LisaMarie's Story!

Welcome everyone Thanks for reading!

 January 25th 2009

It has been such a long time since I have updated.  I had my surgery Halloween 2005, you can read all about that below.  I am currently doing well. I have gained about 10 or 15 pounds since surgery , however my clothes still fit and it fluctuates...so I am not that concerned right now.  I did get a little off track around the holidays, got a little lazy with my exercise but I am back on track.  I rejoined Bikram Yoga and i am loving it....I still suffer from Dumping when i eat to much sugar or too much fat, THANK GOD and thats what helps keep me in check.  I am so aware of what I eat, still always reading labels and watching everything.  I have had a hard time with vitamins , i tend to forget them often, not a good thing espically being a nurse but i am trying.  I have developed anemia and have been working on that as well.  I see a hematologist often and he watches all my blood levels.  I also get a B12 shot everytime I see him so that helps.  I am just trying my best to enjoy life.  I have had my bouts with mood levels being up one day and down another but all normal......things are going great with my husband and kids and thats what it is all about.  Family.  I had a rough holiday as well because my 88 year old grandpa who i was very close to passed away.  He passed away om December 29th so  being an emotional eater that was rough...
I do have to say how excited I am that Obama is now our president and I hope he can make the changes we need in our world today.....So all in all things are good...i will try to be more active on this board ....wish you all well.  LisaMarie

My song is Hero by Mariah Carey LisaMarie

There's a hero
If look inside your heart
You Don't have to be afraid
Of what you are
There's an answer

If you reach into your soul
And the sorrow that you know
Will melt away

And then a hero comes along
With the strength to carry on
And you cast your fears aside
And you know you can survive
So When you feel like hope is gone
Look inside you and be strong
And you'll finally see the truth
That a hero lies in you

It's a long road
When you face the world alone
No one reaches out a hand
For you to hold
You can find love
If you search within yourself
And the emptiness you felt
Will disappear

And then a hero comes along
With the strength to carry on
And you cast your fears aside
And you know you can survive
So When you feel like hope is gone
Look inside you and be strong
And you'll finally see the truth
That a hero lies in you

(ohhhhhh) Lord knows
Dreams are hard to follow
But Don't let anyone
Tear them away (hey yea)
Hold on
There will be tomorrow
In time You'll find the waaaaaaaaaaayyyyy

And the hero comes along
With the strength to carry on
And you cast your fears aside
And you know you can survive
So When You feel like hope is gone
Look inside you and be strong
And you'll finally see the truth
That a hero lies in yooooooou
That a hero lies innnnnnnnnnn
.....yooooooooooooooooou.........
Mmm That a hero lies in
....yooooooooooooooooooooooooooou!

8/2/05
Hi, my name is Lisa Marie .  I am a Registered Nurse, married and the mother of 4 beautiful children, 1 girl and 3 boys. I have been researching this surgery for years now.  I was on my way to getting what i needed done 4 years ago when i discovered i was pregnant.  I had a beautiful healthy boy, that was in 2002.  4 months after that i found out i was pregnant again oops... another beautiful baby boy,he was born 2003. I also have 2 older children 13year old boy and 10 year old girl.  I have had 4 c sections.  I have also had a bunch of other health related issues.  I am now ready once again.  I am ready to join the loosing side!  I have contacted the Cori Center to get started just waiting to hear from them.  If anyone has any suggestions or comments i would love to hear from you.  Thanks....
8/4/05
Ok i heard back from the Cori center, they are checking my insurance and they have scheduled me for a consult on Aug 19th.YEA! I cant wait.

8/9/05
I went to see a new PCP today and she was awsome.  She is refering me for the surgery and thinks it will be good for me.  Ok just waiting to hear from the Cori center about my insurance.  I am attending a seminar at St. Vincents Hospital tonight given by the Cori center, i am looking forward to it.
Ok i went to the seminar, a little dissapointed that the surgeons were not available tonight but Mary the nutritionist was very good filling in.  Now i have to wait till next week to meet the doc!

8/19/05
Ok i met Dr. Sapala and i was so impressed.  He made me feel so good about this surgery.  I have to schedule a few appointments then i should be good to go..

8/26/05
Yea!  Cleared by the hematologist yesturday, cleared by psych and had my nutrition consult with Mary today......Waiting for my pcp to get all my old records and write me my letter and then i should be good to go!!!  Im so excited. :-)

8/31/05
Well here i am now, waiting for all my letters to get here.  I wish they would hurry up so i can send everything to my insurance company.  I just hope they dont decide to send me anywhere else and that what i have is enough.  I have been following my pre op diet pretty good, a few slip ups but for the most part doing good.  Getting in all my protien shakes and vitamins! Well I am off to wait some more!

9/3/05
Well i am not very happy right now. I just found out that my surgeon is not doing surgery at st. vincents anymore.  I am going to have to pick another hospital, Victory Memorial in Brooklyn or Brookhaven in Long Island.  My question is why didnt anyone tell me???? I am sticking with my surgeon because i think he is one of the best in his field but that is pretty lousy for the Cori center to do this.  I picked them because they were in Manhattan and did surgery at St. Vincents.  Now what????? AAHHHH.

9/7/05
Ok i have recieved the last letter that i was waiting for from my primary care doc and faxed all the letters needed to Cori.  Now i start the waiting game.  Keeping my fingers crossed that i get my approval. 

9/20/05
I am becoming very impatient.  I had all of my paperwork sent into my pcc at the cori center 2 weeks ago.  I called the office yesturday and they still have not submitted it to insurance.  I am getting very close to looking elsewhere.  I rushed to get everything in and its been sitting on her desk now for 2 weeks?? What is up with them? 

9/20/05
Ok i recieved a call from my pcc, she said that the paperwork was finally sent in today at 3pm.  I am praying to the insurance gods and keeping my fingers crossed.

9/23/05
Ok papers were not sent, the pcc sent the papers but not to insurance but to another person at Cori???? I really wish they would have explained how things work there better.  Every time i call someone else has my chart.  Now they want me to get more info, they want medical records to send with all the letter i already gave them, they said they wont even submit until i can get a history of weight loss attempts.  I called my old pcp and my new one and they are going through my records to see if there is anything that they can use.  Keeping my fingers crossed, i dont know if the doc ever wrote anything down.  I dont have any records from weight watchers, i am trying to obtain checks and i called the corprate office at weight watchers, dont know if they can send me anything.  Im so frustrated.  If my pcp would have made it clear to beging with that i needed all of this i would have tried to get it earlier.  Im just praying that the doc wrote some of my weight problem history down.  We shall see..............Its funny how insurance companies think that they know what is best for patients, all of my docs think its a good idea, that i need this to be healthy but i may not be able to have it becuase INSURANCE dosent want to pay.....THey are the idiots becasue with my track record of weight realted illness, my family history of complications due to obesity they are going to pay tripple over the rest of my life for problems.......what idiots!

9/27/05
I was able to obtain old records from my old pcp yesturday. I sent it all to my pcc at Cori and she submitted yesturday!!! Finally.  THis can go either way.  I am saying my prayers and keeping my fingers crossed.  I also recieved a tentative date OCTOBER 18!! That is my brothers birthday, maybe that means something.  Will let you know as soon as i do! Please Please Please Please Please.......

9/29/05
Approved Approved i have officially been approved.  Im so excited....THe cori center called me today and she said its all set for oct 18th at Victory Memorial....

10/1/05
Couldnt sleep very well last night.  My older doggie Hercules was brought to the vet yesturday due to limping.  I thought maybe some arthritis due to the fact he is older and a big dog.  I got the worst news i could get.  He has bone cancer.  I have been so upset.  We have had him since he was 6 weeks old.  We were able to take him home with pain medication.  We will take care of him here until i see that he is in alot of pain.  Emotional rollercoaster life is.  One day i am celebrating the approval of my new life oct 18th and now im so sad.  I just pray he hangs around a little longer without pain.

10/6/05
I have received the offical approval letter from  my insurance today in the mail,  now it is feeling so real.  I am just a bit concerned with the cori center.  I am scheduled for the 18th of this month, but i still need to have my filter placed a week before surgery.  That means i have until tuesday next week.  I have not recieved a call from the center.  I tried at least 4 times to reach my pcc who is supposed to handle the arrangements but she has not returned any calls or emails.  This is cutting it really close for me.  I have already made arrangements for babysitting and my husband has put in for time off.  I have heard some stories about cori changing appts and dates and stuff and i am hoping that is not going to be the case here.  Anyway lets see what happens today.

I cannot believe that i have still not received a call back from the person at Cori who is supposed to be scheduling my filter and pre op stuff.  I have left her so many messages its not funny.  I am getting frustrated.  Even if you didnt schedule anyting yet, why havent they called me back. It is very unprofessional of them to not respond.  I have 4 kids and i need to make arrangements for babysitting and stuff.  WHy does this have to be so hard.  I dont know what to do now.  I hope they dont reschedule me.  Well back to waiting again......................

10/8/05
I received a phone call at 7 30 pm last night.  It was my pcc at the cori center.  She said she was very sorry for not returning my phone calls but there is somehting going on with the schedule for surgeries and that she wanted to be sure what was happening.  She said that some of the surgeries were going to have to be rescheduled.  She was not sure if mine was going to be or not and would know more monday or tuesday.  I really hope my surgery will happen because i have arangements all made with babysitting and stuff already.  My husband had to put in to take time off from work, they may not let him change those days.  Then i am really screwed.  I am not very happy with everything that i have been through with the cori center...i hope they get there act together or i am going to start researching other options....

10/10/05
Got in touch with my pcc at Cori today after leaving an email and calling her voicemail 3 times.  She finally answered the phone just to tell me that she still does not have the surgeons schedule in front of her, she will definitly have it tomorrow after 1pm.  yea yea yea.....i dont know what to believe with them anymore.  I am just so frustrated with them. Its stressful enough knowing that you are going to have surgery but to have to sit and guess a week before you are scheduled if you are going to actually have it on that scheuled day is added unecessary stress. All i want is information and its like pulling teeth.  I will just have to wait another day for answers.................................................

10/11/05
SO .....waited all day, no phone call...so i called the cori center as usual but this time i actually got someone on the other line...asked what was happening and was told "i dont have a surgeons schedule yet, wont have it for a couple of days they are still working on it".  so i said ok guess im not having surgery on the 18th!  ALL i can say right now is that i am sooooo disapointed and frustrated with the cori center.  I expected so much more from them ..I will leave it at that right now.  Have to go make some plans....................

10/17/05
Ok well all i can say about the cori center is that they are full of S#$%.  They lie and lie and lied to me over and over again.  That is all i want to say about them. I wasted enough of my time on them.  I am scheduled for surgery on HALLOWEEN..yikes..with an awsome surgeon that has such a professional staff.  In the short time i have been there they have called me more then the cori center did in 3 months!!!! I am so excited and so ready for this journey.  Oh and no need for a greenfiled filter what a shock...I will keep you all posted....Yea for me...

10/21/05
Well i finished upi all my pre op testing today.  I recieved my optifast liquid diet the other day and i will start it on Monday.  My post op prescriptions are in and being filled as we speak.  All of my insurance has been changed over to the new surgeons office and i am ready to go.  10 days left.  I am starting to get a little nervous but still very excited.  My new surgeons office is so nice and so professional and really care about their patients.  I am trying to avoid "last supper syndrome"  but i cant help thinking of all the things i want to eat this weekend ...I will try to behave but i cant promise anything....

10/22/05
Wow i cant believe that i just sent my son out the door with my husband to take his "specialized high school test".  When did i get so old??????? I have a son who will be in High school next year...wow

10/26/05
Wow i am 5 days away from my surgery.  I have been on the optifast for 3 days now.  I have not had any real food to eat in 3 days and i am actually doing ok.  I get hungry every now and then but i guess i want this so bad that its ok.  I cooked for the family with no problem.  I have so many mixed emotions right now.  I m scared happy nervous....a little of everything.  I just keep praying that the surgery will be a success and that my recovery quick.  I cant wait to be the mother that i always wanted to be for my kids......

10/28/05
Ok i went in for my pro op appointment to go over any last min details and review post op instructions.  I recieved a phone call from the OR my surgery time is 10:30am.  This is it. I am going to a halloween party with my kids tonight, im so happy we have one to go to since i wont be here with them on halloween.  God i am so nervous.  Well i should be around to post one more time before surgery but in case i dont.....see you on the losing side!

Well here i am the night before surgery.  I have to be there at 9:15am.  I dont know what to feel right now.  I am of course happy that it is here but i am so scared.  Please say a prayer for me that everything goes right.  I want to be able to come home and enjoy my children for a very very long time.  I love my family more then anything.  Bye Bye for now i will post as soon as i get home.

11/02/05
IM HOME.  I cant believe it i did it.  I went in for surgery at 10:30am but didnt get into the OR till 12pm.  Surgery only lasted 2 and 1/2 hours and went perfectly according to the docs.  No bleeding issues, my platlets held up.  Recovery was tough, i had a hard time waking up, i was in recovery for a couple of hours. I had more nausea then pain the first day.  I felt like i just got off of a ride at six flags that just kept spinning and spinning.  The pain came mostly when i tried to get into and out of bed.  The staff at St Vincents is just amazing.  I knew they would be.  I was on a unit that i actually did my surgical rotation on when i was in nursing school there.  THe head nurse Fran was still there and i have to say there is nothing like a St Vincents nurse.  They took such good care of me.  Dr. Decspel came t o see me twice.  I am so lucky to have him as my surgeon.  I just felt like i was in such good hands.  My angel Tavia came to see me she brought me a teddy bear.  SHe has been so good to me and once again i have to say how lucky i am.  My family has been so supportive and helpful i dont know what i would have done without them.  Now the tough part begins.  I am not hungry at all and i am making myself eat.  I cant wait until the outside wounds heal so i can really get my new life started.  You guys here on OH are the best!!!! I will update soon. 

11/7/05
Well here i am i week post op and doing great. I am still sore mostly on my left side but its getting better every day.  My scale fluctuates but i think i have lost between 10 and 15 pounds in my first week.  I am eating and tolerating food well. I have an annoying left shoulder pain that comes and goes and i will question the surgeon about that when i see him wednesday. Thats it for now.

11/11/05
Well i went for my follow up appts and i am down officially 14 pounds in my first week.  I had the drain removed on wednesday OUCH...didnt like that very much.  I am not getting in enough water and protien but i am trying.  I just have no interest in eating it is so weird.  I am feeling good, slight discomfort on one of the incsions that popped, have to clean it and bandage it till it heals, it is gross though.  Other then that i am really feeling great.  I am so happy i didn this.  I am so happy i switched from that disorganized, unprofessional, sneaky CORI centers and found my terrific professional, caring and very educated surgeon and his staff along with the Long Island Bariatric Center.  Things could not have gone any smoother and easier.  The nurses i have to say again {ok yes i graduated from st vincents nursing school} But they were the best.  They treated me so good.  I am very proud to say i graduated from there. I will continue to keep you posted.

11/23/05
Well its the day before Thanksgiving.  I am feeling good, healing without any problems.  I have lost a total of 23 pounds since surgery and a total of 36 since i started my journey.  I am getting energy back, even worked out a few times.  Cant wait till my incision heals so i can go swimming.  I am cooking tomorrow for the family.  I look forward to it, even though i wont be having much to eat, i do have so much to be thankful for.  I have my family, my health and my new life.  I just cant believe how lucky i am, esp when i hear of everything that could have gone wrong with the surgery.  I am looking forward to getting back to work after the holidays, maybe just part time.  I enjoy being home with the kiddies but its time to start making some money again.  Well thats it for now, Rene thank you so much my profile looks beautiful!!!

12/9/05
Well i am now almost 7 weeks out.  All of my wounds have healed thank goodness.  I am getting my energy back.  I am finally trying new foods.  Up to this point i have been too afraid. I had today half of a chili taco for lunch and i had half of a slice of pizza{i was out all day shopping} and i tolerated both well.  I thought i would enjoy the pizza more because that was my favorite food pre op but i didnt.  It was ok but it wasnt the same.  This of course is a good thing.  This is why i needed this surgery so much.  My weight has been fluctuating this week of a loss of between 40-45 pounds.  I also have been having trouble with blood in my urine.  Saw the doc and had a CT done yesturday and i have an 8mm kidney stone.  I am going to have a lithotripsy sometime next week.  Fun Fun Fun.  I have been walking often and keeping moving.  Clothes are starting to really get big on me, its amazing.  People are noticing and saying things to me and it feels great.  Well that is about it for now.  Bye Bye till next time.

12/29/05

Hey its been a few weeks sorry.  Lets see i had my lithotripsy, piece of cake thank God.  Christmas was crazy but we had a great time. I made ham, baked ziti, corn on the cob, greens stuff like that. All i ate though was a corn on the cob for dinner, wasnt hungry imagine that.  I got treated really nice by santa.  I got a new digital camera, some workout dvds i asked for, a workout mat, cute little water bottle , the old atari system, the magic bullet and a few other things but my favorite gift was from my kids, they got me a cinderella special edition Barbie.  They always say i am cinderella, they know disney is my favorite place in the world.  I really have great kids.  I finally broke my stall and lost 3 pounds i was stuck at 45 pounds for a couple of weeks but finally this morning i am down 3 more pounds.  I went shopping the other day and i fit in medium pants and large tops!!!!!!! No more XXL for me.. Well thats about it for now...

1/22/05
Almost 3 months out and i am now down 53 pounds.  I have been working out at least 5 times a week.  I am feeling good.  The weight has been comming off slowly the last couple of weeks but i can def tell the inches are going.  I tried on some jeans in old navy the other day, i brought in two sizes and they were both tooooo big.  I have lost 4 jean sizes already.  I was in the park and saw some people i havent seen since the summer and they couldnt stop complimenting me.  I feel so lucky to have been able to have this surgery without complication. 
Tomorrow is a big day for my angel Tavia.  I hope her surgery to correct things works out,,,,I will be praying!

Well i stepped on the scale this morning and it now says i am down 56 pounds!  I cant believe it.  I am feeling so good.  Yesturday i had my first experience of feeling HUNGRY all day.  I dont know why.  As soon as i woke up yesturday all i wanted to do was eat.  Since i had the surgery i really havent felt that hungry feeling, where i needed to eat something right away.  I feel much better today.  I took a pic of myself and couldnt believe the difference i see.  I know i have said it before but this surgery is the best thing i have ever done!  I cant wait till summer.  I have been told by so many different people in the last couple of weeks that i look like a teenager!!!! I am going to be 35 in July and i look like a teenager.  Now that is awsome.......I do get very restless.  I need to be moving all the time.  I think i might just be worried that if i dont get out and do something that i will fall into my old habbit of eating because i am bored.  Well thats it for now.....

2/6/06
Ok well today is not the best of days for me.  I have been crying on and off most of the day.  I posted a couple of months ago that my dog Hercules was sick, he has bone cancer.  Well up until this week he was looking ok.  But now he is spending most of the days sleeping, not begging for food or playing.  The tumor on his leg is the size of a softball now and i think he is starting to feel pain.  I cant let him go on like this and i think we are going to have to put him down very very soon.  It just hurts so much.  I have a pic with him on the top of the profile.  He is a Rottie.  He is a big Rottie.  He is 10 years old and weighs 150 pounds plus.  He is so good with my kids and this is going to be so hard for them too.  Well thats all for now.  Just had to vent a little.

2-11-06
Well we had to do it.  Yesturday we had to put Hercules to rest with the angels.  Its was so hard.  I have put animals down before but this was the hardest.  He was like my baby.  I have been crying so much i had to buy a cold mask for my eyes to stop the swelling.  I will update when i am feeling better.

2/14/06
Happy Valentines Day!  I am feeling better today then i had been feeling this past week.  My hubby brought me home a dozen roses , balloons, sugar free box of chocolate, sugar free sweetheart gum and a beautiful card. Oh and some protien powder i was low lol. I tried one of the sugar free chocolates {way to much sugar alcohols} and i felt so sick.  Oh well who needs chocolate.  I am down 59 pounds and counting.  Feels great.

2/24/06
Hello ...Well let me start with i have been stuck again at -59 pounds since my last post.  Gets a little frustrating but then when i get dressed and my small jeans fit me i feel better because i would have never ever ever been able to wear a pair of 8 or 10 jeans.  I went through some old stuff i had and i found my"skinny jeans" that i had purchased about 13 years ago at the gap.  They were 14 slims.  I had purchased them after loosing about 40 pounds on weight watchers and it was a treat.  Well i kept them so when i was able to "get skinny again" one day i could wear them.  I tried them on and it was so funny,,,,they were so big on me. I almost started crying.  My skinny jeans were too big for me HAHA...who would have ever guessed.  SO my jeans are what are keeping me sane right now.  I am still very restless, cant sit still and cant really sleep to well.  I am just feeling this overwhelming feeling to go out and do things that i have wanted to do my whole life. I am turning 35 inJuly and i feel like i have wasted too much time.  I really need to find a therapist or something to deal with all these issues.  I think it should be manditory to see someone after surgery not just optional.  This site helps so much but there are so many other issues that come up with this surgery that really should be dealt with professionally...ok enough rambeling..........

THE WOMEN IN THE MIRROR

Walking past the mirrored glass,
I take a timid peak,
I see a woman staring back,
I'm too choked up to speak.

The puffiness, at last, is gone,
The skin pink and glowing,
The many pounds that melted off,
Finally, now is showing.

Hard to believe until recently,
This same woman was dying,
Stuffing the food to ease the pain,
Heartbroken and crying.

Life evolved around each snack,
She lived for every meal,
Anything to numb the hurt,
She didn't want to feel.

When did she get so pretty?
When did God remove the grief?
How did this miracle happen?
Who provided this relief?

What a gift! A second chance!
I thank God everyday,
For his grace in showing me,
There is a better way.

I walk, I dance, I make love too,
My heart is filled with gladness,
I'm out of bondage, I'm out of pain,
There is no room for sadness.

This woman in the mirror,
Smiles softly back at me,
She has good cause to be so pleased,
She's finally been set free!

3-2-06
Ok so i finally lost another pound.  Its been comming off slowly but comming off.  I purchased the ab lounger ultra this week and i love it.  I am so happy i got it.  It gives me a nice ab workout without messing up my back.  I went shopping this week again and bought another pair of jeans....off the clearance rack.  Its so cool to be able to get things on clearance.  Hard to do that with the big sizes.  I have a doctor appt tomorrow with my surgeon and my nutrionist.  I am making so many good friends on the NY board, its been great.  ITs nice to meet people that can realte to your issues.  Its hard to understand this journey unless you are on it yourself.  Its snowing right now and i hate the snow, it makes me depressed and when i am depressed i have the urge to eat, so i am fighting it today. I guess thats about it for now.  Will update after doc appt.

3-4-06
Had my 4 month follow up yesturday and it went great.  I was told i was doing great. I have lost lots of inches, i cant remember exactly what she said when she measured me but it was alot.  LOL. The scale there also weighed me less then mine so i am happy with that.  Been being consistant with treadmill and ab lounger and feeling great. 
Need to go back in 2 months for labs and follow up.  See ya.

3-6-06
Ok here we go again.  Blood in the urine, low back pain......KIDNEY STONE again.  Darn.  I have to have a CT scan and see the urologist tomorrow.  FUN FUN FUN. 

4-7-06
Ok lets see, its been a little while, sorry.  OK i am now drum roll please.....................10 pounds from my surgeons goal.  20 from my personal goal.  Yes i am now 140 pounds and get this ,,,,,i fit into a size 6 jeans this weekend. AHHHHH well most of my jeans are an 8 and that is wonderful too but to try on a 6 and be able to button them well i just cant explain.  I was in the dressing room with my 11 year old daughter dancing and jumping.  SHe thought i had lost my mind.  So i am feeling really good.  Kidneys seem to be behaving.  I have so much energy,,,, i have a hard time sleeping and need to be moving all the time.  I just renewed my season passes to great adventure and i am ready to go. 
I have to say that in the last couple of months i have made some really good friends here and with out them i dont know what i would do.  The NY boards have been my home away from home and i love everyone there.  THere are a few really special people and you know who you are.  I also have spent time on the October surgery boards and the liteweights boards and they are awsome there also. I am just so excited to be living my new life ..all i can say right now is WOW.......

STRAWBERRY MY NEW FAVORITE FOOD!{thanks Amy for this info}

Strawberries "Doubtless God could have made a better berry, but doubtless God never did." - Dr. William Butler, 17th Century English Writer. The strawberry is a member of the rose family and is the first fruit of the spring/summer season. Below is a list of some interesting strawberry facts. • The American Indians were already eating strawberries when the colonists arrived. The berries were crushed and then mixed with cornmeal and baked into strawberry bread. The colonists, after tasting this bread, developed their own version of the recipe which was how Strawberry Shortcake came to be. • A popular legend about the strawberry is that if you break a double strawberry in half and share it with a member of the opposite sex, you will fall in love with each other. • The strawberry was a symbol for Venus, who was the Roman Goddess of Love. • Ounce for ounce, strawberries have more Vitamin C than citrus fruit. • Over 53% of seven to nine year olds picked strawberries as their favorite fruit. • California is the largest producer of domestically grown strawberries. The state supplies 80% of the strawberries grown in the United States. The peak quality and supply of strawberries grown in California is from March to May. Nutritional Information While strawberries are low in fat and calories they are naturally high in fiber, Vitamin C, folate, potassium and antioxidants. One cup (149g) of whole fresh strawberries contains 43 calories. In addition, a serving of strawberries will supply your minimum RDA of Vitamin A and the following nutrients: • Protein: 0.88 g • Carbohydrate: 10 g • Total Fat: 0.5 g • Fiber: 3.3 g • Iron: 0.6 mg • Vitamin C: 81.6 mg • Folacin: 25.5 mcg • Potassium: 239 mg Tips for Buying and Storing Fresh Strawberries Fresh strawberries should be used as soon as possible after purchasing to preserve the flavor, appearance and nutrient content. Strawberries do no ripen after they are picked, so select only those with a fresh shiny look and bright red color. Also, check that the green stems look fresh and are not wilted. If you do not plan on using the berries immediately, remove them from the container, arrange them in a single layer in a moisture proof container, cover loosely, and refrigerate. Strawberries should not be washed until shortly before serving. Wash the berries under a gentle spray of cool water. Allow the strawberries to reach room temperature before serving to ensure the best flavor. Extra water on strawberries causes their cells to break down more quickly, so only wash and cut up what you can consume that same day.

4-9-06
Ok well last night i was reading through some posts on the main board and i came across Mich P.  she is having surgery tomorrow and needed and angel.  I volunteered immediatly.  I will say this again i have said it before. It was so special to me when Tavia volunteered to be my angel when i was having my surgery.  It was a comfort to have her there to answer questions and support me.  I want to to that as much as i can for others.  As you know i am Cynthia's angel , she had her surgery a month ago and is doing awsome.  Now i want to be here for Michelle.  I have found out the we have so much in common.  Yea.  Anyway things are good for me right now. Hello everyone.  Just wanted to update a little bit.  Been on a stall now 3 weeks at 140 pounds and it is getting a little frustrating.  I need to drink more water i know that but i find it so hard.  I am doing well with eating.  I am able to tolerate everything i try.  I have not gone near the sweets or chips or cakes or anything like that.  I dont want to know if i dump i am just going to assume i do.  Its better that way.  I had a trip to great adventure for my daughters b day on friday and it was a great expericence. I was able to ride with them on all the kiddie rides ....I was able to walk around the park and not feel tired or worn down.  I was even measured for kingda ka....I am only 4'11" but i think since i have lost the weight i look so much younger and smaller lol.  I also didnt leave with a tummy ache as i always have. All i had at the park was a chicken strip and some fries and a couple of handfulls of popcorn!!!! This surgery has changed my life!

4-28-06
Finally broke my stall today, i am now 138.  Down 2 pounds this week.  I have been addicted to strawberries and eating them all the time.  Its amazing that i went from a cheesedoodle addiction to a strawberry addiction.  I am feeling so good.  Just wanted to let you know!

<5/10/06
Ok well i weighed myself today and i am not 135 pounds.  Five pounds to surgeons goal and 15 to my personal.  I went for a job interview yesturday and it went very well.  I didnt sleep so well trying to decide if a full time position is right for me at this time.  I am just not sure if i am ready to leave the kids monday to friday all day.  The position is great weekends and holidays off, as a nurse that is a gift.  I am leaning towards taking it should it be offered to me but its still a tough decision.  My eating is pretty good but my water intake still stinks. Thats about it for now.

5/14/06
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!! Had my two little sons birthday party last night at mcdonalds.  No cake or ice cream for me.....I did pick up a cheeseburger and mozerella sticks to eat at home after the party, had half of the cheeseburger and 3 mozerella sticks.  But come on that is great considering i spent a few hours in Mcdonalds, last year i could have had a larger fries, big mac, large diet coke and an apple pie and still would have had cake and ice cream. I have come a long way.  Its a great feeling to be in control.
I also was able to spend a little time with Tavia.  I was so happy she came with her husband and little guy.  What a cutie he is, he is the same age as my 4 year old.  Had a really nice time.  Dont know what we are doing today for mothers day, everyone is still asleep.  I know my son has a baseball game later on.  Ok im off talk again soon.

5-25-06
Well alot has happened since my last post.  One is that i decided to go back to work. I started getting my resume together because its been about a year and a half since i worked and it needed some updating.  I checked the times and saw a position that i knew i would love.  I sent my resume and recieved a call for an interview.  The interview went GReat.  The position was exactly what i loved to do.  Nurse Case Manager for foster children.  I got the job.  This was a great moment for me to go on my first interview in a long time and get the job.  Its a mon to friday position no weekends no holidays.  So while happy to get it i was a little sad that i wouldnt be home with my children all day.  I think though the more i think about it that this is the best thing for all of us. 3 of the 4 will be in school in september and the little guy who is 3 will be home with daddy the week , only day is monday that i need to find someone to watch him.  I have a tour of a nursery school today that i may possibly use 2 days a week i think it would be good for him. 
I also weighed myself this morning and i am down to 133.  That is 3 pounds from surgeons goal.  Oh and i tried a Mango last night and it was heaven!!!!! Just had to add that in. I promised myself another tattoo when i hit goal, i cant wait.  So thats it for now.  Will update again soon.

May30 2006, BBQ
Had a great time this weekend, went to Stacy's for a BBQ and finally go to meet her in person as well as my great friend Lisa S!  Also met Carmen and lots of other people and had an awsome time.  Thank you Stacy for having us.

June24th 2006

Sorry its been a while since i updated.  Well i took that job i was talking about mon to fridays and i started this past monday.  I love the position and the people i will be working with but i hate having to leave the kiddies to go.  The one that is having a hard time of course is thelittle one. He cries every time i leave.  I hope he outgrows that soon.  Dont know how much i can take of it.  I may have to quit if he dont stop.  I am down to 128 with my weight and feeling awsome as far as that is concerned.  Nothing to complain about.  My daughter graduated grammar school yesturday and my son graduates on monday.  Boy i can remember when the two of them started pre k......time flies.   I am so proud of the both of them they do well and work hard.  Anyway just wanted to update a litte.  Bye Bye for now.

7-10-06
Hi there.  Well i am back to work and only doing 2 days.  It works nice this way.  I am down to 127 pounds and feeling great.  I have over the last couple of weeks tried new foods, been afraid to but i had a few mini hotdogs{pigs in a blanket} at Lisa's house and did fine with them.  I also tried a baked pork chop and did fine with that as well.  So life is good.I am however begining to hate the skin i am seeing.  I hate my arms espically.  So who knows, plastics may be in my future after all.....  Sun is out and i am on my way to work.

7-24-06
Well yesturday was my 35th birthday.  I cant believe i am that old.  It has been a year to remember though, what a difference a year makes.  Just look at the pictures below and i think they speak for themselves.  Love ya.

8-25-06

Just a little update on me!  I am still at 127 pounds but thats ok because i feel great!  I was hoping to get to 120 but i am not to sure that is going to happen.  My body seems to be comfortable right here.  If i do then that would be great but if i dont thats great too!  I really havent been formally exercising that will start again soon when the weather gets ugly..lol...I am enjoying being out in the sun right now.  So right now ...life is good!

October 1st 2006

Well I am very close to my one year anniversary...cant believe it..I am maintaining between 127-130 depending on the day. I am getting a little nervous because i can eat a little more then before .
I am thinking about starting a support group here in NYC, I hope i can get enough people interested....I am still very much addicted to strawberries which is a good thing.  Halloween is my anniversary...i have to decide what costume i am going to wear,,,,

October 25,2006

Ok well I have to update a little bit. I am going through preperations for yet another surgery.  Bottome line is tumor was found in pelvis and has to be removed.  It will happen soon, i have to have some more tests done first. 

I am maintaining at 127-130 depending on the day.  Feeling great. 

Also trying to plan a holiday party with all the Nyers for the first or second week of December...think it would be really nice.  Ok thats it for now.....

December 3,2006

Wow i didnt realize i have not updated this in a while.  Well we had our holiday party and it was great.  Got to meet many of the people i depend on for my online support.  Would love to plan another maybe for lunch or something but we will see.  I am also in the process of planning my surgery to remove a tumor that was found in my pelvis, i have a biopsy scheduled for this comming Friday and that will help determine exactly what this is.

I have also lost a close friend this week, a lady who has been batteling cancer for a couple of years now has lost her battle for life.  It happend during the holiday party . I revieved a call from another friend that she had passed.  Kind of put a damper on my party but didnt want to let it show.  It also reminds me to enjoy life every day as if it was your last day on earth because anyting can happen.  And with this surgery i have been able to do so much more, and for that i am so greatful . 

Ok so thats my little update for now.....See ya soon....maybe at our next gathering...

Happy Holidays..

Ok wow January already

I just realized I havent really updated my profile in a while.  Well i am in the process of recovering from the removal of a tumor in m y abdomen and a tummy tuck.  It was discovered that I had an endometrial tumor in my pelvis that was growing and uncomfortable.  I had it removed on Jan 4 along with a tummy tuck preformed.  Its is amazing already the transformation. Dr Kolker did the plastics and he is amazing.  I cant say enough about how he has changed my life.  He is an awsome surgeon and just a pleasant and wonderful man.  I highly recomend him to anyone looking for plastic surgery.  I will update with pics in a couple of weeks when the swelling goes down.  So thats about it for now....

March 25 2007

Well its almost 3 mths since my plastic surgery and I am feeling great.  My weight is still hovering around 127-130 but that works just fine for me.  I am getting a little nervous as my appetite some days seems like i can just eat and eat.  I have to be really careful these days to make the right decisions.  I am not a sweet eater so junkfood is not a major issue for me however carbs is....I have to watch my carb intak on some days bec its just way to much.  But all in all i think i am doing pretty good.  I do have to say that in the last couple of months i have been looking more towards my faith and leaning on it more then i did before.  I have been hooked on watching Joel Orsteen i think the things he says is wonderful and make so much sense in my every day life.  My family is doing wonderful, the kids are doing great in school, my son is now on the track team at school along with football and baseball....he stays active.  My daughter has her first scrimmage game today in softball.  So i am keeping busy, the nicer the weather the less of me on the computer...No need wasting time home when i could be out and enjoying the city....Anyway  have to run and get ready to head outside.  Love ya ......................

 August 2007

WOW bad me, its been since March since i last updated here.  Not a whole lot to update .  I am doing great.  I am maintaining around 130 give or take 2 pounds depending on the day.  My tummy is all healed up, remains a little numb but doing awsome.  My kids are doing excellent, we are all enjoying our summer.  I found a new job in a pre school so i am off until labor day just like a teacher.  My little man starts pre k in a couple of weeks and that means they are all going to be in school.  Thats a little scary.
My eating for the most part has remained the same.  I have some bad days where all i crave is carbs but thats ok i have come to terms with that.  I dont deny myself if i am in the mood for them.  I do however stay away from sugar and cake and cookies and junkfood.  Licking my fingers is the closest i have gotten to eating any of that stuff.  Have no desire for it.  I am learning as this process continues who my real friends are and who i need to stay clear of.   There are the people in this world who no matter what will always look at the negatives in a situitation.  I have tried to clear my life of those kinds of people.  I have found that instead of being happy for me i have learned that jealousy is a very ugly thing.  I stay away from those people too.  I try to surround myself with positive people and positive things.  Life is to short to waste on negative.  

Well thats it for now.  Have to feed my children who are hungry.  Hope everyone is doing well.  Drop me a line anytime if you like.  You can also catch me on aol or aim often.  LisaMarie0723@aol.com  or add me to your myspace.  Mine is http://www.myspace.com/lisamarie0723.  Take care.

November 2007  {2 years post op as of Halloween}
 

Think its time for an update.  Loving my job.  Maintaining at about 127-130............I am feeling great.  All my labs are comming back perfect and I really cant complain ....I am healthier then i have been in a very long time.  Emotionally there have been some ups and downs and i am really working on that.  Its not easy to stay positive all the time but i try really hard.  Kids are doing great.  Love them to death they are my whole life .....and my motivation to stay healthy. 
 

I am not around here as often as i used to be or as much as i would like however i do read all the time and i am so proud of everyone here. 
 

That about sums it up for now.  LisaMarie



February

Hi everyone.  THings are going well here.  Still maintaining.  Cant complain. Still on the emotional rollercoaster but i guess thats something i will deal with for life.....Have ventured and tried things that maybe i shouldnt have in the last couple of months..however its amazing how i can take maybe 2 bites of a piece of birthday cake and be ok with it.  SO my thinking and seems to be working well for me is anything is ok in moderation.  I do not deprive myself of anything.  If i want to try it, it do, difference these days is i dont go overboard.  I feel like a normal person , someone in control when it comes to eating and thats an awsome feeling!
As you can see in my new pics i did get a couple more tattoos, and i am planning more. Love them....bye for now..