Dumping Snydrome

Definition from WebMD: "Dumping syndrome is an effective result of the gastric bypass system which alerts the body of inappropriate eating. Dumping syndrome is described as a shock-like state when small, easily absorbed food particles rapidly dump into the digestive system. This results in a very unpleasant feeling with symptoms such as a cold clammy sweat, nausea, pallor, butterflies in the stomach and a pounding pulse. These symptoms may be followed by cramps and vomitting. This state can last for 30-60 minutes and is quite uncomfortable."

I had my second major cause of dumping syndrome last night, unfortunately I was at my sisters watching the girls and it scared them. My sister stopped at Boston Market and brought home dinner, I have had rotisserie chicken since my surgery but not from there. After a few bites and I am talking few bites I felt horrible. Instant nausea and bad stomach pains. It lasted about 90 minutes with me having to vomit. I got the chills, cold sweats and bad cramps. The only other time I had this was the last time I ate bread. This is my fear about eating new foods in public places. I have no idea what will affect me and how. For the most part I have tolerated foods good but when I don't watch out.

I continue to be on steady pace of losing weight. I don't eat Bread, Rice, Pasta or Sugar. I eat alot of fruit, chicken, turkey and seafood. I have stopped weighing myself and only get weighed in at my weekly nutrition appointment.

Here is an updated photo of me. I am at a serious low of clothes. I don't want to spend alot of money on clothes so I have been shopping at Kohls and Target. I have many clothes that I would like to donate to a store or shelter but don't know where to begin.

Any ideas please let me know. Hope all is well. Love, Dawn

85 and counting

I have one more pound to lose till 85. Things are going well. I feel great! Still dealing with low blood sugar but working through it. I have found a new love of fruit. Watermelon, Banana's, Grapes and Blueberries. I never really ate fruit before and now I have it 4 times a day, mind you that I eat about 20 blueberries, 10 grapes, 1/2 banana at each serving, so it's not alot. I have been introducing new foods into my diet slowly. Amazingly I have been eating alot of seafood (Shrimp, Scallops, Crab and Lobster). They are low in calorie and a ton of protein. I continue to drink milk like water.

Now that spring has officially arrived, I have begun exercising outside. My ipod has begun my best friend while walking, I need to put some high energy songs on it to keep me moving along, any suggestions....email me.

Hope all is well! Love - Dawn

74 Pounds

I have officially lost 74 pounds! truly amazing! I saw my dietcian on Friday and my exact words when I stepped on the scale were "HOLY SHIT". This week has been a little hard, I have LOW blood sugar and have been trying to get the number up with the help of some orange juice (diluted) and higher protein I am slowly raising it. Needless to say my energy level has been very low but improving.


I was at my parents house on Thursday and looked at the photo of me, Stacey and Steve from his wedding in November 2005 and was horrified. I looked awful. My face was huge! I went home that night and put the same dress on that is so large that I had it on backward and was able to turn it around without taking it off. I look back at photos and realize now how unhealthy I truly was. I still have alot of weight to lose and have yet set a target goal weight. (see below for before and after photos)

Thanks to everyone who reads this blog. You inspire me to keep it going.

This was the view outside my window this morning. Lovely!!

Well I officially have no pants that fit. I know that this is a "good" problem to have but it is an officially problem. I am going to the mall today with my sister and the girls and will hopefully find some inexpensive jeans. I hate to spend a lot of money on clothes these days because I am not wearing them for to long. Again a good problem to have. Please don't think I am complaining although it may sound that way I am truly HAPPY to have this problem.

I went to the dietitian this week and have graduated to raw vegtables and salad. She was thrilled with my weight loss and gave me some new tips on what foods to avoid. My 2 problem foods are PASTA and BREAD. I can't digest them at all, they are like cement in my stomach. Since I can't digest them I don't want them nor miss them. Which is a good thing. Everyone who has had the surgery says it will get better but there is a part of me that doesn't want them to get better.

Take care, have a good week! Love to all!

I know that things must be going well, when I run into my surgeon in the hall and he tells me I look "Fabulous" That's so exciting. One thing that I have a hard time adjusting to is the complements that I am receiving. It's been a LONG time since someone told me I looked fabulous. I politely say thank and shine my big smile!

Well I am officially wearing a B Cup bra!! Amazing defeat of the girls. I have lost just about 15" in my breasts. I went out last night for the first time since my surgery and I felt great. My friend Melissa was amazed that I was wearing a B cup and I made her look at the tag inside.

I had my doctors appointment the other day with my surgeon and officially have lost 62lbs. He encouraged me to put the scale away and only weigh yourself once a week. So I have listened to him and will only weigh myself on Sunday mornings. I have been given the ok to start exercising and have begun my "Biggest Loser" workout DVD. I am also looking into to joining the Y. They have a fantastic water aerobics class.

I am now able to shop at Dillards and Kohls...still working to Ann Taylor or the Limited. I have lost 3 shirt sizes at Lane Bryant. It's weird not looking for the biggest size in the store.

Take care, I hope you all have a great week!