Angel
2-20-07 Weight 233 (down 184 pounds), BMI 41.3 (down 32.5 points) I finally had my hernia repair and pannilectomy (spell?). The hernia was very large and becuase of this they were unable to remove as much extra skin as I had hoped for. But they did remove 20 lbs and 7 oz of extra skin. Good riddance! But I know that I will later need to have a tummy tuck and maybe also a boob lift. And maybe something for my upper arms and inner thights. But that's just wishful thinking, I'll never be able to afford all that. I'll be happy if I can just afford to finish up the work I need done to my tummy.
5-7-06 I saw Dr. Eagon for my 1 year follow-up. He was pleased with my weight loss. We discussed my hernia and the need for surgery. He thinks I can safely wait till I'm ready for plastic surgery as long as I don't have any problems. I also seen a Nurse Practioner for the plastic surgeon. Received some basic information and they took pictures of me naked (oh my gosh, how horrifying) to send to the insurance company for approval for the plastic surgery to my tummy. It should take a month to see if they approve it. The nurse said I needed to work on getting below 200 lbs before I proceed with the plastic surgery. So I've set a goal that I want to attempt to lose 60 lbs by 11/1/06. (wish me luck)
4-22-06 Weight 263 (down 154 lbs) BMI 46.6 (down a total of 27.2 points)
After 1 month at Curves, I lost 4 pounds and 6.5 inches so that was a great boost toward my goal. I've been enjoying my workout there. I try to go at least 3 times a week. Sometimes, it's hard becuase if I have to work late then I don't have time to get there before they close. I went shopping the other day at K-Mart and found some clothes that actually fit me! I DONT' HAVE TO BUY IN A FAT WOMANS SPECIALTY STORE ANYMORE!!!!!! YIPEE SKIPPEE!!!!
3-12-06 I've rejoined Curves a few weeks ago and I work out 3-4 times a week. I'm hoping this helps me lose the rest of the weight I want to get rid of. I'd like to eventually be under 200 pounds. I have lost 148 pounds so far. My hair got really thin and straggly so I got a hair cut last Saturday and went really short! It looks much healthier now and I've gotten several compliments on it. I need to go shopping for some smaller spring clothes. All of my t-shirts are WAY TOO BIG! (Hey, I'm not complaining).
2-7-06 Today is my birthday and I'm so much happier with myself than I was just 1 year ago. There is 141 pounds less of me than last year. About this time last year I was preparing for my first pre-op appointments. And very nervous. I've had A LOT of complications but I'm still glad I made the decision to have surgery. I know that I never would have lost this much on my own. I would still like to lose at least another 70-80 pounds...but the weight loss is slowing down. I know I need to exercise more and I'm struggling with this piece of it. Sometimes I get nervous that I'm eating more than I should. I don't want the weight to come back!!!! I've lost a lot of hair. Not bald but definatley getting much thinner. I'm trying really hard to get my protein in and drink enough water. Not always easy. I checked my BMI and I'm down 25 points since my pre-surgery weight. I did go back to work on Dec 1st but my stomach wasn't healed up yet. It closed up by Christmas....but about 1 1/2 weeks ago it reopened a little. I went back to see my doctor, it's not infected (thank God) and I go back in a few weeks for him to check it again.
10-24-05 I've lost 109 pounds and my BMI has gone down 19.3 points. I saw the surgeon for a follow up appt. last week. He took me off from the wound vac and thinks I will be healed in 4-6 weeks. I hope to return back to work by Dec 1st.
9-29-05 I've lost 93 pounds so far!! Incision still healing but I'm feeling so much better already. Can't wait until I'm back to normal and can start exercising, driving, and go back to work!! My clothes are getting so loose!! The other day I was walking thru the kitchen and my shorts slid down to my knees!! And I'm from a 5x (tight) to wearing 3 and 4 x clothes. My BMI has gone down 16.5 points so far. YAHOO!
8-3-05 I've had a lot of problems post op with my incision. Had to have another surgery and now my wound is open to heal from the inside out. I have a KCI wound vac and a home health nurse that comes out 3 x week. But, I've lost 75 pounds so far!
*****ADVICE TO ANYONE WHO HAS A WOUND VAC AND A HOME HEALTH NURSE: On July 1st, I got really sick. I felt horrible, sick to my stomach, couldn't hold down any food or liquids, real weak, etc. My home health nurse came out to change my dressing. When she removed it, green bubbly stuff was coming out. Long story short, I went to ER, had CT Scan, seen my wound specialist who then referred me back to the surgeon in St. Louis....seen Dr. Eagon who examined me, and reopened my stomach to REMOVE A SPONGE LEFT IN BY A HOME HEALTH NURSE!!! If you have a WOUND VAC please learn from my horrible ordeal....make sure the nurses COUNT THE NUMBER OF SPONGES THAT THEY PUT IN AND THE NUMBER THEY TAKE OUT. My nurses did not count the sponges and I got very sick. I could have died if the infection had spread more.... but luckily this was caught fairly quickly.*****
6-4-05 I'm 9 days post-op & doing great, I'm down 18 pounds already. yahoo. The Open Gastric was really rough!! I was a little overwhelmed initally at how hard it was but each day gets better.
SURGERY DAY: WEIGHT 417 POUNDS. BMI 73.8
5-18-05 I went for my pre-op appointment today. They took my weight, blood pressure, pulse, blood work, EKG, and a chest x-ray. I found out that my surgery is scheduled from 12:30 - 5:00. The actual surgery time is longer than I expected, but I guess that allows for prepping, etc. I'm excited for this yet nervous. I wish I could fast forward over all the hospital stuff. I'm ready to get it done and start losing weight and feeling better.
5-12-05 Just 2 weeks until surgery!!! My life's going to change!!
4-12-05 My surgery is scheduled for May 26th. I'm so excited but a little nervous.
4-4-05 I'm approved for surgery. YAHOO!!!! Now, just waiting to hear back from the surgeon's office to schedule the surgery.
2-23-05 The consults went well. Dr. Eagon said my Gastric By-Pass would need to be an open procedure. I now have to wait for insurance approval. Dr. Eagon was very nice and took the time to answer all my questions. His nurse was great!
1-13-05 I have an appointment for my consult on Feb 21 & Feb 22nd I'm so excited!!
12-13-04 My insurance called and I'm APPROVED to have a surgical consult with Dr. Eagon at Barnes-Jewish Hospital!! I can't wait to fill out the paperwork and hear back from them with an appointment!!
12-10-04 Still waiting to hear from my insurance company. It's only been a few days but I'm anxious to see if I'm approved!!
12-6-04 This week-end I bought the book "Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster" by Peggy Huddleston. It's a guide for mind-body techniques to help you heal more quickly after surgery. So far it seems very interesting. I received a call from my insurance company today. They've received my request and I should know if the consult with a surgeon is approved within 10-14 days.
Unfortunately, Dr. Hornbostle is not in-network for my insurance but Dr. Eagon is. Now I have to decide which surgeon will be best for me. And if I can afford to go out of network.
12-3-04 I'm waiting for my insurance to approve the procedure and to find out what surgeons are considered in-network. I met Dr. Hornbostle of Sedaila, MO when I attended a Seminar in Oct 04. He seemed really down to earth and I was impressed with his sensible personality. He didn't act like the typical stuck up doctor. I'm hoping I can get my insurance to approve him as my surgeon.