GBP Update 6

First off, I’m sorry I missed you guys last month! There were a couple reasons I didn’t post anything last month. The first is that there wasn’t much to report. I hit a plateau and was only down around three more pounds. The second is that, because of the first, I was super embarrassed. In retrospect, I shouldn’t have been. Plateaus happen. The body freaks out at massive weight loss and attempts to hoard extra calories, fearing starvation. So, because I’m super self-critical (hard to believe, I know), I felt embarrassed at the lack of weight loss. But, I’m making it up to you now. Moving on!

Last Friday was my latest weigh-in with the doctor. I’m down to 421 lbs. That’s 14 down from last month, and 107 down since I started.

ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED:

CENTURY MARK PASSED!

Whoa, who said that? [looks around suspiciously]

Anyway, so yeah. I finally crossed the 100 lb marker. And, after talking about my habits and crunching the numbers, the doc gave me a total anticipated weight loss. She said that, when it’s all said and done, I should be down about 250 lbs from my original weight. For those who haven’t read the prior posts, that’s almost half my initial body mass. Kinda freaky, huh? So, I would end up around 280, which, is still big by many standards, but nowhere near as bad as I was. Frankly, I never expected to become asthmatic goth-boy skinny: I always knew I would be kinda big. But, in all honesty, that doesn’t really bother me. DadBod is in, right?

Anyway, I’m glad you’re reading this, because it means you have an interest in me, and that gives me the warm fuzzies. I will be back again in the next month or so to update you again.

D.J./Hayek

GBP Update 5

Well, it's been about a month since my last check in with you guys. I just got the results back from my doctors' appointments this week. Two big results came in. They did the post-op bloodwork on me, as well as the usual weigh in. When I started, I weighed 528.2 lbs. As of this last Friday, I'm at 438.2 lbs. That's 90 lbs down. I'm almost at the century mark! Also, my pre-op bloodwork showed an AIC of 6.6. That's basically diabetic. Not super serious oh-God-my-foot-just-fell-off bad, but not good, either. My new AIC is 5.5, which is within normal parameters. So, diabetes is gone, too! On top of that, I don't have to take Prilosec every night anymore. I just don't need it. But, I still have to have a routine: I've just replaced antacids with multivitamins...

That handles the internal changes, so let's go over some externals. I finally had to buy new pants. I've run out of old ones I can wear that don't bunch up when I cinch my belt. I was wearing 60-62" pants, depending on who made them. I just got a new pair of Carharts (no vanity sizing) in 56", and they fit. I've had to put about 7 new notches in my belt so I can keep wearing it. I still like 6XL in shirts, though my 5XLs don't fit as snugly as they used to fit. My dress coats (70-72" in the chest) and my jackets can almost fit me double-breasted. May have to talk to a tailor about converting them. I think I will have to order a couple new kilts as well, soon. My usual ones hold together with velcro. Used to be, the velcro strips would misalign since I was too big. Now, they're starting to misalign because I'm getting too small.

As to how I feel, there are a bunch of little things that I've started to notice. I can stand for longer periods without pain. I tend to walk a little faster than I did before. I can walk farther without getting winded. It's all very incremental. I still don't bounce out of bed every morning, full of energy. You "morning people" who can and do, you're just weird. ;-)

I'm getting more and more used to the new eating lifestyle now. I hardly make myself feel sick anymore, and I'm getting used to ordering less when I go out: I've actually ordered off the kids menu a couple times now, and been quite full. I still haven't gotten the hang of not drinking with meals, but I'm working on it. The doc is happy with my progress, and I will see her again in two months.

Hayek

Update 4a: Dry County

One last thing... I'm also told that some changes in tastes and preferences are normal after doing this. I'm still a big fan of fried stuff and sugar, chocolate, etc. So, that hasn't changed. However, I have noticed one significant change that will have an impact on my social functionality from here on out.

I don't like booze anymore.

Several times since having the surgery, I've had a drink. Each time, I've been unable to finish it, so unpalatable it was to me. Apparently this particular change is common. The dietitian told me I was the third patient today alone to mention it. So, I fear I will have to endure odd looks henceforth as I decline the normal social lubricant of beer/whiskey/moonshine.

I still don't know how I feel about this. I've never been a drunkard, but my ability to hold my liquor was legendary, and it saved the keisters of my friends no few times. And there were always such interesting things one can do with alcohol flavorings, like adding beer to chili. I wonder if those will be affected. Hrm. Oh well, we shall see what happens. Bartender! Another seltzer, if you please.

HS

Gastric Bypass Update 4

Went to the doc's office today to get weighed and talk to the dietitian. She took some notes, and gave me some advice on long term success. As of today, I am 2 1/2 months out from surgery. I currently weigh 451 lbs, down 77 from when I started this whole thing, and 17 down since last weigh-in. I've lost a couple inches in my neck, and at least four inches in my waist. I'm still a 6X in shirts, but she tells me that the abdomen is the last place to start shedding inches. I am not needing to lean so heavily on my walking stick, and I'm able to be up and moving for longer periods without back pain. Stairs still suck, though. As to feeling different, not really. The changes are so gradual that I haven't really noticed them. But, they are there and visible, as people around me frequently remark. Indeed, Unknown (derby ref) noticed some time ago that I was hefting my walking stick, as opposed to actually leaning on it as I walked from scrimmage one night.

Some may notice that this update's weight loss is markedly less than the first. That's totally normal, for a couple reasons. One, I'm back on solid food, which has a substantially higher caloric value than the liquid/whey protein shake diet I was on for much of the last update. Two, weight plateaus happen: they're just part of the process. The body will shed pounds, level off and stop shedding for a while, then start dropping again. I don't really know the science behind that particular part, but I'm assured by the doc and the dietitian it's normal.

Admittedly, I've been bad about sticking to the diet they wanted in the weeks since I got back on real food. I've drank sweet Cokes and had liquid during meals. Those are both things which will hinder my weight loss, but I had to get some of my "fixes" in after having been denied them for so long. So, in recent days, I've started working on getting back on the horse with regards to those particular rules. No liquids 10 minutes before or 30 minutes after a meal, and no sweetened beverages. The first part is just adjusting to a new habit. The second is going to take some work. But, I think I have found a viable substitute.

See, they tell you not to go for diet beverages, because artificial sweeteners are bad for you, give you cancer, etc. But, I went out on a limb and tried something, and it just might work: flavored seltzer. It's calorie free, like a diet soda, but it's also unsweetened, so no sugar or chemicals tricking the body into thinking there's calories incoming. Still gives the fizzy sensation that I desire, but nothing harmful to the body. Might need to look into adding that to my Amazon Prime Pantry orders, since carting those home from the store is a pain.

For meal size, I'm currently at about a half serving when it comes to restaurant food. Which is to say, I can eat half of what they give you in one sitting. So, half-a-burger and a couple onion rings is about right. I'm learning the early signals to keep me from getting sick, which happens when I eat too quickly. Drive throughs are not my friend, anymore. Takeout Boxes are. It's still a process of adjusting, and it takes time. But, I'm learning what the right speeds are, what I can handle and what I can't. On the bright side, I've been able to give up my acid-reflux medicine completely. I don't need it anymore for day-to-day. The doc still wants me to take it whenever I take any painkillers, though, simply because of ulcer risk. So, I'm hanging on to my supply.

Things are progressing, and it's a process. <feels>You all continue to be a source of determination for me, a wellspring from which I can draw strength, and I thank each and every one of you for it. Your support is helping to make me a better person. </feels>

Hayek

Brief Update

As I sit here, I'm wearing a pair of pants that I haven't worn in literal years. It's about 4-6 inches smaller than the pairs I wore regularly immediately prior to surgery. Haven't really dropped in shirt sizes yet, but I'll take what I can get.

I'm down to the last notch on my belt. Seems I will need to get an awl and hammer before too long...

Jeopardy Time!

I'll take "The #1 Question I've Been Asked Thus Far" for $500, Alex.

The answer is... "61 pounds."

What is "How much weight have I lost?"

Correct!

So, there you have it. Since I started this whole thing, I've lost more than sixty pounds. Twenty-three of those were before the surgery, the remaining thirty-nine have been after. That means I've lost more than a pound a day. The doctor is happy with the progress.

Talked with her about eating meat before it was time, and she wasn't super upset. And, she was able to give me some better reasoning as to why they have it set up the way they do. The first three weeks are when the pouch/new stomach is really healing. That's where the danger of bursting or damaging the sutures lies. Starting Week 4, I'm supposed to transition back to normal foods, but they want it to be gradual: no going from oatmeal straight to steak. Which makes sense. So, the fact that I ate ground beef early wasn't a huge deal from a safety standpoint. She still wants me to lay off the red meat this weekend, though. So, I said I could do that. She also is having me to eat with a stopwatch running, to make sure I do things slowly enough and spread-out enough. Tried it for lunch today, and it worked nicely: less discomfort and gas pains than usual. Not having pain or discomfort is more important than I realized: apparently, if I eat something too fast, which makes things hurt, it causes the brain to subconsciously adopt changes in tastes and preferences to avoid the food. E.G.: if I keep eating pizza to the point it makes me hurt, I will stop liking pizza. Makes sense when you think about it.

Anyway, just wanted to let you guys know I finally have a number on the weight loss thus far. With things going like this, I might just disappear, lol.

Hayek

Gastric Bypass Update #1

Well, it’s been about a month since the surgery, so I figure it’s time to give everyone an update. I’ve been navigating the slowly-expanding diet over the course of the last few weeks, and I’m now at the penultimate stage: on January 5^th, the reins are officially released. Suffice to say, restricted diets are awful, which is why I got the surgery done in the first place. But, I will survive. Currently, I am allowed a fairly large selection of foods, but they must be soft, unsweetened, and low-fat. The last two requirements chafe, particularly around the holidays. But, I’ve added dairy, spices, and pasta (with sauces) on this latest round. That has made life much more bearable. I am still prohibited any form of red meat, or things which might damage the pouch, like chips and nuts. And, I’ve been pretty good about keeping to the diet, mostly. I’ve been a little looser than I probably should have, but not without reason. I’ve been feuding with the nutritionist at the doctor’s office. Let me explain…

The nutritionist constantly exhorts me to call with any questions on the diet. And I have, several times. But, some of the answers she’s given haven’t made good sense. Case in point: I am allowed toasted breads. I am allowed cheese and dairy products. I am allowed tomato sauces. However, when suggesting that I could get a cheese pizza, I was immediately shut down. She claims that the whole is greater (more dangerous) than the sum of its parts, yet she was unable to convince me of how or why. So, I tried it, taking things slowly and carefully. I did fine. This leads me to question the rest of the diet as well. On conferring with another dietician I know and trust, I was told “You sound like all my patients. They test the bounds of the diet until they dump or puke. Then they go back to the diet.” As it stands, I have neither dumped nor puked in my explorations. So, I think I’m doing pretty well. It wasn’t just the cheese pizza. I came home for Christmas, and one of my many vices are Krystal hamburgers. I tried a couple on the way down. Two is my new limit, down from eight. So, the pouch is working completely as designed. Those two were also the best damned hamburgers I've had in years, let me tell you. Today, we were invited to my sister-in-law’s parents’ place for Christmas dinner. Her mom is of Italian descent, and makes the most wonderful meatballs. I had half a meatball, some penne and tomato sauce, and a bite of pepperoni. Again, no problems. I had some of Mom’s famous chocolate éclair cake for dessert. Again, no problems. So, while I’m not technically off the leash for another couple weeks, I think I can try off-diet soft stuff, so long as I’m careful about it.

I’m not ignoring it completely, mind. There are some things I’m avoiding because the logic is very sound: namely things like potato/corn chips and nuts, things that have sharp points, sodas, and are harder to digest or might pop the pouch. They might damage the pouch, and put me in a real world of hurt. Also, all the meats I’m consuming are very soft or ground: no steak yet. 

Regardless of the food itself (which is to say with on-diet foods as well), the pouch and I have not yet completely come to an understanding, but we’re working on it. Sometimes, when the food is really good, I will miss the early fullness warning signs or eat too much. This causes lots of hurt, and a nauseous feeling that lasts about half an hour. Fortunately, I’ve not had anything serious happen yet. Mostly, the biggest problem has been gas, in more than one regard. See, when you normally eat, gas gets pushed to one side, where it gathers, and you have that awesome belch to release it all at once. Now, there’s nowhere for it to go or collect. Things back up, and it hurts. Gas-X helps a little, but not much. The other part is that gas escaping the back end is a lot worse than it used to be. Nothing ever smelled like roses, but it’s gotten far worse since the surgery. I accidentally crop-dusted some CRG people when the wind gusted behind me, after I had taken the time to walk away to release it. This will be something to check with the doctor about.

Other than the gas pains and remembering to eat slowly, things have been pretty good. I can’t wear my good jewelry anymore, since it slides off my fingers. I just had to order some new underwear, since what I’ve got has started falling down, even inside my pants. Chest size is still about the same: 6X shirts are still fairly comfortable, if starting to get a bit looser around the neck.  But, things are progressing. And with that, it’s time for questions and answers!

Since I’ve had this done, I’ve had lots of questions, and several of them are the same ones. So, I’m going to answer them all here. And, question #1 has been: “How much weight have you lost?” As it stands, I have no bloody idea. I know I’ve lost some, but I can’t put a number on it. I’ve not yet been back to the doctor since surgery to weigh in. That happens January 2^nd. 

Question #2: “How do you feel?” Honestly, about the same. Stairs still suck to go up and down, and I still get winded from them. My body doesn’t really feel any different yet, even though I know I’ve started losing the weight. I also can’t tell any difference in how I look, since I see the same face in the mirror everyday. 

Question #3: “What’s your goal?” Honestly, I don’t have a numerical goal. I have an idea of how much I will lose, which I discussed in the last post (I think), but as for an actual number, no idea. 

Question #4: “What do you want to do with it?” Maybe I should call this 3a. Regardless, people have wanted to know what the reason for getting the surgery was, beyond the obvious, which is to be healthier and live longer. There are a couple answers to this. The first is kinda what you would expect, the second requires a longer explanation, as well as opening myself up a lot more. But, I promised to document things, so here it goes. I want to learn how to skate. I tried learning how when I was with CoMo, and it ended rather badly. The falls were too damaging to my ankles and feet, particularly when I couldn’t land as you’re supposed to in derby, forward on both knees. I.E.: I landed sideways and ended up in a boot for six weeks (Beat Me Halfway '12, remember?), in addition to filling a bunch of kids’ ears with new and interesting profanities, shouted as I writhed there in pain. Once I drop some serious pounds, I should be able to strengthen my ankles, and falling should be less of a hazard. Maybe I'll don stripes after I learn.

Q4, cont. The other part is a lot more emotional. See, I’ve wanted to settle down and start a family for years. But, I’ve not been able to find the right person for it, and not for lack of trying. I’ve had some dates, sure, but the ones I could convince to go out with me always ended badly. I think that, by losing the weight, I will be able to expand my available dating pool, and therefore my chances of finding the right one. Now, there are those who say “But, if she doesn’t accept you when you’re big, you don’t need her/she’s shallow/you can do better/etc.” These sentiments are noble, but sadly naïve. The truth, as I’ve gleaned from my own experiences, is that cute, intelligent women don’t go for fat guys. There are exceptions, and I know several couples who defy convention. But, those are exceptions, not the rule. So, long story short (too late, I know), I got this done in part because I’m lonely, and I’m tired of being so. Man, that’s a rotten note to end things on, but there you are. 

I think that about covers it for this update. So, I will say that, if any of you have questions about my surgery or progress, let me know, and I will try to answer them here.  Thanks again everyone for your support and kind words.

D.J./Hayek