Good News

Well, I had my every-four-month appointment with my endocrinologist this morning. He's the one who watches my diabetes and my cholesterol, triglyceride, and enzyme levels. He is also the doctor who recommended I have my gastric bypass and suggested my surgical team. Since my last visit with him was only about six weeks after my surgery, today's results (from the labwork he ordered last week) were the first to really reflect what impact the surgery has had on my metabolism. Here's what has happened in the last four months:

He didn't order cholestoral/triglyceride testing this visit, so I have no reports there. In four months my weight has dropped 53 pounds. My blood pressure has dropped from 130/80 to 114/72. My A1c test - measuring average percentage of glucose in your blood stream over the previous 2-3 month period - dropped from 7.5 to 5.0 (readings for non-diabetics can range from 4.5 to 5.7). And here's the really amazing part - my liver enzymes are now only 10% of what they measured four months ago, and are well within normal levels!

Doctor was very well pleased, and I was ecstatic!

Four Months

Yesterday, July 9th, was my 4-month "surgiversary." Four months since my rebirth to this "Brand New Day." I have lost, as of this morning, 88 pounds, which is 36% of my original weight! That just feels so incredible. I had Jack take pictures after church today.

This is me now!

Last Thursday was my 4-month checkup with my doctor. My numbers were all terrific, and he was so pleased with my progress! He told me I was way ahead of the averages and that I am doing everything right. I got some suggestions as to what to do about my hair loss (Linda, I really need to go get those Nioxin hair products - they are just what the doctor ordered!), was told to keep doing things "by the book" the way I have, and made an appointment to go back in November for my 8-month check. Yay me!!!

Looking like sunshine

Today was my first follow-up visit with my surgeon. I was really looking forward to this, and was full of energy this morning. After breakfast I went for my usual walk and ended up walking a full 20 minutes instead of the 15 I was planning. It really felt good. When I got to the doctor's office this afternoon the receptionist handed me a follow-up form to fill out, and it felt great to be able to report that I had been eating only the things I was supposed to eat in the amounts I was supposed to have. I could also report that I had been having no nausea or vomiting or stomach pains at all. Then I went in for the weigh-in. For the first time in a long time I was excited to step on the scale in a doctor's office! And what do you know? I was down 16 pounds since the morning of surgery 20 days ago! Then I went to wait for the doctor. He walked in with the sheet I had filled out in his hand and a big smile on his face, saying, "Looks like you are doing great - how do you feel?"

When I replied, with a big smile of my own, that I felt great, he said, "You really do look great. You look like sunshine!" He couldn't have said anything to make me happier!!! After talking to me for a bit and answering some questions, he checked out my little laparoscopic incisions and said I was doing terrific. I got clearance to go to the pool and do any exercises I want to do.

By the way, when I asked Dr. M how they normally count the weight loss, he said, "Oh we count from your highest weight to what you are now. We want to make sure you get credit for everything you have lost." So that is how I am going to report it here. Not just from date of surgery, but from my highest point last fall. And that means my total weight loss to date is - drum roll, please - 39 pounds!!!

Hooray for me!!!