Today I want to talk a little bit about the abdominal binder. Some people have asked questions about this tool and how it can help after bariatric surgery.
I was about three hours out of surgery when I met my good friend, the abdominal binder. It looks similar to a back brace, but the support it provide is more spread through the wearer's core.
The nurse put the abdominal binder on me when I stood up for the first time post op (with the help of three people). I immediatley felt relief and the second time I stood up, I was able to walk around much longer than the first time.
By the end of the night, I was asking for a half dose of my heavy duty pain meds. I attribute all of this to the binder.
I wore the binder all day every day for two weeks. Luckily, my parents had one in the same size from a hospital stay of my dad's, so I was able to wash one while wearing the other.
After about two weeks, I started wearing the binder only if I left the house. This was because one day I went out without it and my energy levels were tanked. I think this only lasted about a week.
A lot of the questions I see about the binder start with "what is this thing and where can I buy one?" I recommend to people to wait until you're in the hospital and they will more than likely give you one. Then, you can look at the tag for the size, and buy a second one if you need it.
Some people respond that their doctor's don't want them wearing the binder, or not wearing it that much, as to not become dependent on it. My non-medical opinion of that is that thinking is not right. I'd rather be hooked on compression on my abs than hooked on oxy or other opioids.
I was lucky enough to have seven small incisions all held together with surgical glue, so putting the binder right on my skin felt fine. Some people have staples, and they suggest putting a t-shirt between your skin and the binder.
I will say this about the binder is that its hot. It's a thick fabric and it was unforgiving in the June heat right after my surgery.
Ask your doctor or nurses if the binder will be right for you!
Monday, July 31, 2017
Sunday, July 30, 2017
July 29, 2017: Eight weeks, three days
We are still in the process of getting back to normal after our vacation. We woke up early and each had different things to do, so we went our separate ways.
I ended up going to Wegmans with my parents just to get out for a few minutes. There, I found that they sold Quest Protein Chips in bulk (only 8 servings) for the same price as Amazon. I excitedly bought a box. We also found French Macaroons in the bakery, and they were surprisingly low carb, at 12 carbs a serving. A few months ago I would have eaten the three servings in the box, but my parents and I each had one serving of two.
After that I came home and continued to do housework and decided to go to the gym a little later. My goal was originally 45 minutes on the elliptical but then I decided to change my goal to 4 miles in 40 minutes.
I rocked it.
At night we had a baseball game to go to at our local minor league field. It was a good time to hang out with friends.
Food journal:
Breakfast:
1 egg scrambled
Lunch:
2 macaroons
Think Thin Protein Bar (not a fan)
Dinner:
Canned tuna
1 TBSP of mayo
Quesadilla cheese
Snack:
Quest Protein chips
After the game:
GF Matzo
Workout journal:
40 minutes on elliptical keeping to under 10:00 miles
Added cool down
Arm workout
1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 curls with 20 lb barbell
Single arm extensions 3x15 @15lbs
Saturday, July 29, 2017
July 28, 2017: Eight weeks and two days
Our first full day back from vacation and I was ready to get back to normal. Normal eating, normal drinking, and normal working out.
I woke up and did a fasted workout (if I eat before a workout, my colon won't let me finish). It was a PF 30 minute class and a PF 360 class kinda morning. I got home, had some protein and some coffee and planned on doing some laundry and housework and then going back to the gym at about 2:30.
Well...life had other plans.
I got my running shoes on and had my headphones in my pocket (and two bags of clothes that are too big for me now ready for a donation) and I was ready to go! But the landscapers were blocking our driveway. I could have asked them to move but there was a lot of drama yesterday with them, and our condo needed the landscaping. So I went back upstairs. An hour later I looked outside and this time they were blocking the driveway AND blocking my car with their heavy equipment. Also this whole time it was pouring and I'm not that hardcore about my run yet.
Finally it was 4:30 and my husband was due home any minute so I didn't want to look like I was avoiding him ("Oh, so glad you're home from your long day at work, I'm going to the gym byeeee"). I ran out to get rid of those too-big clothes and came back home.
We went out for dinner to Panera so I can finally try that salad and it went down great! I'm so happy to have lettuce back in my life.
Another great thing that happened today was that I crowdsourced some topic ideas for this blog from my friend list and the response I got was amazing. There are so many things that non-bariatric patients are interested in and I'm so glad I can try to help them out.
Food journal:
Breakfast:
Protein Shake
Morning snack:
Banana
Lunch:
Corn Quesadilla
Afternoon snack:
Applesauce
Dinner:
Half a Greek Salad from Panera (no added meat)
Evening snack:
Protein shake (was less than 50g of protein by this point so I needed it more than I wanted it)
Workout journal:
PF 30 minute circuit (one day I'll take good notes on each exercise to help loyal readers)
PF360
I woke up and did a fasted workout (if I eat before a workout, my colon won't let me finish). It was a PF 30 minute class and a PF 360 class kinda morning. I got home, had some protein and some coffee and planned on doing some laundry and housework and then going back to the gym at about 2:30.
Well...life had other plans.
I got my running shoes on and had my headphones in my pocket (and two bags of clothes that are too big for me now ready for a donation) and I was ready to go! But the landscapers were blocking our driveway. I could have asked them to move but there was a lot of drama yesterday with them, and our condo needed the landscaping. So I went back upstairs. An hour later I looked outside and this time they were blocking the driveway AND blocking my car with their heavy equipment. Also this whole time it was pouring and I'm not that hardcore about my run yet.
Finally it was 4:30 and my husband was due home any minute so I didn't want to look like I was avoiding him ("Oh, so glad you're home from your long day at work, I'm going to the gym byeeee"). I ran out to get rid of those too-big clothes and came back home.
We went out for dinner to Panera so I can finally try that salad and it went down great! I'm so happy to have lettuce back in my life.
Another great thing that happened today was that I crowdsourced some topic ideas for this blog from my friend list and the response I got was amazing. There are so many things that non-bariatric patients are interested in and I'm so glad I can try to help them out.
Food journal:
Breakfast:
Protein Shake
Morning snack:
Banana
Lunch:
Corn Quesadilla
Afternoon snack:
Applesauce
Dinner:
Half a Greek Salad from Panera (no added meat)
Evening snack:
Protein shake (was less than 50g of protein by this point so I needed it more than I wanted it)
Workout journal:
PF 30 minute circuit (one day I'll take good notes on each exercise to help loyal readers)
PF360
- Ropes-10 seconds arms together, 10 seconds arms alternating
- TRX suspension: Lunges
- Upright rows (17.5 lbs)
- Wall squat with a chest pass (6 lbs ball) against the trampoline
- Kettle bell side touches (15 lbs first round, 20 lbs second round)
- Hip bridges with elevated legs and 10 lbs on stomach
The first three were done three times and the second three two times.
Friday, July 28, 2017
Lady Concerns (Consider yourselves warned)
Frequently, online I see people asking questions about how this surgery affects a woman's unique health issues. I would like to take more time and words than a comment on a post about this and what my experiences have been.
From the start, the surgeon told me to get off of my estrogen-based birth control method of choice. The estrogen puts individuals at a higher risk for blood clots (as does obesity) so it had to go, and I completely understood.
Also, I was told to not get pregnant for eighteen months. This was actually a deciding factor in getting the surgery since 16 months from now (that I'm two months out) our personal finances will have recovered from a step back for better job security.
The need for non-estrogen based birth control and the year and a half wait made an implant make more sense.
About six weeks after the initial surgeon appointment I finally got in to see my gyno. We discussed the implant options and decided the Nexplanon implant would be best. Nexplanon goes into the upper arm and I can check to make sure it hasn't moved whenever I want.
On May 1 (T-30 days before surgery) I got the implant. It was a five minute process once the doctor came into the room. They did a pregnancy test to make sure I wasn't pregnant, numbed my arm, and in the Nexplanon went. I barely experienced any bruising, the pain was nothing an Advil wouldn't help, and I couldn't lift weights with my arms for a week. But, I was good for birth control until May 1, 2020. Overall, a very positive experience.
About two weeks later, I experienced a normal period on my regular schedule.
On May 31, I had my surgery and the next day, June 1, I started to experience some discharge that could almost be described as a period. This discharge did not stop.
Two weeks later, I experienced a real period, again right about on schedule. Once that stopped, I again went back to the stranger discharge. At that point I had another gyno visit scheduled and I went for it. I go to a practice and am not picky about who I see. So I was seeing this nurse practitioner for the first time. I explained my history and she said what I was experiencing was nothing to be concerned about. After all, I changed my hormones AND underwent a major surgery, so I should cut my body some slack.
I again had a normal cycle about on schedule, and now, eight weeks later, the discharge is finally ending.
Now that's my story. From this point on are my theories.
I admit that part of the reason I had this surgery was for fertility. My husband and I had about two months of actively trying to get pregnant before our situation changed. We weren't discouraged by two months of no luck at all, but increased fertility certainly made the surgery that much more attractive. Also, its not just the getting pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy, but also chasing a baby around, then doing the whole thing again with a second pregnancy and a second baby. I couldn't imagine being able to do that over 300 pounds.
The whole having my period for basically two months was really annoying. But I didn't really cramp. I did however bloat and weighing myself every day would get discouraging at times. That was when I decided to not weigh myself every day. From things I read online, I knew not to be concerned, but getting in with my provider made me feel a lot better.
From the start, the surgeon told me to get off of my estrogen-based birth control method of choice. The estrogen puts individuals at a higher risk for blood clots (as does obesity) so it had to go, and I completely understood.
Also, I was told to not get pregnant for eighteen months. This was actually a deciding factor in getting the surgery since 16 months from now (that I'm two months out) our personal finances will have recovered from a step back for better job security.
The need for non-estrogen based birth control and the year and a half wait made an implant make more sense.
About six weeks after the initial surgeon appointment I finally got in to see my gyno. We discussed the implant options and decided the Nexplanon implant would be best. Nexplanon goes into the upper arm and I can check to make sure it hasn't moved whenever I want.
On May 1 (T-30 days before surgery) I got the implant. It was a five minute process once the doctor came into the room. They did a pregnancy test to make sure I wasn't pregnant, numbed my arm, and in the Nexplanon went. I barely experienced any bruising, the pain was nothing an Advil wouldn't help, and I couldn't lift weights with my arms for a week. But, I was good for birth control until May 1, 2020. Overall, a very positive experience.
About two weeks later, I experienced a normal period on my regular schedule.
On May 31, I had my surgery and the next day, June 1, I started to experience some discharge that could almost be described as a period. This discharge did not stop.
Two weeks later, I experienced a real period, again right about on schedule. Once that stopped, I again went back to the stranger discharge. At that point I had another gyno visit scheduled and I went for it. I go to a practice and am not picky about who I see. So I was seeing this nurse practitioner for the first time. I explained my history and she said what I was experiencing was nothing to be concerned about. After all, I changed my hormones AND underwent a major surgery, so I should cut my body some slack.
I again had a normal cycle about on schedule, and now, eight weeks later, the discharge is finally ending.
Now that's my story. From this point on are my theories.
I admit that part of the reason I had this surgery was for fertility. My husband and I had about two months of actively trying to get pregnant before our situation changed. We weren't discouraged by two months of no luck at all, but increased fertility certainly made the surgery that much more attractive. Also, its not just the getting pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy, but also chasing a baby around, then doing the whole thing again with a second pregnancy and a second baby. I couldn't imagine being able to do that over 300 pounds.
The whole having my period for basically two months was really annoying. But I didn't really cramp. I did however bloat and weighing myself every day would get discouraging at times. That was when I decided to not weigh myself every day. From things I read online, I knew not to be concerned, but getting in with my provider made me feel a lot better.
July 27, 2017: Eight weeks, one day
Today, my husband and I traversed through two countries and three states to get back home to Maryland. We started the drive early and did the entire drive in daylight.
I tried (gluten free) bread for the first time post-op today and it went well. But I have realized how important it is to start the day with a protein shake. I was super full for hours, even stopping for lunch four hours later I couldn't imagine putting anything in my mouth. I ordered a burger without a bun and took more that half of it to the car.
We finally got home at about 5pm, and we brought everything up, gave our kitties well deserved attention, and then I could have gone to the gym, but my entire body just hurt and ached from the ride, so I crocheted with some friends.
So, another not very exciting or detailed day to share, but tomorrow will be back to normal. It has to be.
I tried (gluten free) bread for the first time post-op today and it went well. But I have realized how important it is to start the day with a protein shake. I was super full for hours, even stopping for lunch four hours later I couldn't imagine putting anything in my mouth. I ordered a burger without a bun and took more that half of it to the car.
We finally got home at about 5pm, and we brought everything up, gave our kitties well deserved attention, and then I could have gone to the gym, but my entire body just hurt and ached from the ride, so I crocheted with some friends.
So, another not very exciting or detailed day to share, but tomorrow will be back to normal. It has to be.
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
Remembering Meds and Vitamins
The deeper I get into life as a bariatric patient, the more I truly believe the mantra of "failing to plan is planning to fail".
Someone, please buy me a bracelet.
Everything, from the gym, to food, to what the meat of this post is about, medication and vitamins, are carefully planned out. In just three months, this has become routine.
But lets turn our focus to strictly medication and vitamins. And lets start with storage. I use this pill holder. It's literally called "Lazy Me" and was the biggest one I could buy. Each day is broken up into four sections, which is exactly how my nutritionist said to pace things. I like it because I can pop one day out and take it with me all day. It's also just big enough for my biggest pills. I just have to worry about one little box all day.
Every Thursday night, I take my pill holder and all of my meds and put them into the proper days and times. In each section, I place the following:
I plan on updating my meds and vitamins very soon. (Updated: 8/11/2017) The change will be taking out protonix and splitting my multivitamin and my iron. The flavor of those tablets make me really nauseous and I want to try splitting them up. It will end up costing me about $30 more every three months if I decide to keep the change.
Someone, please buy me a bracelet.
Everything, from the gym, to food, to what the meat of this post is about, medication and vitamins, are carefully planned out. In just three months, this has become routine.
But lets turn our focus to strictly medication and vitamins. And lets start with storage. I use this pill holder. It's literally called "Lazy Me" and was the biggest one I could buy. Each day is broken up into four sections, which is exactly how my nutritionist said to pace things. I like it because I can pop one day out and take it with me all day. It's also just big enough for my biggest pills. I just have to worry about one little box all day.
Every Thursday night, I take my pill holder and all of my meds and put them into the proper days and times. In each section, I place the following:
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Celebrate Calcium Citrate
- Colace
Protonix(completed regimine)- Evening
- Celebrate Calcium Citrate
- Actigall
- Colace
- Bedtime
Two chewable Multivitamin plus 60 iron tablets(changed to splitting the MV from the Iron due to nausea issues)- Two chewable Mutltivitamins
- One Iron 60 chewable
I think one key to my success in remembering my meds and vitamins is to take everything in that section of pills at the appropriate time.
Speaking of appropriate times...this is a good time to share how I remember to take my pills.
My four times I get reminders are 5:45am, 11:30am, 2:30pm, and 6:00pm. I set these reminders through Baritastic but at three months I really don't need them. They've been great while I've been away though! The most important thing to remember is to space the calcium tablets out by at least two hours. So if I take my first section before leaving the house at 6:00am, and I look at the clock and it's 9:00am, I know I'm safe to go ahead and take it.
June 21-26: Seven weeks, two days to eight weeks
My husband and I are currently on a whirlwind road trip that took us from our Maryland home up to Toronto. On the way up, we stopped to see some of my family and some family friends before finally reaching Toronto.
The first day of the road trip went right according to plan. The one difference was going out to eat, but of course I had leftovers.
The second day of the road trip took us past some family, who put a lot of thought into what they served us for lunch (I had tuna salad). For dinner I had the leftovers from the night before.
The third day we went to the Baseball Hall of Fame which included a lunch out. Our gracious guests grilled up some burgers and hot dogs and I had half of each.
The fourth day was about 6 hours of driving. First we went to Niagara Falls, where I had a lunch that did not sit well with me. Upon arriving in Toronto, we went out to dinner and bought one meal to split between the two of us, and I think my stomach was already not doing too well since lunch so I spent about an hour vomiting during the first night we were finally at our destination.
The fifth day (and day one in Toronto) went great. My husband had a class all day so I spent the day wandering around the city myself. I made sure to pack a water bottle and a protein bar, and that sustained me through the day. For dinner, we went out with some of his classmates and I had some of the appetizers (oven baked nacho chips with vegan toppings), but by the time dinner came I had to put it all away to take home.
The sixth day was day two in Toronto. I spent time in the city again today and packed my protein bar and water again.
This was the first big trip we took since the bypass. I had spent a few days in Wildwood but the added complication of whole days in the car made this trip more difficult. This is what I've learned:
The first day of the road trip went right according to plan. The one difference was going out to eat, but of course I had leftovers.
The second day of the road trip took us past some family, who put a lot of thought into what they served us for lunch (I had tuna salad). For dinner I had the leftovers from the night before.
The third day we went to the Baseball Hall of Fame which included a lunch out. Our gracious guests grilled up some burgers and hot dogs and I had half of each.
The fourth day was about 6 hours of driving. First we went to Niagara Falls, where I had a lunch that did not sit well with me. Upon arriving in Toronto, we went out to dinner and bought one meal to split between the two of us, and I think my stomach was already not doing too well since lunch so I spent about an hour vomiting during the first night we were finally at our destination.
The fifth day (and day one in Toronto) went great. My husband had a class all day so I spent the day wandering around the city myself. I made sure to pack a water bottle and a protein bar, and that sustained me through the day. For dinner, we went out with some of his classmates and I had some of the appetizers (oven baked nacho chips with vegan toppings), but by the time dinner came I had to put it all away to take home.
The sixth day was day two in Toronto. I spent time in the city again today and packed my protein bar and water again.
This was the first big trip we took since the bypass. I had spent a few days in Wildwood but the added complication of whole days in the car made this trip more difficult. This is what I've learned:
- Don't test the waters with food while away. Have what you know works
- Make time to sit down and drink water
- Order one entree to feed two people. The leftovers we had floating around got tough to manage on the road
- Start the day with a protein shake even if there is a free breakfast at the hotel. On day five I had probably one egg and a single bite of sausage from the hotel breakfast and was stuffed (and unable to drink for 30 minutes). This was only 10g of protein at most. on day six I had a protein shake and things went better
- "Failing to prepare is preparing to fail" has basically become the mantra of how we travel.
As for workouts during this time, I got 15K and 10K steps in Toronto but besides that I was mentally and physically exhausted from driving. I can't wait to get back to the gym on Friday and get back into my routine.
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