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Before & After There are currently no before and after photos for this member. See these instructions if you wish to submit your own Before & After photos. Surgeon Testimonial Alan H. Brader, M.D. Dr Brader was truely funny. He was informative and drew for me pictures of what was going to be done to me. Though he should not go for a job in art, his communication skills worked like a charm and I was quite happy with him. Member Interests
Latest Surgery Support Comments
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A new beginning
My Story 34 years old married 5 years 3 kids. I have many animals even a dog with diabetes and is blind! I've always been over weight. I really got down to a great size when I was on phen phen. I mean that was the best diet pill ever. Then they took it off and I got married. (the new me!) Well marriage was touch and go I ended up getting depressed and had anxiety attacks. Started the pills for depression. The weight crept on slowly. Before I knew it I was eating to ease the deppression that i was gaining all my weight back. I'm not 120 lbs more than I was before I got married. I feel horrible. Weight really is a factor in your life. My daughter is over weight also. I'm positive it is a gene thing. My father is over weight but he won't admit it as he gets older. I am looking for my daughter to get into something to lose some pounds before even thinking about surgery for her. But it will come I know it.  6/13/2005 I have just gotten so nervous today. I been reading this site and well I was okay up until I did that. Now my stomach is in knots and I'm nervous having anxiety. I just don't want to fail. All my life that is all that it has been failure. I mean I've never stuck to doing one thing. I've never finished anything. See I'm rambling. I'm going to get some sleep. 12 days to go. 6/14/2005 Oh my I have only 10 more days. I'm so nervous. I didn't tell you my whole story about how this all came about. Well 10/2004 I had a coworker who is also over weight with diabetes talk to me about the WLS. We talked she joked. I said hey what a great idea. I was thinking this was great! A new me a new life, I knew it would be work but I needed something to take me off the roller coaster so I pursued it. She thought I was joking I called got my appointment with Barix Clinics in PA. It was a great time with them. The chairs though freaked me out. I was just in a corner of them I could have laid down and took a nap they were so big. I said to myself this place Is not for me. Well I gave my information to this young lady. ( I have totally forgot her name) but she was funny. She eased my nervousness and I felt at ease. Dr. Brader came in last and we had a great conversation. I was okay when I left. Felt I took the first step to freedom. I'll post more later. Ta Ta. *** I'm back,I was at work previously and well you know how that is. Anyway after I left there I started the ball rolling with my insurance. I called them and asked them about the benefits for surgery. I was told that only a facility could ask for that information. I was stunned. I wondered how was I to know the out of pocket costs. Determined I called Barix and they began getting the information. I've been doing so much dealing with depression, tests, thyroid etc..that my insurance just approved it right away in December 2004. I received the letter first. But did not hear anything from Barix on what to do next. I called my patient counselor and asked the question what is going on? She forwarded me to Rena and well Rena said she never received a letter from my insurance stating there was a benefit. I faxed over my letter to her and she called and got approval. I had not problem what so ever with my insurance. Next step was the Psych eval. That was a trip within it's self. I could not find anyone to give me an appointment in a short time. They were 6 months out. Finally after digging and going into another state I was able to find one. I got an appointment the next week. I was so happy! I called my insurance to make sure of the benefit for a psych eval. I was told 15.00. Great! I went paid my 15.00 and sat for 3 hours taking the test and getting psyched. lol I waited a week before calling about my results. The test was funny. I laughed my way through it. It was asking questions like if you see a dog on fire would you help it or let it burn? Anyway to make a long story short. The office would not release my report until I paid $150.00 which was for the report itself. I asked were they crazy. She said no and hung up. I called the insurance they told me they were wrong and I should have my report for the copay only. I called left messages etc. This went on for a month. I finally had to file a complaint with my insurance company to get her to release my report. They went after the office and one day in the mail poof there was my report. I danced and danced so happy. I called Rena and faxed it over. They had already closed my case because there was no activity. I said OPEN it back up!.....to be continued. 6/15/05 Today I have an appointment with my pcp. I called and the receptionist is so not into me having this operation. When I started looking into it she first said that it will take a LONG time to get approved for someone like me. I have nothing wrong with me except I eat too much. A diet will do. I rolled my eyes at her. This was back in November. Now I called last Friday and I told her that I had my surgery date and do I contact my doctor now or after. She said what! Am I sure I got all the tests and everything done. That was too quick for someone like me. I ignored her and reasked my question. She said it was my call. She was not helpful. So I said I'd see my doctor (who by the way is the best doctor in the world) She gave me an appointment reluctantly. So I'm going there this afternoon. I have heartburn so bad lately. I think I'm just really nervous. I've never really had heartburn except when I was pregnant. And that isn't the case now. My tubes are gone. I can hump all I want with no issues. lol Anyway I'll get back to the rest of that story this afternoon. Take Care! 6/16/05 Went to my PCP yesterday because i wanted to see if he would be willing to follow up with my progress. He was so excited for me gave me a high five and everything. I was happy to see he was thrilled. He gave me some prilosec for my heartburn from the iron pills. I was really hurting there with the burning sensation. All is well 8 more days to go. This is going soooooooooo slow. I'm nervous and truely scared but I have faith in the man above that I will make it. He's never put anything in my way I've not come out of. So I leave it up to him. Have a wonderful day! 6/18/05 Count down 6 days. I'm am very nervous again. I am extra hungry today. I've been eating like crazy. I think it is that time of the month. I am wondering if I come on will that stop my surgery date. I will call and ask on Monday. I don't think I want to cramp and be in pain too. That would not be much fun. Also worried that my husband won't be there for me like I need him to be. I'm worried he'll leave me like he normally does to fend for myself. I need to stop worrying. Night Night everyone. 6/19/2005 Well, my website is now spruced up! I'm excited over this. Feels so happy! I'm a BIG collector of smiley faces. I have now 257 peices of smiley memorabilia. I even have a smiley car license plate and floor mats for my car. Some people say that I have mental issues and I say who doesn't. The world doesn't need frowns. We need smiles, and good feelings. I'm hungry again today. Had a huge bowl of cereal this morning. I'll see how the rest of the day goes. 5 days and counting. ** I still have heartburn. I'm taking the medicine that my doctor prescribed. It helps but I was trying not to use it at all in order to be drug free for Surgery. This won't be the case. I've got the runs today. Must be all this eating I'm doing. I quit eating cold turkey after my first bout. Don't want and upset tummy this week at all! Well onto the rest of this story on how I came this far..Last I left off Rena had closed my account due to inactivity. (Please I was working on my case day and night) she opened it back up after I faxed over the psych report. It took about 3 days for me to recall and ask what was going on. I was told my paperwork was off to to the scheduling dept. I wondered how far the dept was, next room, next floor, next building, another state? Finally after two more days passed I received a phone call from the scheduler she was so nice and bubbly. (my kind of gal) And she talked to me and told me what my date was June 24, 2005. I was so happy!!!! I told my husband and he was like okay. (My husband is another story all together..lol) But I got scheduled for my pre-op testing May 31, 2005. My husband took off to be supportive and slept while I was getting tested. He didn't ask too many questions when he had the chance but all in all it lasted 4 hours. I passed with flying colors except my low iron count. So that is my story...till next time. :-) 6/21/2005 Okay countdown coming close. I'm not nervous anymore. It's going soooooooo slow. 3 Days and counting 6/22/2005 I've recieved som well wishes here and I just wanted to say thank you. I feel alone sometimes. No that is most of the time. Life has never and I repeat never been easy for me. I'ts dealt me one blow after another. So I'm saying to myself right now is this worth it. I ate my last meal tonight full meal. and to think it was only oodles of noodles some corn and a veggi burger. And I all of a sudden felt like I won't make it. I missed food that fast. Now i'm on here reading all the issues some people have and how at work i'm expected to be back in two weeks. What happens if I don't come back in that amount of time. I'm wondering if I will still have a job. Boy 'm worring all over again. I shouldn't do this. I used to be one who thought about suicide 24/7 (that has since ended thanks to meds and therapy) and here I am fussing over this operation. This is how I see it. If I can have 4 kids then i can go through this. Emails are nice..you can send all you want. Take care ! 6/23/2005 Okay I have a time! 12:30 pm. I was hoping it to be early morning. So that the nervousness won't be there but I'm happy with what ever I can get. Okay it's later on today and let me tell you my husband without going into detail is a pain. I mean it is all about him. I don't have anyone to talk to. He just remains positive no matter what I say. I mean if I say honey I'm nervous. He'll tell me nothing to be nervous about and and keep doing what he is doing. I know that is really stupid but i'm looking for someone to to at least say what are you nervous about? And at least let me get it off my chest. I can't talk to him. Anyway I just had to get that off my chest. I'll update as soon as i'm back and have the strength. 6/24/2005 See the wait is just long! I had a great sleep I'm dizzy from lack of food but I'll make it. I'll get heart burn and gas soon. That always follows when the belly is empty. Well I have 5 and 1/2 hours to go. I'm not nervouse just want it over with and begin over again. So see ya later.. 6/27/2005 Okay I am home now. I'm feeling pretty good. My surgery went well. The pain was okay it was the gas that was unbearable. I had two IV's on in each hand and they were painful after a while. I'm still swollen from the one that was mainly used. I was lonely in the hospital there was only three of us on the floor and we were scattered. I'll write more on the days in the hospital. I'm getting about one hour and a half of sleep at a time getting up and then sipping or "eating" as i'm supposed to. broth, jello, popicles. so i think i'm on target with my liquids. Havent' weighted myself. I really am not that anxious to do that. I just want to feel normal. My period came on yestreday. Damn threw a monkey wrench in the whole thing. But I'm okay. Thanks! 6/28/05 Okay, I'm at a tolerant point of sitting. I'm doing okay. Have not lost one point yet! But that is okay. It will come off eventually i can't get angry just yet. I am tripping though. I mean I am so anxiety ridden right now. Everything that goes wrong i'm worried. I have the runs and well I'm thinking I'm dying some how. My legs are crampy. Both in the same spots. I think I have a blood clot. I mean I've been so what can go wrong since coming home I'm not enjoying anything. I do have headaches which are like flashes of light just come and go. My leg cramps are because of my period. They are not hot and warm, they do not have a knot in them it goes away. I'm just driving myself crazy. Last night I had to take the pain medication just to sleep. I was not sleepy I was worried. So many things go wrong with this and I realized this is forever. Not just till the end of the week but forever. I will never be the same again and well I knew this going in but it is now final and it's really scary. Now I wonder why and is it worth it. I'm not hungry but i'm religiously sticking to broth, 2 cans a day, popsicles, about 10 a a day, 2 bottles of water, 5-6 jello. so that I stay hydrated. I'm not wanting to go and get rehydrated from the hospital. I just realized by rereading my book i can have some of my protein things i bought as long as they are clear. so I'm drinking some protein ice tea. it tastes pretty good. No complaints. I have a burning in the middle of my chest recently. I can still sip the same and the doctor said this would happen. Anyway if anyone wants to email me please do I need all the friends I can get. thanks.  7/3/2005 I'm finally on the losing side. Lost 6 lbs so I'm now 255#. Finally all that gas and bloating is subsiding. It has not been the greatest feeling. I'm feeling pretty good despite. Sometimes I get really tired and I get up everyday @ 4 am so that may be the culprit. Just recieved my papers. I won't return to work until 7/24. I was originally supposed to go back on the 11th. So the extra time is good. I was worried there about making my shakes. Until next time. 7/4/2005 Happy 4th of July everyone! I didn't do anything. Just hungry today and tired. I can sleep like a bear now adays. I get up at 5 am have a shake watch tv. Try to excercise snack time, soup time, shake time, popsicle time. But I really want to chew! I'm only on full liquids and well..the soup it getting old fast. I'm going to stick it out but the salmon that my hubby cooked today smelled sooooooo good. I didn't cheat and try to taste it I just chilled. I'm full of water now. had a good day. 7/6/2005 Well I'm doing okay. Eating resting, eating resting. And sitting at my computer. The only complaint I have now is the fact I can't concentrate on anything. I'd rather sleep than anything. Depression? I sure hope now. Life is good. Till next time. 7/7/05 Just wanted to say I'm 10 lbs down. I checked yesterday even though i said i was not. I swear I feel i'm eating all day long. I eat every 3 hours just about. 1/2 cup of something. I don't know what is going to happen with work they screwed my over for my benefits. I'm just going to wait. I'll call today. I have to go out and grab a kid to get some food today. Oh and I put on my size 20 pants and the fit! That is a good thing. I think I lost more inches than pounds. I'm trying not to even get bent out of shape over all this but it is hard. Life is good. God is great. Take care! 7/8/05 Well I have hit officially two weeks! 10lbs down per my scale. I am okay except I was constipated. I've been taking liquid iron. I am very anemic and I'm not sure the flinstones will help so I bought some liquid iron from the bariatrix store. I can tell it's working. :-0 Other than that no problems. Sometimes i fell like something is pulling and I did way too much yesterday. but I'm okay. Take care! 7/9/05 I felt terrible yesterday. Sick to my stomach aches and pains. I went to sleep and stayed there. I feel so much better today. got in my protein shake and back on the road again. Life is good God is great. 7/11/2005 Feel okay today. My homelife is a wreck. My short term disability only approved me until 7/14/05 to go back to work. I asked about it. I said all my paperwork states that I was not going back until 7/24 but they said that I can do work since I'm at a desk job. My only issue with this is that I will have no way to eat. My job has no refrigerator or microwave or anywhere for me to make a protein shake. So I don't know what to do. Talk to ya later! 7/19/05 Okay here is the scoop. I'm back to work since 7/18/05 and I had to train another person. It was okay. But I think I'm doing too much running around. I'm not feeling good today. I had a sharp pain in my pelvis area. then I almost passed out in my car coming home. I got home and layed down and it felt better when I woke up. I got up and went to the store. I wasn't feeling any better by 20 minutes and layed back down. so here I am at 2 in the morning on the computer not feeling to well again. I guess I better call the doctor. It might be nothing if when I lye down it goes away. keep ya posted. 7/22/2005 Well I called the doctor and I was told it was gas. Gas is painful as Hell! Anyway I am having lots of trouble with my protien at work and I was told to try the tuna and cottage cheese while at work. It is kinda hard getting these things in at this pureed stage but I have one more week to go. I can make it! I'm at my 4 week mark I'm so happy I've gotten this far. I'm not on the scale at all. I just feel it will go as it may and I won't stress over it. I have other things to worry about. :-) Have a great day everyone! 7/28/2005 Been a minute since i updated. Tomorrow I hit 5 weeks. I've lost 22 lbs. I know its a bummer but I am not going to fret..this will work for me I know it will. I really don't look forward to eating regular foods. I'd rather just continue to eat pureed. That is funny but it is the truth. Work is going well. I have to remind myself to eat and drink. That is the tough part. Well I'll update again. Talk to you soon. 8/7/05 Well not much has been going on...I've lost 30 lbs. I went to the doctors and he said this was normal considering i'm not exercising. I said I try but my leg hurts right now. i have been hobbling for a little bit. I have started on solid foods and so far..i like the dinty more beef stew..and oat meal and crab and shrimp and soup and chicken..and popsicles and thenormal stuff..i had some protein bars they were okay...dry..some were nasty. Not getting in my protien. I have to do better. I weight 235.5. Talk to you soon 8/11/05 Off from work today..many reasons..my leg got screwed up somehow and can't walk on it and blood in my urine. Okay..well I went to the doctor on Tuesday for the leg thing..he gave me pain medicine and to get an xray told me it was my back. Now i woke up today with blood in the urine..didn't know whether to go to the emergency room or not..kinda freaked me out. Called my PCP and he told me to just make and appointment. Have one @ 1:30. Watch Maury and got emotional today. I'm so sad about society and being obese or fat or what ever they want to call it. Everyone acts like I want to be like this..I don't which is why I've spent over 50K to trying to get skinny. But why. Don't I love myself either way I am? Why did I cut myself up in order to become accepted? I don't regret doing this but I wonder exactly why it was it was done..why there even is a procedure like this..why can't we change the way the nation eats..onlyoffer healthy food..not fattening food.. We should all be on the same page. I've still got my food demons. I feel they have not been addressed adn when I address them no one listens..so I'm alone again with a different stomach competion than everyone else because of it. Its scary..to even thing about. I"m off to the doctors.  8/30/05 Today I feel really lousy. I must have dumped earlier. I had a gel dynamic and some spagetti o's and felt really weird afterward. Now I'm just gassy and icky. I went to sleep and woke up and still feel icky. I have a pain where my gall bladder is. I know it will have to come out. I don't know how much weight I have lost I just try to live healthy and not think about it. I know I'll lose eventually but changing my habits is the goal here not the weight. If I change the weight will follow. Ta Ta. 9/20/05 Been a little while since I wrote. Things are okay. I am doing fine. Weighted myself today I'm 50lbs down in 3 months. Not bad. I'm quite happy with the slow weight loss at times. The slower the better. My health and body can adjust better. I haven't had my three month appt yet. It got cancelled and I have to go this Friday. I'm in a size 16 from a size 22/24. The only thing that is missing is my panty size. It is still huge. Oh well. Everyone take care! I haven't been here in a while. Sorry guys. I've been busy doing busy things. Weight loss has been very good. I mean I've had my stalls and all but most of the time it comes off. Recently though I have felt very nauseaus after eating. So I barely eat. I know that i wrong but what else to do? I have had issues with the burning in the stomach that only good old pepcid can get rid off. I tell the doc he says its nothing..but a stomal ulcer. Okay..i say how to fix it. It comes like clock work..but its okay now. Gall bladder trouble as normal. I'm waiting to go into the hospital to get it out. Husband trouble. You know how that goes. We look at whom we are with after feeling better about ourselves and say what was I thinking..I can do better. So...trouble is a brewing because I found another..i wont' go into details here..but you know how it goes. One treats you better than the other then off we go..My kids are great! Growing and well i'm happy they see me happy. So until then..I'm now at 180.00 a 81 lb loss so far. Take care everyone! 12/17/2005 Holy smokes. Life has taken a change for the better. I have finally made t0 179. I haven't eaten anything right this last month. Nothing sweet..but lots and lots of carbs. My period is the culprit. Lord forbid how to get over that every month. I haven't exercised either. Bad me. To be honest chicken is making me sick now..so I eat crackers. I don't get nausea from it and i'm cool. I think I'm eating too fast. I do have a new job I'm excited over. I'm a little apprehensive about my weight. I just have t his feeling all this will be in vain. I will try to get in more water..I only get about a bottle a day in..I drink other things but i'm no where close to the 70 oz i'm supposed to drink. I'll do better. Won't go to the christmas party..at my job. Nothing but sweets galore. I'm staying away. Gotta run.  Went to the doctors and he was so happy about my weight. I'm down 75 lbs. He says he does not need to see me until a year out. Have to get the blood work looked at but other than that all is good. I'm thrilled. Hubby is going out of his mind. WE will be getting a divorce. Nothing to do with surgery. But then again it just might. gotta run..Size 10 now. March 29, 2006 Well Long time again. Haven't been busy just lazy. I'm now about 155 lbs. From 261 that is over 100 lbs. I'm really happy i want to lose more. Just for that cushion. I have to get on the exercise kick again. Spring is here and my flesh isn't firm like i want it. I'm going to jump on the bike this weekend. I'm in a size 9 now. Which is good. I eat alot of carbs though. and meat. Yeah I know. Bad me. I will quit asap. Gotta run.. 4/21/2006 I'm stuck at 150 lbs I want to at least to 40 lbs. My period is trying it's best to just ruin things for me. All I want is popcorn. I can eat still my 1/2 cup yet at times I'm sure i eat about a cup. Depends on the mood. But I eat all day..not bad things..just I munch all day long. I have to get back to just eating 3 good meals and 3 good snacks to get this weight going again. Husband and I are really on the rocks. But that is another story all together. I gotta run..be good every one!  Well My year is almost here. The 24th. I feel great. I bit confused but great. I haven't made a doctors appointment yet but I will. I'll update after that has happened. Take care. |
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