Kaideleigh
I had RNY Gastric Bypass in 2002. Below is legacy content of me detailing my journey:
12/16/01 Well, I've made my decision. I heard about WLS back Roseanne Arnold had the "fobi pouch" done. At the time I couldn't find any information on it and I soon forgot. Then a few years later I heard about Carnie Wilson having her surgery. I thought, "wow, that's pretty drastic" and then thought nothing more of it. Oh, before I forget, I am 5'7" and weigh anywhere between 248 and 255 (though I have gotten up to 275 before)
12/20/01 Yea! Heard from Joyce with Dr. Duncan, my consultation is scheduled for January 17th. Cool. I can't wait - though I know I have to
1/9/02 Hey. Nothing really new to write - haven't yet had my consultation (it's 1 week away!!!!) so I've just been lurking through this site reading other people's information and getting psyched (I'm so glad people put their before and after pictures up, it's really cool to see). Anyway, I've just been information gathering. One neat thing I've found out is a type of B-12 to take that will be absorbed easily (don't have to worry about the pill not being digested). It's a sublingual b-12. I've also since found a B-12 patch that you use one day a week to get your B-12.
One thing I have noticed mentally about myself (or is that about myself mentally) is that since I know I am going for a consultation next week, I seem to be eating like a PIG. I mean, I just want to eat everything that I normally stay away from, it's like I've figured I'll be able to have the surgery, so why the heck not binge a little bit here.. At this rate, I just hope that the surgery is scheduled quickly after the consultation so that I don't gain tons more :-)
01/14/02 Ok. I found a way to get in to see my new doctor today. It's rather sneaky :-) See, I've been suffering from an ear infection for the last 3 weeks. I still have a couple of more days to go on my medicine, but I decided to use this as my intro to get in to see my new doc. I went to their office and asked if they do walk-ins. They don't. I was very nice and polite and asked if I could make an appointment. They told me sure, but they are booked for the next 2 weeks. I said "no way, I have ear infections and I can't wait that long". They asked what Insurance I have....and I tell you what, when I told them "Tri-Care Prime" they jumped through hoops to see me (apparently to be able to accept Tri-Care insurance, the doctors have to agree to see TC patients THE SAME DAY) Cool.
So anyway, I saw the Nurse Practitioner and she prescribed some meds for my ear infections. Then I told her about the screw up with my insurance and referral and such and she said "not a problem" she jumped on it and wrote a note to the lady that does referrals for her to do a referral for me to go to Dr. Duncan this Thursday at 11 (which is when my consultation appointment is scheduled). The referral person was out due to medical emergency with her father (hope he's ok) but that they will get this taken care of for me today. I will call later this afternoon to check up on this. They will fax it as URGENT to Tri-Care to get the referral done in time. So cool, so it looks like I am back on track and don't have to pay for the consult out of pocket. Great! I was nice the whole time, didn't get nasty or rude or anything.
01/17/02 Ok. Called Tri-Care to check up on the Referral over the past couple of days, they don't have any record of it. My doctor's office says they faxed it over on Monday. At this point, I don't care - my consultation is today at 11AM and I'm going whether they pay or not.
Went to the consultation today - I've begun the process!!! Had the procedure explained to me (though I think I could run a class on it myself - I've learned a TON of information from this web site, so I know what to expect). Everything went well. I'll only mention this here where I feel comfortable talking about it, but my weight was 252 lbs when they weighed me.
Actually, I weighed 247 the other day, but I pigged out last night so that I would weigh more today (terrible, aren't I? LOL). I also left my shoes on when they weighed me (just gotta make sure I qualify :-)
Dr. Duncan requires his patients to have a psych eval and meet with a nutritionist, as well as a letter of clearance from their doctor. They'll handle scheduling that for me. Well, well. When I got home today I saw on my Caller-ID unit that Tri-Care had called me at 11:07 AM. They didn't leave a message, but I'm thinking that they were calling to tell me that I had the referral for the appointment today. I was expecting to have to pay at my visit since I didn't have a referral, but the doc didn't charge me anything - in fact, they had made a handwritten notation on my sheet that I have no co-pay. Too Cool! I am so excited! I hope I can get through this process rather quick. I know that is what everyone else says, so I guess I'm just running along with the rest of the pack in feeling that way :-) I'll post more information as it comes along.
1/19/02 This has nothing to do with weight loss, but I GOT A PUPPY!!! I have been wanting a dog for months and have waited and waited and waited and could wait no more. You see, my dog died 2 years ago, she was 15 years old and had been a wonderful dog. She was a Sheltie that was blue merle in color (the grey color, simply beautiful). She was also undersized, almost on the toy size, so she was a teeny tiny sheltie, really just adorable and I loved her very very much. Her name was Kaileigh and she was my best friend for many years. Anyway, I finally got to the point a few months ago where I was ready for a dog. So, I've searched and found a reputable breeder and made the deal. I now have a lovely male sheltie named Sheridan (named for Commander Sheridan from Babylon 5). He is sable color. He's going to be a stunner. He's just so cuddly and loveable. See, told you this didn't have anything to do with weight loss, but I just had to share.
1/23/02 Ok, I'm the type to put the cart before the horse. I checked, and I just now received my referral to Dr. Titus Duncan (whom I saw last week). But YEA! At least I have the referral and can get it taken care of now. I'm pretty sure my surgery will be no later than March 18, 2002 as my referral expires on that date - what a great way to make a doctor hurry up, eh? I'll wait a day and then contact the doctors office to see about getting the ball rolling. On another note, I have told many of my friends what I am looking to do. Now I know why they are friends: NONE of them have told me not to do it. They have all wished me well, have asked intelligent questions about the surgery, and are very sincere in their wishes for my health. Yep, that is why they are my friends. No pontificating from them that I "should try a diet or something", I'm glad about that. Oh, and my doggie is really really cute :-)
1/28/02 I called Joyce at Dr. Duncan's office today and left her a message around 11:55 this morning. I just said that I didn't want to be a nuisance, but I was human like everyone else and wanted to know what the status was with my insurance and did I need to do anything, blah blah blah. Her VMS message said that she would be checking messages after 2PM. Well, around 12:15 my phone rings and it's JOYCE! She was calling to let me know she had faxed the info to my insurance company (Tri-Care) on Saturday and that I should wait until tomorrow to check with them. She said that if they don't have it, to get a name and number of someone and then call her and she will fax it to them directly. I'm psyched!! I also hope I get the surgery soon - I've lost my inhibitions about eating and have just been a glutenous piglet here. I don't know about yall, but there is something about knowing you're going to have surgery soon and will be losing weight (plus that you won't be able to eat some of the foods you like) that I have just been indulging my, shall we say "inner stomach" and eating to my heart’s content. I was pigging out last night and my husband just looked at me, raised one eyebrow, and smiled. I think he figured out what I'm doing. Yep, I'm fixing a big batch of my famous spaghetti & sauce tonight for some friends. I can't wait. It's YUMMY! Lots of ground beef, hot italian sausage, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, and then tomato sauce and it is just out of this world. Not to mention that the french bread.......sigh.......I'm making myself salivate here. Sorry, won't be so cruel and talk about food any more. Well, gotta run. I'll post here after I call my insurance company tomorrow (I hope they answer the phone at 8am 'cause I can't wait to call!!!) Gonna go play with my puppy!
1/29/02 I called my insurance company and they said it takes 5 days to approve (the letter was faxed over on Saturday the 26th, so I'll wait until Friday the 2nd to bug them again. At least the process is moving along. I just hope to hear from them before Friday, ya know? I'd like to get on with the next step of seeing a shrink and dietician so I can get my surgery. I tell ya, I am definitely hooked on this site. I come to it every day at least once and look at new pictures that have been put up and read the testimonials and it really gets me going.
2/04/02 Ok, I called Tri-Care this morning to find out the status of my referral (approval request for surgery). The lady I spoke with said it was in pending status as the hospital selected, Crawford Long, is NOT approved by Tri-Care. As a side note, this is a little annoying as I had been forwarned of this by another patient of Dr. Duncan's who told me that Tri-Care won't use Crawford Long, that they use Piedmont. So I had faxed this information over to Dr. Duncan's office weeks ago stating to use Piedmont and NOT Crawford Long...sigh. So, I've called Dr. Duncan's office and left a message for Joyce, telling her to change the hospital to Piedmont and then re-fax the info to Tri-Care and they will approve it. (THEY'LL APPROVE IT!!!) Gnashing teeth here - I want this surgery NOW! Ok, thanks, feel better. I'll post more when I hear from Joyce and know what's going on.... Ok, it's later in the day. I played phone tag with Joyce at Dr. Duncan's office. She left me a message saying she has faxed over new paperwork to the local Tri-Care office and now has selected Piedmont Hospital instead of Crawford Long. I'll call Tri-Care in the morning to see if they can/have approved it. They'll probably give me the "it takes 5 days to process" crap...we'll see
2/06/02 Well, I think I may have a date. It's not official, but when I called my insurance company to find out the status of the approval, they said it was pending review for a May 17th date. Hmmm, I'm very glad to hear that it's gone this far, but I'm really rather depressed thinking about having to wait until May 17th...I wonder if there is any way I can speed up the process? I'll wait until I hear officially and then I'll ask the doc's office if they can make a note that I'll be more than happy to jump in the front of the line should someone back out :-) Oh well, I'll probably be more psyched about it in a few days.
2/08/02 Ok. It's official! My surgery date is May 17th, 2002!! It will be at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. I wish it was sooner, but hell, I take the date!! I was at my PCP on Wednesday (getting a mole removed) and I went ahead and asked him for a referral to a psychiatrist and nutritionist (which the surgeon requires) so hopefully I can get that taken care of in short order. I called the surgeon's office to let them know it had been approved (just in case they didn't know yet :-) as well as to tell them that if they want to move the date UP some I would be more than happy to accommodate them! Just told my husband so he can let them know at work so he can have off.
2/10/02
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME.....HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME.........I turned 38 today. I can't wait for my next birthday when I'll be THINNER!!!!!...oh yea, and healthier too :-)
02/19/02 Cool. Got a call from Joyce at Dr. Duncan's office today. She told me my surgery date is May 3rd (and NOT the 17th)!! At least it's 2 weeks sooner than I was originally told. I now have to schedule appointments with a shrink and a nutritionist as well as get a Letter of Medical Clearance from my doctor. I can't wait!!!!!
02/26/02 Called my PCM's office to talk to the Referral person and find out status, haven't been done yet! Playing a stupid game with me - won't take information from ME, it has to come from the surgeon?! So, I called Joyce at Dr. Duncan's office and told her what is going on, so she is going to fax the info over AGAIN (I went through this crap last week and thought I had it worked out)
Anyway, I'll call my doc's office in the morning to make sure the fax was received. Geez, I mean, I have the names and numbers of the people I have to see and my doc won't take the info from me..no, that would be too easy. Must have surgeon fax info over. Golly gee, how annoying.
03/03/02 Ok. Adding info that I had put here last week but was lost when they had some problems on the site. I received a call from my PCM's Referral person on Tuesday (2/25/02) saying that she still hadn't received any info from Dr. Duncan's office regarding the referrals that I need. So I called Joyce at Dr. Duncan's office and left a message telling her what I need and where to fax it. Then I received a call on Thursday from my PCM telling me the info sent to them is not what they need (the doctors notes were faxed to her). Anyway, I don't understand why it has to come from the surgeon's office - all she needs is the names and numbers of the shrink and nutritionist that I need to see. I have that info, but she won't take it from me. Real pain in the ass if you know what I mean.
Playing power games. I explained to her (the PCM person) that I have all the info she needs and could she just please take it from me (I did my best to stay sounding nice and like I was helpless - which is really a stretch for me). Anyway, she took pity on me and told me to fax the info over to her and she would just go ahead and get the referral process started for me. I faxed the info to her as well as the local fax number for my Tricare office and noted that if she writes URGENT on the referral that they will process it quickly. I need all this ASAP as they have jerked me around on this for over 2 weeks and I have to get all this done before my final consult w/the surgeon on April 18th. To tell the truth, I'm going to schedule my apps next week, if I have to pay for them myself then so be it, but I am not going to let this screw up my surgery date. The next thing they (PCM) are jerking me around on is the Letter of Medical Clearance. She seems to think I need to have a bunch of tests done - I dont' know and I don't care. I just want the @#$% letter written saying that I can have the surgery. That's all they need isn't it?? I'll update as this soap opera continues
03/13/02 Ok. Here's the latest. I talked with my PCM's referral person on Monday (the 11th) as I still do not have any of the referrals I need for the shrink and nutritionist. She said that she faxed info over on 2/28 and again that morning, 3/11. I waited until today and called her again to find out a status. She basically told me to wait a few more days. Screw this. I have to have all the referrals done by April 18th (the pre-surgery meeting with the surgeon) or I don't get the surgery. Talked with my husband, he said to go ahead and make appointments with who I need and that we'll hopefully get the referrals in time - and if we don't then we'll just pay for it ourselves. I have an appointment with the nutritionist on April 15th (cutting it a little short here) and left a message for the shrink. Don't you love that? You call a shrink to make an appointment and all you get to talk to is voice mail. Good thing I'm not in need of talking to a shrink for any dire need...I just need him I guess to verify that I'm not going to freak out after the surgery (if any one reads this and can tell me why I need the appointment w/the shrink I'd appreciate it). Oh, and before I get killed with emails or anything, I know it's a psychiatrist, but typing the shrink is much much easier :-)
03/14/02 Ok. My insurance company (Tri-Care Prime) has denied my referrals to the shrink and nutritionist. They approve the surgery, but not the stuff that is required to have the surgery. Whatever! I called the shrinks office again and got a live person! Cool. They could have seen me today, but I couldn't do it. Instead my appointment is on March 25th. They said it will take about 2/12 to 3 hours!!! I'll only see the shrink for 45 minutes and then the rest will be spent filling out forms. I asked her what this was for and she said it was what I thought - to make sure I really understand the ramifications of this surgery, that I'm not a nut case and won't freak out afterwards. I told her I may be a nutcase (LOL) but that I know what to expect as I had researched EVERYTHING about it on the Obesityhelp.com site and a few other sites. So, since my insurance is jerking me around, I'm just going to pay for these 2 appointments out of pocket and then file a claim, at the worst they'll deny payment to me, but at least I'll have the appointments taken care of so that I can get my surgery in 7 WEEKS!! AHHHHh - sorry 'bout that, I just looked at my calendar and counted the weeks off. Cool, only 7 weeks to go! Yippee! (I hope it gets here soon as I've gained a few pounds.......)
3/25/02 I met with the psychiatrist today, Dr. Gary Santavicca in Atlanta, Georgia. Went well, no problems. He seems to be a very caring person and was all for me to have the surgery, He told me he is all for people making themselves healthy and that his goal wasn't to stand in the way of the bariatric patient, but to make sure they understand that this is a life changing surgery. We had a good old time talking and stuff. He said I'm not totally nuts (just partially) and that he would approve me for the surgery - so I'm very happy! Let's see, if I look at my calendar and count the days.....it's about 5 1/2 weeks until my new life begins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
03/29/02 Well, today I am in Stuart Florida on vacation w/my mom and my 2 girls (our annual trek to my mom's condo in Stuart, Fla - just the girls, no husbands) As my 6 year old says: Girl Power! Having a great time. Went to the beach today, and I tell you, I was surprised as I looked around and starting noticing that there were a LOT of overweight people there.....cool. I didn't feel out of place. We were at a place called Bathtub Reef. It's close to Stuart, off of A1A, near the Indian River. I've been there a bunch of times over the years but never really thought about the fact that it's mostly families that go there and the women are just about all overweight. Now don't get me wrong, there were some thin people there too, but I was definitely in the majority. I actually liked this as I was able to walk on the beach w/my kids and not be embarrassed by being fat. What a nice experience. Though this won't last long as it's only FIVE MORE WEEKS UNTIL MY SURGERY!!!!! Sorry, couldn't contain myself. I'm so excited!!!! I've even taken the liberty to purchase some nice sexy dresses in smaller sizes (size 11 and 13 - whoo hoo!) in the preparation for when I am THIN. For those that don't know currently www.esprit.com (Esprit Clothes) are going out of business and they are selling everything at about 70% off and then another 20% off the total - so check it out and get some sexy clothes! My husband's eyes bugged out of his head when he saw the dresses I was unpacking. He really can't wait now for me to have the surgery (I love to tease that man!) Well, now the next step in my journey is the meeting w/the nutritionist and that is scheduled for 3 days before my meeting with the surgeon on 4/18/2002. I also need a letter of medical clearance. I've been getting jerked around by my doctors office over this, but I got a hold of one of the PA's there and she is going to get the letter for me. So I'm happy :-) I'll write more when I have something to write.
04/09/02 Well, my prayers were answered! I was getting jerked around on my hospital approval and I feared I wouldn't be able to have the surgery. I talked with Joyce today at Dr. Duncan's office and she told me that Tri-Care approved me to go out of network to have my surgery at The Atlanta Medical Center!!! YEA!!!! So I'm back on track. Now, my surgery date may change from being May 3rd, I don't know yet what it is. I have my pre-op meeting with Dr. Duncan on April 18th so I should definitely know before then (wouldn't it be cool if they could do the surgery the next day???? - yea right). If I can just get my LOMC from my PC doc I'll be doing good. All I need is for them to write that it's ok for me to have surgery, that's it. they don't understand that they don't have to do any testing on me (I'm having all the pre-op testing done on the 18th). Oh well, just one more hurdle. The funny thing is....I have an appointment with the nutritionist on Apr 15th, and I can't remember who the hell it is!!! I hope they call to remind me so I know who I'm to see :-)
04/15/02 Ok, met with Meg Meadows, the nutritionist, today. Went very well. She knows her stuff, explained everything to me - but I had fun as I had learned everything I need to know from this website and from talking with others. I don't know Meg's personal feelings on the surgery as she doesn't let it show, but she was very supportive about it. I told her about this website, which she had not heard of, and gave her the URL, so she'll be checking it out. I also told her about Victoria's recipes and she wants me to send her the URL for that as she'll check it out - she was thrilled to hear about it as she said it sounded like a good resource to tell her other bariatric patients about. So you can see what I mean in that she is supportive of it. There is *one* thing however that I did have a small problem with. It is the after surgery diet plan. She has it where you're eating solid food the day after surgery. I don't think this is right and I'll check w/my surgeon on Thursday when I meet him. Now I'm just waiting to find out when my surgery has been rescheduled to....the wait is killing me....I'm being good though, I won't call Joyce until tomorrow to bug her (I figure Mondays are busy days so I try not to call on Mondays). I am SO ready for this to happen!
04/16/02 Yippee! Just heard from Joyce at Dr. Duncan's office. I have my date: APRIL 29, 2002 I am SO excited - and yes, a little scared. But very very excited!
04/19/02 Hey! Sorry 'bout not posting last night - my A/C is out at the house and here in Georgia when it gets hot, it gets HOT So anyway, I had my appointment with Dr. Duncan yesterday. Got there at 11:29 for my 11:30 meeting. Finally left his office at 3:15!!! Good thing I brought a book and a bottle of water with me. Be forewarned, it can be a LONG wait to see Dr. Duncan! If you go for your 1st consultation, it's not a long wait at all as you see other people on his surgical staff, but when seeing Dr. Duncan himself, you wait forever! Was great! I meet Deborah from Savannah as she had an appointment as well. (Hey Deborah!). She was having her consultation, so she is just beginning the process. I told her we'd have to get together in Savannah next year (when we're both thinner) and have a great time.
Anyway, even though there is a wait for meeting with Dr. Duncan, when you do meet him it is well worth the wait. He is very personable and kind. He wanted to make sure I understand the surgery and even though I do, he wanted to (probably cover himself) explain it to me as well as making sure I understand the risks with the surgery (I do). If you ever watched Miami vice all those years ago (geez, I feel so old), remember the actor that played opposite Don Johnson - Philip Michael Thomas?? Well, Dr. Duncan looks just like him. Of course, I didn't mention this to the Doc as it just wasn't appropriate, so I thought I'd mention it here. Talked to him about this site, obesityhelp.com. Said he's tried to access it and it doesn't have his info - told him I'll find out how he can get his info here. Pretty cool Doc. I really like him.
At 3:15 I went over to the adjacent building to have my Pre-Op testing done. Nothing bad. Had blood drawn, peed in a cup, EEG (I think that is what it is called, when they tape all these electrodes to you to test the electrical impulses of your heart), meet with pain control doc (can't spell right now) and then had x-rays done of chest and could then go home! 5:30 - what a long day!
04/26/02 Hmmmm, checked messages at home this evening and there is one from the surgeons office - telling me to be at the hospital at 8:00AM - rather than the 9:30AM I was originally told. Does this mean that my surgery time has been moved or that they want to torture me by having me sit there longer ... waiting ... anticipating? And another thing, my allergies are going NUTS! The pollen is killing me, my left eye is tearing up and my nose is running. Damn it! Looks like it's going to be a Nyquil night as I don't want my surgery to be put off!
04/27/02 Yuck, ick! Bleech! I tell ya, Fleet needs to come up with a better flavor instead of Lime for their liquid stuff. (shiver) Is terrible tasting! And I have to do it again in 10 minutes! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Of course, my girls think it's funny as hell to see mommy making all the funny faces and such. Oh yes, they're just a laugh a minute. Great, I have to do this all again in 3 hours. Was supposed to go see the movie "The Scorpion King" tonight, but since I think I'm going to be having a date with my toilet, I'm going to pass (no pun intended) on it and just let my husband go and I'll stay home...rooted to the toilet...guess I need to put some good reading material in there, eh?
Only 2 more days to go!!!!!! Yippee! Oh, and obviously I can't eat any food this weekend. So far, not bad as I'm not hungry.....but when I do get hungry...LOOK OUT! GRRRR.
04/28/02 As if I need any more proof to justify having this surgery. I haven't eaten since Friday night (it's now Sunday evening). I've cleaned myself out with FLEET. And guess what? I've GAINED A POUND!! See, my body absolutely refuses to give up any weight. Lord, I am so thankful to be having this surgery, I'd probably be dead in a few years if I kept on at this rate.
04/29/02 Well, it's after midnight and just a few (11.5)more hours until my surgery. Man, I can't wait, this fasting sucks - I'm starved! I'm excited, looking forward to the "New Me" and being able to go out and do things and no longer be self conscious about my weight. I'm going to have a picture of me taken in the morning before I leave and I'll post it here later. I'll do my best to update on a regular basis. Figure that it will be almost daily at first and then probably just be once a week or something. Anyway, I've really enjoyed reading through other people's journals and that has been a great help to me, so I will do my best to pass the torch, so to speak.
04/30/02 YEE HAW!! I made it!!! Had my surgery yesterday afternoon and am now at home. Whew, well, let me tell you all about it: Arrived at the hospital at 8:00am. Got an IV around 8:30am. Surgery scheduled for 11:30am. Waited....and waited....and waited. Finally, at 12:30 they came and got me. Took me into what I call a "holding pen" - guess the technical term is Pre-Op Room. Was in there about 15 minutes at which point they gave me a happy drug and then wheeled me into the surgery room. I chatted with the nurses for a bit and the last thing I remember is them saying it was 1:10pm.
Now then, my mother and husband were at the hospital with me. My mom says that a nurse came out at 2:20 to tell her they were beginning surgery on me (so apparently, I was out for 1 hour 10 minutes before they even started - what's up with that??) They finished surgery at 4:30. I remember being in the post-op room (or whatever it's called) and MOANING REALLY LOUD. Yall don't know me, but I have a very high tolerance for pain, so for me to be moaning, and loud, means it hurt! (Fortunately, the mind forgets these things). They got me drugs and I was out of it. Got in a room around 5:30 (private room, which is nice). I don't remember much of the early evening as I was really doped up. Vaguely recall my mom wiping my face with a wet wash clothe - felt really good. Around 11:30PM-ish, I became totally lucid. I tried to walk around, but felt nauseous so didn't try again until today.
Anyway, the night went pretty well. I really didn't hurt anywhere except for where the drainage tube was (I can't recall the name of it right now but yall should know what I'm talking about - it's the tube everyone talks about on their profiles). So, I passed the night rather well, hit the button every once in a while for the Morphine. Oh, by the way, I happen to be one of the people that are allergic to Morphine as I ITCH everywhere (and I mean everywhere!) But I can live with that to be pain free. This morning around 8:00am I was taken into X-Ray for the god-awful swallow test. The stuff looks like Rosies Lime Juice (for margaritas) and tastes extremely bitter. But you know what? I was so dry-mouthed I didn't mind! I did get a little nauseous as I was being wheeled back to my room but the feeling quickly passed. I think it was from drinking that gross stuff. I got up and walked around with my husband several times and walked further each time. I was hurting the first time and realized it was because the draining tube was hanging down and was pulling on me, so I would hold it with one hand while my husband pushed the IV pole for me. Once I held it in my hand and it took the pressure off my side, I was feeling fine.
I finally got a drink of water at 1:30 (thank god for chapstick, my lips were getting chapped). Got some chicken broth and apple juice at 1:45 (of which I "ate" a whopping 4 teaspoon fulls and was FULL! Yes, FULL. For the first time in my life I didn't have to eat everything in front of me to feel full. What a strange sensation. They also served me jello. I checked to make sure I was allowed it and the nurse said Yes. I only took a teeny-tiny bite and chewed it up well (can you imagine, CHEWING jello?) That's all I did as I didn't think it was right to eat jello and frankly, I'd rather err on the side of caution. Well, I'm getting a little tired now and think I will go lie down and get some rest. Take comfort in this. I had my surgery yesterday and am home today. Keep a positive mindset and you will do well. I'll write more later.
05/01/02 Take my advice, get your pain meds BEFORE you leave the hospital. We left hospital (their pharmacy was closed) and figured we could get pain meds near our house....WRONG. I have been suffering all night and am now running a fever. Feel like shit. Husband has called doctor and they had him get me liquid Tylenol. We'll see if it helps - I hope it does, I feel so terrible. Blech. I know if I had pain meds I would be fine :-) but since I am in pain my body has spiked a fever so now I feel like crap. boo hoo I do feel sorry for myself right now. I'm going to sit back and relax and hopefully I'll start to feel better. Just wanted to post this as a warning to others, GET YOUR PAIN MEDS BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOSPITAL!!!
Later in the day...... Hey. Am much better! The liquid Tylenol was a godsend - took the pain way, let me sleep, and my fever is gone. I slept for about 4 good hours. My husband got my prescription filled finally (he is tired and stressed out from going all over creation - thankfully my doctors office found a place that had some and called Kirk on his cell phone to tell him where to get it). So, after pain is under control life is good. Don't get me wrong, and don't worry, pain really isn't that bad - really. My "innerds" don't hurt it's just the incisions that pull when I get up and move about. I've done well today. Getting in teeny tiny sips of water, and chicken broth, and gatorade and of course, the no sugar added dole juice pops. Heck, I've lost 3.5 pounds since my surgery, I'm happy! It's late, I'm tired, I will do my best to update regularly so those looking at having the surgery can have something to help them make their decisions.
05/03/02 Today has been a blah day. I slept all last night and most of this morning. Feeling rather down - not mentally but strength wise. Running a very slight fever (99.3). Drinking my fluids, keeping cool wash cloth on my head and trying to get the energy to walk around my house. Well, when I weighed myself this evening (yes, I know, I admit I'm compulsive about weighing myself). I was rather pleased. At least today when I weighed I was 252.5 - 11 pounds down from just 4 days ago as my surgery was on 4/29/02. Cool, eh? Probably why I don't have much energy right now.
05/04/02 I feel so much better today. I really think it is because I overdid it on Thursday as to why I was so drained of energy yesterday. Today I feel fine - almost "perky". Could also be because I weighed myself this morning and am 251 pounds (down 12 pounds since Monday!!!! OHMIGOD!!) My BMI has also gone down 1 whole point - that's pretty damn good in my book!
05/05/02 248.....249.....251 pounds. WTF?? My weight went UP today. I was so upset. After thinking about it I realized that I had not drunk my water. So, I am drinking tons of water to get back DOWN.
05/06/02 248!!!! Yea baby! 15 pounds gone FOREVER (as long as I drink my water, LOL) Went to the YMCA today and walked on a treadmill for 20 minutes, then did a few leg lifts in the Cybex room. I'm slowly going to get exercise back into my life.
05/07/02 247 (down 16 pounds). Going back to YMCA today to work out again. Doing well, feeling fine. Just get tired at times when I over do it. BTW, I've noticed that my BMI has gone from 41.2 to 38.8 Cool. ~later in the day~ Went to the YMCA and had a great work out. I really didn't feel like going as I had no energy, but I made myself go. Anyway, I did the treadmill for 25 minutes (at a level of 2.6 for walking slow) and then the recumbent bicycle for 20 minutes. Felt pretty good, so I'll go again tomorrow. Also.....I ATE TODAY!! I'm supposed to stay on the liquid diet for 4 more days, but damn, I can't take it. I think the reason I have no energy is because I need FOOD. So, I have been dreaming of Hormel Deviled Ham. It has no sugar, low fat, and a serving is 8 grams protein. I got my can, opened it up and slowly ate about half the can, which is 1 serving - which is just the right size. It was so good. I felt fine, no problems. And later I felt even better - I think my body needed food for energy (or something, hell I don't know) all I know is that I feel great. For dinner I had a small serving of the pintos and cheese (refried beans and cheese) from Taco Bell. BEST THING I EVER PUT IN MY MOUTH. I ate it slowly and savored every bite. Delicious. And high in protein. Life is good.
05/09/02 244 - down 19 pounds in just over a week! Not bad! Had a follow-up appointment today w/my doctor - was supposed to have it next week but they needed to reschedule so in I went. They said I'm doing fine - my incisions are fine and healing well. They were surprised by my weight loss and told me to start eating mushy food (which I had already started). Got home and got my mail. Geez, the hospital bill was there. Thank God for Insurance!!!! The surgeon only cost $1,000 and the hospital cost $53,549.88!!!!! Man, talk about expensive! It's not the surgeon that is prohibitive but the hospitalization, what a racket. So total cost for me to begin this new life is $54,549.88. Whew!
05/10/02 242 down 21 pounds and my BMI is 37! OHMIGOD! I'm exercising at the YMCA every day (exercycle/treadmill and some leg exercises in the Cybex room)
05/12/02 240 - down 23 pounds
05/17/02 239 - down 24 pounds. Haven't written in a few days as, well, frankly I've felt like shit. Get nauseous as soon as I eat or drink water. Funny thing, I can handle protein shakes, but that's about it. Called surgeons office and they told me I was either eating too much/too fast. So, I've gone back on the liquid diet and will eventually add some food to it. Have had pintos and cheese from Taco Bell the past 2 days without any problems. But the nausea has got to go. I'm spending most of my day in bed asleep because being awake is no fun. I haven't gotten to where I wish I didn't have the surgery, but I tell ya, I'm tired of feeling like shit.
Right in the middle of my chest, where my new pouch is, is kinda tender - not to touch, that would be to easy. Just that the insides feel like they would be tender. I don't know if that makes any sense.. I've been told this will pass, God I hope so. Also a little depressing not losing any more weight. Hell, I lost 20 pounds in the first week and a half and it's been 2 additional weeks and I've only lost 4 pounds? Geez, after a major procedure like this I'd like to see the weight just melt away. I know it will come, just a little down because I feel like crap. Oh, Oh, and the BURPING! Geez, this has got to stop! I am coming up with belches from hell - (my brother would be proud), but really, belching a LOT. It does make me feel better (a little) after I belch, but please, I'm getting embarrassed.
05/20/02 237.5 Taking nausea meds now to get through day. blech
05/21/02 What's this? I didn't have to take any anti-nausea pills today. No nausea - yea!!!! Man, my weight is bouncing all around. Today showed 239. Geez
05/22/02 Another great day of not feeling sick. Nor am I as tired as I have been. (I've been napping every day for many hours since my surgery). Did all sorts of stuff today, so things are getting better. Just happened to step on scale this evening and it shows me at 237. So, who knows. I think I'm going to stop weighing myself all the time and just hop on the scale once a week. I think I'll do it on.........hmmm, what would be a good day.... How about Monday's? The anniversary of my surgery. So, next Monday I'll post my weight.
05/27/02 234!! Finally dropped a few pounds. I have to remind myself that the ONLY way I'm going to lose weight is to EAT. Yea, I know, it seems weird. I have to eat to lose weight. Goes against everything I've ever thought. I had some watermelon and OHMIGOD, it was wonderful. I'm going to have some more! I can tolerate it fine, it tastes great, and has lots of water/juice in it. Plus, watermelon is good for you. Just go to: http://www.watermelon.org/watermelon2/index.asp and scroll to the bottom. You'll see the list of vitamins that watermelon gives you - and it tastes great! I tried eating nachoes (yea, I know....too soon) Thought if I tried BAKED chips it would work, but no, it didn't. The cheese and refried beans didn't bother me as I eat them already, but the chip did. sigh... at least I tried.
06/05/02 230 - yea, I'm happy. It's slow but I'm content with it.
06/11/02 227 - that means I've lost 36 pounds in 6 weeks for an average of 6 pounds a week. Puked my brains out yesterday - blech. I've gotten to where I can eat 1 scrambled egg on a piece of toast and unfortunately I forgot about taking small bites and took a normal bite and just gave it a few cursory chews before swallowing. God almighty, thought I was going to DIE. Literally! I almost couldn't breath, then it finally moved down. Really hurt. After about 5 minutes I just started puking. Hell, I puked up more than I had eaten (don't ask me how that happened). After I finished, I felt great! Not like you usually do after puking (you know, when you feel wobbly and such) I felt SOOOOOOOOOO much better. Naturally today I had a protein shake for breakfast :-) Didn't feel like chancing it again. Here are the foods that I can tolerate so far: Cornbread (hey, I'm a Southern girl! gotta have my cornbread) Grits (need I say more!!) Egg Toast (with butter) Chick-fil-a nuggets or strips, Stir fried broccoli, carrots, flat beans, water chestnuts, Boars Head Blackforest Ham, Boars Head Baby Swiss Cheese (roll this up in a ham slice and it's great) All Weight Watchers frozen treats (gotta have some cool stuff this summer, know what I mean??) Chicken Noodle Soup (though at this point I don't want to see soup for a long time - post ops should understand that!!) Pork Chops, Shrimp (especially from Outback Steakhouse!!) Saltine Crackers (for the nausea). That's my list for now. I admit it's not much, but hey, I'm getting there (and don't want to get there too fast, know what I mean?)
06/17/02 224
06/24/02 220!!! Yea baby! I've now lost 43 pounds, which is 1/3 of the weight I want to lose!! Whoo hoo! Ya know, I noticed something last night. Now that I've lost some weight I can tell that my new pouch sticks out just a little bit on my chest - located just between my breasts and down about an inch. Nothing that anyone except my (and my husband LOL) would notice as it would be covered by a bra or swim suit top, but it does poke out just a little. It's also a little sore - has been for the past couple of days. I think I'm just going to do a liquid diet today (Protein Shakes & Yogurt) to see if that helps settle it down. If anyone else has noticed their pouch sticking out a little, I'd appreciate hearing from ya. Did it do this just at first and then fade away or is it permanent? Guess I'll go search the message boards.
06/30/02 Ok, couldn't wait until tomorrow to post my weight: 218 pounds!!!! YEA BABY! I've lost 45 pounds in 2 months. Yippee!!! My BMI is also going down - what a relief! My clothes are now noticeably looser and that is such a nice feeling. My face has thinned out - life is good. I also discovered this past week that I can eat Wendy's chili. MMMMmmmmmmmmmmm delicious. I'm also eating fruits and veggies - which I would never do before (didn't like the taste before), now I can't seem to get enough cantaloupe or watermelon, really funny. I'm also drinking lots of water - take a water bottle with me where ever I go. I've tried the mineral waters and sports waters and fruit flavored waters, but know what? I just like the basic water taste. Gotta run - busy busy busy.
07/08/02 215 lbs
07/10/02 214 lbs - ok, I was just so excited to see this number I couldn't wait. You see, I have not weighed LESS THAN 215 since 1995!! Can you believe it?? Ohmigod! This is a milestone to me. Now, I know I have 74 more pounds to go to get to where I want to be, but I'm very happy with this for now.
07/15/02 212!!! 51 pounds gone FOREVER!!
07/22/02 210. Would be less but I partied this weekend at my 20 year High School Reunion and didn't really lose any weight. However, I did fit into a size 14 dress that was a little loose on me (this is coming down from a a size 22!!!) I am very very happy :-) And yea, I looked GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!
07/29/02 208. Again, would be less, but was out of town on vacation all last week and enjoyed some good Pennsylvania food. Hey, 2 pounds lost is better than gaining!
08/15/02 Didn't feel like updating the past 2 weeks as I've been on a plateau and hadn't lost any weight. I know this, but I don't do it: DRINK WATER. It's amazing, I haven't drunk water, so I haven't lost weight. I drank a gallon of water this week and lost a shit load of weight. I am going to GLUE a bottle of water to my hands so I'll carry it with me and drink it :-) When I weighed myself this morning, I'm at 203 pounds! I've lost 60 pounds now - I'm half way to goal (I want to weigh 150 pounds) YEA YEA YEA So, I have gotten half way to goal in 15 weeks. That's 60 pounds in 15 weeks which averages out to 4 pounds a week. That's cool with me (yes, a ton of weight came off at first, but I'm averaging it here so that the plateaus and quick drops in weight average out) I'll take a 4 pound a week loss. If I can maintain this rate, that comes out to about 18 pounds a month and would definitely have me nice and skinny by the holidays. I just have the flab to work with now. Yuk. Now I know what people mean when they talk about "bat wings". My arms are flabby and so are my legs. A funny thing that I have noticed is that though my legs are flabby, the cellulite is almost gone. Weird, eh? I can live with that :-)
Gotta run, on my way to YMCA to try and work some of this flab into shape. My question (if anyone reads this) is: when do you begin to look into having plastic surgery to remove the flab?
08/19/02 201 - So close to going over the edge! I'm thrilled to tears at being 201, but I tell ya, the anticipation of getting into the 1 hundreds (even at the high end) is exciting. I can't wait for when I hop on the scale and no longer see a 2 in front of my weight. Exercise seems to have done the trick on jumpstarting my weight loss (duh, I know...it's a no brainer).
08/23/02 199.5!!!!
08/24/02 199!! Yea - I haven't weighed under 200 pounds in 8 years! Whoopie! I'm so excited. I've been working out every day at the YMCA for a minimum of 1 hour a day (treadmill and/or exercycle, and lifting weights). Though it's only a 2 pound loss, I can tell my fat is turning to muscle. I just need to get rid of the jiggly arms and thighs :-)
09/01/02 Well crap, I haven't lost any weight. I believe I have hit a plateau - but I'm not going to let it bother me. I've also started working out about an hour or so a day at the YMCA, so I'm thinking that is why I haven't lost any this week. Also, noticed that my hair is falling out. I realize that for the past few weeks I haven't really been getting my protein in and I think I am paying the price for that now. I found a web site and have ordered Pre-Digested protein from them - it's a little expensive, but at least I won't have to try and drink a shake every day - which I have gotten terrible at doing. The web site for the protein is: http://www.vita4life.net/ I'll note here later if the product turns out to be good or not.
I've also had a bad week - I've got arthritis in my shoulders and it's flared up with a vengeance this past week. Very hard to lift my arms (I can't get dressed w/o help - getting a shirt on or off is a chore). I had hoped to hold off on having surgery until I had lost all my weight - in the vain hopes that losing the weight would help my shoulders - but I don't think I can wait that long. Sigh...so I'm going to call my PCP this week and get a referral to a surgeon to check out my shoulders. The worst part is that I like to sleep on my side and can't because it hurts my shoulders too much - I have to sleep on my back and use pillows to prop my arms up so that they won't pull my shoulders down. I know, this doesn't have anything to do with weight loss, but it's therapeutic for me to write it here.
09/21/02 Hmm, could have sworn that I had posted here in the past week - only nothing is showing up on this page - plus things I had deleted a while back are on this page. Wonder if they had a database problem and did a restoral? Oh well, I'll just have to go edit things. BTW, I now weigh 192 lbs :-) Life is good. My BMI is now 30.1 from being 41.1 when I started this journey. 10/15/02 186 pounds!
10/18/02 181 lbs!!!! Yea baby! I've lost 5 pounds in 3 days. This is great! My BMI is 28!!! Also, my size 16 jeans were getting lose on me, so I went to Goody's to buy a new pair (I tried some at Target, but they are those damn Mossimo jeans that are cut so low your butt crack shows). So off to Goody's I went. I tried on a 14 and guess what??? THEY WERE TOO BIG! I tried on a size 12 and about had a cow! They fit, but they too will soon be too big for me. Ahhhh, life is grand.
11/09/02 Well, hopped on the scale today and it shows: 177!!! OHMIGOD! This is great! I haven't weighed this little in geez, I can't think how many years...at least 10 years. This is just so wonderful!
12/21/02 Well, it has been a while since I've posted. Haven't lost much more weight: am at 171 pounds now. However, I seem to be losing inches as I am down to a size 10 and soon to be a size 8. Nice to be able to go into a store at the mall and grab a medium size shirt and a size 10 pant. Really cool. Crap, my pictures are gone. I moved the site I was hosting the pictures on and somehow lost the pictures...damn, those were the only copies I had.....sigh
01/17/03 I'm sitting steady at 166 pounds (down 100 pounds!!!) I know the reason I'm not losing any weight is because I'm not drinking my water. I don’t' know what it is, I am just a pig-headed person and at times do stupid things...like not drinking my water. My New Years Resolution (well, it's a new year and I'm making my resolution now) is to DRINK WATER! I'm also going to start exercising at the YMCA in February - it's too packed now w/everyone that made a resolution to get fit. They usually slack off by February :-) Feeling really good about myself. I had gotten to where I was almost a hermit before the surgery, but now I'm out doing things and volunteering here and there to do stuff. Nice to be out and about and 1) not feel self-conscious 2) look nice 3) feel good. Life just has a new outlook on it and I'm enjoying it again. Sorry about the slackness in posting. It's true what I've read on other people's profiles: when you begin losing the weight and actually start having a life, you don't have the time to always come post - too busy doing tons of other stuff.