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Goals
No Public Goals Yet.
Surgeon TestimonialJerzy M. Macura M.D.My, what a nice man! I was impressed with his ability to answer ALL OF my questions before I could ask them (please believe that I came fully prepared with a list of 15 questions). Very mild mannered and he seemed sincere in wanting to do what's best for the patient. Very professional, yet personable.
UPDATE: 5 1/2 months post-op and I love my surgeon, Dr. Macura (Dr. Sherwinter. is cool, too...he normally does my fills)
You're making a good choice if you choose either or them! Latest Surgery Support Comments
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Hi Danielle, I
wanted to say first
off Happy
Surgiversary to you.
And congrats to you
on ALL of your
success. Even
though we havent
spoken in a good
while, please know
that I think about
you and wish all the
best for you in on
this journey and in
life. Hopefully we
can catch up soon.
Continued blessings
to you !
Much love,
LaShawn
-
Danielle, girlie
what can I say ??? I
have walked this
path with you this
week and I want to
say how very proud
of you I am. You
have endured this
week and stayed the
course even thru the
most difficult of
times. Your strength
has made me
strong...your
willingness to share
your experience has
more than prepared
me on what to expect
and your frienship
is priceless. Thank
you for being you
and for keeping it
real the way you do.
I love you for it !
Now...promise that
me that you will
call my cell after
you get home from
the doc. Never mind
the fact that I'll
be doped up and
recovering in the
hosptial.
LOL......Love ya,
Lala aka Plum ( your
bandsis 4 life)
-
Hope by now you are
feeling better and
getting on with the
losing!
Let us hear how you
are.
(((Hugs)))
Patsy
Click here for the surgery support page
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A HEALTHIER me is coming! My process for weight loss surgery actually began September 12, 2005 so it had been 6 months of hell previous to me becoming a member here at OH. I switched surgeons (as you will read) and I wasn't going to have this surgery until I was fully informed, both by testimony and education. I want to say that I have put a lot of my goals on hold to focus on my health (that's what has to happen when you've ignored the health issue for so long). In the long run, I feel it will pay off. Ok, so here goes my journey!!!! (written 3/1/06)
Our father whom art in heaven..... on July 24, 2007 9:25 am
hollowed be thy name....Thank you for allowing me to lose 2 pounds instead of having gained. Thank you. I did some (ch)eating during the reunion (the cakes, the watermelon, the sweets period).....and I know I've been bad.
I come to you asking that you help me, Jesus with this sweet addiction that I have. Here I am a year later from having gotten on the table to save my life and I still have the same struggles I had before sugery. Sometimes that thought makes me angry but I knew that the band would NOT cure my addiction to sweet cereal (I read that Khaliah Ali has the same struggle with sweet cereal, too...that made me feel better, I thought it was only me that was like a big kid) and ice cream and vanilla oreos. I did think that if I could just have the surgery, I WOULD MAKE IT GO away. I know now that for all the times that I think I have had the addiction licked, for every week without and then an added 2 day binge, that I should have come to you and ask you to help me. I am 77 pounds down from where I was a year ago and while I know it could have been more, I am so grateful. Sometimes, I am pained by the amount of people who say they can "only see it a little bit". I admit myself that I can only see it a little bit sometimes, but you know what, I know I could only SEE it a little bit when I was piling it on year after year, so what do I expect now? That's how my body is, I guess. Can I feel it? YES. Most days, I feel like I can run.....I remember coming up ouf of the train station (blocks away from my house) after 2 stairways and still breathing heavy by the end of the block. Now, I've stopped breathing heavy before I reach the middle of the block. I've re-enrolled in school and I'm so excited. I used to be concerned about my knee pain, now I'm not. I used to be concerned about my big hips/bootie in the chairs, now I'm not. Just travelling period was a chore, now I lightly jog up the steps to jumpstart my metabolism.
I remember thinking that I was never going to be able to stop drinking fruit punch and high-calorie drinks before surgery, now I can't believe I wasted all of those calories in something to drink and I WILL not drink anything if there is'nt some water or Diet tea/snapple in site. I remember when I wondered how I was going to stop eating and drinking at the same time...now, I notice I'm never thirsty when I eat because I'm always hydrated from drinking water/low calorie drinks (almost 2 gallons) throughout the day. I remember not being able to walk more than a half a mile....Now, I can walk 2 in 30 mins.
I ask, o father, that I remember to remain humble in my 77 pound accomplishment, that I remember to remain grateful even on the hard days so that I remember to push forward. I still have a ways to go but (as my Grandmother said) I'm so much further than where I started.
In your name, I pray.....
Danielle
Ohhh and Lord, thanks for the support you've sent me in my bandsisters....Camille, Kesia, and Barbara.
6 comments | Click here to leave a comment.
A protein boost!!!! on June 24, 2007 7:24 am
Hey, y'all!
In honor of my upcoming reunion, (that I'm truly excited about!!! 12 more days!!!!) I'm going to do alot of protein just to boost a lost here, just because my second goal for the reunion (since I didn't hit the 100 pound goal my reunion and/or bandiversary-July 17th) to hit the 85 pound mark. So....between now, June 24 to July July 17th....I want to hit a 10 to 15 pound weight loss putting me at an 85 or 90 pound weight loss which is close enough for me.
I can't believe it's almost been a year! What a road!
I've decided that I'll put up the pics from my reunion as some new post-ops. I'm going to try to include my Mom and Grandma and other family members!
Till later...
Danielle
1 comment | Click here to leave a comment.
11 POUND LOST!!!! on June 12, 2007 8:31 am
HA HA!!!! Took me 6 weeks to lose the 8 pounds I gained and I lost 3 more!!!! YIPPEEE!!!!!
I'm now at a 75 pound lost! I feel good! I think the exercise is really the key. I'm exercised 4 to 5 days a week for the last 6 weeks and I truly think it is making a difference. I have restriction, too!!!! Please believe that!!!!! 11 months out and I finally have real restriction!!! I didn't get a fill today. Still feeling tight, will continue to workout and limit the sugar (as much as possible without total deprivation) and see how it goes at the end of next month.
In celebration of hitting the 75 pound mark.....I'm going to remodel my profile page....The background will change from "Big girls rule!" to "Beauty comes in all sizes".
In bandster love....
Danielle | Click here to leave a comment.
I've gained 8 pounds!!!!!! on May 4, 2007 4:32 pm
Had to keep it real and move the ticker back, guys! I am a little disgusted (with myself only) because I knew that I was loose since the unfill and I was taking my time with going to get one because I was enjoying being able to eat (the bad stuff ----bread, potatoes, etc.) and thus the price is 8 pounds. Which is so excruciating for me to admit because this now puts me back into the terrible 4's which I had got out of (I was at 397 at a loss of 72 pounds). I teared up at my surgeon's office but guess what!!!! I have to now get my ARSE back on the good foot! I was cheating so bad.....I missed psychiatry appts., I was eating my cereal (apple jacks, cap n' crunch) by the box every 2 days, not exercising. I have to expose it because I don't want you guys to think that I just "gained it back easily". Up until this point, I had never gained but I had never fell off so bad either. You can out eat this surgery if you don't get your fills and you know you're too loose and need one.
Anyway, I'm gonna get back right, believe it. I got a fill Tuesday, May 1 of .4 cc's which technically is supposed to put me up to 3.5 cc's and I think I might have my sweet spot. I'll write in a week and let you know, either way, I stil have to do my part so this doesn't happen again. I didn't realize but I hadn't been in for a fill since early March. I shouldn't have waited that long.
For every action, there's a reaction.
In bandster love,
Danielle
6 comments | Click here to leave a comment.
It's the BEHAVIOR MODICATION WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY!!!! on April 7, 2007 11:54 am
It's been a while since I've posted. I've had a number of people write me and ask me how it's going.....I have to be honest, I've come to realize something about this band and I feel as if it's my duty to share because when you know something before hand, you're not "shocked" when it happens later.
We all know that the band is a tool! YADDA, YADDA. What most of the newbies and pre-ops don't know is what people mean when they say that. A tool. Not only is the band, just a tool.....it really doesn't work (properly) until you get proper restriction. What is restriction, well, it seems that there's a spectrum of restriction for a bandster.
Generally, the process for a bandster is to build to the point of that great restriction, it's what all bandsters want: a good portion of a protein (solid meat which is chicken, fish, etc.), a little vegetables and a bite of a starch. We want to be able to eat this comfortably to the point of satisfaction (enough to make you push your plate away).
WELLLLLL, the problem comes in when for one thing, we're all different, then there's the matter of not having a number to go by....so, maybe you'll feel restriction after your 2nd fill, enough to chew more thoroughly and take smaller bites but you'll still be able to eat a good share more than what we mentioned above and you're hungry in between meals (stomach growling hungry)....you go in for a fill/adjustment and then find out some time later, that you're too tight..........it's something that we all go through, and instead of looking at it as a problem, we bandsters look at it as the process that we go through, we take the good with the indifferent and we keep striving for that great restriction level. Seems ok, right? Well, yeah, because you knew this before hand. What you didn't know, what the doctor failed to explain to you (actually he couldn't unless you have a banded doctor, like NY's Dr. Fielding, because it truly takes a understanding that only a person who has experienced it can describe) is that while you go through this process, what's making you lose weight in that meantime is REALLY YOU! I'll explain further. Prior to having my first fill, I lose over 40 pounds. It wasn't because I felt great restriction. It was because my body was in complete shock from the lifestyle change. Since then, I've been really tight or really loose. At my really tight time, I lost 8 pounds. I was really tight for a month, before I realized that I wasn't going to loosen on my own because of weight loss and went in for an unfill of .5cc's. Right now, I'm a little too loose. I need a smidget of a fill (my fill appt. is April 17th). My point is, I'm 8 months out and still don't have the level of restriction that I desire, that most bandsters desire. Thus, what keeps me and stops me from losing weight is me and the choices I make in the meantime. Realizing this was disappointing at first but I know I will be the better for it in the long run. And I'm not just saying that! By the time, I do find the level of great restriction......I will have success double-fold because of what I have learned to do during the meantime. What's more is that I have proved to myself that I have what I thought I never did....that thing called will-power that society accuses us heavier folks of being born without.
1) Do I fall short on some days? YES, I do. Newbies and pre-ops say things to me like "I can't wait to lose 75 pounds". I, honestly, could have lost more by now. There are bandsters that have lost more, there are bandsters that have lost less. But truly what I want to say to the newbies and pre-ops is that it's really up to you. It's truly about your behavior modification and the sooner you realize that, the more successful you will be.
2) Is it hard as hell? YES, some days I still cry. And I have started seeing a psychiatrist to help me face the demons that I try to avoid by over-indulging in foods that I eat for comfort. I find that people with long term success have incorporated some type of therapy. I don't want to constantly be at war with myself and unlike who I was pre-op, the guilt of cheating wears on me mentally. I want to end the need to cheat altogether.
3) Have I committed myself to working this band 'till death do us part, for better or worst? YES, I have to and if the surgery did anything, it has created the sense of knowing that I got up on the table to save my life, there's no way I'm turning back.
Overrall, in the first 6 months to a year, the band is 90% you (unless you find your level of great restriction prior to this).
Oh, and the more you stay on point (this doesn't mean rush) with getting your fills, the sooner you find that point of great restriction.
In bandster love,
Danielle
P.S. New pics coming sooon! | Click here to leave a comment.
Archive
My Story Celebrities with the lapband
Sharon Osbourne
Ann Wilson
Khaliah Ali
Brian Dennehy
Anne Diamond
Joe Gannascoli
WEIGHT LOSS STATS:
-8 POUNDS as of July 16 (a day pre-op)
Before my first fill!!!!!!!!!!!
-3 (MORE) POUNDS as of JULY 19 (2 days post-op)
-14 (MORE)POUNDS as of JULY 25 (8 DAYS POST-OP!!)
-7 (MORE)POUNDS as of August 23 (5 weeks post-op)
-10 (MORE)POUNDS as of Sept. 26 (2 months,9 days post-op!)
For a total of 42(8 pounds pre-op) pounds lost before the first fill! YEA!
After the first fill!!!!! (First fill given on September 26)
(Slight restriction but definetely not my sweet spot!)
-4 (MORE) POUNDS as of October 11 (1 week short of 3 months post-op)
-6 (MORE) POUNDS as of November 10 (1 week short of 4 months post-op)
-2 (MORE) POUNDS as of November 28 (4 months and 11 days post-op)
For a total of 12 pounds lost on the first fill! YIPPEE!
After the second fill!!!! (Second fill given on November 28)
-8 (more) pounds as of December 29 (5 months and 12 days post-op)
-3 (more) pounds as of January 30 (6 months and 13 days post-op)
For a total of 11 pounds lost on the second fill!!! YIPPEE!!
After the third fill!!!! (Given on January 30)
-8 (more) pounds as of February 22 (7 months and 5 days post-op)
UNFILL of .5 cc's (extracted of February 22)
-1 (more) pound as of March 6 (7 months and 2 1/2 weeks post op)
Fourth Fill!!!!! (Given on March 6)
NONE LOST.....GAINED +8 POUNDS!!!!!
Fifth Fill!!!! (Given on May 1)
-11 pounds lost!!!!!-June 12 YIPPEEE!!!!!
-2 pounds lost!!!!-July 24 (I have no complaints because I ATE at my reunion!)
Fill Schedule
fill given at surgery- .5 cc
10 weeks post-op-1.3 cc
4 months & 11 days post-op-.5 cc
6 months & 13 days post op- 1 WHOLE cc (what was my surgeon thinking?)
7 months & 5 days post op- .5 extracted
7 months & 19 days post op- .3 cc
9 months & 15 days post op- .4 cc
Total=3.4 cc total
STARTING BMI: 67.3
PRESENT (AS OF May 12): 56.2
Starting weight: 469 pounds (7/06)
Present weight: 392 pounds (7/07)
I AM GOD'S CHILD
High self esteem is not about denying your flaws....it's about loving yourself inspite of. ~Anonymous
If God had a refrigerator, your picture would surely be on it. -Anonymous
I'm not the average girl from the video, my life ain't built like a supermodel, but I learn to love myself unconditionally...because I am a queen. ~India.Arie
MARCH 6- A LITTLE OF MY HISTORY!!!!
Okay, so the deal is this. You know my story......it's similar to yours.......never been small....9pd..4oz. baby........My mom's a big girl, 22/24 shapely, though....Dad's a big guy, casual male big n' tall kinda guy. My mom's mother is big, my dad's father is big, etc. It's just a never ending cycle....I think it's called "fat genes".
My most monumental moment in terms of my weight was clocking 200 pounds at 11 years old. I was always the tallest girl in my class, as well. So I was used to being referred to as a "big girl" but it wasn't until that very moment, a routine check-up, when the doctor told my mother that I needed to go on a DIET. No candy, no sweets, smaller portions. I remember my Mom telling my Grandmother and the rest of my family members, I remember feeling embarrassed. Ashamed. I remember not knowing why I was "fat". Why I weighed that amount. I certainly didn't feel like 200 pounds. I mean....that's what Hulk Hogan (I was an 80's child) weighed. How could I weigh as much as Hulk Hogan?
I do know that the "diet" didn't change much for me as far as "regular" food. Regular child-sized portions was plenty for me. It was the cake, the candy, the cookies, the chips.....
They were my problem. AND those things no one could curve me from having. My mom stopped buying those things but whenever I got a dollar, I spent it on junk food. Honestly, I think back and all the kids DID THE SAME THING, but my metabolism didn't allow me to hide my over-indulgence in sweets.
I was like other kids, I jumped double-dutch......I cheered, played sports in school (a little)....Pretty popular, even had my share of admirers. (I always got the "cute face" comment........isn't that the most annoying thing?) In 10th grade, I clocked 289........but I was active and by this time, I started receiving compliments about being big but being healthy and carrying the weight "nicely"......because I was so tall (5'10)......no one ever guessed my weight. I think throughout my life, I used people's compliments about my weight as an umbrella at times instead of taking focus on my health.
I guess, throughout college......the same held true, only I became less active.......my second year in college, I married my high school/college sweetheart and I was so happy......2 & 1/2 years later, we divorced and the weight begin to creep on............
8 years has passed and although I credit myself as being a person who has a love for self.....I wish to be smaller......not small, but smaller. In 10 years, I have gained 150 pounds. That is ridiculous and to top it off I have PCOS and I have eaten incorrectly in the past and I know that has alot to do with my slow metabolism because my eating habits haven't changed since high school.
I have gone years without weighing myself (never a scale over 300 pounds in the doctor's office). Quite honestly, up until I begin this process, I actually didn't even know the exact amount of my weight. These last couple of years have been hard because I'm starting to FEEL my weight (KNEE PAIN, BACK PAIN), I guess, too, because I'm getting older. My breathing when I walk up the stairs is wheeze-like at times, I hate that. I'm used to not being controlled by my obesity. IT has finally won, I'm just tired. My goal weight is about 275 (I truly would look crazy at anything less)....I'm 5'10......and so my choice for weight loss surgery is the LAP BAND!!!!
| How to make a Danielle |
Ingredients:
3 parts dedication
5 parts courage
2 parts of good morals
5 parts strength |
Method:
Combine in a tall glass half filled with crushed ice. Top it off with a sprinkle of lovability and enjoy! |
I've had so many people tell me their opinions about my choice to do the lap band. But for so many reasons, (the main one being that my top priority for doing this is not vanity) I think it's the best surgery for me. I'm in no rush to lose an extreme amount of weight. I truly think our bodies are not meant to handle that, thus all the excess skin. (I do know that there will be excess skin, regardless, but not as much when you give your body time to retract the skin by losing it slowly) This, however, is nly my opinion. I don't necessarily believe one surgery is better than the other, it all depends on the individual. I have researched this surgery for 2 years and I am ready. I'm currently doing everything with the CORI centers in NY however, I'm thinking about switching surgeons so I'm looking into other doctors right now. This, unfortuantely, is another long story that I'll have to start on tomorrow. I hope this profile helps someone like I've been helped by reading others.
March 14----THE DAY I DECIDED TO SWITCH SURGEONS
Today is a really bad day for me. I had my consult with the Dr. on February 28 and was told that I have to lose 58 pounds before I can have my surgery because I am 58 pounds over the amount that the hospital (Victory Memorial in Brooklyn) would allow. I literally cried in the dr.'s office. My cousin came with me for support and she had to go get me some tissue. The dr. hugged me and gave me this b.s. about how I can do it. He, also, (I think more to motivate me) gave me a surgery date for March 27. Which means that he thinks for some strange reason that I can lose 58 pounds in a month. How ridiculous! The worst thing is that I think this info. should have been disclosed at the first seminar, I could have been working on that weight loss from the beginning of my process...I posted on the message board when I first got the news and everyone that replied (about 9 people) told me that it was the craziest thing that they had ever heard. To be too big for weight loss surgery and damn I know I'm a big girl but I've seen 700 pounders get wls. What the hell?
Yesterday, I went to another seminar for another surgeon, Dr. Macura with Maimonidies Hospital in Brooklyn, and he requires so much more "stuff" than the CORI. Possibly a pulmonologist because I have Asthma, possibly a sleep study to see if I have Sleep Apnea. A longer process, I'm so disappointed. I was hoping to go in there, schedule an appt. for a consult, show my paperwork that I have already (Psychology, Bloodwork, nutritional, EGD info. because I had H-Pylori, etc.) and get a surgery date for April. As of yesterday, I've been in the process with CORI for 6 months. Right now, I just feel as if maybe it's not meant to happen. Sometimes, I think it would be easier for me if I just had settled to have another surgery such as the bypass. Dr. Scheknedt thought that the bypass would have been better suited for me. I, of course, disagreed. This is another thing with the new people. In the paperwork they gave out at the seminar, it says that they only provide the first fill. Every other one after that is $150. This is crazy. CORI gives fills for the life of their patient. That's included in Aftercare. I'm wondering why this is not the case with these new people. Anyway, tomorrow is my consult with them......and that will be my first question. I'm so tierd of this process, I feel as if it's never going to happen. I wonder too, if I can give it my best for another 6 months if need be? I don't think I can. I'm scared. I AM GOD'S CHILD
March 25--THE NEW SURGEON
Hi everyone. Well, the process has been slow but ongoing for me. I have an appt. with my nutrionist Monday, the 27th for the evaluation letter that I need (since I've switched to another surgeon, DR. MACURA FOR MAIMONIDIES HOSPITAL IN BROOKLYN), and I have a sleep study on my birthday which is March 29th, Wednesday. I was hoping to have had the surgery by now....that would have been the bestest (smile) birthday present but sometimes those are the breaks.
I have the cardiology appt. on April 12 and I have yet to make the pulmonologist appt. (waiting on my doctor). All I know is if they have to poke me anymore after this, I'm going to lose it! lol
I know this is all for the greater good, so I have to be patient.
I still have this damn H-Pylori in which I'm now taking more antibotics which sometimes upset my stomach a little but I have to get rid of it. I'm a little nervous about it coming back after I have the surgery. I must talk to the Dr. about what the possibilities of that happening are.
Things that Dr. Macura requires before last consult:
Pulmonary (BMI over 50) Are your lungs capable of substaining surgery?
Cardiology (BMI over 50)-Is your heart capable of substaining surgery?
Sleep Study (BMI over 50)-Do you have sleep apnea? Chances are, if your BMI is over 50, you do. Maybe even without your knowledge....and that's something that you want to know before they put you to sleep.
Things that Dr. Macura requires before they send your package off for approval from your insurance company:
Nutrionist (Evaluation letter)
Psychological (Evaluation letter)
EGD with biopsy (for clearance)
Anyway, I'll write again after all of these pre-liminary tests.
I hate CORI and Dr. Schuhknedt, I feel like this is his damn fault.
SHIT!!!!!
April 9--UNEXPECTED HEALTH CONCERNS
HI ALL! Well, it's been a minute since I've been on here...only because I've been busy with all the preliminary tests that Dr. Macura makes you do in order to feel comfortable with performing surgery on you. On April 3rd, I had my pulmonary visit.....which I was required to get clearance from because I have asthma and wouldn't you know it....one of my lungs have collasped...SPONTANEOUS PNEUMOTHORAX DUE TO ALL THE YEARS THAT I'VE HAD ASTHMA. I was utterly amazed when the Dr. told me. Anyway, I had to take a steroid to see if it will re-expand on it's own, if not, I may quite possibly have to have surgery. Ain't that a beeyatch?!!! I, also, had my cardiology visit on April 3rd later that afternoon. It went well.... Heart is in great condition. Cardiology Dr. faxed over evaluation letter. YEA!
I now have another appt. on April 10 to get a CT scan done on my lungs...if they appear okay from the steroid then I go see the Pulmonary Dr. again and get my clearance, etc. I think that I'm good, I actually can feel my breathing getting better.
It's so amazing that I would not have known that I had a collasped lung if it weren't for Dr. Macura making me go see a Pulmonologist. I am grateful for this. I, also, learned that as a Asthma patient, I'm supposed to see a Pulmonologist once a year. No one has ever told me that....SEE, EVERYDAY IS A SCHOOL DAY!!!!
April 10--DELAYING OF THE SURGERY
No appt. for ct scan because referral from HIP didn't come in time...rescheduled for April 17 at 11am. Hope I have the referral by then. HIP is a pain in the buttocks for me because my primary physician is not at the HIP center. IF you have HIP, stick with your in-network doctors, or else this process is horrible.
April 12th, I have the sleep study at Maimonidies Hospital since I couldn't do that on my birthday because I didn't have the referral in time for that either. I now have it, so for sure, April 12, I'll be there. I'll write after that.....
I'm happy when I complete these tasks because I'm 2 steps closer to starting my new life...Looked into Curves with my cousin whom I share a house with....she's been great during this process as far as support goes, going with me to the dr., etc. She's commited herself to working out with me, as well. I was surprised at how inexpensive Curves really is. 3x a week, 30 mins. a day...damn right I can do it. I'll start now and then when I have the surgery...I'm going to stop for 6 weeks and start back....they work with weight loss patients all the time. I was impressed by that.
Also, they have separate plans for toning and weight loss.
Listen at me...I sound like a walking advertisement for them! lol
I'm always amazed at people who have successful surgeries or WHATEVER and don't want to share with others. I think it's the greatest show of unappreciation to the creator. For instance, Starr Jones. Not to be judgemental, I find it really faulty and I think it says alot about her character as a person to not want to disclose THE FACT THAT SHE'S HAD WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY. WHAT IS SHE ASHAMED OF? She seems to be in good health (although WAY too skinny for me), why wouldn't she want to help someone else by sharing. I think that's horrible.
But if you know anything else about her....she's in denial of quite a few things...including the sexuality of her husband but HEY!.....that's another story in itself, so I digress.....
April 13--SLEEP STUDY
Hello everyone! I'm in a good place today/2nite. I guess because I completed that damn sleep study yesterday. Although, it was very nice, I must say. A hotel like room, nice staff (Maimonides Sleep Center) but it's not easy sleeping in an unfamiliar atmosphere with all the pressure to GO TO SLEEP!!!! I might very well have to go back because altogether I probaly slept about 2-3 hours. With all the plugs, in your head, on your face, on your chest, on your legs....it can be a little hard to get in a comfortable sleeping position. Anyway, I found out yesterday that Dr. Macura's office received the referral and so, they sent my paperwork off for approval. I hope everything works out ok because right now, I'm waiting for a few other follow-up appts....and from my understanding, you only have like a surgery window of 3 months after approval. I think that's long enough but with my luck, you never know. Let's see....I have the follow-up pulmonologist appt. on April 17.....I have a follow-up gastronenterologist appt. on April 25. I think I'm going to call tomorrow and see if I can change the gastro. appt. for something sooner, even if I have to go to another office. Other than that....I'm good to go....unless, these follow-up appts. don't go well and I need follow-up to the follow-ups....*sigh*
Anyway, we'll see!!! Also, the tech who worked with me all night at the sleep center (Dianne) had the lap band done and she looked great. We talked and vibed for a long time.....she shared alot of insight, I am very grateful. I felt it was more than coincidence that she was assigned to me. Thanks Dianne, you were great.
April 16---FINISHED ALL MY PRELIMINARY TESTS & GOALS
HAPPY EASTER!!! Today was a great day for me. I have the follow-up pulmonary visit tomorrow at 11am and I'm hoping everything goes just as great. I was thinking today about some of my post-op goals. I've seen this done on some other profile pages and well, here's my "things I miss doing and hope to do again post-op" list:
1. FIT (COMFORTABLY) IN A CAR SEAT/CAR (that doesn't naturally have large seats). My cousin has an Explorer and I swear, the smallest bucket seat I've ever sat in is screwed into her car!!!
2. FEEL GREAT WHEN SPEEDWALKING OR OTHERWISE EXERTING MYSELF. My mind feels like I can continue to walk but my heart and my lungs say otherwise.
3. OWN A PAIR OF JEANS THAT FIT BEAUTIFULLY AND DON'T SHOW MY ASS WHEN I BEND OVER. (I admit that this goal may take a long time because I have a big booty!!)
4. FIT IN A PAIR OF SHOES THAT AREN'T A SIZE 10 OR WW.
5. DO A SPLIT! AGGGHHHH! I remember how I used to be able to stretch, now I can't even tie my shoes without opening my legs to bend over.
6. TO EASILY GO THROUGH SLIM PASSAGEWAYS AND GO IN BETWEEN PEOPLE WITHOUT HAVING TO ALERT EVERYONE (BY LOUDING SAYING EXCUSE ME) THAT I NEED TO GET THROUGH.
7. GO SEE A OFF AND ON BROADWAY PLAY. (the seats)
8. FIT INTO A SIZE 18 AND HAVE IT FEEL LOOSE!!!!
9. TO LOOK BEHIND ME IN A MIRROR AND SEE MY WHOLE ASS IN REFLECTION.
10. Finally rock a short (Jada Pinkett) haircut!!!!
AND LASTLY.......11. FEEL AND BE HEALTHY! I WANT TO SHOOT A GAME OF ONE ON ONE WITH EASE.....SPEEDWALK/RUN A MILE WITH SIMPLICITY (NOT SINCE HIGH SCHOOL) AND RUN UP SUBWAY STAIRS, RUN THROUGH A TURNSTYLE (without squeezing through it) FOR A TRAIN AND NOT FEEL TOTALLY WINDED.
Well, that's it for 2nite....maybe I'll add more later.
I AM GOD'S CHILD
April 25---WAITING!
Well, it's early afternoon and I just got off the phone with the sleep center to see if my results have come in and they said no.
Pretty much, I'm waiting on that before this process can go further. My lungs are okay, but the pulmonologist said that he's concerned about my oxygen levels (especially when I sleep) and so he wants to see the results from the sleep study. It's so funny because before this process I did not think that I had Sleep Apnea, but now I think that I do. My cousin that lives with me said that she heard me snoring from outside the other night....lol...I knew that when I'm really tired I tend to snore but I didn't know I snored that loud! My paperwork was sent off from approval by Dr. Macura's office but somehow Healthcare Partners (the umbrella company for HIP) marked it as a Outpatient surgery so it has to be done over, not completely but like with an addendum included or something. I'm not really stressing that because they only give you a 2 month window and I don't want the time to even get CLOSE to expiring while waiting on this other stuff. So let's see.......
We're waiting on: Sleep Results for Pulmonologist (1)
Doctor visit to see if I still have the h-pylori.
(I hope they check by using a stool test, I don't want another EGD, even though it wasn't bad) (2)
After these clearances, I'll get a surgery date from Dr. Macura....YIPPEE!
Hopefully mid or late May!
May 2--APPROVED!!!
APPROVED FOR SURGERY, YIPPEE-YA-YAY!!!!
Now, If I could just get this other crap done!!!!;0)
| You Have Low Self Esteem 4% of the Time |
Which can be translated to mean, you have high self-esteem and a healthy sense of self worth.
You believe in yourself, and you know how to be the real you. You love yourself, imperfections and all. |
May 27-NO PROGRESS
Well, it's been a while since I've updated but really there is no progress at this point. The sleep study results came back and unfortunately I was unable to get any real testing done by them because I didn't fall into the second stage of sleeping (a deep sleep) so I have to go back. I went to Alabama (to visit my Grandmother with my Mother) for the week of Mother's day and so I couldn't get another appt. until May 28th. Sooooo, tomorrow I go to do that. And I have it all planned...I will not be going to sleep tonight at all!!! lol YUP, gonna pass out upon arrival at the place.
lol
Anyway, the results should take about 2 weeks to come back and then I'll get my surgery date....Hopefully, I will not need a Sleep Apnea machine....
I'm very hopeful that my lap band surgery will take place by the end of June, at the very latest. The great thing is...I've spoke to more and more people who has had the lap band and I'm now the most confident in my decision to have the band over the bypass. Yahoo even has this group called Extraordinary bandsters for us "bigger" bandsters.
Anyhoo....talk to you soon....
May 30---THE SECOND PART OF THE SLEEP STUDY!!!
Soooooo, I did the second sleep study on Sunday....(can you say, "Thank God that's over").
They made me sleep with that damn mask with all this damn oxygen going up your nose and they even had the utter nerve to turn the oxygen level up while you're sleeping...God forbid, you wake up....you feel like you're suffocating. It's just not....a pleasant experience to say the least.
Anyway...so there's a 80% chance that I have the damn sleep apnea. Whoopee! And to think I wouldn't have even known had I not have had to go through this testing process with Dr. Macura. IT'S SO IMPORTANT TO FIND A SURGEON WHOM IS CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR HEALTH BEFORE AND AFTER THE SURGERY AND REQUIRES PREREQUISITES FOR EACH PATIENT. It's a headache but it's reassuring to know in the end that you are putting your health first and not rushing full speed ahead.
Anyway, Mr. Flattery (the manager at Maimonidies Sleep Center) called me today to say that he would pull up my results today and pass them to the pulmonologist there to review and sign and then send them to Dr. Macura...so instead of this taking 2 weeks (like it normally would), it will probaly take a week. YIPPEE!!!!
IF I need the machine (CIPAP or whatever), they'll order it, I'll go in to schedule a date with Dr. Macura (which will have to be 2 weeks from the date I go in to see him so that I can use the machine for a full 2 weeks before surgery) at which time, I will be in the process of losing the weight that he requires I lose (hoping no more than 20 pounds), donate some blood to the hospital ( I think they require a pint just in case something happens while in surgery, that way there's no need for a transfusion) and get my other stuff ready! I can't believe I'm so close now. It feels surreal.
I can't imagine how it's going to be the morning before my surgery....I'm probaly going to be hysterical.
Until, I get more news, take care.
June 2--STILL WAITING!!!
Well, I contacted Dr. Macura's office and was pleasantly surprised to learn that they received the faxed sleep study results. It apears as if I was correct in assumig that I have Sleep Apnea. Gertrude read the results for me over the phone and stated that I had 103 episodes in total. I have been online all day researching this "Sleep Apnea" and you know what it's really sad that I would have to reserve myself to sleeping with this oxygen tank (that's what it is to me) attached to my face every night if it weren't for me deciding to have weight loss surgery.
Anyway, Dr. Macura's office has ordered the machine but the place where they ordered it said that they don't take HIP-Healthcare Partners, so Mon., they have to find a place that does.
When I receive the machine (hopefully it will be delivered to my house), I get to go see Dr. Macura for my consult and discuss a surgery date. I'm starting to feel nervous now and less anxious. Today, I had this overwhelming feeling that I should have the gastric bypass instead of the lap band surgery. Anyway.......I'll write more about that tomorrow.
June 9--MY SURGERY DATE!!!!
YESSSSS!!!! Go Danielle, go Danielle!!!! Georgie Porgie pudding pie!!!! I have a date!!!! July 17th. You have no clue how long I've been waiting to type these words....I have a date!!!!
lol
The cpap/humidifier was delivered to my house this morning and I was fitted for my mask....very nice, I must say.
Shortly after, I spoke to Jody at Dr. Macura's office who informed me of my last consult date--June 27 as well as the date for surgery---again, July 17. I have to call next weekend and make an appt. to go give blood and that's that until I have to do my pre-surgical stuff the day before surgery. I am so happy, I think I'll celebrate today!!!!
JUNE 27TH-20 DAYS BEFORE MY SURGERY!!!! THE LAST CONSULT WITH DR. MACURA!
Well, it's official.....I had my consult today with Dr. Macura and he said everything is ongo for the 17th of July. We talked....I asked my questions, and I left feeling comfortable and having complete faith that he is the best man for the job.
I have to lose 13 pounds before the 17th....he suggested the Slim-fast program (2 shakes and a sensible dinner) and so I'm going to do just that. I am very confident that I can lost 13 pounds by July 17th...hopefully 20 pounds. lol (I know, I'm getting ahead of myself). What's funny is I really when in to his office today, nervous and fully armored to talk about my decision to have the band instead of the bypass and you what? HE told me that he totally thinks the band would be ideal for me instead of the bypass.
I was elated, to say the least.
ANYWAY, ONWARD!!!!!!!
| D |
Dreamy |
| A |
Altruistic |
| N |
New |
| I |
Important |
| E |
Energetic |
| L |
Luxurious |
| L |
Loving |
| E |
Easy |
| Exotic Dancer Name Is... |
Illusion |
July 17,-12:07am-THE BIG DAY!!!!
Well, today is the day, ladies and gents. I have to be at the hospital in 6 hours and 20 mins for a 9am surgery and I'm feeling so many emotions right now. I'm all over the place. It's amazing because I feel like tomorrow is my wedding day or something. I can't believe it's happening! Finally, after all the hard work. I've gotten alot of shout-outs from alot of the members here on OH wishing me a safe surgery and uneventful recovery. Alot of them have brought me to tears....especially from my girl, Plum. You're next, girlfriend!!! And I really can't describe this feeling, which in itself is so beautiful. We get to feel it all by ourselves when we feel it.
Here's to being a bandster, baby!!!!!!!!!!
July 19-2 DAYS POST-OP!!!
It's official. I'm banded. I'm home and I'm feeling pretty good. Just the damn soreness in the stomach area. It feels like someone has been using my stomach as a punching/kicking bag to pratice on.
I actually could have been released yesterday but I opted to stay...I wanted to stay another day but they did everything possible to force me out, even got me free car service home...lol I took my cue and got on the good foot. I really don't know how people say they leave the same day as the surgery....no damn way.
ANYTHING INVOLVING BENDING (urinating, getting in and outta bed, washing, etc.) was and still is a miserable feeling.
Today, I had some protein (Isopure) so I'm feeling more energetic, along with my broth, sugarfree jello, and water. What's funny is that I feel stuffed like a tick after 2 teaspoons of everything.
I asked the doctor whether or not I could possibly have restriction already....he told me to enjoy the ride as long as I can...that the stomach is just swollen from the band being wrapped around it. I am a little nervous because I haven't had a bowel movement yet...which is rare for me. I'll wait until tomorrow, if nothing, I will call the doctor's office.
Also, I left the doctor with a prescription for vicodin. Haven't gotten it prescribed yet, will do it tomorrow.
Talk to YOU soon.....
OH, HOW COULD I FORGET THIS, I LEFT THE HOSPITAL HAVING LOST 3 MORE POUNDS. THAT'S 8 (I lost pre-op) plus 3=11 pounds, thus far!!!!
August 7-Basking in post-op delight (and some days not)
Hi ALL! It's been a while since I've posted but I've been basking (and some days not) in the delight of everything post-op!!!!
First of all, I wanted to say to all of those pre-ops....this stuff is really not a game. This head hunger stuff is real and it takes DISCIPLINE to really say that your surgery will not be in vain. It does get easier every day but I literally cried my first week post-op.
I had a dream about food and woke up in a panic, seriously!
I have decided that I will not weigh myself until I go to my surgeon's office. And since that won't be until August 29 (for my first fill)...I have a ways to go. I might make a special trip just to check on things. Seeing the weight come off is inspiring.
I will say that my surgeon, Dr. Macura, really pushes the whole theory that the first 6 weeks is about healing, not about weight loss. However, it is my belief that it is only natural that you're going to lose weight given the extreme change in diet during that time. I lost a total of 17 pounds in 1 week (and 1 day)post op and I was floored! It really does happen, ladies and gents.
Right now, I feel different....I'm stunned at how my feet and ankles aren't swollen anymore and how I'm breathing differently after walking the stairs. I touch the port area and still can't believe that I did it. I don't know when that will change. Things are great.
I'll write more after the first fill on 8/29.
August 27-Growing pains
Well, today is a bad day for me, I'm pretty bitter about a situation that I just walked away from, not as far as the surgery but sometimes I question the choices that I make and wonder if I have a self-destructive personality. I have decided to not sabotosh my success on ANY level ANY longer. Everything that I want for myself will be a goal.......If I want a great guy that isn't selfish, I have to stop thinking that the selfish things that he does doesn't make him selfish. Call a duck a duck and stop blaming others for my participation in bullshit. My Mom said that taking responsibility for everything that happens to you means that you're growing up. I guess this is my growing pain.
Anyway, I guess I'm looking forward to Tuesday, getting my first fill. Although, I have a feeling I'm going to be very tight because I still have some restriction and the pain of something getting stuck is not pretty.....I don't look forward to the feeling happening more often because I mistakenly took too big of a bite or didn't chew, chew, chew. But I guess I have to learn.
September 26-Loving my band!!!!
Hi Everyone! Did I tell yall how much I'm loving my band!!!!! I am elated to say that I have lost 37 pounds since lap band surgery without one fill! Who says it can't be done!!!!! My biggest challenge is me and I can take her, baby!!!!
My first fill experience was great!!!! Thanks Dr. Sherwinter at Dr. Macura's office!!!! It took all of 2 mins. Originally I had 1.5 cc put in but when I did the swallow test with the water, I didn't feel the water slide down nicely...it kinda felt caught up a little in my throat so he took out .2 cc. I found out today that I had .5 cc put in when the lap band was inserted on the day of surgery so altogether I have 1.8 cc in right now. I'm doing liquids today so I can't really tell you about my restriction but I will keep you posted!
Bandsters do it BABY!!!!! Shout out to my girl, La-la (Plum) who has also lost mucho weight without having her first fill. You inspire me, Missy! AND my girl, Barbara whose 2+ years post-op and been a true inspiration to me, mi italiano sista!
October 11-And the pounds just keep coming off!!!
4 more pounds lost people!!! Yippee, yahoo!!! I'm estatic! It's only been 2 weeks since my first fill and while it's not alot, I'm very happy with it. Especially since I don't feel major restriction. My primary doctor is so happy. She just kept smiling at me today during my visit. She says she can definetely see it in my face. I will say that my clothes are starting to feel really baggy. Which is really weird for me, being as though I usually wear things fitted. HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHERISSE!!! R.I.P. I MISS YOU SO MUCH AND I DON'T KNOW HOW I'M LIVING WITHOUT YOU.
I can't wait for so many things:
1) Getting my BMI under 60!----DONE!!!!!
2) Jogging!
3) Wearing a size 22 again (haven't since high school)
4) Doing a split!
5) Not having to put up the arm of the chair at the movies!
6) Having some muscle tone in my arms!
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