Surgiversary....

Tomorrow is September 15th.... one year since my sleeve.  How totally amazing the journey has been!

Let's go back...

Being fat plump didn't make me a bad person.  I wasn't a negative Nelly or down on myself.  I could smile and love and do many things happily.  BUT....I was scared.  I was scared I was going to get really sick.  I was scared I wouldn't be able to enjoy life.  I was scared I wouldn't be able to see the people I love grow.

Being scared sucks.  I don't like it.  I don't like knowing that I'm letting something have that much control over me.  I tried all the tricks.  I tried the diets and the pills and the drinks and gym.  Nothing much stuck for long and it certainly didn't change me in any significant way.  I needed help.  I needed a tool that was more than a calorie counter.  I needed to lose 87 lbs.  That is a lot of  butter!

Fortunately I found help.  Those of you that have been with me since the start or have read all the posts understand that it wasn't a magic switch.  My sleeve doesn't do the walking for me.  It doesn't choose my proteins.  What it does do is help me to know my limits.  It guides me to make choices that will work for me.  It tells me "stop it girl or you're gonna get sick".  I've learned a lot this year.  I have more to learn still. For instance, I got my blood work done just before we went on vacation.  It tells the truth.  It said "girl, you haven't been taking your vitamins".  "And now, you are low on B12 and B1.  What are you going to do about that?"

Well, that has made me research what B12 and B1 do....kinda serious things like you know, help with your nervous system and help regenerate the cells in your organs.  So guess what?  I've now learned that I can take my vitamins by mouth without getting sick! I don't like it, but I'd like getting into that kind of trouble a lot less.

So where am I now? (besides a little low on vitamins)
I have lost 92 lbs! That's right! I am 5 lbs below my goal.

 and that's not even the best part...the best part is how much healthier I am overall and the fact that I can now do amazing things I would have been SCARED to do before!

Parasailing has been on my bucket list for many years but there was always an excuse...because I was scared...

Not anymore!!  There it is.  When he asked me how much I weighed I didn't have to think about being embarrassed to say how much.  I didn't worry that I wouldn't fit into the straps.  I just grinned and told him 140 lbs!

My BMI is normal.  I am at a healthy weight.  It's such a simple thing to say.  But for me it was impossible for years.  I am so happy to be given these years back.  Dr. Trieu estimated at least 10 extra.

We are almost out of the honeymoon phase.  I may not continue to lose more.  This was a slow month with just over 2 lb loss.  That's ok.  When I stop losing then we'll move on to maintenance.  It's still unknown, but I don't find that scary.  Where I've already been...that was scary!  After all, I can only do things one day at a time but as time has shown, those little steps...they lead to big changes!!

Thanks for following along!
~Mikki

Almost 11 months out...

Hiya Peeps!! Just a quick line to say "Goal!!!!!!!!"

Actually I'm currently 3lbs under goal!!  It's been a long journey but here's a little before and after to remind you how worth it it's been!  Thank you all for your support! I can't begin to express how much it has helped!

There will still be the struggle with maintenance and we will have to keep working. :)  Next year will begin the tale of learning how to deal with a sleeve on the road!  Happy August everyone!!

Thanks for staying with me!
~Mikki

9 month check

Hey Peeps!

Wow, I didn't realize how long it's been since I posted! How you all doing?? :)

So Wed. was my 9 month check with Dr. Trieu.  I'm gonna talk some numbers here...I am NOT putting these here for any kind of comparison. Numbers are different for everyone and your journey will be totally different than mine and might not even be about weight loss so keep that in mind, k?

I stepped on the scale and I was 2 lbs higher than I was in the morning on my scale.  I mention this because I plan to get to goal on MY scale. :)

Anyway, I was at 150 lbs.  That means I've lost 11 lbs since I last saw Dr. Trieu.  He was pleased with this.  I was actually a little surprised.  It has been coming off so slow lately that I hadn't realized it had added up to that much!  My goal has always been 145 lbs. I'm 3 lbs away. (by my scale, see how that comes in to play?) I have lost 88.5% of my body fat. My BMI is 26%  which depending on which chart you look at is on the line between healthy/normal and overweight. I'm pretty comfortable with it.  Dr. Trieu was very pleased with it.

Let's review. When I went into the program I had a BMI of 40%.  I lost 23 lbs pre-op and was still 38% at time of surgery.  I will have some regain 2-3 years out.  It happens.  That's why I want to get to 145.  I feel good and would be ok if I come back to the 150-155 range long term.

How are other things?  Well, my blood pressure was 104/47.  The nurse actually asked me if I was dizzy or anything! ;)  Didn't have to do blood work this time but my energy is great and he is pleased with how I'm eating...yes, even the ice cream I have a couple times a week. :) a 1/4 cup or 1/2 cup a couple times he a week.  Treats are good if you keep the amount down.  And thankfully I can now be satisfied with just a little!!

The biggest blessing for me is not to be hungry all the time!  I cannot even begin to describe how wonderful that is. So what's left?  Well, 3 more pounds!!  That's 12 sticks of butter!  I don't even want to think about all the sticks I've lost in the last year! :) YUCK!

I've got a new water bottle and I'm trying to get back into the water swing...yeah, it has not been where it should be lately and I know it! How about you?  Getting hydrated?  It's all about each day, isn't it? :)  Well the day is still early! Get some water going folks!

I hope people are working on their goals. I know everyone gets busy and life gets crazy but remember to take some time for you....and have fun doing it, cause if not, what's the point?

7.5 months out...

Good morning Peeps!!

Well, here we are seven and a half months out since surgery, but really it's been a year since I started the whole process.  Hard to believe it's been that long?  Yeah, for me too...
Let's talk progress.  First a snapshot of what the year was like...

That sharp drop in September?   Yep, that was the surgery.

A year just flew by!! Where am I??  5lbs to goal people!! 5lbs!!

A total loss of 82 lbs so far... no wonder I was tired when I was fat plump!  Think about grabbing a 50 lb bag of dog food...now add a 25 lb bag...now pick up a 5 lb bag of sugar...oh! and don't forget 8 sticks of butter!!!   It's a wonder I could walk!

I've really learned that I needed more than just me.  I think I'm a pretty strong person, but when you are addicted to something you sometimes need a tool that just isn't naturally within you.  My sleeve gives me that tool.  Some people can use weight watchers or another tool...it doesn't matter as long as it works for you!  And if doesn't have to be about weight loss...just health.  Keep hydrating.  Giving up soda has improved everything.  It really is destructive.

Carbonation is really the only thing that I will not go back to at all.  I eat small amount of just about anything.  I can even eat chicken now!! whoot!  I have no desire to go back to soda.  Even if I still craved pouring the sugar into me (which I don't) the acid that crawls back up my throat would not be worth it.

We recently had the book signing for my mom's new book "Distant Cousin" by Delia Drake...it was great to be able to be at the store for a couple hours without my ankles aching and to be able to visit with everyone and not be tired.  It was a great day!

As this summer gets underway, be sure to take good care of yourself...and remember little steps lead to surprising results!

Heading to Florida in a couple of weeks...Just like last year...I will post some before and afters from last vacation to this one after...we'll seen if you notice any difference!  :)

Thanks for sharing this journey!

~Mikki 

6 months post op..the "c" word and other unmentionables...

Hey Everyone! How are you all doing?  Thought I'd check in with you all.

Today is 6 months post-op...and I'm down 75 lbs total!  :)  24 lbs pre-surgery and 51 lbs in 6 months.

12 more to go to goal.  Things have slowed down for sure.  Month "6" I lost 5 lbs...still, I'm losing not gaining, right?

This winter has been a killer for me.  An excuse I know.  But it's just not the same to exercise indoors.  I went for a walk the other day when our temps got up into the 40s... a little over two miles and I was feeling it!  Especially puffing going up the hills!  Can't wait for it to be warm enough to get back into a good groove.

One of the things I've had to learn on this journey is that there are a lot of things no one really talks about... like "c"onstipation!  Going through this process you do start to adapt.  But remember, there are so many different phases it's going to play some havoc with your body.  That liquid phase? Liquid in equals liquid out... concentrating on just getting in protein? Well, that can actually hit people differently.  Many people who do a lot of protein end up running to the bathroom without a minute to spare...for me, not so much.  TMI, right?  Well, sorry, but this is a pretty big part of the process!  And while, Dr. T looked me straight in the face and said "you know you're not normal, right?" (as if I had any doubts!) I know from reading the boards that I'm not the only one who happens to go in this direction.  So what do I mean about constipation?  Not going for a day or two? Uh, no, try for a week or two... yep.  That's what I mean.  The really good thing about it?  I can usually count on a couple pound loss at that point!! ;)

I have always been slow to go... :)  but this has reached new timing.  Have I figured out a pattern of how it works?  Or what to do?  No, not really.  Have I tried things?  Oh yeah.  I tried benefiber everyday...nothing... Miralax?  I can take that stuff for a week straight and get next to nothing.  Although, I will say the FIRST time I try these things they help...but after that not so much.  The veggies in my shake?  Yeah, that was great the first time too.  Then I adapt.  Right now, I'm doing heavy cream in my coffee instead of half n half...this is beneficial since it's lower in carbs too and for a couple days it's been good...we'll see if it lasts long.    The other problem that contributes to this is the low iron thing.  So, I'm really trying to remember my vitamin.  I'm opening the capsule and pouring it into my shake.  Works great.  But of course, iron doesn't really help the whole regularity thing.   I have had a couple times where everything comes through at once...usually after chicken...this is also accompanied by the foamies and is not a pleasant alternative!  I no longer do chicken.  Did I mention I never realized how much chicken I ate until I no longer do?

I eat quite a bit of steak now.  I'm sure part of that is my body helping to replace iron naturally.  I can do pork with no problem but it doesn't seem to appeal on quite the same level as beef.  I go through phases of wanting tuna and then not wanting anything to do with it.  It's important to point out that I am not 100% on plan.  For many people only being 6 months out, they would not want to really add any or at least many carbs, particularly ones that are less than complex.  My goal was always to be able to eat anything I want...just small amounts.  I eat french fries.  I eat potato salad.  I eat mashed potato.  Many if not most people would want to avoid those food still this early on.  I am fortunate since I was considered a "light-weight" with less than 100 lbs to lose that I can have a few bites of these this early.  Would my weight loss be faster if I did not?? Most probably.  :)  Keep in mind that is journey is going to be different for everyone and you may have a completely different experience and that's ok.

What else?  Oh, yeah the sag...don't be discouraged.  Your body has been plumped up with fat  plumpness!  Now it needs time to recover.  Keep up the exercise.  And holy cow, don't forget to moisturize!!  I'm sure the time of year doesn't help, but I have to keep the skin hydrated or I actually scratch myself to pieces!   Oh and hair loss.  Mine is finally slowing down.  It started in at about 4 months out...really falling out in the shower or when I combed my hair.  I was lucky that it was not so bad that I got bald spots or had to cut my hair to make up for the thinning but I did notice it for sure. Many people have it much worse.  I notice now that while I still lose some...I am going through menopause after all...it has slowed down again.

What can I eat at this point?  Well, I still need to measure, or I can forget.  By measure, I don't mean weigh everything, but I do check in quite often with the scale and my best tool I find is to use a dish that is small.  This isn't to "trick" my mind into thinking I'm getting more...it's to make sure I don't put too much on the plate and make myself sick.   If you eat too much, or too fast, then those foamies are awful!!  We all know I hate to throw up but when I'd rather just be able to throw up than suffer through that foam backing up in your throat you know it's not fun!  For me, gum helps with this.  I don't know if it would for most people.  In fact, they recommend you don't chew gum after the surgery because it can put air in your tummy and cause pain.  Maybe it's because I have been a life long gum chewer but for me it helps.  A half cup is about perfect for mixed foods.  I can do a little more (maybe 3/4 cup) of soups or soft food but a half is more comfy.  2.5 - 3 oz of meat is about great.  I can eat a bite or two of veggies and carb if I keep it to the 2,5 oz.  If I am eating just steak can do a little over 3 oz without discomfort.  Why does that settle best for me?  I have no idea but it does.

Do I get hungry?  Yes.  But not like before.  It takes a couple hours after I eat something now.  And I do feel full when I eat.  Do I go for long periods without getting hungry?  Yes.this is a dangerous slope.  It used to be if I went very long I would get cranky and shaky.  This doesn't happen anymore.  I fasted the other day for blood work and it was well after noon by the time it got done.  I grabbed some almonds at the store after and it was fine.  No shaking.  What I do notice is that I will tend to push too much if I haven't eaten for awhile. If you let yourself get too hungry you revert to that whole eyes bigger than your belly thing...OUCHY!  There are many reasons they want you to eat at least 3x a day without missing meals if you can.  Mostly your body just needs the fuel.  Your metabolism needs something to burn...especially if you still have weight to lose.  So pay attention to time going by and have a plan to not go too long even if you think you're doing ok.

I guess planning is one of the biggest parts of making this journey successful.  Maybe that's why we start with all the steps 6 months before the surgery.  We have to plan out all those things and it gets us used to it.  Life is so fast now days.  We don't plan out meals or anything else many times.

So the questions everyone asks?  Do I still love it? Do I regret not being able to eat all that I could want?  Would I do it again?

The answer to all?  Yes.  Yes, I love my sleeve.  Yes, sometimes I miss being able to eat more of something I like the taste of. Yes, I would do it again in a heartbeat.   I know I am healthier.  I know that I have a tool to help me stay in control.  I know I could never have done this loss without it.

If you're thinking about surgery...it is not easy.  It is a huge decision.  Know all the things that happen.  Do your research.  But as for me?  I say go for it!  The risks are less than living your life as less than you can be!    I think that's true of most things, right??

Thanks for continuing on the journey with me! 6 months people!

~Mikki

Stalls...

Hi guys!  It's a little over 5 months post-op and I'm feeling great.  Sadly I am not moving the numbers much right now, but that's ok...that means they're not moving up either. ;)

Let's talk about stalls for a minute.  I have had several since the surgery.  You know...that dreaded feeling when you step on the scale and see no movement.  It happened about 3 weeks out and several times since then.  What I notice about those times is that even though the scale doesn't reflect anything, my clothes still tend to feel different.  Things are still getting more loose and I can see my face changing. So while we may call it stalling out, really I think it's just more of our bodies adapting to change.

I've started having veggies in my morning shakes...some kale and spinach in with some strawberries. I have changed up to adding water when I do this rather than the skim milk.  I don't get quite as much protein but I just can't wrap my head around adding milk to this mix.  I have added greek yogurt a couple of times.  That brings the protein back up, BUT it also brings up the calories once you add in your protein powder.  Not in a scary way, but you can definitely see the increase.  It also tends to give more of a yogurt taste to the shake instead of just the berries.  Yeah, you don't really taste the veggies much at all.  I think because both kale and spinach are pretty mild tasting the berries just out weigh them in flavor.  Definitely an easy way to add veggies if you're not getting enough now.  And really, who is?  :)

Some off topic really great news this month...my mom's book came out on the shelves! It's a pretty big deal for us!  Kind of nice to have an author in the family! ;)  If you like to read and enjoy a good mystery with a little smatter of romance thrown in I highly recommend it!
                               www.northcountrypress.com/distant-cousin.

I know, shameless plug, right?  But hey, we need to exercise our minds as well as our bodies so while you're walking on the treadmill or riding the train to work it will add to your day!

I'm re-reading it (again!) while I wait for this other 17 lbs to fall off me! :)   I'm still waiting for spring! How about you?  I hear even my friends in Florida are shivering a little this week! I'm not sure why I never plan a vacation this time of year! So silly!  I should be somewhere warm and sunny right now!  Alas, I have to wait until the end of May to head to Florida.

The other exciting trip we have planned is for September! We'll be heading to Southern Baja for my son's 30th birthday celebration! (I really can't believe he's gonna be 30!!)  Those of you that know me well know that our plan is to full time RV in retirement after next year.  Southern Baja is one of the places I really wanted to spend some time so this will give us an idea if it's worth braving the border crossing to go down there some day in our RV!  Cabos looks gorgeous and I really, really hope it's a wonderful trip for my son.  Now I just need to get that other 17 lbs off so I will look good in my bathing suit!! ;)

Don't let the cold keep you from hydrating peeps! We all know how important this is, not just for weight loss but overall health.  Big props to my cousin for giving up her diet soda this week!  Hope it's still going well! Soda is a tough one, but well worth the rewards of giving it up!

I~ again this past week~ had someone ask me if I regret not being able to eat more... 5 months out?? NOPE! Still loving my sleeve!!  Happy Saturday everyone!  Thanks for sharing my journey!

~Mikki

waiting for spring...

Good morning people!! How are you all doing??

We have snow up to our...ears... and it does not make me want to exercise!  Can't wait for warm weather!!

Let's catch up! How is everyone doing?  Getting your water in? Moving at all or stuck on the couch having winter blues?

I'm somewhere in the middle.  I have 20 lbs left to hit the "big" goal.  You know, the one that leaves me a window to gain some back eventually. These will be the hardest I'm sure.  We went to Boston at the end of January for the dental convention and I got some great walking in. Over 13000 steps each day.  It felt really good to get out but oh so cold!!

Went to see my NUT on Wednesday.  She was pleased with my progress. I am hitting my protein consistently with no problem. Water is always a challenge but we just keep plugging away, right?

She is encouraging me to get more veggies...since my capacity for food is still really good...so how do I eat more?  She is recommending I put them in my morning protein shake.  Hmmmm... not sure that I'm excited about this...but I'm gonna give it a try.  I'll let you know what kind of results I get.

One very exciting thing? I moved down to the skinny bracelet that came with my fitbit!  How cool is that, right? :)  I am now moderately overweight...which is tremendously superior to morbidly obese.  Found a yummy new bariatric snack "tasty bites" pizza flavored! They are a good size bag that is 140 calories and 10g of protein! Those are some good numbers!  I've also ordered something called "carbquik".  It's like bisquik, but has 90% less carbs.  We'll see if it's gross or not.  LOL

Elizabeth (NUT) also said my calorie intake is somewhat low.  I'm still averaging between 600-700 a day.  She wasn't too concerned but mentioned if I go into a stall and stop losing that I might need to kick my calories up a little to make sure my metabolism has enough fuel to work properly.  Obviously, on the days I have a glass of wine calories are not an issue!! ;)

I have a friend that I want to give a shout out to that has her surgery on Monday!  Good luck Lady!! I know you will do great! So proud of you for getting this far!  (She has already lost 25 lbs in her preparation for surgery!)  I know not all of you that read this blog need or want to have surgery, but for those of you considering it remember that those months of prep really, really help you to be successful!

Did I mention I got a new swimsuit?  Love it! ;)  Just 20 more pounds to go! Hang with me people...then we will enter the scary "maintenance" phase~ YIKES!

Have a great weekend everyone! Squeeze your butt!

~Mikki

4 months post surgery...

Good morning all! Just a quick update to catch up.  4 months out today and down a total of 65 lbs for the journey. ;)  I am no longer obese!! Simply overweight now! 22 more lbs to go!

I'm feeling great for the most part!  Trying to work with the weights to help with any sag. My skin is really dry but I think that has more to do with the cold air than the loss.  Biggest challenge these days? Remembering my vitamin. I'm currently on a roll of taking it two days in a row! ;)

I'm better at the calcium because I just take two tums before bed.  Water content is better...up to about 48 oz consistently for the day...and protein is usually close to the 60g.

For those that don't know me...here's a picture of last Christmas to this Christmas...you can judge for yourselves how the journey is going.

I'm still loving my sleeve.  If you are thinking about it I recommend finding a really good program and following it from the start.
For those of you just looking to be a bit healthier, remember small steps! You can keep them going and it's not a race! Being consistent is much more important than being perfect!  I make mistakes all the time but the next choice just needs to be better. Hang in there!  Keep drinking! (water! lol)
And thanks for sharing my journey!

~Mikki