Jane M.
I lost my Husband
Jul 15, 2006
As some you may know, my husband passed away at the age of 38 on Thursday July 13th. I'm so heartbroken right now. I want to thank everyone that has sent me words of comfort and sympathy. Joe was an awesome guy. He was my best friend. He left behind a sweet little 7yr old boy who did not deserve to lose his daddy.
He passed away from Legionairres' disease. Legionella bacteria that he got on our "dream" vacation at Disney World. Our vacation turned into the worst nightmare imaginable. He had sought help on July 4th but was kicked out of the hospital, told he had a virus and was given some phernergan and fluids and sent home with a fever. On Friday he got much worse and was sent by ambulance to another hospital (not the first one). They did everything they could to help him. His heart just couldn't take being on the respirator. MY handsome man was gone. He was my life and love. He was my heart and soul. He was everything to me.
He passed away from Legionairres' disease. Legionella bacteria that he got on our "dream" vacation at Disney World. Our vacation turned into the worst nightmare imaginable. He had sought help on July 4th but was kicked out of the hospital, told he had a virus and was given some phernergan and fluids and sent home with a fever. On Friday he got much worse and was sent by ambulance to another hospital (not the first one). They did everything they could to help him. His heart just couldn't take being on the respirator. MY handsome man was gone. He was my life and love. He was my heart and soul. He was everything to me.
And the Worst is yet to come
Mar 19, 2006
Been awhile since I updated. I've gained 5 pounds but I'm pretty stable now. I wasn't eating very well before but I'm doing better now. I've had a rough time lately. My dad died in December. His sister (my aunt) died a few weeks ago and today my Uncle Kenny died. I have to leave for Massachussetts tommorrow with my mom and my son. I just want it to stop. No more people dying please! I just can't take it. It's so depressing.
I am in school now. Med school if you can believe that. I'm really enjoying it. When it's all said and done, I will be a certified Biller and coder. I'm hoping to find a job as a medical receptioist until then. I need the experience.
One bit of good news is that my mom's cancer is gone! Yeah for miracles. She stopped chemo last month and her CT scan is clear. Unfortunately she has a massive hernia. She has to loose 30 pounds before they will fix it. I'm trying to help her with her diet and exercise. I know she can do it.
I am in school now. Med school if you can believe that. I'm really enjoying it. When it's all said and done, I will be a certified Biller and coder. I'm hoping to find a job as a medical receptioist until then. I need the experience.
One bit of good news is that my mom's cancer is gone! Yeah for miracles. She stopped chemo last month and her CT scan is clear. Unfortunately she has a massive hernia. She has to loose 30 pounds before they will fix it. I'm trying to help her with her diet and exercise. I know she can do it.
The Scoop on Poop
Jan 04, 2006
Not a day goes by without seeing a question about bathroom habits. Here are the most most common questions.
1. I am a week out and still have not had a BM, is this normal? Yes, it is normal especially if you are still on a clear liquid diet. Liquid in=Liquid Out. If you are not hurting, then there's nothing to worry about. If you go more than 2 weeks, then it's time to seek out help from your surgeon's office. Don't take the 2 week period as gospel, it's just a good guideline, I'm not a doc it's just what I was told.
2. I'm a new post op and I have diarreah and strange colored BM's, is this normal? Yes, your digestive system has been rearranged and is like that of a newborn baby. Sometimes when stuff starts working again it comes out in the form of diarreah. As for color, it's not unusual to have yellow or greenish bowel movements for the first couple of days post-op. Just like baby poop! Sometimes people even have a little old blood from the surgery in their stool which makes it a dark color (Almost black). This is also not unusual but should be watched it goes on for longer than a few days. If you have fresh blood in your stool, it may be from straining or possible hemmoroids. In any case if you are concerned call your doc.
3. I'm a few months out and still can only go every 3-5 days. Is this normal? Yes, if your still eating very little food and what food you do eat has no fiber, then it it normal. Only be concerned when you are uncomfortable, can't pass gas and have severe abdominal pain/cramping. Then you need to call your surgeon immediately. If you would like to stay regular, getting onto a regimine of stool softners everyday cannot hurt you. Walmart sells a generic Stool softner that's $1.89 a bottle. A cheap and eay solution. Some people also like Benefiber and Flaxseed. Always remember to consult with your surgeon to find out if it's ok to take extra fiber.
4. My abdomen is distended and painful & I have not been able to pass gas or have BM'S. CALL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY!
5. I am several months out and my BM's are hard and painful to pass, what do I do? The answer to #3 above can work here too. Extra fiber, lots of water and a regimine of stool softners or flaxseed or benefiber can help keep your stools soft and easier to pass.
6. (This is Tooter's suggestion) Use vaseline as a lubricant when you have diarreah or doing bowl prep. Believe me, it makes a difference. Desitin or baby rash cream like zinc oxide can also help keep the tushy from hurting.
7. If at anytime you have unexplained pain in the abdominal region, it's time to call your doc. They have a responsibility to you as your surgeon to help you with aftercare. If you are no longer able to contact your surgeon for whatever reason, see your PCP. No question is too trivial and believe me they have heard every kind of question under the sun even the embarrassing ones. You & your insurance company paid these people thousands of dollars, you deserve good aftercare!
1. I am a week out and still have not had a BM, is this normal? Yes, it is normal especially if you are still on a clear liquid diet. Liquid in=Liquid Out. If you are not hurting, then there's nothing to worry about. If you go more than 2 weeks, then it's time to seek out help from your surgeon's office. Don't take the 2 week period as gospel, it's just a good guideline, I'm not a doc it's just what I was told.
2. I'm a new post op and I have diarreah and strange colored BM's, is this normal? Yes, your digestive system has been rearranged and is like that of a newborn baby. Sometimes when stuff starts working again it comes out in the form of diarreah. As for color, it's not unusual to have yellow or greenish bowel movements for the first couple of days post-op. Just like baby poop! Sometimes people even have a little old blood from the surgery in their stool which makes it a dark color (Almost black). This is also not unusual but should be watched it goes on for longer than a few days. If you have fresh blood in your stool, it may be from straining or possible hemmoroids. In any case if you are concerned call your doc.
3. I'm a few months out and still can only go every 3-5 days. Is this normal? Yes, if your still eating very little food and what food you do eat has no fiber, then it it normal. Only be concerned when you are uncomfortable, can't pass gas and have severe abdominal pain/cramping. Then you need to call your surgeon immediately. If you would like to stay regular, getting onto a regimine of stool softners everyday cannot hurt you. Walmart sells a generic Stool softner that's $1.89 a bottle. A cheap and eay solution. Some people also like Benefiber and Flaxseed. Always remember to consult with your surgeon to find out if it's ok to take extra fiber.
4. My abdomen is distended and painful & I have not been able to pass gas or have BM'S. CALL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY!
5. I am several months out and my BM's are hard and painful to pass, what do I do? The answer to #3 above can work here too. Extra fiber, lots of water and a regimine of stool softners or flaxseed or benefiber can help keep your stools soft and easier to pass.
6. (This is Tooter's suggestion) Use vaseline as a lubricant when you have diarreah or doing bowl prep. Believe me, it makes a difference. Desitin or baby rash cream like zinc oxide can also help keep the tushy from hurting.
7. If at anytime you have unexplained pain in the abdominal region, it's time to call your doc. They have a responsibility to you as your surgeon to help you with aftercare. If you are no longer able to contact your surgeon for whatever reason, see your PCP. No question is too trivial and believe me they have heard every kind of question under the sun even the embarrassing ones. You & your insurance company paid these people thousands of dollars, you deserve good aftercare!
Very Sad Passing
Dec 09, 2005
It's been a very sad time for me. My dad passed away on December 1st. I've never been this sad in all my life. He was a great guy and I will miss him dearly. In 6 short weeks he went from camping out in the woods to dying of Pulmonary Fibrosis. He also had cancer somewhere in his body but we won't know where until we get the autopsy report. 2005 has been an awful year and I'll be glad to see it end.
Devastation
Nov 10, 2005
Well, just when I thought things were getting better they take a turn for the worse. My mom's cancer is receding and she may only have two more chemo treatments left. So that's fantastic news. But today, my dad was diagnosed with and inoperable tumor in his lungs and cancer ridden lymph nodes. The doc says he may have 6 months to live. I'm devastated by this news. This was supposed to be a great year for me instead it's turned into hell. Why? I don't understand why this is happening. What did my family do to deserve this? Nothing. It's just so cruel, I'm sad and angry. Mostly angry. Stupid military docs, can't even sue them for ignoring this problem and miss diagnosing him all this time. If it was caught early he might have had a chance. If something happens to both my parents, that will just about send me over the edge. It's a good thing I'm seeing my shrink next week, because I need all the help and therapy I can get. It's true what they say. Life sucks and then you die, so make the most of time you got. Oh and my favorite...Shit happens
Identity Crisis sucks
Oct 24, 2005
Well, I did get to my all time low of 149 and now I'm back up to 156 or so. I'm on a new anti-depressant and it's making me have a voracious appetite. So I'm going back to basics. Protein, veggies, water and exercise. I'd like to get to 145. It's my new goal. My personal life got rough for awhile but it's improved dramatically the last couple of weeks.
My personal identity crisis after WLS is something I was not prepared for in the slightest. I have discovered alot of things about myself. My desires and needs have changed. With the help from a good counselor and support of my husband, I hope I can get through this trying time. It's not going to be easy. It's kinda scary, but I think I can do it one step at a time.
Oh, I got into a pair of very tight but wearable size 8 pants. It's a far cry from a 26!
My personal identity crisis after WLS is something I was not prepared for in the slightest. I have discovered alot of things about myself. My desires and needs have changed. With the help from a good counselor and support of my husband, I hope I can get through this trying time. It's not going to be easy. It's kinda scary, but I think I can do it one step at a time.
Oh, I got into a pair of very tight but wearable size 8 pants. It's a far cry from a 26!
T-Minus 120 Pounds
Jun 09, 2005
Well, I'm 9 months out and 120 pounds down. I feel really great right now. I still have body issues, mainly the extra skin but my hubby and I agree that plastics is in my future. Tummy tuck, thigh lift and breast lift w/ implants. I'm not crazy about the implants, but I know that I've had significant tissue lost and may not have a choice.
I've been extremely busy lately with my SCA Group. I'm gearing up for my annual pilgrimage to Pennsylvania for a week in August (No kids or husband! Though I'd love to be alone with Joe for a wee but it's not possible). I unfortunately do not have enough clothes right now and have to get busy sewing. Lots' of stuff that can be easily altered is the route to go. I'm loosing REALLY SLOWWWWWWWW now. Just about 1.5 pounds a week. I haven't been able to exercise because of a hurt foot. Hopefully I will get permission to start exercising again because it really kept my loosing.
On the homefront, my mom starts Chemo soon. She has her port put in next week. I hate waiting for this to happen. She was diagnosed before Christmas and just wish they would get the show on the road. She just wants to feel well. I want to move to a bigger house but don't want to be to far away from her until she's recovered. My dad is helpless and she needs me to help her do things that she can't. I sure hope the chemo works because her only other alternative is going to Duke University for experimental treatment. She doesn't want that, but it may be her only option.
I've been extremely busy lately with my SCA Group. I'm gearing up for my annual pilgrimage to Pennsylvania for a week in August (No kids or husband! Though I'd love to be alone with Joe for a wee but it's not possible). I unfortunately do not have enough clothes right now and have to get busy sewing. Lots' of stuff that can be easily altered is the route to go. I'm loosing REALLY SLOWWWWWWWW now. Just about 1.5 pounds a week. I haven't been able to exercise because of a hurt foot. Hopefully I will get permission to start exercising again because it really kept my loosing.
On the homefront, my mom starts Chemo soon. She has her port put in next week. I hate waiting for this to happen. She was diagnosed before Christmas and just wish they would get the show on the road. She just wants to feel well. I want to move to a bigger house but don't want to be to far away from her until she's recovered. My dad is helpless and she needs me to help her do things that she can't. I sure hope the chemo works because her only other alternative is going to Duke University for experimental treatment. She doesn't want that, but it may be her only option.
Oh, you Chicken Fat Too...
Apr 09, 2005
I'm down to 197 pounds this morning. That's after drinking my morning coffee. I'm very pleased with my weightloss so far and I've changed my goal weight to 145. That's 52 more pounds to loose. I'm averaging 8-10 pounds a month, so I hope by my class reunion this fall I am close to goal weight. Right now, I just want to get to 180 by my 9 month appointment in June.
One thing I have noticed recently is how people treat me differently. Especially strangers or store clerks. People actually look me in the eye when they talk to me. It kinda pisses me off that I had to loose 100 pounds for people to respect me. The world can be such a cruel place to the morbidly obese. Most of the time, people would either ignore me or stare at me. I've actually had men start flirting with me too, even when i'm with my husband! It's craziness!
So, what I'm I eating at 7 months out. Pretty normal food, just small portions. I eat alot of cheese, yogurt, grilled chicken and salad. Pretty healthy stuff. My only real food vice is crackers. Especially peanut butter crackers. I also love those Pepperidge farms Sugar Free cookies, but they will do you in!
My drinks of choice right now are crystal light tea, Sugar free fruit punch and water. I do drink coffee in the mornig and that keeps me regular. No more colace if I can help it.
One thing I have noticed recently is how people treat me differently. Especially strangers or store clerks. People actually look me in the eye when they talk to me. It kinda pisses me off that I had to loose 100 pounds for people to respect me. The world can be such a cruel place to the morbidly obese. Most of the time, people would either ignore me or stare at me. I've actually had men start flirting with me too, even when i'm with my husband! It's craziness!
So, what I'm I eating at 7 months out. Pretty normal food, just small portions. I eat alot of cheese, yogurt, grilled chicken and salad. Pretty healthy stuff. My only real food vice is crackers. Especially peanut butter crackers. I also love those Pepperidge farms Sugar Free cookies, but they will do you in!
My drinks of choice right now are crystal light tea, Sugar free fruit punch and water. I do drink coffee in the mornig and that keeps me regular. No more colace if I can help it.
what a Difference a Day Makes
Mar 30, 2005
Guess what? I made the Century Club This morning!!! I'm so dang on happy! Now I just got to get below the 200 pound mark and I'll be on my way. I've come to realize that Carbohydrates and me need to part ways for awhile. They don't make me gain but they don't make me loose either. I'm staying on this plateau buster for awhile to see how I do. I hope to make 190 by my Birthday on May 2nd. I think it's do-able!
Bust Me Out of Here!
Mar 29, 2005
I'm ready for the scale to move. I gained a few pounds of water weight from all the salt I ate over Easter weekend, so I'm tryign to detox my body. I've decided to do a plateau buster diet. I'm doing it for 5 days rather than ten because it usually doesn't take that long for me to drop the pounds. I just want to get below 200! Is that too much to ask (I'm talking to you WLS gods!). I'm not gonna make my April 1st goal of -100 pounds unless I am retaining a ton of water. I guess I'll find out soon enough.
About Me
Williamsburg, VA
Location
20.7
BMI
Surgery
09/08/2004
Surgery Date
Jan 08, 2001
Member Since
Before & After
rollover to see after photo
2001, Highest Weight Ever. I was in a Size 3X/26
328lbs
Size 6 dress!!!
150lbs
