I am a surgical (post-op) nurse. I am frequently assigned to patients who had bariatric surgery. As a nurse, I know the risks involved and I am scheduled for surgery on February 17, 2003. I can't say that this was a hard decision but at the same time, I cannot say it was an easy decision either. I have followed bariatric surgery from the onset. Once, I approached a medical doctor regarding this surgery and was told that I would never be approved. For a while I was quiet about surgery but I never completely put it out of my mind. Yes, I am nervous, and yes my co-workers feel compelled to tell me everything that MIGHT go wrong but I am determinded to move forward.

My Hobbies: I enjoy computer art programs such as Paint Shop Pro. I also enjoy photography and videography.

My Interests: see hobbies

My Concerns: I hate to throw up. I hate to be sick. (I hate buying clothes off the plus size rack). And I am concerned about enough about my health that I am willing have surgery in order to feel better tomorrow.

About Me: I am a Christain, a wife, a mother, and recently (this month) I am also a first time grandmother (I am going to have another grandchild this spring). And I am a BIG chicken!!! I decided to have surgery because I want to be able to play with my grandbabies. I am presently healthy and I want to continue in good health but statistics are not on my side. Realizing that being overweight can lead to high blood pressure and diabetes, not to mention all the joint pain and social stigma that is attached. I would rather be known as the person who did everything humanly possible to be healthy instead of being known as the person who just accepted it.

My Highest Known Weight of 250

My Weight History:
I was a chubby baby. I weighed 9 pounds 9 ouces at birth and remained chubby for a number of years but I slimmed down as a teenager. In fact, I was once told that I was underweight and was advised to gain weight. Little did anyone expect that I would gain 80 pounds during a single pregnancy. After giving birth, I weighed 203 pounds and was on the road to morbid obesity. I had three pregnancies back to back, suffered depression during the pregnancies and ate out of control. I felt like an alcoholic... hiding my eating habits. I'd consume large quanities of food while my husband was at work and not wanting him to know how much I'd eaten, I'd force myself to eat supper with him. I sought medical help many times. I think I have taken almost every diet pill on the market. The diet pills allowed me to keep my weight to around 200, but once the prescriptions would run out, I'd quickly gain my weight back. My highest known weight is about 250, but I lied about my weight so often that I am not sure if that is correct.


My First Official Pre-Op Picture





January 20, 2003
APPROVED

February 17, 2003
SURGERY (I'll update more afterwards)


One Month Check-Up


April 28
WEIGHT: 190
BMI:31.6






My 6 Month Check-Up.





October, 2003 - 9 Months Post-Op

February 14, 2004

Happy Valentine's Day
I got a new hair cut and new color to complete my new look.

April 27, 2005
Hysterectomy Day

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My Grandsons
Ryan (3) and Rowley (2)




My Granddaughters
Kaylee (3 this month) and Karsyn (7 months)


Without surgery, how would I be able to keep up with these kids?



My Pug Puppies





May 15, 2006

I went to Six Flags on Friday (May 12). Here's a picture of me riding a kiddy ride with my granddaughter.
WOW, there was actually room in the seatbelt... I could breathe.

July 28, 2006

INTERNAL HERNIA SURGERY

September 16, 2006

Karsyn's 1st Birthday

This is what my "adult" daughters do when they have a camera with a timer.