tina J.
POSTED 04/23/07...My struggle has always been with weight. Since I can remember, I always was on the chunky side. growing up was very hard because of the teasing and name calling in school. you are always told by the ones that love you that it is whats on the inside that counts. THAT IS VERY TRUE! HOWEVER...that was never the answer to what happened on the outside. The smallest size I can EVER remember being in was 16. 15yrs ago, when I was married, I was a size 16. It didnt take long for the weight to start adding on. So for years, I have always stayed between sizes 22-28. looking back now, I can see I let that become a comfort zone. I would look in the mirror and say..I dont look bad. Being overweight for so long u start fooling yourself as looking normal even though in every sense of everything I was NOT. So to not discourage myself, and made it seem ok, I stopped shopping at the mall. going out with friends. I confined my life and mind to thinking I am ok. Well, as i have been getting older, health issues comes around. sleep apnea, diabetes, thyroid problems, bulging disc, depression, anxiety and panic attacks..just to name a few. FINALLY, DONT KNOW WHY IT TOOK SO LONG TO REALIZE.. I DONT HAVE A LIFE. NOT ONLY AM I SUFFERING, BUT ALL MY LOVED ONES ARE TOO. I WAS ON THE PATH OF SELF DISTRUCT. LIVING TO EAT...WOW THAT WAS COMFORT...
THREE YRS AGO MY MOTHER AND UNCLE HAD THE RNY WITH GREAT SUCCESS. MY SISTER ALSO HAD THE RNY 1 1/2 YRS AGO. THEY HAD THEIR LIFE BACK..AND WAS LIVING EVERY MOMENT OF IT. SO WITH FINALLY WAKING UP AND REALIZING I CAN GET MY LIFE BACK AND BE SOME ONE THAT I WANT TO BE, I AM HAVING THE SURGERY..
JAN 30, 2007 9AM FIRST VISIT WITH DR EDWARDS
HT 5"1 WT 305
FEB 2, 2007 9AM DIETARY CONSULT
FEB 6, 2007 8AM EXERCISE REHAB CONSULT
FEB 9, 2007 10AM PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION (WAS ABLE TO COMBINE TWO VISITS INTO ONE)
FEB 12, 2007 8-4 BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLASS
FEB 20, 2007 9AM LAST PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION
FEB 28, 2007 PAPERS AND THE REQUEST FOR SURGERY TURNED IN TO INS
MARCH 12, 2007 CALL FROM THE SURGEONS)SURGERY APPROVED)
MARCH 16, 2007 OFFICAL PAPERS FROM INS CO CONFIRMING APPROVED SURGERY.
APRIL 3, 2007 SECOND VISIT WITH DR. EDWARDS... SET SURGERY DATE
APRIL 10, 2007 CALL FOR SURGEONS OFFICE..SURGERY DATE CHANGED...BUMBER
RESCHEDULE..FOR MAY 9TH. ALL SMILES
APRIL 25, 2007 START 2 WEEK LIQUID DIET...HURRAY
MAY 9TH CHECKED IN THE HOSPITAL AT 5:30 AM WAS OUT OF RECOVERY BY NOON.
MAY 13TH HOME!!! HURRAY!!!!
THE DR KEPT ME AN EXTRA DAY. I HAD TO GO THRU TWO DYE TEST. EVERYTHING LOOKED GOOD. HE HAD SOME TROUBLE GETTING MY INTESTINE ATTACHED TO MY STOMACH. HE SAID BEING VERY SHORT BUNCHED EVERYTHING UP. BUT HE TOOK HIS TIME AND NOW I AM ON THE LOOSING SIDE. I CANT BELIEVE IT. I AM HAVING TROUBLE WITH GETTING MY LIQUIDS DOWN. IT SEEMS I AM SIPPING CONSTANTLY BUT I KNOW I WILL BE OK. JUST NEED TO GET A ROUTINE. I HAVE A DRAIN TUBE AND IT IS PAINFUL. BUT I WILL GET THAT OUT THRU. I DO FEEL LIKE I HAVE PLAYED ALOT OF FOOTBALL..LOL..................................................
MAY15TH...WENT FOR POST OP VISIT. GOT THE DRAIN TUBE OUT AND THE BEST THING IS I AHVE LOST 21 LBS..HURRAY!!!
TUESDAY MAY 22ND. SECOND POST OP VISIT TO DR TO GET STITCHES OUT. ANOTHER 61/2 LBS..HURRAY!
JUNE 7, 2007..UPDATE.. MAY 28TH I WENT TO THE ER BECAUSE I WAS HAVING SEVERE PAIN AND NAUSEA. I HAD PUT IT OFF FOR A FEW DAYS CAUSE I THOUGHT MY BODY WAS JUST NOT ADJUSTING YET TO MY INTRO OF NEW FOODS. HOWEVER, THEY RAN SOME TEST AND MY GALL BLADDER WAS NOT WORKING. SO I WAS IN THE HOSPITAL FOR 5 NIGHTS. HAD THE GALL BLADDER TAKEN OUT. IT REALLY THREW ME FOR A LOOP. HAVING TWO SURGIES PRETTY MUCH BACK TO BACK. YESTERDAY, I PULLED OUT THE DRAIN TUBE CAUSE IT WAS CAUSING ALOT OF PAIN. DR. EDWARDS IS NOT GOING TO LIKE THIS AS I SEE HIM TOMORROW. IT IS REALLY TAKING ALOT FOR ME TO BOUNCE BACK. BUT I KNOW I WILL BEFORE LONG. I KNOW I HAVE LOST ALOT MORE WEIGHT( DIDNT EAT ANYTHING FOR THE WEEK I WAS IN THE HOSPITAL) AND MY CLOTHES ARE FALLING OFF. WHICH IS A GREAT THING. I WILL WEIGH TOMORROW AT THE DRS OFFICE AND GIVE AN UPDATE...THRU ALL OF THIS I STILL WOULD DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN..
june 19, 2007....went for my 6 week check up for rny and 2 week checkup for galbladder surgery. Dr Edwards was very happy with all my incisions (11 total) for both surgeries. total weight loss is 42lbs. HURRAY!!! WOW!!! I AM WALKING TWO MILES ALMOST EVERYDAY. my son loves to go walking..cause he gets to ride in the stroller.. thats alright... no pain no gain! i am feeling alot better. still have some days where i am very fatigued. but that is normal. will update soon...
07/09/07....2 month post op. i have lost 49 lbs!!!!!!!! i joined the gym last week to get a better work out. cause walking just was not doing it for me..my energy level has sky rocketed. i am at 260 lbs now. still have 100 + to go. i cant even imagine what i will feel then. i am really worried about hair loss. i have not lossed any yet, but that is a big fear because i already have fine, THIN hair. i do pretty good getting protein in. i have to work really hard on water. i have went clothes shopping some. i learned very quickly to buy a size smaller. but its so AWESOME not to be looking for the largest size at the stores. i can wear 1x(18-20) shirts and 22 pants fits very well, getting a little loose. my journey has only begun. i know i have a long way. but everything i put into this i will get back 10 fold!!!
hello, its july 17th. boy what a weekend. i went by ambulance to the hospital early saturday morning with dizzyness that would not stop, my blood pressure was low, i was so weak i couldnt get out of bed. my ekg showed i was havng heart arethenemy. i found out that i was severely dehydrated, my potassium was low and my thyroid was low. along with that i had a sinus infection. my heart rate and blood pr contuned to be low. i recieved 4 bags of fluid and some meds and about 5 1/2 hrs later was able to go home. i knew for that week i was not feeling like i should. and believe i am all about getting my protein in, not all my water though. i have learned a hard lesson. MORE WATER!!!!!! these past few days have bee tough. today, monday, i threw up twice. havent been able to keep anything down. i have made app with my dr. i know this will get better. i have really good days. AND I LOVE IT!!! I JOINED THE GYM TWO WEEKS AGO, THAT REALLY HELPS ME. TODATE I HAVE LOST 53 LBS. I AM IN SIZE 18/20 SHIRTS AND 20-22 PANTS(DEPENDING ON THE MAKER). I THOUGHT IT WAS HARD FINDING CLOTHES AT SIZE 26/28. I FIND IT EVEN HARDER FINDING SMALLER SIZES. I THINK ITS A POPULAR SIZE. I CANT WAIT TIL THE DAY I DONT HAVE TO SHOP IN PLUS SIZE ANY MORE. JULY 31RST, I AM GOING TO CALIFORNIA AND PLAN TO GO TO THE BEACH IN A BATHING SUIT. YA I AM. STILL HAVE ALONG WAYS TO GO. I STILL TAKE ONE DAY AT A TIME. THIS IS BY ALL MEANS SAVED MY LIFE. AND I NEVER NEVER WANT TO GO BACK TO WHAT I WAS BEFORE. I HAVE A LOT OF SUPPORT. I AM VERY FORUNATE. AFTER I GET BACK FOR CAL, I WILL UPDATE MY PICS.. BYE FOR NOW
july 24, 2007-I HAVE LOST 60LBS. I AM FEELING MUCH BETTER NOW. I HAVE INCREASED MY WATER ALOT. ALSO I HAVE WENT BACK TO HAVING 1 OR 2 PROTIEN SHAKES A DAY. THEY ARE GREAT!! I FOUND THEM AT THE WEIGHT LOSS STORE HERE IS SPRINGFIELD WHERE I LIVE. NO AFTER TASTE. VERY REFRESHING. 15 GRAMS OF PROTIEN IN 8 OZ. YESTERDAY I WENT TO DRESS BARN AND WAS ABLE TO GET INTO A SIZE18 DRESS. WHO KNEW THIS COULD HAPPEN. I NEVER REGRET HAVING THIS SURGERY. LAST SATURDAY ME AND MY FAMILY WENT TO SILVER DOLLAR CITY. WE STAYED ALL DAY. I DIDNT GET OUT OF BREATH. I WAS ABLE TO WALK THE WHOLE PARK. NOW 5 MNTHS AGO..I WOULDNT OF EVEN THOUGHT ABOUT GOING.. I BOUGHT ME A BATHING SUIT AND AM HEADING TO CALIFORNIA NEXT WEEK.. I PLAN TO SPEND ALOT OF TIME AT THE BEACH..
AUGUST 12, 2007
i weighed today..DOWN TO 243lbs!!! 66LBS LOST! WOW!! I WOW MYSELF ALOT! HAD A GREAT CALIFORNIA TRIP. WAS BUSY EVERY MINUTE I WAS THERE. THE BEACH WAS GREAT!! ONE BEACH WE WENT TO I HAD TO CLIMB UP AND DOWN AN HUGE CLIFF TO GET TO. IT WAS SO EXCITING THAT I COULD DO THAT.. MY SISTER WAS SO IMPRESSED IN HOW MY WANTING TO BE ACTIVE ALL THE TIME. SHE HAS BEEN SUCH AN ENCOURAGEMENT. WE WENT TO SEA WORLD ALSO. MY 2 1/2 YR OLD HAD ALOT OF FUN. WE GO AGAIN NEXT YR BUT WILL BE AT MY AT MY GOAL WEIGHT. I CANT EVEN IMAGINE WHAT I WILL FEEL LIKE THEN... I POSTED SOME PICS THAT I TOOK RIGHT BEFORE MY SURGERY. ONE DAY SOON, I WILL GET SOME MORE POSTED..
AUGUST 23, 2007....71LBS GONE!!!! next week i go see my surgeon. get some blood work done. i have been suffering from dizzy spells. my pc dr told me i have inner ear problems. Almost everyday I experience something new. even if it is something small that i could not do before. it feels so great. I was reading someone elses blog on this site and it brought tears to my eyes. I might be crazy, but it helps me out to read what others have been thru and going thru. where they are at now, how do they feel. In oct it will be a year since my father found out he has acute myloid luekemia. He fights for his life everyday. He has spent more time in the hospital than out. but he says its worth it, to see one more day. he now awaits a stem cell transplant. that is the only thing that will save him. otherwise the cancer will eat him up and shut his body down. WE KEEP IT IN GODS HANDS. LOTS OF PRAYERS.
CONGRATS TO ALL ON THEIR WLS. KEEP YOUR GOALS IN CHECK. AND EXCERSISE. TIL NEXT TIME...
09/07/07...two days from being 4 months post op. posted some new pics. one with my son who at the time was enjoying his snack!! 74lbs gone FOREVER!!! FEELS GREAT!!! have alot of different and new feelings with my wls. it i plato alot any more. loss a couple of lbs then i am at a stand sill. but it is still a great thing. at least the weight is not coming back.. Finally..in all my yrs of trying all there is for weight loss. THIS TOOL I HAVE BEEN GIVEN WORKS!!
09/09/07...4mnth post op today...75LBS gone forever!!!!!! weight has been slower coming off. but i had to back off excersing as much because of dizzy spells. but now i am picking it back up again. i am taking alot of supplements like iron, potassium, b-6, b-12, vitamins of course and calcium. I went to silver doolar city yesterday. and boy are those pork rinds hard to resist. had a few. i told my husband when we go back. we are not buyng any more of those.. til next time...
10/09/07--another month!!! 88lbs gone!! but i have been at a slow weight loss and the scale staying the same for a while. but i have lost 13 lbs from last month post so i am loosing. i took off almost three weeks form the gym. there is so much going on. in my earlier post i have mentioned that my father is battling cancer. so this past few weeks have been touch and go as he went thru another round of kemo. we thought the other rounds were bad...this has almost done him in. its been a year since he was told he had cancer and thru it all he is stil with us. with god's help his youngest sister is a great stem cell match for him. so friday from the sp hospital he is going to the st louis hospital to get some testing down for the stem cell transplant as this is his last hope. so we pray every day. last night i went back to the gym. it felt great. will go back tonight. so i am back on a roll with that. however, with all the stress it seems like i eat all the time. so tomorrow i am going back to the basics and starting my protein shakes again. that always helps me. i hope to update pics again. using my highest weight of 309, til now i have lost 88lbs. so i am 12 lbs away from 100 and my first tattoo!!! my 18/20 clothing are baggy. i need to go shopping soon.til next time...
OCT 19 2007---LAST SATURDAY EVENING MY FATHER PAST AWAY. HE BATTLED ACCUTE MYLOID LUEKEMIA FOR A YR. HE FOUGHT HARD. BUT NOW HE IS AT PEACE. NO MORE SUFFERING. THE BIG CHALLENGE THIS WEEK HAS BEEN FOOD. ALL THAT FOOD COMING IN. FEEDING MY EMOTIONS. IT IS A NIGHT MARE. BUT I AM STRONG AND KNOW IT WILL GET BETTER, TIL NEXT TIME....
JAN 23, 2008---WHERE DO I BEGIN..IT HAS BEEN ALONG TIME SINCE I LAST POSTED. SO MUCH HAS HAPPENED. THE LOSE OF MY FATHER HAS CHANGED MY LIFE SO MUCH. ITS HARD TO PRESS ON BUT SOME HOW ONE GATHERS INNER STRENGH FROM GOD AND MOVES FORWARD. FOR THE PAST 2 1/2 MNTHS MY WEIGHT LOSE SLOWED UP. I TOOK A BREAK FROM THE GYM. I DID START BACK UP LAST WEEK. IT FEELS GREAT!! I HAVE LOST 111LBS!!!!!!!!!!!!! I AM NOW AT 198LBS. MY VERY FIRST WEIGHT LOSS GOAL WAS TO BE 199LBS. AND I DID IT. NOW MY NEW GOAL IS TO REACH 150LBS. SO 48LBS TO GO. WITH EXCERSING AND EATING RIGHT I KNOW I WILL BE THERE IN NO TIME. I WILL ADMIT I HAVE TRIED SWEETS. THAT IS A BIG NO NO. MAKES ME SICK EVERYTIME. I CAN NOW EAT CUCUMBERS AND CARROTS. THEY COME IN HANDY WHEN I GET THE MUNCHIES. I WILL BE POSTING NEW PICS SOON..
"NOTHING TASTES AS GOOD AS THIN FEELS!" BY SUSAN MARIA LEACH
