3 Months Post-Op VSG

VixStats
03/14/13  -  279 Highest Weight Ever
10/16/13  -  263 I started the 5 day Pre-Op Diet
10/21/13  -  251 Surgery Weight
11/21/13  -  227 One Month Post Op
12/21/13  -  218 Two Months Post Op
01/21/14  -  201 Three Months Post Op
     Total Loss so far - 78 lbs

<>< ~ <>< Aloha everyone ><> ~ ><>

A lot has happened in the past 3 months since my last post. Let me start by saying that, today, after all is said and done, I do not regret my decision to have Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG). 

From day one out of surgery, I had the same ole food cravings. I was not one of the lucky VSGers that were blessed with a change of appetite. I still had my appetite, times 10 it seemed. But with a stomach the size of an egg, I could never satisfy my appetite. It was such an emotional struggle. There were times when I wished I hadn't had the surgery. I had made a big mistake. 

I would be so 'hungry', but only able to eat a couple bites of food. My stomach would be too full to eat or drink anything else for the next 30-45 minutes. I would literally watch the clock and when I felt like I could eat or drink more, I would. I was battling this all day, every day, never feeling satisfied. I started to feel like I had wasted time and money doing the surgery cause I was already stretching out my sleeve. 

Three months out from surgery, I have had many come to Jesus moments. I am sure that my sleeve has settled into a more comfortable size too. I am able to eat just under a cup of food for my main meals. I make sure that my meals are scrumptious. Protein of course, but also some carbs for the head hunger. If my meal tastes good, it satisfies my 'hunger' and I do not struggle so much with cravings.  

My calorie goal today is 800. Protein goal is 70g. I would not be able to meet this protein goal without my morning protein shake. This shake is the only one I can stomach right now. I buy it at Costco. Premier Protein, Chocolate. I typically have one of these for breakfast. I have tried to add it to coffee and espresso. It tastes alright, but makes the drink bigger and then I can't drink it all. So I just chill it and drink it straight. It's alright for now. 

For lunch, I eat leftovers. One of the benefits of VSG, saving money. I can take a bit of whatever I made for dinner the night before and pack it for lunch. Easy peezy. I used to not be a big fan of left overs. By the next day, my tastey buds are over it. But since I am eating such a small amount of whatever I made for dinner, my tastey buds are ready for more. 

I have recently started filling my munchie moments with Beef Jerky. It's loaded with protein, and is perfect for salty cravings. I also found a greek yogurt I can tolerate. Just never been a fan of yogurt in general, until I found out that Dannon Light & Fit Greek yogurt, Toasted Coconut Vanilla is AMAZING! And has 2x the protein. Mucho yummy.

And lets face it, I do not deny myself completely of the junk foods. I had too mini chocolate chip cookies yesterday. AND a Ferrero Rocher Hazelnut Ball. It was a waste of 173 calories, but hey, I'm not holding it against myself. Love them stupid Ferrero Rocher balls. The coconut ones OMG! 

Anywho, as for exercise, I need improvement. I like going for walks. Especially in the middle of my work day, around the 2pm draggin butt slump. I put on my sneakers and walk about 2 miles. Takes me about 35 minutes and according to the app, MAP MY WALK, I burn about 270 calories. I would really like to do a zumba class. Just waiting for the dough to be able to afford it. 

This journey has with out a doubt been an emotional roller coaster. I have heard that hormones may play a roll in this, but I don't buy that it is the grand excuse. The surgery itself was exciting for me. I was not afraid of the pokes and prods. I was afraid instead of the aftermath. Will I succeed? Will I change? 

I have never been a big fan of me. So change is welcomed with open arms. However, my hopes for change are really high. And with high hopes comes the possibility of major failure. At this stage in my life, I just can't fail any more. So yes, anxiety, fear, depression, all stemming from the need to change and possibility of failing. And by need, I mean NEED. 

Throwing out all of my old clothes has been enlightening. Feels good to throw out the old 3XL Walmart Women's Shirts.  And by the way, what style am I? Since 1998 my style has been fat people style, cause apparently we aren't allowed to have style. Now that I can shop in the regular section, who do I want to be? What part of my personality do I want to portray in my threads. After 15 years of never needing to worry about style, this new dilemma is stressful. I'm feeling good, I want my clothes to show that I'm feeling good. 

So that's me, 3 months post-op, in a nut shell. After a rough start, things are improving. 
My goal was to be in ONEderland (199) by my 3 month surgeversary. Which I didn't make, by 2 pounds. I'm not going to cry over that spilled milk though. My next goal is 179 by March 25th. On March 25 of last year, I saw my weight management doctor for the first time and I was 279. So, 179 by this March 25th would be 100lbs lost in 1 year. My ultimate goal is 155 by my 34th bday, 10/2/14. So here's hoping. 

I am grateful for my VSG and have no regrets. It has been a rough ride and to anyone that may be thinking it is the easy way out, forget about it. It has not been easy. I thought it would be, but am proven wrong daily. VSG is just a tool to help with weight loss. If you are considering VSG, do it. 

Peace and Carrots

<3 VixRevision

2 Weeks Left of Pre-Op, VSG Info

VixStats
03/14/13  -  279 Highest Weight Ever
03/26/13  -  277  Lost  2  lbs
04/23/13  -  268  Lost  9  lbs
05/21/13  -  256  Lost 11 lbs
06/25/13  -  256  Lost   0 lbs
07/23/13  -  256  Lost   0 lbs
08/20/13  -  257  Gain   1 lbs
10/01/13  -  260  Gain   3 lbs

     Total So Far  Lost  19 lbs

<>< ~ <>< Aloha everyone ><> ~ ><>

I did go through the dreaded but anticipated insurance approval drama, but in the end, all was approved and...

On October 21, 2013 I will be having Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. For any of you who are unfamiliar with the procedure, my surgeon will be cutting out up to 80% of my stomach and stapling the rest closed, leaving a small banana sized stomach behind. See image below. 

I have a lot to do to prepare for a successful surgery. The dreaded Pre-Op diet is just around the corner. A Pre-Bariatric Surgery Liquid Diet is required beginning 5 days prior to surgery. Some surgeons require this diet 2-4 weeks before surgery. I am definitely grateful I do not have to endure the diet quite as long. Here's why..

The Pre-Op diet plan includes 3-5 protein shakes plus unlimited clear sugar free fluids. 

And that's it. No other foods or drinks. I cannot mix milk or fruit into the protein shakes. Clear sugar free fluids include:

Water                               Propel Zero                                   Crystal Light

Powerade Zero                Sugar-free Herbal Tea                  Black Decaf Coffee

Sugar-free Jell-O             Sugar-free Popsicles                    Fat-free chick, beef, or vegetable broth

Or any other calorie-free flavored clear beverages

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Sample Menu

BREAKFAST: Protein Shake

Clear Fluids: 16oz Crystal Light

LUNCH: Protein Shake

Clear Fluids: 1 cup fat-free chicken broth & 1-2 cups Powerade Zero

DINNER: Protein Shake

Clear Fluids: 1 cup fat-free vegetable broth & 1-2 cups sugar-free herbal iced tea

SNACK: Protein Shake

Clear Fluids: 4oz sugar-free jello, 2 sugar-free popsicles

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

It is going to be rough, for sure. Even more so since I can't exactly hide under a rock for 5 days. Starving myself but watching my family eat? I've heard after day 3 it gets easier. Here's hoping. So as of Wednesday, October 16 I will be starting this liquid diet. The liquid diet will continue through my hospital stay which should be 2-3 days. 

A week before surgery I do have to do some pre-admission stuff and pre-surgery testing. My surgeons office has been a little vague as to what this stuff is exactly for. But common sense helped fill in the blanks. I will be spending the morning of the 16th at the hospital doing paperwork, blood work, and an EKG. 

After surgery my stomach will only hold about 3-6 ounces of solid food at any one time. I can't jump out of my hospital bed and go have 3 ounces of turkey breast though. There are five stages of a progression diet.

Stage 1: Clear liquids for 2 days (in hospital)

Stage 2: Full Liquids  for 1 week after 

Stage 3: Pureed for 2-3 weeks thereafter

Stage 4: Soft foods for 1-2 weeks thereafter

Stage 5: Healthy solid foods forever

My progression through this diet will vary based on how I tolerate foods at each stage. It will be a guess and check game. As my journey moves forward, I will post more details about each stage and what exactly I can eat and what my new stomach is handling. So until then,

Peace and Carrots

<3 VixRevision

Insurance Frustrations and the Waiting Game

VixStats
03/14/13  -  279.2 Highest Weight Ever
03/26/13  -  277.7  Lost  1.5 lbs
04/23/13  -  268.5  Lost  9.2 lbs
05/21/13  -  256.7  Lost 11.8 lbs
06/25/13  -  256.3  Lost     .4 lbs
07/23/13  -  256.2  Lost     .1 lbs
08/20/13  -  257.8  Gain  1.6 lbs
        Total So Far  Lost 21.4 lbs

<>< ~ <>< Aloha everyone ><> ~ ><>

Earlier this year I remember thinking, 'that's all I have to do; show up to doctor appts once a month for 6 months, see a dietitian, and see a therapist?' I should have known getting approval from insurance for VSG that easily was too good to be true. 

My sixth and final visit with my weight management doctor was on August 20. The following day I called my surgeons office to remind them to submit the request to Blue Shield. I was told it normally takes 3-4 weeks for the insurance to give an answer. So I wait....

Until last weekend (3 weeks later), I get a letter in the mail from Blue Shield saying that they could not process my request for VSG because I did not provide documentation proving I had completed the pre-requisites. Whaaaaat? So on Monday, 9/9/13 I called my surgeons office inquiring WTF. They assured me that it was already taken care of and submitted and they weren't sure why the insurance claimed to have not received the documentation. They did mention that the insurance was specifically questioning my Nutritionist visit, stating that it seems like it was just a consult, not an actual visit. I'm thinking, whatever stupid insurance, go ahead 
and stall if you like, but my ducks are in a row. 

And yesterday, 9/12/13, while already defeated with car problems, I get word that the insurance has in deed DENIED my request for VSG due to insufficient documentation. My surgeon's office explained to me that the department that processes HMO paperwork and turns it in to the insurance apparently didn't turn in the paperwork? After all this time, I am denied because somebody, who probably makes more per hour than I do, decided it would be ok to not turn in the supporting documentation with my request for VSG?!?


And starts the appeals process. Oh wait, not quite! Before the appeals process is started, Blue Shield has to schedule a phone interview with my surgeon. It will take Blue Shield 3-4 days to schedule this interview. Which means they won't get around to scheduling it until next week. My surgeon is only in the office on Tuesdays, since Blue Shield won't even get around to scheduling the interview until say Tuesday, its likely the interview will not take place until the week after, or there after. 


For many months I have had my hopes set on having VSG mid to late September. I picked that date because it was reasonable according to the known
                                                                            timeline of everything. Now, who                                                                                             knows when this process will end. 
                                                                            Not a fan of the waiting game.

                         <3 VixRevision

4 Weeks Left of Pre-Op

VixStats
03/14/13  -  279.2 Highest Weight Ever
03/26/13  -  277.7  Lost  1.5 lbs
04/23/13  -  268.5  Lost  9.2 lbs
05/21/13  -  256.7  Lost 11.8 lbs
06/25/13  -  256.3  Lost     .4 lbs
07/23/13  -  256.2  Lost     .1 lbs
        Total So Far  Lost 23.0 lbs

<>< ~ <>< Aloha everyone ><> ~ ><>

Met with Dr. Plodkowski today. Haven't been successful at much weight loss for the past couple of months, but he seems to be happy with the changes I have made. I have also scheduled an appointment with my surgeon, Dr. Takata to shake hands and talk about surgery specifics. It's all happening for reals. Yaaaayyyy! Wish it was happening a tad bit faster. Dog days of summer combined with anticipating surgery? It feels like it's taking years to happen.  

As part of my insurance requirements, I had to meet with a psych to 'clear' me emotionally stable to have the surgery. Well, by no means am I emotionally stable. HA! But she is on board and put down in her little notes that she recommends I continue with the surgery. 


I started a video blog. Here's a little tidbit about me, I am not a fan of pictures of myself, let alone video. I posted my first video on YouTube for the world to see on July 11. It's just insane how my core shrieks at my own voice and image. I am determined to keep vlogging though. Even if nobody watches, I plan to force myself to view the images and listen to myself as yet another tool in my weight loss journey. So yea, check out the video and subscribe to my channel vixrevision and encourage away please. 

Why is protein so nasty? We have cars that drive for us and F-35s but can't put protein in an easy to swallow capsule? The last protein powder I tried tasted like a Cherry Pepto Bismol frappe with a hint of wax and kiwi. The after taste was much better, like a piece of chalk coated with #2 pencil lead. Mmmmmmmm, not a fan! For all of you wondering, it was Strawberry Kiwi Nectar by Syntrax. I bought the sample pack with 11 different flavors. I hope hope hope at least 1 of the 11 play nicely with my tasty buds. If yer interested, check out  http://www.bjsbariatrics.com. It was cheap, I was able to use Paypal, and super quick delivery. 

Does anyone pre-op ever ponder on what they might look like a year down the road? I find myself searching for pics and vids of ladies who have similar features as I do just so I can catch a glimpse of what may come. I have been a big girl as long as I can remember so it really is a mystery as to what I might look like. So here's this craziness...

Senior Year 97-98

This is my high school senior pic. I would say this was taken fall of 1997. My stats then at 17 years old was 5'6", 190ish, and minus 2 kids. So this is what I have to base my ponderings on. Although being 190ish would be dreamy for me in todays day, I do remember still feeling fugly at this size. Still didn't wear bathing suits in public, still couldn't shop in the misses section, still was made fun of by the popular brats. So what in the heck is going to happen at 160lbs? It really is exciting to imagine what may come. Analyzing and imagining has been a motivation for me. What will be after VixRevision? And can it please happen sooner rather than later????

Social eating worries:  I have heard some VSG'rs express concern that they worry about what will happen when they are at social gatherings and cannot partake in foods and beverages like dinner partiesN'Wine or BBQsN'Beer. Turns out they still enjoy these gatherings and even more so since they are not attached to the foods and can spend more quality time being social. Looking at my lifestyle, I'm realizing that any socializing I do is surrounded around food as well. But I'm thinking it's because I lack those skills.  If I am chewing food I don't have to smile or tell stories or be social. I can just chew and listen to other people without seeming rude. My excuse being, I'm eating. What excuse will I use when I'm not eating? I don't want to be anti-social! But other than eating and listening, I don't have the skills. I'm gonna need help with that. 

In 33 years I have managed to stir up quite a mess of myself. Coming to all of these realizations of my quirks and crevices can be interesting at times but mostly send me on an emotional roller coaster. Sigh..... just trying to figure things out and fix things one step at a time. 

Peace and Carrots,

<3 VixRevision

8 Weeks Left of Pre-Op

VixStats
Mar 26 - 279 lbs
Jun 6    - 255 lbs
Jun 25  - 256 lbs

          ~ <>< ~ <>< Aloha everyone ><> ~ ><> ~

Yes, you read that right, up one pound. Well, technically, according to the doctor visit this morning I have lost 0.4lbs since my last visit. So we will stick with that analysis vs having gained 1 pound. 

When talking to Dr. Ray, mixed in with other things, he had mentioned that there was 8 weeks left until surgery. When you say it like that, it sounds really soon.  I must say, my heart skipped a beat. I felt a burst of excitement and fear. It won't be exactly 8 weeks from now but it is getting closer. 

Fear? Naturally, fear of surgery and problems that may come from someone poking around in my guts. But you know what fear I really felt? Life change! Am I actually saddened that I will not be able to eat Carne Asada Fries? Or drink an ice cold can of Mountain Dew? This life change is such a huge commitment. What if 2 years down the road I fail and crave all of these fatty nasties? Do I really have to pay full price for Champagne Sunday Brunch even though I will be eating less than 8oz of food at one setting?

The more the notion settles in that I will not be having my favorite foods and drinks for quite some time, if ever again, and then only in moderation, the more room I have for excitement. I am very much excited to finally have the help I need to break through this fat wall I have called a body since the age of 16. Oooooh the day when I do not have walk by the regular women's clothing section and roll my eyes at the 'skinny people clothes'. 

So for the next month I would like to lose 5-6lbs. Here's to warm SoCal summer fun at the pool and beach. Maybe I will simply sweat off those lbs. Someone turn on the AC please. 

Peace and Carrots,

<3 VixRevision

3-4 Months till Gastric Sleeve Surgery 2013

The first post of my weight loss journey. 

Thank you to everyone that continues to post their journey as it has inspired and motivated me to keep moving forward. 

VixStats
Mar 26 - 279 lbs
Jun 6    - 255 lbs

Introduction

~ <>< ~ <>< Aloha everyone ><> ~ ><> ~

My name is Victoria and I'd like to share my weight loss journey with you. I decided to venture into the Bariatric Surgery world in March 2013. I first met with Dr. Ray Plodkowski @ Scripps Clinic on Mar 26. I have Blue Shield insurance so I am going through the 6 month weight management they require. It has been a lot easier than expected. I am not required to lose a certain amount of weight, just have to show that I am attempting to make permanent lifestyle changes. I have mostly followed my doctor's meal plan, but not completely. It's been a battle that's for sure. By the time I feel like giving up on healthy eating and exercise, it will be time for surgery. So it has absolutely been a great motivator and the monthly weigh-ins keep me on track. 

I have already met with Dr. Ray 3 out of the required 6 times. Since March I have lost 24lbs on my own. I actually have to slow down a bit because my insurance will not approve the surgery if I get below 40 BMI. My 6th required visit will be this August. A couple of weeks for the paperwork to go here and there and I will be scheduling a surgery date. After much research and a seminar I have chosen to have the Gastric Sleeve. I am so excited! I am not nervous about surgery at all, in fact, it can't come soon enough. I am, however, nervous about failing even after surgery. But I will dive a bit more into the pre-surgery emotional stuff later. 


This is me at my biggest. Nearly 280 lbs. I have always been a big girl, but after giving birth to my twins in November 2011 my post partum took over, eat, sleep, and change diapers is all I did!

I cannot stand pictures of myself and I find it very difficult to open up to people, comes with the territory I suppose. But I promise to be real and spill the beans as much as I can stand. 

And a more recent full body pic of me having lost about 20 lbs. 






So bye for now. I will post again soon. My next appt with Dr. Ray is 25 Jun. As long as I am below my last weigh in, 256 lbs, I will be good to go. 

<3 VixRevision