A bit of Everything

Hello,

Hope everyone is well!  I thought I would make a post about the past few weeks and how my journey is going.

I started a job at Seven Hills, started orientation on 2/14 and then began in the program on 2/20.  I am excited to start this job, and see where it takes me.  I will be a Senior Service Coordinator, supervising 6 staff and overseeing 25 program participants.  For those of you who don't know; I work for adults with Developmental/Intellectual Disabilities.
It was hard going back to work after being out for almost 5 weeks.  I only worked 2 days at the program and was completely exhausted.  I thought to myself "thank God I am only here for 2 days my first week".  The other days was basic orientation and learning about the company.

I did come down the flu the week I started my new job, however I went that Friday and was home for 3 days due to the holiday; so that gave me time to rest up.  My pouch did not like having the flu... I was so shaky, weak, dizzy, and just thought it was never going to end.  I called the Dr. and they told me I HAD to eat, anything.  I hadn't eaten in 3 days because I would just run to the bathroom.  No vomiting (thank goodness for that), but the other is just as bad.

I have found that my pouch does not like to eat in the morning.  My body can not handle solids in the a.m. I usually just have a carnation instant breakfast with half milk and half water.  I will be happy to see my nutritionist on Friday this week.  I will be able to start introducing all food groups to my diet.  That I will be thankful for! 

Well, not much else to say......

Till next time,

~Mandy

Do you have any??? (Support Groups)

For those of you who have had WLS, do you have a lot of support?  I don't just mean your family or spouse or children... I mean others who are going through the same things as you!  People who have had trouble with their weight and finally had enough and decided to make healthy lifestyle changes and major changes to the insides of their bodies by having WLS..

I am one who has a lot of support!  The WLS group at St. Vincent's has been just wonderful! The first time I walked into my behavioral group meeting; I was quiet, shy, didn't want to say much about my personal experiences...  As the weeks went by I began to open up and share my stories; Lap Band, Lap Band Removal, Losing my Dad, why I gained all my weight back after losing over 90 lbs.  Once I began to open up, I felt that people responded to me and I didn't' feel so quiet and shy anymore.  After all these people don't know me and if I really want help, I need to speak up and admit I NEEDED HELP!  A few people who were in my group are still going to the monthly support meetings, and after quite a few months getting to know them and more on a personal level by becoming friends on social networks has been such a blessing!! ..

A few of us had WLS a few days apart and some weeks apart.  We have connected on Facebook and have cheered each other on through the recovery process and wishing each other luck on the BIG day!  However, it is not just this group that has been so supportive and great... I have joined an online support group for locals that have had Bariatric Surgery.  I could not be more happier with this group of peeps who are on the same journey as I.  I feel like I am getting to know each of them on a personal level and they are always willing to help answer any questions that I post.  They too are cheering us all on and giving encouraging advice and posting motivational quotes.

I feel blessed to have two wonderful support groups and also my family and friends who have supported my decisions to have WLS.

Until next time...

~Mandy

Post op with Surgeon & weigh in

Today was my post op with the surgeon, things went well and he did answered my questions and laughed with me when I asked where the other part of my stomach was. 
My questions....

1. When I would get my energy back-?  In time, the body is still healing and it will take your energy for the healing process.  Within the next week or two I should see a difference in my energy level.
2. What is the pain I am experiencing? There is dissolvable stitches in the muscles under the skin, the more I move the more it is rubbing and with the muscles healing it will take time for the pain to subside.
3. Where is the other part of my stomach?  It is in there, it is not attached to anything, it just sits between the other organs and that helps keep it in place.  No need to worry that it will just flap around in there. 

I had a urine test for a new job yesterday, the results were a bit abnormal and I brought them to the Dr. today, he told me I am dehydrated and I must push fluids and large amounts of Ketones was found (I guess this is our body burning fat since we do not have any sugars to burn).  Also, there was a some blood in the urine, so he put in an order for me to have another urine test in a month. 

The did weigh me and I am now down a total of 30lbs in almost 3 weeks.  That is amazing, 10lbs a week...

I was also given clearance to start exercising.  So since I love to dance, Just Dance series will be used every day again, will also be doing light weights.

Till next time....

~Mandy