Pre Op vs Post Op Dancing

Yesterday I completed my silver street Latin meringue routine. Rocked it. Had a fab time and got honours for it too. Only my second honours ever in 18 routines. So I'm pretty happy with that. 

But I'm even happier about some of the differences I've noticed in my dancing. 

Before surgery I was able to dance one 2-3minute song of a progressive routine before needing to sit down to catch my breath. Also on achievement day, knowing I would be dancing in heels, I would need to load up on Gatorade and neurofen 2 hours before and after dancing (achievement routine is lucky to be 60 seconds) to manage the cramping that would happen in my feet and calves. If I forgot to do this, my legs would be so painfully cramped that I couldn't drive home without crying. Even with this Gatorade/neurofen routine, I would limp and be uncomfortable for at least 2-3 days afterwards. 

During my private lessons, my teacher had pointed out that I wasn't as puffed out and that I didn't seem to be experiencing foot pain like before. 

I was unsure if I was able to take neurofen post surgery (must find out just in case) so figured I would just have to suck it up and see what happened. 

I danced in heels, drug free. I wasn't sweating and short of breath after my routine. Later that night at the presentation, I danced 2 songs of my favourite progressive routine (Mayfair for anyone who is interested) and *shock* wasn't even puffed! There was no cramping at all. Yesterday, last night or today. 

Cannot believe the difference already. 

Achievement Day

For those not in my dance world, this won't mean much. But achievement day is essentially the one day each term that we perform the routine we've been learning in front of adjudicators and are marked. They are usually very kind in their feedback making note of things you did well and suggesting a focus for next time. They use a grading system a bit like Uni, commended pass, highly commended pass, high distinction an honours. (So far I've always got high distinctions with one honours on a silver rumba). 

It's kind of nerve racking, some people get insanely stressed about it, some have a quick drink before hitting the floor, but as long as I manage to stay on my feet I know I've passed and I'm happy. Rumour has it that even if you do fall and get back up to try again, you'll still pass...I'm not willing to test that out though. 

There are different levels of each dance style. So you start at bronze, bronze bar, silver, silver bar then gold. (There is more above gold but I'm so far from that I haven't really paid much attention). Generally you can complete 2 bronze/bar routines a term, but silver/bar is usually one a term and most people spend 2 terms working in one gold routine. 

Today I'm completing a silver street Latin meringue routine, that I've only spent 4x 30min private lessons learning. It's evidence you really do 'get' stuff faster one on one. 

I was planning on taking this entire term off to recover, but was feeling so good and missing dancing that I've eased back in with private lessons instead. 

The weight loss is so noticeable on the dance floor. My teacher is so complimentary about how good I'm looking and dance friends haven't recognized me. But the really big stuff, my feet no longer ache (in dance runners, will see how they hold up in heels today), I'm not out of breath after a single rotation of the routine, spins are easier, my teachers arms fit around me (with a gap). Just last week my teacher yelled at me (we yell and swear at each other a lot, it's how I roll) 'STOP DANCING LIKE A FAT GIRL. YOU'RE NOT THAT FAT GIRL ANYMORE SO JUST STOP IT!'  

I'm not nervous about today, yet, but I am struggling with deciding what to wear. In the past I've only had one dress that fits, in a size 22. Funnily that dress still fits and sits much nicer, but is a bit of a knicker flasher during spins (which this routine has a heap of). I have discovered I have a size 18 dress that fits and looks good, or several size 20 skirts that work and even a size 16 skirt. (Women's clothing sizes are fucked for the record). Nice to have options, but was certainly easier when there was no choice ;-) 

Q & A

Barb asked:
Are you finding any foods easier or harder to eat?
Now that I'm 8 weeks post op I am technically able to eat anything. Which is pretty much how it is going. I was always a little bit dairy intolerant before surgery, which seems to have increased post surgery. It kind of sucks as I do love flavoured milk, but its good because its something I really shouldn't be having anyway.

I've eaten chicken, steak, lamb, wraps, salad, bread, and its all been fine. I know others have issues with certain foods, but I seem to have been really lucky where this is concerned. Despite hating the liquid and puree stages, I have heard that sticking to those strictly can make a big difference to how you go afterwards. Who knows how true this is though.

Jo asked:
How have the kids reacted/found the process?
The kids have been fantastic. It helps that despite being little, one is a nerd and the other is a born nurse. I explained it to them like this;
'You can see that mummy has a big tummy, which is on the outside. Our stomach is on the inside and that holds our food. The Dr is going to do an operation on mummy to make her stomach smaller and over time that will help make my tummy smaller too. When I have a smaller tummy, I will be able to do more things with you like run around, go swimming, on swings and slides, etc. I will have a sore tummy for a little while so you will have to be gentle and I will have to eat special food so my stomach can get better.'

X loved the science behind it all and had lots of questions about the actual surgery and how that would happen. S was more concerned about checking my wounds each day and making sure my pain was under control.

They both often tell me that my tummy is smaller and that I am beautiful.

Kershel asked:
What are your energy levels like do you feel better energy/health wise?
My energy levels are still kind of low. Its hard to continue with real life on such limited calorie intake. It is getting better each day though as I can eat more and more. I also find that I feel much worse if I forget to take my multi vitamins. I don't think I would say that I feel 'better' just yet.

Liz asked:
Do you have to keep seeing dietitian and psych for x amount of time?I had an appointment with the dietitian 2 weeks post surgery and 6 weeks post surgery. I have one more appointment around 3 months out. I can go back and see her if I feel that I need to, but I have enough other people in my life who know about that kind of thing that I don't think I will need to see her more.

The psychologist is a one off optional visit. Many people find they have real trouble dealing with the 'head hunger' but there is no suggestion that I need to see her again unless I feel the need to. At this point, I don't feel like I need to see her again.

What will your eating plan be like once you can eat "normal" food again? Can you eat whatever you like and not put on weight?
I'm not sure its quite that simple. Because of the smaller portion sizes I need to make sure that what I am eating is the best options. So the main priority will be eating protein, then other stuff. It doesn't mean that treats are out, but because of the size, they wont be big. I have found I don't want sweet stuff like I used to, and if I do, a bite is enough.

Sharon asked:
Have you had moments of regret?Not one. Yes I have hated certain stages, but never a moment of regret.

Would you recommend it to others struggling with their weight?
If someone felt that they had tried all other avenues, then yes. This isn't cheating, it isn't the easy way out, it is serious surgery, but it is life changing. In only a few short weeks, I am learning just how life changing it is.

Liz asked: (another Liz)
Have you noticed any changes in ease of movement so far? Eg. Dressing, showering etc.
Not a heap. Oh shaving legs is easier. And I did catch myself skip up the first bit of the stairs at school the other day. Oh and dancing is so different already. My teacher keeps telling me to stop dancing like a fat girl.

Jen asked:
With such rapid weight loss, do you know the effects it will have on your skin? Do you need to have a tummy tuck surgery? Will that be just as expensive to you as the initial surgery?
Oh the skin situation is not going to be pretty. I will have masses of lose skin after this, and the only thing for it will be more surgery. I am hoping that I can get away with just a tummy tuck, but need to be prepared for a possible full body lift, arms done and thighs done. It's going to be more expensive than the initial surgery.

Michelle asked:
What about exercise? Eg: if you walk how do you replace the fuel in your body?
I haven't done anything more than dancing as yet. I'm not sure about replacing the fuel. Considering my calorie intake is lucky to hit 600 calories a day, that's probably something I need to consider.

Liz asked: (the first Liz again)
Have people begun to notice changes in you?
Yes. Long before I started to notice. A few friends have said they are freaked out by my skinny face, work colleagues have asked if I have lost weigh, even a few students have said something. My dance teacher has noticed in both how I look and move.

India asked:
How are you *feeling* this many weeks in? Have you noticed any changes in your clarity of mind? Your moods? Aches and pains? You're eating differently now - have you noticed the impact different foods are having on your physical, mental and emotional bodies?
Not feeling clearer, still battling tired a bit too much to feel really clear. Moods are possibly slightly more stable. Feeling less homicidal around period time. Only thing I have really noticed is my skin is a lot clearer. Possibly feeling more positive about what is coming in my future.

5 weeks post op

Scales have slowed down this week. Which while somewhat disappointing, not at all surprising. Continuing at the rate I was just wasn't sustainable. Plus, the benefit of being in an online world with hundreds of others who have gone before me, I know that stalls are normal. It may even last a few weeks (let's hope not) but it will pass. 

Despite a slow on the scales lots of things have happened this week. 

I've had to admit, for real, the boobage loss. I needed a new nanna beige bra (come on, everyone needs a beige tee shirt bra). I was wearing an 18E. Not anymore! Nope, nope, nope. New bra 18D. Yeah, yeah, a D isn't anything to scoff at, but I'm a big fan of big boobs. So allow me to be a bit sad. 

I've also had to retire a pair of shorts. Because they are too big. Plus I've managed to get into jeans a whole size smaller. Except they are way too long, so probably won't get a run. It's ok, the next size down (that are the right length) are pretty close to fitting too. Oh and a top my mum gave me, that was too tight to be worn in public, now looks ok to wear out. 

I have 4 amazingly beautiful skirts in my wardrobe that I used to wear pre kids. I'm so close to fitting into those again too, which is so exciting. Until of course they get too big and I have to chuck them out. 

Oh and best news, the wound that was looking dodgy is on the mend. When the surgeon saw it he said he thought it was a stitch trying to push its way out. The other night, the stitch came out! Oh yeah! So now, fingers crossed, that wound will finally heal up. 

I think one of my jobs this week will be to find some of those things you can add to your rings when they are too lose. My wedding rings are getting close to that point. Moving around all the time and moving up when I shake my hands. Would hate to lose them. 

This week I'm also sneaking back to the dance floor. Really missing dancing and figure if I can tear around work, I can tear around the dance floor. My dance teacher seems to notice when I've lost as little as a kilo or two, can wait to see him notice how much I've lost now. I'm just doing private lessons (no late nights at social and the pub afterwards for now) and hoping to be able to get a routine ready for achievement day at the end of next month. Wish me luck. 

This week has brought lots of highs and the joy of some new foods but it hasn't been all roses. This week I've been soooooo tired. Foggy brain, short temper, early nights. I'm hoping now that my eating is getting better and I'm hopefully getting more calories in, I will start to feel less tired. 

I'm managing to get more fluids in, including a powerade, which I feel is helping. Plus double dose of my multi vitamin. 

Also had my first real craving this week. I'd kill to be able to smash down a cold soft drink. But alas, no bubbles for now, if ever. 

A friend told me off on the weekend for not blogging enough. But honestly, nothing super interesting is happening at this point. Was way more interesting pre op. But I shall try to blog more often and come up with stuff. If anyone wants to know stuff? Or had stuff they would like me to blog about, please let me know here or on the fb page. 

So anywho,

Total weight loss = 18.1kg. 

4 weeks post op

A week of new foods and old temptations. 

This week bought the opportunity to introduce more soft foods into my diet. I've had white fish and some ravioli, both awesome. Hubby and I are able to eat variations of the same meals now. 

Eating feels weird. Everything feels normal at the start, then one more bite and bam, full! Then I get this odd kind of feeling in my back, kind of mid section. Not pain, or discomfort, nor pleasant, but just a feeling. It lasts about 10 minutes, so maybe a digestion thing. Curious if its now just a 'thing' that I have or if its just part of the adjustment. Time will tell I suppose. 

Oh and if I have a big drink, I sneeze. At first I thought it was coincidence and I was just sneezing more than usual, but pretty sure it's linked. 

Saturday night had us attend a wedding. Wasn't sure how that was going to go, but was fine. It was a cocktail wedding so tried a biscuit with beetroot and cream cheese dip, some fish, noodles, and arancini. Also had a bite of a chocolate wedding cupcake. 

Sunday was our small girls 5th birthday party. All my favourite things were there, mars bar slice, honey joys and mud cake (that I know is the best recipe ever). I had some tinned fruit, the smallest half bite of slice and a bottle of powerade. And truth be told, I didn't feel ripped off at all. The desire to over indulge on all those things wasn't even there. It's really really odd. 

Random observation of the week 1. I have a steering wheel gap. A big one. 

Random observation of the week 2. When I look down, I only see boobs! No belly poking out past boobs! 

Weight loss at the end of week 4 = 17.5kg. 

Three Weeks Post Op

I just realised that I didn't do a 2 weeks post op blog update...oops...

Well, 3 weeks. It's been fast but slow. If I thought the liquid stage was bad, it had nothing on the puree stage. There is absolutely, completely, nothing even remotely OK about puree meat. EVER!

During the 3rd week I wavered between soups and fruit purees. But in good news, water with lemon again became bearable. I can't get anywhere near enough water in, there just isn't enough time in the day to slowly drink as much as I need to, which means I'm feeling rather dehydrated all the time. But noticing each day I am getting more and more in and able to take bigger and bigger mouthfuls, so there is hope.  I'm finding mixing water with Gatorade or powerade is going some way in making me feel slightly less dehydrated. So going to stick with that for a little bit, despite supposed to be only drinking calorie free fluids now.

Speaking of which, diet anything suck balls. I have now tried 4 different brands of diet cordial and they are all foul. I gave them all to my father in law, who isn't allowed sugar. I also tried the zero sugar Gatorade.... spew... worst crap ever.

Last week saw me visit with the surgeon and the dietitian, who were both fairly pleased with my progress. I am now on the way to introducing real foods and man its awesome. So far I have tried some tinned spaghetti, dices mango in juice and get this a cruskit with cream cheese. Oh yeah! That right there was a foodgasm.

The surgeon doesn't need to see me for another 3 months now and said I should be down another 10kg by that time. 10kg is 3 months, really is that all? Considering what I have lost already in a little over a month, and I know I cant keep this up, but surely, I can smash more than 10kg in 3 months. Challenge accepted Mr surgeon.

Still feeling really good, if a little dried out, all wounds are healing well, bar one, which is a bit festy and gross. But let's not over share that little gem.

I think I am starting to notice the weight loss in my face now myself, and possibly a bit of boobage loss, which is all rather devastating. I love my boobs. But so far, I'm not noticing it anywhere else, yet. Oh but I can feel my collar bones. Can't see them yet, but I can feel them. Hanging out for the day when I can see them, heads up, once collar bones are visible, all friends are required to comment on my sexy collar bones at least twice...OK.

So,

At the end of week 2 I had lost 14.6kg.

At the end of week 3 I have lost 16.1kg.

Noticing changes

As well as the scales moving steadily (13.3kg lost) I'm noticing other more subtle changes. 

My watch is loose and my wedding rings are looser too, imagining at some point I may have to stop wearing them until my weight settles and I can have them resized. Also my bracelet can be removed without undoing the clasp and the bangle I wear, that set off every single airport security device because I can't get it off now goes on and off with ease. 

Today is the last day of liquids yah! Onto purées, although in the last few days I have tried a few purée things which have been fine. Can't wait to eat normal food again. I actually feel like the weight loss will speed up once I can eat real food as I feel like I'm so over liquid I'm probably not even consuming enough and body isn't doing its thing well. Who know. 

In one sense these 2 weeks since the op have felt like forever. Several soup tantrums were had. But in another sense, it seems like no time at all. 

Still mind blown about how quick and easy recovery has been.