PapaBear56
My Story
Oct 13, 2006
07/19/04 (Weights 513+ Lbs)
This is the first day I met with Dr. Overcash. The day started about 6:00am. My drive began about 7:30am and 2 1/2 hours later I walked into his office for the first time. In this meeting, the doctor has gone to meeting his new patients in small groups. This allows for more interchange of questions from several different perspectives. The first thing the doctor did with each of our group was weigh us inand then privately reveal our weight and BMI. Mine was 513 lbs. with a BMI of 69.6. My height is 6' 0" and I am currently 47 years old. This meeting had two purposes. First, it allows us to meet with the surgeon and him, us. And secondly, allow us to get some better idea of what we are working towards, learn the dangers and shortcomings that can occur during and after the surgery, and to get some answers to some of our questions.
One difference I had going into this meeting was I had already gone through most of the preparation steps with another surgeon. My first doctor had me get my Thyroid test, get a letter from my primary care physician, see a psychiatrist for gastric bypass evaluation, fill out tons of paperwork, and get insurance approval. (The insurance approval, by the way, was very quick. I was approved in less than two weeks.) On the day my insurance was approved, I talked with my former surgeon's office and was informed that he no longer does "revisions". There I was back to square one.
I very quickly got on the internet and started a concentrated effort to find a surgeon who still does these types of surgeries. I found that their currently are three doctors in Florida who will do this procedure. Dr. Overcash is one of them. Once I found who the surgeons were, I did my research and felt that I am in the best hands, for me, with Dr. Overcash.
After my first meeting with the good doctor. I transfered my medical records to Dr. Overcash, he had me take a stress test, and again filled out a ton of paperwork.
07/24/04
I have been told my surgery date will be 09/23/2004. The only reason it's being set out two mnths is because I need time for setting up my work FMLA and other preparations before then.
Now it's just a waiting game.In the mean time, I am researching protein powders, shakes, and other foods I will need to adopt as my new lifestyle beginning in two months. I also need to buy a blender and my wife and I have decided we are going to buy a treadmill and extra TV for our spare room. We see it as being no better time to start doing what we should have all along. I'm hoping the treadmill will get me a head start on success.
07/27/04
Part of the requirements to have Dr. Overcash do my surgery is I had to attend a nutrition class at Munroe Regional Medical Center. I found this class to be interesting and informative. This surgery is a lifestyle change and without improving my nutritional wellbeing I am guaranteed to not get the results I want and need.
08/08/04
My wife and I have been researching treadmills. We're finding that my size is definitly a problem because the low to mid-range treadmills all have weight limits of mostly 250 lbs. with a few going up to about 350 lbs. The motorized one's in this range are expensive when you consider the chance you're taking that the machine may fail pretty quickly. The motors on these machines won't hold up to the punishment they will be under when they're overtaxed. Will one of these machines last a year, a month, a week, or for that matter a day? There's no way of knowing. Something that should be kept in mind on one of these machines is that if you burn up the motor, you will pay dearly to replace it.
We also are looking at manual treadmills. These machines are smaller than their motorized counterparts, have about the same weight ratings, and are considerably cheaper. Here again though is how much punishment can the steel fram handle. Once you bend something, it's bent. Because of my extreme size, I think this is what we will settle on for now. We see it that I might be able to reinforce the frame of one of these machines and then hope that it will last for a year or two until I can get at least closer to a normal weight.
If anyone has any suggestions for treadmills, I'd appreciate your advise.
8/22/04 (Weights 513+ Lbs)
Well, this is Mike's wife Jeanette here. I just felt the urge to update to this site and Mike said to go for it. We are patiently waiting for the surgery date to arrive but seem to have so many things to do. We are both looking forward to when it is just done and we can take things from there. Well, 4 1/2 weeks to go......
We are looking into doing/buying some things ahead of time such as making hotel reservations, purchsing some of the special items at the store that the doctor/diet(like sugar free, fat free Popsicles; SF & FF flavored Yogurt; SF & FF instant Puddings; Unsweetened Regular Instant Oatmeal; Cream of Wheat; Low-Fat Condensed Cream Soups-No Tomato, etc.). We have already purchased some 4 oz. container's.
I am the master of lists, so far I have one for Walmart, one for the grocery store, one for the trip, etc. I have taken some of the ideas from people on this website which has helped a lot.
I am worried if Mike has any delayed time in the hospital then it will be hard for me to be with him since I have to be back to work. But no matter, if he really needs me there, I'll just have to be there. I do tend to worry a lot.
A few people have been really nice & written to Mike which has been great! One lady that wrote, her husband just had the surgery and she & I now write to each other, its a really big help! If anyone wants to write me, please feel free: jmz@comcast.net.
9/11/04
This is Jeanette again, Mike's wife. We are in Jacksonville, Florida and have been without power for 6 days because of hurricane Frances. It was just restored today! We now feel like we're in heaven! Down south received much worse than us. Thank God no one in our family or that we know personally received bodily harm from hurricane Frances!!!!!!!!
I can't even start to describe what a nightmare it has been without A/C, a refrig, a hot shower, and having millions of mosquito's swarming around us all the time (Boy, were we spoiled). We have not slept in our own bed for days because when we tried we couldn't sleep for the heat. After awhile you sort of lose hope and begin to feel anger, depressed, very tired, etc.
And we are truly the blessed ones here in Jacksonville, Florida. The ones down south from us have suffered all that we have and much much more. I've heard that they have just began to have a few gas stations & small stores opening. We had a few open within a day or two. If you are the praying type, please pray for them!
The number one thing I wish I would have had: a generator - with it we could have ran a small window ac unit in the bedroom, our refrig, a fan, a TV, etc. We WILL purchase one as soon as possible, we'll work the money out somehow !!! I have heard that right now the manufactures are not able to keep up with the demand for them.
Please pray for all of Florida as we see Ivan, our third hurricane approach us around Monday & Tuesday.
On another note, Mike's is understandable quite nervous about his upcoming surgery which is now less than two weeks away. We were trying to prepare until everything else happened, which acually has been a great distraction.
Until next time, Jeanette :o)
9/29/04
Jeanette Here....
Well, we finally made it home yesterday. Mike was in the hospital for 6 days. He had the surgery on 09/23/04. He is doing very well at the present but is still at a very high risk status (first 19 days is the worst risk). His operation did NOT go well. He almost didn't make it and has been told by the surgeon that if he develops a leak he will die, that it will be HIGHLY unlikely that it can be fixed. A foot of his intestine died. His operation was a revision & the surgeon said things were very twisted inside & that he almost aborted the surgery.
We are truly blessed as each day is a precious gift. I am still at home helping Mike with his meals, bath, etc.
I believe Mike will be adding to his website as soon as he feels like it.
God Speed :o)
9/30/04
Mike seems very very tired to me. I have been preparing his meals according to instructions and he almost always eats all of them. He also is taking vitamins twice a day and his other meds per instruction . He takes at least a 2 hr. nap each day & goes to bed early (9ish). He is walking but not the 6-7 times he was in the hospital, only about 3 times a day, some very short. He's also doing the deep breathing. I think he's doing most of what he's suppose to. But he's had a sore throat he believes may be a cold ?? I will call his doc if he continues this way, He should be improving a little each day. Maybe he's just adjusting to the diet ??
On another note, most of the nurses & tech's he had in the hospital were great! I am really bad with names but I believe Bev (the blond who has had the surgery herself), the German lady (what a great sense of humor she has, gosh I wish I could remember her name) & the young gal (that has a 6 mon.old baby) were all really nice & helpful. Thanks so much to them !!!
Gotta sign out until next time, Jeanette :o)
10/1/04
Mike seems to have a little more pep today! I am still at home but have been very busy with making his meals and serving him, helping him with his shower, changing the dressings, etc. He seems to be starting to do little things for himself now. I HAVE to return to work Monday (or I will lose my job) so he will have to do much more on his own. I am concerned that he will not eat often enough when I'm gone to build his much needed strength. Gotta go wake him so he can eat, since he has to eat every 2-21/2 hrs.
Jeanette
10/10/04 (Now weights 497 Lbs)
Mike here. Just to bring things up to date. I saw Dr. Overcash on Thursday (10/07/04) and he removed my staples and drain tubes. I will now, forever, have a brand new 9 inch scar on my stomach to remind me of this ordeal. I have been given a November 2nd, 2004, return to work date. My weigh in was 497 and the doctor guessed that I will probably continue to lose a rate of about 20 to 25 pounds a month for the next several months at least. My goal is to be down 100 pounds by Christmas this year and 200 pounds by Thanksgiving next year.
Since the surgery, the pain and discomfort has subsided considerably. I'm still experiencing enough discomfort at night when I'm trying to sleep, that I am taking a pain pill a couple of times through the night. The stuff I'm still on is still fairly strong but nothing like what I had while I was in the hospital or when I was first released. That stuff left me, for the most part, in a stupor. I didn't like that.
My wife and I finally were able to go to Dr. Overcash's support group yesterday (10/09/2004). It's a nice size group of about 25 people I was able to meet. Most of the participants are several weeks or months post-op but there was even one person who is still in the preparatory stages. It was very interesting hearing all the thoughts, experiences, and events of each of the participants. If you haven't gone to a support group meeting, either before or after your surgery, I highly recommend it. It was a good experience. So far each of the surgeons I've looked at and considered, prior to Dr. Overcash, all have had support groups. If you are looking at a surgeon who doesn't currently have one, there is an opportunity to start one yourself and/or, don't hesitate to contact another surgeon in your area to see if they have a group established. Either way a support group is a good idea.
I've developed a sore spot about midway along my scar. This has developed since the staples and drains were removed Thursday. The area is hard to the touch and is emitting a constant sore sensation. I'm also feeling a bit achy and physically drained. Last night I was running a low grade fever but so far today my temperature has been okay. Especially since this is Sunday and Ocala, FL is 2 1/2 hours from here, I've decided to wait until tomorrow morning to see how I and that sore spot feel. If need be, I'll be going back to Ocala in the morning to be sure everything is okay.
Will be adding as time goes on.
10/11/04
I talked with the doctor's office this morning and they reassured me that the hard/sore spot was not anything to worry about. The thinking is that it is probably fluid buildup from where one of the drains had been working and the excess fluid should eventually reabsorb into the body. I was told there was nothing to worry about unless I started and then maintained a temperature of 101+.
10/16/04 (Now weights 497 Lbs. minus more -)
Jeanette Here (ol' wifie), Mike is doing great! He is 3 weeks 2 days post-op. He has slowly gotten stronger and has been able to do a few more of the normal things. We went to the store last night and he rode in a cart. He does still tire easily after being active for a while and has to rest. He still has the hard spot but it is no longer near as sore as it was.
The eating and vitamins issue has been somewhat confusing.... Before the surgery he went to the nutrition class the surgeon sent him to where he received information on everything he should & should not do concerning eating & vitamins. He was given a information booklet which we used to purchase his food, etc. ahead of time. Here's part of the confusing part:
Class said:
Meals: 3 meals per day of 4 0z.one food & 4 oz. of another (Ttl of 8 oz. 3 snacks (which are protein drinks) a day of 4 oz each.
Vitamins: Chewable Caltrat (2 day); Centrim (2 day) & Sublingh B12 (1 day).
Doc said(at 14 day post-op visit):
Meals: Once on solid food (he starts soft solids next wk),3 each of 3 to 4 oz. per day, 50% protein(way less food).
Vitamins: 1 each of Prenadal, Caltrat, B150 super B complex.
Oh well, we'll do some of both I guess.
Tomorrow we have our grandson's 3rd birthday party to go to at a park. This will be the first time they will be seeing Grandpa aka Mike since before the surgery. It will be nice to see them and spend time with the family out of the house.
We had a cool front come in and it got down into the high 50's.
Until Later.....
10/18/04
Mike has had low sugar problems all day today and has had to drink some unsweetened apple juice several times. He normally takes meds every morn for blood sugar. Per his primary doctor, he won't be taking it any longer unless instructed to. He has to see the doctor on Friday & will be monitoring his own sugar in the meantime.
We had a good time at the party but it was really long. Mike was very very tired afterwards, I was quite tired myself. No matter, It was nice seeing the youngin's & everyone else! The birthday boy got lots of Spider Man toys..... Until Later
11/14/04 (Now weights 466 Lbs as of 11-1-04)
Just a quick update from Jeanette......
Mike is doing great. He is now off of all of his diabets meds. He went to his surg. appointment on 11/1. He has now learned that he has to chew everything up good since when he didn't he got sick. He's eating most foods now & has increased the amt he eats at one time. But he is now back to work full time so he eats once at work (like a fruit cup & a protein skake) & eats supper at night. He has had fried foods & isn't walking which concerns me. But he is still eating small amts. And I am also eating the fried foods, etc which I really want us to get away from! We haven't been buying anything bad for the house but have had bad stuff when we eat out (which has been a lot lately).
He is pretty much back to normal on his energy level. He went to the support group meeting on Saturday, 11/13, which is good.
Until Later......
11/22/04
Mike is contining to do well & is losing weight. Although he can't weight at home very easily he feels the weight loss in his clothes (the belt has been tighten a few), in his rings a lot, in his shoes! I sure see it in his face & in his stomach. Last night when I was holding his hand I noticed bony fingers !!! LOL.....They are not acually bony, like in too skinny, just different. He is eating larger portions now but only at night. He has had a problem with eating regular chicken, turkey and fish no matter how much he chews it. He does better with processed meat.
By the way, he use to weight on two seperate scales at the same time to get an idea, which worked pretty good. Now he doesn't bother to try to weight, he'll just wait until he goes to the doctor again, besides he feels it without weighting.
He is walking easier and doesn't get out of breath quite so fast! Just for info & not to gross anyone out but one of the not so good effect of the surgery has been unbelievable gas and lots of it and the worse in smell. He also has lots of loose bowels. Of course its a lot worse depending what he eats.
Gotta go, HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE !!!! Jeanette :o)
01/07/2005 (Now weights 417 Lbs)
Jeanette, The Wife person here :o)
I've tried to get Mike to update on here but he just never does it. Wow, a brand new year, 2005 already..........
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!
Mike drove to Ocala for his 3 mth visit the other day. He's doing great! He has now passed the 100 Lbs. loss mark, already !!!
He is feeling better and moves around much easier. Its something to see his get up from a chair, he gets up so much faster & easier. He refuses to buy new clothes yet even though his clothes barely stay up even with the new belt he bought. He wants to wait for a while yet. He lost his wedding ring, he just slipped off his finger & we haven't been able to find it anywhere. :o(
He eats whatever he wants to for the most part but pays dearly for eating some things. Anytime he eats anything with high fat or with sugar he has some problems. No matter what he eats he has loose bowels and LOTS of gas. He's had a few stomach upsets too when he eats some things. One surprise - we baked some of those sugar-free, reduced fat cookies and his stomach was upset all night, who knows why. In general, he never eats sweets like cake or ice cream but he does get sugar from starches like the potatoes, mac, etc. He has been eating a lot of fried foods and has increased the amount he eats quite a bit at the one meal he eats a day. I've been warning him about how much he eats at one meal since he is just streching his stomach back out but he doesn't seem to listen.
He is very happy about the weight loss but still feels that he would not have chosen to have the operation if he would have known that he would come so close to death. We have heard of at least three people with just the surgeon he had that ended up in ICU with leaks & other problems, who knows if they made it out alive. Everyone must remember that YES, it can happen to you, it can go bad so prepare ahead of time the best you can just in case. I am not trying to sound negative just realistic. On the other side of the coin, health problems and death will usually come much sooner when you are so overweight. Enought of that.....
Here in good ol' Florida it is January & is suppose to get 80 tomorrow!~~~ This is very warm even for us at this time of the year. I hope to post a new picture soon to see if anyone else can see the differences in Mike......
God Speed :o)
7-17-05 (Now weights 327 Lbs. - 198 Lbs. Loss !!)
This is Jeanette - Mike is doing great, much more active & hard to keep up with!! :o) We just came back from vacation in Ohio and saw his family. I am trying to look into surgery myself but since Blue Cross - Health Options won't cover it at all in Florida anymore I'm stuck, so stuck! PLEASE if you've heard different PLEASE email Mike & let us know. I am going to email an updated pic of Mike right now if I can......
8-26-05 (Now weights 317 Lbs. maybe less)
Mike & I went to another support group meeting & it was great! You may not think so but it really helps being around people whom have had the surgery, you have it in common with them. You can learn so much. Please do try a support group!
Some people never exercise or watch what they eat much but most still lose weight, at least for while. There is a window of change of about 1 to 1 1/2 yrs where most people will lose & after that its very possible to start gaining again. Before this is the time to get active, enjoy life. We haven't gotten into a exercise routine but are just becoming more active, doing fun things. We are going to sqaure dance lessons! I went years ago & it is soooo much fun and good excercise!!! Mike is going to do karate again soon, he can't wait!
It will be a year since Mike's surgergy on Sept 23, 2005, which is coming up very soon, Where does the time go?? He now says he's glad he had the surgery considering how well he's done & feels !!!! He also has a birthday in a few weeks. He recently has allergy testing done & is allerg to almost everything. He never had problems till moving to Florida (about 10 yrs ago), home of the heat, many blooming plants & trees, bugs, more bugs & of course hurricanes. Our winters are great!! And it is a beautiful place to live.
Gotta go, please take care, God Speed! :o) Jeanette
06-19-06 (Now weights 268Lbs - Total weight Loss of 257Lbs!!!)
Wife person here, wow has it been a long time since I updated! Mike is doing wonderful, full of life & energy. He has about 4-5 mos before he gets serious about a tummy tuck per his docs instruction. A lot of people get one too soon. If anyone needs one he does!!! The large amount of very hanging skin has become a major issue but he says he'll take it anytime over the weight. Not much else to say except life is really good for Mike. I'm working on my own surgery but it will be a long while if it ever happens.
Jeanette :o)
10-15-06 (239 Lbs)
Mike had a pacemaker put in on 09-13 & had gallbaladder surgery on 9-16. He got to have his birthday in the hospital. He doing better now & going back to work part time this Monday. He lost even more weight with the hospital visit. I posted a new picture. He's tired in the picture, he usually looks a lot better! Overall, he's doing great & feeling great!
02-09-07
Mike's wife here as usual........Mike is doing wonderful. He had a 10 lbs weight gain since getting out of the hospital. I'm now 5 wks post-op myself so he's watching his weight more again. He's putting off the tummy tuck for a while so that we'll have vacation time to go see his family next year. If you want to read my profile I'm at JeanetteZ.
Photos
This is the first day I met with Dr. Overcash. The day started about 6:00am. My drive began about 7:30am and 2 1/2 hours later I walked into his office for the first time. In this meeting, the doctor has gone to meeting his new patients in small groups. This allows for more interchange of questions from several different perspectives. The first thing the doctor did with each of our group was weigh us inand then privately reveal our weight and BMI. Mine was 513 lbs. with a BMI of 69.6. My height is 6' 0" and I am currently 47 years old. This meeting had two purposes. First, it allows us to meet with the surgeon and him, us. And secondly, allow us to get some better idea of what we are working towards, learn the dangers and shortcomings that can occur during and after the surgery, and to get some answers to some of our questions.
One difference I had going into this meeting was I had already gone through most of the preparation steps with another surgeon. My first doctor had me get my Thyroid test, get a letter from my primary care physician, see a psychiatrist for gastric bypass evaluation, fill out tons of paperwork, and get insurance approval. (The insurance approval, by the way, was very quick. I was approved in less than two weeks.) On the day my insurance was approved, I talked with my former surgeon's office and was informed that he no longer does "revisions". There I was back to square one.
I very quickly got on the internet and started a concentrated effort to find a surgeon who still does these types of surgeries. I found that their currently are three doctors in Florida who will do this procedure. Dr. Overcash is one of them. Once I found who the surgeons were, I did my research and felt that I am in the best hands, for me, with Dr. Overcash.
After my first meeting with the good doctor. I transfered my medical records to Dr. Overcash, he had me take a stress test, and again filled out a ton of paperwork.
07/24/04
I have been told my surgery date will be 09/23/2004. The only reason it's being set out two mnths is because I need time for setting up my work FMLA and other preparations before then.
Now it's just a waiting game.In the mean time, I am researching protein powders, shakes, and other foods I will need to adopt as my new lifestyle beginning in two months. I also need to buy a blender and my wife and I have decided we are going to buy a treadmill and extra TV for our spare room. We see it as being no better time to start doing what we should have all along. I'm hoping the treadmill will get me a head start on success.
07/27/04
Part of the requirements to have Dr. Overcash do my surgery is I had to attend a nutrition class at Munroe Regional Medical Center. I found this class to be interesting and informative. This surgery is a lifestyle change and without improving my nutritional wellbeing I am guaranteed to not get the results I want and need.
08/08/04
My wife and I have been researching treadmills. We're finding that my size is definitly a problem because the low to mid-range treadmills all have weight limits of mostly 250 lbs. with a few going up to about 350 lbs. The motorized one's in this range are expensive when you consider the chance you're taking that the machine may fail pretty quickly. The motors on these machines won't hold up to the punishment they will be under when they're overtaxed. Will one of these machines last a year, a month, a week, or for that matter a day? There's no way of knowing. Something that should be kept in mind on one of these machines is that if you burn up the motor, you will pay dearly to replace it.
We also are looking at manual treadmills. These machines are smaller than their motorized counterparts, have about the same weight ratings, and are considerably cheaper. Here again though is how much punishment can the steel fram handle. Once you bend something, it's bent. Because of my extreme size, I think this is what we will settle on for now. We see it that I might be able to reinforce the frame of one of these machines and then hope that it will last for a year or two until I can get at least closer to a normal weight.
If anyone has any suggestions for treadmills, I'd appreciate your advise.
8/22/04 (Weights 513+ Lbs)
Well, this is Mike's wife Jeanette here. I just felt the urge to update to this site and Mike said to go for it. We are patiently waiting for the surgery date to arrive but seem to have so many things to do. We are both looking forward to when it is just done and we can take things from there. Well, 4 1/2 weeks to go......
We are looking into doing/buying some things ahead of time such as making hotel reservations, purchsing some of the special items at the store that the doctor/diet(like sugar free, fat free Popsicles; SF & FF flavored Yogurt; SF & FF instant Puddings; Unsweetened Regular Instant Oatmeal; Cream of Wheat; Low-Fat Condensed Cream Soups-No Tomato, etc.). We have already purchased some 4 oz. container's.
I am the master of lists, so far I have one for Walmart, one for the grocery store, one for the trip, etc. I have taken some of the ideas from people on this website which has helped a lot.
I am worried if Mike has any delayed time in the hospital then it will be hard for me to be with him since I have to be back to work. But no matter, if he really needs me there, I'll just have to be there. I do tend to worry a lot.
A few people have been really nice & written to Mike which has been great! One lady that wrote, her husband just had the surgery and she & I now write to each other, its a really big help! If anyone wants to write me, please feel free: jmz@comcast.net.
9/11/04
This is Jeanette again, Mike's wife. We are in Jacksonville, Florida and have been without power for 6 days because of hurricane Frances. It was just restored today! We now feel like we're in heaven! Down south received much worse than us. Thank God no one in our family or that we know personally received bodily harm from hurricane Frances!!!!!!!!
I can't even start to describe what a nightmare it has been without A/C, a refrig, a hot shower, and having millions of mosquito's swarming around us all the time (Boy, were we spoiled). We have not slept in our own bed for days because when we tried we couldn't sleep for the heat. After awhile you sort of lose hope and begin to feel anger, depressed, very tired, etc.
And we are truly the blessed ones here in Jacksonville, Florida. The ones down south from us have suffered all that we have and much much more. I've heard that they have just began to have a few gas stations & small stores opening. We had a few open within a day or two. If you are the praying type, please pray for them!
The number one thing I wish I would have had: a generator - with it we could have ran a small window ac unit in the bedroom, our refrig, a fan, a TV, etc. We WILL purchase one as soon as possible, we'll work the money out somehow !!! I have heard that right now the manufactures are not able to keep up with the demand for them.
Please pray for all of Florida as we see Ivan, our third hurricane approach us around Monday & Tuesday.
On another note, Mike's is understandable quite nervous about his upcoming surgery which is now less than two weeks away. We were trying to prepare until everything else happened, which acually has been a great distraction.
Until next time, Jeanette :o)
9/29/04
Jeanette Here....
Well, we finally made it home yesterday. Mike was in the hospital for 6 days. He had the surgery on 09/23/04. He is doing very well at the present but is still at a very high risk status (first 19 days is the worst risk). His operation did NOT go well. He almost didn't make it and has been told by the surgeon that if he develops a leak he will die, that it will be HIGHLY unlikely that it can be fixed. A foot of his intestine died. His operation was a revision & the surgeon said things were very twisted inside & that he almost aborted the surgery.
We are truly blessed as each day is a precious gift. I am still at home helping Mike with his meals, bath, etc.
I believe Mike will be adding to his website as soon as he feels like it.
God Speed :o)
9/30/04
Mike seems very very tired to me. I have been preparing his meals according to instructions and he almost always eats all of them. He also is taking vitamins twice a day and his other meds per instruction . He takes at least a 2 hr. nap each day & goes to bed early (9ish). He is walking but not the 6-7 times he was in the hospital, only about 3 times a day, some very short. He's also doing the deep breathing. I think he's doing most of what he's suppose to. But he's had a sore throat he believes may be a cold ?? I will call his doc if he continues this way, He should be improving a little each day. Maybe he's just adjusting to the diet ??
On another note, most of the nurses & tech's he had in the hospital were great! I am really bad with names but I believe Bev (the blond who has had the surgery herself), the German lady (what a great sense of humor she has, gosh I wish I could remember her name) & the young gal (that has a 6 mon.old baby) were all really nice & helpful. Thanks so much to them !!!
Gotta sign out until next time, Jeanette :o)
10/1/04
Mike seems to have a little more pep today! I am still at home but have been very busy with making his meals and serving him, helping him with his shower, changing the dressings, etc. He seems to be starting to do little things for himself now. I HAVE to return to work Monday (or I will lose my job) so he will have to do much more on his own. I am concerned that he will not eat often enough when I'm gone to build his much needed strength. Gotta go wake him so he can eat, since he has to eat every 2-21/2 hrs.
Jeanette
10/10/04 (Now weights 497 Lbs)
Mike here. Just to bring things up to date. I saw Dr. Overcash on Thursday (10/07/04) and he removed my staples and drain tubes. I will now, forever, have a brand new 9 inch scar on my stomach to remind me of this ordeal. I have been given a November 2nd, 2004, return to work date. My weigh in was 497 and the doctor guessed that I will probably continue to lose a rate of about 20 to 25 pounds a month for the next several months at least. My goal is to be down 100 pounds by Christmas this year and 200 pounds by Thanksgiving next year.
Since the surgery, the pain and discomfort has subsided considerably. I'm still experiencing enough discomfort at night when I'm trying to sleep, that I am taking a pain pill a couple of times through the night. The stuff I'm still on is still fairly strong but nothing like what I had while I was in the hospital or when I was first released. That stuff left me, for the most part, in a stupor. I didn't like that.
My wife and I finally were able to go to Dr. Overcash's support group yesterday (10/09/2004). It's a nice size group of about 25 people I was able to meet. Most of the participants are several weeks or months post-op but there was even one person who is still in the preparatory stages. It was very interesting hearing all the thoughts, experiences, and events of each of the participants. If you haven't gone to a support group meeting, either before or after your surgery, I highly recommend it. It was a good experience. So far each of the surgeons I've looked at and considered, prior to Dr. Overcash, all have had support groups. If you are looking at a surgeon who doesn't currently have one, there is an opportunity to start one yourself and/or, don't hesitate to contact another surgeon in your area to see if they have a group established. Either way a support group is a good idea.
I've developed a sore spot about midway along my scar. This has developed since the staples and drains were removed Thursday. The area is hard to the touch and is emitting a constant sore sensation. I'm also feeling a bit achy and physically drained. Last night I was running a low grade fever but so far today my temperature has been okay. Especially since this is Sunday and Ocala, FL is 2 1/2 hours from here, I've decided to wait until tomorrow morning to see how I and that sore spot feel. If need be, I'll be going back to Ocala in the morning to be sure everything is okay.
Will be adding as time goes on.
10/11/04
I talked with the doctor's office this morning and they reassured me that the hard/sore spot was not anything to worry about. The thinking is that it is probably fluid buildup from where one of the drains had been working and the excess fluid should eventually reabsorb into the body. I was told there was nothing to worry about unless I started and then maintained a temperature of 101+.
10/16/04 (Now weights 497 Lbs. minus more -)
Jeanette Here (ol' wifie), Mike is doing great! He is 3 weeks 2 days post-op. He has slowly gotten stronger and has been able to do a few more of the normal things. We went to the store last night and he rode in a cart. He does still tire easily after being active for a while and has to rest. He still has the hard spot but it is no longer near as sore as it was.
The eating and vitamins issue has been somewhat confusing.... Before the surgery he went to the nutrition class the surgeon sent him to where he received information on everything he should & should not do concerning eating & vitamins. He was given a information booklet which we used to purchase his food, etc. ahead of time. Here's part of the confusing part:
Class said:
Meals: 3 meals per day of 4 0z.one food & 4 oz. of another (Ttl of 8 oz. 3 snacks (which are protein drinks) a day of 4 oz each.
Vitamins: Chewable Caltrat (2 day); Centrim (2 day) & Sublingh B12 (1 day).
Doc said(at 14 day post-op visit):
Meals: Once on solid food (he starts soft solids next wk),3 each of 3 to 4 oz. per day, 50% protein(way less food).
Vitamins: 1 each of Prenadal, Caltrat, B150 super B complex.
Oh well, we'll do some of both I guess.
Tomorrow we have our grandson's 3rd birthday party to go to at a park. This will be the first time they will be seeing Grandpa aka Mike since before the surgery. It will be nice to see them and spend time with the family out of the house.
We had a cool front come in and it got down into the high 50's.
Until Later.....
10/18/04
Mike has had low sugar problems all day today and has had to drink some unsweetened apple juice several times. He normally takes meds every morn for blood sugar. Per his primary doctor, he won't be taking it any longer unless instructed to. He has to see the doctor on Friday & will be monitoring his own sugar in the meantime.
We had a good time at the party but it was really long. Mike was very very tired afterwards, I was quite tired myself. No matter, It was nice seeing the youngin's & everyone else! The birthday boy got lots of Spider Man toys..... Until Later
11/14/04 (Now weights 466 Lbs as of 11-1-04)
Just a quick update from Jeanette......
Mike is doing great. He is now off of all of his diabets meds. He went to his surg. appointment on 11/1. He has now learned that he has to chew everything up good since when he didn't he got sick. He's eating most foods now & has increased the amt he eats at one time. But he is now back to work full time so he eats once at work (like a fruit cup & a protein skake) & eats supper at night. He has had fried foods & isn't walking which concerns me. But he is still eating small amts. And I am also eating the fried foods, etc which I really want us to get away from! We haven't been buying anything bad for the house but have had bad stuff when we eat out (which has been a lot lately).
He is pretty much back to normal on his energy level. He went to the support group meeting on Saturday, 11/13, which is good.
Until Later......
11/22/04
Mike is contining to do well & is losing weight. Although he can't weight at home very easily he feels the weight loss in his clothes (the belt has been tighten a few), in his rings a lot, in his shoes! I sure see it in his face & in his stomach. Last night when I was holding his hand I noticed bony fingers !!! LOL.....They are not acually bony, like in too skinny, just different. He is eating larger portions now but only at night. He has had a problem with eating regular chicken, turkey and fish no matter how much he chews it. He does better with processed meat.
By the way, he use to weight on two seperate scales at the same time to get an idea, which worked pretty good. Now he doesn't bother to try to weight, he'll just wait until he goes to the doctor again, besides he feels it without weighting.
He is walking easier and doesn't get out of breath quite so fast! Just for info & not to gross anyone out but one of the not so good effect of the surgery has been unbelievable gas and lots of it and the worse in smell. He also has lots of loose bowels. Of course its a lot worse depending what he eats.
Gotta go, HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE !!!! Jeanette :o)
01/07/2005 (Now weights 417 Lbs)
Jeanette, The Wife person here :o)
I've tried to get Mike to update on here but he just never does it. Wow, a brand new year, 2005 already..........
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!
Mike drove to Ocala for his 3 mth visit the other day. He's doing great! He has now passed the 100 Lbs. loss mark, already !!!
He is feeling better and moves around much easier. Its something to see his get up from a chair, he gets up so much faster & easier. He refuses to buy new clothes yet even though his clothes barely stay up even with the new belt he bought. He wants to wait for a while yet. He lost his wedding ring, he just slipped off his finger & we haven't been able to find it anywhere. :o(
He eats whatever he wants to for the most part but pays dearly for eating some things. Anytime he eats anything with high fat or with sugar he has some problems. No matter what he eats he has loose bowels and LOTS of gas. He's had a few stomach upsets too when he eats some things. One surprise - we baked some of those sugar-free, reduced fat cookies and his stomach was upset all night, who knows why. In general, he never eats sweets like cake or ice cream but he does get sugar from starches like the potatoes, mac, etc. He has been eating a lot of fried foods and has increased the amount he eats quite a bit at the one meal he eats a day. I've been warning him about how much he eats at one meal since he is just streching his stomach back out but he doesn't seem to listen.
He is very happy about the weight loss but still feels that he would not have chosen to have the operation if he would have known that he would come so close to death. We have heard of at least three people with just the surgeon he had that ended up in ICU with leaks & other problems, who knows if they made it out alive. Everyone must remember that YES, it can happen to you, it can go bad so prepare ahead of time the best you can just in case. I am not trying to sound negative just realistic. On the other side of the coin, health problems and death will usually come much sooner when you are so overweight. Enought of that.....
Here in good ol' Florida it is January & is suppose to get 80 tomorrow!~~~ This is very warm even for us at this time of the year. I hope to post a new picture soon to see if anyone else can see the differences in Mike......
God Speed :o)
7-17-05 (Now weights 327 Lbs. - 198 Lbs. Loss !!)
This is Jeanette - Mike is doing great, much more active & hard to keep up with!! :o) We just came back from vacation in Ohio and saw his family. I am trying to look into surgery myself but since Blue Cross - Health Options won't cover it at all in Florida anymore I'm stuck, so stuck! PLEASE if you've heard different PLEASE email Mike & let us know. I am going to email an updated pic of Mike right now if I can......
8-26-05 (Now weights 317 Lbs. maybe less)
Mike & I went to another support group meeting & it was great! You may not think so but it really helps being around people whom have had the surgery, you have it in common with them. You can learn so much. Please do try a support group!
Some people never exercise or watch what they eat much but most still lose weight, at least for while. There is a window of change of about 1 to 1 1/2 yrs where most people will lose & after that its very possible to start gaining again. Before this is the time to get active, enjoy life. We haven't gotten into a exercise routine but are just becoming more active, doing fun things. We are going to sqaure dance lessons! I went years ago & it is soooo much fun and good excercise!!! Mike is going to do karate again soon, he can't wait!
It will be a year since Mike's surgergy on Sept 23, 2005, which is coming up very soon, Where does the time go?? He now says he's glad he had the surgery considering how well he's done & feels !!!! He also has a birthday in a few weeks. He recently has allergy testing done & is allerg to almost everything. He never had problems till moving to Florida (about 10 yrs ago), home of the heat, many blooming plants & trees, bugs, more bugs & of course hurricanes. Our winters are great!! And it is a beautiful place to live.
Gotta go, please take care, God Speed! :o) Jeanette
06-19-06 (Now weights 268Lbs - Total weight Loss of 257Lbs!!!)
Wife person here, wow has it been a long time since I updated! Mike is doing wonderful, full of life & energy. He has about 4-5 mos before he gets serious about a tummy tuck per his docs instruction. A lot of people get one too soon. If anyone needs one he does!!! The large amount of very hanging skin has become a major issue but he says he'll take it anytime over the weight. Not much else to say except life is really good for Mike. I'm working on my own surgery but it will be a long while if it ever happens.
Jeanette :o)
10-15-06 (239 Lbs)
Mike had a pacemaker put in on 09-13 & had gallbaladder surgery on 9-16. He got to have his birthday in the hospital. He doing better now & going back to work part time this Monday. He lost even more weight with the hospital visit. I posted a new picture. He's tired in the picture, he usually looks a lot better! Overall, he's doing great & feeling great!
02-09-07
Mike's wife here as usual........Mike is doing wonderful. He had a 10 lbs weight gain since getting out of the hospital. I'm now 5 wks post-op myself so he's watching his weight more again. He's putting off the tummy tuck for a while so that we'll have vacation time to go see his family next year. If you want to read my profile I'm at JeanetteZ.
Photos
 Aprox. 510 Mike at Fort Clinch Florida, 2003 |
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 335 Cumberland Island Park, GA July 2005 |
