Back to Square Three & Test Results

The last couple weeks have been kinda rough diet-wise. Have been feeling nauseous most of the time and throwing up every evening. I was feeling really frustrated with everything by the time I went to support group last Thursday. I had appointments with the nurse & dietitian scheduled but the soonest I had been able to get in was December 31st and January 12th!

During the meeting the facilitator mentioned that it was taking up to a week to get in to see the dietician. A week? I couldn't get in for a month! So after the meeting I asked her about it and explained what had been going on. She took me back to her office and within 15 minutes I had an appointment to see the nurse that afternoon and the dietician the next day. Much better! The nurse took some pictures of me drinking stuff to make sure nothing was blocked and my stomach had healed properly. Everything good there so I felt better. The dietician suspected either the bariactric vitamins with iron or something in the protein shakes. Back to the soft foods diet for a few days, change to a no-iron vitamin and back off on the Costco protein shakes. Apparently a lot of people have issues with Splenda after surgery and I need a shake mix with stevia (so Debbie, I'll be needing more powder).  Felt a little better but still pretty nauseous.

Then yesterday I went to see my primary care doctor for my 3-month diabetes check-up and review of my latest batch of blood tests. (I hadn't talked to him since we chatted about the pros and cons of weight loss surgery)  My A1C test was at 5.8 without having used any insulin for 2 months! An optimal result for a diabetic is 7.0; under 6 is considered non- diabetic! Next we reviewed my meds and he noted I had been put back on a lower dose of an oral med, Metformin, by the endocrinologist 2 weeks after surgery. Then he asked why I was still taking it...taking Metformin when you don't need it will cause, you got it, nausea! He told me to "stop it" and I should start feeling better. I also don't need the majority of my other meds anymore. I had stopped most of them right after surgery anyway, but now I have permission not to take them. Amazing how much happier my stomach is feeling. And my meds shelf is lined with vitamin supplements (no iron) and the 2 meds I still need for now. Hoping to get off of 1 more in a few months, the other I'm stuck with for life because of my wacky immune system.

Ready for CHRISTMAS and my son's birthday today. Want to take a moment to again thank my amazing and wonderful family and friends for all your support over the last couple months. I know I wouldn't be successful without your support. Feeling truly blessed this holiday season!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! With lots of love, Karla

Let's Eat Out!

We went to a friend's surprise 50th birthday party last Friday night. At a Pizza & Pasta resturant. I looked up the menu the night before so I would have a plan since pizza & pasta are on the "don't eat" list. I was also very nervous about my first social outing since surgery. It was so great to see everyone and their response was so positive I have no clue why I was worried. We have such an amazing group of friends; I love and appreciate them so much!

So on eating out...for dinner I ordered a side salad with grilled chicken and dressing on the side. I ate most of the chicken and shared the salad, drank water, and had a very small slice of cake. It was the first time I have eaten raw produce and no problem! We also got together for the Seahawks game on Sunday. Just had some tortilla chips and dip, again drinking water. Both outings had a focus other than food which made it so much easier. Going to get together for the game again this weekend!

Change of subject - I've been feeling nauseated for the last few days. I called the surgery center and was again reassured that some people take a while to transition to "normal" foods. I still favor soft foods and my dreaded morning protein shake is a must-have in order to get through the day. I made an appointment to see the dietitian; more than a little frustrated that the soonest I can see her is January12th, especially since I have concerns about where I should be in this process.

Support group is tomorrow. Topic is surviving the holidays...perfect timing since I go straight from group to our department's Holiday Potluck! Not to mention that my garage is full cookies and we're not done baking yet! Also a good opportunity to find out why it's a month lead time to schedule an appointment with center staff.

Down another 3 pounds.  Have a great week!

Well, this isn't quite what I had in mind!

I knew that as I lost weight my appearance would change. The most dramatic change so far has been in my face. Much of my weight gain, and inability to lose weight, stemmed from the medications I used to take - specifically steroids. Now that I am off 80% of my meds I've lost the puffy roundness look and GAINED WRINKLES. Not exactly something I anticipated happening so soon. I was thinking if I moisturized morning and night I could stay ahead of the game. Still not looking my age (thank God) but Clinique counter here I come! Wrinkles are unacceptable! So is gray hair but that's a whole other story.

My daughter took a picture of me when we were at the Pacific Northwest Ballet "Nutcracker" last week. When I looked at it I saw my mother's face looking back at me; I have her nose. I had been told I look like her before but could never see it until now.  I also have cheekbones again but still hanging on to a double-chin (acquired at age 14, think I may be stuck with it).

Couple other revelations:

My necklaces are getting too long
My shoes are too wide and slip off
My wedding rings no longer make my finger turn purple when I wear them
When I look at myself in the mirror I don't see much change
Clothes that haven't fit in 15 years fit again (and I prefer classic styles so they still look good)
Clearing clothes that are too big now out of my closet made me sad, I'll miss some favs
Finding clothes in the office closet that fit again made me happy
Eating sweets has the same effect on weight loss as drinking alcohol
The mask on my CPAP machine is too loose - new one on order
Milk of Magnesia is my new friend
If I put fresh raspberries in my morning protein shake I need to strain out the seeds
I sleep better and wake up easier

Still working on getting in more water and hitting the exercise bike a little more. Lost 2.5 pounds this week so still on track in spite of a few Christmas goodies. The topic for next weeks support group meeting is surviving the holidays - perfect timing!

Thanks so much for all your encouragement each week. Means a lot to me!

Turkey and Yams and Cranberries, OH MY!

Made it through Thanksgiving with only a small bump in the road. Was able to eat turkey with gravy, yams and cranberry sauce without any problems. I thought I waited long enough before having pumpkin pie, but apparently not. I got a little too full and the pie didn't stay down. I suppose it had to happen at least once so I could figure out my "stop now" point.

I am still struggling with eating too fast and not drinking enough water. I really have to be aware of the amount of food I put on my plate so I don't eat too much since I'm not taking a full 20 minutes to eat. I have to be careful not to overeat or I get a very uncomfortable feeling. Sticking to a meal plan is way easier on work days, I had a hard time when I was off for five days! (Especially with two fridges full of leftovers.) I have been feeling dehydrated so my focus for the next week is to drink at least two bottles of water every day...wish me luck!

This week's highlights:

The holiday goodies have started piling up at work and so far I'm not too tempted, although I did succumb to a small Cranberry Bliss bar yesterday.

Went to Macy's and bought new black pants for work - FOUR SIZES SMALLER!

Took my boys to the vet Saturday all by myself. Was able to carry both of them without my back hurting! (Thor weighed in at 18.8 pounds and Loki at 9.9 pounds)

Got back on my exercise bike. Starting slow with a mile at a time, working up to going back to the gym with husband and granddaughter on Tues & Thurs nights.

Lost 2.6 pounds this week, not weighing as often since I've stabilized.

Have a great week! Thanks again for your support.