- Username: 4kidzl8r
- Member Since: 5/22/2007
- Surgery date scheduled
- Surgeon: Paul Enochs, M.D.
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Surgeon TestimonialPaul Enochs, M.D.Dr. Enochs is a great surgeon and I really trust him. I am scheduled to have lap band surgery on July 16, 2007, and I am completely confident with my choice. Dr. Enochs did my gall bladder surgery about a month ago and did a great job. I have had 3 previous surgeries and this was by far the easiest as far as the speed of recovery and reduced pain and nausea.
The only constructive feedback I would offer his practice is better organization of the office staff. Dr. E works in a large office with other surgeons. Some staff members apparently work directly with him, while others work with the other surgeons. The office seemed to be in chaos at times. I had several reports lost because of a lack of organization within the office. My problems might have stemmed from his scheduler resigning during the start of my approval process. None-the-less, it was a little frustrating.
Overall, a fabulous experience! I highly recommend Dr. E.
Member Interests
- Dogs - Pack leader of two great dogs; a red nose pitt and a maltese/shitzu mix.
- Theater - Love the theatre and living vicariously through my daughter!
- Parenting - Mom of 4 fabulous kids ranging in age from 13 to 6.
- Football - You bet cha'
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 Welcome....
I am so excited you've decided to join me on my journey!
I dedicate this page to my friends and family who share my struggle. I hope we can hold hands and walk together on our weight loss journey...
2 Months Post Op! on September 19, 2007 4:43 pm
I am now officially 2 months post op and feeling great! I have to admit that the process has been a long, slow one, but nevertheless, I am moving in the right direction. I have now had 2 fills (totaling 2.25 cc) within the past 3 weeks and I finally have good restriction. I continue to learn a lot about myself, as my body continues to change. I have found that I can no longer eat bread and cannot not drink at all while I am eating. I have also found that protein is critical to my diet. I drink a smoothie for breakfast (25gm) and sip on an Isopure throughout the day (40 gm). I don't even count my other sources because I know that I am at least getting 65 gms daily. I also find that I am really tired whenever I don't have enough, like today.  I'll be a GNC first thing in the morning...
I have lost 18 pounds so far. I sometimes get a little discouraged because I feel like I should have lost so much more by now. I've read on-line where other people say, "I lost so much more weight when I did Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers". I concur. The one thing that keeps me going is that if those diets were so successful, why did you get gastric banding? Although this process is slower, it is virtually impossible to gain weight because it is impossible to overeat! I absolutely cannot overeat now that I have good restriction. Trust me, I've tried it and it doesn't feel good. I have thrown up twice now (once on pizza and once on M&Ms). Not something I want to do again any time soon. 
Congratulations to my new band sister Laurie who had surgery last week. I am so proud of you and glad you are my neighbor. We can help each other through this. We can do it!
Till we meet again....
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Back to Work on July 23, 2007 3:42 pm
Today was my first day back to work and is also Day 8. Energy has really improved since starting protein, but I have to admit, I'M HUNGRY!!! 
I started eating "smushie" foods on Sunday because I simply cannot do full liquids any more. My diet consists of mostly proteins. I have eaten quiche, spaghetti, scrambled eggs and protein shakes. I am easily getting in my water and protein. The Isopure and Propel really help. It's great when you find something you like, that works! 
The two things that I have noticed most is that my tastes have changed a little and I definatley get fuller faster. After an egg or a small bowl of soup, I feel like I just walked out of Golden Corral. It is weird to feel so full. Next I will have to train my brain to know that my stomach is full. I still feel like I should be eating, after just a small portion. I guess that's why you are supposed to eat your proteins first. You get fuller faster adn stay fuller longer. I have only tried decaf coffee once and I realize that I can live without it. Anyone who knows me, knows that this is HUGE! I don't crave chocolate or ice cream like I used to either, the shakes help with that.
Weight loss has slowed since I introduced solids, but I am still down 13 pounds total this week. I have been walking about 2 miles every night. The weather has been so beautiful, that it's been easy. Walking has helped me maintain my stamina for returning to work. I made it all day on my first day back.
My one week post op appointment is tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes.
- PEACE 
Chareen
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Feeling Better Each Day! on July 20, 2007 10:51 am
Today is Day 5 and I am feeling so much better than I did earlier in the week. I am starting to realize that this band is something I can live with. I started creamed soups and protein shakes today. Whooa! I didn't think I could do liquids for as long as I did, but I did! I am planning on going back to work on Monday, so I need to start working on my energy levels and the protein should help. I am down 12.5 pounds, but still feeling a little bloated.
Continue to keep me in your prayers!
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What A Day! on July 18, 2007 3:54 pm
I woke up this morning (Day 3) and couldn't for the life of me, figure out why I had a lap band placed... I was shaking, sweating and dizzy, probably dehydrated. It was the worst feeling ever. I think I needed a little variety in my clear liquids phase because soup broth and jello were now making me nauseated. My friend brought me SF popsicles to try and I drank a little Liquid Protein. I feel much better now, feeling like I can finish out this stage in the game. Best of all, I am down 8 lbs in just 3 days! I can do this, I know I can... Keep me in your prayers please.
-Chareen
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My Story
I began seriously considering bariatric surgery about a year ago, after a few people I knew had it done. I talked with folks who’d had RNY and thought gastric bypass might be a little too restrictive for me.
I’ve always been curvy and predisposed to obesity, although I really began struggling with my weight after I got married and had my first child 15 years ago. I have tried every weight loss plan known to man, but have lost and gained the same 40 lbs over and over. I have four beautiful children, of which none are twins. After my third child was born (with special needs, on the way to the hospital), I engrossed myself in therapies, doctors’ appointments and support groups. When he was 8 months old, I found out that I was pregnant with my fourth. So much for the fallacy about not being able to get pregnant when you’re breast feeding… I gave birth to another boy. He cried all of the time, as did I. My OB doctor started me on something to help with the anxiety and postpartum depression. Needless to say, it worked but also caused more weight gain. I was diligent about going to the gym and walking, but was I was still overwhelmed. I stopped taking the anti-depressants and then my father became critically ill and eventually died in 2003. I have never been the type of person who can’t eat when they are sick or depressed, so I turned to food again.
They say the first step in solving a problem is to admit you have one. For years I said, "I am a good person, I have a great life and I am not bad looking". "The weight doesn’t really matter". I know that I was lying to myself. I am tired all of the time, I sleep too much and I have no energy to meet the demands of a busy life with four kids. I owe it to myself and my family to be the fittest, healthiest person I can be. I have chosen Lap-Band surgery as a tool to help me achieve my personal goals. I will continue to focus on my situational depression, now that I have identified my triggers.
Nothing will keep me from achieving my goals.
I have learned so much about myself throughout this process. Every step on this journey has meaning and I have tried to absorb as much as I can along the way.
Stay tuned to see the new me…
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