ready2Bhealthy2
7 Week Update...Carb Addict, Sucky Labs, Great Numbers
Dec 10, 2011
I’m a week away from my 2 month mark. Although my progress thus far has been great, I can’t wrap my head completely around the stall I’m going through. I have so many internal struggles currently and am trying to figure them out. I can eat anything I want to and I hate that. I am trying to stick to my healthy choices and protein first, but it’s not always that easy. I would post this in the VSG forum, but I’m sure I’d get backlash for having such a major surgery and not sticking to the program like I’m supposed to. Although this is easier than before surgery, it’s not EASY by a long shot. I know how to make this work, but I miss my favorite snacks. I am a carb addict and I want my carbs. I think for the first time in my life I understand (minimally) what an alcoholic or drug addict goes through. When I indulge in bread or crackers or cookies I get a sensation of satisfaction that fills my body. Every crunch is tantalizing and every taste is stimulating…yep I’m an addict. Maybe I do get some kind of high out of carbs that I never realized I did. Well, enough about crackers and cookies because now I’m going to shove salmon in my face at 9am so that I don’t go to the vending machine and get cheeze its.
As for my progress thus far:
My labs suck to high hell! I was horrible at taking pills before surgery and am even worse now that I can’t use soda. ***News Flash this just in. While writing this I decided to take my Potassium and Actigal (pills the size of my head). I put the whole capsule in applesauce and swallowed it without a problem! AMEN!!!! We now return to our regularly scheduled rant***
Normal Ranges My Values
Potassium 3.5 – 5.2 3
Iron 65 – 150 27
B1 66.5 – 200 57
B12 200 – 600 236
D 25 – 130 27.2
Vitamin K – Potassium
Main functions in a nutshell:
Coenzyme for a vitamin K-dependent carboxylase
Blood coagulation
Bone metabolism
Vitamin K is essential for:
the formation of prothrombin (a blood clotting biochemical),
the calcification and mineralization of bones, and
assisting in converting glucose to glycogen.
Vitamin B1
Main functions in a nutshell:
Co-enzyme in energy metabolism
Co-enzyme for pentose metabolism as a basis for nucleic acids
Nerve impulse conduction and muscle action
Vitamin B1 is important for:
detoxification;
heart function;
improving the mental state;
promoting growth;
toning muscles of the intestines, stomach, and heart; and
the overall health of the nervous system.
Vitamin B12
Main functions in a nutshell:
Essential growth factor
Formation of blood cells and nerve sheaths
Regeneration of folic acid
Coenzyme-function in the intermediary metabolism, especially in cells of the nervous tissue, bone marrow and gastrointestinal tract
Vitamin B12 is necessary for:
stimulating RNA synthesis in nerve cells,
strengthening neurotransmitters, and increasing concentration and memory,
myelin formation (the covering around the nerve cells),
protecting arteries in the brain by metabolizing homocysteine,
nervous system health,
growth and development,
the production of red blood cells,
healthy digestive function, and
detoxifying cyanide from foods and tobacco smoke.
Iron
Iron is an essential for:
the formation of hemoglobin and certain enzymes,
many proteins and enzymes that maintain good health,
transporting oxygen in the blood to all parts of the body,
many metabolic reactions and the regulation of cell growth and differentiation,
immune activity,
proper functioning of the liver, and
protection against the actions of free radicals.
Vitamin D
Main functions in a nutshell:
Regulation of calcium and phosphate blood levels
Bone mineralisation
Control of cell proliferation and differentiation
Modulation of immune system
Vitamin D is involved in:
mineral metabolism and bone growth;
the intestinal absorption and metabolism of calcium;
the absorption of phosphate, zinc, iron, magnesium and other minerals;
the absorption of vitamin A; and
proper kidney function.
My new vitamin regimen is crazy to say the least, but I’d rather not die over taking some pills, so I will be taking them. Please note**My vitamin deficiencies are NOT because of VSG. I was deficient before surgery in most of those areas. If I was taking my vitamins after surgery as directed, I wouldn’t currently be deficient in any of them.
Now what you’ve been waiting for…the NUMBERS:
Today I weighed in at 243lbs…super depressing to be at 244 for 3 weeks (stall)
However, along the way I have kept measurements to lift my spirits when the scale couldn’t. In the past 2 weeks alone…I have lost 5 inches and 23 total!
HW: 286
SW: 269
7 wks post op: 243
TWL: 43
POL: 26lbs = 3.7lbs loss per week since surgery (pretty freaking good)