tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83346023651615317272024-03-13T15:41:59.276-04:00Musings of a Fat ChickHere's one.fat.chick - me. Am I happy about it? No way! I'm on a journey to change that. My life is more than just my weight. I have stuff to say, stuff to share. I may get bold some days and be more on the reserved side others (most others...). Like everyone else, my life is complex and my world can be both humorous and serious. I'd like to share it and I hope that maybe, just maybe I can touch one person doing it. Take this journey with me, won't you?Jen B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08042717483410272623noreply@blogger.comBlogger89125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334602365161531727.post-13767099741337584742018-05-25T14:29:00.003-04:002018-05-25T14:29:40.696-04:002 years ago....Two years ago yesterday, my life changed. Two years ago yesterday, I took my biggest step in this very long journey. Two years ago yesterday, I did something some people think is the "easy" way out. Two years ago yesterday, I had bariatric surgery. I had a sleeve gastrectomy.
In the months between my initial appointment and my surgery date, I thought things were the most Jen B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08042717483410272623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334602365161531727.post-26397578304639962012018-04-13T21:26:00.001-04:002018-04-13T21:26:50.234-04:00Post-PanniculectomySo it happened! The surgery actually happened!! To be clear, the exclamation points are out of excitement for the fact that there wasn't another delay. It is not indicative of me feeling top notch. Surgery was just a week ago, mind you...
The day went fairly smoothly. I got there and spoke with the typical dozen people telling them the same information, but I'd Jen B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08042717483410272623noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334602365161531727.post-79244099662529753422018-04-03T20:16:00.000-04:002018-04-03T20:16:21.372-04:00Cancelled Surgery and My MoodIt's not easy to admit, but my mood has taken a real hit since surgery was cancelled. This process has been very difficult for me for reasons I'm choosing not to reveal in such an open forum. Suffice it to say, having to delay it has really affected me. I feel more depressed and sometimes that means I want to eat emotionally - which is never veggies, I can tell you that!
I'm onJen B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08042717483410272623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334602365161531727.post-73802135251012318942018-03-16T21:55:00.005-04:002018-03-16T22:06:27.536-04:00PanniculectomyYep, it's a big word - and it was a new one to me.... until January. That's when I was advised this was the procedure which would get rid of my excess skin. Some doctors do an abdominoplasty (a "tummy tuck"), but that is more involved and I would assume more difficult to get approved through insurance. A panniculectomy is strictly the removal of excess skin, whereas Jen B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08042717483410272623noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334602365161531727.post-79445072422184104572018-02-07T20:51:00.000-05:002018-02-08T17:21:54.294-05:00How do you feel?I often hear the statement "you must feel SO much better." Wow, define "better" if you would, please. Do I have a stamina for physical activity I lacked at 326 pounds? Without a doubt! Do I feel less ashamed by my appearance, especially when meeting new people or seeing people I haven't seen for years? For sure! Am I relieved to not be the proverbial (and Jen B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08042717483410272623noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334602365161531727.post-49159158779910420542018-01-09T09:04:00.001-05:002018-01-09T09:17:38.114-05:00Time Marches On...I can't believe it happened - again! I've gone months and seemingly ignored this blog, although I haven't forgotten about it! Honest!
Since I last posted, life has been rather hectic.
A couple of weeks after my last entry I drove myself 7-1/2 hours to Columbus, OH for Thirty-One's annual National Conference. I was admittedly anxious. It was a long drive alone and I'd Jen B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08042717483410272623noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334602365161531727.post-65628095401041770522017-07-11T12:24:00.003-04:002017-07-11T12:25:25.499-04:0059 weeks on 7/11/17Wow, is it seriously Summer?? And how did I go so long between posts?
Ok, well I can answer the second one...sort of.
I found myself in the hospital for 3 weeks, late January through mid-February, totally unrelated to surgery. So, what is nutrition like when you're inpatient and you have to educate the nutritionist on what a bariatric diet looks like? I'll tell you, it's not Jen B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08042717483410272623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334602365161531727.post-65372169249546912312017-01-14T20:07:00.002-05:002017-01-14T20:07:36.205-05:00Surviving the Holidays After Bariatric SurgeryYeah, this is a difficult one. I've held off on writing it, unsure how to really convey this experience to anyone outside of the bariatric world.
Thanksgiving
This was probably the easiest of them all. My sleeve handles turkey. I made a special cranberry sauce using low-sugar Craisins, as well as a pumpkin pie. The sauce was pretty yummy. I am not a fan of cranberryJen B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08042717483410272623noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334602365161531727.post-10118539203619965772016-09-22T20:35:00.000-04:002016-09-22T21:34:05.731-04:00How Has a Month Passed?
Wowzers! It's been more than a month since I've written.
Let's see.... I guess the biggest thing has been vacation to Ocean City, MD. I won't sugar-coat it - it was HARD! I took my Magic Bullet and protein powder with me, as well as protein bars. I was clear with servers when I ordered that I was on a very strict diet and proceeded with my ordering (cooked "thisJen B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08042717483410272623noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334602365161531727.post-60458823120764080092016-08-17T11:54:00.001-04:002016-08-17T12:14:46.592-04:00Day 85 -- What Now?? I'm so sorry it's taken me so long to write!First, I can hardly believe that yesterday was 12 weeks! In some ways it feels like it's been that long, especially when I get a craving. In other ways, that's a LONG time! Since surgery, I'm down 31.6 lbs since surgery and 74.4 lbs from my first visit with the surgeon on 12/30/15. I still feel like I'm looking into those circus mirrors, though. Especially when I Jen B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08042717483410272623noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334602365161531727.post-61340409833004283262016-07-10T17:49:00.000-04:002016-07-10T17:49:12.666-04:00New Experiences - 46 Days Out (this number has changed many times as I continue to write, and write, and write....)Wow, this has been a crazy time! I'm sorry I've neglected this for so long. I started to write a couple of weeks ago, but then... well... life just got in the way.
Where to start?
Part of the delay was some pain I'm having. It's all along the left side of my abdomen and the LRNP said that it wasn't pain I should be having at this stage, so I had an unexpected visit downtown. &Jen B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08042717483410272623noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334602365161531727.post-69132183189068612392016-06-20T12:15:00.000-04:002016-06-20T12:21:12.598-04:00Day 27 and Moodiness Abounds (Not to Mention Some Serious Anxiety)I won't be weighing again until tomorrow, but I felt like I had to write.
I don't know if this is a common experience among bariatric patients, but I'm moody as all get-out. This has been happening for weeks now, but the past 48 hours have been especially difficult. I'm not exactly sure why. I know that I'm frustrated trying to figure out what to eat as I'm back on "human" foodJen B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08042717483410272623noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334602365161531727.post-50607904895301941372016-06-16T17:10:00.000-04:002016-06-16T17:34:45.099-04:0023 Days Post-Op: All in Due TimeFor the sake out housekeeping, I know you've been chomping at the bit to find out what breed Casey is. So, drumroll please..... he's primarily Siberian Husky and somewhat less Chow Chow. Crazy, right? Crazy!
Also, I felt like the old blog needed some updating so enjoy the new, fresh look!
Ok, now down to business.
I saw the doctor for the first time yesterday. I was Jen B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08042717483410272623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334602365161531727.post-79516784892400378252016-06-13T21:48:00.000-04:002016-06-13T21:49:17.587-04:00Something Light-HeartedFirst let me thank you for the outpouring of support. I love reading any comments and knowing that there are people praying for me and that I am successful in my journey. Most days I think you have more confidence in me than I do in myself. For that, please know that I am so appreciative.
Now for the light-hearted part. All of my writings have been sooooo serious lately. Jen B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08042717483410272623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334602365161531727.post-687169264166835652016-06-10T23:01:00.000-04:002016-06-10T23:03:18.804-04:00Day 17 - in the Depths of Pureed FoodPart of me can't believe it's been 17 days since surgery. Part of me can't believe it's only been 17 days since surgery. It has been a rocky road, for sure.
I haven't need any pain meds since my last post - YAY! I've been able to get on the bike and am up to 11.5 minutes. It's a slow ride, but I'm moving. I would love to take Casey for a walk (since Poly remained atJen B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08042717483410272623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334602365161531727.post-27516610796864100902016-05-31T22:29:00.002-04:002016-05-31T22:32:28.786-04:00Day 7 Post-OpAlrighty then... Where to start?
Surgery day was a long one! After an initial call to arrive at the hospital at 11:15, they called later and asked if 8:45 would work. Heck yeah! The earlier the better. It meant leaving the house super early because of traffic headed downtown, but that's not at all a complaint! I got changed into the hospital gown (the paper Jen B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08042717483410272623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334602365161531727.post-10130235676946016122016-05-23T19:48:00.004-04:002016-05-23T19:48:59.709-04:00Counting the HoursYep, that's right -- surgery's tomorrow. I have to be downtown on the early side, but that means surgery will be over earlier and hubby will be able to get home to our furbabies so they don't wither away to nothing (yeah, right -- spoiled kids). My first call this morning said to be there at 11:15, but later got a call that there was a cancellation and asked me to be there at 8:45. &Jen B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08042717483410272623noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334602365161531727.post-81351453849519712342016-05-19T20:12:00.000-04:002016-05-19T20:12:01.763-04:00The Long and Short of ItFact: I did everything asked of me between 12/30 and 4/26, including blood work, a drug test, a nuclear stress test, an echocardiogram, a psych clearance and more.
Fact: I've had countless conversations with the nurses and dietitian at the surgeon's office.
Fact: I did 2 weeks pre-op of a liquid-only diet (which is nothing shy of torture).
Fact: My husband took a day off of work the day of my Jen B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08042717483410272623noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334602365161531727.post-12813344739191272312016-05-09T20:36:00.003-04:002016-05-09T20:43:19.304-04:00Short and Sweet: my Failed Attempt at Weight Loss SurgeryOk, ok, I can hear it now - it wasn't your fault, you aren't a failure, you didn't fail, the doctors did what was in your best interest. Yes, logically I know all of this. Emotionally, well that's a different story.
And it begins. April 26th, the day ingrained in my whole world. I had a countdown clock on my phone and could look at any point how many days I had left untilJen B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08042717483410272623noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334602365161531727.post-45021898984226832002016-04-21T11:29:00.001-04:002016-04-21T11:31:58.715-04:00Just a Few Days LeftWell, here we are. Surgery is in 5 days!!! Ahhhhhhhh!
I've been on a liquid diet since last Tuesday and have to go through next Monday (obviously I can't eat or drink the day of surgery). Let me tell you - this is HARD! The first few days I was cranky as cranky gets! I needed to CHEW something. NOW! My poor husband :( Well, I went back to the Jen B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08042717483410272623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334602365161531727.post-43381389841382244522016-03-10T22:42:00.002-05:002016-03-10T22:44:05.643-05:00Drum Roll, Please......I have a surgery date!!!!! As soon as I scheduled my endoscopy, it prompted a call from the surgeon's office to schedule surgery and pre-op testing. It turns out that the pre-op testing is just a few days before the endoscopy. I'm easily amused and find that slightly humorous.
So, the big day..... April 26th!!
I remain excited, anxious, terrified... it's so emotional. MyJen B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08042717483410272623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334602365161531727.post-36402881583811810312016-02-13T20:48:00.000-05:002016-02-13T20:49:52.474-05:00Pre-Op Work-UpOh my word, this has been one heck of a journey so far and I'm only just starting. It is required for all bariatric surgery candidates to have a list of clearances before surgery. I needed a psych eval and my psychologist of nearly 16 years could provide far more information than any psychiatrist they would have me talk with for a couple of hours. I needed a sleep study. Jen B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08042717483410272623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334602365161531727.post-53570975285564377732016-02-06T21:33:00.000-05:002016-02-06T21:33:28.800-05:00Bariatric UpdateHey all! I figured it was time for an update, so here it is :)
My psychologist has written a letter of support and approval for me to have the surgery. When I met with the cardiologist he wanted to wait until I had a few tests before giving his ok. I had a nuclear stress test two weeks ago and an echo last week. I see him on the 15th and expect full go-ahead.
I've been Jen B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08042717483410272623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334602365161531727.post-82343338181505935562016-01-18T11:14:00.003-05:002016-01-18T11:14:50.852-05:00SorryI just want to apologize for the nightmare that is the font from my last post. I didn't see that it was SO tiny and then when I went to change it (numerous times), it decided to do what it wanted.Jen B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08042717483410272623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334602365161531727.post-92168763919056405252016-01-14T16:26:00.002-05:002016-01-18T11:13:01.788-05:00Taking the Plunge - Here's the SkinnySo it's true. I've decided. I'm going to have bariatric surgery! I know there are a couple of choices offered by my doctor's office and that the lap band isn't one of them. I think they were finding issues with it being a foreign body and slipping, but I'm sure that's not the case for everyone.
First, I should offer some info on the two procedures my doctor does.
GastricJen B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08042717483410272623noreply@blogger.com2