September 3, 2004

I haven't had an abundance of emails lately. This is because I chose to have my name removed from the MGB Friends website. The owner is raffling off a surgery. I just didn't want to be part of that. You raffle cars, quilts, and money. You don't raffle live animals, and you don't raffle a life changing surgery.

I would urge every one who is considering a gastric bypass to do their research. I have gotten a couple of different emails from a couple of people because they had not been given post-operative instructions. One woman had been told that she could eat 80 grams of sugar a day. I can eat sugar, now that I'm an old pro at this thing, but I would never attempt to eat that much sugar, especially EACH day. How would you ever lose any weight? Of course, you'd be sick and puking all the time, feeling like death.

It's been so long since I've written. Please forgive me if I start to repeat myself start to repeat myself start to repeat myself.

I flew to Florida on Tuesday and had an appointment with a plastic surgeon who comes highly recommended. Good news is that I have a hernia. Yes this is good news because it may be useful in getting me approved for plastic surgery.

I also found out that starting in January BCBS has said that will approve no more tummy tucks. It has been considered cosmetic in the past, but they realize that some people have rashes, are uncomfortable... etc., and have approved them. Starting in January, it will be classified as cosmetic. End of story. The breast augmentation that I need will certainly not be covered. That's 5 grand. The tummy tuck is 6 grand. Have 11k I could borrow? Hey, maybe I'll rig me a raffle and sell tickets.

Posted by Manda at 2:45 PM

July 18, 2004

Amanda you look great.  I am 3 1/2 months out and I am finally feeling pretty good.  I still have a hard time eating.  I try to eat stuff I know will settle pretty good.  I don't eat much during the day because I just don't feel hungry.  My question to you is now that you are 3 years out how do you feel?  How is your energy?  Sorry to ask this question but did you have Plastic Surgery or were you able to tighten it up yourself?  I think my legs and arms are going to be my biggest problem.  I started out at 356.5 and I am now at 274.5.  I have a hard time to keep my energy up.  I can't drink Gatorade because it make me sick after about 3 sips so I don't bother.  I do try to get in as much salt on my fruits and veggies as possible.  Right after I had the surgery on April Fools Day I was like "What did I do to myself?" and for about the 1st month I craved food very badly. I am over that now and accept what I can and can not eat.  Well, sorry for talking your hear off.  I would like to hear back from you. Thanks and hope to hear from you soon.

It's been long enough, that I don't remember specific problems that were faced in the beginning.  As people ask questions things come to mind.  For example puking was a problem because I failed to chew my food enough or ate too much.   Saltines, tuna, and yogurt comprised my diet for the first few months.   Quick was the lesson that pasta, rice, and bread couldn't be handled.   Protein was what I craved.    Steak became a regular part of my diet.    It took a long time to learn to recognize hunger and to learn to listen to my body.  Diligence was necessary to remember to eat during the day.  It's still a problem even today.  Listen to your body.  Eat when your hungry.  Stop when you feel satiated.

 
At 3 years I feel pretty good.  Low blood pressure has been a problem.  It's improved over time.  On Monday it was 120/60.  In the past it was so low that often times I passed out, especially after hot showers or standing up too fast.   It became to be a real concern when it started happening more frequently.  My PCP warned that eventually medication might be necessary. 
 
Low and/or lack of energy was a problem in the beginning.  The first suggestion is usually to up your salt intake.  Also take a look at what you're eating.   Sometimes I still feel tired.  The reason that I can't eat rice and pasta is that it puts me to sleep.   Adding protein shakes, if you aren't already may help.  Try using non-fat milk, or Silk instead of water to improve the taste and texture.   I'm sure that you're taking your vitamins.  At one time, I was taking sublingual vitamin B.  I'd also go into my Dr.'s office for a vitamin B shot.  Perhaps your Dr. would be willing to do the same for you.

 
I haven't had plastic surgery yet.  My arms and legs are quite flabby.  I haven't had the money, time, or resources to invest into it.  I have an appointment next Monday with a plastic surgeon in Florida.  It is my hope that I'll be able to get insurance to cover my stomach and breasts.  Honestly, I need an entire body lift :)

Posted by Manda at 7:25 AM | Comments (1)