Lori E.
I copied the following from my original profile when I first started at ObesityHelp
I have been married 16 years to a wonderful man, who has been my source of strength and support during this emotional time of going through the steps to surgery. He loves me no matter what size I am but wants me to be healthy so I can be a wife and mother to the ripe old age of 100! :) I have four beautiful children, ages 3 to 15, and I can't wait until I can do more fun things with them, without losing my breath after 5-10 minutes! I know with this surgery, I will have a better chance of seeing my kids graduate, get married, and have kids of their own. I have been overweight all my life and I am having a hard time picturing myself thin.
2/16/01 Two days after my consultation, my insurance company called and told me I was APPROVED!! Now, I call the nurse on March 6, 2001 to get my surgery date!
03/06/01 Well, I FINALLY have it! What I have been waiting for, a date for my surgery, April 30th!! Just 6 days after my sister-in-laws' (Angie Sienkowski) surgery. Too bad we couldn't have had it the same day! hehehe
4/11/01 I had my endoscope done today. I was fortunate enough to meet a lady having surgery the day after me. I hope I get to see her walking the halls and get a chance to chat again! The endoscope wasn't bad at all.
4/24/01 It's almost 10:00 am here, and I am going nuts because my sister-in-law, Angie Sienkowski is in surgery. She is also having the RNY done. I really wish I could have been there to support her, but all I can do is sit here and pray. I just want you to know Angie that we all love you and are praying for you!
5/10/01 Well, it's been 10 days since my surgery. I wish I could say that I am doing great, but I ended up with a UTI and it kinda makes the whole pain thing a little worse. To be honest, I would probably be pain free, if it wasn't for that little pesky UTI! I am drinking my supplements and eating my yogurt ok, no problems there. I did get nauseated the first few times drinking diluted juice, it was just too sweet for my taste buds. Funny how this surgery chances things like that. I don't really feel hungry so staying on my post-op diet has been easy for me, so far.
7/7/01
Wow! Alot has happened since my last post! A few days after I found out I had a UTI, I ended up with post-op pneumonia, which made me feel miserable. When I finished the antibiotics, I was still having a fever (101-102) and then found out my abdomen was filled with infection. I had emergency surgery on May 20th, almost 3 weeks after my RNY. My surgeon said at some point I had a leak in the "Y" portion of my RNY and it healed itself. But, that caused bowel contents to leak into my abdomen. If it wasn't for God, I wouldn't be here today. My surgeon said if I would have waited another day to go to the hospital, I would be dead. One doctor told me I was fortunate that I didn't end up on a ventilator for a period of time. I was in the hospital for 2 1/2 weeks but the nurses and all the staff were great. I couldn't have asked for better care. It was a tough road, but finally last Monday (7/2/01) I got my PICC line out and am no longer on IV antibiotics. I have lost over 40 lbs since surgery and I am tolerating foods better. I even bought some new clothes in a smaller size.
Thank you to those on here who knew my situation and were praying for me. God, my husband, my family, and all those prayers are what brought me through all this!
8/1/01 Well, it has happened. My hair is coming out BIG time! I knew this was going to happen, and was prepared. But, there is always that hope in the back of your mind that it won't happen to you. For the past few years I have had long naturally curly hair, and I had to go get it cut today. I am not complaining, really, it's just going to take some getting used to.
9/5/01 I went to my doctor's last week and weighed in at 198 lbs. It's been 16 years since I last weighed under 200 lbs! I was ecstatic. On Sunday, I was able to fit into a size 18 jeans! My hubby is getting excited now. I found out I have to have another surgery. They found a large lesion on my left ovary. God will get me through this too, like he did before. I see a Gynecologist tomorrow.
3/25/02 Sorry it's been so long since I updated my page. I have been so busy!!! I ended up having a complete hysterectomy in October. After having 3 major surgeries within 6 months, I was totally wiped out! I am so glad it's all over! I am feeling great now! I weighed myself today and was at 166. I never thought I would ever weigh that again. I wear a size 14 jeans and like how I look (except for some of the sagging skin). My hair is growing back good and I have a new hair cut! Most people don't recognize me if they haven't seen me in a long time. I went to write a check at the grocery store and this "kid" at the checkout asked me for my driver's license. Well, he didn't believe it was me!!! I guess it's about time I get that thing updated! I do feel like I eat more than I should for having this surgery. But, it's nothing like I would eat before. I can tolerate sugar, but not "alot" of it. I just have to watch it. My husband says I am shrinking and told me not to totally disappear! LOL
