I'm Sleeved!

Well it is all done!  I am on the other side and life seems so good.  I am not in any real pain, I have lost kilos upon kilos and I’m not hungry!  I haven’t vomited, I am feeling stronger and stronger every day and best of all my horrible daily sweats seem to have vanished.

For those of you who love details I have lots for you, so settle in and take yourself back to Monday 5^th September….

I knew I had to fast so I was up early for a protein shake at 6am and was a little stressed that I wasn’t going to be able to eat all day. Got the kids off to kindy, did some last minute shopping with Mum before packing and showering and heading to the local private hospital. 

The roundabout started when we arrived at noon for my 3.30pm surgery – first to Reception, and then passed off to the surgery lounge (1), called to the desk and signed about 10 forms, seated in the next lounge(2). Met my lovely jovial anaesthetist and ran through lots of details, on the scales, bp and past surgery.  Back to the lounge(2) and by this time Mum was getting hungry and I decided that she should go and come back and meet me in my room post op. Next a nurse calls me in and checked all my details once again and moves me to another lounge(3) – let’s call it the freezing lounge because even I was shivering.  Next the pathology lady comes and vamps my blood and I am really surprised she could find a vein let alone blood that wasn’t frozen!  Still waiting in lounge (3) – and finally they come and get me explaining that they are really running behind and to take me to the pre-op ward.  I use the bathroom and change into the lovely gown, compression stockings, sockettes and hat.  I spend the next hour watching tv and waiting.  Finally a cheery wardsman comes to collect me and wheels me what seemed like kilometres to the pre-theatre room.  Apparently there will be another few minutes to wait as the previous patient is still on the table!  Every few minutes someone pops in to see if all is well and introduces themselves including my surgeon.  Soon my smiley anaesthetist comes in and prepares me for the next few minutes, he puts the drip in my hand, makes small talk and they wheel me into theatre.  I take a look around, say a hi to everyone and then I am off to sleep.  It was approximately 5.20pm.

The next memory that I have is arriving back in my room – seeing my Mum, trying to throw up and finding out that it had just gone 9pm.  Apparently I didn’t do too well in recovery and they kept me there for about 2 hours.  I have no memories of that time and I am thankful.

The night passes slowly, lots of wake ups to check stats, a trip to the bathroom, and before I know it morning has arrived.  I am feeling pretty good, no bad pain, able to get up and use the bathroom and a lovely lady comes and helps me to shower.  My surgeon comes and checks me over as do the registrars. I am using my little pain button a little and sipping on my water.  I doze in between servings of bad daytime TV.  As we head into the night I start to get a headache but don’t think too much of it.  By 9pm it is the worst headache I have ever had.  Every little thing hurts my head - the nurse’s chatter, the man coughing in the room across the hall, the light under the door and especially my drip machine which beeps each time it gets close to running short on any of the three substances on my drip tree.  I have a cry to the nurses…  surely there is something they can do and I wade through the night into Wednesday morning feeling like I have met with hell - yet still my tummy is feeling fine.

Over the course of the day they try O2, Ibuprofen, take me off the pain button and try another med.  I can’t move, I shake, sweat and almost vomit anytime I get out of bed.  I refuse a shower, ask them to keep my door closed and the curtains pulled and continue to try and sip my water.

My phone is getting so many calls and texts but I turn it to silent – I just can’t even bare to look at the screen. Night comes and things feel a little better.  I drug up and manage a little more sleep but not before I learn to turn off that damn drip machine beeping.

Thursday morning I feel a little brighter.  My vein collapses and they take out the drip… something I was delighted about.  Mum arrives after finishing 48 hours on shift and comes to my rescue with some yummy juice and wet washer for my head.  She helps me shower and change into my own pjs.  I am still feeling weak and my head still hurts but things are looking up. 

As the hours past I feel better, I try to get moving and not nap too much and before I know it Friday morning is here and I am given permission to come home. They still weren’t able to tell me what caused the headache.  The drugs, the GA, dehydration, the body detoxing – but it was horrible.

Since I have been home I am getting better and better each day.  The only thing that hurts is my leg which is bruised from all the anticlotting injections but I didn’t even have to take any panadol today.  I do get some slight pulling if I turn the wrong way, my five incisions are a little bruised but otherwise I am feeling great.

I Hate Photos!

I never used to feel this way but the more weight I put on the more I seemed to avoid the camera.  I much preferred to be taking the photos than in them.  I look at few shots that I have and I feel sad - I wish there was more photos of me and my kids, instead of the few I have which are normally me trying to hide behind the kids.  This is one thing that I want to change for the future. 

Even though I am not proud of these shots I am going to post them - to remember and learn.

How Did I Get Here...

Being overweight isn't something that just happens.  For me it has been a steady upward journey with a few flurries and dips along the way.  But really I have been overweight my entire adult life, it has just been a question of how much.

I love food....  I love drinks....  I love entertaining....  I love baking....  I love trying new things - but I don't love being fat.  I really put it down to a love of food, bad habits and a sedimentary lifestyle that has put me where I am.  These things coupled with my health issues have just made it so so hard.

When the seed was first planted in January I was totally against the idea.  I was also told that in order to loose weight I would need to exercise for a minimum of an hour a day, seven days a week and in order to maintain any weight loss I would need to do that FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE!!!!  I think that is when fear struck me. 

I looked forward and knew that I wanted to be here for my kids.  I want to see them grow.  I didn't want to be like my Mum and be overweight my entire life.  So I investigated - maybe WLS was an option.

So here I am one week from  my operation and I am excited.  Excited about the change and the path to a new me.  I am inspired by the others on the forum, their success and how far many of them have come.  I know that things might get a little hard but I am ready, really ready for my new life to begin.

Ok So What Is A Sleeve Gastrectomy?

The Sleeve Gastrectomy or aka Gastric Sleeve, is a relatively new procedure for weight loss. It involves the permanent removal of 80% of the stomach, performed under a General Anaesthetic using advanced keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery.  Sounds a bit icky hey?

The sleeve procedure has emerged as an effective and safe form of weightloss surgery that compares very well against other established procedures such as the Gastric Band and the Gastric Bypass.

Although surgical staplers are used during the procedure, it is a very different operation to the old 'stomach stapling' procedure which was popular in the 1980's and 90's. In that procedure, the stomach was simply partitioned by staples, but no part of the stomach was actually removed. Over time, this partition was prone to opening up, restoring the stomach back to its original dimensions and leading to weight regain. The Sleeve Gastrectomy is a fundamentally different procedure in several ways; perhaps the most important difference is that the part of the stomach on the other side of the staple line is physically removed, eliminating the possibility of the 2 areas joining back up later. Another difference is that the Sleeve Gastrectomy is performed using keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery rather than by a major incision, so recovery is much faster and post-operative pain is minimal. Further advantages are that wound infections and hernias are virtually eliminated.

Although the physical size of the stomach is reduced, the normal direction of the food stream through the stomach and the rest of the intestinal tract is not altered. This means that all nutrients including vitamins, minerals and protein will continue to be absorbed normally. It simply reduces the holding capacity from about 1.5 litres of food and liquid to approximately 250mls. This allows a person to feel comfortably satisfied and full with a meal size approximately equivalent to a cup of food. Typically, Sleeve Gastrectomy patients will have between 4-6 small meals per day, which is actually the ideal way to eat. Dietitians recommend small frequent meals as a way of avoiding big swings in Insulin levels and achieving a more even intake of calories as part of a healhier eating pattern. Despite being smaller, the stomach sleeve still functions normally- food and nutrients continue to enter and leave in the same way, acid continues to be made to assist in digestion, and essential vitamins and minerals such as B12, calcium, folate and iron can be absorbed normally.

The sleeve gastrectomy appears to work in 3 distinct ways. Firstly, the major reduction in stomach capacity allows patients to become full and satisfied with a much smaller meal, providing portion control. Secondly, levels of the hunger hormone Ghrelin are reduced by 50%, as the removed part of the stomach is rich in cells that make that hormone. Patients consistently report feeling less hungry between their meals as a result of this. Thirdly, there appears to be a change in way that fatty foods are handled by the digestive track- patients frequently report losing their taste for greasy foods, which seem to make them feel more bloated, unsettled, or queesy. Dietitians like this aspect of the Sleeve- it helps patients adopt healthier eating habits.

Another advantage is that there are generally fewer dietary restrictions as the entrance to the stomach is not narrow like a gastric band. Generally all types of food, including breads and steak, can usually be comfortably eaten, and eating quality maximises once the sleeve has settled in (Generally around 3-6 months after surgery).

Althought the average weightloss overall is similar between the band and the sleeve, weight is usually lost more quickly after the sleeve gastrectomy (typically the goal weight is reached within 9-12 months with a sleeve gastrectomy instead of 12-18 months with a gastric band). Also, the amount of weight lost seems to be more consistent and reliable, with the majority of patients achieving at least 50% loss of their excess weight. This is because the sleeve gastrectomy is more powerful, as it restricts the quantity of both liquid and solid calories, where as the band can easily be 'cheated' with liquid calories. Whilst the gastric band is very good at reducing hunger and allowing small meals to be satisfying, it relies more heavily on patients improving their dietary habits and lifestyle in order to achieve best results.

Info taken from OClinic http://oclinic.com.au/sleevegastrectomy.html

Gone But Not Forgotten

Well this project has been neglected for long enough! 

The last six months has been hell.  Finding out about my husbands affair, coping with the separation, going back to work after maternity leave, putting our home on the market, selling the house, buying a new one, my grandfather passing away and then moving to our new home that I bought for me and the kids.  My psychologist thinks I am doing so well due to the many stresses thrown at me.  There are good days and bad days and lots in between - but here I am.

In early January on the trip to see the endocrinologist she suggested weight loss surgery.  OMG NO!  Not in a million years would I consider something like that.  She went on to explain that with my BP, metabolic problems and sugar issues - weight loss was going to be a hard slog.  The thought was echoed by my GP but even then it really wasn't a consideration.

Slowly I started to investigate - maybe this was an option for me.  I visited a surgeon about having a gastric sleeve.  Spoke in length with my psychologist.  Wow the results people were getting were amazing! 

Then there was a twist of fate.  Quite by chance I met this lovely lady.  She was beautiful with a figure to die for.  Then I discovered that two years ago she'd had the exact surgery that I was considering.  She has gone from  132kg to 68kg!  Not only that, but she worked in my centre and was a single mum to a little girl 3 months younger than Abby.  A friendship was formed and I guess my mind was made up.

So I am booked to have a gastric sleeve on Monday 5th September.  I am so excited about the changes that are about to happen in my life.  Project Me has taken on a new phase - come along for the ride!

Week 6 - Suddenly Alone

Well I did weight in on Friday and was pleased with my 2.2 kg loss bringing me down to 96.6kgs but it has certinaly been a tough one.

Last week my I discovered that my husband of 8 years has been having an affair for over 2 years.  Keep in mind that our little baby is only 7.5 months old.  He has walked out and left claiming that he no longer has feelings for me.  My life is shattered. 

So I guess part of the loss is a stress/not eating/feeling shit kind a loss.

Week 5 - Plus a bit!

Firstly I have changed my weigh in day to a Friday.  It just seems a bit easier as I find it easier to be strict during the week and then it gives me a little more freedom on the weekend.

I have managed a 600g loss this week.  Sure I was hoping for a little more but I am happy.  I really need to lift my game in the exercise area. 

I have also changed over my medication this week with a few yucky side effects.  I hope that they will settle down over the next week.

So that is that.  This week I am going to focus on my lunches and also ensure that my carb load is low for my evening meal.

My Goals

As part of the Just Keep Swimming Team my goal is to take small quality steps toward life long weight loss and fitness.  I want to improve my self esteem, my confidence and my health.  I want to be a happy and healthy Mummy and Wife and enjoy every moment with my family, living life to the full.

I will loose a minimum of 25kg in 2011.

I will do cardio exercise at least 3 times each week for 40 minutes.

I will commence a hand weights programme 3 times a week from home.

I will increase my overall water intake to 2 litres each day.

I will eat consciously , plan my meals and record my calorie intake on a daily basis.

I will take time for myself each week to do something for me.

I will take small and steady steps towards my goals and not give up when things get tough.

My aim is to measure progress each month against these goals and track my progression to make me accountable and to stay true to myself.

Week 4 - On My Way!

I am so happy to report a 1kg loss this week!  My slow and steady plan is coming together and I am currently setting my goals for the coming months.

Will be back later with the ins and outs.

Week 3 - Getting My Act Together

Well a few days late but I am proud to report a 500g loss on Monday : ) 

I have really been focusing on my food this week - I have joined Calorie King and I am really thinking about everything that I put in my mouth. 

My darling SIL has lent me her treadmill for six months and it is currently taking pride of place in our lounge room!  My aim to to walk in the evening three to five times per week, building up to everyday.

Life has been a bit crazy with me returning to work so I hope to find my groove a little more over the coming weeks and complete my goal challenge with my Just Keep Swimming group.