Ally
Surgery Date: 9.15.05
THE JOURNEY BEGINS..
Goal Weight- #150ish
09.01.05- #305 Start Pre-Op Diet BMI 47.7
09.15.05- #285 <-20#> Surgery Date
10.12.05- #270 <-15#/-35#>
10.16.05 #264 <-21#/-41#>
10-19-05 #264
10-19-05 1ST FILL 1.5CC (4CC INAMED BAND)
11.09.05 #260 <-25#/-45#>
11.16.05 #258 <-27#/-47#> BMI 40.5 (X-Obese)
11.16.05 2ND FILL 1.0 CC (TOTAL 2.5CC)
11.20.05 #255*******50#!!!!********** BMI 39.9 (Obese)!
11.27.05 #251 <-34#/-54#>
12.08.05 #245 <-40#/-60#> 12 weeks post op!!!!!
12.28.05 #239 <-46#/-66#>
01.13-06 #235 <-50#/-70#>
02.13.06 3RD FILL .25 (TOTAL 2.75CC)
03-25-06 #215 <-70#/-90#> 6 months out (33.6 BMI)
04-12-06 4TH FILL .25
04-20-06 #205 <-80#/-100#> 7months, 5 days post op (32 BMI)
04-21-06 SLIGHT UNFILL- LAST FILL TOO TIGHT.
05-19-06 #193 <-112#> 8 Months and 4 days post op!
07-06-06 #175 <-130#>
08-16-06 #175 <-130#> Slight Fill
08-29-06 #170 <-135#>
09-15-06 #160 <-145#> ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!!! 11-10-06 #155 <-150#> BMI 24.28 (I'M FINALLY AT A NORMAL WEIGHT! :) 02-02-07 #150 <-155#> 5-10# TO GO TO REACH MY NEW GOAL WEIGHT! 23.4 BMI 03-11-07 #150 <-155#>
09-15-07 #14o <-165#> HAPPY 2ND ANNIVERSARY TO ME!!!!! 165 LB. WEIGHT LOSS!!!!!
02-29-08 #138 <-168#> I'M HOLDING MY OWN!!!
04-18-08 #136 <-170#> I never would have thought in a million years that I would be where I am right now. I feel marvelous!
2.29.08
I haven't been very good, once again, at keeping up with my posts, emails or support....sorry. I'm down to 138 and don't want to go below 135, which was my super duper goal weight. I haven't weighed this since Jr. High. I weighed 145 when I graduated from high school. I'm feeling great and loving my new me.
9.15.07
WOW, IT'S MY ANNIVERSARY!!! I DID IT! TWO YEARS AGO I WEIGHED 305 LBS. I COULD HARDLY MOVE OR BREATHE...Today I weighed in at 140 lbs. I seem to flucuate between 140-145 for the past 6 months. I feel great especially after having my tt and getting rid of all of the loose skin. I wear a size 7 now, which I never would have imagined ever getting into. I still keep my old baggie jeans in my closet as a reminder of how far I've come and where I never want to go again.
The band has been a fantastic tool for me and I have not had one regret. I need to post more here, it really keeps me in check with things and hopefully will help others that are starting their weight loss journey. I know I will always have to watch my weight and eatting habits, but the last two years I have learned so much and I know I WILL NEVER BE OBESE AGAIN! This has been the best journey I have traveled in my life and I did it for ME!
I will also try to get a new picture posted soon.
3.12.07 It was a small seroma. Dr. Cannova drained off what he could and I'm a lot more comfortable now. I still have quite a bit of swelling that will take some time to heal. I'm feeling better everyday! 3.11.07 I had my last drain removed on the 8th and now I feel that I may be experiencing some problems. From what I can tell, I think that I may be developing a seroma. I have a lot of fluid build up around my tummy tuck incision line . It's starting to feel like I have a waterbed sloshing around inside me. I will call the doctor tomorrow and see what he suggests. I hope I don't have to go back and forth to KC to have it asperated or opened. Dang it! 3.07.07 I am 3 weeks post op from ps and my hernia repair. I'm getting my strength back and am doing great. The surgery went very well and I am so amazed and pleased with the results. I will be going back tomorrow and hopefully get my final drain removed.
2.02.07 I HAVEN'T BEEN VERY GOOD AT POSTING LATELY BUT I DO HAVE AN UPDATE. I'M SCHEDULED FOR PS ON FEB. 13TH, 2007. IN ADDITION TO HAVING A CIRCUMFERNTIAL ABDOMINOPLASTY AND A BILATERAL BREAST LIFT I WILL ALSO HAVE MY ABDOMINAL HERNIA REPAIRED. I'VE BEEN MAINTAINING MY GOAL WEIGHT AROUND 150-155 SINCE MY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY LAST SEPT., SO THE DOCTORS ARE COMFORTABLE WITH THE GO AHEAD WITH THE OTHER PROCEDURES. DR. STEPHEN MALLEY IN K.C. WILL BE REPAIRING MY 4CM ABDOMINAL HERNIA AND DR. JOSEPH CANNOVA JR. WILL BE DOING THE PS PROCEDURES. I FEEL THAT I HAVE MADE GOOD CHOICES WITH THE SURGEONS AND AM HOPEFUL THAT I WILL HAVE THE RESULTS I WOULD LIKE WITHOUT ANY COMPLICATIONS AND WITH MINIMAL DISCOMFORT. I WOULD BE LYING IF I DIDN'T SAY THAT I AM A BIT NERVOUS AND APPREHENSIVE BUT THE HERNIA IS WAY PAST DUE AND NEEDS IMMEDIATE ATTENTION, SO I FELT IT WOULD BE BEST TO GET IT ALL DONE AT ONE TIME. I HOPE I DON'T PAY TOO DEARLY WITH PAIN! 09.15.06
TODAY IS MY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY AND I HAVE LOST 145#!!!!
I WEIGHED IN AT 160# THIS MORNING. 10 MORE LBS. TO MY GOAL WEIGHT! YAHOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
08.29.06
-135#!!! Only about two weeks until my one year anniversary and I feel marvelous darling! I'm not loosing like I had been but the little bit of a fill that I had is helping and I'm getting closer to my goal weight. Dr. Malley seems to think that I could loose another 10#, but I'm going for a final 20# loss and see how I feel at 150#.
I have a 4cc abdominal hernia that I will need to have repaired soon. My port is trying to slip through the hernia, which is not a good thing. I would like to have a tummy tuck at the same time, but according to what I have read, the surgeons like for you to be at a maintained weight for at least 6 months. I will try to put it off as long as it doesn't cause any problems. Dr. Malley gave me a surgeon to consult with, so I will see what he recommends.
I keep saying that I will get some updated pictures soon. I will definately get that done for my anniversary next month!
Thanks for tuning in. If you are considering the band, don't look back and go for it. It will change your life!
07.06.06
-130#!!!! Almost 10 months since surgery!
I have been so busy enjoying my new life that I haven't been very good at updating my journey. It is nearing a year in Sept. since I had my lapband surgery. I am so amazed how well this has worked for me, but I have also put the work in to make it successful.
The weight is coming off much slower now that I am getting closer to reaching my goal weight. That is yet to be determined because I never have set a "goal weight" other than getting to the weight that I feel the best and am the healthiest. I feel that taking off another 30# will put me where I will feel the best, but not anymore than that. So, we'll see.
The NSV (non-surgical victories) have been amazing and so exciting. I had to get a seat belt extention when I flew to Monterrey. Two months ago I flew and was so excited that the seat belt on the plane was ample with plenty of room leftoverf! I've never been a shopper, but for the first time in years I can see myself window shopping and treating myself to a new pair of shorts and shirts now and then. It seems like I am flying through clothes and sizes. Thank goodness for a special friend that has kept me clothed through my weight loss journey. There are so many NSV that happen on a dialy basis now. When they happen it brings tears to my eyes knowing that I was extremely obese less than a year ago and struggled with everything that I tried to do.
I'm enjoying life again and feel like a new woman! I know this surgery has added years to my life and has been the best gift I have ever given myself. Life is very good and it keeps getting better.
The band is a wonderful tool that I feel like I am mastering :) The key will always be good restriction and my fill doctor has been wonderful. The band is only a small part of it. I eat a healthy diet and have changed my eatting habits. If I really want something, I don't deny myself a treat now and then. There is a balance and only you can find what works best for you.
The hardest part was getting started and getting past the pre-op and post-op diets until I could get my first fill and finally feel some restriction. I will be going back to my doctor on Tuesday to have a very small fill. It's nice to be at the sweet spot and just need a little tweak now and then to jump start things again. I don't want to go through an overfill again. That was horrible, so I will be very careful with my fills from now on out.
I'll get my pictures updated soon. I have been delaying an abdomianal hernia repair until I get close to my goal weight in order for the surgery to be more successful. Now I need to research doctors that can repair a 4cm hernia and possibly do a tummy tuck at the same time. I'm not looking forward to that but it has to be repaired and my doctor said it would be a great time for me to have the tummy tuck too. We'll see. I have to do my research just like I did with the band and feel comfortable with both procedures.
5.19.06
-112# 8 MONTHS; 4 DAYS POST OP!!!!!!! Feeling much better since I had 0.125cc taken out. I could hardly eat anything for 2 weeks, even after having an unfill just one week after my fill. I think I may have waited too long for an unfill. I had severe heartburn and reflux for a week. I had a hard time keeping down liquids and after a week of very little nutrition and discomfort, I knew the band was not going to "give" enough to make a comfortable difference. I have felt so much better since. It's amazing how taking out so little makes such a big difference. Over fills are not any fun.
CURRENT FIT-DAY STATS:
BMI 30.23 (SOON i WILL BE CONSIDERED OVERWEIGHT)
APPROX. 3.125CC IN 4CC BAND
3.05 AVERAGE WEEKLY WEIGHT CHANGE SINCE SUGERY
4.20.06
-100# LOST IN 7 MONTHS; 5 DAYS!!!!!!! IT'S A BEAUTIFUL DAY!!
I will update my pictures soon, so stand by!
I celebrated by cleaning out my closet :)
TIME FOR A HAPPY DANCE!
03.25.06
10 more lbs and I will hit the century mark...YAHOO!
I've been terrible, as you can see, with updating my profile, but I'm doing great. Once I hit the century mark I will try to figure out how to post before and after pics!
01.13.06
70# gone forever!!!! Have I mentioned lately how much I love my band? I've maintained 812 calories, 66g protein, 82g carbs; 26g fat a day. My carbs have increased because I am eating more beans, lentils, oats, fruit and other good carbs.
My restriction is good. I may cancel my next appt. on Feb. 13th if I keep loosing well and have good restriction. Good job Ally :)
12.28.05
This is the first time, I can ever remember, that I actually lost weight during the Holidays!
Yesterday I canceled my appointment with Dr. Malley because I have been loosing so well and feel such good restriction, and I don't want to ruin a good thing. Nancy told me that they have a very long waiting list for fills and that I just gave someone a wonderful gift for the New Year! That makes me very happy. Normally if you call to cancel a doctors appointment the day before your appointment, they are furious. Apparently not when it come to banding patients. There seems to be plenty of patients waiting for a fill and not enough hours in the day. There seems to be a very high demand for fills and not enough doctors to do them.
I made another appointment for the middle of Feburary, so I'll see where I am then and go from there. It would be great if I was so lucky to only need two fills to keep my sweet spot, but I will just enjoy the ride until the wheels fall off and I have to have another fill. 2.5cc seems to be my number!
My weight loss of 66# since Sept. 1st, 2005 is an average of 3.94# per week. That includes the 20# that I lost during my two week pre-op diet. Since November 20th I have lost 16#, or 3.03# per week.
My body is changing and it's happened so quickly. I have been walking and have been tolerating more time with less pain in my back. I am still taking it easy on my back and haven't started a regular routine on the bow-flex yet, but the treadmill is awesome!
One of my dear friends, Laura, gave me her bow-flex for my birthday this year. We happen to celebrate our birthdays on the same day in July. I can't express what a heart felt gift you have given me! Thanks my friend and buddy :)
I am leaving to go visit friends that I haven't seen since my banding, and since I have lost over 60#. They all saw me at my heaviest, now they will see me obese instead of super duper etremely obese:)
My BMI has gone from 47.8 to 37.43! Loosing another 80# is beginning to feel like a reality. This is the best gift I could have ever given myself. It's not easy, it's a challenge. A challenge more difficult than any other challenge I've faced. It's a gift to myself. A personal gift with huge rewards. Food is no longer a reward for me. Life and health are a far better reward.
One day at a time.
12.08.05
I am riding a high with my band. I have lost 60# since my pre-op diet and 40# since surgery! I have great restriction, feel great and am feeling my body shrinking! It's been the best money I have ever spent. Right now it has cost me $141.66 per pound lost! That's about what you pay for Kobe beef in Japan! Funny comparison.
11.23.05 Happy 80th Birthday dad, I sure do love you!!! :)
11.20.05
I am officially down 50#! Yippee! I LOVE MY BAND BUDDY!
11.16.05
Today was a great day. I went to see Dr. Malley today and got 1.5cc added to my band. What a joyous occasion. I feel restriction now for the first time!!! There is probably some swelling associated with the fill, but it feels good thus far. He agreed that up until now, I haven't had much help from the band. I don't feel like I've had any help! I didn't feel any restriction from my first 1cc fill a month ago. Until today I didn't know what it felt like to be banded, and now I know! YIPPEE! Thank you Dr. Malley!
THANK YOU DR. RUMBAUT AND YOUR WONDERFUL TEAM!!!
I had a half cup of oatmeal for dinner tonight and I'm full. That's a first! Even if I had the flu I could always eat!
This is my 11th week since I started my pre-op diet and 9 weeks since surgery. My weight loss thus far -47#.
If you are considering the band, I will tell you right now that if you are not determined and ready to put up a life long journey to loose weight and to keep it off, don't bother with the band or any other surgical weight loss procedure. Having this surgery has so much to do with mental empowerment. You have to want it, put yourself first, be patient, and learn a new lifestyle. If you're not willing to make the changes and work hard mentally, then this will probably not work for you either.
This has not been an easy 11 weeks. This is the most challenging thing I have ever done in my life. The reward is that I'm doing it, and I'm doing it for me! :)
My loss since Sept. 1st, is due to making healthy choices, portion controls, excercise, and most importantly determination. I'm very excited to finally feel restriction and feel the help from my band buddy. This has been very difficult and I do know that without the band as a tool, and my family as my support, that I would not be successful at this weight loss attempt either. I'm fortunate to have both ingredients to help me reach my goal.
I LOVE MY BAND!!! :)
11.9.05
The first fill has not given me the restriction that I'd hoped for, but I also know that it may take a few fills before I find my sweet-spot. I will be getting my 2nd fill on the 16th. This will be the real test because I know that we are going to be a little more agressive with my next fill.
This has been really hard, the hardest thing I have ever done and not cheated or over induldged. The bottom line is that I've lost 45 pounds, I'm feeling better every day, and I have the determination to beat this addiction. I know the band is there, and we will start working together soon. This is my test and it's very rewarding.
I'm not loosing the weight as fast as I was, and I'm happy about that. My concern is loosing lean muscle mass instead of fat. I have been consistantly eating under 1000 calories a day since I started my pre-op diet on Sept. 1st. As long as the scales are moving in the right direction, I am happy :)
Excercise has still been hindered because of my on going back injury. I injured my back at work over a year ago and I it is still screwed up. I'm hoping that it will somehow improve with weightloss and reduce my daily pain.
10.18.05
review and update...I will be getting my first fill tomorrow, so wish me luck I'm hoping that I will feel some restriction and curb my appetite.
I've really been doing well, and have been working the rules, but it's been hard. I've been good about fluids. Eating and drinking are easy for me and I have never felt any restriction. The facet is wide open! Reel me back in and help me out here! :)
I started my pre-op diet on Sept. 1st at 305 lbs.
Surgery, 9.15.05, I was down to 285ish
10-16 I am at 264! Down 41# since Sept. 1st!
Keeping a food journal has been my best partner.
It's going to be fun to see what happens and how I feel after I get my first fill! I'm happy to see my hard work is paying off, or melting off!
I've been walking since pre-op but I need to kick it into gear! My back is still giving me trouble, but I'm hoping the more I loose the better it will get.
My body already feels different, in a good way, and I can even start to see the changes. I have a long way to go, but I know that this is the best and hardest thing that has ever happened to me. It's empowering to change my eating habits and take back the control that I lost. The more I do it, the better I feel!
10.12.05 It's BANDSTER HELL time! I'm 4 weeks post op and I can't wait for my first fill and some restriction! I'm struggling, but doing great and loving the results!
9.21.05
I'M BANDED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'll update my profile and experience soon.
9.11.05
4 DAYS AND COUNTING! HAPPY DANCE! YES I AM USING ALL CAPS BECAUSE I WANT TO SCREAM AT THE TOP OF MY LUNGS :)
9.06.05
Things are going great with my pre-op diet. I just hope I'm following it to the T! I've kept my carbs under 20g, calories under 1,000 and protein around 75g. I've been drinking 3 EAS Carb Control shakes a day, taking my vitimins, eating only protein, if I do eat something, and am drinking tons of water.
I've been tracking my intake on FitDay. Great site to keep track of a variety of reports during your weight loss journey.
9 days until surgery. 7 days until we leave for Monterrey. I'm really excited and don't have any jitters:) I know my surgery will be uneventful and I will be a successful bandster!
9.01.05
I am two weeks until surgery and am starting my pre-op diet today. I've stocked up on my protein drinks and things that I will need to take with me to Mexico and have ready for when I get back home.
I'm feeling excited and anxious for my surgery. I can't believe that I am just two weeks away. This will be such a wonderful tool for me and I know I can do this!
8.25.05
I've been busy the past couple of weeks and haven't had time to post everything that has been going on in my head. Good thing!
Sept. 15th will be here and I'll be home before I know what happened. Just get me past the six week post-op diet and I should be fine. This is such a crucial time while you are healing, so I'll be damned if I'm going to screw this up!
This is so exciting. This is something that I am doing for me! My hope is that surgery will give me the tool to lead a healthier and longer life. I just tuned 51, and this is definately a present to myself. Something that has been long overdue.
I am not too nervous but a bit anxious. I am sure I would be more nervous about my surgery if I felt that I was going to a doctor that wasn't as expierenced as Dr. Rumbaut. I feel safe.
This will be a drastic change for me and all of those around me that knew me when...but those that surround me, will my support, my inspiration, my motivation and my life. I hope that I can be an inspriation for others that fight with obesity.
8.12.05
I have my date set for Sept. 15th, 2005 to have the lap band with Dr. Rumbaut. I made my air reservations and am getting excited. He is doing the procedure for $8500.00, which includes one day in the hospital and 3 days at the hotel, all preop testing and shuttle services to and from the hospital, airport, hotel. Basicly everything but airfare.
This is very exciting and I am happy with the decisions that I have made. Dr. R's U.S. codinator, Cathy, has been so helpful with questions and getting things scheduled for me. So far, I am very pleased with every aspect of choosing Dr. Rumbaut.
8.10.05
I just spent an hour talking to Dr. Rodriguez, Dr. Rumbaut's assistant. We talked in depth about the two procedures and he asked me several questions about my health, weight, eating patterns, complications rates, cost, refills, pros, cons and death.
He was very patient, I didn't feel rushed with his time, like you would with a doctor in the U.S. He gave me his cell phone to call him anytime I have a question that he can help me answer. Thus far, I can say that I am very impressed. It was very important to him that I know and have the information needed in order to make an informed life-long decision. Granted the lap band is reversable, but why would you?
It was of his opinion that I would benefit from either procedure. My decison is to have the lap band. The decision is very individual and the procedure you choose has a lot to do with your current eating habits, addictions, and behavior. I have researched both procedures for several years and certainly know my behavior better than anyone, so this is what I feel most comfortable with, and hopefully this will be the tool I need to achieve my goals.
I have Cathy running in circles :) She has been great with getting everything arranged and answering my questions. The next step is to get my date!
8.10.05
Cathy called this morning and I had another long list of questions for her:) She is very patient with me and there are no stupid questions.
I have a couple of different surgery dates to look at in September! I have decided to have the lap band and feel very good with my decision. This was the surgery that I initially wanted to have and now that I have learned more about the lap band and RNY, I know that the lap band will be best tool for me.
I started seriously thinking about having WLS over five years ago, and after my insurance denied the procedure, I have actively been looking into Mexico and the doctors there. I have followed the progress of patients since the lap band was introduced and approved by the FDA. The journey has been long just to get to this point but it has been well worth it. I have been educating myself and I continue to learn more and more everyday. The learning experience, in itself, has been a very healthy and a rewarding experience. Knowing the difficulty of the surgery and the possible complications, I want to make sure that my body is in the BEST hands and knowing that will eliminate most of the anxiety about the surgery. I feel that with Dr. Rumbaut. If there is anyone out there that has had a negitive personal experiences or has any negitives about Dr. Rumbaut in Monterry, Mexico, then please email me your story. So far, no one has come forward.
I will try to keep you posted as things progress...
Ally
7.27.05
I have decided to go to Mexico to have my lap band procedure. I have been in contact with Cathy from Dr. Rumbaut's office. She was so helpful and very informed with all of the questions that I had. She even gave me Dr. Rumbaut's personal phone number to call him to answer the questions that Cathy could not answer. I want to personally speak to Dr. Rmbaut about the lap band and the lap RNY. Hopefully, after I talk to Dr. Rumbaut he will give me further information so I can make the right decision for me. Regardless of which procedure I decide to have, I will have to make major life changes for anything to work.
It's comforting to know that if I chooe to have the lap band , that I am choosing a Dr. that has the lap band and knows the in's and out's of the procedure personally! I have been researching Dr's in Mexico since I was declined by my insurance company to have the surgery. Since then I have been researching the best Dr. in Mexico that does the lap RNY or lap band. I would have to say that Dr. Rumbaut is the most experiened and has the best testimonials and personal feedback from the Obesity Help patients for these procedures. He is a member of the ASBS. You can only be a member through the recommendations of prominant American surgeons. He must be a highly regarded surgeon to receive this honor as a foreign surgeon.
I have a brother, who just turned 53 in March. He suffered a severe stroke last November. I am just a couple of years behind him in age and I am scared to death that if I don't do something fast with weight loss, that I will be where he is or worse. It has made me want this surgery more than ever now. I know how hard he has had to work just to be alive today, so he is my inspiration!
My family is very concerned about my going to Mexico for surgery. It has helped to be open with them about the procedure and give them the information so they can learn as well. I have a very supportive family and we love each other very much. The reality of it is if I don't have the surgery and don't get the tool to help myself, that it won't be long before I develop other life-threatening problems that could possibly been prevented had I not been obese.
I will wait to talk to Dr. Rumbaut and continue talking to his patients until my gut tells me that I am doing the right thing and I feel 150% ok with everything. Thank you OH for the continued help along the way.
Photos
 305 Ally and Dr. Rumbaut Pre-Op |
 |
 193 8 MONTHS POST OP & DOWN -112# |
Member Interests:
Click here to see interests of other ObesityHelp members.
Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: Roberto A. Rumbaut, M.D.
Dr. Rumbaut Rocks! I am not going to write about Dr. Rumbaut's credentials or how he is so highly regarded by his peers and patients in the WLS community. He rocks, but he's human. Dr. Rumbaut and his team were everything personally and professionally that I expected, and I had very high expectations! He and his staff in Monterrey are a lot of fun, very professional and easy to work with. You're not just another patient or number and it shows. When you love what you do, it shows. As I am writing this, I am 4 weeks post-op so I can only comment on the aftercare up to this point. The care after surgery was very good. My pain was kept under control and I had additional pain due to a 3cm abdominal hernia. Dr. Rumbaut recommended to have it repaired once I loose my weight to ensure that it will hold and heal easier. I was not the "normal" patient, and was glad that Dr. Rumbaut was my surgeon. The long distance aftercare is what I will be dealing with now and will add to this question later when I can comment with experience. Overall, I would highly recommend Dr. Rumbaut to anyone, but especially to those that are self pay and rest assured that you are going to one of the best lap band dr's in the world! Dr. Rumbaut works out of a very modern hospital in Monterrey. My hospital room was nicer than any U.S. hospital that I have been in and I wasn't in one of Dr. Rumbaut's suites! Dr. Rumbaut is a very skilled and competent lap surgeon and it's an added plus that he has such a great personality. But then, his entire staff ROCKS!
Insurer Info:
American Medical Security, PPO
They have not been any help and have a written exclusion policy. They seem to stand behind the exclusion and will not make exceptions for medically necessary weight loss procedures.
