Ginger Barkley
05/25/02
I am 30 yrs old, married with 2 children. I've been overweight since I was in Middle School. I've tried every diet in the world and always gained more back then what I lost. Also, I gained at least 25 more pounds with EACH child. I'll start my weight loss journey now at 270 lbs. My first goal will be to reach 175. After that I'm sure I'll set new goals for myself.
My husband does not want me to get this surgery, he is so afraid that something bad will happen. Although, as we see two friends that have had the surgery, I think it will gradually ease his own mind. (I Hope!)
6/20/02
I had my first visit today with Dr. Gail Wynn. I was very impressed with her. She took the time to go over the surgery completely and made sure that all my questions were answered. I've scheduled my appointments for the cardiologist and for my ultrasound of the gallbladder. I was advised that I would be contacted by mail to schedule my appointments with the last of the doctors. After I have gotten all my appts scheduled then I can call the office and they will get working on the surgery date for me!
6/28/02
I've scheduled the last of my appointments, my last one is on Aug 19... Looks like I won't be having my surgery until Sept... I was hoping to get this done much sooner!
7/12/02
Just got back from Dr. Leidig (Cardiologist), I had an abnormal EKG so I'm scheduled for a stress test on 7/22. He is indeed a wonderful doctor! He was very through on his evaluation and past medical history. I'm glad I was referred to him. Now let's just see how this stress test goes!
7/17/02
I got a call today from my OB/GYN because I was trying to see if she would work with my gastric bypass doctor and tie my tubes at the same time of my surgery. She wouldn't do it (which I can fully understand), I was trying to get both done at the same time to save a little pain! Oh well, I'm going in on Aug 5th to get the tubes tied. Primary care physican's office was on my answering machine when I got home tonight... Seems that some of the docs that I have to go to for the pre-op testing are out of my insurance network. Looks like I'll have at least $600 out of pocket so far! I just hope the surgery is approved! Talked to my neurologist today also. I seen him last week for my insomnia (appt was already scheduled, not related to surgery) He has decided to send me for a sleep study too! I have so many doctor appts coming up; but I'm glad everyone is really checking me out. I'm really worried about the abnormal EKG. Can't wait to get my stress test done on 7/22. Doc said he would call the next day with results...
07/24/02
My cardiologist called my today to let me know that my stress test result were
08/06/02
Had my tubes tied yesterday... laporscopic. *Back to work the next day! So far so good... just minor pain in the belly. Went today for my appts with Nurse Practioner, Psyciatrist and Nutrionist at the Eugene DuPont Preventive Medicine & Rehab Institute. All three appts went really well and I liked everyone there. I have to go get my pre-op blood work done and then a follow up visit on 8/19 with Dr. Lenhard (he will give the ok for me to have surgery).
08/07/02
I just talked to Judy at Dr. Wynn's office. She gave me a surgery date of...... SEPTEMBER 11th. Oh my goodness, 9/11 of all days! My pre-op appt with Dr. Wynn is on 9/3.
08/10/02
Went to my first support group meeting today at PMRI. I finally got to put faces to the people I've chatted with online. Karen V, Karen C, Juanita and Greg; thanks for sharing stories and postop info. Good Luck to you all in your Journey!
08/19/02
Went to Dr. Lenhard today and he gave me the clearance for the surgery. I was also able to set up my appts for my post-op visits with Nutrionist and Nurse Practioner. They follow up with you also 1 month post-op. They will follow you throughout this whole process. My pre-op measurements & bloodwork will be compared when I go back for my follow up visits. I really like how PMRI helps you. Plus, they have a wonderful facility.
08/27/02
Fifteen days till surgery!!! Tried a vanilla protein drink last night... NASTY! I'm on a mission to find a good tasting powder mix. Any suggestions?
09/03/02
Seen Dr. Wynn today for my Pre-op appt. Surgery is scheduled for Noon on 9/11 (Just 8 more days. My LAP RNY is expected to take 2 to 3 hours. Then recovery for a few hours. She also told me that I may have a breathing tube when I wake up. They try not to use the NG Tube. Then a drainage tube will be off to my side, should be removed by the day I'm released from the hospital. I will go in on Wed and out on Friday. (as long as I'm complication free!!) I'm so excited! Doc advised me no sugar 48 hours prior to surgery since sugar enlarges your liver. Gallbladder will be staying in!! I will have to take a medication (can't remember the name) for 6 months after surgery to make sure I don't get any stones. My Angel, "Karen" went along with me today for my appt. I think she's more excited then me!! Thanks Karen!!
09/05/02
Seen my lawyer today and got my Will, Power of Attorney, Living Will, etc. all done. I feel much better about that now! My husband told me tonight that he took off 10 days to help me out. (I already had my mom lined up to help with the kids since hubby works nights) He has finally come around!!! I'm planning on taking my 5 year old son and 10 month old daughter down to
09/10/02
Well, tomorrow is my big day! I sit here with mixed emotions... hoping that I am making the right decision. All of the sudden I'm having 2nd thoughts. I think going to the support group meeting last night is what done it for me! There were 2 people there that had complications and were hospitalized for several months. Not what I wanted to hear just before I go in for my surgery. Ahhh!!! My poor head is just a spinning with all kinds of thoughts. I thought I was so ready for this, I was so positive. I guess another sleepless nite again. So here I go... my new life starts tomorrow! I've got my Flinstone vitamins, Tums, Iron, B12 and my Chocolate flavored Whey Tech protein powder. Wish me luck!
09/11/02
Today I will be an official postie!!
09/13/02
I just got home from the hospital this evening. Surgery was postponed for 3 hours but I finally got into the O.R. Dr. Wynn advised me that everything went great. Surgery started about 3pm and I was in recovery by 5:30pm. Then came the waiting game. No rooms were ready for me. Finally I got put into my room at 9:30pm. I was happy though... I got a private room! :)
I feel good, just a little tired. I haven't had any pain medicine since about noon today. Laporscopic is the way to go!
I can start my pureed foods tomorrow. The next four weeks should be interesting.
09/15/02
What a day yesterday!! I thought I was being good by starting off my Sat. morning with a Protein powder shake. Three sips and I was so sick. I was in bed all day. I had extreme nausea and I guess the "dumping syndrome". I was actually dry heaving and nothing would come up. Bad Day... don't ever want to do that again. Called doc and he advised me to stay on clear liquids for another 48 hrs. Today I felt a bit better. I was able to keep water down and some jello. Followed back up with doc today (his suggestion) and he wanted me to try Gatorade. So far so good with that one. So here we go again... trying to find protein supplements!!
09/18/02
I'm one week post-op today. I'm feeling great. I'm even going in to work all day on Friday. I think I'm ready. I'm really bored sitting home and I'll get more exercise there. I do have an office job so no hard work. Today I've eaten 1/2 cup of applesauce for breakfast, 1/2 cup chili for lunch. I think I'll try some tuna or chicken for dinner. All pureed of course. I can't wait till I move to the regular food stage. Pureed foods just aren't very appealling. Even though it still tastes the same, I just can't stand the look of it!! When I do eat, it is really amazing how you can feel yourself get full. I know I need to take a smaller bite next time or slow down. Even when I drink my water. I can tell if my sip was even too big. Pretty amazing stuff. I can honestly say I am so happy I did this surgery. I must tell you however, the evening before my surgery.... I had major 2nd thoughts. My kids were in bed and my hubby had ran out. All of the sudden I started crying & crying. I just knew I was going to die or something bad would happen from the surgery. I was an emotional wreck, I guess watching all the 9/11 stuff on TV didn't help matters. I called my hubby on his cell and told him that I was so confused. He reassured me and reminded me of all the research, support meetings, testing, etc that I had already been thru. He told me you DO want to do this. After that phone call, I still was thinking of some kind of lie I could use to call my doctors office to tell them so I could "postpone" my surgery. I then called my sister... After she put me in my place, I felt much better. (Also turned off the TV) Then all of the sudden a calmness overcame me. It was such a peaceful feeling. I knew then I would be just fine. I felt like a new person. Went to bed and woke up the morning of surgery with a bright, positive attitude. I just wanted to share those feelings just in case someone out there needs to know that this sort of thing happens.
09/29/02
Wow! Where do I start? I've got lots to tell! Well, many of you have wondered where I've been. Answer: Hospital for 10 days
Wed. 9/18 I started to get extreme nausea and dry heaving again. Called the doc and she ended up telling me to go the E.R. Thurs 9/19. (8 days post-op) Laid in the E.R. for several hours still nausea & vomiting (I'll let you know it was exactly 30 hours of this) I do not remember Thursday or Friday (Except for throwing up!) Got me on I.V., did x-rays, etc. Nothing showed up. Finally, Friday 9/20 they took me down for an Upper G.I. *The stuff you have to drink taste like nasty soapy pine water. YUCK! There doctors found that my "old" stomach was so swollen with fluids that it had blocked off the area where they reattached the intestine. So, what they did was run a drainage tube from the "old" stomach (Took out 1/2 gal. of fluid) Now I have to wear this bag until the drainage stops. It hurts and is not very nice to have to look at everyday. I must admit once they did this, a few hours later and I started feeling better. Then came the game with the I.V. I have such small veins and they were moving my IV site everyday. Certain medicines would burn so bad when they would put them in me. (Not to mention the 3 drug allergy reactions I had) So, I think on Monday 9/23 they finally deciced I need a different kind of IV. Well, I was 15th on the waiting list. Well, here comes 2 resident docs that tell me they were going to put a central line in my groin. Hurt like hell! They ran a cath thru my leg. Then they had to stitch this thing in place. Then they told me this was just temporary until I could get the one in the arm. Two days later I was getting wheeled down to some cardiac unit to get this PICC line in. There they put the IV in the arm and ran a cath to the chest area. This had to be done under x-ray type equipment so they could see where they were going. This was weird feeling but much better then the groin one! So, low and behold I finally came home Satuday 9/28. I got home and finally cried when I seen my kids. My little girl turns 1 yr old next month. She started walking, got 2 top teeth while I was in the hospital. My 5 yr old son... just kept hugging me and telling me how much he loved me. It was so hard to handle. I cried, my husband cried, and my mom cried. It was really a scary time. My family didn't expect me to come home they told me. I didn't know how bad I actually was. The worst part was I ended up getting a UTI. My white blood cell count was off the scale. Dr. Wynn said I really had her worried. I'm sitting here crying now... I'll post later when I'm up to it! Thank you all for you calls, cards, flowers and most of all the HELP with my family and children.
10/01/02
Well... GOOD NEWS! Went to my post-op appt today. Doc decided that I no longer have to wear the drainage bag. I had it on a total of 10 days. Seems that the output was getting to the point that I could cap off my G Tube. I go back in a week and if all goes well I should be able to get this drain taken out all together. And even better news... now I can take a shower!!!! Doc gave me some waterproof tape and told me to take some plastic and cover the area real good. I do have to go for a followup urine culture to make sure that it is totally out of my system too. This visit certainly lifted my spirits. Now 3 weeks post-op and down 21 lbs. Still have to stay on pureed foods... hopefully just 10 more days. I still feel tired at times. I think since I dumped on yet another protein mix. Talked to Dietician and she told me that some people can't tolerate the protein in this form. Needless to say I'm looking forward to a regular diet so I can focus on my protein.
10/04/02
Down 27 lbs... that's about the only good news in my life. I just came home Sat from hospital and 4 days later my grandmother was rushed to the hospital. Docs says she has blood clots in her legs and lungs. Medicines are not working. Nothing they can do for her. Basically told us that she can go at anytime. So now we just sit and wait. My poor mother. She has been living with me helping to care for me and my 2 kids since my hubby works nites. She just had the stress of almost losing me last month and now she faces losing her mother. This woman has so much stress on her and I feel so bad that she has to worry about me too. This is all such bad timing! My daughter turns 1yr old on Tues and I have a strange feeling that my Grandma is going to die on her birthday...
10/07/02
I came to work today!! Still very tired, can't wait to start eating regular foods!!!! I sit at a desk all day so the pressure on the area where my tube comes out really hurts if I don't sit up straight. Threw up after eating apple sauce for lunch. I had another dumping incident on Saturday. I ate some Chili and within minutes I was vomiting. I laid in bed for 4 hours before I felt good again. My husband yelled at me since that is what I ate the night before I went back to the E.R. (I must have lost my short-term memory) I can't believe I did that to myself. Not Fun!!! Looking forward to going to my follow up Doc visit tomorrow!
10/09/02
Went to the doc yesterday, down 31 lbs. I have to keep wearing my drainage bag for another 2 weeks. Since I hooked the bag back up my nausea has left me once again. I do feel better with the bag on. So here we go again. I'm still having trouble getting home healthcare and finding someone to get the drainage bags I need. Good news is I can start on regular foods, but make sure I chew very good per the doc!
10/10/02
Too sick to go to work today. I'm having extreme nausea and vomiting again. I can't seem to keep foods or liquids down. This is not fun!
10/13/02
-37 lbs. Big deal! I'd much rather feel healthy again! Doc is sending me for an endoscopy on Thurs. I'm so sick of vomiting and dryheaving everyday! Can't eat any foods, even water is hard to keep down. I wish I never did this to myself and my family!
10/21/02
I was back in the hospital again last week. Went in on Monday and had CAT Scan, endoscopy done. Found an ulcer in my stomach and it is now blocking my intestine. When I got scoped they dialated my opening too. My Grandma passed away on Wed so I begged the docs to release me on Thurs so I could attend her funeral on Friday. I was feeling better then normal till this morning. Got up dry heaving and the nausea hit me hard again. Waiting for the doc to return my call. *Dr. Wynn just called back, she wants to see me in her office tomorrow. She wants to do another test where they go up into your small intestine. Here we go again!
10/22/02
Went back to the Doc for a check up today. We both decided that I would only wear my drainage bag at nite time. It seems that my nausea is coming from the smell of this bag. She finally seen my dry heaving in full action in the office. Since my bag is off during the day, no more dry heaving! Down from 270 to 229!
10/30/02
7 wks post-op and down -45 lbs. Go for the "scope" test on Monday!
11/06/02
Well, I did the scope test and they couldn't even get the scope down my throat, that's how narrow my opening had gotten. So, I was dialated once again. Everything else looked good. I'm now scheduled for an CT Scan again on 11/18, since I'm still having the nausea and dry heaving. I no longer have to wear my drainage bag for now. Doc wants to see how I make out. I still have the tube in the stomach.
11/18/02
CAT Scan today, get results when I go back to the doc next week.
Down 55 lbs.
11/27/02
Went to doc yesterday... and my good news is finally after 10 weeks of having the drainage tube... I finally got it out!
12/11/02
3 months post op today... down 62 lbs. Went from size 28 pants to a loose size 20. Finally wearing a large size top.
Each day does get better, as everyone has told me. I can eat 3 chicken nuggets as a meal just to give you an idea. Some foods don't sit well with me and I just feel yucky for a few hours. I'm still learning what foods agree with me. Carbs & chicken are my best friend!
01/11/03
Happy New Year and Happy New Life!! 4 months out, weighing in at 194 lbs. Total loss of 76 lbs...
02/11/03
5 months post-op... not sure how much weight I'm down because my family and I moved in with my parents till our house is done being built. My husband packed up my scale on me. I'll have to wait till the end of the month for my next doc appt for an offical weigh in! Things are going good, able to eat more variety of foods.
03/11/03
6 months down!! Woo-Hoo!! Went to the doc today for my follow-up. I have went from 270 down to 187... total loss of 83 lbs! Down to a size 16 now too! It is so nice to shop in regular stores for my clothes. My only complaint is my hair loss. My doc noticed how bad it was getting soon as he seen me. I really need to try harder getting my protein in. I'm still not able to tolerate any protein shakes, powders or bars. I do find that I'm able to eat more at one sitting now. I've just got to learn to FOCUS on the Protein first! There is a meeting on Monday at PMRI that is all about High Protein menu planning. I will defenitely be there for that one!
05/07/03
8 mos out... Last night I went to Curves, I got my official weigh in after 1 month of working out there. I'm down to 173 lbs and a total loss of 97 lbs. I'm trying really hard to loose 100 lbs by my birthday on May 10th. I think that would be the ultimate birthday gift for myself!!!
06/20/03
Wow... I've got good news to share!! Went to Dr. Wynn today for my 9 month check-up, stepped on the scale and I weighed in at 168 lbs. That is a total of -102 lbs gone forever! I'm fitting in a very loose size 14 now. I family is oh so proud of me. My dad gave me a crisp $100 bill! My husband told me a funny story the other night... Someone told him that they thought he was out with another woman because they didn't recognize me! That made me feel wonderful!!
8/27/03
It's almost my one year anniversay. I'm in a size 10 now. I think I was in the 5th grade the last time I ever saw that size. Life has been so good for me & my family. My husband & I just bought our first home. It was so nice moving... I didn't even mind carrying all those boxes and having to unpack. I'll update next month with my new weight loss figures after I see Dr. Wynn.
10/21/03
My total weight loss is now at 114 lbs. I seem to be maintaining this weight level for a while now. I'm very happy with my results. Still in a size 10 which is just perfect. I love shopping for all the new clothes! I went to my local homecoming this past weekend and ran into a few old classmates and had to introduce myself to them. Not one single person recognized me. I even seen my old prom date... he had no clue! What a great feeling! Everyone just kept telling me how good I looked. What was even best... the perfect little snotty girls in school... I made sure I went up to them and said hi!!
11/20/2003
My sister and I both work at State Farm Insurance and I have been here for almost 14 years, so my clients know me well.... Can I tell you how funny it has been at work. Clients will come into the office and walk right past my desk and go ask my sister where's Ginger? She gets to laughing, and points over to me and says she's right there! So I have to tell my story and almost all the people make me stand up and turn around for them... they are totally amazed! Then I get people that come in and tell me I look different, they say you cut your hair didn't you. Ha Ha!! Another laugh from my sister... she's like no... she lost a person!
*The other night I pulled out a pair of my old size 28 jeans... I put them on and my son and daughter also got in there with me! My husband tooks pics of us so I'll have to get those posted too.
12/03/2003
When I contacted my local newspaper to run an ad about a support group I was starting they thought my gastric bypass would be a story to run... so here is the link of the article that was in the Smyrna/Clayton Sun Times. Very good article with before & after photos. However, there was one little error in the article, I've actually lost 115 lbs and now weigh 155.
http://www.scsuntimes.com/pages/usingthesurgeons.html
01/21/04
Happy New Year! My friend Shannon and I are starting a new support group in Smyrna. "New Beginnings Bariatric Support Group" Our first meeting will tomorrow, Jan 22nd. Email me for more details! I'm now at a weight loss of -116 lbs :0)
02/25/04
Wow!! Finally got to my ultimate goal weight to be below 150 lbs! Thanks to a stomach virus I lost the final pounds to get me to goal. I'll be 1 1/2 years post op in a couple of weeks.
I've now lost a total of 124 lbs and weigh in at 146 lbs and wearing a size 10. I had the News Journal at my last support group and they will be doing a story soon on the surgery and I will be one of the ones chosen. I'm really excited about that.... they will be coming to my house tonight for some more follow up and to take some pics.
03/01/04
Looks like the News Journal article is set to run in the Sunday, March 7th issue. I was told its going to be a big story and gonna get the front page! I'm looking forward to reading the story and hope I can help someone out there that is looking to have the surgery. I'm also ready for the negative feedback that I'm sure will be written in to the letters to the editor. Hopefully, I'll see more positive then negative. My family and I are just so lucky to have benefited from me having this surgery. If I can help at least one more person then I have accomplished my goal in taking this story to the next level. I think it good to see someone local, just not celebrities having this surgery. Let me know what you all think when you read the story.
03/12/04
The News Journal Article is on hold for now... I had to sign more authorization forms for the hospital now so they can discuss my surgery. Anyway!!! I went to Dr. Wynn today for my 18 month check up. She was very impressed with me and my lab work. My protein was 8.1, I'm not doing any protein supplements. I get all my protein from the "regular" foods that I eat each day. I need to get back into the routine of exercising and drink more water. Other than that, life is so good!
04/09/04
Life is so good! I don't think life could be any better! I'm so lucky to have had this surgery and I am so thankful to all of the wonderful people I have had the opportunity to meet thru this surgery. Thank you all for being there for me. Still waiting on the News Journal to issue the article...
04/18/04
Good News! The article is in today's paper. Here's the link..
http://www.delawareonline.com/newsjournal/local/2004/04/18gastricbypassta.html
06/08/04
Getting geared up for our monthing support group meeting this Sunday. Decided to have a picnic at my house and everyone will bring their favorite dish. This will be fun so everyone can relax and chat and the kids came come and play. As for me, my weight has been level now for several months. I'm at a total weight loss of -124 lbs and wearing a size 10, some size 8's
Still loving life to it's fullest!!!!
07/27/04
Well, major milestone about to happen for me! My boss has asked me to join his team in the Bike to the Bay. After some thought... I'm going to give it a try. I need lots of support for this one. I'm going to take on this challenge and not only do it to raise money for MS, but to also prove to myself that I can do it. I can't even imagine me even thinking that I would do this 2 years ago... but now.... nothing is holding me back! Keep me in your prayers that I can ride my little old bike from Dover to Dewey Beach come October....75 Miles One Way!
9/11/04
Wow! Time sure does fly! I can't believe it's been 2 years since my surgery. It was a rough start but I would certainly do it again in a heartbeat! I started out at 270 lbs and now weigh in at 146 lbs. I've lost a total of 124 lbs. I lost 100 lbs in the first 9 months. I haven't lost any more weight since Feb 04 which was exactly 1 1/2 yers after surgery... So like they say... the first 18 months is where you seem to lose your weight. I've maintained my current weight level since then. I did have a lot of complications in the beginning, almost chickened out the night before surgery and asked myself a million times what in the world did I do to myself. But, as all my bypass buddies told me... hang in there it will get better each day. And sure enough, it did! My life has certainly changed too. My family is very proud of me (even those who were dead set against me having the surgery). I started a local support group in Smyrna last January and it keeps growing each month. I'm so happy that I'm able to help someone out in need. I'm going to do Bike to the Bay in a couple weeks. I'm very determined to get on my bike and ride not only for MS but for the personal satisfaction. Who would have ever thought I'd right my bike 80 miles... in one day!!! Wouldn't it be great if we could have our own "Gastric Bypass " team ride together next year? I know Rob would join me...
I would like to thank all the friends that I have made along the way thru my weight loss journey. Without you I would have never made it thru the first six months. I definetely needed the support. I just wish that more long term post-ops would keep in touch to help answer the questions and fears of those that are just in the beginning of looking into the surgery. I made myself a promise to always keep in touch with those here at Obesity Help and those in my community.
Thank you all.... you're are such a wonderful group of people!!
10/02/04
I completed 80 miles of the MS Bike to the Bay on Saturday! This was a personal goal I set for myself this summer. Thanks to everyone who sponsored me, made it possible to make this ride, and all the positive encouragement.
On Saturday, I got to the starting line in Dover, DE at 8am and started pedaling right before the MBNA riders took off. Before I actually crossed the starting line the rain started pouring down and I was soaked. Other than rain, the first 5 miles went extremely well. Then all of the sudden I got a flat tire. So there I stood in the down pour waiting for the repair van to come along and help me. I sat there for about an hour since I was told there were about 30 other repairs before they would get to me. So I decided to call my hubby and he left the house and went shopping for a tube. In the mean time a nice cyclist stopped by and patched my tire. Suddenly, as he was carrying my tire back to my bike, the tube popped again. At this point I was ready to give up, I was so cold standing there still in the pouring down rain. I called my husband to see where he was and he showed up shortly thereafter. He put in the new tube while I sat in the truck. I had made up my mind that I was going home. He got done and got in the truck and I said let's go... I'm DONE! He said oh no you're not. Get back out there, I didn't come down here to change a tire in this rain for nothing. So out I went and watched the brake lights fade away down the road!!!! Ahhhh! There was nothing I could do but peddle away!! So I continured, and was able to occasionally see through my rain soaked sunglasses. I didn't stop at the first rest stop since I had two team mates waiting on me at the next stop. Once I got to that stop, I fueled up on bananas and oranges and of course got off the bike and walked around a bit in the squishy socks & shoes. I went through so many towns and backroads that I forgot that I was still in Delaware. At 20 miles the rain continued, but the infamous headwinds kicked in. Headwinds are tough, they make you feel like you are standing still sometimes, even when you are pedaling furiously. Stopped quickly at the 30 and 40 mile rest stops and had a quick bite to eat.. I mean quick... I was told not to hang around at the rest stops, just get there do your business and get back ridiing or you will never want to get back on the bike once your muscles start to tense up. So the pedaling continued. And continued. And continued. The legs started to tighten up, and the butt pretty much had no feeling but pain! At 50 and 60 miles (the rain stopped during this phase for awhile but the wind persisted) this was the last of the two rest stops. It was really neat since the two communities had a massive turnout from the locals. They must have been cooking for a year. Every baked good, pie, cake, cookie and candy that I had put in the back of my mind was laid out on their tables. The ladies were shoving cookies to go to each of the riders, so I took a bag for later. The great thing about the ride, is that everyone is so friendly, and gives you a lot of encouragement as they whiz by on your left. (I think I heard the phrase "To Your Left" a 1,000 times from the riders that passed me!!) I met a lot of people along the way, and I still haven’t figured out how the same people would pass me five to six times during the ride, even though I never remember passing any of them. What was really neat, was completing the 80 miles and having people cheering and standing in the rain to encourage you at the finish line at the Rusty Rudder. Luckily I arrived at 5:40pm (before dark, whew!) I had my own private cheering section consisting of my husband, my boss and his family and some other State Farm Employees. I felt like Lance Armstrong for a minute. Ha! Ha! I got off my bike and my legs were like jelly. I started to sway one way and my bike went another. Even though I was extremely sore, we stayed for the dinner that they provided for the riders and their families. The the hardest part of the day then faced me.... I had to get myself out of that chair that I had been sitting in for about an hour.... After some help, mission accomplished!
But boy does my butt still hurt!!
4/13/2005
Oh my!! It's been quite a while since I've updated... Well, 2 1/2 years post-op and life is still quite good! However, I go in for a hysterectomy on Friday. I have 2 tumors inside the lining of my uterus. Just what I wanted.. another surgery!
05/24/05
Obesity Help magazine contacted me for a story in their June issue on Fitness. They read my post on the bike to the bay and wanted to run my story. Pretty Cool!! My support group continues to grow in Smyrna. I'm so happy to be able to reach out to those who are looking into and have had surgery. Everyone needs to have a good support system!
9/11/05
Today is my 3 year anniversary and time sure does fly! This surgery has been the best thing that I ever decided to do for myself. I am so thankful for Dr. Wynn & Dr. Irgau. I had all my complications at the beginning of my surgery but once I got over those problems it has been smooth sailing ever since. I must say I used to be such a shy person and never wanted to be noticed. Now... look out. I'm all over the place. I want my story / experience to be heard. I want to be there to help anyone that is overweight and looking for the right answer. A couple of years ago I had my weight loss story in my local newspaper, Smyrna/Clayton Sun Times, an article also was in the News Journal, I completed the 80 mile bike ride last October for the Bike to the Bay, Obesity Help magazine ran an article regarding that. I volunteer for just about anything I can. I started a support group almost 2 years ago here in Smyrna. Also, I am now a head cheerleading coach for Pop Warner football.... No, I don't have a daughter that cheers and no I never cheered in my life! Go figure... who would have ever thought I would be doing this kind of stuff??? In three weeks I'll be gearing up for my next Bike to the Bay. I'll be riding my little old bike from Dover to Rehoboth beach this year. Another 80 miles all back roads thru Delaware. I can't wait to see what else I can get myself into! Life is great!
10/02/05
I finished my 2nd Bike to the Bay ride yesterday. Last year it took me 9 hours and 20 minutes.... This year, it took me 8 hours 10 minutes. Wow.. what a difference a year makes. What a beautiful day it turned out to be for such a great cause...MS.
5/22/06
Hello everyone! Life is great! Sorry I haven't posted in a while but I've been super busy with everything that I can possibly get involved in with the kids and my hometown! I wouldn't change a thing for the world!!!!
9/11/06
Four years post op!!! No medical issues... However, over the past 2 years I have gained 20 lbs back. I've got to get myself re-focused and get this weight back off! I'm gearing up for my 3rd Bike to the Bay ride in just a few weeks. I'm hooked... I love it. I'm still keeping busy as ever and get myself into all that I can with my kids and my community. Lovin' Life!!!!
05/13/07
I decided to try my hand in a little bit of politics! There is no stopping this one time shy girl! I decided to run for a seat on my local School Board. I'm very excited to report that I won the election 444 - 240 votes! Thanks to this surgery, many doors of opportunity have opened for me and I LOVE IT!
