- Username: Ktzmeow
- Location: Lexington Park, MD, USA
- Member Since: 1/5/2006
- Post Op
- Surgery Type: RNY (06/20/06)
- Surgeon: Joseph Afram
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Surgeon TestimonialJoseph AframDr. Afram was the first face that I saw when I walked into his office. He was standing at the reception desk signing off on some paperwork. He called me over and showed me the reception desk, which is great....because I was really lost, his office was just that BIG.
His office staff was excellent, they spoke to me politely and did not treat me like, oh gosh, here comes another fatty trying to sign onto the easy way out of obesity. They were very cordial, no attitudes. The woman at the desk gave me all of the paperwork that I needed to fill out before the seminar.
There was nothing that I liked least about Dr. Afram.
I feel that future patients should know that he Dr. Afram knows his stuff. He has been doing this for over 20 years and has performed over 3,000 surgeries. He is very nice, friendly, knowledgeable, and also a little funny.
There were no bad feelings or uncomfortable feelings toward him, his staff, or his other two surgeons.
He emphasized aftercare as a part of his normal routine to all patients.
Future patients should also know that your surgery will be performed at George Washington Hospital in DC, which he is just a 5 minute walk from his office to the hospital.
He did address the risks of the surgery. Some things I knew and some I didn't, but I feel that I learned a few things that day. After the seminar, he took you into his office one on one (along with his other two surgeons) to see if you felt that the surgery would be something that you would want to do. Also to see if there were any questions that you may have had that you did not want to ask in front of all of the other prospects. In private, he asked you personal questions pertaining to your health, medications that you are currently taking, along with any allergies, etc. He asked me about all problems whether they were medically diagnosed or not. He even asked about whether you feel that you snore.
I would rate Dr. Afram, on a scale from 1 to 10, a 10. Finally a 10.
I think that surgical competence and bedside manner are both important, because you need to feel that your surgeon is able to be trusted with your life in his/her hands. Plus you feel great that IF you have a problem, that your surgeon would be passionate and sympathetic to your needs and concerns. Also, it's good to know that he will be willing to begin to look into ways to assist you in correcting them. Member Interests
- Books & Literature - I love to read books, mostly fact, it's a great stress releiver.
- Business & Career - I work in the Property Mgmt field and appearance is everything.
- Family & Friends - I have very supportive people around me regarding my decision for the surgery.
- Birds - My family has two parakeets, their names are Yankee and Jet.
- Parenting - I have one son.
- Bicycling - After surgery and some weight loss, the bikes will be pulled out.
- Cards - I like to play cards of all kinds with friends and family.
- Bowling - My son, husband and I love to bowl. We like it when it's alot of people.
- Nail Technician - I went to school for nails, but few benefits...like hubby, son and myself.
- WLS in your 20's - In August, I will be 30, so I had to quickly put this quote in before I turn 30.
Ktzmeow's JourneyClick Here To View
Describe your behavioral and emotional battle with weight control before learning about bariatric surgery.My behavioral and emotional battle with my weight before learning about WLS was very frustrating, fed up, and looking for an outlet. I went through a lot of emotional issues as well. I have been self concious of my weight and the way I look. I have very low self esteem. I think that everyone has something better to offer the world than I do, because of my weight. So, it has been rough, for sure. |
9/30/2006 / Fourteen Weeks, Four Days Post-Op! on September 30, 2006 12:00 am
Well, this week has been crazy. I have been soooo busy. I did workout Monday and Wednesday this week. That's better than the previous week at zero. I went to MVA (Motor Vehicle Administration) in Maryland to renew my tags on my car and go through the run around for the van that we purchased.
So, working out was not on my mind yesterday. I worked today, which made me even more tired. I still have not taken a nap today, which I am soon to go to bed, but life is busy.
I will be chilling tomorrow. Hanging out with my family. Going to the movies to see that Baseball kid movie with my son and husband.
I have a brake light out on my car, which I am going to get repaired tomorrow. I will be working out tomorrow, once all is said and done. Nothing much really to report. Oh, no weight loss at all. I have been eating too much Chipotle with their chips and salsa.
I get the chicken burrito bowls. They are so good, but I acan never eat even half of the bowl. I had that at least three times this week, maybe more than that.
I talked to Nicole on Thursday, and she is doing a lot better. She is on pureed foods right now and she is happy about that. She said that sleeping is still a bit difficult. She said that she will be going to work this Tuesday, as planned. Well, let me go, I am about to sign off, until next time, take care.
9/27/2006 / Fourteen Weeks, One Day Post-Op! or... on September 27, 2006 12:00 am
I did not workout yesterday because my husband went to purchase a van from a private owner in Maryland and I went along. Just so happen the guy that was selling the mini van was a personal trainer at Gold's Gym in Laurel, MD. So, I asked him if I wanted a personal session with him so that he can show me target areas to work on as well as how many reps I should be doing. He said that his cost is $ 150 for three hours and he also asked me if I often skip any meals?
Which the answer is yeah......breakfast. So, he told me about www.diettogo.com, which he said that you can pay by the week and receive whatever meal you are in need of or all. You can pick-up the prepared packaged meals from the nearest Gold's Gym. So, I am very excited to do this, because my struggle with eating breakfast is ongoing. I told him I would be interested in an appointment with him in early October, so he said that he would call me to set-up a date and time. Oh, and get this, he even said that he would come to Manassas.
That was great. He said that I do not have to workout everyday. I told him that I wanted to really place emphasis on my arms and my mid section. Oh and tone up my legs, I forgot to tell him that. If he can work with me for three hours in one session, I should be able to find out several things that I can do on my off days. He was explaining to me that I can do 45 minutes of cardio (i.e. Treadmill) and do the weight lifting with 3 to 5 pound dumbells. So, this should be interesting. I told him that I have a treadmill, but hardly ever use it. Before it was, we live in an apartment and I don't want my neighbors to complain, to being in my townhouse now, and not using it at all.
Anyway, I cannot wait for my session with him. I did explain to him that I had the Gastric Bypass suprgery and that I could not do nay ab work until December of this year. So, we will see how it goes.
I have not called and checked up on Nicole, but I will today. Sharon, hang in there. I will keep you in my prayers. Until later....take care.
Later on the same day:
I just got finished my workout. It felt great to workout now that I can breathe while doing it. It's weird, because I feel that I now like exercise, but the timing of it all is the kicker. I find it hard to time it all with life going on around me, but I am making it happen. I am proud of myself.
I am about to relax and rest for the rest of the night. I have cleaned my kitchen already, and washed a load of clothes. I still have to put them in the dryer before I go to bed. I am going to try to be asleep by 11pm tonight. Well, nothing much is going on today since work has ended, and that's another story. I swear....I am only 30 and I have some strands of gray in my hair. My job is stressful, I think mostly, because I carry so much of the weight from my job on my shoulders. Aside from all other things in life. Well, I am signing off.....take care, until next time.
9/25/2006 / Thirteen Weeks, Six Days Post-Op! on September 25, 2006 12:00 am
Hello All. I just wanted to quickly post that I exercised today....actually just got finished about 5 minutes ago. That felt great. The workout is getting easier and easier. I did not take any protein today. At all......but I will definitely get them both in before tonight I go to bed. Last night, I ate my protein bar while watching Celebrity Fit Club...so, I know I can do it.
I have not called to check up on Nicole today. I think I am going to give her a break, I have called daily, since she's been out of the hospital. I know that she is fine. She told me that she was feeling a lot better since surgery. So, that's always great.
I was going to have my son take some more pictures of me but I cannot find the rechargable battery pack to our digital camera, so maybe tomorrow. (And I thought that I looked rather cute today.) Just kidding. Let me stop before someone says that I am too confident now that I lost some 51 pounds........Well, I just wanted to post a quick message. I have to go and fix my son dinner, since he has had his bath. I am signing off. Until next time, take care.
9/24/2006 / Thirteen Weeks, Five Days Post-Op! on September 24, 2006 12:00 am
Well today, I woke up on a mission. I cleaned my husband's bathroom in our bedroom, which was a task. I also made some headway with my breakfast choice. You know I told you all that I purchased some Kashi Go Lean cereal. Well, after cleaning, I got me a bowl of that and almost ate the whole thing. It's an ok cereal, but it does taste like cardboard.
I ended up giving the rest of the bowl to my son, but I did eat a great bit of it. I will have my protein later today. Oh, yesterday, I grabbed one of those South Beach bars....I purchased the peanut butter ones, and can you beleive it that it was good. It was 10 grams of protein, plus my protein shake yesterday, that was at least 10 grams...although I did not drink it all. I think I somewhat have this protein thing down pack.
I plan to get ready to go to the Manassas Mall to go to Wet Seal. I did not go yesterday because with the birthday party and all that, my day was crazy. I was able to get in the protein, so yeah for me. Oh guess what else.....I got on the scale about 3pm today, (since I have not eaten anything) and I am exactly 200 pounds.
Happy, happy, happy! Hopefully, I will continue to lose and be down under 200 by later in this week. I will be working out starting tonight to help in that. Until next time, take care.
P.S. Wanda, it was great hearing from you today. I am glad that you have finally gotten yourself on track with eating and that you are loving the bariatric DVD that I recommended to you! Keep in touch Girl.
9/22/2006 / Thirteen Weeks, Three Days Post-Op! on September 22, 2006 12:00 am
I am so sorry OHelp members, I have been so busy, I could not even breathe. I went to see Nicole Crawley in the hospital on Wednesday night after I got off from work and attended a meeting at my son's daycare. I am used to seeing her smiling, which she did a little bit of. She is doing just fine.
I helped her out of bed and we took a walk and when we came back, she decided to sit upright in her chair in her room. My husband and son came to the hospital with me, but they stayed downstairs. I was there for maybe 45 minutes or so. Nicole said that her pain was a little more than she anticipated, but she will be just fine. I also met her husband who was there with her the entire time. They even let him sleep there, but told me that my husband could not, but it all worked out for both of us.
I went home after that, got my son some Wendy's and dropped into the bed. I was so exhausted. Yesterday, I went to CVS to pick up a few things, which I saw the Kashi Go Lean cereal. I decided to get a box, because the protein was high. I had a bowl last night before going to bed.
I am not joking, it only tasted somewhat good because I put two packets of Splenda in it, but you all have seen that Kashi commercial where the guy is inviting you to go to their website and request a free Kashi Go Lean bar......and if you do not like it, he said that he would eat the cardboard box it came in. Well, that's what that cereal tastes like. It's not really good, but good for you. I can say that it stayed crunchy while inside the milk. I am going to continue to eat it though.
I have not done protein all this week, I don't think. Bad, bad Nicky. I am so tired of my hair falling out situation when I do my hair. I am going to go on that www.puritan.com website and purchase those Hair Growth Pills.
I surely need it. I mean, I can feel when I brush my hair, that it feels awfully thin. I guess we will see what happens when I receive the pills. It feels like it's so much stress on all nasty things that you help aid in no hair loss,
I saw a change in my stool this morning....must be from eating that cereal. It was not all that bad.....please don't get the wrong impression, I am just a funny person when it comes to trying things that I am apprehensive about in the first place, then for the taste to be not so good....it makes matters worse. But, it's really not that bad. I also purchased the South Beach Diet bars. The peanut butter ones, which I have not tried yet.
I have not worked out all week due to my crazy schedule. It's like after work, the rest of the time that I am awake flies by me. Then on top of all that, I feel myself coming down with a cold. My throat is hurting only on one side. I have been drinking tea with lemon juice since Tuesday.
I am trying to stop this cold from coming on full blown. I have a busy weekend in front of me since I do not have to work, but I have to fit it all in. Exercise, my Kashi Go Lean cereal, my protein drink, and my vitamins. Well, I am about to sign off and get some work done. Lord knows, I have a lot of it to do. I am here by myself today because my assistant is off today. She has to work tomorrow, so, until next time.....Take care.
Later on the same day:
I talked to Nicole (Nix) earlier today. She said that she does not know how I felt so good when I got home, but she told me that they cut off her morphine pump while in the hospital. So, all she had to take was the Tylenol with codine. I told her that I have a high tollerance for pain, plus I was expecting to be in a bit of pain.
I got home on a Thursday, and by Friday....pain was not a issue to me. I mean, general pain surrounding my incision was normal, but actually not wanting to move because I was in pain, was not the case.
I even had a BBQ on Thursday.....the day that I got home. I was moving slowly, but I still sat out with my husband, brother-in-law, and my son. I was just happy to see the light of day and I know that all WLS patients say something similar to this, but I was really happy. I knew that my surgeon was the best, but as my surgeon's office continued to talk about the risks, the risks, the risks.....how can you really guarantee that everything is going to be great. You can't.
I have not talked much about my weight loss since my last appointment. I cannot beleive that I am 3 pounds from being 200 pounds. I have not been 200 pounds since 2001. That's when I was taking the Xenadrine pills from GNC. That's when I first started to date my husband. A long time ago. I had lost 20 pounds on those pills. So, when I first started taking them, I was 220.
That's about all it did for me and like a dummy, whenever I ran out, I would be right back in GNC with my $40 to get more. Until, I got smart and just stopped, and ran out of money.
It's crazy. Tonight I ordered my Hair Growth pills (Super Biotin) from www.puritan.com. They have a buy 1 get 1 free, so my order with shipping was $11.00. UPS will ship it here in 3 days. I am so happy. I am scared to even wash my hair because of how much it's coming out. I will finally take care of washing my hair this weekend.
My best friend gave me some of her clothes that she could no longer fit a while ago and I have been wearing what I could fit so far. She has those jeans in my last picture and these black jeans with these huge pant legs. So, I asked her where did she buy some of those clothes from because when I go to Old Navy, where I can wear size 12 dress pants.......their jeans are not the same. I can pull up the size 16 jeans, but they are extremely tight.
The jeans in my last photos in my website are size 13/14. The black pants that she gave me are size XL. She said that she got the jeans from Wet Seal. I forgot where she said that she got the other black jeans from, but they are not from the Wet Seal. So, I just so happened to look them up online today and found out that they have nice inexpensive clothing....and there is one in the mall, less than 5 minutes from my house.
So, guess what.....I will be paying them a visit tomorrow when the mall opens up. I am going to a birthday party for one of my friend Tara's son, who is turning 2 and I want to blow them away when they see me. I have not seen her since a long time before I had my surgery. At least, last year some time.
I am going to try out the scale tomorrow morning to see if I can brag that I am under 200 pounds. Then, if I am....I am going to vow that I am not going to weigh again until I see Dr. Afram in October for my 5th post-op appointment. Well, it is like 2:22am and I am not sleepy, so I am about to go and watch some TV. Later. Maybe next time.
9/19/2006 / Thirteen Weeks Post-Op! on September 19, 2006 12:00 am
Nicole's Surgery Date!
Today I was so worried about Nicole. I was wondering if she was ok after her surgery. I called her cell phone (which she said that her husband would have) earlier in the day. He did not pick up, so I did not even leave a message.
I knew that she was fine, but I just wanted to hear those words. I finally called her cell back at about 8:15p.m. tonight, and her husband, Cedric picked up the phone. I told him who I was and asked him how was she doing? He said that she was resting and the surgery went well. He said that she spent two hours in recovery and she was in her room now.
I asked him has she been in and out of it? He said yes. She just dozed off again. So, I told him that I was not going to disturb her, I just wanted to know how she was doing. I then asked him what was her room number and he told me. So, I told him that I would see her tomorrow. Not to disturb her, just let her know that I would see her tomorrow.
He said ok, and we hung up. I am so glad that she is doing okay. I was so worried about her. Well, I am about to catch today's Oprah on TiVo about the former Gay Govenor who resigned after his lover was about to tell that he was gay. So, until next time. Take care.
9/18/2006 / Twelve Weeks, Six Days Post-Op! on September 18, 2006 12:00 am
I had my 4th post-op appointment today with Dr. Afram. I was discouraged going in because I thought from my weigh-in last night with my husband. I am not sure if I mentioned this, but he did one of those....get on the scale thing and I won't tell you the result. So, I did. The scale said 208, which meant that I had only lost 7 pounds since my last weigh-in. It was also after 9pm when I got on the scale.
Today I went into Dr. Afram's office very negatively. I told him that I had only lost 7 pounds since I had been there last month. He said, let's go see. I got on the scale and it said 203.5. You talking about someone that was happy. He was like, are you still upset......I said no, I am not. I am happy. They say that the best time to weigh is in the morning.
So, it's official......48 pounds down since surgery. I started at 251, and now I am 203. Happy, happy, happy. Other than that, nothing much is going on. Dr. Afram asked me how's my eating? He asked me was I exercising? He also asked me how was my drink consumption? He is a great surgeon. My visit only took about 7 minutes at the most. That's why I was going to cancel my appointment. I was like, shoot, I am coming here just to be told that I did not lose anymore weight since August 18th, but it all worked out.
Well, I called and spoke with Nix about her upcoming surgery tomorrow morning at 7am. I just wanted to make sure she was fine, mentally. I asked her what did she do all day and all that. She will be fine. I know that she will. I didn't keep her too long, because I know that she wanted to get back to her family, but I told her that I will be there to see her on Wednesday night after the Parent/Staff meeting at my son's daycare. So, when I am done, I will be on my way to go check on her. Well, I am about to sign off and get ready to put my son in bed. Until next time, take care.
9/17/2006 / Twelve Weeks, Five Days Post-Op! on September 17, 2006 12:00 am
Hello All. I have been chilling today. I have not even had my protein. I am actually about to go and get it once I finish posting. I have gotten out of the house and done some things, but today has been mostly a boring day. I cleaned my house a bit, but nothing major.
Tomorrow is my 4th post-op appointment with my surgeon. I cannot wait to see how much I have lost. I wish that I could have changed my appointment to Wednesday so that I can attend the support group meeting at my surgeon's office. They had no cancellations. That's why in the future, I am going to make my appointments on Wednesdays so I can attend in the future. I really hate going to the nighly meetings, because if it were not for Nicole and I planning to meet one another there, there would not have been anyone else in attendance. No one comes to the nightly meetings. So, why should I?
I plan to go visit Nicole in the hospital on Wednesday once I am off from work. I will have my husband go and pick up Khy and I will head into DC to see her. I know that she will do fine. I will be praying for you Chick. Well, let me go and get my protein and get my son a snack. This was just a quick post. Take care until next time.
9/16/2006 / Twelve Weeks, Four Days Post-Op! on September 16, 2006 12:00 am
Today I did my protein while at work and finished it off later on this afternoon while on my way out. I am committed now to my protein. Especially seeing my hair loss. It's unbearable. I need to get my butt onto www.puritan.com to purchase those Hair Growth pills. I was also told about those Power Crunch bars that you can purchase online, but I do not want to purchase 10, and not like them. You know. So, for those of you that have tried them, please email me.
I did not workout yesterday, because when my husband got off from work, we went straight to Maryland. We ended up picking up my neice and meeting my mother at the Japanese Steakhouse called Sakura. They actually prepare your food in front of you. They even do tricks, and play like they are squirting things at you. It's great. It's in Bowie, MD. I have been going there for a while. Someone turned my mom onto it and we have been going ever since.
My husband ended up getting sick from whatever, and started throwing up discreetly into dinner napkins at the table. That was a bit nasty, but he does not know why it happened. He just got cleaned up and went into the car. We finished up and eventually all left the restaurant. It was nice to get out and get with my neice and mother. When I went to pick up my neice, her step mom was complimenting me on my weight loss so far, which she has not seen me since mid July. She said that she could tell that I had lost a lot then, but now she said, ooh Nicky, and you even got a butt now.
I said where, looking around for it like a dog chasing his tail, because I still feel that a butt on this body is non-existant. I cannot locate it. It feels like it has a little more bounce, but that's about it. I took the compliment though with pride. I know that most of you have heard that song with Ludacris and Pharrell. (It's a rap song called "Shake Your Money Maker".) Well, my husband says that I have a money faker. But tonight, while we were bowling, he said that I now have a Money Baker......because my butt is in the process of baking! I am finally going to have a real butt again.
I used to have a small one way, way back in the day, but it quickly diminished when I got a bit chubby. Man I cannot wait. Just to have someone look at you, is great. I used to have people look, but it was old men and hispanics, because they look at everyone. It's weird because the old me, wanted no one to even look at her, but now.....the new me wants the attention.
Well, on Monday, as some of you may have already read, I have my 4th post-op appointment with Dr. Afram. I hope that I have lost a substantial amount of weight since the last time I weighed at 209. I need to be under 200 just for old time sake. Well, I am no longer going to bore you all. I will update later. Take care until next time.
9/14/2006 / Twelve Weeks, Two Days Post-Op! on September 14, 2006 12:00 am
Hello All. I feel much better emotionally than I did a few days ago. I am having new pain from my incision when I reach for things, or sneeze, which I am going to discuss with my surgeon on my next visit.
I worked out on Tuesday night as I mentioned that I would. I did not work out last night, because I was too tired. I will be working out when I get home today though. That workout had me tired, but again, it's challenging. I like it. It's just a matter of time to work out without people bothering you.
For instance, right before I started my workout on Tuesday, I was about to sit down and put on my socks, when a RESIDENT from where I work and live knocked on my door. To complain about the current pipe replacement that the complex is going through. She also called the office to leave a message to us about it, and decided to come and knock on my door to complain. That's why I was hesitant on letting residents know that I live here.
I wanted to say so badly, why are you knocking on my door for this? It is stressful living where you work, because I really wanted to say that to her. After that, I went on and got started in my workout. Then a few steps into it, my supervisor called me on my cell phone. Which I had to stop again. It's crazy being me.
I did eventually complete the entire workout and it felt great. I swear, I cannot wait until I move off of this property.
It's not that I do not like my townhome, because I do, but others do not respect your privacy. The free rent is awesome though. At this point, I am willing to pay rent or mortgage (reasonable, that is) for this mess. It's a shame that you have to remind or hint to people that there is LIFE AFTER YOU GET OFF FROM WORK!
Anyway, I have been trying to cancel my Monday appointment with my surgeon to see if I can make my appointment for Wednesday so that I can see Nicole in the hospital on the day after her surgery and attend the support group meeting at noon. I was told by one of the office assistants, that I would have to call back leading up to my appointment to see if maybe someone will cancel.
I just want to be able to be there for Nicole as my sister was there with me the second morning of my hospital stay. It's nothing like it to have someone there with you to help you. Nicole said that her husband will also be there, but because we recently met and are friends, I would like to be there for her also if it's possible. If not, I will try to go one day in the week after work.
Well, protein I have not had in two days, which I am about to go home to get right now....bye, until later.
Later that same day:
I left to go and get my protein, and I drank it. I am now at home, and I just finished my workout. I really am starting to like it. It does not take that long either. It's just being alone to do it. So that no one bothers you. I am proud of myself. I am going to continue to workout daily until my appointment to see if it makes a difference in my weight.
Not that I am going to stop, but I anticipate on daily exercise. Anyway, I am about to see what we can have for dinner. My husband said Red Lobster, but now since I was working out, he was asleep. I guess it's not too late. I will chat more witcha later. Take care, until next time.
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