My sincerest apologies that this so LATE!
I started back working full time following my surgery about a month ago and to say it's been an adjustment has been an understatement. (It's been good though!)
The first two weeks back to work were absolutely exhausting. Catching up from being off for four weeks and then trying to mentally get my brain back into work mode was a challenge. Especially with no caffeine!
But, I've been adjusting and finding my rhythm and groove and I think I'm getting it down finally. It's a bit of a balancing act to remember to get your hydrating fluids in throughout the day (and making sure you are on the mark at specific points throughout the day), making sure I am getting my protein in everyday (which hasn't been too much of an issue for me) and making sure my calorie intake is appropriate. On top of getting up for work and the typical work week stressors, appointments and life.
I am still currently fatigued more than normal because two weeks ago I came down with the most horrible cold/flu/possible covid virus that I've had in a while. I had symptoms ranging from fever, body aches, sweats and chills, cough, super stuffy and runny nose (that currently is STILL runny), headache, insomnia - the works. Luckily the worst of it last about four days but coming down with in on a Saturday night into Sunday didn't set me up for a very good work week. But I got through it and made up whatever hours I had to take off to rest my body. I am happy to report that we are now finally on the upswing I think. The fact I am able to do some exercising is encouraging for my energy and mental health.
So basically, to sum up the last four weeks, if I'm not working in my office (I work from home) I have pretty much been in bed resting. But I feel that is starting to get better - my energy that is. So that is encouraging!
I had my 6 week post surgery appointment on Friday, July 18th. At the time of the appointment I have lost 45 pounds since the gastric bypass surgery on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. They were so pleased! I hadn't weighed myself at all up to that point - so I cried such big dorky happy tears. This goal in my head - this desire to get another chance at being healthy - is becoming a reality and it hit me at that appointment. I left with the biggest smile on my face knowing I did the right thing (even though my journey with it was extremely difficult).
I am still struggling to keep my potassium and magnesium up. Many roux n Y gastric bypass patients have this issue with absorption. So I have been on liquid Potassium daily since that last appointment. I had some lab work done yesterday and my potassium finally increased 2 tenths of a point. So it's little, but I was happy to see that. I am hoping now that I have been cleared for FOOD that I will be able to absorb some more potassium not just from my bariatric multivitamins but from my food too.
You read that correctly! I was advanced in my diet! Woohoo!
I am now on the Weeks 6-12 Food diet. The main goals for this are:
1. 60-80 grams of protein per day
2. 64 ounces of a hydrating liquid (non caffeinated, non carbonated, non sugar)
3. 800-900 calories per day
Goals 1 and 2 were in place on the pureed diet, so those I am used to getting in daily. But hitting that calorie goal has been a bit difficult. I have been averaging between 500-650 calories per day. So I am working on trying to get that up a little bit.
To give you an idea for this food stage (I think it's considered "soft" food stage?) here are an example of some of the foods I can eat:
- Milk (Fairlife, 2%, Soy, Skim)
- Greek Yogurt (has been a life saver!)
- Cheese (cottage cheese, swiss, string cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, american, ricotta)
- Chicken/Turkey
- Eggs/Egg Substitutes (MANY bariatric patients struggle with eggs. I have not been brave enough to try them yet. Mostly because it just doesn't sound good to me).
- Fish (tuna, cod, halibut, catfish, perch, polluck, tilapia, whitefish, trout, lobster, salmon, crabmeat, shrimp and clams)
- Lean Cuts Red Meat (venison, steak (loin or round), roast beef, veal, pork tenderloin, 90-95% lean ground beef, ham (extra lean) and jerky)
- Plant Based Proteins (legumes)
- Nuts/Seeds (pumpkin seeds, hemp hearts/seeds, peanut butter, almonds, dry roasted peanuts, sunflower seeds, brazil nuts/macadamia nuts, cashews, walnuts, PB2 and pecans).
- Vegetables (non starchy) - too many to list!
- Starchy Vegetables (in small amounts) - potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, peas, parsnips, plantains and butternut squash).
- Salads - Dark colored greens (less water) - no iceburg lettuce.
- Fruit - too many to list!
- Specific more ready to eat - prepackaged foods (you can ask me about these on my list if you are interested).
So my world has been opened so wide with my food options. It has been interesting to be excited and scared to try something new. I have found I struggle with starchy vegetables and ground meat was hard on roo (my stomach, yes, I named my stomach roo). I find that meat is hit and miss on if it will make roo hurt - but - typically it's because I ate to fast or too much. With a brand new world of food, it tastes really good - so I have to be VERY mindful about how fast I eat my food. It's hard to concentrate on this while also watching tv or something. So being extremely mindful about this is so important.
So you might be wondering what my first meal was? It was this!
My first bite of "real" food was some amazing cucumber and hummus and seared shrimp. Chefs kiss!
Now obviously, this was like four meals for me - I didn't eat a whole lot being nervous about how roo would do. But oh my was it so yummy!
But I commit and promise I will be much better and updates and life!
I hope your summer has been amazing - I can't believe we are to August already! The year is already half over! Before you know it we will be trimming trees and sipping hot cocoa!
Let me know what you have been up to this summer.
Yours Truly,
Emilee
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