Hey there! Ashley here. It's been awhile since I updated. I've received a few emails and messages on Facebook lately about this blog, and it resulted in me logging back on to realize it's been ten months since I've updated! Wow. Time flies.
I was always motivated to update this blog when I was doing well. This blog was also a motivation for me to do well (and I define doing well by losing weight, which may not be the healthiest way of looking at it, but that's debatable.) But as far as that goes, I'm not doing well. Which is probably a huge part as to why I haven't updated lately.
I've gained 30 pounds in the six to eight months or so. I went from around 175 to 205. Which, in the grand scheme of things... I'm still closer to my goal than where I started, which is good and when I look at the situation objectively, I can see that. However, I'm still not pleased with myself even though it's not 100% in my control at the moment...
A combination of the holidays, and money issues making it difficult to stick to the low carbohydrate high protein diet I had been doing (which worked REALLY well) were a huge part of my weight gain. Also I switched insurance companies, and there was an overlap of time I wasn't able to get 2 of my medications. I've also been having trouble stomaching one of my medications, which is better now that I've got the prescription changed.. But these are all excuses.
Its just one thing after another honestly and it knocks down your motivation real quick, you know?
I feel like whenever I get my medications under control I'll start to lose again, it's just a matter of getting in the routine of taking them the way I had for years which is something I've been out of practice of for the past few months. I've never "fallen off" my diet necessarily, I just didn't follow it as strictly as I did in 2013, which is what I need to do again. I had so much more energy and felt so much better about myself when I stuck to Atkins. I hadn't felt that healthy in a long time, and I'm working my way back into it.
As far as the surgery goes.. I'm three and a half years out now, to the day. February 19th, 2015. I had surgery on August 19th 2011. I really don't feel like the sleeve has done much for me other than the lack of appetite and the restriction, which wasn't really much of a problem to begin with.. Not to say it's not a good dieting tool, because it's fantastic. But it certainly hasn't done for me what I've seen it do for other people within the Teen WLS program I went through, you know? And sure I can attribute that to all of my metabolic problems that are somewhat separate from anything the surgery could touch. I don't know the science behind it all, but I know things have certainly worked differently for me than anyone I've met in these support groups on Facebook or the few I've gone to in person at the hospital. I could make guesses, but they wouldn't be educated outside of what I've researched on my own. Obviously everyone's body is different, but when I look at my issues pre and post op, they are nothing like anyone I know. So... Who knows!
I'm sure once I get back into a routine I'll do better, and I do still want to get down to my goal weight. I just need to find the motivation again, so I'm hoping getting back into blogging will help with that!
So if there are any topics anyone wants me to write about, or any suggestions.. feel free to let me know. I have 120+ posts on this site and I feel like I've written the subject(s) dry, but yet I still feel like there's more I could say... So let me know! Message me on FB or e-mail me!
Here's to hoping I get things under control soon. :) Hope you all have a lovely day. Talk to you soon.
-Ashley<3
First blog dedicated to Weight Loss Surgery for teenagers. To my knowledge it's still the only one! We're also dedicated to teaching/spreading awareness about childhood obesity, metabolic conditions/diseases, healthy lifestyles, and anything in-between. (Started in May 2011)
Showing posts with label etc. Show all posts
Showing posts with label etc. Show all posts
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Thursday, May 2, 2013
About The CME Conference!
Long story short, the bariatric team at the hospital where I had surgery almost 2 years ago has nagged me about coming to support groups and being on the committee and what not, but I never can because they're always on days I can't come and I live farther away than most the people that go. Maybe once I have a car that will be different, but for the time being, I'm kind of stuck.. Haha.
So an opportunity came up for this conference that they have once a year, and they asked me to be on a patient panel.. and I managed to work out a ride, so I was able to!
The purpose of the conference was to teach other health care professionals about the benefits of weight loss surgery for teenagers.. The patient panel was basically for patients to give their perspective on it, and to answer any questions anyone had about how it was for us (and our parents, as well!).
(I've posted some pictures on my Facebook page, you can check them out here! I wish I had gotten more, haha.)
My friend Sydney who had surgery almost a year after me, well, she's someone I mentored through the program. I actually met her at one of her pre-op appointments, when I was about 6 weeks post op.. She was in the hospital during the panel due to treatments for a pseudo-tumor.. But she managed to get out of her room for awhile to come do the panel as well! Along with two girls named Cari and Anesha. - I had met Cari at the one support group I went to last summer, and this was the first time I had met Anesha! However we had talked online before, through the Facebook support group page that the team had set up for patients pre and post op. (:
We were told to get there at 11:30-12 but we weren't really needed until 1:30 so we just hung out for awhile, got our nametags, ate lunch, and went over the list of questions we were given as a basis for what we were going to be asked.. Sydney was smart and wrote down all her answers, haha. I just wrote down some notes, the other two girls winged it..
I was really nervous.. Despite how well-spoken I may seem, I have some serious anxiety issues when it comes to speaking,.. I'm terrible at holding conversations, answering questions, asking questions, etc.. So it was a real stretch for me to agree to do, and actually go through with, this. I nudged Sydney a few times during the panel because I was shaking really bad..
I don't like words being put in my mouth, and I don't like not being able to explain things well.. I like writing because I'm able to think about what I"m going to say before I type it, and you always have the option to backspace/delete and re type what you want to say.. You don't have that option when you're doing something like this. So I'm really glad it went as well as it did, or I'd probably still be beating myself up over it.. haha.
However, the panel wen't really smoothly. I was luckily last to go.. They asked one person, then the next person, then the next person, then me, the same question then just repeated over and over again for like 10 questions, then the surgeon (Dr. Inge) had opened it up so anyone watching could ask questions.. So we took a few of those questions and whoever wanted to answer, could.. And then Payal (our Social Worker who was asking the questions from the list) asked a few more, but then we ran out of time..
It only took about 40 minutes or so, and was a lot less stressful once I got in the hang of things. Normally when I'm really anxious my blood pressure sky rockets and my face and chest and arms get really flushed.. The the flush/blushing didn't happen this time though, so I was really happy.
I answered all the questions the way I wanted to for the most part.. Sure there was more I could have added that I wish I did, but I didn't freeze up or anything so I was pretty pleased with myself. Haha.
I didn't eat lunch with everyone else before hand because I felt sick to my stomach because I was so nervous, so after talking to some of the surgeons there and saying hi to my dietitian and a few other people, my mom and I left and were going to go to Olive Garden... Nope. The one we were going to go to was shut down. Then we decided Outback Steakhouse. Nope. They were shut down too! So we ended up going to Long-Horn Steakhouse.. and it was freaking delicious. I don't go out to dinner much anymore, let alone anywhere that costs more than 8-9 bucks for a meal. I kind of feel like it's a waste because I can't eat it all and what not, so I don't like wasting money. However! It was worth it. It was so good!
And that's basically it.. I'm really glad I decided to take part in it, I got to talk to a lot of people and (hopefully!) help some people understand what the process was like for me and how it can be beneficial for others.
I certainly sometimes have my fair share of doubt, wondering if the surgery was the best idea or if in the long run it was the best decision for me, personally.. but it has helped so many people, and just because I get frustrated doesn't mean it didn't help me.. It may have just helped me less than it does other people, and I'm okay with this, because it's still done a lot.
I answered all the questions from the panel in my last post (here!) in case anyone is curious.
I hope everyone's having an amazing day, and I'll update again soon!! :D
-Ashley<3(:
So an opportunity came up for this conference that they have once a year, and they asked me to be on a patient panel.. and I managed to work out a ride, so I was able to!
The purpose of the conference was to teach other health care professionals about the benefits of weight loss surgery for teenagers.. The patient panel was basically for patients to give their perspective on it, and to answer any questions anyone had about how it was for us (and our parents, as well!).
(I've posted some pictures on my Facebook page, you can check them out here! I wish I had gotten more, haha.)
My friend Sydney who had surgery almost a year after me, well, she's someone I mentored through the program. I actually met her at one of her pre-op appointments, when I was about 6 weeks post op.. She was in the hospital during the panel due to treatments for a pseudo-tumor.. But she managed to get out of her room for awhile to come do the panel as well! Along with two girls named Cari and Anesha. - I had met Cari at the one support group I went to last summer, and this was the first time I had met Anesha! However we had talked online before, through the Facebook support group page that the team had set up for patients pre and post op. (:
We were told to get there at 11:30-12 but we weren't really needed until 1:30 so we just hung out for awhile, got our nametags, ate lunch, and went over the list of questions we were given as a basis for what we were going to be asked.. Sydney was smart and wrote down all her answers, haha. I just wrote down some notes, the other two girls winged it..
I was really nervous.. Despite how well-spoken I may seem, I have some serious anxiety issues when it comes to speaking,.. I'm terrible at holding conversations, answering questions, asking questions, etc.. So it was a real stretch for me to agree to do, and actually go through with, this. I nudged Sydney a few times during the panel because I was shaking really bad..
I don't like words being put in my mouth, and I don't like not being able to explain things well.. I like writing because I'm able to think about what I"m going to say before I type it, and you always have the option to backspace/delete and re type what you want to say.. You don't have that option when you're doing something like this. So I'm really glad it went as well as it did, or I'd probably still be beating myself up over it.. haha.
However, the panel wen't really smoothly. I was luckily last to go.. They asked one person, then the next person, then the next person, then me, the same question then just repeated over and over again for like 10 questions, then the surgeon (Dr. Inge) had opened it up so anyone watching could ask questions.. So we took a few of those questions and whoever wanted to answer, could.. And then Payal (our Social Worker who was asking the questions from the list) asked a few more, but then we ran out of time..
It only took about 40 minutes or so, and was a lot less stressful once I got in the hang of things. Normally when I'm really anxious my blood pressure sky rockets and my face and chest and arms get really flushed.. The the flush/blushing didn't happen this time though, so I was really happy.
I answered all the questions the way I wanted to for the most part.. Sure there was more I could have added that I wish I did, but I didn't freeze up or anything so I was pretty pleased with myself. Haha.
I didn't eat lunch with everyone else before hand because I felt sick to my stomach because I was so nervous, so after talking to some of the surgeons there and saying hi to my dietitian and a few other people, my mom and I left and were going to go to Olive Garden... Nope. The one we were going to go to was shut down. Then we decided Outback Steakhouse. Nope. They were shut down too! So we ended up going to Long-Horn Steakhouse.. and it was freaking delicious. I don't go out to dinner much anymore, let alone anywhere that costs more than 8-9 bucks for a meal. I kind of feel like it's a waste because I can't eat it all and what not, so I don't like wasting money. However! It was worth it. It was so good!
And that's basically it.. I'm really glad I decided to take part in it, I got to talk to a lot of people and (hopefully!) help some people understand what the process was like for me and how it can be beneficial for others.
I certainly sometimes have my fair share of doubt, wondering if the surgery was the best idea or if in the long run it was the best decision for me, personally.. but it has helped so many people, and just because I get frustrated doesn't mean it didn't help me.. It may have just helped me less than it does other people, and I'm okay with this, because it's still done a lot.
I answered all the questions from the panel in my last post (here!) in case anyone is curious.
I hope everyone's having an amazing day, and I'll update again soon!! :D
-Ashley<3(:
Monday, April 29, 2013
CME Patient Panel Q&A's.
I was asked to be part of a Patient Panel at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, where I had VSG surgery almost 2 years ago! It was part of a conference to teach people from around the world about weight loss surgery's affect on teens, and to get different perspectives on it (including patients who have gone through it).
I'll make a post talking all about that later, but I had a list of questions from the bariatric team that were basically a guideline of what we'd be asked there, and I thought I'd post the questions and answers here as well. (: We didn't get through all of them, because we added time for the people there learning to ask questions as well.. But they all kind of were the same things we would have gave information on, anyway. So here were basically all the questions that there were for the patients, and how I answered them (or how I would have answered them if I didn't freeze up.. I'm not much of a public speaker, haha.)
1.) Q- What were the triggers that provoked the thought of weight loss surgery?
A- I have a strong family history of obesity and the co-morbidies that go along with it.. I've been dealing with Insulin Resistance literally since I was an infant.. I was always twice my size, showing signs of high insulin levels and what not.. Just, metabolic problems in adults, let alone children, weren't really relevant back in the 90's.. So I didn't get diagnosed until I was 5 or 6. Regardless, I knew what was happening to my body.. and after watching my grandma die of obesity complications,.. well.. I realized I didn't really want to go through that. I was desperate to find a way to get the weight off.. I was sick of being unhealthy, despite my parents, doctors, and my own attempts to get it off.
2.) Q- How did you hear about us?
A- Well, basically, the internet.. Haha. I was 15, and at a point where I was so frustrated with every diet and exercise regimine I had ever done not working, that I was looking for different 'cleanses' and diets and detox things to do.. I was at a point where I was starving myself, not eating more than a couple carrots or half of a banana a day and I only did that to take my medicines.. I knew my body was in 'starvation mode' but I didn't care, because I was so desperate to lose the weight.. -- I was on some website reading about some diet that I hadn't tried before, when I saw an add for weight loss surgery.. then I got curious. I started to think "Oh, i wonder if they would do that on someone my age?" and I spent some time researching it, then came across Cincinnati Children's program for teen WLS... I spent more time researching it, joined websites like www.obesityhelp.com and talked to people who had had different types of surguries, and eventually made up my mind.. at which point I brought it up to my parents, showed them what I had learned, and we made appointments with some doctors to try and get a referral for a consult.
3.) Q- Was it difficult to lose weight pre-surgery? What were the barriers?
A- Well for me, I've been going to doctors and dietitans and what not since I was a toddler.. Diet and Exercise weren't necessarily my problem at this point, it was more not having the medication portion in piece. Before I got things rolling for the consult and started seeing doctors again, something I had previously pretty much given up on, I hadn't realized how terrible my health had gotten.. I had never really lost weight.. I only managed to maintain for awhile, before gaining more.. No one really knew how to treat IR in kids when I was younger. So once I got the medication part in piece, I lost 35lbs almost immediatley right before my consult.. So weight loss without the medications kind of seemed to be impossible. And still to this day is.. I didn't lose weight whenever I wasn't on my medications, post-op. People didn't think I'd need them after surgery, but I did and still do, at least for the time being. So, yeah.. the barriers were not having my health conditions treated correctly. People questioned why I decided to have surgery, when I lost almost 40 pounds with the medication changes and my answer was always that I wanted somethign more permanent, because I had been in situations where medications didn't help either, and I wanted that tool there in place so I could use it regardless, it's not something that goes away.. It's always going to be there. There's no reversal.
4.) Q- Which surgery did you get, and why?
A- I had the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. I chose the sleeve because I didn't like the idea of the band possibly eroding my esophagus/stomach and needing fills, or the idea of the bypass.. I didn't like the idea of having my stomach removed, but still inside of me.. not really having access to it, you know? It just seemed a little unsettling. -- Also, the sleeve had a shorter anesthesia time, which was definitely a plus.
5.) Q- How were the pre-op clinic appointments?
A- They were good! I got any questions I had answered, lots of testing was done to assure I had the best care possible, and that there weren't any surprises during/after surgery.. And the bariatric team was really good at working with my other doctors (Family Physician & Endocrinologist, specifically) to let them know what was going on, and to schedule testing closer to home since I live about an hour away from Cincinnati, etc.. It was a surprisingly easy and relatively short-lived experience for me, seeing as my insurance only required 3 months of pre-op clinic.
6.) Q- Did you feel better prepared for surgery after these appointments?
A- Well, yeah. I knew what was going to happen and I had met pretty much everyone taking part in it.. I was really well prepared, and totally at ease with my decision.
7.) Q- How was your in-patient experience of surgery and recovery?
A- Aside from me being an idiot and denying myself pain medication post-op for awhile because I didn't think I'd need it, it was pretty easy.. The worst pain was from the gas due to it being laprascopic.. My hospital stay was only 2.5-3 days, and it was really uneventful.. No complications really.. I was a little irritable when I was in pain when I was denying myself the medication, but other than that, that's really it. (:
8.) Q- tell us about your relationship with food.. How did it change pre and post-surgery?
A- My relationship with food is pretty much the same.. I had always been a relatively healthy eater, I was never fond of sugar because it was something I never really had because I was always on diets, I was relatively good with portion sizes up until the year before surgery because i was so frustrated that I was starving myself.. So if anything it's better simply because I'm eating more frequently so my body isn't starving, regardless of if the quantity is smaller than most peoples.. It's more than I was eating pre-op, and less than I was eating when I was younger when I couldn't seem to lose the weight. So it's alright, I guess. Just more scheduled.
9.) Q- Tell us about food and socialization post-surgery. Did it change? How?
A- I didn't socialize much before surgery, and I still don't socialize much because most of my friends live pretty far away.. It requires driving to the opposite corner of the state to see them, HOWEVER, i have taken more road trips to see them in the past 2 years than I ever had pre-op.. I've also made more friends when I take those trips, than the 1 or 2 i had.. I don't really associate food with socialization. I know most people do, but I don't.. They honestly have nothing to do with each other for me.
10.) Q- What was the worst part of the surgery process?
A- Definitely the plateaus with the weight loss.. I have a lot of metabolic problems, and I started at a lower weight than most people do having surgery.. So my weight loss has been slower, and that's been extremely frustrating for me.. I don't lose weight without the medications I'm on, and it seems like I have to work harder than most to lose the weight, just like I always have when I was younger when I'd try to maintain. I always seem to compare myself to other patients i've kept in contact with, and how they're doing.. I wonder what I'm doing wrong and why they're losing more weight and at a faster pace than me.. When in reality, I'm probably still eating healthier and exercising more than half of the ones that I've spoken to.. My lifestyle is so much more healthy.. They're eating junk and still losing weight, just because it's less junk than they took in before.. where for me, my diet was fine pre-op as for what I was eating, so yet another factor against me losing weight.. My body never went into shock like most peoples do with surgery.. You know? -- So, I 100% understand why I lose weight slower than most patients, but that doesn't make it any less frustrating. Even now almost 2 years out it's still the number 1 reason why i'm ever upset or frustrated, haha.
11.) Q- What was the best part of surgery?
A- Well, obviously the weight loss is great, despite how slow it is. But I'd have to go with the people I've met.. If I had never found out that surgery was a possibility, I would have never fought to get a referral (which my family doctor wouldn't send) which lead me to the amazing endocrinologist that I have here, Dr. Nicholson. She's been a life saver when it comes to all of my metabolic problems, and figuring everything out and organizing all my medications and what not.. Also, the bariatric team, not just for surgery.. But the dietary aspect.. If I didn't have Kathy (the dietitian on board with CCHMC WLS program) to email when I get frustrated when I'm not able to get enough calories or protein or, or Linda (nurse practitioner) to have my mom call to ask about different things, I probably would have lost my mind by now.. Everyone has been so helpful in managing every aspect of my health, not just the stomach-being-removed portion.. That's definitely the best part for me. (:
12.) Q- Tell us about the health conditions that have changed post-surgery.
A- Pre-op I had Insulin Resistance that had crossed over to Type 2 Diabetes, PCOS, Hypothyroidism, Hypertension, and Sleep Apnea. Post-op I still have IR, but the Type 2 is gone.. The Hypertension is gone, and Sleep Apnea is gone. I still have IR, PCOS, and Hypothyroidism.. But it's much better controlled than it was pre-op.
13.) Q- Tell us about taste changes post-surgery?
A- There are some days I don't tolerate bread or pasta well, sometimes pork doesn't go over well either.. But it's not all the time. It just depends on the day.. Generally, I haven't had many food intolerances. Sugar doesn't go down well, obviously, but it never really did for me pre-op either, so that hasn't really changed.
14.) Q- How relationships were and are?
A- I had a lot of toxic friendships pre-op. Friends who treated me like crap, and ended up leaving me when I had surgery.. They either a) were jealous of me getting it or b) thought I was stupid for going through with it.. They didn't (and weren't willing to try to) understand my health problems or why it was a good choice for me.. But in the end, their opinions didn't matter to me.. I had been bullied my entire life for my weight, to the point where I left school temporarily in 7th grade to do home schooling because I couldn't handle the way everyone treated me (some teachers, included.) So I was at a point where I would take what I could get when it came to relationships, since I was so use to people treating me like crap. -- Post-op, those people left. I was in a position where I could go out more, even if it required trips to 3+ hours away to see my friends, it was worth it compared to having bad people around me.. I've made more friends, despite them living further away.. and I wouldn't trade those friendships for anything.
15.) Q- How do you keep yourself motivated to take multivitamin, and stick to diet and exercise?
A- Vitamins aren't a problem.. I have so many prescription medications that I take, I just have all my vitamins out by them and I'm pretty compliant with them. Sure, I miss a dose here or there, but it's not an every day thing. -- Diet really isn't much of a problem either, other than reminding myself to eat.. But exercise is more difficult. But I know I have to do it, to lose weight. and I want to get the weight off. Also, a big motivator for me is this blog. I use it to keep myself accountable.. I want to do well, so this blog does well, so people can see that despite whatever challenges they face that there is always a way to get what you want done accomplished. I know what I have to do, and I do it.. That's really all there is.
16.) Q- Do you think post-surgery follow up appointments are important and why?
A- Yeah I do, because the support system is really important. Also getting blood work done and what not to make sure you're still healthy and to adjust medications that need adjusted. It's just important to your overall health, physically and mentally, to have that support there.
17.) Q- What are the reactions of friends and family about your surgery decision and outcome?
A- Like I mentioned before, most of my friends didn't agree with it.. However my one friend that I go to concerts and road trip a lot with, was really accepting. Her mom had also had weight loss surgery, so she kind of understood it despite it being a different surgery, and there were no problems. -- Most of my extended family was 100% opposed to it, saying that my parents were stupid for allowing me to go through with it and allowing me to 'manipulate' them. However, now that they see there were no complications and that I"m healthier and that I have lost weight, they try to act like they've supported me the entire time... I have to bite my tongue a lot when I'm around them, haha. But I deal with it, I guess. My immediate family though was pretty supportive. My dad was kind of apathetic, my mom was all for it, my little brothers didn't mind it, and that's all that really mattered to me.
18.) Q- Energy level and sleep pattern.. how are they different pre and post-surgery?
A- My energy level is much higher, and I sleep better. I'm still slightly nocturnal, but I'm on a much more normal schedule than I was pre-op, and the fact that the sleep apnea is gone really helps as well. (:
19.) Q- How was your support group experience?
A- I haven't been to many support groups.. Actually I've only been to one, and it was good! But I can never make majority of them because I live a little over an hour away, and I typically don't have a ride. (I don't have a car, so driving myself isn't an option.) However, I spend a lot of time on the Facebook support group page that the team has created for everyone.. I think it's a really great thing to go along with the program, because you can almost guarantee that at any given time there will be at least one person online and willing to talk if you have any questions or need support (I'm usually one of those people.. I have a bit of an internet addiction. shh. :P) Sometimes people feel more comfortable talking to people online through text rather than in person verbally, because you have more time to really form your thoughts into what you want to say/ask.. It's just a really good platform for that. -- I've been told by different members of the bariatric team that people have used my name, saying that I've helped them through the support group page, or that they've taken my advise on things, and I don't know.. I have absolutely no idea who these people are, but I'm really glad I was able to help them with whatever we had talked about, and hearing that I was able to help someone online even though I can't make the support groups is a really great feeling.
---------------------
So yeah, those were all the questions that we were prepared with.. There were a few that people asked that I don't particularly remember, so when/if I do I'll add those to this list as well. (:
I hope everyone has a great day, and a post all about the experience of being on the panel will be coming soon!
Bye <3
-Ashley (:
I'll make a post talking all about that later, but I had a list of questions from the bariatric team that were basically a guideline of what we'd be asked there, and I thought I'd post the questions and answers here as well. (: We didn't get through all of them, because we added time for the people there learning to ask questions as well.. But they all kind of were the same things we would have gave information on, anyway. So here were basically all the questions that there were for the patients, and how I answered them (or how I would have answered them if I didn't freeze up.. I'm not much of a public speaker, haha.)
1.) Q- What were the triggers that provoked the thought of weight loss surgery?
A- I have a strong family history of obesity and the co-morbidies that go along with it.. I've been dealing with Insulin Resistance literally since I was an infant.. I was always twice my size, showing signs of high insulin levels and what not.. Just, metabolic problems in adults, let alone children, weren't really relevant back in the 90's.. So I didn't get diagnosed until I was 5 or 6. Regardless, I knew what was happening to my body.. and after watching my grandma die of obesity complications,.. well.. I realized I didn't really want to go through that. I was desperate to find a way to get the weight off.. I was sick of being unhealthy, despite my parents, doctors, and my own attempts to get it off.
2.) Q- How did you hear about us?
A- Well, basically, the internet.. Haha. I was 15, and at a point where I was so frustrated with every diet and exercise regimine I had ever done not working, that I was looking for different 'cleanses' and diets and detox things to do.. I was at a point where I was starving myself, not eating more than a couple carrots or half of a banana a day and I only did that to take my medicines.. I knew my body was in 'starvation mode' but I didn't care, because I was so desperate to lose the weight.. -- I was on some website reading about some diet that I hadn't tried before, when I saw an add for weight loss surgery.. then I got curious. I started to think "Oh, i wonder if they would do that on someone my age?" and I spent some time researching it, then came across Cincinnati Children's program for teen WLS... I spent more time researching it, joined websites like www.obesityhelp.com and talked to people who had had different types of surguries, and eventually made up my mind.. at which point I brought it up to my parents, showed them what I had learned, and we made appointments with some doctors to try and get a referral for a consult.
3.) Q- Was it difficult to lose weight pre-surgery? What were the barriers?
A- Well for me, I've been going to doctors and dietitans and what not since I was a toddler.. Diet and Exercise weren't necessarily my problem at this point, it was more not having the medication portion in piece. Before I got things rolling for the consult and started seeing doctors again, something I had previously pretty much given up on, I hadn't realized how terrible my health had gotten.. I had never really lost weight.. I only managed to maintain for awhile, before gaining more.. No one really knew how to treat IR in kids when I was younger. So once I got the medication part in piece, I lost 35lbs almost immediatley right before my consult.. So weight loss without the medications kind of seemed to be impossible. And still to this day is.. I didn't lose weight whenever I wasn't on my medications, post-op. People didn't think I'd need them after surgery, but I did and still do, at least for the time being. So, yeah.. the barriers were not having my health conditions treated correctly. People questioned why I decided to have surgery, when I lost almost 40 pounds with the medication changes and my answer was always that I wanted somethign more permanent, because I had been in situations where medications didn't help either, and I wanted that tool there in place so I could use it regardless, it's not something that goes away.. It's always going to be there. There's no reversal.
4.) Q- Which surgery did you get, and why?
A- I had the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. I chose the sleeve because I didn't like the idea of the band possibly eroding my esophagus/stomach and needing fills, or the idea of the bypass.. I didn't like the idea of having my stomach removed, but still inside of me.. not really having access to it, you know? It just seemed a little unsettling. -- Also, the sleeve had a shorter anesthesia time, which was definitely a plus.
5.) Q- How were the pre-op clinic appointments?
A- They were good! I got any questions I had answered, lots of testing was done to assure I had the best care possible, and that there weren't any surprises during/after surgery.. And the bariatric team was really good at working with my other doctors (Family Physician & Endocrinologist, specifically) to let them know what was going on, and to schedule testing closer to home since I live about an hour away from Cincinnati, etc.. It was a surprisingly easy and relatively short-lived experience for me, seeing as my insurance only required 3 months of pre-op clinic.
6.) Q- Did you feel better prepared for surgery after these appointments?
A- Well, yeah. I knew what was going to happen and I had met pretty much everyone taking part in it.. I was really well prepared, and totally at ease with my decision.
7.) Q- How was your in-patient experience of surgery and recovery?
A- Aside from me being an idiot and denying myself pain medication post-op for awhile because I didn't think I'd need it, it was pretty easy.. The worst pain was from the gas due to it being laprascopic.. My hospital stay was only 2.5-3 days, and it was really uneventful.. No complications really.. I was a little irritable when I was in pain when I was denying myself the medication, but other than that, that's really it. (:
8.) Q- tell us about your relationship with food.. How did it change pre and post-surgery?
A- My relationship with food is pretty much the same.. I had always been a relatively healthy eater, I was never fond of sugar because it was something I never really had because I was always on diets, I was relatively good with portion sizes up until the year before surgery because i was so frustrated that I was starving myself.. So if anything it's better simply because I'm eating more frequently so my body isn't starving, regardless of if the quantity is smaller than most peoples.. It's more than I was eating pre-op, and less than I was eating when I was younger when I couldn't seem to lose the weight. So it's alright, I guess. Just more scheduled.
9.) Q- Tell us about food and socialization post-surgery. Did it change? How?
A- I didn't socialize much before surgery, and I still don't socialize much because most of my friends live pretty far away.. It requires driving to the opposite corner of the state to see them, HOWEVER, i have taken more road trips to see them in the past 2 years than I ever had pre-op.. I've also made more friends when I take those trips, than the 1 or 2 i had.. I don't really associate food with socialization. I know most people do, but I don't.. They honestly have nothing to do with each other for me.
10.) Q- What was the worst part of the surgery process?
A- Definitely the plateaus with the weight loss.. I have a lot of metabolic problems, and I started at a lower weight than most people do having surgery.. So my weight loss has been slower, and that's been extremely frustrating for me.. I don't lose weight without the medications I'm on, and it seems like I have to work harder than most to lose the weight, just like I always have when I was younger when I'd try to maintain. I always seem to compare myself to other patients i've kept in contact with, and how they're doing.. I wonder what I'm doing wrong and why they're losing more weight and at a faster pace than me.. When in reality, I'm probably still eating healthier and exercising more than half of the ones that I've spoken to.. My lifestyle is so much more healthy.. They're eating junk and still losing weight, just because it's less junk than they took in before.. where for me, my diet was fine pre-op as for what I was eating, so yet another factor against me losing weight.. My body never went into shock like most peoples do with surgery.. You know? -- So, I 100% understand why I lose weight slower than most patients, but that doesn't make it any less frustrating. Even now almost 2 years out it's still the number 1 reason why i'm ever upset or frustrated, haha.
11.) Q- What was the best part of surgery?
A- Well, obviously the weight loss is great, despite how slow it is. But I'd have to go with the people I've met.. If I had never found out that surgery was a possibility, I would have never fought to get a referral (which my family doctor wouldn't send) which lead me to the amazing endocrinologist that I have here, Dr. Nicholson. She's been a life saver when it comes to all of my metabolic problems, and figuring everything out and organizing all my medications and what not.. Also, the bariatric team, not just for surgery.. But the dietary aspect.. If I didn't have Kathy (the dietitian on board with CCHMC WLS program) to email when I get frustrated when I'm not able to get enough calories or protein or, or Linda (nurse practitioner) to have my mom call to ask about different things, I probably would have lost my mind by now.. Everyone has been so helpful in managing every aspect of my health, not just the stomach-being-removed portion.. That's definitely the best part for me. (:
12.) Q- Tell us about the health conditions that have changed post-surgery.
A- Pre-op I had Insulin Resistance that had crossed over to Type 2 Diabetes, PCOS, Hypothyroidism, Hypertension, and Sleep Apnea. Post-op I still have IR, but the Type 2 is gone.. The Hypertension is gone, and Sleep Apnea is gone. I still have IR, PCOS, and Hypothyroidism.. But it's much better controlled than it was pre-op.
13.) Q- Tell us about taste changes post-surgery?
A- There are some days I don't tolerate bread or pasta well, sometimes pork doesn't go over well either.. But it's not all the time. It just depends on the day.. Generally, I haven't had many food intolerances. Sugar doesn't go down well, obviously, but it never really did for me pre-op either, so that hasn't really changed.
14.) Q- How relationships were and are?
A- I had a lot of toxic friendships pre-op. Friends who treated me like crap, and ended up leaving me when I had surgery.. They either a) were jealous of me getting it or b) thought I was stupid for going through with it.. They didn't (and weren't willing to try to) understand my health problems or why it was a good choice for me.. But in the end, their opinions didn't matter to me.. I had been bullied my entire life for my weight, to the point where I left school temporarily in 7th grade to do home schooling because I couldn't handle the way everyone treated me (some teachers, included.) So I was at a point where I would take what I could get when it came to relationships, since I was so use to people treating me like crap. -- Post-op, those people left. I was in a position where I could go out more, even if it required trips to 3+ hours away to see my friends, it was worth it compared to having bad people around me.. I've made more friends, despite them living further away.. and I wouldn't trade those friendships for anything.
15.) Q- How do you keep yourself motivated to take multivitamin, and stick to diet and exercise?
A- Vitamins aren't a problem.. I have so many prescription medications that I take, I just have all my vitamins out by them and I'm pretty compliant with them. Sure, I miss a dose here or there, but it's not an every day thing. -- Diet really isn't much of a problem either, other than reminding myself to eat.. But exercise is more difficult. But I know I have to do it, to lose weight. and I want to get the weight off. Also, a big motivator for me is this blog. I use it to keep myself accountable.. I want to do well, so this blog does well, so people can see that despite whatever challenges they face that there is always a way to get what you want done accomplished. I know what I have to do, and I do it.. That's really all there is.
16.) Q- Do you think post-surgery follow up appointments are important and why?
A- Yeah I do, because the support system is really important. Also getting blood work done and what not to make sure you're still healthy and to adjust medications that need adjusted. It's just important to your overall health, physically and mentally, to have that support there.
17.) Q- What are the reactions of friends and family about your surgery decision and outcome?
A- Like I mentioned before, most of my friends didn't agree with it.. However my one friend that I go to concerts and road trip a lot with, was really accepting. Her mom had also had weight loss surgery, so she kind of understood it despite it being a different surgery, and there were no problems. -- Most of my extended family was 100% opposed to it, saying that my parents were stupid for allowing me to go through with it and allowing me to 'manipulate' them. However, now that they see there were no complications and that I"m healthier and that I have lost weight, they try to act like they've supported me the entire time... I have to bite my tongue a lot when I'm around them, haha. But I deal with it, I guess. My immediate family though was pretty supportive. My dad was kind of apathetic, my mom was all for it, my little brothers didn't mind it, and that's all that really mattered to me.
18.) Q- Energy level and sleep pattern.. how are they different pre and post-surgery?
A- My energy level is much higher, and I sleep better. I'm still slightly nocturnal, but I'm on a much more normal schedule than I was pre-op, and the fact that the sleep apnea is gone really helps as well. (:
19.) Q- How was your support group experience?
A- I haven't been to many support groups.. Actually I've only been to one, and it was good! But I can never make majority of them because I live a little over an hour away, and I typically don't have a ride. (I don't have a car, so driving myself isn't an option.) However, I spend a lot of time on the Facebook support group page that the team has created for everyone.. I think it's a really great thing to go along with the program, because you can almost guarantee that at any given time there will be at least one person online and willing to talk if you have any questions or need support (I'm usually one of those people.. I have a bit of an internet addiction. shh. :P) Sometimes people feel more comfortable talking to people online through text rather than in person verbally, because you have more time to really form your thoughts into what you want to say/ask.. It's just a really good platform for that. -- I've been told by different members of the bariatric team that people have used my name, saying that I've helped them through the support group page, or that they've taken my advise on things, and I don't know.. I have absolutely no idea who these people are, but I'm really glad I was able to help them with whatever we had talked about, and hearing that I was able to help someone online even though I can't make the support groups is a really great feeling.
---------------------
So yeah, those were all the questions that we were prepared with.. There were a few that people asked that I don't particularly remember, so when/if I do I'll add those to this list as well. (:
I hope everyone has a great day, and a post all about the experience of being on the panel will be coming soon!
Bye <3
-Ashley (:
Thursday, March 7, 2013
There is more than one way to go about this.
This is something I want to make clear to people... This blog isn't just about weight loss surgery for teenagers. That is one thing I chose to do to help me get healthier, among many many other decisions/tools I've used. That's just it, though. It was/is just a tool.
I post a lot of information about it, and my journey through it, because people deserve to know they have options, and when I was looking for information about it from a teenagers perspective, there was none. But! That is a personal decision.. I try to include information on a bunch of other things too...
I'm currently researching vegetarianism/veganism in people with metabolic conditions (IR, Diabetes, Thyroid issues, etc..), or people that have had weight loss surgery, etc.. To be able to put that information on here, along with going Gluten free diets. (because I've recently been in contact with a couple people post-op who have developed gluten in-tolerances and because I know gluten free diets have been known to aid weight loss with or without the surgery tool.)
There are a hundred different ways to go about treating different health conditions/losing weight.. Not the same thing works for every person. You know? Some people need medications, others don't. Some decide to use surgery as a tool to lose weight, others don't. Some people find going vegetarian, gluten free, or extremely limiting their dietary intake to work. Not for everyone. Cleanses/fasts work for some people, but it doesn't for others. Some people don't need a lot of exercise to lose weight, others do. Do you see where I'm going with this?
I've gotten in.. well.. I don't want to say arguments, but.. debates.. I guess? With people who have come to the Facebook page I have for this site, or people who have emailed me.. Saying that I'm sending a negative message, trying to justify being obese, that I'm going about everything wrong and that all my doctors and my parents and everyone, myself included, is wrong. That I'm treating my condition wrong and that I"m going to die young because of what I put into my body medication-wise and that everything is bad and wrong wrong wrong.
I don't agree with this. Everyone assumes because I'm 17 that I don't know shit and people are taking advantage of me...
They'd never admit to it, but a couple doctors/nurses I've seen before I know have gotten slightly annoyed with me because I research everything and they weren't expecting to have to explain things to me more than they would for some other kids. I've gotten more than one opinion on how my health is being treated. I've seen so many doctors, it's ridiculous.
Just because I'm not vegan, or because I'm not on 100% organic foods, or because I'm not doing cleanses, etc.. Those aren't the reasons I got to be overweight, nor are they the reasons I'm not losing weight as fast as I'd like to be.
It's just how my body works. Have I tried extreme diets before? Are you kidding me? I've tried everything. Cutting out all processed foods, eating ONLY fruits & vegetables, I did try one or two cleanses before, I got as far as literally starving myself and only eating a small handful of baby carrots & half a banana every day... and I only ate those so I could continue taking medications without my blood sugar dropping and making me sick. I've been on medications, there was a period where I was off medications and my weight skyrocketed.
Diet isn't the only factor. Medications aren't the only factor. Exercise isn't the only factor. There are so many people who see things on different doctor related freaking television shows, that think they know everything... If that works for you, then great. That's fantastic, and I'm happy for you. And I hope maybe one day these extremely un-educated people will educate themselves and realize there is more than 1 way to go about everything. Including weight loss and treating metabolic conditions.
Every one's body is different.. Some people like to claim every one's body was created and works exactly the same, and if everyone did just *this this this this and this* everyone would be perfectly healthy and never get cancer and never develop diabetes and wouldn't be at risk for Alzheimer's and everyone would fucking live forever... And that just isn't the case.
If you're trying to lose weight, don't let anyone peg you into doing what they think is best. You need to figure it out for yourself. Get more than one opinion, and try more than one thing. Don't get discouraged. Eventually you will find what works for you, and the results will prove themselves.
I'm trying to get more and more of those options, and different things to try, ways to go about it, etc.. On my blog, because so far I've only really posted what I've done and what works for me.. But I know from experience there are 100's of ways to go about it all, and what works for me doesn't work for everyone.. Like I've said before, people need to be aware of their options & make educated decisions for themselves.
I hope every one's having a great day. <3 I'll post again soon. (:
-Ashley
I post a lot of information about it, and my journey through it, because people deserve to know they have options, and when I was looking for information about it from a teenagers perspective, there was none. But! That is a personal decision.. I try to include information on a bunch of other things too...
I'm currently researching vegetarianism/veganism in people with metabolic conditions (IR, Diabetes, Thyroid issues, etc..), or people that have had weight loss surgery, etc.. To be able to put that information on here, along with going Gluten free diets. (because I've recently been in contact with a couple people post-op who have developed gluten in-tolerances and because I know gluten free diets have been known to aid weight loss with or without the surgery tool.)
There are a hundred different ways to go about treating different health conditions/losing weight.. Not the same thing works for every person. You know? Some people need medications, others don't. Some decide to use surgery as a tool to lose weight, others don't. Some people find going vegetarian, gluten free, or extremely limiting their dietary intake to work. Not for everyone. Cleanses/fasts work for some people, but it doesn't for others. Some people don't need a lot of exercise to lose weight, others do. Do you see where I'm going with this?
I've gotten in.. well.. I don't want to say arguments, but.. debates.. I guess? With people who have come to the Facebook page I have for this site, or people who have emailed me.. Saying that I'm sending a negative message, trying to justify being obese, that I'm going about everything wrong and that all my doctors and my parents and everyone, myself included, is wrong. That I'm treating my condition wrong and that I"m going to die young because of what I put into my body medication-wise and that everything is bad and wrong wrong wrong.
I don't agree with this. Everyone assumes because I'm 17 that I don't know shit and people are taking advantage of me...
They'd never admit to it, but a couple doctors/nurses I've seen before I know have gotten slightly annoyed with me because I research everything and they weren't expecting to have to explain things to me more than they would for some other kids. I've gotten more than one opinion on how my health is being treated. I've seen so many doctors, it's ridiculous.
Just because I'm not vegan, or because I'm not on 100% organic foods, or because I'm not doing cleanses, etc.. Those aren't the reasons I got to be overweight, nor are they the reasons I'm not losing weight as fast as I'd like to be.
It's just how my body works. Have I tried extreme diets before? Are you kidding me? I've tried everything. Cutting out all processed foods, eating ONLY fruits & vegetables, I did try one or two cleanses before, I got as far as literally starving myself and only eating a small handful of baby carrots & half a banana every day... and I only ate those so I could continue taking medications without my blood sugar dropping and making me sick. I've been on medications, there was a period where I was off medications and my weight skyrocketed.
Diet isn't the only factor. Medications aren't the only factor. Exercise isn't the only factor. There are so many people who see things on different doctor related freaking television shows, that think they know everything... If that works for you, then great. That's fantastic, and I'm happy for you. And I hope maybe one day these extremely un-educated people will educate themselves and realize there is more than 1 way to go about everything. Including weight loss and treating metabolic conditions.
Every one's body is different.. Some people like to claim every one's body was created and works exactly the same, and if everyone did just *this this this this and this* everyone would be perfectly healthy and never get cancer and never develop diabetes and wouldn't be at risk for Alzheimer's and everyone would fucking live forever... And that just isn't the case.
If you're trying to lose weight, don't let anyone peg you into doing what they think is best. You need to figure it out for yourself. Get more than one opinion, and try more than one thing. Don't get discouraged. Eventually you will find what works for you, and the results will prove themselves.
I'm trying to get more and more of those options, and different things to try, ways to go about it, etc.. On my blog, because so far I've only really posted what I've done and what works for me.. But I know from experience there are 100's of ways to go about it all, and what works for me doesn't work for everyone.. Like I've said before, people need to be aware of their options & make educated decisions for themselves.
I hope every one's having a great day. <3 I'll post again soon. (:
-Ashley
Thursday, February 28, 2013
What is this blog about?
Some people ask me what my blog is about.. If it's just me updating everyone on how WLS went for me, or a place to rant about all of my metabolic problems, or if it's informational, etc..
Truth is, it's a combination of it all.
When I was looking into surgery, I wanted to see how the whole process was from a (teenage) patients perspective. Not doctors. Not adults journeys. Someone near my age, that had been through similar things.. But because this is such a new thing, there isn't much documentation or anything like that online.. (not to mention not much research done at all long-term yet.)
Then I realized how nice it would have been if I could have found information online with kids dealing with Insulin Resistance, Hypothyroidism, PCOS, etc.. But again, there isn't much out there.
When I was first diagnosed with IR when I was 6 years old, that was kind of unheard of back in 2000/2001. It was damn near a miracle that the doctor we found at the time was there, because no one even hardly knew what IR was in adults, much less young children/teenagers. There weren't really support groups for this kind of stuff (there still really isn't.) and I had no way of meeting other people with it, or talking to anyone, or knowing what it was like for anyone else.
So no. This isn't just about the weight loss surgery I had in August 2011. That was originally why I started the blog, but it's spread to a lot more than that.
I do informational posts, because through talking to people that have had surgery.. I've realized how privileged I am to have the knowledge I do about certain health-related topics. How lucky I was to see a dietitian at such a young age, and understand how your body processes food, what you need to stay healthy, what to eat to lose/maintain weight, etc.. I knew how to read labels when I was 8 years old. I learned portion sizes, etc... all before I was 10.
Not just diet, but exercise too. And the whole biological side of things? Through doctors explaining things to me, and doing my own research because I'm interested in my health, I understand a lot more than your average person about these kind of topics.. And to be honest? I enjoy researching and learning more, and sharing what I learn with other people. Writing has always been something I'm passionate about, and so has my health. Being able to mix those two things is kind of amazing. Education is a huge part of this whole process of trying to get healthy. Everyone is constantly learning, that's kind of just how this works.. and some times it's easier to learn things in plain English (given, if that's your primary language) rather than the technical terms a lot of doctors use.. Which is what I try to translate, in a sense.
So yeah. The informational posts certainly drive a lot of traffic to my blog. So do the pictures I post. And that's kind of my goal.. I want to drive people here. I want something to catch someones eye, and they spend a time reading even just one of my other posts.
I want people to learn more about these issues, how they affect younger people differently than adults, and the toll it takes on them.
I want to be able to have people to talk to, or that I know understand what I'm going through.. no matter what stage they're in. If they were just diagnosed with IR, if they've had it 10 years, if they were born with it, if they were looking into surgery, if they've already had surgery, if they're struggling with weight loss and maybe they don't understand why... all of it! There needs to be some sort of support network for these kind of things.. It affects so much more than just your physical health. and I know from experience it means/helps so much more, coming from someone who has gone through it.. compared to a doctor who has only studied it, or an adult who developed these issues/had surgery later on in life, etc..
I want people who have no clue what the hell any of this is, or who don't understand why the hell a surgeon would remove 85% of a 15 year old's stomach, to learn something.. to become more aware of these issues.
I want someone who is overweight looking for answers to stumble across this and be like "oh. maybe this is what's wrong." and even if it isn't, it may have given them the motivation to go to a doctor and get tested, and then even if absolutely nothing is wrong.. They went to see a doctor who could help guide them and get them on the right track to losing weight in a healthy way.
In all honesty, I was that desperate 13 year old looking for starvation-style diets online and going to pro-ana (pro-anorexia) websites when I was frustrated with everything doctors and dietitians had told me before, not working..This was before I got a grip and switched doctors, and got on the right medications, and looked into surgery. I knew I was IR.. I ate healthy, i exercised.. But I didn't know about everything else I had developed that was contributing to all of my excess weight. I wish I had come across something like this a few years ago.. it probably could have helped me a lot. But I didn't. Now I'm in a position where I've learned so much, it feels kind of selfish not to share it with anyone.. you know?
So yeah. That's it. I'm in the process of going through every single post I have and editing them, updating information, etc.. Because a lot of them haven't been updated since 2011 and a lot has changed. I never used to really pay much attention to my spelling/grammar errors simply because I never thought anyone would ever see this site. Which isn't true anymore. It's kind of embarrassing going back and seeing how many times I misspelled 'exercise' or 'vertical'. :P
I just wanted to post this.. More and more people are looking at this site now, and I figured I should mention what it's all about.
Bottom line is.. There is no support network for people who have all of these problems. Not just in-person support groups, because there usually aren't enough people in an area to start a support group. Everything these days is online, and I think if there was more information out there a lot of people would be a lot better off. I want to share everything I'm going through, because surgery-wise I want people to know what they're getting themselves into to make sure they're prepared, and metabolic-wise I want everyone to know they aren't crazy, these diseases are real, and with proper diet/exercise/medication combo they can be treated, or at least dealt with. People need to understand their options, and know what's out there. I'm a strong believer in doing your own research and getting more than 1 opinion from doctors. If you see something on here that catches your eye, google it, ask your doctors.. Clearly, I'm not a doctor, nor do I aspire to be one. I'm just a girl sharing what she learns with other people, hoping in some way it could potentially help someone, or make someone more aware.
Lastly, I just want people to know they're not alone.. I've felt alone my entire life, and sometimes still do, dealing with this. No one should have to feel like they're alone going through all of this, because you aren't. I promise.
---
I hope you're all having a good day, and I'll update again soon! (:
-Ashley<3
Truth is, it's a combination of it all.
When I was looking into surgery, I wanted to see how the whole process was from a (teenage) patients perspective. Not doctors. Not adults journeys. Someone near my age, that had been through similar things.. But because this is such a new thing, there isn't much documentation or anything like that online.. (not to mention not much research done at all long-term yet.)
Then I realized how nice it would have been if I could have found information online with kids dealing with Insulin Resistance, Hypothyroidism, PCOS, etc.. But again, there isn't much out there.
When I was first diagnosed with IR when I was 6 years old, that was kind of unheard of back in 2000/2001. It was damn near a miracle that the doctor we found at the time was there, because no one even hardly knew what IR was in adults, much less young children/teenagers. There weren't really support groups for this kind of stuff (there still really isn't.) and I had no way of meeting other people with it, or talking to anyone, or knowing what it was like for anyone else.
So no. This isn't just about the weight loss surgery I had in August 2011. That was originally why I started the blog, but it's spread to a lot more than that.
I do informational posts, because through talking to people that have had surgery.. I've realized how privileged I am to have the knowledge I do about certain health-related topics. How lucky I was to see a dietitian at such a young age, and understand how your body processes food, what you need to stay healthy, what to eat to lose/maintain weight, etc.. I knew how to read labels when I was 8 years old. I learned portion sizes, etc... all before I was 10.
Not just diet, but exercise too. And the whole biological side of things? Through doctors explaining things to me, and doing my own research because I'm interested in my health, I understand a lot more than your average person about these kind of topics.. And to be honest? I enjoy researching and learning more, and sharing what I learn with other people. Writing has always been something I'm passionate about, and so has my health. Being able to mix those two things is kind of amazing. Education is a huge part of this whole process of trying to get healthy. Everyone is constantly learning, that's kind of just how this works.. and some times it's easier to learn things in plain English (given, if that's your primary language) rather than the technical terms a lot of doctors use.. Which is what I try to translate, in a sense.
So yeah. The informational posts certainly drive a lot of traffic to my blog. So do the pictures I post. And that's kind of my goal.. I want to drive people here. I want something to catch someones eye, and they spend a time reading even just one of my other posts.
I want people to learn more about these issues, how they affect younger people differently than adults, and the toll it takes on them.
I want to be able to have people to talk to, or that I know understand what I'm going through.. no matter what stage they're in. If they were just diagnosed with IR, if they've had it 10 years, if they were born with it, if they were looking into surgery, if they've already had surgery, if they're struggling with weight loss and maybe they don't understand why... all of it! There needs to be some sort of support network for these kind of things.. It affects so much more than just your physical health. and I know from experience it means/helps so much more, coming from someone who has gone through it.. compared to a doctor who has only studied it, or an adult who developed these issues/had surgery later on in life, etc..
I want people who have no clue what the hell any of this is, or who don't understand why the hell a surgeon would remove 85% of a 15 year old's stomach, to learn something.. to become more aware of these issues.
I want someone who is overweight looking for answers to stumble across this and be like "oh. maybe this is what's wrong." and even if it isn't, it may have given them the motivation to go to a doctor and get tested, and then even if absolutely nothing is wrong.. They went to see a doctor who could help guide them and get them on the right track to losing weight in a healthy way.
In all honesty, I was that desperate 13 year old looking for starvation-style diets online and going to pro-ana (pro-anorexia) websites when I was frustrated with everything doctors and dietitians had told me before, not working..This was before I got a grip and switched doctors, and got on the right medications, and looked into surgery. I knew I was IR.. I ate healthy, i exercised.. But I didn't know about everything else I had developed that was contributing to all of my excess weight. I wish I had come across something like this a few years ago.. it probably could have helped me a lot. But I didn't. Now I'm in a position where I've learned so much, it feels kind of selfish not to share it with anyone.. you know?
So yeah. That's it. I'm in the process of going through every single post I have and editing them, updating information, etc.. Because a lot of them haven't been updated since 2011 and a lot has changed. I never used to really pay much attention to my spelling/grammar errors simply because I never thought anyone would ever see this site. Which isn't true anymore. It's kind of embarrassing going back and seeing how many times I misspelled 'exercise' or 'vertical'. :P
I just wanted to post this.. More and more people are looking at this site now, and I figured I should mention what it's all about.
Bottom line is.. There is no support network for people who have all of these problems. Not just in-person support groups, because there usually aren't enough people in an area to start a support group. Everything these days is online, and I think if there was more information out there a lot of people would be a lot better off. I want to share everything I'm going through, because surgery-wise I want people to know what they're getting themselves into to make sure they're prepared, and metabolic-wise I want everyone to know they aren't crazy, these diseases are real, and with proper diet/exercise/medication combo they can be treated, or at least dealt with. People need to understand their options, and know what's out there. I'm a strong believer in doing your own research and getting more than 1 opinion from doctors. If you see something on here that catches your eye, google it, ask your doctors.. Clearly, I'm not a doctor, nor do I aspire to be one. I'm just a girl sharing what she learns with other people, hoping in some way it could potentially help someone, or make someone more aware.
Lastly, I just want people to know they're not alone.. I've felt alone my entire life, and sometimes still do, dealing with this. No one should have to feel like they're alone going through all of this, because you aren't. I promise.
---
I hope you're all having a good day, and I'll update again soon! (:
-Ashley<3
Friday, December 28, 2012
Happy Holidays! Don't stress out over the food!
Happy Holidays!!!
Sorry I haven't updated in awhile, I've been pretty busy with the Holidays and starting up a new youtube channel, and such.
But I'm back now! After a long discussion with some family members the day after Christmas, that involved them harassing me about becoming a doctor or a nurse practitioner because of all of my 'medical knowledge' I've accumulated over the years, I figured I should get back into this.
Probably won't be a long post, simply because I'm going to a concert later, and I need to get ready (yay!!) but we'll see how it goes.
Weight Update: 185lbs (: Praise the lord for my Endocrinologist and her magic medicine dosages.
Anywho, during the holidays a lot of people don't even try to lose weight because it's so hard with all the tempting food, or they do try and just end up disappointed at their results and figure they should've just pigged out while they had the excuse of the holidays, since they didn't lose any weight anyways.
It doesn't have to be that way. Holidays are supposed to be about family/friends/etc.. Not food. People over the years have just made it about the food.
Given, I do realllllyy enjoy broccoli casserole and snacking all day on all the crap my mom sets out for my family, Over the years I've adapted to like different things...
You need to pick and choose your battles, is what I'm trying to say.
If your weakness is cookies/sweets? Have a cookie or two. Just don't eat 5 or 6. If you don't eat any, then you'll binge on something else.
If your weakness is carbs? Have some of that casserole or whatever, but have half a cup to a cup, instead of going back and having 3 servings and stuffing yourself. (This is where I'm guilty.. However thanks to my sleeve I'm incapable of going back and having 3 servings, as much as I'd like to.... Haha)
And I also am guilty of snacking throughout the day on holidays (and afterwards with the leftovers.)
But it's the holidays. It's okay to not stay on your 'perfect' diet plan. Be realistic. If it isn't going to happen, it won't happen. Don't set high expectations for yourself, because then you'll just feel like crap when you don't meet them.
Some people can pull of dieting through the holidays. If you can, then fantastic! Keep at it! But if you can't, don't stress yourself out over it.
Most of my snacking consisted of shrimp cocktail (which I eat on a pretty regular basis, anyway... I just ate a LOT more of it on Christmas), cheese/crackers, a veggie tray, and fruit salad. Which isn't bad. At all. Considering on a regular basis I have issues eating enough, having all the food on Christmas (and actually meeting all calorie/carb/protein requirements) was a reality check.
Bottom line is, don't stress yourself out. Realize what you're eating, how much, then quit focusing on it and focus on your friends/family rather than the food.
Hope you all had a great Christmas (Or Hannukah or Kwanza or if you don't celebrate anything, then a happy Tuesday?) and I'll try to update more often in the new year! Haha.
Bye<3
-Ashley
Pictures from Christmas!!!
Sorry I haven't updated in awhile, I've been pretty busy with the Holidays and starting up a new youtube channel, and such.
But I'm back now! After a long discussion with some family members the day after Christmas, that involved them harassing me about becoming a doctor or a nurse practitioner because of all of my 'medical knowledge' I've accumulated over the years, I figured I should get back into this.
Probably won't be a long post, simply because I'm going to a concert later, and I need to get ready (yay!!) but we'll see how it goes.
Weight Update: 185lbs (: Praise the lord for my Endocrinologist and her magic medicine dosages.
Anywho, during the holidays a lot of people don't even try to lose weight because it's so hard with all the tempting food, or they do try and just end up disappointed at their results and figure they should've just pigged out while they had the excuse of the holidays, since they didn't lose any weight anyways.
It doesn't have to be that way. Holidays are supposed to be about family/friends/etc.. Not food. People over the years have just made it about the food.
Given, I do realllllyy enjoy broccoli casserole and snacking all day on all the crap my mom sets out for my family, Over the years I've adapted to like different things...
You need to pick and choose your battles, is what I'm trying to say.
If your weakness is cookies/sweets? Have a cookie or two. Just don't eat 5 or 6. If you don't eat any, then you'll binge on something else.
If your weakness is carbs? Have some of that casserole or whatever, but have half a cup to a cup, instead of going back and having 3 servings and stuffing yourself. (This is where I'm guilty.. However thanks to my sleeve I'm incapable of going back and having 3 servings, as much as I'd like to.... Haha)
And I also am guilty of snacking throughout the day on holidays (and afterwards with the leftovers.)
But it's the holidays. It's okay to not stay on your 'perfect' diet plan. Be realistic. If it isn't going to happen, it won't happen. Don't set high expectations for yourself, because then you'll just feel like crap when you don't meet them.
Some people can pull of dieting through the holidays. If you can, then fantastic! Keep at it! But if you can't, don't stress yourself out over it.
Most of my snacking consisted of shrimp cocktail (which I eat on a pretty regular basis, anyway... I just ate a LOT more of it on Christmas), cheese/crackers, a veggie tray, and fruit salad. Which isn't bad. At all. Considering on a regular basis I have issues eating enough, having all the food on Christmas (and actually meeting all calorie/carb/protein requirements) was a reality check.
Bottom line is, don't stress yourself out. Realize what you're eating, how much, then quit focusing on it and focus on your friends/family rather than the food.
Hope you all had a great Christmas (Or Hannukah or Kwanza or if you don't celebrate anything, then a happy Tuesday?) and I'll try to update more often in the new year! Haha.
Bye<3
-Ashley
Pictures from Christmas!!!
I hadn't slept in 2 days.. Too busy cooking and what not. So most the pictures my mom took of me, I really don't remember. Haha
The quiche's I made for breakfast (:
Snacking snacking snacking. On Christmas Eve at my grandparents they had shrimp cocktail but I was too slow to get to it, and it was all gone. So I made sure to get some at my moms.... Haha.
Christmas Tree<3 (I still can't believe my mom bought those stupid light up pillows from the infomercials like WHY but i have to admit they're really fuzzy... I slept with mine last night. It feels like a little kitten. Haha!)
11 year old brother on his skateboard type thing with the leather jacket i bought him! I KNOW IT'S SWALLOWING HIM. It's huge. But it's the ONLY one they had left at the store, and he really wanted one. So I got it, and decided to use it as an incentive for him to take his shots... And it worked. (he has a growth hormone deficiency My 9 year old brother is taller than him, etc.. He has to take growth hormogne injections every day, but fights it. But recently he's realized he doesn't wanna be 4'5" forever... So he's been taking them. Yay for Connor! (:)
Quinn after he got his new guitar. His face was priceless. Haha
I typically don't show much emotion.. In facial expressions anyway. But seeing as I was going on 2 days with no sleep, and was NOT expecting this, It's understandable as to why I actually gave a reaction to the fact that I got a gift card to my favorite Tattoo shop. I get to go sometime in the next few weeks and get my second tattoo. I'm freaking stoked.
Tinkerbell was sleepy <3 my moms cat kept me warm all day seeing as it was FREAKING FREEZING.
Oh yeah and the day after Christmas we woke up with like 7 inches of snow on the ground. no big deal. Just the first time snow has stuck in our city in 3 freaking years.
Last but not least, the day after Christmas My 9 year old brother Nolan wanted to go play in the snow, but no one would go with him because Connor was too busy with his netbook and Quinn was too busy with his Guitar. I said I'd go, but I didn't have any jeans or snowpants or anything, all I had were leggings and pajama pants.... My mom found a old pair of snowpants of my brothers (Quinns) That don't fit him anymore and made me try them on.... I haven't worn snow pants in 4 years. I never went out in the snow unless it was to get in a car, because I had none that fit and didnt' want to buy any. Well... I wasn't expecting them tofit, and they didn't. They were too big. I gotta be honest, that kind of made my day.
So I went outside with Nolan, had a snowball fight after realizing the snow was too icy to make a snowman, and he pushed me down the hill in our front yard.
So yeah. That was my Christmas. Hope yours was just as great! (: Bye!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
What is insulin resistance?
I've been asked this a few times lately, and I realized I've enver actually posted about what it is... So here we go. (:
(side note: other names for insulin resistance: metabolic syndrome, pre-diabetes, syndrome x, IR, being insulin resistant.)
"Insulin Resistance (IR) is a physiological condition where the natural hormone insulin becomes less effective at lowering blood sugars. The resulting increase in blood glucose may raise levels outside the normal range and cause adverse health effects, depending on dietary conditions. Certain cell types such as fat and muscle cells require insulin to absorb glucose. When these cells fail to respond adequately to circulating insulin, blood glucose levels rise. The liver helps regulate glucose levels by reducing its secretion of glucose in the presence of insulin. This normal reduction in the liver’s glucose production may not occur in people with insulin resistance.[citation needed]
Insulin resistance in muscle and fat cells reduces glucose uptake (and also local storage of glucose as glycogen and triglycerides, respectively), whereas insulin resistance in liver cells results in reduced glycogen synthesis and storage and a failure to suppress glucose production and release into the blood. Insulin resistance normally refers to reduced glucose-lowering effects of insulin. However, other functions of insulin can also be affected. For example, insulin resistance in fat cells reduces the normal effects of insulin on lipids and results in reduced uptake of circulating lipids and increased hydrolysis of stored triglycerides. Increased mobilization of stored lipids in these cells elevates free fatty acids in the blood plasma. Elevated blood fatty-acid concentrations (associated with insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus Type 2), reduced muscle glucose uptake, and increased liver glucose production all contribute to elevated blood glucose levels. High plasma levels of insulin and glucose due to insulin resistance are a major component of the metabolic syndrome. If insulin resistance exists, more insulin needs to be secreted by the pancreas. If this compensatory increase does not occur, blood glucose concentrations increase and type 2 diabetes occurs."
Thankyou Wikipedia.. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insulin_resistance
Now.. Lets break this down.
Insulin.. a hormogne that is used to break down all the food/liquid we take into our body, to use as energy... The pancreas makes it.
With Insulin Resistance, the Insulin doesn't work properly. It has trouble breaking down the food and drinks that we take in, and the body notices this. so the pancreas continues creating insulin to use.. and none of the insulin works. So its just free-floating in your blood, while everything you take in... is basically just stored as fat, in your body, because your body doesn't know what else to do with it.. resulting in you not getting the energy you need from the food, and your blood sugar is raised.. which causes a whole bunch of other issues, in itself.
Signs and Symptoms of IR?
**Fatigue.
**Having a hard time focusing.
**Bloating
**Feeling tired, especially after eating.
**Weight gain, fat storage, and difficulty losing weight.
**High blood trigliceride levels.
**Hypertension (high blood pressure)
**Depression (because of a messed up metabolism with IR, depression isn't uncommon.)
**Increased Hunger
**Acanthosis Nigricans (dark patches of thick velvety-feeling skin onyour neck, chest, back, groin, or underarms.. caused by high insulin levels in your blood.. I have pictures of this in a post about signs and symptoms of metabolic syndrome, here: http://ourfightnow.blogspot.com/2011/12/metabolic-syndrome-signs-and-symptoms.html )
and here are Risk Factors:
Genetic:
**Family history of Type 2 Diabetes
**LMNA mutations
**African American's, Hispanic;s, American Indian's, and Asian-American's are at higher risk for IR.
Physiological and Enviromental:
** age 40+
**Obesity
** central obesity (again, look at this post i made a few weeks ago: http://ourfightnow.blogspot.com/2011/12/metabolic-syndrome-signs-and-symptoms.html )
**Lack of much exersize, not a very active lifestyle.. "Couch Potato".
**Hypertension
**Low levels of 'Good Cholesteral" (HDL)
**Gestational Diabetes during pregnancy
**Giving Birth to a baby more than 9lbs.
Causes? There isn't any one specific cause for IR... poor diet, and a sedentary lifestyle and/or obesity have been known to cause it. Other causes:
Cellular, Molecular, and Disease..
"Recent research and experimentation has uncovered a non-obesity related connection to insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. It has long been observed that patients who have had some kinds of bariatric surgery have increased insulin sensitivity and even remission of Type 2 diabetes. It was discovered that diabetic / insulin resistant non obese rats whose duodenum has been surgically removed also experienced increased insulin sensitivity and remission of Type 2 diabetes. This suggested similar surgery in humans, and early reports in prominent medical journals (January 8) are that the same effect is seen in humans, at least the small number who have participated in the experimental surgical program. The speculation is that some substance is produced in that portion of the small intestine that signals body cells to become insulin resistant. If the producing tissue is removed, the signal ceases and body cells revert to normal insulin sensitivity. No such substance has been found as yet, so its existence remains speculation." Thankyou wikipedia, yet again..
(side note: I had the Verticle Sleeve Gastrectomy.. Which doesn't mess with your intestines at all... Which is why i'm slightly worried my type 2 diabetes won't be fixed, like i had thought before.. I guess we'll just have to wait and see..)
HCV has also been known to increase the likelyhood of getting Insulin Resistance.
and PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) has been linked to IR being known to cause it, or be caused by it..
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Most of that is on the wikipedia page that i posted before, but i tried to make it a little easier to understand... If any of this concerns you at all, bring it up with your primary care doctor.. See what they have to say, and they'll probably order some bloodwork.. but a quick way to tell?
If you have access to a kit, check your fasting blood sugar on one or more occasions.. if its higher than 80-90 you should call your doctor. that is a pretty tell tale sign of insulin resistance.
So, I hope this helped whoever's reading this. Have a good day, anddd i'll talkto you all later. (:
If you have any questions or comments feel free to comment me n here, or talk to me on facebook, or email me! i'd be glad to help in any way i can. (:
-Ashley
Sources: Wikipedia & Google & own knowledge.
(side note: other names for insulin resistance: metabolic syndrome, pre-diabetes, syndrome x, IR, being insulin resistant.)
"Insulin Resistance (IR) is a physiological condition where the natural hormone insulin becomes less effective at lowering blood sugars. The resulting increase in blood glucose may raise levels outside the normal range and cause adverse health effects, depending on dietary conditions. Certain cell types such as fat and muscle cells require insulin to absorb glucose. When these cells fail to respond adequately to circulating insulin, blood glucose levels rise. The liver helps regulate glucose levels by reducing its secretion of glucose in the presence of insulin. This normal reduction in the liver’s glucose production may not occur in people with insulin resistance.[citation needed]
Insulin resistance in muscle and fat cells reduces glucose uptake (and also local storage of glucose as glycogen and triglycerides, respectively), whereas insulin resistance in liver cells results in reduced glycogen synthesis and storage and a failure to suppress glucose production and release into the blood. Insulin resistance normally refers to reduced glucose-lowering effects of insulin. However, other functions of insulin can also be affected. For example, insulin resistance in fat cells reduces the normal effects of insulin on lipids and results in reduced uptake of circulating lipids and increased hydrolysis of stored triglycerides. Increased mobilization of stored lipids in these cells elevates free fatty acids in the blood plasma. Elevated blood fatty-acid concentrations (associated with insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus Type 2), reduced muscle glucose uptake, and increased liver glucose production all contribute to elevated blood glucose levels. High plasma levels of insulin and glucose due to insulin resistance are a major component of the metabolic syndrome. If insulin resistance exists, more insulin needs to be secreted by the pancreas. If this compensatory increase does not occur, blood glucose concentrations increase and type 2 diabetes occurs."
Thankyou Wikipedia.. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insulin_resistance
Now.. Lets break this down.
Insulin.. a hormogne that is used to break down all the food/liquid we take into our body, to use as energy... The pancreas makes it.
With Insulin Resistance, the Insulin doesn't work properly. It has trouble breaking down the food and drinks that we take in, and the body notices this. so the pancreas continues creating insulin to use.. and none of the insulin works. So its just free-floating in your blood, while everything you take in... is basically just stored as fat, in your body, because your body doesn't know what else to do with it.. resulting in you not getting the energy you need from the food, and your blood sugar is raised.. which causes a whole bunch of other issues, in itself.
Signs and Symptoms of IR?
**Fatigue.
**Having a hard time focusing.
**Bloating
**Feeling tired, especially after eating.
**Weight gain, fat storage, and difficulty losing weight.
**High blood trigliceride levels.
**Hypertension (high blood pressure)
**Depression (because of a messed up metabolism with IR, depression isn't uncommon.)
**Increased Hunger
**Acanthosis Nigricans (dark patches of thick velvety-feeling skin onyour neck, chest, back, groin, or underarms.. caused by high insulin levels in your blood.. I have pictures of this in a post about signs and symptoms of metabolic syndrome, here: http://ourfightnow.blogspot.com/2011/12/metabolic-syndrome-signs-and-symptoms.html )
and here are Risk Factors:
Genetic:
**Family history of Type 2 Diabetes
**LMNA mutations
**African American's, Hispanic;s, American Indian's, and Asian-American's are at higher risk for IR.
Physiological and Enviromental:
** age 40+
**Obesity
** central obesity (again, look at this post i made a few weeks ago: http://ourfightnow.blogspot.com/2011/12/metabolic-syndrome-signs-and-symptoms.html )
**Lack of much exersize, not a very active lifestyle.. "Couch Potato".
**Hypertension
**Low levels of 'Good Cholesteral" (HDL)
**Gestational Diabetes during pregnancy
**Giving Birth to a baby more than 9lbs.
Causes? There isn't any one specific cause for IR... poor diet, and a sedentary lifestyle and/or obesity have been known to cause it. Other causes:
Cellular, Molecular, and Disease..
"Recent research and experimentation has uncovered a non-obesity related connection to insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. It has long been observed that patients who have had some kinds of bariatric surgery have increased insulin sensitivity and even remission of Type 2 diabetes. It was discovered that diabetic / insulin resistant non obese rats whose duodenum has been surgically removed also experienced increased insulin sensitivity and remission of Type 2 diabetes. This suggested similar surgery in humans, and early reports in prominent medical journals (January 8) are that the same effect is seen in humans, at least the small number who have participated in the experimental surgical program. The speculation is that some substance is produced in that portion of the small intestine that signals body cells to become insulin resistant. If the producing tissue is removed, the signal ceases and body cells revert to normal insulin sensitivity. No such substance has been found as yet, so its existence remains speculation." Thankyou wikipedia, yet again..
(side note: I had the Verticle Sleeve Gastrectomy.. Which doesn't mess with your intestines at all... Which is why i'm slightly worried my type 2 diabetes won't be fixed, like i had thought before.. I guess we'll just have to wait and see..)
HCV has also been known to increase the likelyhood of getting Insulin Resistance.
and PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) has been linked to IR being known to cause it, or be caused by it..
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Most of that is on the wikipedia page that i posted before, but i tried to make it a little easier to understand... If any of this concerns you at all, bring it up with your primary care doctor.. See what they have to say, and they'll probably order some bloodwork.. but a quick way to tell?
If you have access to a kit, check your fasting blood sugar on one or more occasions.. if its higher than 80-90 you should call your doctor. that is a pretty tell tale sign of insulin resistance.
So, I hope this helped whoever's reading this. Have a good day, anddd i'll talkto you all later. (:
If you have any questions or comments feel free to comment me n here, or talk to me on facebook, or email me! i'd be glad to help in any way i can. (:
-Ashley
Sources: Wikipedia & Google & own knowledge.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)