Sin City, A Place of Victory!

It's Monday morning... Just two more nights til I am off to the fabulous Las Vegas also known by many as Sin City. I can only assume it has received its nick name from the various "in your face" taboos. Known for prostitution, gambling, unplanned marriages and alcohol, Vegas is also an amazing place to see shows, eat great food and do things you have never done before!

This will be my second trip to Las Vegas, my first one being last May for the last WLSFA Meet and Greet in 2011. Last May, I was healthy enough to truly enjoy all the wonderful things Vegas has to offer. I was 7 months post my Sleeve and down a significant amount of weight already. I was able to walk up and down the Vegas strip without being in pain and see all the free shows. Mt biggest victory of course was riding the roller coaster at the New York, NY hotel! I hadn't been able to fit in a coaster since I was 16!

So here we are, less then 3 days away from Vegas and I am getting excited for this whole new adventure. This year I am sure a whole new set of victories awaits me. Thursday night I plan on going Zip Lining at Flightlinez on Freemont Street with some of my Bariatric Bad Girls! Zip lining is always something I have wanted to try but never could because I was always over the weight limit. NOT ANYMORE!!! I am also excited nervous ready to bust out my brand new, non plus size bathing suit and catch some sun on Thursday and Friday afternoon. Meet me by the pool and come say HI!

I can only wonder what other adventures this weekend will bring. I know some will be getting tattoos. Others will be catching a show or star watching, as I hear the MGM Awards will be taking place in Vegas on Sunday.

Personally, I am looking forward to seeing old friends, making new ones and having a wonderful and supportive vacation!

Can't wait to see you there!

xoxo
Sleeve Pixie

I Am Not DONE!

Today I want to talk to you about the reality many of us live with, being a revision patient. I know, that as a revision patient there is a good chance my weight loss will be slower and less than someone who has had WLS for the first time. I am even more than ok with this. I am and continue to be realistic about my weight loss both in regards to amount and time frame.

I have lost a nice chunk of weight relatively quickly, as far as I am concerned with my sleeve and I am very happy with it, but every time I stall, I can't help but to find myself thinking... AM I DONE?

I know stalls are part of weight loss and I do not expect to lose every single day. But I do expect to lose something every single week. even if it is a half a pound. I expect to lose every week. This is probably not realistic as stalls DO happen. I just broke out of a two week long stall This morning. I was holding steady at 281.4 for the last two weeks! Literally, two weeks down to the day! This morning, BOOM 279.6! Awesome!

TWO WEEKS!!! That is really a drop in the bucket of time... Why am I freaking out? Because I am a revision patient. I failed 5 billion diets... The Lap-Band didnt work out.... Dare I say it... WHAT IF I FAIL AGAIN??? *covers eyes*

So the thought comes to me... What if, this is it. What if I am done?? When is the other shoe going to drop?? After about 10 minutes of this thinking I have to wake up and knock it off! I AM NOT DONE!

It is however time to take an inventory...
1. Am I drinking all my water? I have been a little lax the past few days....
2. Am I getting all my protein? I think so... Maybe It's time to start logging for a few days just to make sure...
3. Am I exercising? Not as much as I should....
4. Have I been stressed out lately? ABSOLUTELY!!!
5. Have I bean eating too much or not enough? Probably not enough food to be completely honest... which probably means I am not getting in all my protein even though everything I eat is protein and veggies lately.

These are the questions I ask myself. Time to change it up a bit... two days ago, I took my hubby on a nice long walk around the neighborhood. Yesterday I was running around all day so did some more walking just because I had to. I worked really hard to get my water in the past two days and have started to make sure I am eating more! BAM... Stall is GONE! This is possible! I am NOT done!

Sometimes we just have to kick out those nasty thoughts and get into gear! Here are some other tips to breaking a stall 

xoxo
Sleeve Pixie

Long Island's FIRST Medical and Surgical Weight Loss Expo!!!

Join us for the Medical & Surgical Weight Loss Expo!

Free if you pre-register!! Register online at

http://www.newyorkbariatrics.com/Expo/
Don't forget to tell them RACHEL LEBOWITZ sent you!!

If you are interested in losing weight, considering weight loss surgery or have had surgery—The Expo is a must attend! Focusing on a total body solution - the presenters, exhibitors and demonstrators include products and services which will help you get on or stay on track for a new and healthier you!

Throughout the day, two seminar tracks will be presented by medical professionals who are dedicated to making a difference in helping New Yorkers with discussions on healthcare issues commonly associated with obesity. Exhibitors will include weight loss products and services, post-operative products, healthcare screenings, fitness and cooking demonstrations and a gala fashion show!

Take Back Your Life. Take Back Your Health.

Register Today! Register online at http://www.newyorkbariatrics.com/Expo/
Don't forget to tell them RACHEL LEBOWITZ sent you!!

50+ Medical Professional Exhibitors
Healthcare Screenings
Cooking Lighter Demonstrations
Fitness Demonstrations
Gala Fashion Show
Nutritional & Weight Loss Exhibitors
Post-Operative Support Exhibitors
Free Weight Loss Product Samples
Prizes, Music & Giveaways and more
ALL DAY EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS BY MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS

Weight Loss Educational Seminars
Weight Loss Surgery and Revisional Seminars
Post-Operative Seminars (including plastic surgery, staying on track)
DON’T MISS LONG ISLAND’S FIRST MEDICAL & SURGICAL WEIGHT LOSS EXPO!

Date: Saturday, May 21, 2011
Place: Uniondale Marriott, Long Island New York
Time: 10.00 AM - 4.00 PM

FREE ADMISSION FOR THOSE WHO REGISTER BEFORE THE EVENT!
Register online at http://www.newyorkbariatrics.com/Expo/
Don't forget to tell them RACHEL LEBOWITZ sent you!!
$5.00 Admission the day of the event.

Have a question on the event? Email us (expoquestion@newyorkbariatrics.com)

For information on exhibiting, please contact Lisa at 516.662.1762 or email
(exhibits@newyorkbariatrics.com)

What's in Your Box?

While I was away on this super amazing and long road trip, I found myself in MANY a restaurant. Fatz, O'Charleys, Main Street Deli, JPeters, Black Horse Pub, PF Changs, Eclipse Di Luna etc etc etc... At every place I found myself leaving with a box of left overs...

Did I ever mention I don't like leftovers?? They just never reheat and taste as good as they started as... But that's neither her nor there... The point of tonights blog is this... When you dine out, most meals come with a soup or salad and a side dish on top of the meal you want. I always chose a protein for dinner whether it be steak or fish or the occasional chicken finger... I can only eat about 4oz of food in one sitting so what the heck am I gonna do with a side salad and a side of sweet potato? In the box they go along with prob 3/4 of my protein that I just couldn't eat.

Now on the other hand... I have seen other post-ops fill up on salad, bread, soup, or even the side dish and neglect the protein. I'm not saying Salad is a bad meal, by any stretch, but how do we draw the line and get in 60+ grams of protein, plus fruits and veggies?

For me, I eat every 2 hours give or take... I try to make 4 out my 6 meals just protein. the other two I leave open to salad, fruit, good carbs and the occasional guilty pleasure. For me, the salad always goes in a box... What's in your box?

Sleeve Pixie wants to know!

Thought For Today... One Pound

WOW!!! I have lost 75lbs in the last 5 months with my VSG (and VSG pre-op diet)... That is awesome! I have lost 101lbs since I started my WLS journey and I only have another 110lbs to lose for my personal goal. When I started this journey I had over 200lbs to lose to reach a healthy weight. I never ever in a million years thought it was possible. I'm not looking at the next 100lbs I'm just looking at the next POUND... just one single teeny tiny little POUND eventually each little, tiny, seemingly insignificant will equal my goal weight.

Have you ever started walking, saw your destination up the road a piece and thought to yourself.. "That is just sooo far! I don't know if I can/should/want to walk there." I'm sure you have at one point... Have you ever tried the trick of looking at the floor when you walk and watching your steps? No?? Try it!!

Next time you have to walk some where, walk there while looking at the steps you take. Walk for 30 seconds this way, I promise you when you look up. You will be surprised at how far you have come :-)

Just a pound at a time!
Sleeve Pixie

Obesity Help New York Conference!!

Me with Connie Stapleton

Save $30 off of the Long Island, NY Obesity Help Conference with coupon code LEBOWITZNY11


Every year Obesity Help holds roughly 3-5 conferences around the country for people who have had or are looking into weight loss surgery. This year one of those conferences will be in NY, on Long Island on October 21-22. 

The conference features a mixture of professionals such as Connie Stapleton (psychologist - one of my favs), Chef Dave Fouts (bariatric chef), Dr Garth Davis (from Big medicine), Dr. Alvarez (the mexico surgeon - another one of my favs) and Dr. Katzen (one of the most famous bariatric post op plastic surgeons) and a few post-ops who share their stories, wisdom etc... 

Just me and Melting Mama showing some love!

One of the best parts of these conferences is ability to meet other post-ops and be in environment that is truly unique. Everyone is at a different stage in their weight loss and everyone knows what its like to be fat. Each conference is closed with a fashion show and night of fun dancing. I have been to 3 in the past 2 years and I looking forward to attending all 3 conferences this year! 

Me and Dr. Alvarez

Because I have gone through OH support group leader training, OH gives me a discount code to pass out to my friends and support group members. This code is good for $30 off of the $75 price of the conference. Each person who registers under my code also receives a free OH t-shirt and tote bag :-) 




To purchase your ticket for the New York Obesity Help Conference at the super low price of $45 plus a Free OH t-shirt and OH Tote Bag Follow this link and make sure to use my discount code LebowitzNY11


Sexy in the City!
    October 21-22
The New York Conference will be held in the
Hauppauge Sheraton <- Click to book a room! 
Sheraton Long Island - $119+tax per night
110 Motor Parkway
Hauppauge, NY 11788
(631) 231-1100

If you would like more info or have any questions leave a comment below!
I hope you consider coming! 
Can't wait to see you there! 
xoxo
Sleeve Pixie

NSAIDS: VSG Friendly?

Why are we talking so much about NSAIDs lately? Everyone has an opinion on whether or not we can take em. By "we" I mean the VSGers. Even doctors can't seem to agree on the facts. When I had my band I waas popping Aleve like candy... 500mg in one shot 4 times a day. It's a miracle I don't have an ulcer.

So I did some breif research this morning about the FACTS on NSAID use. Once you have the facts you can decide if NSAID use is for you.

What exactly is an NSAID? NSAIDs are Non-Steroidal Anti Inflamitory Drugs known for their ability to reduce fever and provide pain relief. They are non narcotic, but lemme tell you they can be addictive.

What is the problem with NSAIDs?  The problem with NSAIDs are the damage they can cause to the inner lining of your stomach. They can wear the lining down and cause ulcers.

"The second major cause for ulcers is irritation of the stomach arising from regular use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. NSAIDs are available over-the-counter (OTC) and by prescription" ~American College of Gastroenterology.

What are the Complications of Ulcers? Bleeding, Obstruction and Perforation
Bleeding: Internal bleeding in the stomach or the duodenum.

• Bleeding is never a good thing clearly. If the bleed is in the duodenum, we have a chance to possibly convert to a DS, but if the bleed is in the stomach... Well we don't have much less. With a full stomach we have more room to play and most consider the benefits to outweigh the risks. We only have 20% of our stomach left friends.... Not much to play with there... Do the benefits of NSAIDs still outweigh the risks?

Perforation: When ulcers are left untreated, digestive juices and stomach acid can literally eat a hole in the intestinal lining, a serious medical problem that requires hospitalization, and often surgery.

• Again... we have 20% of our stomach left!!!! Why risk it? We have to save it for a potential rainy day!

Obstruction: Swelling and scarring from an ulcer may close the outlet of the stomach, preventing food to pass and causing vomiting and weight loss.

• Ok, I didn't know this until recently... Has your surgeon showed you what a bougie looks like?? Below you will see a picture sent to me by Dr. Alvarez, of a 32fr Bougie.
• Picture of 32 French Bougie... Its the clear thing in the middle... If you don't understand what a bougie is or why is used for VSG surgery... Here is a quick explanation... The bougie is place in through your esophagus into your stomach and used as a guide for the surgeon to staple. Basically the bougie decides the size of your new sleeve. As you can see below, the bougie is barely bigger than a pen.
•  Not very much there to save or work with. I would imagine it would be fairly simple and quick for an ulcer to work its way through our new stomach and cause a hole... It is possible for ulcers to heal... but again look at the size of the inside of your stomach... How much scar tissue do you think it would take to cause an obstruction? I'd gather not that much!

Can you see why this may be problematic for VSGers?

So now you can make an educated decision is to whether or not NSAID's are good for you!
They are not for me. If you do NEED to take NSAIDs for heart health and things of that nature... There are medications that can be taken in conjunction with NSAID to lower your risk. Talk to your doctor :-)

Here is a list of all of the OTC (Over the Counter) NSAIDs out there. For a more complete list of both OTC and perscription NSAIDs Click Here!

Over-the-Counter NSAIDs
OTC Brand Name	Generic Name	Dose
Actron®	ketoprofen	1-6 pills/day, (up to 75 mg/day)
Advil®	ibuprofen	1-6 pills/day, (up to 1,200 mg/day)
Aleve®	naproxen sodium	1-3 pills/day*, (up to 660 mg/day)
Bayer®	aspirin	1-12 pills/day, (up to 4,000 mg/day)
Ecotrin®	aspirin	1-12 pills/day, (up to 4,000 mg/day)
Excedrin®	aspirin, acetaminophen and caffeine	2-8 pills/day, (up to 2,000 mg/day aspirin, 2,000 mg/day acetaminophen, and 520 mg/day caffeine)
Motrin IB®	ibuprofen	1-6 pills/day, (up to 1,200 mg/day)
Nuprin®	ibuprofen	1-6 pills/day, (up to 1,200 mg/day)
Orudis KT®	ketoprofen	1-6 pills/day, (up to 75 mg/day)
*2-pill limit for patients over age 65.

TO OUR HEALTH!

Sleeve Pixie

Happy Surgiversary To ME!

WOW!!!! Just Sayin.... I never really noticed the difference until I put these two pics side by side. This pic isn't even the thinnest, just the most recent full length pic I have, about a month old. I will try to take another updated picture sometime Today. 

3 months post sleeve... In 3 months I have lost 64lbs! that is double what I lost in 2.5 years with the lapband! The surgiversary gods must not have favored me this morning because my scale still says 300.2. Maybe one day I will shake that .2 plus some and make it into TWODERVILLE! Then again, my brother got on the scale yesterday and said it's broken because it told him he lost 30lbs in two weeks. So I will have an official accurate weight tomorrow when I see my surgeon :-)

In 2 years and 10 months pot my first WLS I am down a total of 91lbs!! Century Card, HERE I COME!!!

Review: Successful Weight Loss with the Gastric Sleeve

The VSG or Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy has become increasing popular in 2010 with the rise in insurance company approval. For those of you who don't know what the Sleeve is...

"The Gastric Sleeve is a restrictive surgical procedure done through laparoscopy in which a percentage of the stomach is taken out. Depending on the surgeon, this resection may be between 60-80% of the stomach." ~Alvarez, 2010, p14

In the book, Successful Weight Loss with the Gastric Sleeve, Dr. Guillermo Alvarez takes the reader on a basic journey of the VSG surgery and educates his audience on many of the questions we may have.

I remember hearing the buzz on the Obesity Help VSG board that the "Mexico surgeon" was writing a book on the Sleeve. I started doing some research on this "Mexico Doctor" who I now know to be Doctor Alvarez, and learned that he is one of the leading surgeons on this continent to be performing the sleeve. A few days later, I messaged Dr. Alvarez and learned he was going to be selling his book at the Houston, TX Obesity Help Conference 2010.

Funny story... I had the privilege and the pleasure of meeting Dr. Alvarez at the Houston, TX, Obesity Help conference this past November. I was all excited to head over to the Endobariatric booth and buy my copy of his book. I walked up and introduced myself to Dr. Alvarez and explained to him I was the one who messaged him the previous week to ask if his book would be for sale at the conference. It seemed he remembered me. He signed the book for me and gave it to me. When I went to pay him he told me it was a gift. I tried again to pay for the book and he refused. For the next 2 hours or so, I was so excited that this awesome surgeon, who everyone raves about gave me his book for FREE!!! Then I found out, Dr Alvarez was gifting his book to everyone at the conference! Oh well... I thought I was special. lol.

The point of that story, other than a small chuckle at my naive expense, is to show you one of the things I respect most about Dr. Alvarez. He could have made a few hundred dollars at that conference. But it's clear to me, that this surgeon really and truly cares about not only his patients, but the bariatric community as a whole. For those of you who know him as "the Mexico Surgeon" take the time to get to know him. He makes himself so accessible to our community via Facebook and Twitter.

"Dr. Guillermo Alvarez is a highly skilled Mexico bariatric surgery practitioner who specializes in numerous forms of laparoscopic bariatric surgery, including gastric sleeve surgery and Lap Band in Mexico. Dr. Alvarez started his bariatric surgery specialization early in his general surgery residency. He worked in several hospitals in the United States, France and Mexico during his residency and has subsequently dedicated his life to helping obese patients." ~ Endobariatric.com

The beginning of his book, Successful Weight Loss with the Gastric Sleeve, Alvarez starts off with a brief definition of obesity and the current "epidemic" our country is facing. Next an explanation of each of the popular surgical weight loss procedures that are available. The book also provides a basic image of what each finished surgery looks like. The writer goes on to to explain the Gastric Sleeve in greater detail, which includes providing a recent history of the surgery.

The bulk of this short educational book is information about life as a VSG post-op. Dr. Alvarez covers both pre-op and post-op diet, common risks, complications and complaints as well as vitamins and supplements and tips and guidelines for success.

One of my favorite parts of the book was the "Frequently Asked Questions" section. Dr. Alvarez took the time to answer over 50 frequently asked questions about the sleeve. Not only did he include this vital section in his book, he broke down these questions by Pre-op Questions, Hospital Stay Questions and Post-op Questions. Dr. Alvarez shyed away from nothing! He discussed, resuming sex after surgery, when you can drink again and even the infamous "Is my stomach going to burst!?" myth.

The book ends on a motivational note with several of Dr. Alvarez's sleeve patient testimonials and before and after pics! The book is written in lay language with very minimal medical jargon. All jargon is explained.

I have to say this is a great book! It was an easy and interesting read. I read the book cover to cover in one 70 minute sitting! 

Where to Buy:
This book can only be purchased directly from Endobariatric
Cost: $13.95 plus shipping

What people are saying:
"He [Dr. Alvarez] is a rockstar in the bariatric world, yet he takes the time to answer questions no matter how small." ~Waning Woman, fellow Blogger and sleeve sister

"I received my autographed copy in the mail this weekend. I was the monthly OH newsletter winner last month! I've already finished it. Loved it!!!" Chelle, sleeve sister

I hope you have enjoyed reading this review as much as I have enjoyed writing it!

Dr. Alvarez, thank you for all of your advice, encouragement and overall awesomeness!

xoxo,

Sleeve Pixie

Let Review Week Begin!!

This week all my blog posts will be reviews about recent products I have tried and absolutely love! I intend for my reviews to be honest giving both the pro's and cons (if any) of the product. I will make sure to explain to you the benefits of the items for our daily life and provide you with links and coupons if I have em!

I can't wait to share these reviews with you!
xoxo,
Sleeve Pixie

Dumping: A Reality of the Gastric Sleeve

So here I am, 26 minutes before the ball drops... and I am sick as a rabid dog. It is official... I have been in denial of this fact for a a little over a month and a half.

I AM A DUMPER!!! 

In fact, I am dumping as I type this blog entry. I feel gross.... So I am going to keep this short and sweet and go lie down.

The Mayo Clinic defines dumping syndrome as....

...a group of symptoms most likely to develop if you've had surgery to remove all or part of your stomach, or if your stomach has been surgically bypassed to help lose weight. occurs when the undigested contents of your stomach are transported or "dumped" into your small intestine too rapidly.

Generally we hear amongst the WLS community that sugar, carbs and fat will cause this to happen. For me this is true. I ate way too many carby audervs took 3 sips of alcohol and  topped it all off with pudding pie for dessert. I know, I know not the greatest choices but I am of the belief that this is not a diet but my life so if I want to eat pudding pie with my family on New Years Eve, then I am gonna do it! I am also going to accept that I will have to pay the piper for my actions. Believe me, I am not bitching. I am just telling you this happens.

The Symptoms of dumping may include all or some of the following:

1. Cramping or pain

2. Nausea

3. Diarrhea

4. Vomiting

5. Sweating

6. Fast Heart Rate

7. Tiredness

From the things I hear from my bypass friends... everyone experiences it differently. I get nausea, fast heart rate and tiredness.

Many surgeon's websites etc will tell you us sleevers don't dump because our Pylorus is preserved which is supposed to hold the food in our bananas but I have heard of many sleevers experience dumping. Last I checked it's about 3%. But that statistic is word of mouth and I have yet to find a study to verify that.

There is nothing, that I know of, you can do to stop the dumping episode once it's starts. You just have to wait it out and it will eventually pass. It is the worst feeling EVER!!!

I just wanted to throw that out there. It is NOT just bypassers!!! It is now 3 to midnight and I must go kiss my hubby for New Years.
Happy New Year!
xoxo
Sleeve Pixie

What is your New Years Resolution?

Enter December, the month for gift giving and receiving, for joy and charity and family. For some its a month filled with weight gain, drunk stupidity and/or relationship drama. It is also known as the Month when people start to think about their "failures" for the year and make resolutions to fix their real or perceived inferiorities in the year to come.

Making a resolution in my opinion, accomplishes one of two things. One, its is a just a way to shut your guilt up. If you feel guilty for not going to the gym enough, you say on December 30th... "SELF, in 2011, we are going to go to the gym 4 times every week!" Then you tell all your friends about your resolution and they nod and smile and some may even be honest enough to say, "Oh I wish I could do that too... but... I can't commit to so many times a week," but in all of their heads they are thinking... BULL SHIT! That Bish aint gonna last more than 2 weeks!

Two. It's a way to rationalize your behavior over the holidays. If you want to eat your piece of cake over the holidays, you will rationalize every bite with the stupid New Years Resolution. "Oh, I can totally eat the double chocolate fudge cake because I'm gonna go to the gym in 4x a week in 2011." "I can totally get wasted every night between Xmas and New Years Day because, well, obviously calories consumed during holiday season don't count. Besides, I made that resolution to hit the gym and burn off one drink per hour 4x a week in 2011."

Now let's get real! You and I both know... if going to the gym was THAT important to you you wouldn't wait til you were hungover on January 1st to go, you would go NOW! If you wanted to quit smoking, join weight watchers, the gym, have surgery finally, get that fill in your band etc etc etc you would do it NOW! Stop using your BS Resolution as your get out of jail free card.

A New years resolution is like starting your diet on Monday... Did you know there are 52 Mondays in a year? You are setting yourself up to fail ad feel horrible about yourself for not sticking to your resolution.

Instead of resolutions this year how bout we do something different. How bout we say to ourselves... This year, It is ok to gain 10lbs in the month of December. I will allow myself 3 bites of anything I want or a whole friggen piece of whatever I want and it wont mean I am a failure in life, WLS, weight watchers etc...

For 2011 lets set goals. Go right now and get a pen and paper..... I'm waiting.....
Got it?
GREAT!

Now write on the top my 2011 Goals.
Did you write it?
Good!

Now make a list of 3 goals you would like to accomplish this year. JUST 3!
Start each goal with the words... I WOULD BE SO HAPPY IF...
Make sure to skip a few line between each goal.
Here are mine....
1. I would be so happy if I weight less than 300lbs
2. I would be so happy if I was more active
3. I would be so happy if I got a social work job working for a bariatric surgeon/program

 We started by saying "I would be so happy if..." because that doesn't commit us to anything, doesn't berate us if we don't follow through, doesn't allow us to use it as an excuse or make a promise to ourself. Its just a simple statement of this is what would make me happy. Maybe, just maybe, your happiness will be a motivator.

Now go back to goal 1. Under your goal write... I can (insert goal here) if I (insert 2 activities here).
Do this for all three goals.

1. I would be so happy if I weight less than 300lbs

    I can weigh less than 300lbs if I measure my food daily and log my calories, carbs and protein daily.

2. I would be so happy if I was more active

    I can be more active if I walk the dogs with my husband and get a gym buddy.

3. I would be so happy if I got a social work job working for a bariatric surgeon/program

    I can get a social work job in a bariatric program if I get my resume together and send it out.

Now what you have done is implemented a reasonable plan to attain your goals. One more step... Go back to goal 1 and on the next line under your plan write.... If I don't (insert goal here) then (insert feeling, reaction here).

1. I would be so happy if I weight less than 300lbs

    I can weigh less than 300lbs if I measure my food daily and log my calories, carbs and protein daily.

    If I don't weight less than 300lbs then I will feel like a failure at surgery part 2 and resent my surgery.

2. I would be so happy if I was more active

    I can be more active if I walk the dogs with my husband and get a gym buddy.

    If I don't become more active, it is likely that I will not reach my first goal. 

3. I would be so happy if I got a social work job working for a bariatric surgeon/program

    I can get a social work job in a bariatric program if I get my resume together and send it out.

    If I don't get a job in a bariatric setting then I will get a job somewhere else. 

Now you have a goal, a plan to implement the goal and a motivator because you know you don't want to feel xyz or have reaction abc happen. For me. I have 5lbs to lose til I'm in twoderville so I know/assume goal 1 will happen eventually. I know if I don't get more active it is likely I wont reach goal, wont feel good about myself etc etc... If I don't land my dream job right now, which is possible I wont because most surgeons wont hire me til I reach goal, then I will have to settle for another job. These are my motivators. This is what I want to accomplish in 2011.

I hope you find this helpful to having a more meaningful 2011.

Happy New Years!

xoxo

Sleeve Pixie, LMSW!!!! 

PS.... For those of you who don't know, I have been MIA for the last 2 weeks studying 8-10 hours a day for my Licensing exam. I passed my licensing exam and I am now a Licensed Social Worker! What a great ending to 2010!!!

Journey Vitamins.. Best Vitamin for ALL Post-Ops?

Ok, so I will be the FIRST one to admit I know VERY LITTLE about how vitamins work and how they interact. I know a few of the simple rules that I have learned from my good friend Andrea. For those of you who don't know Andrea, you should check out her blog, PRONTO!

I DO know, based on a recent statement give by the founder of Journey Vitamins, Susan Maria, that Journey Vitamins are not for me or ANY other VSG patient for that matter. I wont bother to write out then entire statement because you can find that here, pending you have not been blocked as many of us have. You can and should also read her statement along with Andrea's comments here...

I do however have a few things to add to the blog that Andrea posted that is specific to us VSGers.

Let me start by sharing that I have become much more interested in vitamins since I learned of my severe vitamin D deficiency. As a Lap-Bander I never took a single vitamin. Not one in my whole 2.5 years as a post op. I was never told to. I watched my RNY friends take vitamins at every meal whether it be a multi or a calcium or iron and I knew that was just not for me. I would NEVER allow my life to be run by vitamins. I have to laugh as I think back to those days. Now as a Sleever, my life has drastically changed. I went into the procedure thinking it would be just like the band where I would not be required to take vitamins because I wouldn't be malabsorptive. Boy was I wrong... My routine now includes a multi vite twice a day, calcium, iron, b12, and D. What a mess... Throw in some Caraphate 3x a day and Nexium and I feel like there is no room left in my tummy for food. While I have to admit I struggle very much with getting it all in every day, I have found ways to help me. Its hard but not nearly impossible.

Enter stage left... Journey... 3 capsules twice a day sounds great compared to my current routine... Then it was time to take a closer look. I can't lie to you... I do not know enough to look at a vitamin label and say ok... these are good for me... Thats what Andrea is for :-) But based on the current statement written by Susan Maria even I can tell you to stay away!!

Journey Easy & Complete MultiFormula Capsules do not have that awful ‘vitamin smell’. Many people stop taking vitamins due to the terrible smell and repeating or burping B vitamins as well.

If you don't see it VSGers... here it is... Journey Vites are CAPSULES!! Capsules are NO GOOD for us!! Granted, some capsules can be opened and taken that way but...
a) I don't want to go to the hassle of opening 6 capsules a day when I can just swallow what I've already got.
b) To be honest I don't even know if we can take these out of the capsules.

Ok, so that isn't a deterrent for ya...

In addition to Journey’s Albion Ferrochel® Iron bisglycinate chelate not blocking uptake of Calcium or other minerals, it won’t cause the usual problems with stomach aches or constipation caused by other more commonly used forms of iron. Iron bisglycinate is often recommended by Hematologists for patients with anemia who are being treated with IV iron infusions.

Andrea said this so well it is worth being repeated! And I quote as Andrea said it, "Iron does not block the uptake of calcium. Period. Anyone who has been paying part attention in nutrition class knows this.
EVERYONE knows that the calcium and ionic iron molecules bind to the same receptor sites and that the calcium molecules are larger than the iron molecules. When taken in larger than 300mg doses, calcium will block ionic iron absorption as calcium will block iron’s ability’s to attach to the receptors in the intestine."

If the vitamin founders and makers don't know this super common fact, does this sound like a vitamin you want to be taking??

Lastly, Susan Maria basically admits that her vitamins are not complete...

THREE capsules in the morning and THREE capsules in the evening and I am done. We can all stick to that schedule and keep our head held high that we have taken control of our health. We need to make healthy choices and eat as many of our vitamins as we can through fresh vegetables, fruits, and lean protein sources – and then supplement for what we are unable to take in with Journey.

She basically states here that we have to eat our fruits and veggies to supplement the vitamins? Well Sleevers... I dunno about you but I can only eat 2 cups of food a day and I sure as hell am not going to waste them on fruits and veggies. Protein first... If there is room then yes I will eat a fruit or veggie but it is not my priority in life. My vitamins should be supplementing my diet not the other way around. I want to be secure that I can follow my post op diet plan and still have all my labs be good. Journey vitamins is in my opinion clearly not going to help me along that path.

There are many other great reasons not to take these vitamins. To read them, if you haven't already done so, vites Andrea's blog and read her breakdown of Susan Maria's full Journey Commercial. Andrea will give you the scientific insight that I just have the knowledge to. Click for Andreas Blog. 

Please Please, DO NOT take a vitamin without the clear scientific proof/research done by yourself or a trusted friend/professional with results telling you it is right and good for you! 

To Our Health!

xoxo

Sleeve Pixie

What a Day...

Yesterday was a crazy day!!! I cant even begin to fully describe it in words so lemme just show ya!

First I got all pertty to spend the day with my aunt and hubby... I was all excited that I was looking great, roaming around in 3.5inch high heel sexiness!

Then the day just progressed... I went out for brunch and had this fabulous cobb salad, which was the first thing in 3 days I didn't throw up...











Then hung out with aunt and hubby for the remainder of the day til my flight around 9pm. I forgot to change shoes so I wound up walking around the airport in these crazy shoes and guess what... NO PAIN! No foot pain, no knee pain no back pain!!!!!

Then I got on the airplane... Usually I don't even bother trying my seatbelt. I just throw my coat on like a blanket and pretend to be sleeping when the stewardess comes around so I don't have to ask for an extender. Well I figured to myself, lemme see.... and......

OH AND JUST IN CASE YOU DON'T BELIEVE ME...

Yep Thats right friends! NO EXTENDER!!!!!!!

To make for an even better ending... the tray table came down fully as did the arm!!! I can finally fit in one seat on the plane!!! Happy!!!!!!!

xoxo

Sleeve Pixie

How I became the Bariatric REVISIONary.

Married at the young age of 20, my husband and I were excited to start a family. It was us against the world and nothing could stop us!! A year later we found out we couldn't get pregnant and decided to seek the help from a reproductive specialist. 

As all of you know, it is unusual to see a doctor and have them not comment about your weight. Right? Well, after my 3rd visit to this reproductive specialist, he still hadn't said 1 word, not 1 single word about my weight. It wasn't like I was 20lbs overweight either. I was a good 365lbs at the time. So it freaked me out and I finally had to sit him down. I said, "Ok doc... I have to ask you a question. Why are we ignoring the pink elephant in the room? I know I am not just over weight.. why have you not said a single word about my weight?" He told me he knows I have probably been beat over the head by doctors about my weight so he didn't bother. "Besides, no matter what weight, everyone deserves the chance to be a mother." I asked him to honestly tell me what the risks were of becoming pregnant and what the statistics were with regards to me being able to carry to term. They weren't good. I went home and discussed everything with my husband and decided to call Dr. Alan Geiss for my first bariatric consultation. 

On January 4, 2008, I met Dr. Geiss for the first time. I told him I wanted to have a lap band placed to aid me in losing weight so I could get pregnant. I was given my script for my psych and nutrition clearance as well as a script for cardio and pulmonary clearance which included a sleep study, and blood work. I had all of my appointments scheduled and completed within two weeks and got my appointment for surgery March 10, 2008. 

I had my lap band for just under 2.5 years and it just wasn't the tool for me. I lost a total of about 60lbs, 30 of which I gained back as soon as my band was removed this past June. The last 6 months with my band was miserable. I was always either too full or not full enough. I couldn't seem to get to that "sweet spot" everyone talked about. I threw up every meal I sat down to, most often within the first 5 bites. I lived on Starbucks White Mocha Lattes, usually having 4-5 venti's a day. That was all that went down, and stayed down. In April  of this year, I decided I couldn't live like this anymore and started searching for a surgeon to do my revision. 

I am unbelievably grateful that my husband was supportive of pushing off our baby venture for another two years. The decision was difficult for both of us but together we are strong and made the right decision. We want our baby to live a happy life and be raised by two loving, living parents.  

On June 26th, 2010 My lap band was removed, by Dr. Rajeev Vohra. He sent me for all my pre-op testing again and a date was set for sleeve. On October 18th, 2010. I became a revision patient. This is my second chance at life, part B. I know this time around has to be different. This is permanent and I have to succeed. I have to learn to change my views of food and exercise and myself. I have to wipe away those feelings of failue, shame, doubt, uncertainty and replace them with knowledge, hope, education, excitement, and success!! I have been learning to do that...SLOWLY and I hope you will take this journey with me. In this Journey you will find success and happiness. So will I. I am not just a revision patient... I am a REVISIONARY. 

xoxo

Sleeve Pixie