Gaining Weight

I AM GAINING WEIGHT!!! (5lbs)

It is devastating but true and I don't know what to do. The pattern that was set early on with many meals over the day, due to the fact that I couldn't eat much at each meal is starting to be a problem because now I can eat more at each sitting. As a result, I am eating more often and bigger quantities. Ergo...weight gain. The bigger issue is, I can't stop. Since Gastric Bypass Surgery, I now have a much stronger appetite. I can't control it. I get weak and it feels like I haven't eaten in weeks. I have to eat. My levi's are getting tighter and I can just feel it happening. HELP!!!

I am going to try and dial it back a bit. I will keep you all posted.

Take a look at the graphs for weight loss and, statistically speaking, a weight bounce after the surgery is not uncommon. But, it is depressing beyond anything that I can describe. Not to mention, I am sure that many folks will look at this and think I have lost my mind to put on weight.

Gout and Gastric Bypass

I reviewed my recent visits and found a lot of people wanted to know about gout and gastric bypass. I can count on one hand the number of times that I have had a gout attack after my surgery. I also think that I have connected Turkey as one of my gout attack trigger foods. But, the gout is much much better. That is the upside.

Downside, after the surgery you will probably have one of the worst gout attacks that you will ever have. I could not walk or straighten my leg for days. It was absolutely excruciating and went on for an eternity. Once it cleared up, that was it. I went two years without a single attack. I have also been on allupurinol for as long as I can remember.

I think I posted once before, the only relief to my gout pain was to have a steroid injected directly under my knee cap. It was just horrible.

Nail Problems

I have mentioned several times that my nails have stopped growing and believe that it is because I do not take my calcium on a regular basis. Well, I noticed my toe nails had not only stopped growing but that they were beginning to almost thin and disappear. One was splitting through the center and it is almost as if they are disappearing. They are much thinner and haven't grown in weeks. When I really begin to notice it, I freaked out. I know, I know. I am being stupid, just take your vitamins and I agree. But, I don't do it. But, I promise from this day forward I am going to take the calcium.

I am posting this to let you guys know about my struggles and what I am going through. This blog is here so that people understand what you go through and the struggles that you deal with after gastric bypass.

At some point in the future, I am going to talk about the B12 injections but that is a post for another day.

I also noticed that this blog is getting a TON of visitors now. I am glad that my struggles might help someone one day make the decision on having this surgery. For the new visitors, go back to the beginning of the blog and read the first few posts. It details the struggles that I went through with insurance and then the surgery. Also, discusses the surgeon and the challenges that I had with UAB and the Kirklin Clinic.

Lap Band Problems

I have a friend that had the lap band and ended up with scarring around the band. Lost some weight and gained it back, then had the scarring to deal with. Ended up having to go back in and do the gastric bypass. Insurance would not pay and so it came out of his pocket. Glad that I went with the Gastric Bypass.

Gout Attack

One thing I forgot to mention earlier, I had another massive gout attack in December,2010 and followed by one in February. Huge attacks and not able to walk. Beginning to think that it is the turkey at thanksgiving that trigger it. I cooked another turkey in January and had an attack right after. Not sure, but this seems to be the culprit.

Annual Post!!!

I continue to weigh in at around 190 lbs. and no real change there. I did put on some weight over the Christmas Holidays but quickly lost it. I have stopped taking my vitamins and calcium but continue the B12 injections. I know that I should be on the vitamins but I just keep forgetting. Probably not a good thing. I notice that my nails do not grow (AT ALL) without the calcium.

I continue to struggle with the attacks of what acts like low blood sugar but the doc told me it was Dumping Syndrome. It can come on suddenly and it stops you in your tracks. You will not function once this attack happens. You are going to lay down and you will not have an option. Cold Sweats and no energy. I can't even raise my hand! It last about 30 minutes to an hour. It is horrible. But, only happens occassionally and usually when I eat sweets and most especially sweets early in the morning. I have NO tolerance for dairy. It makes me violently ill, even in very small quantities.

At this point, I have completely adjusted to my new life and new body. It was the best decision that I could have made and now, 2.5 years later --- I do no regret it. Keep in mind, it took me about 18 mos to get to a "I don't regret it" place but I am there now.

Marriage has adjusted and we are still together.

By the way, heard that Clements left Kirklin Clinic - UAB. Not that it matters, but he is an excellent doctor.

Lastly, I stopped going to the gym. But, I am going to pick it back up.

It's Been Awhile

Sorry for not communicating with everyone for such a long time. My weight is now 190 lbs.

I am now in a size 34 pants, haven't been there since I was a teenager. Started to the gym last year and I have continued in that for several months. B12 got really low and so I started injections. Not a big fan but no choice on that. Struggling with the vitamins and taking them "most" of the time. Found some gummies in WalMart that are easier to take.

I have problems with severe diarhea and I take immodium daily that seems to stop it. My biggest problem is severe tailbone pain that seems to be typical of GB patients. I also have severe lower back pain that stopped shortly after the surgery and then started again last year. I continue to struggle with sleep apnea and intend to do a sleep study later in the year.

I can now eat normal sized meals with no problem. But, milk and sweets send me over the edge. I have a problem with early morning meals but that goes away after the first meal. If I eat that first meal fast or sometimes without any reason at all, I get sick. Plus, I can't eat a lot early in the morning.

My wife says I have a different personality and I have changed. Not sure. I am slower to anger and my disposition is a lot more mellow. Last week, I went on vacation and was able to climb one of those fake rock walls at the amusement park. I got higher than my 9 year old son. So, I am in good shape now.

Honestly, the whole surgery thing is a distant memory and now I am just living life.