 50.7 pounds since I started the "partial liquid diet" on 6/4/10.  I broke the 300# mark on 9/27/10.  Follow along for continued progress, and please join me in celebrating these exciting improvements in my weight loss efforts.  I admittedly have a long way to go -- but it all seems possible to me now when I consider the progress I've made so far.  


For those of you in my "fan club" who have been supporting my efforts - thank you so much!

Reflections on a Difficult Time - Going off on Medical Leave

In January 2010 I went out on a medical leave.  I had the support of my doctors, my family, and even my employer.  I did have the small matter of some excessive absenteeism due my illnesses, and unfortunately this put me in a position without any guarantee that my position would be available if/when I came back.  It didn't matter because I was just too sick to keep working at that time.  My weight loss was one factor, and of course there was the matter of my fibromyalgia.


Making this change was incredibly traumatic.  I missed my sense of purpose, my work, seeing my work partners and friends every day; and despite having some short term disability coverage, a full paycheck was  also sorely missed.  I found a great deal of support and comfort in working weekly with a psychologist (thanks, GW!), as well as important time to talk about some issues related to my weight.   I continue to prepare for an eventual surgery date, filled with anticipation, trepidation, excitement, fear and hope.


Happily, my fibromyalgia is slowly improving.  I'm bothered most by incredible fatigue from time to time when I have a flare.  This does interfere with my ability to exercise consistently, but I'm making every effort to get some exercise in daily.  I feel very lucky as I recuperate, to have the opportunity to focus on my upcoming WLS (GP- RNY, I expect) to make some long needed changes in my health and welfare.


I've been on a partial liquid diet using HMR high protein powder, lots of veggies, some yummy yogurt and some great high protein Lean Cuisines for 5 weeks now.  Tomorrow I get to discuss the possibility of choosing a surgery date with my doc, the nurse practitioner and perhaps other members of my team.


My fingers are crossed...