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 surgery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label surgery. Show all posts
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Monday, October 21, 2013
Atkins Diet Thoughts/Review
So about 6 weeks ago I had visited my endocrinologist, who suggested I start the Atkins diet (or a modified version of it) because I had gained weight doing the 5:2/fasting diet. I had went from 185 to 189, and once I started the Atkins diet, i got down to 185 then stalled for awhile, but now 6 weeks later (still on phase 1) I'm at about 178 lbs. I've lost almost 2 pounds a week.. Which is something that's never happened.. Even after having weight loss surgery, I went weeks at a time without losing whether it be because I wasn't on the medications I needed, or because I wasn't eating enough.. So I was shocked at how well this was working, and wondered why I hadn't tried it before.
I just saw her again a couple days ago, and despite the fact that after 4-6 weeks you're supposed to move to 'phase 2' of the diet, she agreed I could stay on phase 1 for another 6 weeks before moving up to see if I'll continue losing weight. Which is great for me!
I'd like to point out that in no way do I regret having weight loss surgery.. It's certainly a tool that's helping me right now.. I'm not hungry. I'm sure if I hadn't had surgery, I'd be very hungry on the diet I'm on now and it'd be much more difficult to stay on track with. But.. You know, everyone kind of assumes weight loss surgery is a cure all, and well, it isn't. I'm still on all the medications I was on pre-op. I still have Insulin Resistance, PCOS, hypothyroidism, etc.. and I understand most of my issues are probably not going away. I haven't lost one pound without working for it.. and that is never changing. I understand that now. So going into the Atkins diet, after so many other failed ones, I wasn't.. hoping for much.. I mean c'mon, I had 4/5th's of my stomach ripped out and I didn't lose weight without adding on or bumping up medications to control my metabolic issues. So I had no hope for this, but alas, I tried it anyway.. and it's working. Finally something's working. I genuinely couldn't be more thrilled.
My endocrin was a bit worried about my blood sugars going too low, or my electrolytes and what not.. But both were totally fine. She has me testing my ketones every morning, which are always okay on 'trace'. I hadn't been working out because I was a bit light headed and dizzy sometimes adjusting from 60 carbs a day to 20, but now that I've been on it a few weeks I'm adjusting and starting working out again with the '7 Minute Workout'.. However, I do have to modify it because I can't do regular push ups or anything that involves putting pressure on my wrists. Yay for tendinitis. Also I try to fit in half hour walks every day, but it's getting so freaking cold out.. That is one side effect, whether it be of my medications (I read somewhere that one I"m on has a side effect of 'inability to retain heat' is how they worded it..) or of the weight loss, that I'm generally always cold.. Even during the summer.. and it's supposed to freaking snow later this week. So.. I don't know how long the walks will last. I will certainly keep up the 7 minute workouts though, and maybe do it a couple times a day to make up for the lack of walking during the fall/winter.
As far as what I'm eating, here's a list of the staples in my diet:
I just saw her again a couple days ago, and despite the fact that after 4-6 weeks you're supposed to move to 'phase 2' of the diet, she agreed I could stay on phase 1 for another 6 weeks before moving up to see if I'll continue losing weight. Which is great for me!
I'd like to point out that in no way do I regret having weight loss surgery.. It's certainly a tool that's helping me right now.. I'm not hungry. I'm sure if I hadn't had surgery, I'd be very hungry on the diet I'm on now and it'd be much more difficult to stay on track with. But.. You know, everyone kind of assumes weight loss surgery is a cure all, and well, it isn't. I'm still on all the medications I was on pre-op. I still have Insulin Resistance, PCOS, hypothyroidism, etc.. and I understand most of my issues are probably not going away. I haven't lost one pound without working for it.. and that is never changing. I understand that now. So going into the Atkins diet, after so many other failed ones, I wasn't.. hoping for much.. I mean c'mon, I had 4/5th's of my stomach ripped out and I didn't lose weight without adding on or bumping up medications to control my metabolic issues. So I had no hope for this, but alas, I tried it anyway.. and it's working. Finally something's working. I genuinely couldn't be more thrilled.
My endocrin was a bit worried about my blood sugars going too low, or my electrolytes and what not.. But both were totally fine. She has me testing my ketones every morning, which are always okay on 'trace'. I hadn't been working out because I was a bit light headed and dizzy sometimes adjusting from 60 carbs a day to 20, but now that I've been on it a few weeks I'm adjusting and starting working out again with the '7 Minute Workout'.. However, I do have to modify it because I can't do regular push ups or anything that involves putting pressure on my wrists. Yay for tendinitis. Also I try to fit in half hour walks every day, but it's getting so freaking cold out.. That is one side effect, whether it be of my medications (I read somewhere that one I"m on has a side effect of 'inability to retain heat' is how they worded it..) or of the weight loss, that I'm generally always cold.. Even during the summer.. and it's supposed to freaking snow later this week. So.. I don't know how long the walks will last. I will certainly keep up the 7 minute workouts though, and maybe do it a couple times a day to make up for the lack of walking during the fall/winter.
As far as what I'm eating, here's a list of the staples in my diet:
- Turkey Products (turkey sausage, bacon, regular turkey, etc..)
- Grilled/baked chicken
- Shrimp and Fish (mostly Tilapia)
- Cheese (Primarily part-skim mozzarella and provolone)
- Vegetables (Lots of salads,, primarily iceberg and romaine lettuce, fresh broccoli, baby carrots, sugar snap peas, green beans, etc..)
- Atkins products (They're kind of pricey.. Occasionally I'll buy a box of their meal replacement bars or I get their frozen meals sometimes, which are actually really really good!)
- Low-carb yogurt (Carbmaster brand from Kroger only has 4 carbs in a serving.)
Occasionally I'll have some strawberries, half a banana, or half an apple, or something like that. However fruits aren't a big part of my diet in this phase. Too many carbs. It's usually only if my blood sugar is low or if I'm really craving something sweet.
Here's an example of what I'll eat in a day:
I don't log my food every day, just because it's a bit of a hassle but occasionally I will just to make sure I'm staying on track, and this is generally about where I'm at. I still can't eat very much at one sitting because of the size of my stomach, but I make it work.
My doctor basically wanted me to have under 20 net carbs a day, and a goal of 100 grams of protein.. not to worry about where my calories were at. So that's what I've been doing.
To clear up any confusion:
Total Carbohydrates - Sugar Alcohol & Fiber = Net Carbs
So based on what I ate on the 20th, I only had 12 net carbs, and 95 grams of protein.. which to be fair, is one of my better days. I don't always get that high on protein, and there have been a few days where I slipped up on carbs. so I'm really pleased with myself on the days I do that well. :)
Overall, I'm really pleased with how this diet is going and if you're looking for one to start, or maybe you had surgery and you want something to jump-start weight loss again, this is definitely worth looking into.. Don't make any impulsive decisions without talking to your doctor first, though. <3
Anywho, I hope you're all having a fantastic day and I shall talk to you all again soon. :)
-Ashley<3
Monday, September 23, 2013
Life Update - 2 years post op.
I haven't been updating this blog as regularly as I used to, and I apologize. I really tried to stick with it and I still get ideas for posts all the time, but I don't have as much time anymore! I'm doing some online courses to get a certificate to get into medical transcription, and I've been writing a lot more non-medical things, working on my skills to maybe start some freelance writing soon.. I need to get paid. I need a job, you know? I turned 18 last month and since I'm not in a typical 'university' setting I need to figure out what I'm going to do with my life.. Kind of crazy that your whole future depends on some decisions you make when you're still a teenager.. but it is what it is.
Anywho.. Alright. I guess I'll just get right into it. As far as surgery goes.. Still no complications. All of my bloodwork is perfect.. Vitamins, A1C, Insulin.. My fasting glucose is usually pretty low.. However generally speaking my blood sugar runs in the 80's most the time, so it's not too much of a stretch. My thyroid last checked was slightly elevated, so my endocrinologist bumped up my dose of Synthroid from 75 to 88.8 and if it's still high in a few weeks I'll go to 100. The nurse practitioner was surprised with my bloodwork.. usually they don't see patients who's vitamin d levels are perfect, and mine were.... It was funny because a week prior she had bumped my vitamin d from 1000 to 5000 because of other kids levels being low, then mine turned out fine... Admittedly, I don't hardly ever take my vitamin d supplement because.. well.. I don't really have a reason. I just typically don't bother with it since there's some combined with my calcium citrate (800iu) and then my multivitamin has some as well. Probably not the smartest decision on my part, but I mean.. it's been 2 years.. If I was going to go deficient in something, don't you think it would have happened by now? -- My LDL (bad cholesterol) is within normal range, and my HDL (good cholesterol) was actually elevated last checked, which is a good thing. And... yeah. I think that's about it as far as bloodwork is concerned.
I can eat about a cup of food at any sitting.. give or take, depending on the density of what I'm eating.. I generally eat 4-5 times a day, unless I'm an idiot (like this past weekend) and only eat once a day because I'm on a road trip and don't want to spend the money (and since I'm never physically hungry, I usually feel like I can get away with it until it's 2am and I feel like absolute crap.) No food intolerance's or issues with things getting 'stuck' in my esophagus or stomach.. Honestly, as far as my stomach goes, it's as if nothing had ever happened aside from how little I'm able to eat. Which is an awesome thing! Whenever anyone who doesn't already know asks and I don't feel like explaining it, I just say "I had surgery on my stomach when I was fifteen and it's left me not being able to eat very much at one sitting. No worries. I'm totally fine." and people seem to accept that as an answer. I used it the other day with a guy who asked, and given, he asked more questions.. which was totally fine. But I didn't have to elaborate too much. It was more along the lines of "Are you okay now?" as opposed to "Why?" Haha.
As far as weight loss goes.. Oh boy... Well, here we go. At my 2 year post-op appointment a little over a month ago, I hadn't lost weight since the last year appoitnment.. I think I lost like half a pound. Which is kind of ridiculous, because I don't eat junk... (I think I had frozen yogurt twice this past summer.. That was all the 'pigging out' I did.) I've never had much of a sweet tooth, you know? I've mentioned this dozens of times. That was never my issue. and I think everyone on my bariatric team finally decided to listen to me as far as that's concerned.. and my surgeon asked if I'd be wiling to be his 'guinea pig' and be the first patient of his to try this new diet of his, called the 5:2 diet.. which I had actually researched a bit before the appointment but hadn't tried.. So I was like, sure, why not. You think this will help me? Let's try it.. and I went all out.. did it for a few weeks, no issues.. But.. I gained 5 pounds... and immediately, I was freaking out. I had already had an appointment with my endocrinologist set up so I brought it up with her and asked why she thought that was and what she thought I should do.. She said the 5:2 diet works for a lot of people, but if my body didn't react to weight loss surgery like most other patients, clearly I need something slightly more extreme than excess calorie restriction 2 days a week... So she had me try the Atkins diet.. or, a modified version of it.. She wants me to aim for 100 grams of protein a day instead of 60 like I had been, and I'm currently still on phase 1 so I'm still consuming less than 20 net carbs a day as opposed to the 40-50 i was allowing myself during the 5:2 diet and I've already lost almost 10 pounds in 2 1/2 weeks... I'm down to 180-ish... So I'm pretty happy, and I'll probably be sticking with that for the time being.
I was supposed to have a follow up with my bariatric team about the 5:2 diet last week and I skipped out.. and I feel really bad about it. Because they wanted to use my results with this diet so to speak to help other kids but.... clearly, I'm not like all of the other kids they treat.. and I don't want them to base how they treat other kids after me.. I mean, if they find one with the same issues with me than great but.. So far no ones mentioned any so.. You know.. I'll leave it at that. Every other person I've talked to loses weight and eats junk.. given, they may not keep it off but.. I've worked my ass off trying to lose weight in the first place... and I've had enough trouble doing that, you know? I still don't have a real answer for why... but.. it is what it is. I'll continue going to my yearly appointments for the research study I signed up for,.. I feel like I need to.. there needs to be documentation that this tool isn't as much help to some people as it is for others..
As far as medications, my birth control has been switched a few times.. I'm on Sprintec now.. Also, Metformin 1000mg twice a day, Aldactone 50mg twice a day, and Synthroid 88.8mcg once a day.. I switched from monthly to yearly b12 injections, and I take a mutli-vitamin and my calcium citrate twice a day.
So yeah, I mean.. I don't regret having surgery. The benefit of never feeling hungry helps with some of these diets I've been doing, and it helped me find some amazing doctors who have worked with me and helped me figure out what I need to be doing as of right now.. just.. I was under the impression going into this that my Insulin Resistance would be gone after I had surgery, that I'd drop all my weight pretty quickly since I started at a lower weight than most, and that it'd be a relatively easy process as long as I stuck to my diet/exercise regimen.. and well, none of that happened. I didn't know going into it that I'd be talking to other patients the whole time who were doing so much better than me, and finding out how one of them was eating fried oreos and still losing 3 pounds a week.. Like... It's hard. It's been really hard. Also very frustrating. But it's made me a strong person, so at the end of the day I don't think I'd change anything. If I did, I don't know where I'd be today and that thought is a little unnerving.
As far as sizes go, I'd say what size shirt I am but it depends on the store.. and I like wearing things a lot loser these days.. I'm usually a medium or a large though. 40c bra, 16 pants (however I'm wearing a lot of leggings lately, and I'm usually a 'large' in those.)
Here are some pictures of me lately:
Anywho.. Alright. I guess I'll just get right into it. As far as surgery goes.. Still no complications. All of my bloodwork is perfect.. Vitamins, A1C, Insulin.. My fasting glucose is usually pretty low.. However generally speaking my blood sugar runs in the 80's most the time, so it's not too much of a stretch. My thyroid last checked was slightly elevated, so my endocrinologist bumped up my dose of Synthroid from 75 to 88.8 and if it's still high in a few weeks I'll go to 100. The nurse practitioner was surprised with my bloodwork.. usually they don't see patients who's vitamin d levels are perfect, and mine were.... It was funny because a week prior she had bumped my vitamin d from 1000 to 5000 because of other kids levels being low, then mine turned out fine... Admittedly, I don't hardly ever take my vitamin d supplement because.. well.. I don't really have a reason. I just typically don't bother with it since there's some combined with my calcium citrate (800iu) and then my multivitamin has some as well. Probably not the smartest decision on my part, but I mean.. it's been 2 years.. If I was going to go deficient in something, don't you think it would have happened by now? -- My LDL (bad cholesterol) is within normal range, and my HDL (good cholesterol) was actually elevated last checked, which is a good thing. And... yeah. I think that's about it as far as bloodwork is concerned.
I can eat about a cup of food at any sitting.. give or take, depending on the density of what I'm eating.. I generally eat 4-5 times a day, unless I'm an idiot (like this past weekend) and only eat once a day because I'm on a road trip and don't want to spend the money (and since I'm never physically hungry, I usually feel like I can get away with it until it's 2am and I feel like absolute crap.) No food intolerance's or issues with things getting 'stuck' in my esophagus or stomach.. Honestly, as far as my stomach goes, it's as if nothing had ever happened aside from how little I'm able to eat. Which is an awesome thing! Whenever anyone who doesn't already know asks and I don't feel like explaining it, I just say "I had surgery on my stomach when I was fifteen and it's left me not being able to eat very much at one sitting. No worries. I'm totally fine." and people seem to accept that as an answer. I used it the other day with a guy who asked, and given, he asked more questions.. which was totally fine. But I didn't have to elaborate too much. It was more along the lines of "Are you okay now?" as opposed to "Why?" Haha.
As far as weight loss goes.. Oh boy... Well, here we go. At my 2 year post-op appointment a little over a month ago, I hadn't lost weight since the last year appoitnment.. I think I lost like half a pound. Which is kind of ridiculous, because I don't eat junk... (I think I had frozen yogurt twice this past summer.. That was all the 'pigging out' I did.) I've never had much of a sweet tooth, you know? I've mentioned this dozens of times. That was never my issue. and I think everyone on my bariatric team finally decided to listen to me as far as that's concerned.. and my surgeon asked if I'd be wiling to be his 'guinea pig' and be the first patient of his to try this new diet of his, called the 5:2 diet.. which I had actually researched a bit before the appointment but hadn't tried.. So I was like, sure, why not. You think this will help me? Let's try it.. and I went all out.. did it for a few weeks, no issues.. But.. I gained 5 pounds... and immediately, I was freaking out. I had already had an appointment with my endocrinologist set up so I brought it up with her and asked why she thought that was and what she thought I should do.. She said the 5:2 diet works for a lot of people, but if my body didn't react to weight loss surgery like most other patients, clearly I need something slightly more extreme than excess calorie restriction 2 days a week... So she had me try the Atkins diet.. or, a modified version of it.. She wants me to aim for 100 grams of protein a day instead of 60 like I had been, and I'm currently still on phase 1 so I'm still consuming less than 20 net carbs a day as opposed to the 40-50 i was allowing myself during the 5:2 diet and I've already lost almost 10 pounds in 2 1/2 weeks... I'm down to 180-ish... So I'm pretty happy, and I'll probably be sticking with that for the time being.
I was supposed to have a follow up with my bariatric team about the 5:2 diet last week and I skipped out.. and I feel really bad about it. Because they wanted to use my results with this diet so to speak to help other kids but.... clearly, I'm not like all of the other kids they treat.. and I don't want them to base how they treat other kids after me.. I mean, if they find one with the same issues with me than great but.. So far no ones mentioned any so.. You know.. I'll leave it at that. Every other person I've talked to loses weight and eats junk.. given, they may not keep it off but.. I've worked my ass off trying to lose weight in the first place... and I've had enough trouble doing that, you know? I still don't have a real answer for why... but.. it is what it is. I'll continue going to my yearly appointments for the research study I signed up for,.. I feel like I need to.. there needs to be documentation that this tool isn't as much help to some people as it is for others..
As far as medications, my birth control has been switched a few times.. I'm on Sprintec now.. Also, Metformin 1000mg twice a day, Aldactone 50mg twice a day, and Synthroid 88.8mcg once a day.. I switched from monthly to yearly b12 injections, and I take a mutli-vitamin and my calcium citrate twice a day.
So yeah, I mean.. I don't regret having surgery. The benefit of never feeling hungry helps with some of these diets I've been doing, and it helped me find some amazing doctors who have worked with me and helped me figure out what I need to be doing as of right now.. just.. I was under the impression going into this that my Insulin Resistance would be gone after I had surgery, that I'd drop all my weight pretty quickly since I started at a lower weight than most, and that it'd be a relatively easy process as long as I stuck to my diet/exercise regimen.. and well, none of that happened. I didn't know going into it that I'd be talking to other patients the whole time who were doing so much better than me, and finding out how one of them was eating fried oreos and still losing 3 pounds a week.. Like... It's hard. It's been really hard. Also very frustrating. But it's made me a strong person, so at the end of the day I don't think I'd change anything. If I did, I don't know where I'd be today and that thought is a little unnerving.
As far as sizes go, I'd say what size shirt I am but it depends on the store.. and I like wearing things a lot loser these days.. I'm usually a medium or a large though. 40c bra, 16 pants (however I'm wearing a lot of leggings lately, and I'm usually a 'large' in those.)
Here are some pictures of me lately:
On my 18th birthday I drove up to Cleveland to see We The Kings (and a bunch of other bands) with my two best friends. :) (I'm on the right... a lot of people think me and my friend on the far left look a lot alike, haha.)
Road tripped with my brother and dad last weekend up to Kent to see another band at my friends house. :)
This was me earlier today (9/23/13) when i was about to leave for my brothers soccer game.
VVV
Soccer game. :) (Yes, I had 1/3 of a smoothie.. It was still in my carb allotment for the day. Shh.)
New tattoo I got a few months ago. :) It's on the back of my right shoulder.
No makeup. You can tell my skin is a lot healthier than it used to be. Not as much acne (however close up there's still a lot of scarring from it.)
Oh yeah, and this is from the bariatric team's 'Summer Event' support group thing they held a couple months ago. I'm in the front on the right. Everyone there is doing so well and I'm really happy for them. I'm not a frequent support-group-goer because I live kind of far away and They're always friday nights, which I'm never able to get a ride for. But it was still nice catching up with some people, and meeting some new people as well. :)
and yeah, that's about it. :)
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I hope this update filled some of you in.. and seriously, if anyone still reads this blog... Message me on facebook or twitter or email me! I'd love to talk to some of you, hear your stories.. If you ever need someone to vent to, I'm here. Need advice? I'm here.. I'm always checking my e-mail and facebook and what not (yay for smart phones) So just shoot me a message! I know what it feels like to be alone going through this.. not just surgery, but the metabolic issues seeing as those are mainly what I'm dealing with now anyway.. But either way.. You don't need to feel alone. You might feel like you are.. I always did. But you aren't. And you shouldn't feel that way going through something this important.
I hope you all are having a fantastic day and I'll try and update this more often. :) Until next time.. Bye guys. <3
-Ashley(:
P.S. I had this song on repeat while I was writing this post: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLiUJyKdy3Y&list=FLN2Zuo7rzGnOe4f0e6EcQXQ&index=1 .. just in case any of you were curious. Which you probably weren't.
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 7, 2013
Surgery Update! 18 months post-op.
Okay... I've been really bad at updating this lately. I'll try to get back into it, I promise! Haha.
I'll be 18 months post-op (VSG) in a week or two. I have my 18month follow-up appointment on February 21st. It's been a crazy year and a half... things are constantly changing.
My medications have changed a lot, a bunch of different times, after surgery. Weight wise, I go through stalls like every month.. but then i drop five pounds then i go through another stall.. Which I guess I'm okay with. It's better than nothing. I'm glad i'm still losing, because for awhile right after surgery I didn't lose anything because of medication issues.
Highest weight ever: 285lbs in 2010.
Weight on day of surgery: (08-19-2011) 250lbs
Weight today: (2-7-13) 185lbs.
So, I've lost 100lbs. Some of that pre-surgery, some post-op.. I'm not at my goal weight yet. I still have 40 pounds or so to go. I really hope I get there, asap. I've been working for this so long, I just really want to be there.
I don't want my life to focus around the number on the scale, so I try not to focus on that too much anymore.. Because I am healthier than I have been in a long time. But it's hard not to, when my entire life up until this point has been focused around my weight.
I'm having more issues eating lately, than I did originally post-op. I typically always avoid sugar/fat. Or I try to. I've never liked it. I was never allowed much sugar when I was younger, so I've always been in this mental state that sugar is bad. So the idea of even taking a sip of a regular coke, or a bite of a cookie, makes me sick to my stomach.. Therefor I never actually want to do that.
The only things that go over well 100% are fruits and vegetables, which sucks, because those don't have much protein. I have greek yogurt a lot, different cheeses.. skim milk (1% & 2% make me feel sick). Dairy is okay.. sometimes. But there are sometimes it doesn't sit well with me either. Meat-wise, shrimp usually goes over okay.. Deli meat can, like, sliced turkey or ham or chicken? Salami is okay usually. but more dense things don't anymore. It's hard for me to eat steak or a roast or something... Pork has never gone over well. At all. I can't go near pork anymore, haha.
So, I manage. It's just hard, because some days I can eat more than others, and some days certain foods sit well when the next day those same foods won't. So a lot of the time I end up feeling sick, because it's constantly changing.
One day I could eat a bowl of cereal for breakfast, greek yogurt and fruit for a snack, a couple oz of deli meat and carrots and ranch dressing for lunch, string cheese and some turkey pepperoni for a snack, and then have a small, or half of a burger (no bun, lean meat, homemade) with cheese and a small salad for dinner.. (total volume never reaching over 8-12oz for the most part)
Where the next day I'd feel absolutely terrible if I tried greek yogurt, or a bowl of cereal. Where I don't want to go near a burger, and the only thing I'm able to get down is a cup or two of vegetable soup and a few pieces of pineapple. One or two slices of deli-meat, if I'm lucky... That's all day.
It's confusing, and I don't know why it's like that. No one can seem to explain it. I asked my endocrinologist yesterday when I went for a follow-up, and she gave me a prescription for Prevacid to see if that may help.. So we'll see. But if it doesn't I'll probably end up with a referral to GI (actually, I think she ordered one anyway.... I'm not sure. I'll have to double check that.)
But regardless, I've been doing my best. Some days I don't get enough protein because of it. But I'm doing what I can. I really don't like eating though...
My hunger still hasn't returned since surgery. None. I have to remind myself to eat. I guess there could be worse situations to be in....
Medication wise, I'm on 75mcg Synthroid for my thyroid.. 1000mg Metformin 2x day for Insulin Resistance, and 50mg Aldactone 2x a day for hormones/blood pressure/diuretic purposes. and Ogestrel birth control for PCOS. I take a Multivitamin 2x a day, and Calcium citrate twice a day as well. I'm terrible with taking a separate vitamin D, but there is 800ui of Vitamin D in the calcium citrate i take, and my blood work seems to consistently come back just great vitamin-wise, so I'm not too worried about that...
Exercise wise, I'm doing good. (: In the post I made about motivation a couple weeks (months?) ago I mentioned a Tumblr I made for motivation, and I've found a lot of great exercise ideas on there. Different routines people have came up with, songs to exercise to, etc.. That are much more interesting to try than doing the same thing over and over again each day.
I really want to build up more muscle that I'm sure I lost. I used to be an athlete. I played a bunch of sports, danced, and had a lot of muscle.. My legs still do. but I'm not nearly as strong anywhere else, so I've been doing a lot with my resistance band. I only have 1 & 3lb weights right now. I want to get 5lb & 10lb weights. When I get some more money, we'll see. (:
I also made a playlist on YouTube of videos I found that have exercise routines.. The Livestrong YouTube channel has a ton!!
Overall, I think everything is going alright. I know it goes a lot worse for some people, so I'm okay with all of this. Nothing is easy. I'm used to this. It feels better knowing I'm working harder for the weight loss.. The chances are better that it will stay off because it's coming off slower, and I feel better about it... Because it has not been an easy fix like a lot of people say. I don't even like the word fix. Because it didn't fix anything. It's helped. But nothings fixed entirely. but I'm okay with that.
I just have to accept the fact that nothing comes easy, and I need to keep working harder and harder as time goes on, to get to where I want to get to.
I hope every one's having a great day, and I'll talk to you all soon!
Talk to me on Facebook or Twitter or Email me or something!!!! I'd love to talk to some more people. (:
Bye<3
-Ashley(:
I'll be 18 months post-op (VSG) in a week or two. I have my 18month follow-up appointment on February 21st. It's been a crazy year and a half... things are constantly changing.
My medications have changed a lot, a bunch of different times, after surgery. Weight wise, I go through stalls like every month.. but then i drop five pounds then i go through another stall.. Which I guess I'm okay with. It's better than nothing. I'm glad i'm still losing, because for awhile right after surgery I didn't lose anything because of medication issues.
Highest weight ever: 285lbs in 2010.
Weight on day of surgery: (08-19-2011) 250lbs
Weight today: (2-7-13) 185lbs.
So, I've lost 100lbs. Some of that pre-surgery, some post-op.. I'm not at my goal weight yet. I still have 40 pounds or so to go. I really hope I get there, asap. I've been working for this so long, I just really want to be there.
I don't want my life to focus around the number on the scale, so I try not to focus on that too much anymore.. Because I am healthier than I have been in a long time. But it's hard not to, when my entire life up until this point has been focused around my weight.
I'm having more issues eating lately, than I did originally post-op. I typically always avoid sugar/fat. Or I try to. I've never liked it. I was never allowed much sugar when I was younger, so I've always been in this mental state that sugar is bad. So the idea of even taking a sip of a regular coke, or a bite of a cookie, makes me sick to my stomach.. Therefor I never actually want to do that.
The only things that go over well 100% are fruits and vegetables, which sucks, because those don't have much protein. I have greek yogurt a lot, different cheeses.. skim milk (1% & 2% make me feel sick). Dairy is okay.. sometimes. But there are sometimes it doesn't sit well with me either. Meat-wise, shrimp usually goes over okay.. Deli meat can, like, sliced turkey or ham or chicken? Salami is okay usually. but more dense things don't anymore. It's hard for me to eat steak or a roast or something... Pork has never gone over well. At all. I can't go near pork anymore, haha.
So, I manage. It's just hard, because some days I can eat more than others, and some days certain foods sit well when the next day those same foods won't. So a lot of the time I end up feeling sick, because it's constantly changing.
One day I could eat a bowl of cereal for breakfast, greek yogurt and fruit for a snack, a couple oz of deli meat and carrots and ranch dressing for lunch, string cheese and some turkey pepperoni for a snack, and then have a small, or half of a burger (no bun, lean meat, homemade) with cheese and a small salad for dinner.. (total volume never reaching over 8-12oz for the most part)
Where the next day I'd feel absolutely terrible if I tried greek yogurt, or a bowl of cereal. Where I don't want to go near a burger, and the only thing I'm able to get down is a cup or two of vegetable soup and a few pieces of pineapple. One or two slices of deli-meat, if I'm lucky... That's all day.
It's confusing, and I don't know why it's like that. No one can seem to explain it. I asked my endocrinologist yesterday when I went for a follow-up, and she gave me a prescription for Prevacid to see if that may help.. So we'll see. But if it doesn't I'll probably end up with a referral to GI (actually, I think she ordered one anyway.... I'm not sure. I'll have to double check that.)
But regardless, I've been doing my best. Some days I don't get enough protein because of it. But I'm doing what I can. I really don't like eating though...
My hunger still hasn't returned since surgery. None. I have to remind myself to eat. I guess there could be worse situations to be in....
Medication wise, I'm on 75mcg Synthroid for my thyroid.. 1000mg Metformin 2x day for Insulin Resistance, and 50mg Aldactone 2x a day for hormones/blood pressure/diuretic purposes. and Ogestrel birth control for PCOS. I take a Multivitamin 2x a day, and Calcium citrate twice a day as well. I'm terrible with taking a separate vitamin D, but there is 800ui of Vitamin D in the calcium citrate i take, and my blood work seems to consistently come back just great vitamin-wise, so I'm not too worried about that...
Exercise wise, I'm doing good. (: In the post I made about motivation a couple weeks (months?) ago I mentioned a Tumblr I made for motivation, and I've found a lot of great exercise ideas on there. Different routines people have came up with, songs to exercise to, etc.. That are much more interesting to try than doing the same thing over and over again each day.
I really want to build up more muscle that I'm sure I lost. I used to be an athlete. I played a bunch of sports, danced, and had a lot of muscle.. My legs still do. but I'm not nearly as strong anywhere else, so I've been doing a lot with my resistance band. I only have 1 & 3lb weights right now. I want to get 5lb & 10lb weights. When I get some more money, we'll see. (:
I also made a playlist on YouTube of videos I found that have exercise routines.. The Livestrong YouTube channel has a ton!!
Overall, I think everything is going alright. I know it goes a lot worse for some people, so I'm okay with all of this. Nothing is easy. I'm used to this. It feels better knowing I'm working harder for the weight loss.. The chances are better that it will stay off because it's coming off slower, and I feel better about it... Because it has not been an easy fix like a lot of people say. I don't even like the word fix. Because it didn't fix anything. It's helped. But nothings fixed entirely. but I'm okay with that.
I just have to accept the fact that nothing comes easy, and I need to keep working harder and harder as time goes on, to get to where I want to get to.
I hope every one's having a great day, and I'll talk to you all soon!
Talk to me on Facebook or Twitter or Email me or something!!!! I'd love to talk to some more people. (:
Bye<3
-Ashley(:
Friday, December 14, 2012
Success Story Video!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=MrMUr67pVY8
Back in September (2012) I was asked to take part in a Success Story type video for the Surgical Weightloss Program for Teens at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, where I had the VSG back in August 2011... So, of course I agreed.
I wasn't at my goal weight then, and I'm not now. So I had a hard time understanding why they wanted me as a success story. But, my reasoning behind it is that I AM a lot healthier now, than I was before.. I have lost 100lbs (including what I lost pre-op) and I did everything they said/asked. So in that sense, the fact that it has benefited me and continues to benefit me every day, would be considered success.. Right?
So yeah, that's that. Watch it if you want. (: Let me know what you think.
Have a great day!
-Ashley<3
(Also, here is the hospitals FAQ & the programs promo video that were uploaded that I'm in briefly, as well!!)
FAQ: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naTFOlSnbRE (This video is just basically the bariatric team at the hospital I go to answering frequently asked questions about surgery, the program for teenagers, etc...)
Promo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUlWh0hRuuA (This video gives some more information on the program, and how surgery has helped me & a couple other people with our lives. I got really excited when I first saw it because they included my tattoo in it... Haha (: )
Back in September (2012) I was asked to take part in a Success Story type video for the Surgical Weightloss Program for Teens at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, where I had the VSG back in August 2011... So, of course I agreed.
I wasn't at my goal weight then, and I'm not now. So I had a hard time understanding why they wanted me as a success story. But, my reasoning behind it is that I AM a lot healthier now, than I was before.. I have lost 100lbs (including what I lost pre-op) and I did everything they said/asked. So in that sense, the fact that it has benefited me and continues to benefit me every day, would be considered success.. Right?
So yeah, that's that. Watch it if you want. (: Let me know what you think.
Have a great day!
-Ashley<3
(Also, here is the hospitals FAQ & the programs promo video that were uploaded that I'm in briefly, as well!!)
FAQ: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naTFOlSnbRE (This video is just basically the bariatric team at the hospital I go to answering frequently asked questions about surgery, the program for teenagers, etc...)
Promo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUlWh0hRuuA (This video gives some more information on the program, and how surgery has helped me & a couple other people with our lives. I got really excited when I first saw it because they included my tattoo in it... Haha (: )
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
How to stay motivated!
I've been stuck at 195 since May... MAY. I actually gained 12 pounds during the summer, but then I lost it once my meds were adjusted.. And I was back to 195, where I have remained since. It's now the first week of November.
Obviously, I've been frustrated. I've amped up my exercise, upped my water intake, and I'm seeing if this will help. Also it's questionable if I'm eating enough. So I've been emailing back & forth with my dietitian, trying to sort this out.
For a few months I just completely gave up. I'm able to maintain perfectly fine. But losing is an issue. I figured okay I'm stuck here forever but... I actually saw a post on a website called Tumblr that I get on regularly, about diet/exercise/etc... Then I discovered an entirely different side of the website, full of blogs full of motivation tips and diet/exercise tips and all sorts of stuff... I typically just got on that website to 'fangirl' over bands and youtubers that I'm probably a little too obsessed with, and to find quotes and stuff I liked and artsy stuff... But this threw me for a whirlwind.
I came to the realization that I'm back at square one. This surgery had already done what it's going to do for me... It was a huge jump start.. Not just the surgery, because that alone I don't think did much for me (other than being a HUGE reality check & gave me a much higher pain tolerance).. I mean, of course it helps me restrict how much I"m eating but... Ask any one that has ever been in my life, my family, any doctor I've seen in the past... My diet was never my problem. --- But the doctors I've met because of the surgery, and the medications that have been (Finally) orchestrated correctly, the other patients I've met, everything... I've learned a lot. But I'm back to square one. The only difference between now and 2 years ago when I was incapable of losing weight? I've seen it happen. I've seen it work. I've seen that my body is capable of weight loss, with the right combination of everything.. (drugs, diet, exercise, fluids, etc..)
Something is missing right now.. I'm not sure what. I see my Endocrinologist on the 7th, then dietitian and other people eon the bariatric team on the 13th.. So maybe they'll have some answers for me seeing as I've been logging my food religiously. Maybe that's part of it... Maybe my meds need adjusted, who knows.
Anyways, the point of this post is how do I stay motivated? Honestly... It's hard. It really is. But I've found a few things that really help.
1. I created another blog. A second tumblr (separate from my first one, because they're completely different topics.) to find and share things I find on there.. Different exercise ideas, diets, motivation tips, etc... I love updating this website, but there isn't much interaction with anyone... Where on tumblr there is a ton of interaction.. Tons of people blogging about the same thing and supporting each other I can't go to the support groups my surgeon has because they're always at a time when i never have a ride... my family doesn't quite understand what i'm going through, and neither do any of my friends.. So this has been great for me. And while on there, I've found a few other things to help motivate me.
2. Logging. If I stay accountable to myself, it helps me keep on track. I log everything on myfitnesspal.com -- i always have been on & off with it but lately I've been religious. Logging exercise, fluids, and food.
3. Pictures!!! The desktop background for my laptop is this picture:
This is all on the back of my bedroom door. Every. Pound. Counts. It's something I have to keep reminding myself... Every pound is a little achievement that I work my ass off to lose. I highlighted every 5 pounds and put a heart on every 10 pounds.. Because they're even bigger achievements. Inspirational quotes, reminding myself to take my medications, drink water, etc... All of it. Every time I see it it's bright and obnoxious on my door (seeing as the rest of my room is white/brown/black/tan colored) and stands out and I feel guilty if I don't do what I need to do each day.. -- The satisfaction of being able to cross off a pound, but a big black X over it and tell myself that I will never see it again is absolutely amazing, and it's something I work for. That feeling is indescribable.
*******
So yeah. That's about all I got. Do you have any other motivation tips you want to share? Let me know!!! (: -- Hope everyone is having a great day & I'll update once I see all these doctors and figure out what's going on.
~Ashley
Ps: If you want to visit the tumblr I mentioned above, it's www.ashley887.tumblr.com (:
Obviously, I've been frustrated. I've amped up my exercise, upped my water intake, and I'm seeing if this will help. Also it's questionable if I'm eating enough. So I've been emailing back & forth with my dietitian, trying to sort this out.
For a few months I just completely gave up. I'm able to maintain perfectly fine. But losing is an issue. I figured okay I'm stuck here forever but... I actually saw a post on a website called Tumblr that I get on regularly, about diet/exercise/etc... Then I discovered an entirely different side of the website, full of blogs full of motivation tips and diet/exercise tips and all sorts of stuff... I typically just got on that website to 'fangirl' over bands and youtubers that I'm probably a little too obsessed with, and to find quotes and stuff I liked and artsy stuff... But this threw me for a whirlwind.
I came to the realization that I'm back at square one. This surgery had already done what it's going to do for me... It was a huge jump start.. Not just the surgery, because that alone I don't think did much for me (other than being a HUGE reality check & gave me a much higher pain tolerance).. I mean, of course it helps me restrict how much I"m eating but... Ask any one that has ever been in my life, my family, any doctor I've seen in the past... My diet was never my problem. --- But the doctors I've met because of the surgery, and the medications that have been (Finally) orchestrated correctly, the other patients I've met, everything... I've learned a lot. But I'm back to square one. The only difference between now and 2 years ago when I was incapable of losing weight? I've seen it happen. I've seen it work. I've seen that my body is capable of weight loss, with the right combination of everything.. (drugs, diet, exercise, fluids, etc..)
Something is missing right now.. I'm not sure what. I see my Endocrinologist on the 7th, then dietitian and other people eon the bariatric team on the 13th.. So maybe they'll have some answers for me seeing as I've been logging my food religiously. Maybe that's part of it... Maybe my meds need adjusted, who knows.
Anyways, the point of this post is how do I stay motivated? Honestly... It's hard. It really is. But I've found a few things that really help.
1. I created another blog. A second tumblr (separate from my first one, because they're completely different topics.) to find and share things I find on there.. Different exercise ideas, diets, motivation tips, etc... I love updating this website, but there isn't much interaction with anyone... Where on tumblr there is a ton of interaction.. Tons of people blogging about the same thing and supporting each other I can't go to the support groups my surgeon has because they're always at a time when i never have a ride... my family doesn't quite understand what i'm going through, and neither do any of my friends.. So this has been great for me. And while on there, I've found a few other things to help motivate me.
2. Logging. If I stay accountable to myself, it helps me keep on track. I log everything on myfitnesspal.com -- i always have been on & off with it but lately I've been religious. Logging exercise, fluids, and food.
3. Pictures!!! The desktop background for my laptop is this picture:
This picture helps remind me that I'm capable of getting to my goal weight (140lbs).. That it may take awhile, but I eventually CAN get there.I'm really proud of what I've accomplished so far,... I like this feeling. I want it to continue. -- the picture on the left is the ONLY close to full body picture I have of myself from my highest weight.. I was so ashamed of my body... But I'm SO glad I have it to reference .. Honestly. whenever I feel like I'm not losing anything or that i haven't accomplished anything, I can just look at my leg in that picture, then my leg in the second picture.. There is absolutely no denying the difference.
4. I have my resistance band, 3 pound weights, and tape measure all right next to my door on the shelf in my room. Every time I turn my head, stand up, or walk in or out of my room I see it and it's a constant reminder to work out..
5. The biggest motivator the past few weeks? I saw an idea for this on tumblr, and created one of my own...
*******
So yeah. That's about all I got. Do you have any other motivation tips you want to share? Let me know!!! (: -- Hope everyone is having a great day & I'll update once I see all these doctors and figure out what's going on.
~Ashley
Ps: If you want to visit the tumblr I mentioned above, it's www.ashley887.tumblr.com (:
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
The hospital (and surgery) is my 'Sanctuary'.
A friend of mine I met through a mutual love for a band, is making a book to give them at a show later this month.. Based off of this song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdKu_J5ebMg Listen to it.. Honestly. It’s amazing. <3
But anyways.. The idea is send a picture in of yourself with what you consider to be, or in what place you consider to be your “sanctuary”.. & Write a few words about it. I sent in a picture of me (That is currently my banner) of me in the hospital bed, in the recovery room after surgery… http://i50.tinypic.com/2mwe1vo.jpg --and I wrote this along with it..
“The hospital... I go there pretty often... I don't mind, because, well, put simply.. The doctors there saved my life. Without surgery.. I wouldn't be able to enjoy concerts or photography or anything else I do enjoy. Every time I go there I'm reminded of how much stronger I am now than I was before. & How much better my life is. so yeah... The hospital is definatley my Sanctuary." <3
It’s the truth… That song has helped me get through a lot. Hell. That whole band has and they have absolutely no clue. – But without this surgery.. I wouldn’t be in a good place like I am now. I wouldn't be off of my antidepressants. I wouldn’t be applying to college or looking for a job. I wouldn’t be going to a huge music festivle/tour in July. I wouldn’t be able to last all day on my feet, like I can now! It’s just.. amazing. I am getting sick of going to the hospital so much.. But every time I do It’s just an amazing reminder of how far I’ve come.. How much healthier I am.. and How grateful I should be that I’m doing so well and just.. It’s fantastic. It’s reassuring, aswell.. To know people care and are trying to help me STAY healthy. And I can’t imagine it any other way. I can't thank the people that have helped me along on this journey enough. My doctors, the people I've met on ObesityHelp, The other teenagers i've met that had the same surgery (or wls in general..) or are planning to.. anyone who has encouraged this blog.. everything.
It's amazing... I remember the second I got accepted for a consultation.. For WLS... That day was the last time I ever cut myself... I remember the day of the consultation I had so much makeup over the cuts.. Just to make sure no one would see them... Because I needed this surgery. If i didn't seem completely stable.. I didn't think I'd be able to get it. -- I had finally found a glimmer of hope.. a silver lining, I guess. A few months later I was off of anti depressants.. i still have some anxiety every now and then but.. It's controlled.. I'm able to control it now.. I've ahd a few off days.. especially when i was frustrated feeling like the surgery was for nothing but... as of 5-15-2012 at 16 years old, I'm 195 lbs. I havent been 195lbs since I was 13... It's just unreal. I still have family issues.. but they dont bother me as much as they used to, because I'm not stuck at home all the time... and They're not my main focus. my main focus now is getting healthy. nothing else bothers me or is as important to me, as that is, right now.
I've never been more thankful for anything in my life. I don't think I ever will be because, well, the VSG gave me my life back... A life i don't think I ever had.. Absolutely everything doesn't revolve around my weight gains anymore.. Because i havent gaiend any weight in a year and a half.. It's just.. one of those things. It's surreal.
People who havent experienced it can't really understand.. So people think i'm crazy and that I have an anorexic way of thinking.. Because I'm so weight obsessed.. But that's all I know. My entire life has revolved around my weight.. And It's amazing to be able to focus on other things for once.. I'm re-learning how to live a normal life.. Although anxiety provoking, and frustrating, and depressing sometimes.. It's amazing I get to now. I got the gift at a young enough age.. I dont' have to live the rest of my life the way I lived the first 15 years. I don't have to live in fear or the unkonwn about my diseases and I now know that seriously.. If you really want to do something.. You'll do it. You'll find a way. There is ALWAYS a way. No matter what it is. Now that doesn't mean it will come quickly. or easily. But theres always a way for whatever you want to happen, to happen.
Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll still land among the stars.
Have a great day. <3
-Ashley(:
Monday, April 16, 2012
Finding the discipline.
http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/VSG/4522143/Finding-the-discipline/#37450162
This is a thread someone started on www.obesityhelp.com, a website I've used a lot over the past year-year 1/2.. I joined it before I ever even mentioned surgery to my parents for the first time.
The question was "How do you find the discipline to do what you need to do when I never had the discipline to do it in the first place ??? You know losing weight, exercising, etc.....how do you find it AFTER surgery???"
You can read my response to it on that thread. Everyone should be able to view it, with or without an account.
But-- I wanted to talk about this for a minute.
How do YOU specifically find the motivation/determination to keep going? To make lifestyle changes? With or without changes? If you have already, what helped you make those changes? If you haven't, what are you waiting for? What do you think it will take? Do you not know?
Personally, I've dealt with this my whole life.. But I don't think I really started to take it seriously, until I started having serious issues.. I couldn't bathe without feeling like my heart was going to beat through my chest and I was going to pass out.. i would have to stop my shower and sit down on the side of the bath tub or the toilet seat for a few minutes to cool off and rest before I continued.. No one really saw that side of it.. I hid it pretty well.. But I would get claustrophobic really easily.. I would have to leave concerts early.. I had no control over my body.. I wasn't on the right medications and I didn't have the right doctors on my side for the longest time...
My mom is an RN (Registered Nurse.) ... She was basically out of my life for about 3 months, in 2010. From the end of August to the end of October I didn't see her once.. When she came back and saw how much my body had changed in just that short amount of time she spoke to a doctor friend of hers.. Who gave her a list of things to research.. She gave the list to me and I researched.. On that list was "Polycysitic Ovarian Syndrome" "Hypothyroidism" and "Cushings Disease/Syndrome." .... I looked them all up.. and I had never been to an Endocrinologist. It's always been GI doctors that worked with me..
Well I saw a Gynecologist who diagnosed me with PCOS and put me on the pill.. And it was in this time I started researching weight loss surgery..
Then I saw a Endocrinologist.. He tested me for Cushings and Hypothyroidism.. Sure enough, Hypothyroidism. No cushings. That is extremely rare, especially in children/adolescents.. But I was tested. and I still had Insulin Resistance. Well I went to a different Endocrine.. And found out I was full blown Type 2 diabetic... And basically the health I was at.. I was told I'd be lucky to make it to 35.. part of my heart was already enlarged and clearly I was never able to lose weight before.. Only maintain, and gain.. What was going to change this time?
It was right then and there I knew surgery needed to be discussed.. I had brought it up with a family doctor once.. Who didn't support the idea. but the endocrinologist even brought it up without me saying anything, and sent a referral that day to Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.
I knew this was my last shot. And I was going to make it work. I finally had the right doctors, the right diagnosis', the right medications... and I was having WLS. a tool to help me lose and keep the weight off... I don't want to die before I'm 35. And I don't want to die the same way i watched my grandmother die, when I was 12 years old. Heart Disease, Cardiomyopothy, Type 2 Diabetes, Hypothyroidism, Hypertension, PCOS, already had a kidney removed, on dialysis, etc.... The list never ended. And i was already headed down that road at 15...
A death sentence was the reality check I needed to get my life in order... and it worked.
I'm still in the losing phase. But I'm healthier than I've been in a long time. I'm at a lower weight than I was 2 1/2-3 years ago.. And I'm feeling so much better... I can shower no problem. I jogged a mile the other day.. Something I haven't done (even just walking..) since I was 13...It's insane,.. and I know I made the right decision. (Again, you can read more on the thread I posted above.)
But my question is.. Even without surgery, why does it take people (myself included) so long to make lifestyle changes? even people who don't have the genetic component.. people who may not even have any medical problem... Eating healthy and exercise is good for everyone. Why are people so.. stuck in their ways? Why is everyone so afraid of change?
Why do things have to be this way? Why cant an entire family make changes to better themselves, instead of just one person? I know the answer to this. In my opinion anyway. I have my thoughts on all of these questions. But I'm keeping them to myself. These are just a few of my thoughts, to get your mind going.. It's really something to think about and consider before looking into WLS.. or even starting a new diet, or seeing a new doctor.. Nothing will work if you don't have enough motivation/determination.
I could go into the whole food can be a real addiction discussion.. or people are raised a certain way.. you can't teach an old dog new tricks, whatever.... But really.. with enough determination, I'd like to think anything can be done..
Now people just need to find the discipline/determination/motivation/inspiration to accomplish what they want/need to accomplish. What will it take to do that or get to that point?
Have a great day. <3
-Ashley
www.facebook.com/justashley1637
ashleyellen1637@aol.com
This is a thread someone started on www.obesityhelp.com, a website I've used a lot over the past year-year 1/2.. I joined it before I ever even mentioned surgery to my parents for the first time.
The question was "How do you find the discipline to do what you need to do when I never had the discipline to do it in the first place ??? You know losing weight, exercising, etc.....how do you find it AFTER surgery???"
You can read my response to it on that thread. Everyone should be able to view it, with or without an account.
But-- I wanted to talk about this for a minute.
How do YOU specifically find the motivation/determination to keep going? To make lifestyle changes? With or without changes? If you have already, what helped you make those changes? If you haven't, what are you waiting for? What do you think it will take? Do you not know?
Personally, I've dealt with this my whole life.. But I don't think I really started to take it seriously, until I started having serious issues.. I couldn't bathe without feeling like my heart was going to beat through my chest and I was going to pass out.. i would have to stop my shower and sit down on the side of the bath tub or the toilet seat for a few minutes to cool off and rest before I continued.. No one really saw that side of it.. I hid it pretty well.. But I would get claustrophobic really easily.. I would have to leave concerts early.. I had no control over my body.. I wasn't on the right medications and I didn't have the right doctors on my side for the longest time...
My mom is an RN (Registered Nurse.) ... She was basically out of my life for about 3 months, in 2010. From the end of August to the end of October I didn't see her once.. When she came back and saw how much my body had changed in just that short amount of time she spoke to a doctor friend of hers.. Who gave her a list of things to research.. She gave the list to me and I researched.. On that list was "Polycysitic Ovarian Syndrome" "Hypothyroidism" and "Cushings Disease/Syndrome." .... I looked them all up.. and I had never been to an Endocrinologist. It's always been GI doctors that worked with me..
Well I saw a Gynecologist who diagnosed me with PCOS and put me on the pill.. And it was in this time I started researching weight loss surgery..
Then I saw a Endocrinologist.. He tested me for Cushings and Hypothyroidism.. Sure enough, Hypothyroidism. No cushings. That is extremely rare, especially in children/adolescents.. But I was tested. and I still had Insulin Resistance. Well I went to a different Endocrine.. And found out I was full blown Type 2 diabetic... And basically the health I was at.. I was told I'd be lucky to make it to 35.. part of my heart was already enlarged and clearly I was never able to lose weight before.. Only maintain, and gain.. What was going to change this time?
It was right then and there I knew surgery needed to be discussed.. I had brought it up with a family doctor once.. Who didn't support the idea. but the endocrinologist even brought it up without me saying anything, and sent a referral that day to Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.
I knew this was my last shot. And I was going to make it work. I finally had the right doctors, the right diagnosis', the right medications... and I was having WLS. a tool to help me lose and keep the weight off... I don't want to die before I'm 35. And I don't want to die the same way i watched my grandmother die, when I was 12 years old. Heart Disease, Cardiomyopothy, Type 2 Diabetes, Hypothyroidism, Hypertension, PCOS, already had a kidney removed, on dialysis, etc.... The list never ended. And i was already headed down that road at 15...
A death sentence was the reality check I needed to get my life in order... and it worked.
I'm still in the losing phase. But I'm healthier than I've been in a long time. I'm at a lower weight than I was 2 1/2-3 years ago.. And I'm feeling so much better... I can shower no problem. I jogged a mile the other day.. Something I haven't done (even just walking..) since I was 13...It's insane,.. and I know I made the right decision. (Again, you can read more on the thread I posted above.)
But my question is.. Even without surgery, why does it take people (myself included) so long to make lifestyle changes? even people who don't have the genetic component.. people who may not even have any medical problem... Eating healthy and exercise is good for everyone. Why are people so.. stuck in their ways? Why is everyone so afraid of change?
Why do things have to be this way? Why cant an entire family make changes to better themselves, instead of just one person? I know the answer to this. In my opinion anyway. I have my thoughts on all of these questions. But I'm keeping them to myself. These are just a few of my thoughts, to get your mind going.. It's really something to think about and consider before looking into WLS.. or even starting a new diet, or seeing a new doctor.. Nothing will work if you don't have enough motivation/determination.
I could go into the whole food can be a real addiction discussion.. or people are raised a certain way.. you can't teach an old dog new tricks, whatever.... But really.. with enough determination, I'd like to think anything can be done..
Now people just need to find the discipline/determination/motivation/inspiration to accomplish what they want/need to accomplish. What will it take to do that or get to that point?
Have a great day. <3
-Ashley
www.facebook.com/justashley1637
ashleyellen1637@aol.com
Monday, April 2, 2012
What to bring to the hospital..!!
Here are my blogs about the day of surgery, and the hospital stay (3 days total.. including day I had surgery) if anyone is interested. (:
http://ourfightnow.blogspot.com/2011/08/surgery-day.html
http://ourfightnow.blogspot.com/2011/09/hospital-stay.html
Now, on to the post....
When I went, i didn't pack obsessively or anything the day before.. I used (almost) everything I brought. and didn't really need anything that wasn't provided. So to put your mind at ease, here's a list of what the hospital had already provided for me.. (check with whatever hospital you're having surgery at.. because it may be different there..!)
Oh. and I did manage to fit all of that into one black backpack that I used to use for school. I think my mom brought more than me in more bags.. and she was only there half the time I was.. (Thankfully.. she honestly REALLY got on my nerves.. She's a nurse.. trying to play nurse/doctor lady on me.. I was a bitch to her when I was drugged up.. It was crazy.)
So yeah.. Maybe those lists helped you figure out what you need to bring to the hospital to have surgery.. Keep in mind it all also depends on how long you're staying.. I stayed a total of 3 days.. I went in around 5am friday. went into surgery around 7:45am friday. then I left about 1pm on Sunday. Some people stay longer, others stay less.. (although all the nurses and doctors seemed surprized i was ready to leave on the 3rd day.. They were planning on me staying one more day at least.)
Alrighty then. I think that's about it. Have a great day. (:
-Ashley
ashleyellen1637@aol.com
www.twitter.com/ashleyohara_ (don't forget the underscore.. for some reason it wont let me add it into the url)
www.facebook.com/justashley1637
<3
http://ourfightnow.blogspot.com/2011/08/surgery-day.html
http://ourfightnow.blogspot.com/2011/09/hospital-stay.html
Now, on to the post....
When I went, i didn't pack obsessively or anything the day before.. I used (almost) everything I brought. and didn't really need anything that wasn't provided. So to put your mind at ease, here's a list of what the hospital had already provided for me.. (check with whatever hospital you're having surgery at.. because it may be different there..!)
- Toothbrush.
- Toothpaste.
- Blankets.
- Pillows.
- Soap.
- Towels to shower with if needed (I didn't until I got home..)
- Aquaphor (a vaseline type product.. it was a freaking life saver.. my lips got so dry. It definatley helped. a ton.)
- Drinks (you can't really eat in the hospital.. lol.)
- Medications (if needed.. i was swallowing pills while still in the hospital. But I didn't bring any of mine with me.. They had them on file and brought them to me from the pharmacy or whatever, there.
- Internet access.
- They gave me a word-search book to do pre-op while i was waiting.. i still have it.. haha.
- And a gown. they also had socks with grips on the bottom, and like.. sleep pants available. I spent most of my time in a gown, and sleep shorts that i brought from home, though.
- The clothes I was wearing at the time.. (Grey cotton Shorts, bra/underwear, tank top, and a cardigan, and flip flops.)
- My laptop & Charger.
- My Ipod & Charger.
- My cell phone & charger.
- a notebook and pen (and a few sharpies.. i love drawing with them.. no clue why.)
- my meter to test my blood sugar.
- some hair elastics/ties and a headband.
- a retainer for my nose piercing (a plastic clear thing you put through it.. they have them for every piercing possible.. i didn't want to risk mine closing up during surgery and my anesthesiologist allowed me to keep the plastic retainer in..
- My nose stud.. to put back in when i woke up..
- Insurance cards and stuff like that.
- chapstick
- deoderant
- face wash (acne wash..)
- perfume/body spray/mist stuff.
- hair brush.
- eyeliner and mascara.
- differin (Rx acne medication)
- wallet
- a pair of pajama shorts, change of underwear, and 2 tank tops.
- (I bought a hospital t-shirt while i was there.. more of a reminder type thing. but i ended up wearing it on the way home.)
- and headphones.
Oh. and I did manage to fit all of that into one black backpack that I used to use for school. I think my mom brought more than me in more bags.. and she was only there half the time I was.. (Thankfully.. she honestly REALLY got on my nerves.. She's a nurse.. trying to play nurse/doctor lady on me.. I was a bitch to her when I was drugged up.. It was crazy.)
So yeah.. Maybe those lists helped you figure out what you need to bring to the hospital to have surgery.. Keep in mind it all also depends on how long you're staying.. I stayed a total of 3 days.. I went in around 5am friday. went into surgery around 7:45am friday. then I left about 1pm on Sunday. Some people stay longer, others stay less.. (although all the nurses and doctors seemed surprized i was ready to leave on the 3rd day.. They were planning on me staying one more day at least.)
Alrighty then. I think that's about it. Have a great day. (:
-Ashley
ashleyellen1637@aol.com
www.twitter.com/ashleyohara_ (don't forget the underscore.. for some reason it wont let me add it into the url)
www.facebook.com/justashley1637
<3
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Fear of needles?
Personally, I don't have one.. I have absolutely no problem with needles.. I've grown up being stuck to test my blood sugar 3 times a day since i was 7 years old, and I have multiple piercings (currently I only have my nose, and 4 on each ear.. but total, i've had 7 on each ear, my nose,my bellybutton, and my lip.. 3 of which i did myself..) and a tattoo on my wrist... and i willingly get a b12 shot once a month, instead of a daily vitamin..
But I know a lot of people who do.. My little brother has to take a growth hormogne injection every day, because he has growth hormogne defiency.. and he still is terrified of them, even though he's taken them majority of his life.
And my best friend passed out getting her nose pierced.. she's terrified of doctors.. not sure how she managed to build up the nerve to even walk into the piercing place.. haha.
But anyways.. Basically with surgery, or metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, whatever... even just getting tested for it, a lot of blood is drawn, and what not.. so this is basically what happens, to ease the nerves of some people:
Getting blood drawn:
(keep in mind some nurses who draw the blood do these steps slightly out of order..)
*They'll put a rubber thing around your arm.. if you know you're going to have blood drawn, wear a shirt with sleeves thatcan berolled up, so they can put it over that.. otherwise it pinches your skin alittle bit.. if not, it's not that bad.. its bareable.. and definatley will distract you from the needle..
*they'll put gloves on, and wipe off the area with a rubbing alcohol pad... then pat it dry with gauze. they'll feel around for a good vain to use, too.
*they'll pull the needle/tubing out, and take a capoff.. they'll pull out a few tubes too, that the blood goes in...
*then they'll either count, or they'll just do it... they may ask you.. but they'll push it in.. and just leave it there... switching tubes out of the plasticthing that is hooked onto the needle.. (i don't know the terminology... sorry.. haha.)
*when it's done.they'll stop, they'll take gauze, press down, pull the needle, out, and put a bandage over it... and you're done.
Getting an IV:
*they'll put on rubber gloves, clean off your arm/hand/wherevertheivisgoing with a rubbing alcohol pad.. pat it dry with gauze, or let it air dry... they'll take the needle that is attached to tubing (usually... and the needle is usually a bitthinner than the one you get blood drawn with.) and takethe cap off.
*they'll feel around for a good vain t ouse,lightly pressing on your skin.. (although i'm not entirely sure why.. i can't imagine it helps much.. theres no way it's easy to feel any vains... unless you can see them like on your wrist.. in my experience, anyway.. haha.)
*they'll push it in carefully, and tape it down.. you honestly don't feel it unless you bang it against something orpresss on it.. unless it's in a really awkward spot where if you bend your elbow or wrist you mayfeel it a little.. but that's only happened to me a few times.
Taking blood sugar:
*This is something you do yourself, typically... but this is basically what you do:
*put a clean lancet in the thing that you stick yourself with.. test it to makesure its in properly..
*put a test strip in the meter.
*wash your hands.. some people wipe off their fingers with rubbing alcohol... i don't.
*press the tip of it to your finger(or arm or wherever you do it..) and don't press hard against it, don't ahve it too far away.. just keep it resting on your skin.. if onyour finger, like i do, have it towards the tip, on the side of the finger..
*hit the button. it'll prick you really quickly.. and thats it. pull it away and blood should be on your finger.. you only need a little dot.
*press the test strip to the dot of blood.. wait for it to fill up.. and in a few seconds the number will appear on the screen.
no big deal. (:
-------------------------------
Keep in mind no one is perfect.. if someone is drawing blood or putting an iv in, don't be surprized if they can't hit a vain the first time.. they may have to move it while it's in your arm, or try again. You want to try and do what they do? good luck!
Tips for getting through it:
*personally, it helps me if i watch... but i've been told that is borderline insanity.. peopel are surprized when i say that.. that holds true for not only blood drawing, iv's, etc.. but tattoos and piercings too.. haha. but... anyways..
*don't look. hold a conversatoin with someone, orlook at some small detail of something...
*don't hold your braethe either... remember to breathe.
*hold someones hand if you're really feeling anxious. squeeze if you need too.
*try and stay relaxed..they're not out to get you. remember why you're having it done and why it's important.
And if youra parent with a child going through this? If they want to look.. let them look. I have seen two other kids before who wanted to look, and the nurses didn't let them, or their parents didn't let them, and the kids spazzed out.... i was in the room with one of them.. i eventually just blurted out "let the girl look" and everything was perfectly fine.. and the girl (and mom.. and nurse..) thanked me for that, later.. --- but if your child isn't bordering crazy liek me? (; haha. i hate to say bribe... but it works... say they can get a cool sticker afterwards, or if they're a big girl or boy and let the nurse do what she needs to do (draw blood, iv, etc...) that they'll get to watch a movie with you when theyg et home... or oposite: say big girls and boys have t oget this done sometimes.. tell them if they're mature about it then it'll make them a big girl/boy.. (all of this depends on the age ofthe chidl, obviously..)
Hope this helps. (: have a great day/night.
-ashley.
P.S. sorry for any spelling/grammar errors.. it is 2:35am as i'm finishing this up now.. I can't sleep. I'm heading to the hospital tomorrow morning (or today i guess.) for a 6month follow up from my VSG and i have to get up at 6am anyways... so i'm not asleep now.. what's the point in sleeping? lol. alright. bye(:
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ashleyellen1637@aol.com (:
But I know a lot of people who do.. My little brother has to take a growth hormogne injection every day, because he has growth hormogne defiency.. and he still is terrified of them, even though he's taken them majority of his life.
And my best friend passed out getting her nose pierced.. she's terrified of doctors.. not sure how she managed to build up the nerve to even walk into the piercing place.. haha.
But anyways.. Basically with surgery, or metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, whatever... even just getting tested for it, a lot of blood is drawn, and what not.. so this is basically what happens, to ease the nerves of some people:
Getting blood drawn:
(keep in mind some nurses who draw the blood do these steps slightly out of order..)
*They'll put a rubber thing around your arm.. if you know you're going to have blood drawn, wear a shirt with sleeves thatcan berolled up, so they can put it over that.. otherwise it pinches your skin alittle bit.. if not, it's not that bad.. its bareable.. and definatley will distract you from the needle..
*they'll put gloves on, and wipe off the area with a rubbing alcohol pad... then pat it dry with gauze. they'll feel around for a good vain to use, too.
*they'll pull the needle/tubing out, and take a capoff.. they'll pull out a few tubes too, that the blood goes in...
*then they'll either count, or they'll just do it... they may ask you.. but they'll push it in.. and just leave it there... switching tubes out of the plasticthing that is hooked onto the needle.. (i don't know the terminology... sorry.. haha.)
*when it's done.they'll stop, they'll take gauze, press down, pull the needle, out, and put a bandage over it... and you're done.
Getting an IV:
*they'll put on rubber gloves, clean off your arm/hand/wherevertheivisgoing with a rubbing alcohol pad.. pat it dry with gauze, or let it air dry... they'll take the needle that is attached to tubing (usually... and the needle is usually a bitthinner than the one you get blood drawn with.) and takethe cap off.
*they'll feel around for a good vain t ouse,lightly pressing on your skin.. (although i'm not entirely sure why.. i can't imagine it helps much.. theres no way it's easy to feel any vains... unless you can see them like on your wrist.. in my experience, anyway.. haha.)
*they'll push it in carefully, and tape it down.. you honestly don't feel it unless you bang it against something orpresss on it.. unless it's in a really awkward spot where if you bend your elbow or wrist you mayfeel it a little.. but that's only happened to me a few times.
Taking blood sugar:
*This is something you do yourself, typically... but this is basically what you do:
*put a clean lancet in the thing that you stick yourself with.. test it to makesure its in properly..
*put a test strip in the meter.
*wash your hands.. some people wipe off their fingers with rubbing alcohol... i don't.
*press the tip of it to your finger(or arm or wherever you do it..) and don't press hard against it, don't ahve it too far away.. just keep it resting on your skin.. if onyour finger, like i do, have it towards the tip, on the side of the finger..
*hit the button. it'll prick you really quickly.. and thats it. pull it away and blood should be on your finger.. you only need a little dot.
*press the test strip to the dot of blood.. wait for it to fill up.. and in a few seconds the number will appear on the screen.
no big deal. (:
-------------------------------
Keep in mind no one is perfect.. if someone is drawing blood or putting an iv in, don't be surprized if they can't hit a vain the first time.. they may have to move it while it's in your arm, or try again. You want to try and do what they do? good luck!
Tips for getting through it:
*personally, it helps me if i watch... but i've been told that is borderline insanity.. peopel are surprized when i say that.. that holds true for not only blood drawing, iv's, etc.. but tattoos and piercings too.. haha. but... anyways..
*don't look. hold a conversatoin with someone, orlook at some small detail of something...
*don't hold your braethe either... remember to breathe.
*hold someones hand if you're really feeling anxious. squeeze if you need too.
*try and stay relaxed..they're not out to get you. remember why you're having it done and why it's important.
And if youra parent with a child going through this? If they want to look.. let them look. I have seen two other kids before who wanted to look, and the nurses didn't let them, or their parents didn't let them, and the kids spazzed out.... i was in the room with one of them.. i eventually just blurted out "let the girl look" and everything was perfectly fine.. and the girl (and mom.. and nurse..) thanked me for that, later.. --- but if your child isn't bordering crazy liek me? (; haha. i hate to say bribe... but it works... say they can get a cool sticker afterwards, or if they're a big girl or boy and let the nurse do what she needs to do (draw blood, iv, etc...) that they'll get to watch a movie with you when theyg et home... or oposite: say big girls and boys have t oget this done sometimes.. tell them if they're mature about it then it'll make them a big girl/boy.. (all of this depends on the age ofthe chidl, obviously..)
Hope this helps. (: have a great day/night.
-ashley.
P.S. sorry for any spelling/grammar errors.. it is 2:35am as i'm finishing this up now.. I can't sleep. I'm heading to the hospital tomorrow morning (or today i guess.) for a 6month follow up from my VSG and i have to get up at 6am anyways... so i'm not asleep now.. what's the point in sleeping? lol. alright. bye(:
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www.justashley1637.tumblr.com
ashleyellen1637@aol.com (:
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.
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