I hit 163.4 today

02/16/2004
I had a consultation today with Dr. McBride's PA. She said she'd have no problem recommending me for surgery. I have to get an upper GI, see a psychiatrist, get my medical records, and get a checkup I already had scheduled. I have lost 15 pounds, and she asked me to maintain or lose more.
02/26/2004
I have completed my psych evaluation, and checkups with my doctors. I got the psych evaluation letter in the mail today, and it looks very positive. My PCP and another doctor I see were both very positive about the surgery. I had lunch with my sister and told her about my plans for WLS. She said she'd be there when I have surgery, and give me a ride home from the hospital. Other than having an upper GI, I have completed what the WLS surgeon's PA asked me to do. Now, we wait!



03/23/2004
I have been trying to get information from my insurance as far as what information they require to give approval for WLS. I sent three emails and two letters. I finally pestered the HR coordinator at work until she called Anthem BCBS.
The response said:
"I talked to my contact at Anthem today. She said there was a letter of predetermination sent to them from the University of Nebraska. However, they needed some additional information, so a letter was sent to the University on March 3 requiring a psychological and physical evaluation. She did tell me that the surgery is a covered benefit at 80/20 if in network; however, you must go through the evaluations prior to the predetermination being accepted. She didn't mention Dr. supervised diets, but she did mention a history of diet plans. She also didn't mention how many months of documentation was required."
I was pretty encouraged by this. I wasn't shot down, they just asked for more information. I will probably call the surgeon's office to find out where things stand. I have been distressed by the news reports of BCBS dropping coverage, and I should know soon if I will get approved.

1/24/2004
I have an unusual problem getting WLS approved. The insurance company isn't putting me off -- the hospital is! For months I emailed, called and even wrote my doctor's nurese and PA asking if they had sent a letter to insurance yet. Finally about a month ago they returned a call and said insurance wanted me to see a nutritionist so I would know how to eat after surgery. I made and kept that appointment. It just seems bizarre to me that the hospital is treating me this way.
I finally was able to call and find out that WLS will be covered by my BCBS plan next year. I was so excited, since this year is nearing a close. Then they said I would have to do all the same things for approval, "like a 15 month doctor supervised diet"!!! I nearly told them they were full of @#$%. That's the first I heard of this. I am keeping my fingers crossed. I gained back the weight I lost earlier this year and plan to start losing again now. I think I gave up for a while, but I am determined to get what I need to be healthier.

12/13/2004
Holy cow!
Things moved really quickly today. I got a letter which said that my insurance would cover the surgery. I called and left emails with my surgeon's PA and nurse asking if they interpreted the letter the same way I did. The nurse called me back and said pointed out that the letter said that I would have to resubmit all the paperwork after 1/1/05 when my insurance renews. She said  we should do the surgery this year. I asked if that was even possible, and she said they could do it Dec. 28th!!!!! She said Dr. McBride had wanted to be off at Christmas to see her family in Kansas City, but was willing to drive back to Omaha if someone needed to meet an insurance deadline.
I told her that would be great, because I am off work from Dec. 23 to Jan. 03, so I would have to miss less work. She said I should plan on 2 weeks, but more would be nice. My advisor at work was standing next to me when Melissa called, and we looked at the calendar after the call. He said he had no urgent issues for the week I would need to be gone. I can work half days if needed until I get back on my feet. I emailed my sister, Michelle, who was excited, too. She is planning to take me to the hospital, be there for surgery, and take me home.
Wow, so much happened in just one day. I am almost afraid to get excited in case something happens. I will likely be at the hospital on Dec. 20th for bloodwork and a gall bladder ultrasound [I hope they take that out]. I won't have to have an upper GI, either.
12/20/2004
My surgery has been cancelled. They want me to lose 20 pounds to reduce fat from the liver and to take mega doses of iron because I am anemic. I was sooooo disappointed. So close, and now so far away. I go back in a month, and if I have lost 10 pounds they will put me on the schedule for the end of February.



12/30/2004
I have been doing the "low sugar low fat 5-6 small meals a day" diet, and I started working out about an hour every day at the local fitness center. I am not sure how much I lost so far. I went to buy a new scale, but I am not sure how it compares to the doctor's scale.
Before my surgery was cancelled, I told three people about the surgery; three people I felt I could trust. Their support was helpful.
1/24/2005
I returned to the hospital to get weighed, hoping to have lost 10 pounds. I lost 16! Everyone was thrilled, and very happy that I am exercising a lot -- 1 to 1.5 hours a day of cardio and weight lifting. I finally met the surgeon. She was great; very easy to talk to. She talked about how gratifying it is to see people come back and discuss how much their life has improved.
I had to have my labs redone, and met with the anesthesiologist's nurse. She raved about Dr. McBride, and said she was brilliant and a great doctor. I left feeling great about everything.
12/11/2005
I had lap RNY on Tuesday and went home Friday about noon. I didn't feel much pain or nausea after surgery, just a lot of soreness. My bruises are really showing now and I am more sore than after surgery. I had my gall bladder removed, and the surgeon discovered I had damage from a hiatal hernia, which was difficult to repair. She found two nodules, which turned out to be benign. It feels so good to be home. I was sure I had gained about 20 pounds from IV fluids, but maybe 3 - 5 pounds. I go back in a couple weeks for a checkup.
3/7/05
The day after I got home I started walking 20 minutes a day, then went back to work 13 days after surgery. I resumed my full exercise routine 14 days after surgery. My trainer has been helping me really ramp up my workouts. I have been able to tolerate all foods I have tried, and can drink a lot of water.
I am about a month out now, and have been quite discouraged. I lost about 10 pounds, then gained about 5 pounds back. I have been following doctors orders to eat 4 oz. in an hour, three times a day, 64 oz. water, 60 oz. protein, and I exercise at least an hour a day. I called the surgeon's office, and said they are stumped.
I decided to try something different. I am now splitting my meals up into 6 meals of 2 oz. each, adding some more calories and protein. I know I am burning a lot of calories and protein through exercise. I have 2 weeks until my 6 week checkup, and I desperately want to start losing again by then. I am trying to get about 900 calories in, up from about 600, and to get over 100 g of protein each day.
3/13/2005
I have been eating 900 - 1200 calories a day, and getting about 110g of protein a day. In the last week I lost 8.5 pounds, so I feel I am on the right track now. I did have my first puking episode yesterday. I was late in eating and trying to get in my daily calories, and I think I ate too much. My chest really hurt, and I puked twice, along with some other gross symptoms. It was a good thing -- I learned that this tool really does work. I am 5 weeks out and am down 39 pounds since before surgery, and 14 pounds since surgery. I still feel good and have all my energy.
I had a body fat analysis done at the gym, and ordered a body fat analyzer/scale. When the weight loss seems slow, hopefully my lean mass percentage will be increasing.
3/23/2005
I had my 6 week post-op checkup on 3/21/2005. Everything went well, except I was told repeatedly to only weigh once a week, and to quit counting calories. The PA said, "This is not Weight Watchers or any other diet you have been on". She said we would talk calories at the 6 month point -- we'd look at how much I had lost where I wanted to be, and how to get there. I go back in 6 more weeks. It was tough, but I did put the scale in a drawer. I was also told to eat a broader variety of foods.
I still feel like the slowest loser ever, but I am hanging in there.
4/11/2005
I have lost 50 pounds total, 24 before surgery and 26 since. Look at the bottom of this profile for a picture of me now and at my highest weight ever.
4/16/2005
I did go back to counting calories, to make sure I get enough in every day. I burn over 500 every day at the gym, and when I eat about 1200 calories a day I lose better. I am so tired of protein drinks, and don't really need them. I am drinking several glasses of milk a day now, for extra calories.
People are starting to notice the changes, and that sure makes the whole experience much better. I wore very tight size 26 jeans before I lost weight prior to surgery. I have been getting in to more of the tighter fitting size 26 jeans, and some 24's. Last night I bought smaller bras, undies and a pair of size 22 jeans as a goal, to get into in coming weeks. I just tried them on -- they fit perfectly!
05/08/2005
I have actually been losing better the second 6 weeks than the first 6 weeks since surgery. I lost 15 pounds at my 6 week visit, and will have lost a total of 40 for my 12 week visit this week. I am averaging about 3 pounds a week. My highest BMI ever was 65, preop it was 50.7, now it is about 40.4. I am now about 250 pounds. I am still a very slow loser, but if I can keep the weight off, the surgery will be worth it.
05/12/2005
I had my three month surgeon visit on 5/10. She was pleased with how everything is going. I put on size 20 jeans for the heck of it, and they fit perfectly. THAT made me very pleased! I go back in 6 months. I had a physical with my PCP today. He was very happy with my labs and my health, too. He showed me an old visit report that had my weight listed at 385. I told him that wasn't even my highest weight [402].
5/25/05
I haven't lost anything for 3 weeks now. I tried upping calories and protein, with no result, so I am going to reduce calories and see if that helps. Honestly, I lost weight faster and easier through dieting......if only I could have kept it off.



5/28/2005
I added protein and calories for a few days, by drinking 2 cups of chocolate carb countdown milk each day, then switched to focusing only on protein, and ignoring calories. By adding intake, then decreasing, it seems to have helped get out of the stall I was in. I have dropped about 5 pounds in the last week. I have been wondering if I don't need to reduce calories since I have lost some weight and need fewer calories now? I am going on vavaction next week and plan to just focus on protein and water and not worry about total calories.
6/20/2005
How odd! I lost 5 pounds on vacation, then quickly regained it. I think it was due to the altitude change. The regain is nearly gone again.
I still have a tough time eating much beef, pork or chicken. Now that my appetite is returning, I feel I should eat those meats when I can, to stay satisfied as long as possible. I am now down about 57 pounds since surgery, and 81 pounds since Christmas.



7/7/05
I decided to do the 'plateau buster diet'. I haven't really lost for weeks, and I know my food choices haven't always been the best. In 4 days I have lost 5 pounds. I just have to keep making better choices when this plan is done. I only have a few weeks until my 6 month checkup and want to be on top of things by then. Also, after 3 more pounds come off I will have lost 50 pounds since my body fat analysis was done, and I want to have it done again. The results should be very interesting!
7/22/05
My body fat analysis was disappointing. I decided that it shouldn't put too much emphasis on those numbers, as the reults seemed very off.
I finally lost a few pounds after weeks of stalling. I'd like to be down to 225 or less by my 6 month checkup. Only 7 more pounds and I'll weigh what my drivers license SAYS I weigh!
8/1/2005
I had my 6 month post-op visit today. The day got off to a good start when I tried on a pair of size 16 jeans that were too tight a few weeks ago, and they fit perfectly.
The PA showed me a weight chart and said I was nearly at her first goal of my losing 50% of my excess weight. She asked if I could lose 37 more in the next 6 to 12 months, to get down to 185 pounds. I sure hope so! She advised me to eat about 50g of protein, and to add in healthy carbs. We talked about specific foods and she said to keep foods as natural as possible. She also recommended that I follow the Body For Life Exercise plan, and a modified version of that eating plan.
She showed me that I have 10 - 12 pounds of extra skin around my mid-section! Sounds like plastic surgery is in my future, if I can maintain my weight loss.
08/28/05
I finally hit a 100 pound loss since my pre-op, including the 26 I lost before surgery. I keep having to eat all protein to start losing again. I keep trying to find the right balance of carbs, protein and calories that works best for me.
10/15/05
I went to the University of Nebraska at Omaha and had my metabolism tested. The results showed that my metabolism is on the low side. I use 1385 calories per day at rest. They estimate that I would need 1800 per day for activity, to maintain my weight.
I had my first dumping episode this week. I drank a large cup of GFIC and went to work out. On the way home I felt clammy, weak, tired and light headed. It wasn't too awful, just weird. I looked at the coffee container when I got home and I had bought the regular version, not the sugar free. I probably had about 20g of sugar. I am glad that happened, but it is unexpected, over 8 months post op.
I got down to 204, then gained this week, due to eating out with relatives. I am not happy to gain, but gains happen and we just need to stay the course. An aunt did tell me that if she had passed me on the street she wouldn't have recognized me.
I have an appointment with a plastic surgeon to see what he recommends I will need down the road. I am getting obsessed with my incredibly sagging skin and really want to get it addressed at some point.
10/19/05
I went to see a plastic surgeon today. [I never thought I'd say those words!] He asked me to prioritize what I wanted done. I said I wanted a breast reduction/lift, and excess skin removed from my stomach and upper legs. He took Polaroid's and said my insurance would 'almost certainly' cover a breast reduction, and possibly the stomach. That would be great, then I'd just have to pay for the legs. They could do the 2 procedures at the same time, and I'd be back to work in 2 weeks. He said they'd take 1#  of skin off each breast [he said I have no tissue left there] -- I know, too much information -- 10 pounds of skin from my stomach and 1 1/2 # from each upper leg. There would be kind of V shaped incisions on the legs and stomach. They can't just pull the skin up, since it is stretched out. So, there would be vertical scars as well as horizontal.
So I am looking at about 15 pounds of skin to be removed. He also said my back and arms could use some skin removed but I don't think I'd do those.
They are going to submit to insurance and see what happens.
10/29/2005
Wow- I suddenly dropped a couple pounds, and am now down 201 pounds from my highest weight! I have lost 1/2 of me. Only 2 pounds until 'onederland'. I have 16 pounds to go to make my surgeon's goal.
11/03/2005
Finally! I hit 199 pounds today and squeezed into some size 10 stretch jeans. It has been so long since I was in 'onederland'!!!!!!
12/4/2005
Surprisingly, I dropped about 5 pounds last week. I have seen a pattern of losing for one week then maintaining for 2 - 3 weeks. I am now 189 pounds, which is 4 pounds from my doctor's goal! I am still waiting to hear about insurance approval for PS. That is supposed to remove about 15 pounds of skin. I would be happy at 170 pounds. I don't think I could really tell how much more I might want to lose until after PS.
I had a colonoscopy [due to family history] and an EGD about 2 weeks ago. The EGD showed a very large ulcer, so I am on Nexium and Carafte to help it heal. I had the stomach pain before surgery, so it didn't happen because of the WLS. My surgeon's nurse called and chewed me out for not notifying them of the ulcer, and said to quit taking Celebrex. I hope that I can manage without this med, and can keep exercising like I have been.
12/18/05
I bought a nice new top to wear to my company Christmas party, in a size medium!  I wore a medium slacks, too and felt pretty comfortable. I even wore heels and pantyhose, which is a rarity. I got a lot of nice compliments, which always makes my morale shoot up.
12/16
I tried on a pair of stretch size 8 jeans and was shocked to get them on!!! I know I am a bigger size in non-stretch jeans, but these fit my excess skin much better. It sure made me feel good to get them on.
I have cut way down on the coffee, to maybe a cup every other day, and quit the Celebrex. I have had some diet pop lately, but am trying not to make a habit of it, maybe 2/3 of a can a couple times a week. I used to drink 6 cans a day. I did have a drink at the party but it did not seem to affect me more than usual. Luckily I am not a drinker so it's not hard to avoid those calories.
It is just about one year since my pre-op diet. I have lost 129 pounds through diet then WLS. Even though I have lost slowly, I will make my surgeon's goal by my one year anniversary.
12/24/05
I am so excited - even with all the holiday meals I have had, I made my surgeon's goal today. I am no longer obese! Only people here can truly appreciate it.
1/1/06
The photo below shows the striped shirt I wore last holiday season under the black layered shirt I wore today, after losing the most recent 131 pounds.
1/13/06
This week I got a call that insurance denied my preauthorization for reconstructive surgery, stating that I need to be 18 months post-op and at a stable weight for 6 months. Feb. 2 I will have my one year post-op checkup, and will be weighed by the surgeon. I will then maintain that weight for 6 months and resubmit. I have an appointment to discuss having my thighs done, since there is little chance that would be covered by insurance.



01/24/2006
Today I scheduled surgery to remove excess skin on my inner thighs. It will be done March 2 in Omaha. I will pay $5100 + $550 for the anesthetist. I will spend the night before and after in a motel next door and will probably have to hire someone to stay with me after surgery for 24 hours.
01/29/2006
I just added it up, and I have lost 78.5 inches since surgery.
02/02/2006
I had my one year post-op doctor visit today. I left feeling frustrated. I talked to the surgeon about my blood pressure being so low [82/72], and feeling so tired for the last month. She informed me that no one else has blood pressure cuffs for 'large arms', so everyone else is getting my blood pressure wrong. Even though my arms are skinny now and other medical offices DO have different size cuffs. And, if it is low and I am getting dizzy, then I must be dehydrated. Even though I drink over 80 ounces a day.
She also informed me I was not anemic, even though my blood tests have not come back, so she couldn't check my iron. I felt she was blowing me off. When I got to work I felt very tired, and it was so frustrating to feel my concerns were ignored.
She talked to me about maintaining portion control and keeping good habits. I am to come back in 6 months and intend to be the exact same weight, to submit that as proof of stable weight to insurance to get them to approve reconstructive surgery. She felt I wouldn't lose much more, but that I may drop another size as my body composition changes.
02/27/2006
I went to my pre-op consult for my thigh lift, last week. My thigh lift will be March 2, in Omaha. While I am not looking forward to recovery, I feel that not having so much loose skin will be worth it. I am still hoping to get a breast reduction/lift and TT approved by insurance and done by the end of the year.
3/23/2006
I had a thigh lift March 2 in Omaha, out an outpatient clinic. Out of town patients spend the night at a hotel next door, and are checked before they are dismissed to go home. Patients must have someone with them for the first 24 hours after surgery, so I hired a caregiver from an agency.
The surgery went very well, and the clinic staff was very nice. I was able to walk out of the clinic an hour after surgery, and the caregiver helped me settle in at the hotel. I didn't seem to tolerate the pain meds very well. Every time I would try to stand I'd start to pass out. By the next morning I still couldn't get up. The caregiver called her agency to get help getting me back to clinic. They told her to leave, so she left! I was locked in a hotel room 100 miles from home, unable to get out of bed. It's a long tale, but I called my sister and she arrived at the hotel and helped me. I got a wheelchair and we got me into her car. I called the clinic and arranged for a wheelchair when I got there. While there I stood for them to check me and started to pass out again.
That night at home I got up to use the bathroom and then to the kitchen to get a snack to take with a pain pill. I came to on the kitchen floor. At that point I quit all pain pills. I gained 3 - 4 pounds after surgery, then 10 pounds the next day, and 5 more the day after that. I am the first patient my doctor's office has seen in 7 years of this surgery that had "excessive lymphatic drainage". Instead of getting the drains out after 7 to 10 days, I still have them in. That makes for extra discomfort, and constant emptying of drains. Actually, the left drain came unstitched and fell out yesterday. It can't be put back in, so any increased swelling will have to be aspirated.
I knew this would be tough, but it is hard to prepare for. It isn't so much pain as a lot of discomfort. I am just now getting so I can walk somewhat normally. It will be a long time before I can say this was worth it.
04/02/2006
My right drain fell out yesterday, so I was able to wear jeans agin. My inner knees are swelling a lot. I think I need to have that area drained.  I can cross my legs again and walk pretty normally. I have lost a few post-op pounds, but I am still up about 12 pounds from preop. I am feeling much better but still a long way from feeling this was worth it.
05/04/2006
I am feeling good, but still have swelling, especially in the right leg. The incisions are still healing but are doing much better. I saw the surgeon yesterday. The doc told me it would just take time to reduce the swelling. He suggested compression on the legs. I think he meant surgical stockings. I tried that on one leg and my knee swelled up badly cuz the fluid kinda backed up. I bought some support panty hose and will give that a try.
He seemed to think I was healing slowly. He said people who have lost a lot of weight tend to have slow metabolism which slows healing. I had my metabolism tested and it is very slow.
I am back to my maintenance weight and excercising, except for some leg machines at the gym.

10/14/2006
My legs are doing ok. I still have a little swelling in the left leg, but it has improved



12/09/2006



I had an anchor-cut panniculectomy on 11/30 in Omaha. My sister spent the night with me, and I went home 12/1. I only took 1/2 of a pain pill and started feeling light-headed, so I switched to plain old Tylenol. They said they took 7.5 pounds of skin off, and about 8". I have stitches from hip to hip -- past each side -- and up to the breast bone. I have gained about 15 pounds of fluid, and have 3 drains and 2 binders. 



I have really not had pain, just soreness. I don't have nearly the problems with excess draining and leg swelling that I did after my thigh lift. I drove myself 100 miles one way back to my one-week post-op checkup with no problems. This experience has much better than I expected. I hope to eventually maintain at 160 - 165 pounds after all the swelling is gone.

02/16/2004
I had a consultation today with Dr. McBride's PA. She said she'd have no problem recommending me for surgery. I have to get an upper GI, see a psychiatrist, get my medical records, and get a checkup I already had scheduled. I have lost 15 pounds, and she asked me to maintain or lose more.
02/26/2004
I have completed my psych evaluation, and checkups with my doctors. I got the psych evaluation letter in the mail today, and it looks very positive. My PCP and another doctor I see were both very positive about the surgery. I had lunch with my sister and told her about my plans for WLS. She said she'd be there when I have surgery, and give me a ride home from the hospital. Other than having an upper GI, I have completed what the WLS surgeon's PA asked me to do. Now, we wait!


03/23/2004
I have been trying to get information from my insurance as far as what information they require to give approval for WLS. I sent three emails and two letters. I finally pestered the HR coordinator at work until she called Anthem BCBS.
The response said:
"I talked to my contact at Anthem today. She said there was a letter of predetermination sent to them from the University of Nebraska. However, they needed some additional information, so a letter was sent to the University on March 3 requiring a psychological and physical evaluation. She did tell me that the surgery is a covered benefit at 80/20 if in network; however, you must go through the evaluations prior to the predetermination being accepted. She didn't mention Dr. supervised diets, but she did mention a history of diet plans. She also didn't mention how many months of documentation was required."
I was pretty encouraged by this. I wasn't shot down, they just asked for more information. I will probably call the surgeon's office to find out where things stand. I have been distressed by the news reports of BCBS dropping coverage, and I should know soon if I will get approved.

1/24/2004
I have an unusual problem getting WLS approved. The insurance company isn't putting me off -- the hospital is! For months I emailed, called and even wrote my doctor's nurese and PA asking if they had sent a letter to insurance yet. Finally about a month ago they returned a call and said insurance wanted me to see a nutritionist so I would know how to eat after surgery. I made and kept that appointment. It just seems bizarre to me that the hospital is treating me this way.
I finally was able to call and find out that WLS will be covered by my BCBS plan next year. I was so excited, since this year is nearing a close. Then they said I would have to do all the same things for approval, "like a 15 month doctor supervised diet"!!! I nearly told them they were full of @#$%. That's the first I heard of this. I am keeping my fingers crossed. I gained back the weight I lost earlier this year and plan to start losing again now. I think I gave up for a while, but I am determined to get what I need to be healthier.

12/13/2004
Holy cow!
Things moved really quickly today. I got a letter which said that my insurance would cover the surgery. I called and left emails with my surgeon's PA and nurse asking if they interpreted the letter the same way I did. The nurse called me back and said pointed out that the letter said that I would have to resubmit all the paperwork after 1/1/05 when my insurance renews. She said  we should do the surgery this year. I asked if that was even possible, and she said they could do it Dec. 28th!!!!! She said Dr. McBride had wanted to be off at Christmas to see her family in Kansas City, but was willing to drive back to Omaha if someone needed to meet an insurance deadline.
I told her that would be great, because I am off work from Dec. 23 to Jan. 03, so I would have to miss less work. She said I should plan on 2 weeks, but more would be nice. My advisor at work was standing next to me when Melissa called, and we looked at the calendar after the call. He said he had no urgent issues for the week I would need to be gone. I can work half days if needed until I get back on my feet. I emailed my sister, Michelle, who was excited, too. She is planning to take me to the hospital, be there for surgery, and take me home.
Wow, so much happened in just one day. I am almost afraid to get excited in case something happens. I will likely be at the hospital on Dec. 20th for bloodwork and a gall bladder ultrasound [I hope they take that out]. I won't have to have an upper GI, either.
12/20/2004
My surgery has been cancelled. They want me to lose 20 pounds to reduce fat from the liver and to take mega doses of iron because I am anemic. I was sooooo disappointed. So close, and now so far away. I go back in a month, and if I have lost 10 pounds they will put me on the schedule for the end of February.


12/30/2004
I have been doing the "low sugar low fat 5-6 small meals a day" diet, and I started working out about an hour every day at the local fitness center. I am not sure how much I lost so far. I went to buy a new scale, but I am not sure how it compares to the doctor's scale.
Before my surgery was cancelled, I told three people about the surgery; three people I felt I could trust. Their support was helpful.
1/24/2005
I returned to the hospital to get weighed, hoping to have lost 10 pounds. I lost 16! Everyone was thrilled, and very happy that I am exercising a lot -- 1 to 1.5 hours a day of cardio and weight lifting. I finally met the surgeon. She was great; very easy to talk to. She talked about how gratifying it is to see people come back and discuss how much their life has improved.
I had to have my labs redone, and met with the anesthesiologist's nurse. She raved about Dr. McBride, and said she was brilliant and a great doctor. I left feeling great about everything.
12/11/2005
I had lap RNY on Tuesday and went home Friday about noon. I didn't feel much pain or nausea after surgery, just a lot of soreness. My bruises are really showing now and I am more sore than after surgery. I had my gall bladder removed, and the surgeon discovered I had damage from a hiatal hernia, which was difficult to repair. She found two nodules, which turned out to be benign. It feels so good to be home. I was sure I had gained about 20 pounds from IV fluids, but maybe 3 - 5 pounds. I go back in a couple weeks for a checkup.
3/7/05
The day after I got home I started walking 20 minutes a day, then went back to work 13 days after surgery. I resumed my full exercise routine 14 days after surgery. My trainer has been helping me really ramp up my workouts. I have been able to tolerate all foods I have tried, and can drink a lot of water.
I am about a month out now, and have been quite discouraged. I lost about 10 pounds, then gained about 5 pounds back. I have been following doctors orders to eat 4 oz. in an hour, three times a day, 64 oz. water, 60 oz. protein, and I exercise at least an hour a day. I called the surgeon's office, and said they are stumped.
I decided to try something different. I am now splitting my meals up into 6 meals of 2 oz. each, adding some more calories and protein. I know I am burning a lot of calories and protein through exercise. I have 2 weeks until my 6 week checkup, and I desperately want to start losing again by then. I am trying to get about 900 calories in, up from about 600, and to get over 100 g of protein each day.
3/13/2005
I have been eating 900 - 1200 calories a day, and getting about 110g of protein a day. In the last week I lost 8.5 pounds, so I feel I am on the right track now. I did have my first puking episode yesterday. I was late in eating and trying to get in my daily calories, and I think I ate too much. My chest really hurt, and I puked twice, along with some other gross symptoms. It was a good thing -- I learned that this tool really does work. I am 5 weeks out and am down 39 pounds since before surgery, and 14 pounds since surgery. I still feel good and have all my energy.
I had a body fat analysis done at the gym, and ordered a body fat analyzer/scale. When the weight loss seems slow, hopefully my lean mass percentage will be increasing.
3/23/2005
I had my 6 week post-op checkup on 3/21/2005. Everything went well, except I was told repeatedly to only weigh once a week, and to quit counting calories. The PA said, "This is not Weight Watchers or any other diet you have been on". She said we would talk calories at the 6 month point -- we'd look at how much I had lost where I wanted to be, and how to get there. I go back in 6 more weeks. It was tough, but I did put the scale in a drawer. I was also told to eat a broader variety of foods.
I still feel like the slowest loser ever, but I am hanging in there.
4/11/2005
I have lost 50 pounds total, 24 before surgery and 26 since. Look at the bottom of this profile for a picture of me now and at my highest weight ever.
4/16/2005
I did go back to counting calories, to make sure I get enough in every day. I burn over 500 every day at the gym, and when I eat about 1200 calories a day I lose better. I am so tired of protein drinks, and don't really need them. I am drinking several glasses of milk a day now, for extra calories.
People are starting to notice the changes, and that sure makes the whole experience much better. I wore very tight size 26 jeans before I lost weight prior to surgery. I have been getting in to more of the tighter fitting size 26 jeans, and some 24's. Last night I bought smaller bras, undies and a pair of size 22 jeans as a goal, to get into in coming weeks. I just tried them on -- they fit perfectly!
05/08/2005
I have actually been losing better the second 6 weeks than the first 6 weeks since surgery. I lost 15 pounds at my 6 week visit, and will have lost a total of 40 for my 12 week visit this week. I am averaging about 3 pounds a week. My highest BMI ever was 65, preop it was 50.7, now it is about 40.4. I am now about 250 pounds. I am still a very slow loser, but if I can keep the weight off, the surgery will be worth it.
05/12/2005
I had my three month surgeon visit on 5/10. She was pleased with how everything is going. I put on size 20 jeans for the heck of it, and they fit perfectly. THAT made me very pleased! I go back in 6 months. I had a physical with my PCP today. He was very happy with my labs and my health, too. He showed me an old visit report that had my weight listed at 385. I told him that wasn't even my highest weight [402].
5/25/05
I haven't lost anything for 3 weeks now. I tried upping calories and protein, with no result, so I am going to reduce calories and see if that helps. Honestly, I lost weight faster and easier through dieting......if only I could have kept it off.


5/28/2005
I added protein and calories for a few days, by drinking 2 cups of chocolate carb countdown milk each day, then switched to focusing only on protein, and ignoring calories. By adding intake, then decreasing, it seems to have helped get out of the stall I was in. I have dropped about 5 pounds in the last week. I have been wondering if I don't need to reduce calories since I have lost some weight and need fewer calories now? I am going on vavaction next week and plan to just focus on protein and water and not worry about total calories.
6/20/2005
How odd! I lost 5 pounds on vacation, then quickly regained it. I think it was due to the altitude change. The regain is nearly gone again.
I still have a tough time eating much beef, pork or chicken. Now that my appetite is returning, I feel I should eat those meats when I can, to stay satisfied as long as possible. I am now down about 57 pounds since surgery, and 81 pounds since Christmas.



7/7/05
I decided to do the 'plateau buster diet'. I haven't really lost for weeks, and I know my food choices haven't always been the best. In 4 days I have lost 5 pounds. I just have to keep making better choices when this plan is done. I only have a few weeks until my 6 month checkup and want to be on top of things by then. Also, after 3 more pounds come off I will have lost 50 pounds since my body fat analysis was done, and I want to have it done again. The results should be very interesting!
7/22/05
My body fat analysis was disappointing. I decided that it shouldn't put too much emphasis on those numbers, as the reults seemed very off.
I finally lost a few pounds after weeks of stalling. I'd like to be down to 225 or less by my 6 month checkup. Only 7 more pounds and I'll weigh what my drivers license SAYS I weigh!
8/1/2005
I had my 6 month post-op visit today. The day got off to a good start when I tried on a pair of size 16 jeans that were too tight a few weeks ago, and they fit perfectly.
The PA showed me a weight chart and said I was nearly at her first goal of my losing 50% of my excess weight. She asked if I could lose 37 more in the next 6 to 12 months, to get down to 185 pounds. I sure hope so! She advised me to eat about 50g of protein, and to add in healthy carbs. We talked about specific foods and she said to keep foods as natural as possible. She also recommended that I follow the Body For Life Exercise plan, and a modified version of that eating plan.
She showed me that I have 10 - 12 pounds of extra skin around my mid-section! Sounds like plastic surgery is in my future, if I can maintain my weight loss.
08/28/05
I finally hit a 100 pound loss since my pre-op, including the 26 I lost before surgery. I keep having to eat all protein to start losing again. I keep trying to find the right balance of carbs, protein and calories that works best for me.
10/15/05
I went to the University of Nebraska at Omaha and had my metabolism tested. The results showed that my metabolism is on the low side. I use 1385 calories per day at rest. They estimate that I would need 1800 per day for activity, to maintain my weight.
I had my first dumping episode this week. I drank a large cup of GFIC and went to work out. On the way home I felt clammy, weak, tired and light headed. It wasn't too awful, just weird. I looked at the coffee container when I got home and I had bought the regular version, not the sugar free. I probably had about 20g of sugar. I am glad that happened, but it is unexpected, over 8 months post op.
I got down to 204, then gained this week, due to eating out with relatives. I am not happy to gain, but gains happen and we just need to stay the course. An aunt did tell me that if she had passed me on the street she wouldn't have recognized me.
I have an appointment with a plastic surgeon to see what he recommends I will need down the road. I am getting obsessed with my incredibly sagging skin and really want to get it addressed at some point.
10/19/05
I went to see a plastic surgeon today. [I never thought I'd say those words!] He asked me to prioritize what I wanted done. I said I wanted a breast reduction/lift, and excess skin removed from my stomach and upper legs. He took Polaroid's and said my insurance would 'almost certainly' cover a breast reduction, and possibly the stomach. That would be great, then I'd just have to pay for the legs. They could do the 2 procedures at the same time, and I'd be back to work in 2 weeks. He said they'd take 1#  of skin off each breast [he said I have no tissue left there] -- I know, too much information -- 10 pounds of skin from my stomach and 1 1/2 # from each upper leg. There would be kind of V shaped incisions on the legs and stomach. They can't just pull the skin up, since it is stretched out. So, there would be vertical scars as well as horizontal.
So I am looking at about 15 pounds of skin to be removed. He also said my back and arms could use some skin removed but I don't think I'd do those.
They are going to submit to insurance and see what happens.
10/29/2005
Wow- I suddenly dropped a couple pounds, and am now down 201 pounds from my highest weight! I have lost 1/2 of me. Only 2 pounds until 'onederland'. I have 16 pounds to go to make my surgeon's goal.
11/03/2005
Finally! I hit 199 pounds today and squeezed into some size 10 stretch jeans. It has been so long since I was in 'onederland'!!!!!!
12/4/2005
Surprisingly, I dropped about 5 pounds last week. I have seen a pattern of losing for one week then maintaining for 2 - 3 weeks. I am now 189 pounds, which is 4 pounds from my doctor's goal! I am still waiting to hear about insurance approval for PS. That is supposed to remove about 15 pounds of skin. I would be happy at 170 pounds. I don't think I could really tell how much more I might want to lose until after PS.
I had a colonoscopy [due to family history] and an EGD about 2 weeks ago. The EGD showed a very large ulcer, so I am on Nexium and Carafte to help it heal. I had the stomach pain before surgery, so it didn't happen because of the WLS. My surgeon's nurse called and chewed me out for not notifying them of the ulcer, and said to quit taking Celebrex. I hope that I can manage without this med, and can keep exercising like I have been.
12/18/05
I bought a nice new top to wear to my company Christmas party, in a size medium!  I wore a medium slacks, too and felt pretty comfortable. I even wore heels and pantyhose, which is a rarity. I got a lot of nice compliments, which always makes my morale shoot up.
12/16
I tried on a pair of stretch size 8 jeans and was shocked to get them on!!! I know I am a bigger size in non-stretch jeans, but these fit my excess skin much better. It sure made me feel good to get them on.
I have cut way down on the coffee, to maybe a cup every other day, and quit the Celebrex. I have had some diet pop lately, but am trying not to make a habit of it, maybe 2/3 of a can a couple times a week. I used to drink 6 cans a day. I did have a drink at the party but it did not seem to affect me more than usual. Luckily I am not a drinker so it's not hard to avoid those calories.
It is just about one year since my pre-op diet. I have lost 129 pounds through diet then WLS. Even though I have lost slowly, I will make my surgeon's goal by my one year anniversary.
12/24/05
I am so excited - even with all the holiday meals I have had, I made my surgeon's goal today. I am no longer obese! Only people here can truly appreciate it.
1/1/06
The photo below shows the striped shirt I wore last holiday season under the black layered shirt I wore today, after losing the most recent 131 pounds.
1/13/06
This week I got a call that insurance denied my preauthorization for reconstructive surgery, stating that I need to be 18 months post-op and at a stable weight for 6 months. Feb. 2 I will have my one year post-op checkup, and will be weighed by the surgeon. I will then maintain that weight for 6 months and resubmit. I have an appointment to discuss having my thighs done, since there is little chance that would be covered by insurance.



01/24/2006
Today I scheduled surgery to remove excess skin on my inner thighs. It will be done March 2 in Omaha. I will pay $5100 + $550 for the anesthetist. I will spend the night before and after in a motel next door and will probably have to hire someone to stay with me after surgery for 24 hours.
01/29/2006
I just added it up, and I have lost 78.5 inches since surgery.
02/02/2006
I had my one year post-op doctor visit today. I left feeling frustrated. I talked to the surgeon about my blood pressure being so low [82/72], and feeling so tired for the last month. She informed me that no one else has blood pressure cuffs for 'large arms', so everyone else is getting my blood pressure wrong. Even though my arms are skinny now and other medical offices DO have different size cuffs. And, if it is low and I am getting dizzy, then I must be dehydrated. Even though I drink over 80 ounces a day.
She also informed me I was not anemic, even though my blood tests have not come back, so she couldn't check my iron. I felt she was blowing me off. When I got to work I felt very tired, and it was so frustrating to feel my concerns were ignored.
She talked to me about maintaining portion control and keeping good habits. I am to come back in 6 months and intend to be the exact same weight, to submit that as proof of stable weight to insurance to get them to approve reconstructive surgery. She felt I wouldn't lose much more, but that I may drop another size as my body composition changes.
02/27/2006
I went to my pre-op consult for my thigh lift, last week. My thigh lift will be March 2, in Omaha. While I am not looking forward to recovery, I feel that not having so much loose skin will be worth it. I am still hoping to get a breast reduction/lift and TT approved by insurance and done by the end of the year.
3/23/2006
I had a thigh lift March 2 in Omaha, out an outpatient clinic. Out of town patients spend the night at a hotel next door, and are checked before they are dismissed to go home. Patients must have someone with them for the first 24 hours after surgery, so I hired a caregiver from an agency.
The surgery went very well, and the clinic staff was very nice. I was able to walk out of the clinic an hour after surgery, and the caregiver helped me settle in at the hotel. I didn't seem to tolerate the pain meds very well. Every time I would try to stand I'd start to pass out. By the next morning I still couldn't get up. The caregiver called her agency to get help getting me back to clinic. They told her to leave, so she left! I was locked in a hotel room 100 miles from home, unable to get out of bed. It's a long tale, but I called my sister and she arrived at the hotel and helped me. I got a wheelchair and we got me into her car. I called the clinic and arranged for a wheelchair when I got there. While there I stood for them to check me and started to pass out again.
That night at home I got up to use the bathroom and then to the kitchen to get a snack to take with a pain pill. I came to on the kitchen floor. At that point I quit all pain pills. I gained 3 - 4 pounds after surgery, then 10 pounds the next day, and 5 more the day after that. I am the first patient my doctor's office has seen in 7 years of this surgery that had "excessive lymphatic drainage". Instead of getting the drains out after 7 to 10 days, I still have them in. That makes for extra discomfort, and constant emptying of drains. Actually, the left drain came unstitched and fell out yesterday. It can't be put back in, so any increased swelling will have to be aspirated.
I knew this would be tough, but it is hard to prepare for. It isn't so much pain as a lot of discomfort. I am just now getting so I can walk somewhat normally. It will be a long time before I can say this was worth it.
04/02/2006
My right drain fell out yesterday, so I was able to wear jeans agin. My inner knees are swelling a lot. I think I need to have that area drained.  I can cross my legs again and walk pretty normally. I have lost a few post-op pounds, but I am still up about 12 pounds from preop. I am feeling much better but still a long way from feeling this was worth it.
05/04/2006
I am feeling good, but still have swelling, especially in the right leg. The incisions are still healing but are doing much better. I saw the surgeon yesterday. The doc told me it would just take time to reduce the swelling. He suggested compression on the legs. I think he meant surgical stockings. I tried that on one leg and my knee swelled up badly cuz the fluid kinda backed up. I bought some support panty hose and will give that a try.
He seemed to think I was healing slowly. He said people who have lost a lot of weight tend to have slow metabolism which slows healing. I had my metabolism tested and it is very slow.
I am back to my maintenance weight and excercising, except for some leg machines at the gym.

10/14/2006
My legs are doing ok. I still have a little swelling in the left leg, but it has improved. This week I got approval for a panni removal, which is exciting. Doctors have estimated that I have 10 pounds of extra skin there. I have been doing really well at maintaining my weight, and have been losing a tiny bit, down to 171 pounds. I am eating about 1600 calories a day, and working out 6 days a week. I am wearing a medium shirt, size small pants, size 8 stretch jeans. Maybe I'll be in a regular 8 or even a 6 after the panni removal?