ObesityHelp

Where do I start. I have been researching this surgery for quite a long time. I know several people who have gone ahead with the surgery. They are very happy!!

I am a 50+ year old woman. I have had a weight problem most of my life. I have tried so many diets, gone through numerous weight loss programs and nothing ever works for long. I need help with this. I can't do it myself!! I am tired of the yoyo dieting.

I have two wonderful daughters and thus five fabulous grandchildren. Three girls and two boys. They are my life, my world, my everything.

I want this surgery very badly. Not just for health reasons but also to get my life back. I want to be able to play with my grandchildren and be there for all their special moments. I have a hard time doing that now. By weight has a lot to do with this. I feel badly about myself. I don't like being this way. I am so embarrassed. I really have to push myself to do much of anything. I hate how I feel and even more how I look.

I have gone to one surgeon and that fell through. That is another story!!

Please help me to make this a reality. I see a new surgeon on March 5th,2007. I will take all the prayers and good wishes you can send my way. Thanks for listening.

3-22-2007  Just a quick update to let you know I saw the new surgeon. He was okay. I was more then a little bummed when he said he wants me to see the psycologist and eating disorder doctors that I saw with the previous surgeon. I had hoped to see someone else and get a fresh start. At first I was very angry and thought I should go to the Twin Cities and see someone else. Then I got on OH and got feedback from others and decided I will give him another try. As I will the psycologist who I didn't click with the first time around. This could be a test to see if I will do it. You know how we have to jump through hoops all the time. I see both the dietician and the psycologist next week. I am going to go in being positive and see how it all goes. I will keep you up dated.

I almost forgot, my psychiatrist who I have been working with for years offered to send a letter to the surgeon. Letting him know I am a good candidate for this surgery and also to let him know how far I have come in my mental health treatment. I am very happy about that. My psychiatrist said hopefully this is all the information the surgeon will need in this area and pass me without a lot of other psycologist meetings. I also have my own psycologist who I still see regularly. I see him next week and plan on asking him to write a letter also. He did this before with the other surgeon. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers okay. Thanks

3/26/2007

Just me again. I saw the new dietician today. Kristin was so great. I was so comfortable talking with her. She is very knowledgeable and helpful. She gave me a manual that is full of the information I will need for before and after surgery. She asked me to pick up a couple different kinds of protein shakes to just give them a try and decide which one I would like best. I did that on the way home.I also know where to go for the support groups and look forward to attending them.

Thanks for the positive comments on Dr. D. Glass. I really feel I have made the right decision with him and his staff. I pray it will all work out.

On Wednesday, March 28th I meet with the psychologist again. I am feeling better about that too. I will definately need support to get me through!!

It is so beautiful outside, I am going to grab the manual and head outside!!!

I will keep you posted, Thanks again for being here for me.

Hugs,

03/28/2007 Went to see the psychologist today. It went well. Better then I expected actually. I had to take some more tests. Don't know how they turned out, they always read so much into them. Dr. Collins made a copy of the letter my psychiatrist sent to the surgeon, Dr. Glass. He is also going to call my psychologist. I take that as a good sign. I need to write down everything I eat until I see Dr. Collins again on April 25th. I am going to keep positive and that is all that is to it.

04/04/2007

Here I am again. I finally got my insurance letter written and mailed today. I should have done it a week ago but because of work issues I just ran out of time. When I got home I couldn't even think clearly.I am very glad to have that behind me now. I think I did a good job on it, at least I hope they think so.

Been working on my pre surgery diet. Trying hard to follow the plan. I am doing more protien that is for sure. I pray this will help me along the way. Actually I am kind of surprised that I am not so hungry after having a protein shake. I have been trying various ones as requested by my dietitian. They seem to satisfy me.

I really think I am in the mind set I need to be for this surgery. I am staying positive and feel good about myself. I will wait to hear what my next step will be.

4-05-2007

Went to my first support group through Dr. Glass. Kristin lead the group. She is so nice. It was really a nice group. I met people I recognized fromOH and OH/MN. I even got an Angel her name is Nicole. I am so happy about that. A lady by the name of Sue told her story. She did a great job. She sure has come a long way.Everyone was so supportive. Thats it for now!

04/13/2007

Here I am again. Just to update. As I said previosly I had my psychiatrist write Dr, Glass a letter. My psychologist and my medical doctor has done the same.

I emailed Kristin, the dietitian for Dr Glass, to see if they got the insurance letter I wrote. Kristin emailed me back this morning to say they did receive it. They are just waiting for the final report from Dr. Collins, the psychologist.I meet with him on the 25th. He is out of town until then. Then I meet with Dr. Glass again. Then they send in the insurance packet.

So it looks like I still have aways to go. I will be patient and I will keep a positive attitude even though the wait is killing me!!!!

Thats about it for now. Bye Bye

 04-25-2007

Met with Dr. Collins for the second time. Things went much better. Dr. Collins said my whole presence was so much better. He said I seemed so much more informed (thanks OH) and really was following his plan as he asked me to do. He was happy to see that I had cut out snacking and had been eating more healthy, He said he had one more thing he was going to ask of me and then we would be done. He wants me to go to the dietitian, Kristin, one more time to be weighed. Kristin told him it wasn't necessary for me to lose weigh but he said it was his requirement anyways. I think he was checking to see if I really was eating better. I told him I lost about 6 pound in the last month.

04-26-2007

Met with Kristin and got weighed again. I lost 7.2 pounds. She was to contact Dr. Collins and then he will send her his final recomendation. Kristin had me set up my next appointment to see Dr. Glass because Dr. Collins said I didn't need to see him or anyone else.

05-03-2007

I went to the support group for Dr. Glass' patients tonight. I asked Kristin is she had contacted Dr. Collins yet. She said they had been playing phone tag all week. Hopefully she can reach him tomorrow. I hope so. I want this eval okayed and behind me!!!! This has me in knots!!

05-08-2007

Well I called Dr. Collins the psych and asked if he and Kristin from Dr. Glass' office had connected yet. He said the report will be sent to Dr. Glass tomorrow. That is all the information I could get. So I proceed to wait to see Dr. Glass on May 18th to see if he is going to approve the surgery. Then it is on to the insurance company!!! I also emailed Kristin and let her know the report is on its way. More waiting...UGH!!!!

5-11-2007

I emailed Kristin today to see if they got the report from Dr. Collins.  I also asked her if Dr. Collins agreed that surgery would be a go for me in his opinion. I emailed her at 3:00Pm, haven't heard anything yet and it is 5:30PM. Guess I won't hear anything til next week. I am sure she has left for the weekend by now. Still bummed out!!

Maybe the news isn't good so she is having me wait until Thursday when I see Dr. Glass. I am literally feeling ill. UGH!!!

5-14-2007

Got an email from Kristin this morning. She said Dr. Collins might not have the report done and to Dr. Glass but she said she had his word that everything was in order. So I am still supposed to keep my appointment with Dr. Glass.

However someone called and changed my appointment from May 18th to May 17th...YES!!!!

5-17-2007

I met with Dr. Glass today. My friend Pearl was there for support. Dr. Glass said he decided to do the surgery. I will have it in July sometime. I still need to have a EGD done on the 30th of May. Then all paperwork will be sent in to the insurance company for approval!!!!  I am sooooooooHaaaaapppppyyyy!!!! Dr. Glass said June is pretty filled up already but if things go quickly he might still be able to do it in June. Wouldn't that be awesome!!!!

05-30-2007

Had my endoscopy today, I guess all was well. Glad to have that done!! I emailed Kristin to find out when my paperwork would be sent in to the insurance company. Sent it late in the day so don't expect to hear from her until tomorrow at the earliest.

05-31-2007

 Kristin emailed me back this morning and said my paperwork was sent in last week!! I had a whole week to worry about it and didn't even know!!! So now it is waiting time again. Hoping for approval!!!  Want that date ASAP!!!!

06-01-2007

I got a call today from Dr. Glass' office with the results of my endoscopy. I have an inflamation in my esophagus. I will be on meds for the next two weeks. UGH!!!! Oh well that shouldn't stand in the way of me getting a date for surgery when my approval comes in!!!!!!!

 06-04-2007
I called Dr. Glass' office today because I heard some of the insurance companies had made thier decisions. I wanted to know if mine came in. Now I wish I wouldn't have called. I was told I was denied until I do a 6 month supervised diet with either my doctor or Kristin my nut. I am so bummed out. I was told there weren't any weight loss requirements with my insurance. Well the insurance company changed thier minds. My paperwork was sent in on the 18th of May and the rules changed the 22nd of May. If my paperwork could have gotten there a few days sooner I would be having surgery in July. I am about ready to quit and live and DIE this way. I am tired of being let down. I feel awful!! But, as always, the people on OH will continue to support me and encourage me to go on so I know I will. If it wasn't for OH I probably wouldn't be this far. The people on the MN board are the greatest that is for sure. I need this surgery, a few more months will go by quickly I hope!!!

6-07-2007
Kristin called me today. We discussed the insurance recomendations and all I need to do to get the approval. I will be meeting with Kristin once a month for the next 6 months and to get thru this. I don't have to lose weight, I just have to not gain any. Does that make sense?? Oh well, onward I go once again!!!

 06-12-2007
Went to see my PCP today. She is not happy with the decision from my insurance company. She is very concerned about my health. She doesn't feel that I have six more months of time to give to this.  Everytime she sees me she can tell how much worse I am doing. She is planning on writing another letter for me to send to my insurance company. I was officially diagnosed with Diebetes today. I have been borderline for awhile now. She said I need this surgery now, not six months from now. She feels that a month or two would be long enough, this isn't reasonable. Insurance doesn't even want me to lose weight, they just want me to maintain. Because of my lack of exercise she also knows it has become harder and harder for me to maintain. I just can't exercise the way I am now. Of course I gain weight. 
So on, and on, and on it goes............

 06-15-2007 Got the letter from my PCP today. Kristin isn't available until Monday so I will have to wait until then to ask her where to send it or if they need to do it.

06-18-2007 Emailed Kristin about the 2nd PCP letter and what to do with it. She thinks is trilled that my PCP has written the 2nd letter. She gave me the address and fax number to where the information gets sent.
I faxed the 2nd letter, a copy of what the insurance company had sent me and also another letter I wrote asking (pleading) with them to reconsider. That is all I can do for now. I will not give up the fight!!!

06-19-2007 I saw my therapist(psychologist) today and he feels the 6 month delay is way to much to ask of someone they don't even want to loose weight. He is so happy that I am trying to appeal this.

06-20-2007 I saw my psychiatrist today. He was blown away that I am being asked to do a 6 month monitoring diet. He said there isn't any purpose for it if. I am not even expected to lose weight. He said at the end of 6 months nothing will have changed. Other then I will be worse shape medically. He thinks they are just yanking my chain because they can. He said he hopes someone will change their mind and authorize it sooner, especially now that I have diabetes. Time will tell!
I see Kristin for my 1st six month visit tomorrow...I pray all will go well!!!

06-22-2007 Saw my PCP again today. I have been having a problem with a rash under my stomach. She is concerned now that I am diabetic. She gave me an oral medication and some cream to put on it . I hope that clears it up. I have had that rash before but I always managed to get it healed fairly quickly. Not this time. I am going to be documenting this for future use.
I had asked Kristin to mail me a copy of the letter the insurance company sent them. I got it today. I emailed Kristin about it. It says I need to have proof of a six month weight loss but it doesn't say it needs to be now it could have been anytime. I was on a 6+ month weight loss program when I worked at a fitness center a few years ago. I was weighted, measured and BMI was recorded biweekly. I am going to get ahold of my old boss and see what she can do for me. Kristin said it had to be medically supervised but I am going to give it a try anyway. I am planning on sending it in to the insurance company ASAP. It can't hurt to keep trying. I will fight this all the way!!

06-26-2007
I spoke with my former boss, Paula about my weight loss when I worked at her fitness center. She said she still has all my weight, measurements, BMIs and all the dates they were taken. Paula is going to look the information up and get it to me sometime yet this week. I worked there for 3 years. She knows all about my weight loss struggles. Kristin, my NUT, said the weight loss has to be medically supervised. I am going to see if my PCP will sign off on it and then I am sending it in. I will keep trying and I will not give up!!!!

07-02-2007 I sent an email to Kristin to see if their office has heard anything for my insurance company since I mailed them the letter from my PCP. No answer from her so far.

07-03-2007 I just remembered Kristin is on vacation this week. I called in to Dr. Glass' office and asked to speak to Carol the insurance person. Found out she is also on vacation this entire week. Does anything ever come easy for me......HELL NO. I left her a message to call me back. 

7-05-07  Saw Kristin at support group tonight. Showed her the information I had on weight loss. She isn't sure it will fly because it isn't medically supervised.It shows 14 months of supervised weight loss. But I will get copies to her when Paula signs off on it and hopefully my PCP too. I am not giving up!! Kristin said she will have Carol check in with the insurance on Monday to see if they got the 2nd doctors letter and my 2nd letter as well.

7-09-2007 I met with Paula today. She confirmed all the information that I did that 14 month diet plan. She wrote a letter stating what she and I did to achieve my weight loss. We have records of Weihgt loss, BMI, body fat %, measurements
and more. Paula is certified thru U-Care. I will now try to have my PCP sign off on it.

07-10-07
I have been trying to get my approval and have run into a hurdle......6 months supervised diet plan!!!
I have been working on getting this appealed because I now have diabetes added to my many co morbidities. I am in a great deal of pain and on and on......
I met with my former boss, Paula, as planned. Paula is a certified consultant/ supervisor/instructor of a fitness center I used to work at. She is certified thru U-Care.  Between her and I, we came up with 14 consecutive months of documented weight loss, measurements, BMI, Body fat % and more. We compiled all the facts and Paula wrote a letter explaining what I did and how I did it. She explained her role as well. 
Anyway........today I talked with my PCP and she also wrote a note explaining that she recomended the diet plan with Paula and put down the dates she had seen me. They are during the same dates as Paula's records. 
Then I saw Kristin at Dr Glass' office for my 2nd month of the 6 month supervised diet plan.  She asked me to bring in all my information from Paula, the letter from my PCP and also the letter my PCP wrote stating my new diagnosis of Diabetes.
Kristin also was attaching a note saying I have already lost the 11 pounds they were concerned about and am following her diet plan as well as my diebetic diet. Plus attending support groups. Kristin gave all the information plus all my previous information to Carol and she faxed it all back into the insurance company today!!!!!!
Now I wait again.....I refuse to give up!!!  I will keep fighting this as long as it takes.

07-19-2007  WOW....I got the call today......I am approved!!!!!  I also got my surgery date
August 29th, 2007!!!!   WOOOOHOOOOOO!!!!!  I start my liquid diet on August 15th....
I am on my way!!!!!  I can't even begin to explain how happy I am!!!!!!

08/15/2007 Today I start my 2 week liquid diet!!! I am ready for it. I am NOT going to let myself cheat.I made that promise to myself and the good Lord and I will keep it no matter what.
I am a fighter!!!

08-20-2007  It has beeen awhile since I last posted. A lot going on with my family. Summer is flying by!! 
Well next week is my surgery!!! It seemed so far away and now it is almost here!!  Aug. 29th!!
I am doing very well on my required 2 week liquid diet. I am not hungry nor am I craving foods. I feel very satisfied with the things I am allowed. I am so thankful for that. 
I am trying to get all my ducks in a row so I am prepared for the surgery and coming home afterwards. I feel like I am pretty well set. I do want to go out and purchase a Magic Bullet yet but otherwise I am covered. 
I am so grateful for all the wonderful support and help I have recieved here on OH. I can't imagine making it without this site!!!

09-06-2007  I saw Dr. Glass today. He took my smaller tube out today. The one I had to empty all the time.The otherone will have to stay in the full 6 weeks.

09-08-2007   WOOOOHOOOOOO surgery is over and I am finally starting to feel alittle better. I had compications so I am alittle behind. When the Dr. Glass went in he nicked my bowel. He then proceeded to repair that and insert a G-Tube which I am wearing for 6 weeks total. Normally with Lap RNY there aren't any tubes.....lucky me!!! While finishing up the procedure Dr. Glass realized  that putting things together semed a little tight. I guess there was a lot of scar tissue from previous surgeries. He had to cut the tissue away and change things around a bit to get it to his liking. Anyway it is done now and I am glad!!!
Because of the bowel issue I had to have a Xray done the following morning to check for leaks.
That was awful!!!!!!!  I was in so much pain I could hardly take it. The technician kept asking me to sip something, hold my breath, take a pic,....nothing....I was feeling more sick.They kept having me do it again and again. The darn Xray machine wasn't working and know one seemed to know what the heck they were doing about it. I finally yelled at them to get someone else in there now because I was about to pass out. Someone else did the test and after a bit it was over. I had to drink more then the usual amount of whatever it was and man did I get sick from it!!!  I retched and was all but passed out the rest of the day!!!  Dr. Glass and Dr. Bettendorf both made sure I was a comfortable as possible, They did not want me retching.......I had to stay calm. Retching could cause more leaks!!!  I haven't felt that ill in a long time!!! Had a lot of trouble sleeping since I got home. Just couldn't relax enough to doze off. Finally I called my PCP on Wednesday. She prescibed something so sleep is finally starting to come.
As for now I am sipping, walking, sipping, walking...........I will be so happy when this other tube is gone and when Dr. Glass says I can drive my own car again!!!! I am not the type of person to be dependent on others!!! I don't like waiting half a day to get something done!!  Wa Wa Wa!!!
Things are getting easier everyday. This will all be behind me soon. Then my new healthy, happy life begins!!!
09/20/2007  Tomorrow I see Dr. Glass. I am almost 4 weeks out. Kristin at the support group meeting tonight said she thinks he may start me on food tomorrow. That would be great a few days early. I am sure tired of that Boost!!! I have not cheated one sip or one bite of anything since I started this with my Liquid Diet pre op. It is close to 6 weeks now on the LD. I am proud of myself for following the rules. Not everyone does that well. I am determined to do things right. I do not want to get sick or fail at this!!!  I have been going on two walks everyday too. It has given me more energy. I can feel the difference.

09/21/2007  Dr. Glass was very pleased with how well I am doing. He said he would even let me start on some foods today. I am a little afraid to eat. Everything has been going so well on that liquid diet. I will try...lunch was 1 ounces of refried beans with cheese. It took me 30 minutes to eat it like he said it should.  Dinner I had 1 ounce of deli turkey breast...that took 29 minutes to eat. I guess I am doing okay. He said to start with one ounce and go to two as I can tolerate it. It feels wierd to eat but it sure tastes good!!!

10-03-2007   Things are going well. Tomorrow I see Dr. Bettendorf and my G-Tube will be removed....YAY!!!!  This has been a long six weeks. I will also see Kristin and we will go over my eating and get a new food list. I have done everything they have asked of me so far and I am having no problems. I am out walking everyday at least twice a day. Not eating or drinking anything I am not supposed to be having. Last night my friend Carol N. from the MN board came over and measured me. I have lost a total of 25.25 inches and 45 pounds as of today. I am very happy with my results so far. Slow but sure!!

10-04-2007   WOOOOHOOOO the nasty TUBE is gone!!!!! That has made my day! Dr. Bettendorf had nothing but good things to say about my progress today. That was very nice. I also saw Kristin (Nutritionist) this morning for my 6 week visit. She didn't have any bad news for me either. She has put me on regular foods now as long as I remember protein first!!!! Overall everything went very well!!! Onward I go!!!!!   I love this surgery!!!!!

10-30-2007    I am here to post an update. I am doing really great. I feel so good. I have never had energy like I have now...WOW!!!! Yesterday was my two month Surgiversary and I am down 57.4 pounds so far....wooohooooo!!!! I just love to walk. Yes me walking!! I am still walking everyday, haven't missed a day since the day after I got home from the hospital. I am now up to 45 minutes of power walking every morning. Yes my arthiritis and fibromyalgia is pretty bad most days but I just do it anyway. I know this is the best thing to do for both the pain and for my physical and emotional health. I am so happy to have had this surgery. My life has completely changed for the better.  I thank GOD everyday.
I cleaned out my closets yesterday and took out 6 large totes of cloths that no longer fit me....too big! What a great feeling that is!! I don't have much left to wear. I guess it is shopping for me this weekend!! Have to go find some real bargains!!

12-5-2007 Wow it has been a while since I updated. I had my 3 month check up a week ago or so. I am so happy about it. Dr. Bettendorf was so pleased. He said I was a star...a real model patient.
He just sat there smiling at me. He said I am eating exactly right and getting in my water just like they ask. I am also exercising everyday. I ended up joining a fitness center a couple weeks ago.
It was just getting to cold for me to walk outside anymore. I miss the fresh air and the different scenery. The gym is really nice  and I enjoy my workout there as well. I work out about 45 minutes to an hour everyday. I have so much energy and love how I am feeling. I am now down 74 pounds...I still can't believe it...WOW!! My BMI is now less then 30...wooohoooo!
I finished my Christmas shopping. I still can't believe how I can get around and get so much more done now. Last weekend I put up my tree and decorated my home. Last year I needed help with everything. This year I brought everything in from the garage and did it all myself. A year ago I never would have believed I could do it. This WLS is so awesome!! I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to have it done. This is such an wonderful Christmas present to myself!! I am still in the need for new clothes...mine are getting bigger everyday!! My closet is pretty bare right now.....I love it!!!

12-30-2007  I thought I would do a quick update. I am doing great and feeling wonderful. Still no problems...everything is going along just as good as it possibly can.  I am now down 83.8 pounds and as of today I have lost 46.75 inches. I just celebraed my4 month post op surgiversary. I am just in awe!!  I fit in my size 10 jeans very comfortably. However I did try on and buy a pair of 8s this last weekend. They are pretty tight in the waist but fit great otherwise. I will try them again in a couple weeks. I cleaned out my closet some more this Saturday.....I haven't much of anything left in there that I used to wear. Just a couple tank tops. Most tops are a size large and a few mediums as well. I am so happy and feel so good. I am still working out in the gym 6 days a week and loving it. 
I had a wonderful Christmas with my daughters and their families. I am so blessed! 
I am still worried about my grandson's(Nic) Cancer....a decision will be made soon as to what treatment will be best for him this time. This is his third time with that horrible Cancer Monster......enough already!! He has such a positive outlook on life....he is an inspiration to so many of us. I just love that boy!!
My other 4 grandchildren are just as sweet..they are doing great. They are their grandma's pride and joy!! Not to forget to mention I have two of the most awesome daughters anywhere. I love them beyond words!! They are my everything! I thank God everyday for giving them to me!
Thats about it for now....see you all next year. Tomorrow is New Years Eve!!

01-21-2008 Hello...just popping in for a quick update. Everything is going really well. I am feeling better all the time. As of today I have lost 90.6 pounds in less then 5 months. Dr. Glass said my goal weight should be 140-145 pounds. I am at 151.6 pounds today. I set my goal at 135 pounds. I didn't think I would ever make it but I now think I will. In fact 125 would be my ideal goal but not sure I will get to that. When my body says enough it will quit losing whether I want it to or not.
This surgery has been such a blessing...an answer to so many prayers. I can now play with my grandchildren. They can sit on my lap and hug me really close. I have tons of energy and love being little again. It has been 30 years since I weighed this amount!! I know I still have a ways to go but I am trying my best to always follow my doctors advice and I don't cheat and do things I shouldn't. I am proud of how I have been handling my tool and have no regrets at all about having this surgery. Life is good!!  Thank you Lord and thank you Dr. Glass and Dr. Bettendorf!!

02-29-2008 I went in for my 6 month check up today. Dr. Glass couldn't say enough good things. My stats are all where they need to be except my iron is low. I will be on pills to help with that. I have always had this problem at a lower weight. Overall he was very, very pleased. He said I am following the rules and he can tell by my weight loss and the numbers on my blood work. He said I was a model patient!! I am eating just how he wants me to eat and getting in my water and exercising like I should too. He sat there and smiled most of the time....he is happy ...I am happy!!! My weight is right where he wants me at....however I said I want to lose another ten pounds and he said "no more then that...no more"!! Dr. Glasses goal was 140-145. My first goal is 130-135...my second goal is 120-125. He doesn't want me below 130......we will see!!! I feel great...better then I can ever remember feeling!! This is the best decision I ever made for myself and I would do it again in a heartbeat!! Imagine me in size 6.....I never would have believed I would make it this far!! Woooohoooo!!!!! I love WLS!!!!!!!!!

06-11-2008 I decided I should do an update. Things are going really well. I feel great!! I don't have any issues with food and I still haven't gotten sick and thrown up. I have been nauseous a few times if I ate too fast or didn't chew well enough but that has been it.
 I am currently 125.8 pounds. I hope to lose a few more pounds. I would like to maintain around 120-123 pounds. It will go it just seems to take alot longer at this point. I wear a size 3 in jrs for pants. I still wear a size medium in tops. I have always had broader shoulders and am still a "c" cup in my bra size.
This has absolutely been the best thing I ever did for myself. I feel it has benefited not only me but my family as well. I sure can do alot more then I could for years. I can practically run up and down stairs, sit on the floor without thinking about getting down and how to get up again. My high blood pressure, acid reflux and diabetes is gone!! My lungs don't have to work so hard and that is a big plus with my COPD. I breathe alot easier these days. I can walk and don't have all the pain I had before. I still have Arthritis and Fibromyalgia but I am not nearly in the pain I was back then. I was on Vicodin almost daily. Now I rarely need a Tylenol. I am sleeping so much better too. I have even riden a bicycle lately and haven't done that in over 30 years!! I also swing on swings!! Woohoooooo...that is fun!! The list of rewards, accomplishments, and WOW moments go on and on. 
I am so blessed to have been able to have this surgery. Thank you Lord!! Thank you Dr. Glass!!

02-23-2009 WOW...it has been a while. Life just passes by too quickly. My one year appointment went great!! (08-28-08). Dr. Glass said I was a model patient. I weighted in at 121.1 pounds. All my blood levels were great accept for my iron. That was a little low. I have been taking iron suppliments ever since. Seems to be working.
My weight goes up and down 3-4 pounds....at least I am managing to maintain. I eat a few things I shouldn't but try not to do that too often. I refuse to go back to where I was!!! I feel so good, physically that is. I do so much more then I ever dreamed possible. I really love life so much more now!! I am experiencing depression. This is not weight related. I have S.A.D. and this winter has been brutal. I also have many serious family issues going on. My grandson Nic is still dealing with Cancer. My granddaughter Kyleigh is struggling with mental health issues. We are praying this all turns around soon!!
I have been dating a wonderful man for the last 4 months. He has been my rock. We have known each other for about ten years as friends. We both had other previous relationship issues to resolve. Now we found each other. I can't remember when I have felt so cared for and so appreciated.
Having this surgery has given me so much more confidence and a real zest for life. I appreciate every day. My family sees such a positive change in me. Not to mention how happy they are that my life is so much healthier. I want to be here for them for a long, long time!!
The long battle to get to this point has been so worth it. I love WLS!! If I had to do it (surgery) again I would in a heart beat!!
I am thankful for all the fabulous people I have met on the OH board. Especially the MN board!! The support and love is just overwhelming. I can't imagine making it this far without all of you!! You are all loved in return!
I will try to post more often. I want to be here to share my journey with all of you!!
 
09-01-2009  Hello again!! I made it to my 2 year Surgiversary and am very happy about maintaining my weight loss!! I saw my surgeon for my two year check up on 08-27-2009. Dr. Glass was so happy with how I am doing. He said my numbers are exactly where they need to be. h in fact he said AWESOME!!! He said he had nothing to complain to me about. WOW did that make my day. You know how we always worry about getting in our vitamins and calcium and such. He said whatever I am doing to continue because it is definately working!!!!!
Kristin the nutritionist  at Dr. Glass' office saw me and wants me to speak at a Support Group meeting in the spring. I told her to sign me up. What a ride this has been...woooohooooooo!!
As most everyone knows I fell and broke my hip about 10 weeks ago. No... it had nothing to do with my bones  effected from WLS.  I had a bone density test done right before it happened and it came out good. I was running in high heals, in the rain, just missed the curb,lost my balance and crashed. I don't have any padding left in that area so that didn't help. I hit just right and had a clean break. I am up and moving around....almost completely healed.
Before the fall I was walking/running every morning Monday-Friday for 3 miles. I felt great!! I am trying to resume my walking now. I get a little further everytime. Not bad since I couldn't even move my leg a few weeks ago. I also joined a gym about a month ago. I really love that. I workout in the pool swimming and doing water aerobics for one hour.  Then one hour doing weights, other exercising and using various machines. I do this 3 days a week...MWF.
Exercising has helped getting my strength back that is for sure! It makes me feel so much better about myself. I am feeling quite flabby now from sitting around for eight weeks doing little or nothing. I did gain six pounds....plus the two I had previously gained. I want that gone and I will work hard to see that I do!!
I am very proud of how I have maintained. It hasn't been an easy road by any means. I am still wearing pants size 0-3 in juniors and a medium/large top....so I can't be as big as I feel right now!!
Please keep taking those vitamins and calcium EVERYDAY no matter what......you won't be sorry. Remember to drink plenty of water and get in some kind of exercise. You will be happier in the long run.


10-2010 I saw Dr Glass today for my 3 year check up. I am not happy with myself. I am up about 20 pounds. I haven't been able to exercise much because of my broken hip. Where the rod and pins were I had horrible pain. My Ortopedic doctor removed the pins and rod in June....now I will have to spend the next year recoving from that again. It will be a long winter!! I will just keep on doing the best I can. I sure hope to get my weight back down. Dr Glass wasn't too concerned because all my numbers are so good. He suggested I start measuring my foods again. I agree that may be a great idea. One cup has grown to at least one and a half!!
Hopefully by summer I can start walking a little at a time again!