I just posted my 1 week post-op video on YouTube!
Enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjllO48c-oo&feature=youtu.be
>>Less Of Josh<<
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Monday, April 28, 2014
Day #6 Post-Op
Today marks 6 days since I had my VSG surgery! It seems to be just chugging along. It's so funny how this surgery totally and completely consumes your life, as it should. It seems that everywhere I turn in my home, there's a pill bottle, a water bottle, discharge papers, a med cup, etc....
I'm getting all ready for my 1 week post-op appointment tomorrow with my bariatric DR. I am making a list of questions that I would like to address during my visit. I can't wait to see how much weight I am "officially" down while I'm there.
After my post-op appointment, I meet with a personal trainer at my gym to get me going on a workout plan. I really need to know where I start for what I want to do with my body. I want to make sure my legs stay muscular, I want to tone my arms a little and of course lose weight and tone up my problem areas (stomach & chest). I spoke with the guy (Kevin) over the phone, told him I had WLS surgery and he sounded very nice and very knowledgeable. He also lives right down the road from me! I'm excited to get going on this.
This past Saturday was my first real "journey" into public since my surgery. I went to Costco and Target and didn't have any problem at either. I got a lot of walking in, but I was pretty tired when I get home and took a little nap which was my first one since being home from the hospital.
I started my protein shakes this past Saturday and have had no problems getting my 20 grams per day in. That was a relief! So my diet right now is: 64oz of liquids (apple juice, water, Propel, Crystal Lite, SF Jello, broth ......) and 20 grams of protein per day. I cannot wait for pureed foods to begin on May 14th just so I can CHEW something!!!
SW = 321lb
CW = 277lb
>>Less Of Josh<<
I'm getting all ready for my 1 week post-op appointment tomorrow with my bariatric DR. I am making a list of questions that I would like to address during my visit. I can't wait to see how much weight I am "officially" down while I'm there.
After my post-op appointment, I meet with a personal trainer at my gym to get me going on a workout plan. I really need to know where I start for what I want to do with my body. I want to make sure my legs stay muscular, I want to tone my arms a little and of course lose weight and tone up my problem areas (stomach & chest). I spoke with the guy (Kevin) over the phone, told him I had WLS surgery and he sounded very nice and very knowledgeable. He also lives right down the road from me! I'm excited to get going on this.
This past Saturday was my first real "journey" into public since my surgery. I went to Costco and Target and didn't have any problem at either. I got a lot of walking in, but I was pretty tired when I get home and took a little nap which was my first one since being home from the hospital.
I started my protein shakes this past Saturday and have had no problems getting my 20 grams per day in. That was a relief! So my diet right now is: 64oz of liquids (apple juice, water, Propel, Crystal Lite, SF Jello, broth ......) and 20 grams of protein per day. I cannot wait for pureed foods to begin on May 14th just so I can CHEW something!!!
SW = 321lb
CW = 277lb
>>Less Of Josh<<
 |
| 5 days post-op |
 |
| 5 days post-op |
 |
| My diet |
 |
| 5 days post-op. Drinking my chicken broth. |
Friday, April 25, 2014
Day #3 Post-op
Hey there, everyone!!!
Sorry I did not update you sooner, but I didn't know how down and out I would actually feel until after my surgery. So, here's a quick update on the past 3 days - On Tues 4/22 I had my VSG surgery. That day was pretty standard and basic, I think. It all went as planned and I was up in my room in no time. I was pretty groggy and tired all day and pretty much felt like I was hit by a truck! I slept horribly, if it all, in the hospital. The beds are so uncomfortable and I was so uncomfortable from gas/air in my abdomen. It was horrible!! I could not find a position to lay in where I would get any relief from the pressure from the gas. The pressure went all the way from my abdomen all the way up and into my shoulders. Not fun! I think I probably slept a total of about 20-30 mins that first night. The day after surgery, was a tiny bit better in terms of the air pressure. I could tell that some of it had moved and disappeared, but it was still very existent. I was so tired and I could not wait to get home and sleep in my own bed. I got to go home at about 5:30 pm that evening...I was happy to get home to my pets and my bed! I went to bed fairly early and slept so much better than the night I was in the hospital. I felt like a million bucks when I got up the first morning after being home. Since I've been home, it's pretty much been dedicated to me walking and getting in as many fluids as possible.
The gas/air pressure has pretty much gone away and I am not in really any pain. I have had this annoying feeling in my tummy that I can only describe as a rumbling, grumbling, gnawing feeling. It almost feels like severe hunger pains which is tricking me into thinking I am starved. I spoke to my doc yesterday and was told to get some Mylanta and mint tea. I got both and neither seemed to do the trick. I am actually getting ready to call the doc back per their request, to check up on how I feel. We will see if they have another alternative for me to try.
I have my 1 week post-op this upcoming Tuesday (4/29). I get to start protein shakes tomorrow, which I am pretty excited for!
Thank you for taking this journey with me!
SW = 321lb
CW = 286lb
>>Less Of Josh<<
Sorry I did not update you sooner, but I didn't know how down and out I would actually feel until after my surgery. So, here's a quick update on the past 3 days - On Tues 4/22 I had my VSG surgery. That day was pretty standard and basic, I think. It all went as planned and I was up in my room in no time. I was pretty groggy and tired all day and pretty much felt like I was hit by a truck! I slept horribly, if it all, in the hospital. The beds are so uncomfortable and I was so uncomfortable from gas/air in my abdomen. It was horrible!! I could not find a position to lay in where I would get any relief from the pressure from the gas. The pressure went all the way from my abdomen all the way up and into my shoulders. Not fun! I think I probably slept a total of about 20-30 mins that first night. The day after surgery, was a tiny bit better in terms of the air pressure. I could tell that some of it had moved and disappeared, but it was still very existent. I was so tired and I could not wait to get home and sleep in my own bed. I got to go home at about 5:30 pm that evening...I was happy to get home to my pets and my bed! I went to bed fairly early and slept so much better than the night I was in the hospital. I felt like a million bucks when I got up the first morning after being home. Since I've been home, it's pretty much been dedicated to me walking and getting in as many fluids as possible.
The gas/air pressure has pretty much gone away and I am not in really any pain. I have had this annoying feeling in my tummy that I can only describe as a rumbling, grumbling, gnawing feeling. It almost feels like severe hunger pains which is tricking me into thinking I am starved. I spoke to my doc yesterday and was told to get some Mylanta and mint tea. I got both and neither seemed to do the trick. I am actually getting ready to call the doc back per their request, to check up on how I feel. We will see if they have another alternative for me to try.
I have my 1 week post-op this upcoming Tuesday (4/29). I get to start protein shakes tomorrow, which I am pretty excited for!
Thank you for taking this journey with me!
SW = 321lb
CW = 286lb
>>Less Of Josh<<
 |
| Right before my surgery (4/22/14) |
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
It's Time.....
Well, I'm off to the hospital!!!! YIKES!!! I am already so thirsty and I won't even get a little sip of anything until tomorrow!! Grrrr
Have a great day, everyone!!
SW = 321lb
CW = 291lb
>>Less Of Josh<<
Have a great day, everyone!!
SW = 321lb
CW = 291lb
>>Less Of Josh<<
Monday, April 21, 2014
Tomorrow!!!
more day until I get my VSG surgery!!!
The fear and nerves have really kicked in now. I will be getting to the hospital in about 12 hours!! Eeeek!
I weighed myself this morning and have lost 9 pounds on the pre-op diet which I started this past Wednesday. Not too shabby! Wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, although it wasn't exactly easy.
I have to be at the hospital tomorrow morning at 7:30am for my surgery that's scheduled at 9:30am. My parents will be there as well as Ty and my Brother and his fiance' at some point. I just hope it all goes smoothly.
I am going to keep updated on this as well as posting videos to YouTube frequently. In fact, I am now uploading a new video to YT as I type this.
Thanks for all words of encouragement as well as all the people who upload videos to YouTube documenting their journey - they have been very very helpful!
SW = 321lb
CW = 292lb
>>Less Of Josh<<
Sunday, April 20, 2014
2 Days Pre-op
more days until my life completely changes!!!!
The excitement and fear are both building. I am actually having my breakfast Premier Protein shake as I type this. These are my favorite ones that I have come across thus far. They are pre-made and come in chocolate, strawberry and vanilla and I purchase by the case at Costco. I have been drinking the chocolate ones for quite some time now and am having my first vanilla one. I have yet to try their strawberry flavor. So far so good as far as taste goes. They are not too thick and have just the right amount of sweetness without a bad aftertaste. They don't make me full by any means, but they take the edge off and make my stomach stop growling during this pre-op liquid diet.
I am taking these final days before my surgery (4/22) to make sure I have everything in order for when I leave for the hospital and for when I return home after. Ty took two weeks off of work to be home with me and my parent's will be here for the first few days as well in case I need some assistance. There's just so much to remember that I want to make sure that I don't leave any stone unturned. I would much rather be over-prepared than under-prepared. I have also been posting up a storm on Obesity Help and Thinner Times to converse with some people who are where I am or who have been where I am for some words of encouragement. I have some cleaning and laundry I want to get done as well as filming a few videos for my YouTube channel.
I have all my liquids purchased and ready to go for my 3 week post-op diet: protein shakes, Crystal Lite, Propel Water, regular bottled water, sugar free Jell-o, broth and sugar free Popsicles. A few more preparations and I think I will be all set for Tuesday and when I return home (hopefully) on Wednesday!!
I am hoping to get a new video up by later today!
Here is my checklist of what I am planning on bringing to the hospital with me on Tues for my procedure.
Anything with an * beside it, is what my DR wants me to bring.
Night clothes *
Loose fitting clothes to go home in *
CPAP *
All medicines *
my WLS book *
Insurance card *
Incentive Spirometer *
Personal care items (lotion, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc..) *
iPhone
iPad
Charger ^^
Camera (for in the hospital and to hold against my stomach for the ride home)
Pillow
Chapstick
Gas-X Strips (need to call my surgeon tomorrow to make sure this is ok)
Body wipes
Pen & paper
Breath strips (need to call my surgeon tomorrow to make sure this is ok)
SW = 321lb
CW = 296lb
CW = 296lb
>>Less Of Josh<<
Saturday, April 19, 2014
3 Days Pre-op
I can only describe the way I'm feeling as 'scared excitement'. It is is such an unknown outcome and it's on such a per person experience that no amount of literature out there can possibly prepare me for when I open my eyes after the procedure is complete. I am going with the notion of expecting the worst, so hopefully I am pleasantly surprised.
I think I have everything organized for my stay in the hospital and for when I return home, but it still feels like I have so much to do and so little time to do it in. Thank God I love making lists otherwise I would probably be feeling much more overwhelmed. It's funny how this process seems to take forever and then all of a sudden it seems to be going too fast and you can't pump the brakes at this point!
I would have been creeping on 3 months post-op at this point if I would not have had a torn meniscus in my right knee that I needed to have repaired prior to WLS surgery. I was originally scheduled for my surgery on 2/3/14, but after a lot of knee pain, I was told I would have to have knee surgery and then have to wait to have my VSG after 2 months of recovery. In a sense it was a blessing because I got a taste of what surgery would be like before the "big" one. My knee is almost 100% back to normal and now I obviously won't have any trouble walking, since that's such a huge part of recovery after WLS. There's a silver lining in everything, I guess.
On Tuesday, I have to be at the hospital at 7:30am for my surgery at 9:30am. Thankfully I have a great support system and will have a lot of people there pre and post surgery. Ty, my parents, Joe and Roxy will all be at the hospital. My Mom has stated that she's not leaving my house until I am home and she knows I am "well". Everyone needs their Mom as they seem to always be able to make you feel better. Of course, I also have all my pets that will be more than willing to cuddle with me once I am home and on my road to recovery.
Tonight I am going to take a bunch of 'before' pictures most of which will be for my eyes only, but I will take some that I can post too. I just need to pick an outfit that I will want to take pictures in from here on out to mark my progress.
SW = 321lb
CW = 296lb
>>Less Of Josh<<
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)