ChristiMNB
---I had the LAP BPD/DS on 5/29/01---
9 JANUARY, 2001 -- I am 33 (just), married ten years (almost) to a handsome, though spiritually unevolving(lol!) Brazilian man, and we have two beautiful children. I have finally come to the painful realization since spending two depressing months in Brazil (visiting my husband's family) that I am more than overweight. I am obese. . . quite a feat to say, since I can't even say the word "fat!" =( I have decided (after years of weight battles and plateaus and regaining) that bariatric surgery is probably the only answer for me. I am NOT depressed, I'm not a worrier, I'm your typical upbeat Sagittarius, yet, I am worried that having the surgery and losing this weight will create an incredible rift in my marriage. He's latin (you know how they are) and as much as I know my current weight bothers him, there is a certain amount of comfortable-ness in it for him since he knows I'm not going anywhere. He works offshore and is gone for weeks at a time. It will kill him wondering what the hell his now skinny wife is doing!! LOL!! I laugh, but I am worried. . .worried I will resent him and not be as tolerant with him (he's a hard-headed Taurus). . .especially if he begins treating me nicer (tho'he's NEVER called me any names, etc!!) I know that I am the same person now that I will be after losing the weight, just happier, more confident, no? Well, I have to try, don't I?
31 JANUARY 2001 -- We returned home from Brazil just yesterday. I spent most every night of the last three weeks online at this site and other links, researching, reading, studying, and of course, GETTING EXCITED! =) Ever since I found
this site (while vacationing in Brazil) I have been eager to get home and find out if our Insurance would cover it or if I had to start saving money to have the operation performed in Brazil if necessary. It is, by the way, MUCH CHEAPER over there!! The
BPD/DS quote that I got was for between R$10,000 - R$15,000 (R=reais, brazilian dollar) which with the exchange rate at 2:1 means USD$5000 to $7500!!! Including HOSPITAL!! =)
But, I got home last night and dug out our insurance handbook
and now I am SO excited! It states that surgery would "only be covered in for a specific condition, that condition being Morbid Obesity." YEAH!!!!!!! It sounds like I'm there!! I'm going to call the insurance company this week and ask about the procedure they would cover since I ONLY want the BPD/DS!! I have felt lighter all day today just in light of this news! =)
MY JOURNEY BEGINS!!!...........
06 FEBRUARY 2001
Spoke with Coty in Dr Dennis Smith's office (Marietta, GA)yesterday. She returned my VM message from Friday. She answered a few more questions I had and told me to get the questionnaire in to them as soon as I could. It would take about 2 weeks for Dr to craft a LOMN from it and then send it off to the Insurance company. She also scheduled an appt for me with him for the end of March which works out perfect because I will be in the Atlanta area for a seminar that weekend! I could even have approval before my appt date!! When I called the Insurance last week they told me that they did not endorse only one type of WLS but it was based on Dr's recommendations. So, that's good news too!! =) This is looking TOO easy right now. . . I will continue to update as my saga unfolds! If this goes as smoothly as it has started, there will be no room for doubt for my husband that I have been LED to this surgery. . .there is already no doubt in my mind. . .like I said, my husband is not quite the "spiritually evolving type!" =)
13 MARCH 2001
Well, since my last update, my LOMN has been received by the insurance company (last week finally) but they have sent it out to an "outside review" board that several people on this site have told me is NOT a bad thing!. . .so, I wait a little longer I guess. Tonight I attended the WLS support group in my city of Pensacola, FL. Met some great people at all different stages (pre, post , etc) . . .found out people actually read all these posts and questions! LOL! A couple people actually recognized my name and recent Q&A posts!! =) Everyone was a RNY but it was good to hear that some aren't as restrictive as I had thought. I still hope to be approved for the DS though.
16 March 2001,
Got the call from Coty at Dr Smith's office this afternoon!! I am approved AND approved for the DS!! The snoopy dance is a definate possibility. . .if only that herniated disk of mine wasn't bothering me so much lately! LOL! My surgery date will probably be in July, I was planning on June, but. . .Hey, what's a couple more weeks? It's worth the wait. I see the pulmonologist and psychologist on 4/2 in GA and I see Dr Smith on 3/29. I guess I can do the rest of the pre-op testing here at home. Thanks to all those who have responded to my questions here on AMOS and for the wealth of information and support I have been afforded by stumbling onto this site just over two short months ago! Many Thanks and Many Blessings to ALL!
17 March 2001
My husband came home from offshore last night, so I got to share the good news with him. I told him I feel like I have won the lottery! I mean, it's such an INCREDIBLE chance at a whole new life!! I think of all the things I have wanted to do, especially with my two beautiful children and I just get this big silly grin all over my face! I think he is finally seeing what this could mean for me, and for us. . .and although he admits he probably will be jealous, he's got a few months to start working on dealing with the changes and chances it will bring to us. I think he is actually getting excited too now. The strange thing so far for me is that I really am feeling SO peaceful and patient about the WLS now. . .I mean sure, I'd love to get it done tomorrow, but just KNOWING that my NEW LIFE will begin sometime in JULY is enough for me. =)
21 APRIL 2001 -
Well, it has been over 5 wks since I got approval for the LAP DS with Dr Dennis Smith. Unfortunately, his patient load is steadily increasing (he has 25 patients-in-waiting right now!) but his surgery dates are elusive. What was going to be a Late May or early June, could now be as late as September. I just don't feel like I have to wait this long. I have contacted Dr Booth in Ocean Springs, MS (a 1 1/2 hr drive for me, compared to a 6 to GA) and learned that he actually TAUGHT Dr Smith the LAP DS! So I think I will be in just as skilled hands! He is out of network for me, which result in a 2x out of pocket costs for me. . .but the extra $1200 to start my new life three months early is worth it to me. I can be switched with him next MONTH!! Yes, MAY!!!! Yippee!!!!!!!!! =) Wow, now I have a lot more things to get done in a much shorter period of time!! Will continue posting as I meet this Dr and his staff.
5 MAY 2001-
Wellllll. . .I have a date! May 29th!!!!!!!!! Pre-op tests on 5/25 and switched on Tuesday, May 29th!!!! I can't believe it. . still in shock kinda.. .I know I was dancing when I got approved, so my reaction with an actual DATE is quite reserved compared to the approval!! Funny huh? The ladies at Dr Booth's office are really wonderful! They are both really really understanding of what we are going thru and truly seem just as excited for us as we are for ourselves!! They know that TOMORROW just isn't soon enough for our surgery and really empathize and get excited with us! They have had NO problems, doing stuff RIGHT AWAY, be it faxing, calling the insurance company, WHATEVER!!! I think they really like their jobs! LOL!! I just can't say enough great stuff about them so far. I haven't met the Dr yet, don't think I will have to until pre-op and I'm not sure if it will be Dr Kim, or Booth or Warden yet either. Will update as I go.
3 JUNE 2001
Well all, i am officially "SWITCHED!" I went in a 5 am on Tuesday, 5/29 and Dr Warden asked me when I wanted to go home on Thursday, 5/31!!! I was discharged Friday afternoon. First let me go back a bit. Meeting my surgeon (Dr Warden) was my biggest hurdle the day of pre-op tests. I hadn't met him yet and was interested to see how he was. Although his personality skills are somewhat (only somewhat) lacking, and he's only being doing the lap DS for about a year, he has been doing laproscopic surgery for close to 12 years so his precision there is excellent. I feel the lack of "personality" a very fair trade for excellence at what he does and so much experience in LAP surgeries. He was much friendlier when he came to ck on me in the hospital. An associate of his had to discharge me, but he was very sweet (and Handsome!). Dr Warden may surprise you, he looks young, but slightly balding (tells me he had some life experience in spite of his baby face!) =) I will write about all my hospital experience, but right now, only 5 days post op, I am still tired and have a little pain so I want to get back to bed and not overdo it. Will write more in a couple days!
16 JUNE 2001-
Well, it's been a little longer than I wanted since my last update. I am almost 3 wks post op now. Absolutely NO pain left in my tummy area for over one week now. 3 of my 6 incisions are healed. . . don't know why the delay with these last three!! (Update: They weren't closing up and healing because I was using hydrogen peroxide to clean them twice a day. there is something in peroxide that inhibits what is necessary to cause drying up and healing. As soon as I stopped using it they healed up pretty quickly!) I've had some ups and downs food consumption-wise. . . Had a few bites of a McD cheeseburger a few days ago and lived to regret it! LOL! It messed me up for close to 24 hours! So, I'm sticking to chicken, tunafish, and really mostly protein drinks, but I don't even get enough of that in me! Heartburn is greatly reduced these last few days too. I don't know if that's becuz Im back to a somewhat "bland" diet or just my tummy recuperating. I'm finding it VERY frustrating going to the grocery store. . .I'm buying stuff I don't even know if I can eat yet and still having to remind myself of the quantity I am eating right now. . .(3 or 5 bites and I'm done!) I'm feeling pretty good overall though. Some things still make me feel queasy but I have NOT thrown up yet! =) I did buy some miso soup the other day and have added tofu to it for more protein. It's making me feel like I am eating "somewhat" normally. =) I still get a lot of gas when I eat so i feel like that is severely limiting my intake at this point. I also have not yet gotten in a routine with my vitamins/supplement taking yet. .I HAVE to get on the ball there!! I have not weighed yet, I was waiting for my 4 wk ckup with my surgeon to see. . .but I have started back at the gym so I could check myself there. . . LOL! I have been alone with my two children since the day I came home from surgery. My DH has been offshore this whole time. . .I hope he will notice a difference when he returns. . I'm sure he will, a lot of my friends say that already are seeing it in my face, so how could he NOT notice?!! LOL!! =)
20 JUNE 2001 -
Ok, I went to my PCP yesterday and just HAD to post my happy thoughts here! As of my three week post-op anniversary, I am down 26.5 pounds, FOREVER!!!!!!!! =) It is so cool to realize that these are actually pounds that I will NEVER see again!! I don't have to wonder if the scale will start creeping back up again!! I mean,. . .this is SOOO great! Everyday, I can wake up and virtually say, "This is the last day that I will ever see myself at this weight again!" I mean, IS THAT COOL OR WHAT?? LOL!!!!!! =)
2 AUGUST 2001 -
Well, my post op check with Dr Warden was July 20th. As of that date, I had lost 42 pounds!!!!!!!!!!! yeah!!!! =) The only "complaint" I had for him was this darn gas that keeps filling up my tummy and letting me eat only 3-4 bites per meal! He basically said: "So what?" he was joking OK?? He only meant that such small intake early on like this was enhancing my weight loss. . .to which I really can't complain! I mean, 42 pounds is almost 1/3 of the excess in just 7 weeks!!! Wooo Hooo!! But almost like I cued it, literally the very next day, the gas that would collect in my tummy stopped and I suddenly found myself eating witout feeling so uncomfortable and a much more normal amount. That was one thing I asked himtoo, was how big my new tummy was. He said it was about 8 oz!! I was floored by this!! I thought the DS started with a 3 or 4 oz tummy and it would eventually stretch to about 10 oz. . .Wow. . . well, now I am able to eat a small healthy choice meal. Not quite the whole thing actually and I am really satisfied with much less than the whole thing, but I can almost finish one. My husband came home from almost two wks offshroe and he noticed more difference in just two weeks (he left the day of my post-op checkup) so I guess i have lost some more in that period of time! I'm suposed to be starting bk to the gym with a good friend this week, keep me going. But I already find I ahve more energy to be picking up after my little toddlers all day and the messes they used to leave around my house are becoming much less tolerable for me so I am straightening up more!... that should make the hubby happier. . .eventually huh? LOL. . .What else do I need to say? Oh yeah, my insurance company gave me a HUGE scare last week. I got the EOB for the hospital bill (which was $34,000 by the way!) and it showed that the insurance was only paying about $15,000 of this bill and I was absolutely terrified I was going to be left with the remainder. (I went out of network and although I still had a decent Out of pocket cap, i was responsible for anything over "reasonable and customary charges." I thought that's what this was regarding so I finally had the balls to call the insurance company Monday and inquire (and to warn them that I would be having a heart attack and the money they just paid for my surgery would have been in vain!) but the CS lady I have spoken to since day one of my journey to the other side, assured me that this was NOT about R&C charges, the charges were so high that the bill was sent to an outside audit company (same one that approved my surgery - Value Check)who performed an audit and deemed that these excess charges were charges that I could not (or should not) have incurred, inother words, they were fluffing up my bill big time. The most surprising thing she said was that even though the hospital WAS NOT IN NETWORK, they would be OBLIGATED to write off the charges!!! Can u believe it?? I must have asked her four times about the whole "but they're not a preferred provider thing" but she insisted. So.. .now I wait to see if the hospital feels the same way!! LOL!! Actually, looking at my itemized statement from the hospital, I do see things charged to me that I know I did not receive. . .so. . .I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she knew what she was talking about, otherwise,.. . I may be divorced soon!! LOL!! =) Ok enough for now. . .but can I just say, I LOVE THIS SURGERY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
20 August 2001 -
Ok, here I am less than 3 months out and I got on the scale at the gym this weekend. . . 60 pounds gone forever!!! Gosh, I haven't weighed 238 in almost 3 years. . .and that was for a VERY short period of time before I got pregnant with my little girl!! LOL! I can probably start fitting in some other clothes now but I've been too busy to pull them out of the closet!! I had lost 42 pounds as of July 20th (my first postop checkup) so that's 18 pounds in one month....... wow!! That's all I can say! =) I'm eating great, just not in large quantities. . .Milk is the one thing I haven't RE-tried yet since feeling yucky last time. . .Yesterday I had cake and ice cream at a friend's bday party and didn't feel too hot afterwards but I tend to think it was mostly becuz it was pure sugar/carbs and I hadn't eaten since early in the day. . . I felt ok after an hour or so.
I'm still waiting to hear from the hospital. I called them last week before I sent my acct audit request and they emphatically stated that the remaining balance was my responsibility and that they do NOT accept the findings of ANY outside auditing agency. Well, I called my ins again and she said if I hadn't gotten a bill from them yet, don't sweat it. So. . I am just not worrying about it for now. I have felt led to this procedure from day one, so I can NOT allow myself to think I will be let down now!!
Personally, I am feeling better, feeling like I'm looking better (which is great for the psyche!) I can get off the couch now rather quick and grab the kids, cross my legs, have no more back pain, my hubby says I no longer snore and I can tell that I am sleeping through the night (on my wonderful Select Comfort Air Bed!!) now without tossing and turning!! =) But now I am getting restless, I have lots of projects around the house that I have been putting off and now I want to do them ALL!! Especially before the Holidays!
8 OCT 2001--
Well, I'm not gonna make this a really long update . .I kinda feel more like I want to say "thank you" for this surgery!!! I am just over 4 mos post op and down about 80 pounds! I am not lactose intolerant anymore, I am wearing clothes (NICE clothes) from my closet that I haven't worn in more than 3 years. . . I feel great, I am looking so much better. . . I am getting LOOKED at now!!!! I mean, I'm sitting here laughing because it's so unbelievable and so fast! My friend actually had to TELL me that a guy was flirting with me because I have been living in this cocoon for so long, thinking I'm not ever gonna get picked up on again. .. I kinda wondered if I would even know how to carry myself as a "normal person" again. . .but I find that it's all coming back to me now!! =) So effortless. . . so amazing. . . I have thrown myself into my career as a real estate agent full force now! I'm not embarrassed to meet potential clients anymore, I have nice clothes to wear to showings, I feel more confident and am more confident and it shows! I am NEVER going back!!!!!!!!!! NEVER NEVER NEVER!!! I'm proud of my WLS now too, if anyone asks or wants to know more, I am more than happy to share my experience!!
I am going to California (home, visiting family and friends) in a couple months and I cannot wait! I'm gonna get my hair cut in this cute short style that was my signature hairstyle for many years. . .my face has thinned out SO much, I can finally go back to a short cut and not have it accentuate the rest of me. . . I slid on a pair of pants today that I haven't worn in more than 5 years. . .Nice black stretch trousers from Lane Bryant size 14. . .well, they fit everywhere but the tummy. . .I was BLOWN AWAY!!!! I mean, it's just this apron I now have and I know I'm gonna need a tummy tuck and I want one too, but, if it wasn't for that, they'd fit!!!!!!!!! I mean, the leg and the butt were fine, almost loose. . . .!!!!!!!! I mean, A. . .MAZE. . . ING!! My house is cleaner than it ever has been, I have more patience with my kids, I have more confidence than I have had in years. . .I mean, can life get any better?? I think it must because I still have about 50 lbs to go to get to my "high goal" and maybe 70 to get to "goal goal". . . so yeah, it's just gonna get better!! =) Blessings to all!!
27 OCT 2001
Well, tonite was my coming out party!!! LOL, actually it was a bday/halloween party for the kids but. . . I felt like I was in the spotlight!! =) I saw a lot of people (our friends) that I had not seen in a LONG time and needless to say, many of their reactions were extremely pleasing to me!! LOL!! My DH's dive partner came and he hadn't seen me in a few months and as I walked down the hallway to greet our first guests, he saw me and his jaw dropped!! My DH was standing right beside him and while Jason was babbling on about how amazing I looked and how much I had lost, etc. . .my poor hubby (who just got home a few hours prior and had not seen me in 1.5 months!! and DEFINATELY not seen me dressed up like that in years!AND I had gotten my haircut to my chin and colored!) could only nod in agreement with Jason! LOL!!! So many people pulled me aside and told me how fabulous I looked, gorgeous even!! It was AMAZING!!!!!!!!!! I felt SO good!!!!!! Funny though, my "best friend" here in Pensacola hardly said a word about me to me. She mostly was agreeing with everyone else when they would ask her what she thought! (this surgery is separating the wheat from the chaff!) WHAT A DIFFERENCE it makes when people go to leave for the evening!! I got more hugs (even from the guy friends!!). . .It was just so so great. It could not have been any more wonderful. . .and just think, I still have a good 50 or 60 lbs more to go.. . what's it gonna be like then?? LOL! =D Well, I had to save this moment for posterity!!
27 DECEMBER 2001 --
Well, what a great month it has been!!! I got on the scale today for the first time in two months and was ECSTATIC!! I was very busy around Thanksgiving because I hosted TG dinner and just a few days later, left for California to see my friends and family and take the kids with me (2 and 5). I had not been home in more than 4 years! I spent 2 1/2 wks in CA. I arrived on a Wed. afternoon and the very next day had a scheduled appt with my old hairdresser to cut my hair in my old style from college!! I LOVE IT! I didn't have that "missing hair syndrome" for one second after I cut it!! (it's short now!!) I feel great, I am looking even better. I was so worried I was gaining weight in CA . . .I was eating more than normal, and eating GOOD stuff (some of the best restaurants in the US are in my area of CA!!) and also doing some stress eating and PMSing. . .this was part of the reason I didn't find time to weigh before leaving for CA at my 6 month weigh in date!! I couldn't BELIEVE it when I got home and tried on the size 18 Lane Bryant zip up denim jeans that were WAY too tight before my trip. . .they zipped up easily!!!!!!!!! WHAT A THRILLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!! My best friend here just sat there with her mouth open when I stopped by her office to see her after my return! My new hairdo, makeup on, jeans and a nice sweater. . .she said if she would have seen me walking by, she would have stopped me and told me I looked like her friend, Christi. Hahaha, yeah, and I would have slapped her and told her it WAS me silly!!! LOL!! NO one here in FL has seen me at this weight before. It's pretty cool. At least my friends in CA had seen me, but a very long time ago. Actually, now that i have dropped below 200, I don't think I have been at this weight since right before I got married!!! OH MY GOSH! And we JUST celebrated our TEN year anniversary right before Christmas!! I have not weighed this LITTLE in 10 years!!!!!!!!! I finally weigh less than my hubby for the first time since we met!!! I have just 20 lbs to go and I'll weigh what i weighed when we first met!! THIS IS AMAZINGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!! Geez, only 7 months post op and I have lost more than 100 pounds. . .it was my goal from the beginning, but I am still dazed that I'm actually there!!
My panni is going away but I will still need a TT, the skin on my upper inside thighs is pretty "crepe-paper like" looking. . . I think I heard someone describe theirs as "looking like elephant skin!"...but I haven't spent any time in the gym at all. . . I'll need to be adding that come the first of the year. I put one of my favorite dresses on where I used to actually fill out the top (kind of a scoop neck sundress with buttons down the bra front) and it was droopy on me!!! I guess my bra size has decreased dramatically!! Definately need a boob job after this, but who cares?? I may even need implants after all this!! LOL!! =) I really need to post pictures, I would just love to share my success with all here! It made such a difference for me when I was researching this surgery. The before and afters are amazing!!! I'm wondering what my goal weight should be. . .Insurance charts would probably put me in the 125/135 range for my height. . . That would give me 60 more lbs to go. . I can't imagine losing that much more!! i feel like I'd waste away to nothing at that weight!! LOL!! At this rate, I'm gonna run out of winter clothing before winter is over!! WOW!! Ok, enough bragging for now. . I'm just SO SO happy and wanted to share it!!
1/28/02 -
Well, me and the kids went to Biloxi, MS this weekend to spend a couple days with my hubby who is rarely home and it was the first time in almost four years that I got in the swimming pool! My hubby has long since stopped asking me,but I actually VOLUNTEERED and said I wanted to get in with him and the kids too!! =) It was fun!!!!! I am looking forward to summertime and the water slides!!!!!!!!!! =) Also started back to the gym finally for the first time since the surgery. Gonna do the BFL program. I will need some PS soon so I want to tone up what I can!! It's amazing. . . I'm not even sweating anymore at my workouts!! Usually I'd come out of the gym sweating horribly!!! What a difference 112 pounds can make!! LOL!!
3/24/02 -
Well, almost 10 months post op now, and down approx 130 lbs.. . I'll get on the scale in a few days, but I think I'm around 170. . .a weight I have not seen in almost 11 years!!! I met my hubby at 170. I tried on a pair of white jeans that I actually MET him in 11 yrs ago (size 14P Gloria Vanderbilt - yes, I saved them, sentimental value!!) and they came all the way up this time!!!!! Now, I can't button them or zip them up, cuz all this extra skin on my tummy, but they're fine in the butt and legs!!! I am SO excited!!! This is unbelievable!!!! I am shopping in the "normal" clothes sizes now. . . 14 is generally good, M in tops for the most part. . . But already, some clothes I bought at a thrift store just barely 45 days ago are already almost too big!! I forgot how just a few pounds (when you are close to normal weight) can make a big difference in sizes!!! Keep this in mind those of you tempted to stock your closets once you get in normal sizes again!! Not like when we wore "big" clothes and 20 or 30 lbs can keep you in the same size!! LOL!! Gosh, what else? Well, sex (when I do get it, remember my DH works offshore for extended periods of time) is much better as far as just the whole experience goes!! I mean, to be able to get that close to someone, he can get his whole arms around me, flip me on top without losing the "connection" . . .I can be on top for the first time in YEARS!! It's great!! I do admit I just wish my libido was where it should be. At 9 mos, no vits or supplements, regular food only, my labs were perfect. BP down to 95/64, cholesterol down to 101, but kinda feeling blah and unmotivated sometimes. The Dr put me on Wellbutrin and it is helping, as well as raising my blood pressure somewhat (to 110/67) and keeping me from feeling that lightheaded-ness so much!!
Also have some new news. . . WE ARE MOVING TO BRAZIL!! I've been there twice (for those of you that skipped past my initial posting, that's where I began this journey!) and am finally going to be able to enjoy it like I know it is supposed to be enjoyed. My 5 yr old and 2 yr old will attend school there (and finally learn Portuguese) and I already have a job waiting for me, teaching english. . . Ok, not my life passion but, it's a start and it's good money. My hubby I think will continue to try and kinda split his time between FL and there until we decide he can quit and can find someplace there to buy. SO,I am looking forward to getting my plastic surgeries done in Brazil. . .the most famous surgeon in all the world practically is from there and it is more common and so much less expensive than here!! I'll be updating from there too. . .and will change my email address thru here as soon as I have my new one there. I'll post again as soon as I weigh in this month. . .my last month weighing in the states. . .hmmm.. .I may have to post my weight in Kilos from now on!! LOL!! Blessings,
4/11/02-
Can I just say what a JOY it is when weighing in now??!! LOL!! I mean, today's weigh in was a big surprise for me!! I weigh 166!!! First, I weighed in at like 5:30pm instead of my regular, first thing in the a.m. with NOTHING in my stomach to weigh me down! LOL! and my period is just 4 or 5 days away so there could be a couple more pounds of water there!! And these last two weeks my husband has been home, I have been eating way more and way more bread than I EVER do!! It's not too bad I guess, mostly bread and cheese and ham (we started eating Brazilian style) but I just am not usually a bread fiend like he is. And breakfast, you will recall from my earlier posts that I really don't eat in the a.m. anymore. . .but, again, since he's been back home, I find myself eating bread and cheese and stuff first thing in the am!! I felt SURE I didn't lose anything this time around!! Gosh, maybe it's really true, I've heard other DSers swear that they can't gain and the more they eat the more they seem to lose. . . it seems to be holding true for me too!! I have noticed some of those "old habits" creeping up on me, but I really wonder if some of this is not stress-related. Dealing with my DH these past few weeks has been a difficult challenge. I totally noticed today that when he gets mad at me for something, my reaction was to take off by myself for a while, but also, to find something to EAT!!! I was actually thinking of going thru the drive thru or something like that. . . Shit, pisses me off that I deal with my frustrations with HIM by taking it out on myself and trying to sabotage MYSELF!!! I am looking and feeling so very great right now, why on EARTH would I want to go back to my old ways??
Well, he and the kids are leaving on Monday for Brazil... I will join them on May 1st. We have some business things to tie up here still, so I am staying on for that. I am looking forward to him being away (since I seem to accomplish NOTHING when he's around. . . and, NO, it's not becuz we're having wild sex or something all the time when he's home!! LOL!!!!!. . . that's another story tho'...)and maybe me losing another 10 lbs before I get to Brazil to show off my new look to all my in-laws!! If it wasn't for this hanging skin, especially below my waist, I would be feeling really fine. . .probably would wear a 10 or 11 comfortably. I really need to get my boobs done soon, I have some "syndrome" where one is bigger than the other and I guess the smaller one is not fully developed since I was not able to nurse from it. . . but, for some reason, it was easier to hide in the larger bra sizes, but now it is almost impossible to find a bra that truly fits. If one is perky the other is droopy and if the other one is perky, then the larger one is spilling over!! Not a pretty site. But you know, Brazil is the land of plastic surgery, some of the best in the world are there, so I am confident I can get all I want "fixed" at a FRACTION of the cost of it here in the US!! And believe me, I'm gonna have it ALL fixed!! Boobs, tummy tuck, inner thighs and upper arms!!! My next update should be from Brazil!!! =)
26 June 2002--
Well, here is my long awaited update!!! =) Needless to say I have been a little busy here in Brazil. I've been here almost two months now. Life is SO much easier here now!! When all my hubby's family saw me they were just full of compliments... well, some of them were, others were quite obviously tongue tied!! LOL!! NO one here has ever seen me at this weight. IN fact right now... I am the lowest I have been since my freshman year of college... that's since I was 18!!!!!!! 16 years of weight... =) Woo hoo!!!!! I've been called skinny, elegant, "otima" (kinda like perfect!) and "bonita pra caralho" which basically translates to "f-cking pretty!" LOL!! That last compliment was from my brother in law, who didn't recognize me at the airport terminal in Rio and my DH had to point me out to him!! LOL!! I mean, like he said, everyone knew I was losing a lot of weight, but knowing and seeing are two different things! =)
I had my first clothing purchase since arriving here, just yesterday. All prompted by the falling in love with these totally cute platform style (a style I detested as a heavy person!!!) flip flops with pretty orange, brown and gold embroidered flowers on the strap!! I bought them.. yes they are kinda uncomfortable because the part your foot is on is just wood, but... they just look so brazilian to me!! So, I then went to the mall and found a cool swashbuckler style shirt with the sleeves that flare out at the wrist in a beautiful burnt orange color to match the flowers on my shoes!!! =) I finally am starting to look a little more brazilian... all the clothes here are very sexy. and I'm actually looking pretty good in them!! I even tried on a bikini top yesterday but I realy have to get my PS done before I will feel really good in it! But I mean,... I WILL be wearing a bikini this year!! I am just amazed!!! I've been going to the beach, sunning myself at the pool in a bathing suit... things I NEVER EVER EVER thought I would ever have the luxury of doing before this life-giving surgery!!!!
But now, my DH is worried I will waste away to nothing!! LOL!! Gosh, I hope not too!! And it is AMAZING how HARD on myself I was as a teenager and young adult too!! I mean, when I weighed this last time, I thought I was heavy!! Now I am much more confident in myself and would never treat myself like I did back then! =( You know the adage: "To know yourself as one thing, you must first come to know its opposite." Well geez, it's like the Universe said, "Hmmm, you think you're fat huh, well, I'll show you what FAT is!!" Cruel but a necessary lesson... and one that I called upon myself. So, be careful what you claim to be, for you will be given the chance to prove it by experiencing what you are NOT. My metaphysical words of wisdom for the day!! LOL!! I'll update more after my consult with a plastic surgeon later this week. Gonna have him see what he can do with this wrinkly body!! LOL!! =)
7 April 2003---
Yes, it has been way longer than I wanted between my last update and now... somehow LIFE finally gets in the way!! LOL! I had my first round of plastic surgery with Dr Fabio Zamprogno here in Vitoria, ES, Brazil on 11 July 2002. He did a full abdominoplasty and breast lift/reduction. To see my before and afters go to: http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/cmdwls/lst?.dir=/Christi+PS+pics&.src=ph&.order=&.view=t&.done=http%3a//photos.yahoo.com/
I wanted to record my journey of PS too, but since it is so long ago. But I am not done. Going for a second (of three i think) round next week. He will do basically the LBL and arm lift. Then next time will be thigh lift, mons repair/lift, and possible revision to inverted T tummy tuck and probably silicone implants.
Some wonderful person gave me the inspiration to create a medical concierge service for those people wanting to have their reconstructions done but insurance wasn't paying. I am pleased to say that I have started this business and am looking forward to receiving my first client next month! My first paying client anyway!! My sister came to visit me in September of last year and I had told her I had had the surgeries and how thrilled I was and how incredibly CHEAP it was to do here!! Well, she is single and after weight loss and nursing her little boy, those boobs were in bad shape. Needless to say, as soon as she saw mine, she was convinced and Dr Fabio was a sweetheart to do the breast lift for her on such short notice. She is thrilled to death too and always making me tell Dr Fabio she loves him and that he has changed her life!! LOL!! I have to say I agree 100% with her assessment of what plastics will do for you after your weight loss! =)
Basically what I am doing now since I am living here in Brazil, is providing a type of concierge service for people wanting to do their PS here. I handle all the correspondence, set up appointments, get questions answered with the Dr, pick them up at the airport, get them anywhere they need to go for their appts, pre and post op, get hotel booked, just anything that may come up... I am here to help basically, since going abroad to have medical work done can be scary all by yourself, but I am living proof that it is worth it!! =) I wanted to give back to all those who inspired me along my journey from pre to post WLS and seeing how people struggle with getting simple reconstructive procedures (and yes, ok, some purely cosmetic!!) covered by insurance.. . well, i just didn't think it was fair and so I think this will be a great service I am helping people with. You really can't believe the prices here, and it is partly thanks to the exchange rate right now and also simple economics that just don't function the same way here. It's supply and demand. MOre people want plastics here and so the surgeons charge less and see/help more people! I mean, why is it so outrageous in the US?? Brazil's reputation for plastic surgery is internationally known. If you have to go abroad to get what you want and need, and you can go with the best, DO IT!! =) I will have a website up and running in the next few weeks or so and I will put the link here as well. I just don't see a need for us to settle for what insurance covers or what astronomical prices we pay for in the US when it comes to finally returning to true "normalcy" after MO. This is a right, not a priviledge and if american insurance companies don't see it this way, well I am here to help us all see the light!! =) More to come....
5 MAY 2003 --
Well, my one year anniversary here just passed and my two year anniversary as a WLS post op is approaching at the end of the month. Wow!! I am now three wks post op from my LBL (lower body lift) 360 degree cut and mons lift and arm lift (brachioplasty). So far I am extremely happy!! This second round of plastics has been a much quicker recovery since it only involved skin removal. TT and its muscle work was definately a little tougher! LOL! This surgery has made a big difference in my body already. My swelling is minimal really and at 10 days post op I was in my pre-op clothes with room to spare! My arms were swollen for the first week or so but I haven't had to use compression garments for them at all and the scar is healing beautifully... I may not have any skin elasticity left, but my scarring is awesome! LOL! For the first two weeks, I felt really tight mostly in the back where my butt was lifted, and I still am, I just don't feel like I'm gonna open myself up anymore! LOL! I can sit comfortably now but still not bending over at the waist much if I can help it. My butt is flatter than I wanted but, that is the price you pay for a butt lift. But, believe it or not, they have BUTT IMPLANTS here!! Who knows... I may opt for that later down the line, but first, the inner thighs and boob implants! =)
Also, my surgeon is working on a new technique in order to avoid the dreaded anchor cut scar for a tummy tuck in order to sculpt the waist and deal with that extra skin at the sides and upper tummy. I had my DS lap so I don't have the open scar and had it done lap hoping to keep a scar free tummy. He doesn't want to do the inverted anchor cut either so I think I have talked him into doing vertical cuts at my sides (where the yuckiest skin texture is anyway!) to tighten the upper tummy and get rid of the side puddles!! LOL!! I am very excited about this!! Brazilian bikini here I come!! I mean, I have been using one already but, not without my canga nearby... but not THIS summer!! Will keep everyone posted on this because I know us lap WLSers will be interested in this! =)
17 July 2003 - Hello again. Well, Here I am, some more updates to make! LOL!! I had breast implants (cohesive gel) inserted around May 20th... LOL!! 235 ml and 255 ml... to compensate in the small size difference. This was done just 9 days before my 2 year WLS anniversary AND also happened to coincide with the arrival of my first client for my concierge service (May 29th was this special date!)!! Coincidence?? LOL!!
My concierge service now has a name and a Yahoo group and it is called MedNetBrazil. Website isn't done yet, but really it's gonna be mostly for search engines for now... ALL important info including price and stuff and camaraderie and stuff is on the yahoo group! =) We have already had our first two clients come and go and have posted their before and afters on the group as well. We have another two people coming in August and it looks like another two for September... this is a beautiful thing! I am really SO thrilled to be doing this andhelping my fellow post opers!! My best friend here is my partner, and my surgeon (a fellow Sagittarian!) is also perfectly aligned with what we are doing... we are all excited by this challenge and the fact that we are helping so many people!!! =) WE are all doing what we love and making a big difference at the same time... what a THRILL!! =)
I just got back from a three week trip to the states. I had to go back (remember I live in Brazil!!LOL!!) to get my permanent visa for Brazil and just made a big trip of it and saw my parents and friends and family I hadn't seen in ages... None of them had I seen (except my sis) since November 2001, I was just 6 months post op DS. Now, since getting down to 120, (lost 80 more pounds since they saw me last) and all the plastics I have had... well, it was a REAL THRILL!!!!!!! I had SO much FuN.. Ok, so maybe I had TOO much fun! LOL!! everyone said I looked younger when I came back to Brazil a week ago! LOL!! I certainly FEEL young! Which is great, cuz I was feelng like I was looking my age there for a while... but now people are guessing me at 27 or 29... works for me!!!!!! =) I drummed up some more business too! LOL!! Brought lots of business cards... had to show LOTS of people my scars!! LOL!! =) But it's all good!! LOL!! everyone was just so thrilled and happy and proud of and for me.... I felt so wonderful there!! Got so much attention!! Wore all my sexy Brazilian clothes!! LOL!! What a time!! Oh and can I say, I LOVE MY NEW BOOBS!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU DR FABIO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! =) What a difference some boobs make!! LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I would not have enjoyed myself HALF as much without them!!!!! LMAO!!!!!!!!!! I also got a belly piercing right before my trip too... Hey, if you're gonna do it, go all out right?? LOL!! =) Love that too... met some wonderful people, reconnected big time with my little sister, amazed my grandparents that I hadn't seen in 7 years... it was just great. I was eager to get back though and get back to work on MedNetBrazil and continue my work here. Eventually I want to be almost like on tour.. lol... I'd like to make contacts with WLS support groups from ALL over and be able to go to their meetings and give informational presentations with my album of Dr Fabio's other before and afters and share my knowledge and experience (personal and professional) and LUCK in finding such a skilled group of people to work with!!!
We are also working with other physicians and dentists. WE are not restricting ourselves to plastic surgery. Many MANY medical procedures are just too expensive in the US!! So we are branching out to other medical professions and dentistry, etc. I am so excited by these prospects... I also feel like I am doing a great service to Brazil in terms of expanding people's awareness and respect of this beautiful country as well. Well, life is just really good right now. What a change from just two years ago.... My current situation (and my future as I see it) is TOTALLY AND ABSOLUTELY justified by my past trials and tribulations.... those of being MO for so long, as well as others.... IN other words, I HAD to go through what I did, in order to get where I am today. Remember, the Universe gives us only blessings!!!!!!!!
21 August 2004 -
Wow, I was actually in tears reading my own journal here... I can't beleive the things I have forgotten about already... LOL!! Wow.... just.... WOW. I have been meaning to update here for a while, so I will take the opportunity now... here goes...
I had my last round of plastics in Early November 2003. Dr Fabio did an inner thigh lift and butt implants. See, told you I'd do it!! LOL!!!!!!! Ok, my experience was very different than my other procedures. First of all, the butt implants, HURT!! LOL!! Obviously they go behind the muscle and that muscle getting stretched out REALLY is painful, but just for the first 5 days or so. The thighs were a piece of cake compared to the pain in the butt, but even though I laid low and actually recuperated on my stomach (U can't lay on the implants for 30 days!!) and tried to do nothing, my thighs opened up just a little (about the size of a nickel) at the T incision in the groin. Took a little longer to heal up, but... can I just say, the results of my thighs are just amazing. I mean... I remember crying in Dr F's office worrying about how the T scar would look and stuff... he was SO supportive and udnerstanding and concerned too for me! I liked the SIZE of my thighs u know? I didn't want a lot of skin taken off, I just wanted that ugly textured skin to be gone... the "scrotum skin look" as we call it! LOL!! =) and he did just that!! I really need to post pics onthe OSSG PS group because I only heard horror stories about thighs and arm lifts, no one was ever happy, extreme (sometimes permanent) swelling due to the disruption of the lymph node system so prevalent in the area of the incision..BUT, the Brazilian technique for these two surgeries that give this lymph node problem, is amazing. They reduce the amount of the tissue with a lipo canula, instead of resecting the tissue (the stuff INSIDE and under the skin of the thighs and arms!) with a scalpel and cutting or removing the lymph nodes and leading to big problems, they use a lipo technique which leaves the nodes totally intact, resect the leftover SKIN with a scalpel and close it up. My arms and thighs just came out beautiful! =)
I am very happy with my butt now too!! For those that want to see, check out the pics still on the Yahoo group, I have them there!! =)
So yes, I am done with plastics for now and that is good because I have just been so busy with MedNetBrazil now and am amazed at how it is growing!! We will be having our FIRST ANNUAL MEDNETBRAZIL CONVENTION AND REUNION in Las Vegas, NV next month from Sept 17-19 at the Sahara. Dr Fabio will be coming and DR Antelmo too, who is a Lap BPD/DS surgeon here that works with us now and has started having American patients. They will both be there for presentations and Q&A and consults!! So, we are bringing the doctors to YOU now!! Wow, just so thrilling!!
I just cannot believe the number of people we have helped this last 14 months!! =) I AM BLESSED and so thrilled to be doing what I am doing!!
My website FINALLY opened on July 28th, 2004, a full year after I wanted it but hey... everything in good time and this timing was perfect. Please check it out since I have moved all the document files from the Yahoo group:MedNetBrazil, onto the website, but of course the Yahoo group is still going strong for postings and pics (until the pics get transferred too! LOL!) www.MedNetBrazil.com
My personal life has evolved immensely as well since my last surgery back at the end of last year.... I have been growing through this business evolution at the same time as I have been going through a divorce. =( I really can't be sad though because it was MY decision and it HAD to be and believe it or not, has ONLY brought MORE blessings into my life and of course, my children's lives too! I'm with a wonderful man (that IS Spiritually Evolving! LOL!) that I met after my ex and I separated in October last year. My children adore and respect him as well... I really can't ask for anything more in this area!! =) Just let me tell you, DO NOT be afraid of CHANGE!! Change is the ONLY constant in the Universe!!! Embrace it, welcome it, let it bring to you what it will. It might not always be comfortable but.... it WILL be for the best if you let it!! =)
Anyways, MedNetBrazil has grown by leaps and bounds... we are getting ready to have our FIRST ANNUAL MEDNETBRAZIL CONVENTION AND REUNION in Las Vegas,NV just next month!! We are bringing Dr Fabio (plastic surgery) AND Dr Antelmo Sasso Fim (Laparoscopic Weight Loss Surgeon BPD/DS) to the USA for post-ops to reunite with and pre-ops to meet and get to know personally some of our post ops and MedNetBrazil in general, etc... I'm again, just thrilled for the opportunity. The DS is near and dear my heart so I think that along with Plastic Surgery reconstructions, getting the word out there about the DS (especially LAP, and an affordable price for self pay!!!) with Dr Antelmo here is something that I cannot ignore. =) There's info at the bottom of the website page about our Convention, try to come if you can! =)
Wow, looking at where I was when I began this journal from Vila Velha, ES BRasil just 3 years and 8 months ago.... A - MAZE - ING!!!!!!!! Don't u think? Thank you for all the support, the encouragement, the trust, the goodwishes, the positive energy... I just want you all to know that this is MY way of giving back, which I intended to do from the beginning... Another metaphorical word of wisdom: Your life proceeds out from your INTENTIONS for it. In other words, "Careful what you wish for!!" LOL!! =)
I love you all.... please follow me on the Yahoo group and now the website... please KNOW that this kind of transformation is absolutely possible for anyone considering this journey... it will take you places you never knew existed both within and outside of you. Enjoy the ride, embrace the journey, and God Bless you all.......
Blessings,
Christi deMoraes
www.MedNetBrazil.com
Christi@MedNetBrazil.com
Medical Concierge Services
About Me
Before & After
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