Post Op week 2 - I lost a Layla!

For those of you who don't know, Layla is our youngest dog (20 months).  My weight loss this week was 1.2 kilos - I was slightly gutted....why?  I thought I would lose more.  Too used to the 2 kilo a week, now back to reality and actually having some food of the pureed description.  On the more positive side, Layla weighs 28 kilos, so I lost her weight plus 500g (so a block of butter).  Yay!

16 days since surgery.  I'm doing alright.  In the last week I made it to work the whole working week!  That was my big goal after being slightly too ambitious the week before.  I have been made aware though just how much I do move around at school/teaching.  I tried to force myself to sit down and make students come to me - didn't work.  I like to be more interactive and talk to them.  Sitting up the front just made me feel isolated from the class.  And...you can keep a better eye on what is going on amongst the masses and that they are actually doing their work....it is high school after all.

A bit of a come down this week from the op.  Felt a bit bleh.  Got sick of the pureed foods after about three days.  Tired of being just plain exhausted.  Only managed a couple of walks and a PT session this week (more walking) - frustrating as I got fit before the op. 

For foods - hubby did make me lovely combos, having little cottage pies in a ramekin dish (minced up chicken/vege) and vege topping (not potato).  I advanced onto hummus and cruskits for lunch - 2-3 of them.  Sometimes having lite yoghurt and 1/2 banana too.  That was about it.  I was satisfied.  While I say that - I did start to get physically hungry at times this week (rumbles in the tum, and feeling hungry sick), so knew I had to eat.  Routine of school makes it hard - something I have to work at.

Consequences of the new regime - being blocked up - that so sucks - Benefiber and alpine tea to the rescue.  Apparently according to the dietitician - normal and should ease when back on real food.

Next week - soft foods.  This means food you can cut with the side of a fork.  Veges have to be cooked well.  Still nothing too high in carbs (Potatoes etc), no bread, and no fibrous veges (corn, asparagus, celery).  Chicken breast and steak are off the list as too dry. Also any fruit or vege with peel or a coat.  Avoid or remove peel.

But the big thing is - I get to chew something finally!!!!  Like a big girl :)

One other thing that has arisen.  Initially I had some pain where the port is (I think).  Is this to do with the muscle growing around it and recovery?  It has pretty much gone for now.  But in the last few days I have had pain to the left of the port and slightly down.  Hasn't gottten any better and I can't link it to anything.  Initially I thought I had pulled a muscle but it goes and comes back.  It hurts more when I am standing.  Today in the supermarket it felt like a stabbing pain and almost doubled over - however the pain went away.  I thought it was due to digesting but it had been hours since I had eaten.  Has anyone who is banded had this?  Is it normal?  HELP!  I have search internet sites and not much has come up.  I guess if it continues, I'll check in with the clinic.

Onto week 3.....

The Process So Far Part 1

My surgery date has been confirmed for the 26th November 2010.


Today, that is 44 days away....exciting!!!!

So what has been the process so far?  Well here goes.....

Since last year when my doctor recommended I look into Bariatric surgery, funding was first sought for a gastric bypass.  Unfortunately, in Wellington where I live - no funding available.  Health board ran out of money!  If I lived in another place in New Zealand, this story may have turned out differently.  While I am obese, I am healthy and don't suffer from various diseases such as high cholesterol, diabetes and the like - so I am not a prime candidate.

Anyway, months passed and in July I decided to find out more and take action.  Stupid parent teacher interviews stopped me from attending a information seminar until September, but I made it.  At the Surgical Obesity Service (lovely name I know) - we were given a slide slow showing the gastric bypass, the gastric sleeve, and the lap band - procedures, advantages and disadvantages, costs, etc - all you wanted to know.

After the seminar I was emailed further information, including a referral form from the doctor.  My doctor was over the moon I had made the decision, and referred me without hesitation.  Next day, got a call from the surgery practice and immediately organised appointments.  I love private health care!!! (When I was waiting in the public system to see a gynocologist regarding fertility etc - it took nine months just for the appointment!!).

The first appointment was with the GP to assess if I was suitable for surgery, particularly the lap band which was my choice.

Height, weight, measurements, blood pressure, bloods, etc were taken along with looking at my family history of disease and conditions - that wasn't a pretty picture.  I could see if I didn't act now - things like blood pressure, diabetes, mobility could all become issues in the future.  I already suffer from depression, wheather this will improve with weight loss will be seen in the future.  At the moment Im all good as long as I take my pills :)

Anyway, after being cross examined, it was determined I did not need an ECG to look at my heart, and I was cleared to go on to the next stage and closer to surgery :)

The Time Has Come!

I'm 32 years old.  I have been overweight/obese for my whole life.  I have tried a variety of diets, shakes, powders, hypnotism, and exercises to try and lose the weight to what I consider "Normal".  Some success yes, but always end up in the same place, plus a few more kilos.

Last year, after not being able to become pregnant, my doctor knowing I had tried various methods for weight loss, asked me to consider gastric surgery, either in the form a lap banding or gastric bypass surgery.  Then I was like...seriously, that is the easy way out, and it costs heaps!!!  However, a year has passed.  My mind has changed after an enormous amount of research, and I have started my lap band journey, using this blog to share with others (if interested!), but also for me to see my progress through pictures, and blog entries.

A friend pointed out to me in July it was time to look after myself.  I spend so much of my time looking out for others, that I leave myself to last.  After coming out of the worst part of 6 months being depressed about a future with no children, I finally agreed with her.  I need to feel better about myself.  The money is not important but my life is.  Has it really taken 32 years to come to this conclusion???  Maybe I am a slow learner ;)

Anyway, this entry will begin my story and my journey!!  Jump aboard!!