Latest update at the bottom.

(sorry cant get the hang of this new format)

10-4-2004:

Met with the surgeon, and have scheduled many pre op appointments. After all are completed, will submit paperwork for surgery. Approval could take 4-6 weeks, then another 4 weeks or so to schedule surgery. Trying not to get my hopes up to much or get excited just yet.

10-20-2004:

Have had my blood work, chest x-ray, and gastroscopy completed. Have my psy eval next week then the Dr will submit it all to my ins for approval!


11-2-2004:

Had psy evaluation today. It went well, Im "officially" sane lol! Called surgeon and he said he got the fax, and sent everything to ins company this pm!! Hope to hear from them in a few weeks. Keep fingers crossed for me!


11-15-2004:

Looks like im gonna have to start the process allll over again!

My Dr isn't in the PPO network, and I knew that and was willing to pay the $3,000 out of pocket fees till my plan would then pay at 100%. What I failed to realize is that it doesn't mean id only have to pay up to the $3,000, but since he's not in the network, they don't consider every dollar towards the $3,000 deductible, just what the normal charges would be. Of course my Dr charges more than what they consider "normal charges" so my out of pocket $3,000 can really go sky high.......Hope I explained it correctly
Bottom line....back to square 1 with a new Dr!


12-17-2004:

I have my 1st appointment with Dr Kim on January 13th in Syracuse. I also am going to an info meeting on January 3rd at SUNY Upstate Medical University. I have had blood work done, ekg, and am going for a stress test on the 27th of this month. Glad to have started over again with a new Dr, and hopefully can have surgery in 6 months when my nutritional and exercise therapy is complete.


3-12-05

Have my psy eval this week. Love Dr Kim. I never feel rushed with him, he answers all my questions. Ive been going to support group meetings, and trying to loose weight pre-op. I think ive bought every WLS book out there. The best one so far is the weight loss surgery for dummies book, and Susan Maria's book. Both are very helpful and packed with information.


3-24-05

Had my 3rd apt with dr Kim. I need 3 more for the 6mo requirement for the ins company. It seems like im doing everything I need to, to get approval. Just wish it didint take so long!

5-5-05

I had my 4th apt with Dr Kim. Im getting excited, the wheels are turning, and im feeling very hopeful. Ill see him agian this month. Ive bought a sample pack of protein and it taste like chalk......... YUCK!!

6-10-05
They sent in the ins paperwork and...

**********************IM APPROVED!!**************************

~*~*~*~*~*MY DATE IS AUGUST 19th!~*~*~*~*~*


7-11-05
I had a talk with a good friend of mine today, and was reminded of why I want this surgery. My friend is about 450 lbs and she had fallen. Shes been in the hospital for months, and now is confined to her home. Her family is not helping her as they should, and shes very down. I wish I was closer by so I could help her. I was reminded of what could happen when you are so obese. ll continue to pray for my friend, and hope she can recover from this fall. Just another reason for me to get healthy. I know im doing the right thing having WLS.

7-19-05
OMG my surgery is 1 month from today!!! I cant believe it. Ive been waiting since last year, and now ist just a month away.:o) Im excited, scared, nervous, and have 1,000 things going on in my mind.

Im sure this is the right step for me to take, but im getting anxious and a little worried. Mostly about how ill feel after, how ill adjust without food as a comfort, how it will effect my husband and our relationship. I know its all normal to feel like this, guess I just need to vent a bit. I also have a bit of "the last meal" syndrome going on..........not to bad, but still I hope to loose a bit more before surgery.

08-22-05
Im HOME!!!!!!!! Everything went super, my Dr said "text book". Feeling sooooo much better since taking a shower and at home. I was a little teary Saturday night....a little of "what have I done to myself" and probally the moraphiene. But today im feeling really good!!!! Not able to sleep the best, but other than that very well. :):)

08-24-05

Things I want to do when healthy
1. Horseback riding
2. Go to Disney
3. Not sweat from March to November**done**
4. Get rid of diabeties, high blood pressure, sleep apena.**done**
5. Go to the beach and swim
6. SHOP,SHOP,SHOP **done**
7. Feel sexy in skirts
8. Be more active outdoors**done**
9. Hug my hubby all the way around.**done**
10. Go to the state fair
11. Go to a spa for the day
12. Hike**done**
13. Bike ride
14. Feel more confident at social events.**done**
15. Not worry about booths at resturants.**done**
16. Swing and play on playground equiptment.
17. Get off RX's**done**
18.Take yoga classes
19.Fit better in seats at movies**done**
20. CROSS MY LEGS!!!!!**done**
21. Hot air baloon ride.....(MAYBE)
AND MANY MORE!!!!!!


MUST HAVES POST OP!!!

Vanilla Very Berry Protein
Benefiber
Da Vinci sugar free syrup
Splenda
Bariatric Advantage Vitimans
B 12 GNC

9-25-05


Just over a month post op and feeling good. Ive lost 26 and was on a "stall" for 2 1/2 weeks, but now ive lost 3 more! Its so good to see the scale move. I was wondering if the surgery would really work for me. Im able to get 70ish grams of protein in a day with foods, 1 protien shake and 1 stallone pudding from drugstore.com. Im walking, doing the total gym and a mini trampoliene called "the urban rebounder". Ive got a spot in the basement set up with a tv and vcr so I exercise there. My husband and I also go for walks outside. My energy is good and Im feeling great. Im worried about the hair loss that comes in the 3rd month or so, but am taking biotin, 70 grams protein, and using nioxin shampoo since 1 month pre op. My hairs thin to begin with, hopefully the loss will be small.

10-03-05
I HAVE THE FOAMIES!

OMG I ate something I shouldnt have and have had the foamies for 4 hrs now. I also have a BAD tummy ache. I had suger free cookies (2) and I guess they were to much like bread that I know many people have a problem with. I did throw up some, but have been spitting up saliva for four hours now. The good news is that this feeling will be a deteriant from now on. Usually I dont feel hungry or full either, I just eat my 4 oz. Now ill have this in my mind when tempted to overeat, a great way to avoid this agian. Otherwise im doing super. Ive lost 32 now and feel good most of the time. Im able to get vitimans in, 80-100 oz of water, and 60-80 grams of protein.


10-12-05

I just got my protein delite vanilla very berry powder mix from Susan Marias site. WOW ITS SOOOO GOOD!!!!! I would recomend this to anyone who like a berry mix and hasent found a protein shake that you like. I also get a chocolate protien mix from wall mart.......the advent edge brand. Ive added Bennifiber to the shakes to give me a bit of fiber I need (you can guess why;)) and it isnt even noticed.

10 RULES FOR SUCCESS!!


1. EAT THREE SMALL MEALS PER DAY.
4 oz volume each meal.

2. EAT ONLY HEALTHY FOODS.

3. EAT SLOWLY, SENSE FULLNESS AND THEN STOP.
This is a tool. Let it work for you.

4. NO SNACKING BETWEEN MEALS.

5. DO NOT DRINK FLUIDS WITH THE MEAL.
Stop liquids 1/2 hour before a meal and start liquids 1 - 1 1/2 hour's after a meal.

6. ALL LIQUIDS MUST BE ZERO CALORIES.

7. EXERCISE FOR AT LEAST 1/2 HOUR EVERY DAY
(IM TRYING MY BEST!)

8. PROTEIN, PROTEIN, PROTEIN!!!!!
80 grams or more a day.

9. DRINK YOU'RE WATER.
Im getting 80-100 oz daily.

10. TAKE YOUR VITAMINS/SUPPLEMENTS EVERY DAY!
This includes a multivitamin, calcium citrate, iron and B12.



10-31-05


I didint have any sweets,and it was a bit of an emotional day for me. I got teary and told my husband "its my 1st halloween without chocolate!". Its a big emotional adjustment. I did have fun handing out treats, and bought candy that wasent tempting to me (no chocolate!)



11-01-05

Two years have passed and I still miss you Tina!

11-04-05
I had 2 great moments today!
1st at work I told my co-teachers that id only lost 2 lbs this week. Then one teacher said "I bet its the 1st Halloween week you've ever LOST weight!". That did make me feel good, because usually id eat candy the entire month of October.
The 2nd moment was when I was in the yard out front, and a neighbor said "Wow you look great! Youve lost weight!" They didint know I had WLS and it was nice for them to notice on there own.



11-10-05

50 gone for good!!!!


Ive lost 50 as of today! WOOOOO HOOOOOOO. 1/2 centuary club!!!!!!!!!

While I was at the grocery store yesterday, I ran into a friend who I havent seen since surgery, and she had a stunned look on her face. We talked for a sec and then she said "youve lost weight" and I knew the first stunned look was her noticing my loss. It felt good to hear that, I feel it in my clothes, but my mind hasent caught up to my body just yet.



12-05-05

I was a bit discouraged last week. I weigh in on Fridays officially (alough I do weigh every day) and the scale hadent moved! What the heck??? Its the 1st time thats happened since my 2nd week "stall". I was very down about no loss for the week. I know im doing everything I should be doing, and with so much weight still to loose, I dont want things slowing down yet. Well today I got on the scale, and im down 5!! Yeaaa!! I know most people say not to get on the scale to often, and its just for this reason......IT PLAYS WITH YOUR MIND! Today im on cloud 9, Friday I was an emotional blob. What a roller coster. Its a good reminder that the weight WILL come off, I just need to continue to do the things I am doing, listen to my body, and pouch.

I had a "wow" moment this weekend. My cousin Joeanne sent me a huge box of beautiful clothes.......dresses, skirt outfits, pants, blouses, capris, just everything you could imagine. Absolutely beautiful clothes!!! This past weekend I thought about trying on this black top. I wasent sure it would fit, but it did!!!!! I almost cried! My mind hasent caught up to my body size, and I just keep looking at it and thinking "wow this FITS ME". I called her to let her know I can wear it, and cant wait till spring to wear all the pretty skirts!!!


12-17-05
Hi everyone! Im doing great.....almost 4 months out (Tuesday the 19th) and im down 68!! Im doing well with my 4 oz, and figure most days I get in 700 calories, 60-70 grams of protein, and 20-30 gramsof carbs. On the down side my hair is starting to shed......I hope it doesnt get worse. I do take GNC hair, skin, and nails, as well as horsetail. Ive taken biotin for years, and started the nioxin shampoo and conditioner 1 month pre op. I get in 60-70 grams of protein a day, so im doing all I can do to help the hair loss. I think its because of the rapid weight loss, and shock to my whole system. Ive even looked at some wigs if it gets to that point, but Im praying it doesnt. My hair is curly, but thin to begin with. I know this is just a phase I have to deal with. Right now its not noticible to anyone but me. Im just gonna cross my fingers and pray it doesnt get to bad.

Enjoy the holidays everyone, and all the best in 2006!!!


1-01-2006!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I got on the scale this am, and im now down 75 lbs!!!! Im so happy what a great new years day present for me!! Im now determined to loose 25 by my birthday in early March....I KNOW ILL DO IT!! Its exciting to think of all the changes ill have in 2006 with this weight loss, right now im full of hope and positive thoughts!






1-15-2006
Someone posted this today on the message board's and I thought it was worth putting here also!!

***What everyone needs to know……. about weight loss.

You will lose weight in cycles. For a period of time you’ll lose pounds and this will be very satisfying as you see the scale move lower and lower. Then a period of time will come when you will not lose any weight. You will probably get some typical negative thoughts such as “The surgery failed”, “I messed up my pouch”, “I’m the only person this surgery will not work for” or a hundred other negative thoughts.

This time is called a stall. The stall may last a couple of days, a week, or more than one week. Your body will stop losing weight to “catch up” with itself. You’ll lose inches during the stall. Whether you lose inches or weight....it is still a loss. You’ll feel your clothes get looser. You may even notice that during a stall that you’ve dropped a size (or two).

If you will keep a daily record of your weight loss and a weekly record of your measurements -especially during your stall period - it will help confirm the loss.

The single best piece of advice I can give you is to not compare yourself with others. Every person loses weight at their own speed. When you hit a stall…. DON’T PANIC! This is normal and should be expected.

If you’re like me, and you probably are, your first reaction will be to get depressed, get stressed, and try to turn to food for comfort. This is the worst thing you can do. Someone stated on this message board recently...

“Most dreams are lost by giving up what we want MOST for what we want at the MOMENT”.

Don’t succumb to this! You’re stronger than you realize.

GREAT ADVICE!!!

1-27-2006

I wanted to update everyone on how im doing. Im now down 83lbs, and off my blood pressure meds, acid reflux meds, and insulin (20-30 units, 70/30 mix, 3 times a day) !!!The only RX im on now is the synthroid for my thyroid. I CANT BELIEVE IT!!! Its just amazing to me. Im feeling good! The past few weeks ive only lost 1 pound a week, and this week ive lost 5. Lets hope that rate continues:):



Here it is my 6 month anniversary! Im down 87lbs. Im feeling good, and glad to say the hair loss hasent been bad. Mine has been shedding since 4 months out, and seems to be slowing down. I notice it, but I dont think others do. I still use nioxin products, take biotin, and get in 60-70 grams of protein a day. Not sure if this helped with my hair or not, but im sure happy it wasent bad (knock on wood)!!

The biggest news this past month is that I registered to go to the OH regional event in PA May 12 & 13th!!! Im so excited to meet people from the OH boards, meet my angel Caroline Martin, and get info and inspiration from other WLS paitents! Im also interested in plastic surgery options, and how to pay for it!






03-03-06
I was so excited today.
I went into a clothes store and bought a regular sweatshirt, size large!! I cant believe it fits!! I cant remember when I was in a size large.......its been a while. I also am now getting the shopping "bug". I havent bought much of anything yet, just a few pants because the ones I had were falling off of me. I still cant see spending alot on clothes at this point, with a bit more weight still needing to come off. I do find I like the mall, and shopping much more now, 94 lbs lighter! Ive also been walking outside this entire week. I go for 25 minutes and bundle up,its still in the 20's here. I know I feel better, and the weight loss was -6lbs this week. If that isnt motivation!!! :):)


3-19-06
Here it is my 7th month post op. Im down 98lbs and feeling great! My hubby took me jewerly shopping to celebrate my (almost) 100 lb loss and got me a beautiful X and O bracelet!! The X'S are white gold,and the O'S are yellow gold. Its just stunning! My hubby is so good to me:):)
I was thinking about all the changes over the last 7 months.
A few new milestones are: walking 2 miles a day, feeling my knees together when sleeping on my side in bed, fitting into a large top, having my wedding ring down sized 2 sizes, not concerned about booths at resturants or if seatbelts will fit, and playing dodgeball, basketball, kickball and spud with the students at school. I actually have fun running and playing with them!


3-30-06

Today I did something I would NEVER had done before loosing 100lbs.

I WENT TANNING!!!

A woman from work had a free visit coupon, so I thought why not! I LOVED IT!! It was so nice and warm, I closed my eyes and pretended I was on a tropical beach. Before WLS I would have NEVER gone to a tanning booth. I would have been afraid of sweating to much, and not fitting into the bed. Now Im thinking ill sign up and go. This winter has been so long and grey, it will be a great pick me up over those months of winter, PLUSS ILL BE WARM FOR 20 MIN!! LOL ive been sooooooooooooo cold this winter, I even got an electric blanket. Hurry up spring!

05-08-06
My angel, Caroline Martin, posted this today on the boards, and I thought it was well worth putting it here to!


Someone asked isnt WLS taking the "easy way" out? Her reply:

The rules of weight loss are the same whether one's had gastric bypass (or other form of surgery) or not. It's still calories in/calories out. Even with surgery, one still has to bust one's butt in terms of healthy eating, exercise, etc. if one wants to lose their weight and keep it off.

Early out, when one is so heavy, the weight itself can prevent exercise (this is different for everyone) so the weight loss is coming from primarily restricting calories. As the person loses weight, he/she should be getting more active as he/she is able to.

Early out after surgery, people will pretty much lose weight no matter what they do or don't do, but after a few months, if they don't develop healthy eating/exercise habits and rid of the hurtful ones, they'll be likely to regain the weight they've lost.

As for being an easy way out, it isn't.... People die from this surgery (1/200), there can be major long term complications, most people feel aweful the first few months out in terms of learning how to eat with the new pouch (as opposed to the old stomach), one can have major health complications if not forever viligant on taking various vitamins/minerals, even years postop eating will never be the same and there will be some days where one can't get or keep anything down, one still has to deal with the issues that led up to their being morbidly obese to begin with, etc... And yes, they still have to diet and exercise the same as those who haven't had the surgery...

The surgery is simply a tool and it is anything but a miracle cure. Yes, it can be an affective one, but if not used well and/or abused, one will not be successful in the long run.

5-15-06
I went to the OH PA event this past weekend and was inspired, informed, and had a wonderful time! Id recomend this type of event to anyone who is thinking about WLS or who has had WLS.

5-19-06
Its been 9 months and im doing great! Im down 112lbs since surgery, 133 from my higest. This past month I went to the OH event in PA on the 12th and 13th. I had a great time and came away with lost of inspiration and friends to! The one thing that sticks out in my mind the most was what several presenters said.

CALORIES IN ..........CALORIES OUT!!!!!

Its the same for WLS paitents as for anyone else loosing weight. Yes, we malabsorb, but it still boils down to that math. Right now im between 700-800 cals a day, and probally will remain there till I hit goal. Im looking forward to the summer off.....15 more days of work! Ill be gardening, traveling, and spending time with my in-laws!!

08-19-06

Its been one year since WLS for me! Im down 124lbs, with 30 or so to go. Its really slowing down now, but im happy with all I accomplished this year. I want to loose the last lbs by the end of the 2006. I plan on having a tummy tuck and arm lift next summer when im off of school.

3-25-07

I have ins approval for a TT with anchor cut scheduled for 7-20-07!!! Im so excited to start this part of my journey, and have a normal looking stomach! Ill be having my TT wih Dr Branson in Syracuse Ny. Ill stay 23 1/2 hrs and my hubby and mom will be here to help when I come home.

6-27-07

Im one week out from my Tummy Tuck and feel great! I cant say enough about Dr Branson!! I had very little pain, and stopped taking my pain meds at 3 days out. He took off 12 pounds of skin/tissue. I had my 1 week check up yesterday and he said im healing great. Ill see him in 1 month again. The surgery center was wonderful. All the nurses were so kind and helpful. I plan on having my arms done next summer!!

7-01-07

This morning I measured my scar, and it was 35 inches. Thats just under 3 feet. I had the anchor cut with muscle tightning. I'm feeling so good. Went shopping yesterday and got 4 new tops, and 3 new skirts. I am happy also because I slept the past two nights without my binder on. I want to let the air get to my skin for a bit, but need the binder on when im up. Overall im so pleased with my surgery. It was so much easier than I had thought.

Weight loss
1 month -26
2 months -43  

3months-55
4months-68
5months-78
6months-87
7months-98
8months-105
9months-111
10months-118
11months-120
12 months-124
13 months-128
14 months-134

15 months-139

16 months-144

17months-147

18 month-153

Total to date:166