Six month update- long

[Guest guest]

I can hardly believe it's been six months already. I had my

surgery with the incredible Dr Hess on June 21. I fought a long, hard

insurance battle, then began the waiting game. That and the first

two months post-op were the toughest parts, the rest has been a piece

of cake.

My all time heaviest weight was 326lbs. I lost 8 lbs the week

before my surgery from sheer nerves. Since my surgery I have lost

another 84lbs to total 92.

I eat whatever I please. I always get my protein and supplements in,

then I eat whatever strikes my fancy. I dont watch my carbs. Every

morning I take my protein syrup (watered down a little so I can get

it down, 30g protein) a bannana and a large glass of orange juice. I

snack on fruit. For lunch and dinner I eat protein first, then bread

and potato, etc. I still love chocolate, home cooking and Dr Pepper.

I've never had any problems with nausea or vomiting, and the only

thing that didnt agree with me was malted milk balls on an empty

stomach. (bad idea).

I am thrilled with my rate of weight loss. I am a revision from a

failed VGB (the worlds second worst WLS) and was concerned that I

could be a slow loser, but it hasnt been the case. Also, I may have

lost faster if I cut back on carbs as some DSers do, but I decided I

would never diet again, and still dont. At six months I have lost

well beyond 50% of my total weight loss goal. I have about 57lbs

more to go to meet my goal of 185 (I'm 5'10). I figure with another

12-18 months to do it, there's no real rush. Also, my steady weight

loss has allowed my skin to keep up with the loss of fat, and I dont

have a lot of loose stuff hanging around.

Dr Hess listed my goal weight as 145. I nearly choked. I would

look HORRIBLE at 145. I'm a curvy woman, and even when I was thin I

had big boobs and butt to match. I graduated high school at 165, size

10. Since then I've had three babies. I like looking like a woman,

not a boy. I asked him for a 100cm common channel, stressing to him

that I didnt want to be that thin. (who'd have ever thought I'd say

those words!) He gave me a 75cm one. I trust him that he knows what's

best, but I'm hoping not to see 145.

Bathroom issues have improved considerably with time. I worried

about it a lot, as it was such a frequent topic on the lists. In the

early months my stools were loose and urgent, no matter what I ate. I

had one big oil slick, and was so frantic I e-mailed Steve Goldstein

for advice. I've never had one since, but wore pads in my underwear

for months, afraid it would happen again. I had a bout of HORRIBLE

gas at about 4 months, so Dr Hess put me on Flagyl. I did the

regimine, and now take one 500mg tab daily. Dr Hess leaves some

patients on this low dose for months, while the body adjusts. It

made all the difference in the world for me.

90% of the time I have one BM a day. It's much firmer that it was

in the first few months. It takes me about 15 minutes to get the job

done. It smells worse than pre-op, but nothing outrageous. Every once

in a while I'll have a day where I'll go 2-4 times, like a catch-up

day or something. I havent linked it to any foods, and I'm not

lactose intolerant. Mostly, thank goodness, the bathroom has taken

its rightful place in my thoughts again, and I no longer obsess about

it.

I am well aware of the potential problems us DSers can have, and

will be diligent with supplements, protein and medical surveilance

for the rest of my life. Even with all the risks involved, I can say

with all honesty that I would do it again, without hesitation. It

was the hardest thing I have ever had to do, no doubt. I was blessed

with the loving support of my family, and the world's most awsome,

inspiring angel of all, Teri Daly from New Mexico. She coaxed and

inspired me all along the way, and I will be forever grateful to her.

I enjoy this list and mostly lurk now because of some ongoing

computer problems. We plan on replacing our whole system soon. Cant

wait, it has been very frustrating.

Best of luck to all pre-ops, and thanks to all who have helped me

along my journey

Meli

June 21, 01

Dr Hess

-84lbs since surgery

aiming for 185