LAP RNY 7/20/04 249/231/221

[Guest guest]

Yesterday was my first post-op check-up and I only lost 10 pounds,

which was a disappointment, but at least it's off, not on. Possibly

the constipation had something to do with that. Obviously I'm not

going to be losing like the rest of you are reporting.

Otherwise my doctor gave me an A rating and I can move on to soft

foods. That's not going too well. I've tried chicken and tuna and

while the chicken stayed down (only 3 bites) the tuna came back up.

My how vomiting has changed! It happens so easily! Evidently I'm

just eating too much, although it was only 1/4 cup. I tend to return

to my pureed soups when stuff like that happens.

About quitting smoking--34 years ago I quit by being hypnotized. The

therapist told me when I called for the appointment, don't waste my

time and your money if you're not really ready to quit. Evidently I

was. The only times I've been tempted have been when people have

asked me to light a cigaret for them. It still tastes wonderful and

always will, so I don't do that anymore.

Thanks for the reminder about not drinking water 30 minutes before

and after eating and during. We were told that in nutrition class

and I simply forgot it.

About exercising--my doctors (and it looks like most of yours)

required me to lose weight before the surgery. The only way I can do

that even with diets, is exercise. For the past two years I've done

water aerobics, cardiac wellness classes with treadmill, exercycles,

rowing machines, cross-country machines, etc. This year I've just

been walking and going to Curves. For me it is essential to have a

buddy for the walking. We walk on a bike path along the coast with

hills and gorgeous scenery. I have to drive 10 miles to get there

every morning and 10 miles back, but I'm worth it. We do it rain or

shine and each of us knows the other is there waiting and it helps me

get out of bed and just do it. I'm a night person and getting up at

7:00AM is or was a real hardship for me. So I feel that I've already

made significant lifestyle changes as far as exercise goes and I

really missed the walking post surgery. I was just doing laps around

my 1/3 acre yard. It's really wonderful to hear the birds and smell

the early morning freshness every day. Since I'm retired I can

always come home and take a nap if needed.

I can't imagine not having all the classes and counseling my doctors

required before the surgery. And I continue going to my counselor

because in my opinion the hardest part is coming up. Learning to

live our new lives with our new bodies.

And, finally (!) I actually asked my surgeon if he really operated on

me or just scratched 5 tiny holes in my stomach. You're not alone in

that.