This is month 5. I now weigh 165lbs even. Seems like I'm losing about 5lbs a month.

Month 4

Just wanted to put my month 4 weight. My weight loss has slowed down even more. I need to get back to eating paleo and exercising. I've fallen off the exercising wagon altogether.

11/3 weight: 170lbs.

Month 3

I can't believe it's been 3 months already! It feels like it went by so fast and now summer is officially over, which means the air is cold and rainy and I don't feel like running, or exercising outside at all. In fact my exercise has really slowed down and I'm barely making it 3x a week. I really need to figure out how I'm going to make it through the winter months, because my fitness goals are important to me. I plan to work out inside at home using youtube videos on my TV, so I really need to step it up. If I get into the habit of doing it now, it will become easier to do for the rest of my life. That way I will have a much better chance for long term success, which is the point to all this right?

So now the numbers:
I weigh 175lbs as of this morning 10/3/14. It's a few pounds shy of what I was planning (only lost 7lbs this month). The weight loss has slowed down a bit, which is normal, from what the doc said. If I continue to exercise it will make more muscle, and burn more calories. I also need to get back on track w/my eating. I've been eating a lot more carbs than I should. I still have an ulcer, but my symptoms have improved slightly.

My fibromyalgia has really been affecting me, as well. I have been so achy and sore, and tired. I think partly because my meds aren't being absorbed the way they used to be because of my stomach. I plan to talk to my doc about this at my next appointment in a few weeks, to see what he says. There is a new med out that is extended-release, which I'm considering trying. My joints are also in a lot of pain. This is another part of why I haven't been running very often. My feet are killing me, especially when I wear shoes.

Month 2

I made it to the 2nd month! As of 9/2/14 I weigh 182 lbs. WOOT! That means a total loss of 24 lbs since surgery, 33 lbs since before my pre-surgery diet and 38 lbs since my highest weight of 220. It feels great! I can now fit into some size large tops and size 12 pants. My glasses are actually too big now and I need new ones. How exciting! I've also started to jog a little bit and it feels so motivating. My goal was to get back into running so now I'm starting to introduce my body to this. It's pretty wonderful and I must say that I don't regret this surgery for a single moment.

I bought a fitbit flex from a friend and am wearing that to keep track of my steps and calorie loss. My daily goal is to walk about 2 miles. Some days I don't do shit, and some days I walk way more. We went on a camping trip and hiked 7miles in one day. I think we over did that a bit bc I was sore for a whole week!

I do want to mention that my doc found a small ulcer in my stomach. My symptoms were a constant stomach ache and nausea, esp when eating. I have to take protonix and this liquid medicine 4x a day to heal it. I already feel a lot better and only have nausea now (not constantly). I can even drink 1/4 cup of coffee in the morning which helps me thru my day! I feel so motivated to get into shape and feel more athletic already. My dogs appreciate the jog :)

Anyway, here are my latest pics:

One Month

It's been one month. I feel like I haven't lost much weight. I'm eating small portions and trying to keep up with my protein and water intake. I've been trying to walk for about an hour a day, or nearly everyday. As of 8/2/14 I weigh 192.4, a total loss of about 14lbs since surgery, and 28lbs since my highest weight of 220. My doctor says that I'm doing really well with weight loss, but I'm waiting for the big drops to happen. Maybe they won't since I was never super obese? I don't know. I'm glad I had the surgery bc I know I could never do this on my own. I plan to continue working hard and try to lower my carb intake.

One week + One day

It's been one week plus one day since surgery. I should have updated sooner, but I'm terrible at this updating stuff. I was pretty freaked out on the day of my surgery, thinking I would leave poor Aly alone w/out a mommy. Well, I'm so glad I made it out of recovery!!! I'm sure she is, too.

My dad stayed with me the whole time before I was wheeled back to the OR and they gave me "happy juice," which sadly really didn't do anything. By the time I got to the OR I felt a lot better. I guess bc I had met my surgery team and asked silly questions of ppl like: "so you didn't go on a bender last night, right?" or "You're feeling great right now RIGHT?" lol. I just wanted to see what they would say. After I was wheeled back, the anesthesiologist put the mask on my face and said to take 5 deep breaths and he counted with me. I made it to 3 and was out.

Flash forward 5 hours later, I woke up in recovery in excruciating pain with horrible nausea. The pain was so bad I thought something had gone wrong and made the nurse get a doctor. The doc said I was fine and that it was so bad on my left side bc that's where they did all the work (makes sense). They upped my pain meds, gave me lots of dilauded and added a ketamine drip. The dilauded had a 6 minute timer when I could press the button, which was not doing jack shit for me. Since I take 30mg of percocet on the daily anyway, you're gonna have to really crank it up if you want me to not have pain, I mean come on people!

Anyway, I spent about 6hrs in the recovery room and they finally wheeled me upstairs to my room. The next day they took away the pain button and gave me oral oxycodone. Um what? I was expecting some actual pain meds... guess not. Well I was discharged on time on the 4th of July, which was nice.

After I got home the nausea was quite severe. I was dryheaving and the nausea meds weren't working. I am embarrassed to admit it, but I had to take a few puffs of some marijuana to feel better. I am SO glad the nausea only last 3-4 days, bc that shit is NOT for me.

Since I've been home I've been focusing on walking several times a day to speed recovery, drinking lots of fluids, and eating protein. Sip, sip, sip, walk, walk, walk. Since it's been a week, I'm actually back to driving now. I feel pretty confident that I can go back to work next Wednesday. It's just a matter of getting the doc to sign that pretty little paper that says so.... now how am I going to do that? Hmmmm....

Day of surgery I was 206.8. Current weight: 202.6. 4lbs lost!! I actually squeezed into a pair of 14 pants. Ok, they're still a little tight, but they BUTTONED! IT COUNTS! :)

Today's the day

Today's the day that teddy bears get their picnic and I'm so scared that I'm crying. I feel like I didn't get a chance to properly hug my daughter. I saw her sleeping, just to see her, which was the hardest part. None of my friends even said good luck or anything to me, except my boss who wants me to email him.

Huge Scare + Getting Ready

On Wed I started my new night time schedule at work, so I ran down to Costco to pick up some last min things before my shift. I was looking at calcium chews when my patient care coordinator called and said that insurance denied my surgery!! I was completely beside myself and it really floored me. I almost left the shopping cart and just ran out. After a mini panic attack I checked out and went home.It was really hard to keep it together all day at work, but somehow I managed.

Anyway, two days later, Friday, my coordinator calls and says that we are APPROVED! 100% back on!! I cannot believe how awesome the coordinator has been. She kept me up to date along the way and even had the surgeon call the insurance company from his home! Who does that?! She said they would not hang up until they approved it. I mean the only the reason it was denied was bc my primary doc forgot to send the paperwork about my 6mo supervised diet. It's not like I didn't do it, or don't meet the weight requirement, or something major. It was bc of a few papers!!

So that was a huge scare. It doesn't surprise me tho. Insurance companies look for ways to deny claims every day. I am writing the coordinator's manager a letter of appreciation. I may even cc the president of the UWMC. She has been amazing! Did I mention how awesome she is? She's even visiting me in the hospital. She said she wants to meet me bc of all the hardwork she's put in :)

So I'm busy getting ready. Surgery is in just 5 days. I started the Impact shakes today. I have to drink 3 a day for the last 5 days. They taste really really sweet and thick. They come in a juice box. They're only 8oz so I've been slowly sipping. I can also eat veggies.

I made bone broth as well. It has amazing health benefits and helps with healing. I plan to freeze some and drink it while I recover. Read about bone broth here:

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/12/16/bone-broth-benefits.aspx

I also froze some protein drinks into ice cubes. I made popsicles w/protein shakes and bought sugar free applesauce, creamy chicken soup, and a few others. I also bought pudding and made my own jello w/beef gelatin, which also has amazing health benefits similar to the broth. Read about gelatin here:

http://wellnessmama.com/7419/12-uses-for-gelatin/


Jello made w/organic beef gelatin. One has raspberry Crystal Lite and the other used sugar free pink lemonade drops from Dasani.

Homemade beef broth. Great health benefits.

This is the Impact I have to drink 3x a day for the last 5 days.

New Surgery Date

The nurse called me yesterday and said that the doc wasn't going to be in on July 11. I almost lost my mind. I have been waiting so long for this surgery and told everyone the date, and I was moments away from being crushed. THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN! She said I can get the surgery on July 2 instead!!! That is less than 2wks away! Ahhh! I'm so nervous, and excited, and really scared. The thought of being put under is what scares me the most. I know I will power thru the anxiety, and it's totally normal.

Surgery date!

I got my surgery date! Friday July 11! So I have about 30 days til the date. The receptionist told me to stay on the diet, but I see no point in doing so since it only needs 3 weeks. I'm stocking up on junk food and eating til next week when I start the diet for real. I'm pretty excited!

Presurgery diet pics/stats

Since diet starts tomorrow here are all my stats:

Weight 215.8

Height 60.5 inches

44 chest - across bust

38 under bust

44.5 - 1/2 above belly button

46 butt

27 thigh

18 calf

15 neck

16 upper arm - bat wings!!

10 forearm

BMI 40.6 if I use 61 inches. BMI 42 if I use 60 inches.

I wear size 16/18 pants and 1-2x shirt. 38DD bra. 7.5E shoe

My husband said he will also do the diet with me to make it easier. Did I mention he is the best?We went out to dinner tonight bc it was my friends birthday. I should have ordered a burger, but I had an Ahi Tuna salad, which was really tasty. Don't worry, I ate my daughters mac n cheese when I got home :)

Countdown begins

Holy shit that was fast! The nurse put the insurance request in last Thursday and today it went thru! My surgery is 100% AUTHORIZED! Only took 2 work days! I can't believe it! I was expecting at least a full week!

You should hear the voice mail the receptionist left. She said: your insurance was authorized for your surgery, however your doctor's schedule is pretty booked. So if you want to have the surgery done sooner, then call me back, but I won't be in the office until Wednesday. You should probably start your special diet soon, tho, like tomorrow.

That means I'm having the procedure done in THREE WEEKS!!! I can't believe it!! I'm buzzing w/excitement and fear. I have to start this diet tomorrow. I'm starving already!! Doc wants me on 1000 calorie a day diet for 17 days, then the last 5 days I'm supposed to drink Impact 3x a day for the final 5 days, which I guess helps your body heal. Shit, I have to buy food. I HAVE TO PREPARE! EEEEK I'M EXCITED!

I'm so excited!!!!!! Get ready for pre surgery pics coming soon :)

Waiting

Can I say that I'm fucking excited?! Today is a very good, happy day. I FINALLY got the callback from my doc about the results of that horrible manometry test. It was about what I expected. I do not qualify for the VSG surgery because I have too much reflux. We are moving forward with getting the insurance approved for the gastric bypass. I'm really excited and also scared. OK I'M VERY SCARED. This is a huge surgery!

I know this is the right thing to do. Now I wait. Hoping insurance doesn't take too long, but knowing them, I won't be watching my phone constantly....

Esophageal Manometry

So I just had one of the worst experiences of my life. Thank God the worst part is over!! I had my

Esophageal Manometry study done this morning. I had to wake up at the butt crack of dawn (AKA 6:15am) and go down to the hospital. You cannot eat/drink anything for 6hours prior. Also no heartburn meds.

There were 2 tests they perform. The first is the really horrible one, the 2nd is the not-so-horrible-compared-to-the-first one. 

They first squirt some lidocaine gel up each nostril and tell you to sniff. It burns like hell and makes your nose and eyes run. Then you have to gurgle and swallow the stuff. The process makes you gag bc you can't feel your throat. Now comes the fun part. They stick a long tube the thickness of a Bic Pen down your nose into your esophagus. Its really uncomfortable and feels like a hard lump in your throat. They tell you to swallow water to help it go down.

Once it's in, they tell you not to swallow. There's a monitor in front of you and the lady stands there and puts this salty water in your mouth. You have to swallow it in ONE gulp only. If you swallow more than once you have to start over. Once you've swallowed initially you have to wait 30 seconds and you swallow the salt water again for a total of 10 swallows w/30 seconds in between. I ended up with 12 swallows bc I double swallowed twice. 

The tube is really big and it makes your eyes water and if you think about it at all you start dry heaving. The process took about 10-15 minutes and the tube is then removed. 

Next they numb up your nostrils again and stick another long, but much thinner tube, down your nose. The 2nd tube is not nearly as bad going down, but it has to stay there for 24 hours. Yes it sticks out of your nose, and yes everyone can see it. You're given a small monitor to carry around for 24 hours and you have to mark when you start/finish eating, lie down, sit back up, burp, have chest pain, belly pain, nausea, heartburn or regurgitation. 

The monitor shows your esophogeal PH levels. From Natural News:

The human body has a high water content; water is an essential medium for transportation of nutrients, biochemicals and oxygen all throughout the human body. This water-based medium may have acidic or alkaline properties that are measured by a graduated scale known as pH (potential hydrogen). Levels from 1.0 to 6.9 are considered as acidic pH, while 7.1 to 14.0 is alkaline pH. 7.0 is the neutral pH. The lower the pH number, the greater the acidity, and a higher pH number indicates greater alkalinity. The optimal goal should be a blood pH of 7.43, slightly alkaline.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/023526_esophagus_heartburn_pH_levels.html#ixzz33Dv8q2NT

The monitor:

So you can see that yes, it's pretty obvious. I'm not going out in public til 8:00am when I have to get it removed tomorrow morning!

One Step at a Time

One step at a time. I have to keep telling myself this. This is a tough journey for sure. My name's Gabi. I'm 32 and am on my way to getting weight loss surgery!! I can't fucking wait. I feel like I have been waiting a lifetime for this.

4 years ago, my husband got lapband surgery. At that time I was planning on getting it, but I was 10lbs under the weight requirement! Can you believe that? 10lbs? I thought of gaining weight to get it, but in the end decided not to. I was really struggling w/other things at that point in my life, and I am ultimately glad I didn't get it. I'm really proud of my husband for all his weight loss. He's gained a new life, and is really healthy now.

Anyway, flash forward to today. I have decided to get vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery (VSG). I am def. in the weight requirement now. I had a baby last year and let's just say I haven't lost any weight.

I'm between 5'0" and 5'1" and weigh 215lbs. My BMI is 42. If you want your insurance to pay for this bad boy, you have to have a BMI of 40 and above. Hall ay fucking luya! My insurance has NOT approved this surgery yet. I still have one more test to do.

If you know anything about weight loss surgery, you will know that insurance co's love to put you threw the ringer. There are numerous tests you have to get to make sure you qualify. Luckily I've already done all the tests, except for one!

I have premera bluecross. They made me get a 6mo doctor supervised diet. This means I had to see my primary doctor every single month for 6 months and discuss my weight. My dr. put me on a paleo diet. Basically you cut out all grains and sugar and eat fresh, no packaged foods. I lost 3 lbs in 6 months. Not the weight loss I was hoping for.

This Friday is my last an final test (unless they spring on another one). It's called esophageal manometry. Basically they stick a tube down your nose into your stomach and leave it there for 24hrs! EGADS!!!! I had to go off my heartburn meds a week before. I've gotta say that it really sux. I can take Zantac for 5 days, then the last 2 days you have to stop that as well. I can take over the counter stuff, like tums, maalox. Today is the first day it's really bad. Just have to make it a few more days....

If I don't qualify for VSG I am going to get the Bypass. It's a much bigger surgery, but I'm sick of being overweight and unhealthy. I will know next week if I qualify. Then they put my insurance thru. THEN I get my surgery date. PHEW. Getting to the final stages :)