Today marks the completion of 7 full days of healing from plastic surgery. I drove over to the doctor's office for my appointment and the receptionist said "wow. did you drive yourself over?" When I said "yes" she looked amazed and said "well your color looks really well."
As I talked to the doctor I got the impression that the extent of what I did was even more than I thought. No wonder I'm having a hard time with the length of recovery. I'm suffering here. I honestly don't know how I'm going to get back to work next week but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
The initial results look good. As expected though because of how much skin I had around my middle, there is some stretching there. We'll see how it looks when all the swelling goes down but I might have a minor revision there. If so, the doctor believes we can do it in his office. That would be nice. $250/hr. I asked him if it would hurt as bad and what he said was candy to my ears. "We don't have anymore muscle work to do so nothing else will hurt this bad." Yay!!
Now if I could get those abdominal muscles of mine to heal. Heal dammit!!! lol
Weight Loss
My Playlist
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Recovery Update
Hahahahaha. 5.2 lbs below my goal weight. I just went under 220 lbs. Who would have thought? Anyway, yay!! and with all the swelling going on, how well I'm doing with the diet plan and my water, I expect I will be down at least another 4-5 lbs when it's all said and done. Too cool!
Anyway, day 5 after surgery. Recovery does better day by day but it's still too slow for my tastes. I know I'm looking at basically 2 weeks for the incisions to heal then another 4 weeks before I can start being really active and even 12-18 months for total recovery. I'm willing to put in the time with the exception of the first two weeks. Can someone just fast forward the clock? I'm BORED!!!! I've read a ton, watched tv and movies, listened to music, even brought out the laptop and worked. But I'm bored.
One other thing that I'll say. I'm tired of being in the lazy boy. I've been here for 5 days because you can't straighten up. This allows me to be bent. And no, you can't just sleep on you side in your bed. Why? Because the drains on either side of your abdomen come out there (one on each side). However, I did get tired of lack of sleep (no pun intended) last night so I rigged my bed and actually got some good sleep on it. But that's not to say that I didn't create a great deal of intense pain in my abdomen trying to get into bed but let's not talk about that.
I was able to truly shower today. I showered on Sunday as well but that was more let the water wash me. This time was more actual washing. I feel tons better. I need to go and get some new gauze wrap so I can redo my dressings. Also some antibiotic ointment - thought I had some but I guess not.
Now it's all about trying to have a bowel movement. Sorry for the gross-ness here but it's relevant. I tried to clear everything out for surgery but I was a little concerned that I hadn't had one in 5 days. I could feel the beginnings forming yesterday. I am worried because of all the percocet and the length of time. Thank god I've recovered as well as I have. Some came this morning (I can tell more will later). Since Sunday I've been taking a child's portion of Milk of Magnesia. Today I took an adult dose. We'll see. With any luck, that will pass without too much of a problem and provide additional weight loss *laugh*
Anyway, I'll update later one. Take care.
Sean
Anyway, day 5 after surgery. Recovery does better day by day but it's still too slow for my tastes. I know I'm looking at basically 2 weeks for the incisions to heal then another 4 weeks before I can start being really active and even 12-18 months for total recovery. I'm willing to put in the time with the exception of the first two weeks. Can someone just fast forward the clock? I'm BORED!!!! I've read a ton, watched tv and movies, listened to music, even brought out the laptop and worked. But I'm bored.
One other thing that I'll say. I'm tired of being in the lazy boy. I've been here for 5 days because you can't straighten up. This allows me to be bent. And no, you can't just sleep on you side in your bed. Why? Because the drains on either side of your abdomen come out there (one on each side). However, I did get tired of lack of sleep (no pun intended) last night so I rigged my bed and actually got some good sleep on it. But that's not to say that I didn't create a great deal of intense pain in my abdomen trying to get into bed but let's not talk about that.
I was able to truly shower today. I showered on Sunday as well but that was more let the water wash me. This time was more actual washing. I feel tons better. I need to go and get some new gauze wrap so I can redo my dressings. Also some antibiotic ointment - thought I had some but I guess not.
Now it's all about trying to have a bowel movement. Sorry for the gross-ness here but it's relevant. I tried to clear everything out for surgery but I was a little concerned that I hadn't had one in 5 days. I could feel the beginnings forming yesterday. I am worried because of all the percocet and the length of time. Thank god I've recovered as well as I have. Some came this morning (I can tell more will later). Since Sunday I've been taking a child's portion of Milk of Magnesia. Today I took an adult dose. We'll see. With any luck, that will pass without too much of a problem and provide additional weight loss *laugh*
Anyway, I'll update later one. Take care.
Sean
Sunday, April 26, 2009
4/23/09: Plastic Surgery
Okay, so now to catch everyone up on what you've been waiting for. Plastic Surgery. After losing 250 lbs, I had a lot of loose skin. My abdomen was where I wanted help the most. After that my inner thighs, upper arms, upper torso and back.
On Thursday morning, 4/23/09, I went into the Utah Surgical Center to have Dr. Scott Haupt do my abdomen, upper arms and inner thighs. 7 hours later I walked out (very gingerly) and began the recovery process. The first two days were torture. Day 3 (Sunday) hasn't been all that great either but it has been much more tolerable than the first 2. Thank god for my brother. If he hadn't been willing to help me out those first two days, I would have been sunk.
The pain is unreal. Percocet is your friend. Then on Saturday, I was asked to go into Dr. Haupt's office. I had no idea how that was going to happen. It was hard. You are so hunched over that it hurts your back to walk for very long.
I will tell you, however, that I'm pleased with what I've seen of my upper arms so far. I believe once the swelling goes down I'll be saying the same thing about my inner thighs. Time will tell in regards to my abdomen but I'm hopeful. Dr. Haupt told me that he cut an incision along my bikini line and then another about an inch above my bellybutton. He cut out everything in between those two lines and pulled them together. That's a lot of excess skin.
I expect that I won't be able to stand up straight for a few more days. I had the drains on my upper arms and thighs removed on Saturday and the ones on my abdomen should come out within the next week. I don't have to be back to work until May 7, 2009. That should be long enough for me to get things back together. And if I need a couple of extra days, my work doesn't mind. They are very supportive.
I did stumble onto the scale in the bathroom and even with all the gauze dressing and swelling, I'm at 225 lbs. So in essence I lost the 7 lbs that I had gained in the few weeks prior. Also, because of the tightening of the abdominal muscles, I don't have much of an appetite so I'm sure I'll lose a few additional lbs that way as well. Though amazingly enough it's been easy to keep up with my water.
Words of advice: when you're on percocet and your abdominal muscles are this sore, the last thing you want is a bowel movement. So clear them out before surgery. After surgery you also don't want to be constipated and percocet brings that on so it's important to keep up with your water and to take a little bit of milk of magnesia daily.
I'll try to get some before and after pictures posted eventually and I'll update you throughout the process.
On Thursday morning, 4/23/09, I went into the Utah Surgical Center to have Dr. Scott Haupt do my abdomen, upper arms and inner thighs. 7 hours later I walked out (very gingerly) and began the recovery process. The first two days were torture. Day 3 (Sunday) hasn't been all that great either but it has been much more tolerable than the first 2. Thank god for my brother. If he hadn't been willing to help me out those first two days, I would have been sunk.
The pain is unreal. Percocet is your friend. Then on Saturday, I was asked to go into Dr. Haupt's office. I had no idea how that was going to happen. It was hard. You are so hunched over that it hurts your back to walk for very long.
I will tell you, however, that I'm pleased with what I've seen of my upper arms so far. I believe once the swelling goes down I'll be saying the same thing about my inner thighs. Time will tell in regards to my abdomen but I'm hopeful. Dr. Haupt told me that he cut an incision along my bikini line and then another about an inch above my bellybutton. He cut out everything in between those two lines and pulled them together. That's a lot of excess skin.
I expect that I won't be able to stand up straight for a few more days. I had the drains on my upper arms and thighs removed on Saturday and the ones on my abdomen should come out within the next week. I don't have to be back to work until May 7, 2009. That should be long enough for me to get things back together. And if I need a couple of extra days, my work doesn't mind. They are very supportive.
I did stumble onto the scale in the bathroom and even with all the gauze dressing and swelling, I'm at 225 lbs. So in essence I lost the 7 lbs that I had gained in the few weeks prior. Also, because of the tightening of the abdominal muscles, I don't have much of an appetite so I'm sure I'll lose a few additional lbs that way as well. Though amazingly enough it's been easy to keep up with my water.
Words of advice: when you're on percocet and your abdominal muscles are this sore, the last thing you want is a bowel movement. So clear them out before surgery. After surgery you also don't want to be constipated and percocet brings that on so it's important to keep up with your water and to take a little bit of milk of magnesia daily.
I'll try to get some before and after pictures posted eventually and I'll update you throughout the process.
Plastic Surgery
So on Thursday, 4/23/09, two years and 16 days after I had gastric bypass, I underwent plastic surgery. The surgery was 7 hours long and dealt wiht my abdominal region as well as my inner thighs and upper arms It all went well but the first day (really two) was mega-PAINFUL. But survive I have and even though I still can't stand upright and I still need some help, I've seen the light at the end of the tunnel and it's exciting to be so close to it.
Monday, April 20, 2009
How Did I Eat So Much
So today at lunch I went to Legers to get a sandwich. I bought a half roll with turkey and cheese (just light mayo) and a little lettuce. I took it back to the office and at the turkey and cheese. After that I was on the phone and I started eating a little of the roll (kind of absentmindedly). Before I knew it, I had eaten the entire half roll.
To say I'm shocked doesn't even begin to describe it. How did that entire thing fit inside my little pouch? guess it's not so little anymore. Scary, scary!!!
But it goes to show how easy it is to get off track and to go back to the old eating ways if you don't stay vigilant. Learning how to eat right is of utmost importance during your initial journey (which is 24 months -- even if you lose all the weight before then). Right around that point, you get to where you can eat most anything and if you still have the same bad eating habits (grazing, sweets, etc) then you're going to struggle. Hell, you'll struggle anyway but it'll be even more difficult if you don't get into some good habits now.
Just remember, what they said is true. The gastric bypass is a tool. A tool by which we can control our eating for life. But the work still has to come from you. Don't be fooled by the fact that the first bit as you recover from the surgery is so easy. The weight flies off and you can't eat much. It's easy to think it will always be that way but it won't. Learn!!! Practice!!! Change your life!!!
Sean
To say I'm shocked doesn't even begin to describe it. How did that entire thing fit inside my little pouch? guess it's not so little anymore. Scary, scary!!!
But it goes to show how easy it is to get off track and to go back to the old eating ways if you don't stay vigilant. Learning how to eat right is of utmost importance during your initial journey (which is 24 months -- even if you lose all the weight before then). Right around that point, you get to where you can eat most anything and if you still have the same bad eating habits (grazing, sweets, etc) then you're going to struggle. Hell, you'll struggle anyway but it'll be even more difficult if you don't get into some good habits now.
Just remember, what they said is true. The gastric bypass is a tool. A tool by which we can control our eating for life. But the work still has to come from you. Don't be fooled by the fact that the first bit as you recover from the surgery is so easy. The weight flies off and you can't eat much. It's easy to think it will always be that way but it won't. Learn!!! Practice!!! Change your life!!!
Sean
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Protein Bars/Shakes
Just a short little post. There was a discussion (debate if you will) recently on the use of protein bars and shakes. RMAP will tell you not to use them. I have been highly successful using them. However, this does not mean that I think RMAP is wrong. So let me put it in perspective:
(1) It is ALWAYS better to eat real food as opposed to protein bars and/or shakes much like it is always better to have fresh food as opposed to prepared and pre-packaged foods.
(2) If you are not going to spend the time preparing your foods (my opinion) and you are often on the go, it is preferrable to take something quick and easy that's good for you rather than find yourself going out to eat where you have a high probability of going off the eating plan or end up finding yourself grazing.
Those really are the two mantras that I run with. As far as an explanation, I'll say that I do a lot of protein bars/shakes for breakfast and lunch but almost always eat real food for dinner. Why? Because I am always running out the door in the morning and I rarely take enough time at lunch to heat something up and I hate wandering into the break room anyway.
My Story
I lived on protein bars from the 3 month mark (once I could eat nuts I started with the high protein slimfast bars) through my year mark. I lost 188 lbs with that approach. From the year mark through the 18 month mark, I moved (85%) of my bars to Atkins Advantage (the bars with 20g carbs, 10g dietary fiber, 11g protein (the Double Chocolate Crunch was my favorite). After that (I'm currently a little over 24 months out), I've graduated to the Premier Nutrition protein bars from either Sam's Club or Costco (Sam's Club is cheaper). Recently I started using the EAS (Sam's Club) and Premier Nutrition (Costco) protein shakes. But again, this is because I'm always on the go for the first chunk of the day and these work for me.
Making my eating routine and easy was the key for me. Is it for you? Maybe. My eating is pretty boring but I like it that way because it takes away a ton of the cravings and makes the entire process easier for me. Many that I know don't like to do it this way. They want to have variety in their diet. If that's you, this approach certainly isn't for you.
Summary
All in all it comes down to what works for you. However, like I've said in previous posts, your first 18-24 months is all about learning how to eat while your pouch is small and you can't eat much. You will soon get to a point where you will be able to eat anything. Once you get to that point, the lessons you've learned over the first 18-24 months will save you so when you hit your 5 year mark you'll still be lean. Learn now what works for you and realize that what you are learning will help you lose the weight now but will also be how you will be eating for the rest of your life. You can't just eat one way for the first 24 months and then suddenly change and not expect something to happen. This is a lifetime approach. I've chosen to be with protein bars/shakes as well as beef jerky and (from Smith's) Kroger's Carb Master yogurt for life. Keep that in mind before you ever make a move towards such products.
Sean
(1) It is ALWAYS better to eat real food as opposed to protein bars and/or shakes much like it is always better to have fresh food as opposed to prepared and pre-packaged foods.
(2) If you are not going to spend the time preparing your foods (my opinion) and you are often on the go, it is preferrable to take something quick and easy that's good for you rather than find yourself going out to eat where you have a high probability of going off the eating plan or end up finding yourself grazing.
Those really are the two mantras that I run with. As far as an explanation, I'll say that I do a lot of protein bars/shakes for breakfast and lunch but almost always eat real food for dinner. Why? Because I am always running out the door in the morning and I rarely take enough time at lunch to heat something up and I hate wandering into the break room anyway.
My Story
I lived on protein bars from the 3 month mark (once I could eat nuts I started with the high protein slimfast bars) through my year mark. I lost 188 lbs with that approach. From the year mark through the 18 month mark, I moved (85%) of my bars to Atkins Advantage (the bars with 20g carbs, 10g dietary fiber, 11g protein (the Double Chocolate Crunch was my favorite). After that (I'm currently a little over 24 months out), I've graduated to the Premier Nutrition protein bars from either Sam's Club or Costco (Sam's Club is cheaper). Recently I started using the EAS (Sam's Club) and Premier Nutrition (Costco) protein shakes. But again, this is because I'm always on the go for the first chunk of the day and these work for me.
Making my eating routine and easy was the key for me. Is it for you? Maybe. My eating is pretty boring but I like it that way because it takes away a ton of the cravings and makes the entire process easier for me. Many that I know don't like to do it this way. They want to have variety in their diet. If that's you, this approach certainly isn't for you.
Summary
All in all it comes down to what works for you. However, like I've said in previous posts, your first 18-24 months is all about learning how to eat while your pouch is small and you can't eat much. You will soon get to a point where you will be able to eat anything. Once you get to that point, the lessons you've learned over the first 18-24 months will save you so when you hit your 5 year mark you'll still be lean. Learn now what works for you and realize that what you are learning will help you lose the weight now but will also be how you will be eating for the rest of your life. You can't just eat one way for the first 24 months and then suddenly change and not expect something to happen. This is a lifetime approach. I've chosen to be with protein bars/shakes as well as beef jerky and (from Smith's) Kroger's Carb Master yogurt for life. Keep that in mind before you ever make a move towards such products.
Sean
Friday, April 10, 2009
Stress Eating
Okay, today was a stress day and with sugar around EVERYWHERE at work, I found myself grazing way too much. So here is where my biggest battle is. Learning how to not graze when I'm stressed to the max at work. Let me know how you're dealing with this battle. I want to hear from you.
The good news is that I am able to leave the stress behind once I leave work. Tonight I'm spending the first of 10 nights in a row with my daughter. Got to love spring break. So I'll leave you now so we can get back to our music appreciation night. YAY iTUNES!!!
The good news is that I am able to leave the stress behind once I leave work. Tonight I'm spending the first of 10 nights in a row with my daughter. Got to love spring break. So I'll leave you now so we can get back to our music appreciation night. YAY iTUNES!!!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
After 24 Months
I'm finding it more difficult to eat right and keep my portion sizes where they need to be now that I'm two years away from surgery. Yes, this is scary. I can see how easy it would be to let my guard down and regain the weight. I don't think it would be possible to gain all my weight back but I can see how easy it would be to gain back a lot of it.
Calories mount so quickly and easily during the day. Before when I couldn't eat a lot and not a lot settled well in my stomach so it was easy. But that has passed and now it's having conscious thought of everything I eat that is required.
I bring this up for those of you on the journey right now. Those first 18-24 months are where you set your behavior. Where you learn how to eat right. Where you learn to become conscious of the calories (and nutritional value) of the food you eat every day. It's where you learn how to drink enough water and to exercise. If you learn those lessons, they will serve you well when you get to where you're eating like a normal person again (and you will get there).
Case in point: When I was in Chicago, I went out to a business dinner. I ordered off the menu (a chicken curry dish) and ate a little more than half. Afterwards we were talking and the topic of weight loss came up. When they found out how much weight I lost, they were amazed. The one comment that stands out in my mind is when one of my colleagues said he couldn't tell I was on a diet or eating differently from how I ate. At first that scared me but then I realized that's what this is all about. Recovery from the surgery is when you lose your weight and learn how to correctly eat. After your complete recovery, then you have control to eat like all those skinny people you have known for your entire life.
So learn what you need to for your first 24 months. Don't waste it and don't make excuses. What you learn there will mostly determine the long term success of your weight loss. And remember that it will not always be so easy. There will come a time when you will have to monitor your weight closely and adjust your caloric intake and exercise level when needed if you start going up. It will be a lifetime fight but one you can easily continue to win. You can't allow emotions to control your eating habits anymore. You have to decide to be in control and to always remain vigilant... no matter what.
Calories mount so quickly and easily during the day. Before when I couldn't eat a lot and not a lot settled well in my stomach so it was easy. But that has passed and now it's having conscious thought of everything I eat that is required.
I bring this up for those of you on the journey right now. Those first 18-24 months are where you set your behavior. Where you learn how to eat right. Where you learn to become conscious of the calories (and nutritional value) of the food you eat every day. It's where you learn how to drink enough water and to exercise. If you learn those lessons, they will serve you well when you get to where you're eating like a normal person again (and you will get there).
Case in point: When I was in Chicago, I went out to a business dinner. I ordered off the menu (a chicken curry dish) and ate a little more than half. Afterwards we were talking and the topic of weight loss came up. When they found out how much weight I lost, they were amazed. The one comment that stands out in my mind is when one of my colleagues said he couldn't tell I was on a diet or eating differently from how I ate. At first that scared me but then I realized that's what this is all about. Recovery from the surgery is when you lose your weight and learn how to correctly eat. After your complete recovery, then you have control to eat like all those skinny people you have known for your entire life.
So learn what you need to for your first 24 months. Don't waste it and don't make excuses. What you learn there will mostly determine the long term success of your weight loss. And remember that it will not always be so easy. There will come a time when you will have to monitor your weight closely and adjust your caloric intake and exercise level when needed if you start going up. It will be a lifetime fight but one you can easily continue to win. You can't allow emotions to control your eating habits anymore. You have to decide to be in control and to always remain vigilant... no matter what.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Protein Shakes/Bars
Oh yeah. I forgot to tell you that I'm now supplementing my protein bar craziness with EAS protein shakes. Can you believe? Love Sam's Club... get them at a good price. I'll let you know how that ends up working but I have found that I'm less hungry after drinking those than when I eat a bar. I find that interesting. Anyway, stay tuned.....
A Big Hello
So many things have been going through my mind lately that I haven't been sure what to write. So rather than avoid my blog like I have been, I'm going to give you a bunch of random ramblings.
1. I love my job. I absolutely love the travel. I wish I could do more. Unbelievable being able to go to Chicago (expense-free) for pretty much two weeks. It's all I could ask for in a job and more. I enjoy what I do, who I work with, and the unlimited potential. Why do I bring this up? Because it's only possible because of the weight I lost.
2. My daughter's mother. After two and a half years of divorce, the limited amount of communication we have is finally starting to be normal. For those of you in the know about this, I'm still in shock and feel like I'm going to wake up from a dream anytime now. It's nice though. What's funny is that if we'd communicated like this during the marriage (as much my fault as hers), we'd probably still be together. Though I don't know whether that would be a good thing or not. I bring this up because... well, again for those of you in the know, you understand.
3. Dating. I find dating to be a lot harder now than it used to be. I have a lot more opportunity to date now (for obvious reasons) but I find it more difficult to get into relationships now. That's mostly because I don't roll over and take shit like I used to. I used to get walked over all the time. Now I'm just me and if it's not fitting, I don't try to force it. Big difference from before but that has a lot to do with the increase in self-esteem and confidence.
4. Weight. Still frustrated with the fluctuations. Honestly? They downright piss me off. I got back from Chicago on Wed night late. I weighed at 230 lbs on Thur morning (down 1 lb from the morning before I left). Weighed again today and I was at 232 lbs. WTF? Really! Oh well, all I can do is continue to work at eating right, drinking and trying to get as much exercise in as possible.
5. Speaking of exercise... I was going to run a 3k (or really walk it) next month but as I told my daughter that we could do it together, I realized that I'm having plastic surgery at the end of this month and won't be in any shape to do something that strenuous that soon. Here's hoping I recover from plastic surgery as quickly and as well as I did from gastric bypass.
Alright. It's time for me to get sleep. Big day tomorrow. Keep dropping me emails, I love hearing from you.
Take care.
Sean
1. I love my job. I absolutely love the travel. I wish I could do more. Unbelievable being able to go to Chicago (expense-free) for pretty much two weeks. It's all I could ask for in a job and more. I enjoy what I do, who I work with, and the unlimited potential. Why do I bring this up? Because it's only possible because of the weight I lost.
2. My daughter's mother. After two and a half years of divorce, the limited amount of communication we have is finally starting to be normal. For those of you in the know about this, I'm still in shock and feel like I'm going to wake up from a dream anytime now. It's nice though. What's funny is that if we'd communicated like this during the marriage (as much my fault as hers), we'd probably still be together. Though I don't know whether that would be a good thing or not. I bring this up because... well, again for those of you in the know, you understand.
3. Dating. I find dating to be a lot harder now than it used to be. I have a lot more opportunity to date now (for obvious reasons) but I find it more difficult to get into relationships now. That's mostly because I don't roll over and take shit like I used to. I used to get walked over all the time. Now I'm just me and if it's not fitting, I don't try to force it. Big difference from before but that has a lot to do with the increase in self-esteem and confidence.
4. Weight. Still frustrated with the fluctuations. Honestly? They downright piss me off. I got back from Chicago on Wed night late. I weighed at 230 lbs on Thur morning (down 1 lb from the morning before I left). Weighed again today and I was at 232 lbs. WTF? Really! Oh well, all I can do is continue to work at eating right, drinking and trying to get as much exercise in as possible.
5. Speaking of exercise... I was going to run a 3k (or really walk it) next month but as I told my daughter that we could do it together, I realized that I'm having plastic surgery at the end of this month and won't be in any shape to do something that strenuous that soon. Here's hoping I recover from plastic surgery as quickly and as well as I did from gastric bypass.
Alright. It's time for me to get sleep. Big day tomorrow. Keep dropping me emails, I love hearing from you.
Take care.
Sean
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