Cath Sheard Art

Tag: weight loss surgery

  • Weight loss update

    When I last blogged about this, on January 14th, I had lost 38kg to date. Yesterday I reached the 50kg milestone, so only another 10kg to go. I’m beginning to wonder if I could be reasonably small boned and 15kg might be a better goal, but I’ll reassess it with the nurse and see what she thinks nearer the time – probably towards the end of March.

    In that last post I said I’d bought jeans off the rack at Farmers. This morning I popped down to Wanganui and replaced them with a pair that’s another 2 sizes down. I’m now a 16/18 on the top and an 18 on the bottom. Unheard of…

    Here are some update photos. Hardly great shots admittedly but Tony’s not that comfortable using my iPhone!

     

  • Weight loss update

    It’s a few weeks since I updated progress. Following my pre-Christmas trip to Base Hospital I am feeling *much* better. Having lost over 38kg so far, I’m now under 100kg for the first time in a couple of decades and am about the same weight, but not shape, as I was in my mid-to-late 20s.

    I went to Farmers and bought jeans off the rack; the first two pairs were too big – unheard of! More importantly I am starting to feel like myself again, and have more like my usual energy back. Instead of going to bed at 7pm like Mum used to, I am staying up till 10pm or later, am crafting in the evenings and generally doing ‘stuff’. I’m also on the exercycle every night and, although being cautious in case of injury, I am increasing both the time and distance a little every night.

    I had a couple of phone appointments this week with staff from the weight loss surgery office; they are pleased with how I’m progressing now, having been very concerned about how sick I got. They expect me to keep losing weight for another 9-12 months but at a slower rate as I eat a little more variety and quantity. At this stage I can’t increase the volume, my pouch just won’t let me, but I am trying more foods. I’m managing to drink around 1200mls a day, with only minimal nausea. So, all good finally!

    face

  • One little word – prepared

    Every year I choose a word that is my keystone. In previous years I have had – mapping, balance, determined, calm and, in 2016, intention. Each has served its purpose, constantly bringing me back to what I want for myself for the year, both at work and at home.

    This year I mentioned ‘one little word’ on Twitter and people suggested hope, courage, and strength. They’re all good words, but the one I keep coming back to is “prepared”. It just feels right. So, in 2017, I will be PREPARED

    • to spend quality time with Tony
    • to devote time to my art
    • to ensure I eat properly
    • to use the tool of my weight loss surgery wisely
    • to make my lunches even when I don’t feel like it
    • to drink enough each day despite the nausea
    • to use the exercycle despite the pain
    • to put enough time into my own professional development
    • to say no to things that I don’t want in my life

    So often what we want is just out of reach, and what’s required is more effort or a deliberate action. In 2017 I believe being prepared will help me achieve more of my goals.I think it’s a good word for my professional life as well, and will write about that at on my KiwiLibrarian blog.

    one-little-word

     

  • Progress update Dec ’16

    Last time I blogged about my weight loss surgery I had been in Base Hospital, and was feeling better. Hmm. This last week I have been back in Base after developing a blockage, partly due to dehydration. It was two days of drama but all good again now. I have new meds and a determination to drink despite the nausea. The nurses and surgeons I saw were fantastic; patient and prepared to really explain things to me. I’ll say this though – it took 24 hours to go through two Emergency Departments to a ward and, oh my god, I was exhausted!

    I’m on leave for the next two weeks and am hoping to rest and spend some quality time with Tony. He’s done a great job of caring for me, yet again, and it’s past time we had some fun. I hope the sun shines…

    face-dec-16 

  • Starting to resurface

    I sort of can’t believe it’s two months since I updated my blog – that tells you just how sick I have been because I love social media. I’ve hardly Tweeted either really. Here’s the short version.

    Last time I blogged I’d been off work for three weeks and thought I was coming right. Umm, no! I’ve had almost 7 weeks off work, been in Base Hospital and generally felt totally lousy and bone tired. None of this is the surgeon’s fault, it’s just been cumulative problems due to the surgery and a bad reaction to some of the drugs. They think it could be another couple of months before I feel really better because it’s been so rough.

    My sister Ailsa ended up going back to the surgeon in Wellington with me for a checkup then staying with us for over a week nursing me – thanks Ailsa. Tony has been his usual patient self – for once it’s me getting the nursing. I now know what he did for his patients for all those years on the ambulance!

    Anyway, I’m still very tired, but gradually getting there. The up side is that I have lost around 35kg so far, so past the half way mark now. Here’s a recent photo:

    me-november