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Goals
42 People in progress, 59 People achieved this |
7 People in progress, 3 People achieved this |
5 People in progress, 5 People achieved this |
20 People in progress, 3 People achieved this |
3 People in progress, 2 People achieved this |
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Member Interests
- Animals - I'm a true Animal Lover. I would love to have a pet Monkey one day!
- Aerobics & Aquarobics - thank goodness for the aquamoves class at 24hr fitness
- Movies - Suspense and Psychological Thrillers are my favorites!
- Music - I LOOOOOVE music! All kinds, all genres except COUNTRY!
- Fashion
- Black American - Say it loud...
- Tattoo - I have 8... how about you??? *smile*
- Shopping - Addict!
- BMI over 50 - My goal is to get to under 50 by 6 months post-op-*DONE!!!*
- WLS in your 30's - 30's are the new 20's? Not, when it comes to metabolism! LOL
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Hello OH Fam! I'm Shaana (35 y/o). My highest weight was 388 lbs(BMI 64.6) NEVER AGAIN!-By the way. I'm here to share my story and to learn from you as well. I'm a Kaiser (So-Cali)patient; completed the 6-mo Options Program 10/09/07 and had surgery 11/26/07. Feel free to ask me about Kaiser and/or Options (Or ANYTHING- no matter how big or small) and I will be happy to answer as best I can. We're in this together! (Please be patient if it takes me a long minute to respond to your email~I belong to several different On-line groups so it is hard to keep up at times; however, I promise I WILL get back to ya)
 How to read my page: The top part is random Blogs on my thoughts and emotions, other little ditties that I may want to share, and POST-OP updates; but please see the My Story section if you want to get to the nitty- gritty about my actual WLS journey(up until I returned home from the hospital), which includes my experiences with Kaiser, The Options Program, the doctors etc .
Long Time!!! on November 23, 2010 11:04 am
Hey Peeps! Been a long time. Lots has happened. Got married July 4, 2009  . No babies yet. Never made it to the personal weight goal that I set for myself, but I have not given up.
A word of advice to my fellow OH members:
STAY AWAY FROM ALCOHOL!!!! SERIOUSLY
*remember the words "addiction transfer". hit me up if you have
any questions.
QB
What's up my Peeps?!?! on March 9, 2009 12:56 pm
Just poppin in to say hello :)
Not too much happening on the weight loss front. I think I have landed where I'm going to be. I feel a little sad about that but I shall push on. It is truly "My Bad" though because I have not been working my tool as I should as of late. I will get back on track though because I am determined to crack the 200's. (at least get to 199- LOL)
OH yeah- PS: I'M IN LOVE!!! 
9 comments | Leave a comment.
Nov 20, 2008 (almost 1 year out) on November 21, 2008 10:19 am
My head looks BIG as hell! LOL! | Leave a comment.
Mid month update on November 7, 2008 6:29 am
Highest/at Surgery/Current/Goal Wt
388/348/243/188
40 lbs lost prior to surgery
105 lbs lost since surgery on 11/26/07
------------------------------------------------
145 lbs lost total!
2 comments | Leave a comment.
10/21/08 on October 27, 2008 12:04 pm
Highest/at Surgery/Current/Goal Wt
388/348/251/188
40 lbs lost prior to surgery
101 lbs lost since surgery on 11/26/07
------------------------------------------------
141 lbs lost total!
| Leave a comment.
Update Time!!! 10 Months out Today!!! on September 26, 2008 10:27 am
Highest Wt/Wt at Surgery/Current Wt/Goal Wt
388/348/251/188
40 lbs lost prior to surgery
97 lbs lost since surgery on 11/26/07
------------------------------------------------
137 lbs lost total!
Sept 25, 2008 | Leave a comment.
I've Been Gone For a Minute... But I'm Baaaaack!! on September 3, 2008 6:57 pm
Hey Fam!
Please excuse my absence from OH, but a sista has been going thru some thangs(MEN !!!!- Love 'em but Hate 'em too- Tryna not loose faith in my brothas yall, BUT DAMN- We'll save that for another time though)! But I am back! Thank everyone for the shout outs and the love that was sent my way, it it is APPRECIATED as always! I LOVE MY OH FAMILY! I am just now getting to all my emails and I see some of my peeps have got GOOD NEWS to share namely Ms Bates has had her surgery by now annnnd my girl HealthyStart has a surgery date in November!!!! I am so happy for you both!!!! I am waiting for ya here on the proverbial "Losers Bench" ladies!!! 2008 is our year ladies!!! To everyone else stay Blessed and continue to work those tools!!!
Love Yall!!
~Shaana~
QwnBee2007
PS- I am down to 259 lbs, BMI 43.1
So:
40 lbs lost prior to Surgery
89 lbs lost since Surgery on 11/26/07
---------------------------------------------------
129 lbs down total!!
GOD IS GOOD! 
*I have set a mini goal to lose 11 more pounds by my 1 year Surgiversary on 11/26/08, so I will be at 100 lbs lost since surgery .... Pray for me yall!
4 comments | Leave a comment.
Thursday~ 08/07/08 on August 7, 2008 8:07 pm
BEFORE
AFTER
Trying to look serious 
 Thanking GOD everyday for granting me a second chance!
~I can walk without Back or ankle pain~
~I can climb stairs with ease~
~I can stand for long periods of time without pain~
~I can fly without a seatbelt extension~
~I can EXERCISE~
4 comments | Leave a comment.
07/26/08 on July 27, 2008 1:04 pm
8 Month Surgiversery!
As of this morning (07/27/08): 267lbs
-40lbs lost before Surgery
-81lbs lost since Surgery on 11/26/07
-----------------------------------------
-121 lbs GONE FOREVER!!
BMI:
Started at 64.6
Today it is 44.4
----------------------------
Down by 20.2 points!!!
4 comments | Leave a comment.
Tuesday, 07/22/08 on July 22, 2008 10:43 pm
@ 269 lbs (still! DAMMIT!!! )
I hope this it not it 
At Ross ~07/22/08~
*I will be 8 months out in 4 days*
9 comments | Leave a comment.
At the San Diego Zoo on 07/19/08 on July 21, 2008 12:24 pm
Hello OH Fam:
This past Saturday I took my baby brother to the San Diego Zoo for his 27th Birthday ... LOL Yes!! we went to the Zoo and had a BLAST! I guess we are both still kids at heart.
Here's a picture from that day:
2 comments | Leave a comment.
7 1/2 months... on July 10, 2008 8:00 am
As of this morning:
-40lbs lost before Surgery
-79lbs lost since Surgery on 11/26/07
-----------------------------------------
-119 lbs GONE FOREVER!!
2 comments | Leave a comment.
Quick Update on July 9, 2008 3:46 pm
Current Month Stats (07/2008):
Height- 5’ 5”
Weight- 269 lbs
BMI- 44.7
Weight Category- Extremely Obese
Dress Size- 22
Shoe Size- 9 ½ M & 10 M
Pants- 20 (and some 18’s <--- Ashley Stewart Bootcut Stretch Jeans)
Bra Size- Varies(depends on the bra) 42DD & 42DDD & 42F
Before Stats:
Height- 5’ 5”
Weight- 388(Highest) & 348.5(On day of surgery)
BMI- 64.6(Highest) & 57.9(On day of surgery)
Weight Category- Super Obese
Dress Size- 34/36 (some 30/32’s)
Shoe Size- 10 W
Pants- 34/36 (some 30/32’s)
Bra Size- 48DDD/E/F & 50DDD/E
1 comment | Leave a comment.
Sat 06/28/08 on June 28, 2008 4:02 pm
-40lbs lost before Surgery
-75lbs lost since Surgery on 11/26/07
-----------------------------------------
-115 lbs GONE FOREVER!!
1 comment | Leave a comment.
7 Months Out Today! :) on June 26, 2008 9:44 am
As of this morning (Thursday 06/26/08):
I'm sloooooooooowly getting there 
-40lbs lost before Surgery
-74lbs lost since Surgery on 11/26/07
-----------------------------------------
-114 lbs GONE FOREVER!!
| Leave a comment.
This Always Happens... LOL on May 27, 2008 10:02 am
It is one day AFTER my 6 Month Surgiversary and I'm down 2 more pounds since yesterday
I'll definitely take it! But I wish I would have got that number yesterday so that I could have put 279 on my Monthly Weight chart (instead of 281)! Oh well! A day late and a dollar short. LOL... I know, I know, I'm a bit obssessive.
-40lbs lost b-4 Surgery
-69lbs lost since Surgery on 11/26/07
-----------------------------------------
-109 lbs GONE FOREVER!!
| Leave a comment.
6 Month Surgiversay!!! on May 26, 2008 12:11 pm
-40lbs lost b-4 Surgery
-67lbs lost since Surgery on 11/26/07
-----------------------------------------
-107 lbs GONE FOREVER!!
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05/14/2008 on May 14, 2008 9:59 pm
05/14/08
5 comments | Leave a comment.
Chart on May 5, 2008 1:06 pm
My Weight Loss Chart
| Date |
Weight |
Loss |
Pre-op- BMI 64.5
|
388 |
none |
| Day of Surgery 11/26/07 |
348.5 |
-40 |
| Hospital Release 11/29/07 |
356 |
+8 |
| 1 mo- 12/26/07 |
324 |
-32 |
| 2 mos- 01/26/08 |
309 |
-15 |
| 3 mos- 02/26/08 |
299 |
-10 |
| 4 mos- 03/26/08 |
295 |
-4 |
| 5 mos- 04/26/08 |
287 |
-8 |
| 6 mos- 05/26/08 |
281 |
-6 |
| 7 mos- 06/26/08 |
274 |
-7 |
| 8 mos- 07/26/08 |
268 |
-6 |
| 9 mos- 08/26/08 |
261 |
-7 |
| 10 mos- 09/26/08 |
251 |
-10 |
| 11 mos- 10/26/08 |
247 |
-4 |
| 12 months- 11/26/08 |
|
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| 13 months- 12/26/08 |
|
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| 14 months- 01/26/09 |
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| 15 months- 02/26/09 |
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| 16 months- 03/26/09 |
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| 17 months- 04/26/09 |
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| 18 months- 05/26/09 |
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| 19 months- 06/26/09 |
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| 20 months- 07/26/09 |
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| 21 months- 08/26/09 |
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| 22 months- 09/26/09 |
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| 23 months- 10/26/09 |
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| 24 months- 11/26/09 |
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| 25 months- 12/26/09 |
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| 26 months- 01/26/10 |
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| 27 months- 02/26/10 |
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| 28 months- 03/26/10 |
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| 29 months- 04/26/10 |
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| 30 months- 05/26/10 |
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| 31 months- 06/26/10 |
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| 32 months- 07/26/10 |
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| 33 mos- 08/26/10 |
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| 34 months- 09/26/10 |
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| 35 mos- 10/26/10 |
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| 36 mos- 11/2 |
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5 Months and 2 Days Post... Full Update on April 28, 2008 3:41 pm
I know... I know... I am 'doing the most' with all the updates instead of doing just one 5 month post-op post... LOL. But my brain is scattered/segmented right now... hee hee hee.
5 Month and 2 Days Post Op Stats:
Height- 5’ 5”
Weight- 285 lbs
BMI- 47.4
Weight Category- Extremely Obese
Dress Size- 24
Shoe Size- 9 ½ M & 10 M
Pants- 24 (and some 22’s)
Bra Size- Varies(depends on the bra) 44DD & 44D, 42DD & 42D
Before Stats:
Height- 5’ 5”
Weight- 388(Highest) & 348.5(On day of surgery)
BMI- 64.6(Highest) & 57.9(On day of surgery)
Weight Category- Super Obese
Dress Size- 34/36 (some 30/32’s)
Shoe Size- 10 W
Pants- 34/36 (some 30/32’s)
Bra Size- 48DDD/E & 50DDD/E
-40lbs lost prior to surgery
-63lbs lost since surgery on 11/26/07
-----------------------------------------
-103lbs total lost
Love Yall!
~Shaana~
2 comments | Leave a comment.
5 Months Post-Op Yesterday! on April 27, 2008 11:35 am
Eyes On The Prize...
99lbs to Goal!  Wooo hoooo!
1 comment | Leave a comment.
Well...er...um... on April 11, 2008 9:36 am
I got on the scale this morning and it read 288.?. I honestly don’t remember what was after the decimal point. LOL I was so excited to see the 288 that I hopped off the scale super fast cause I did not want to give it time to change it’s mind! Hee hee hee. So, I have officially joined the Century Club today! Wow I’m still in shock. I don’t even want to update my tickers etc because I don’t want to jinx it. I KNOW… my ass is crazy! 
-40lbs lost prior to surgery
-60lbs lost since surgery on 11/26/07
-----------------------------------------
-100lbs total lost
Love Yall!
~Shaana~
| Leave a comment.
A BLAST FROM THE PAST!!! on April 1, 2008 11:12 am
I was cleaning out old stuff from my work emails and come across this exchange between me and one of my girls. It is a testament to just how far I’ve come in less than a year’s time. Even though I would be considered a slooooow loser since surgery (compared to most of the post-ops I’ve seen here on OH), this email reminded me of how hopeless/helpless that I felt at one time and those feelings have been replaced by the realization of potentials and possibilities. At the time of these emails I was about 2 months into the Options program at Kaiser and about 5 ½ months away from having surgery and well over 360 lbs. I had no clue back then that I would be physically able to go to the gym 5 days/week (doing up to 50 mins of Cardio AND an hour+ of the weight machines with NO problems); and that I would be able to walk around at an open air market ALL DAY LONG without my feet/back/ankles hurting AFTER going to the gym that same morning. What? Me? Doing 2 things in one day?? LOL. Last June you could not have convinced me that this would happen for me. I was so tired and beat down by all of the extra weight that I was carrying around on my 5’ 5” frame, and from the debilitating effects of having Diabetes and Edema. So, my point is this… DO NOT GIVE UP! It WILL get better! Claim it! And one day tell your story to others (never know whose life you may impact!)
(Remember to read the one on the bottom 1st) *I’ve edited/omitted the names to respect the privacy of others* The person who wrote this to me knows who she is and I TRULY thank her for encouraging and believing in me (when I did not even believe).
So, now on to the email...
From: B, Y
Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2007 10:43 AM
To: Shaana
Subject: RE: walking
U know when you take the weight off I believe u will feel a difference. Remember Shaana you are waking your body up & moving bones & muscles around that you haven’t done in a while. With any new form of exercising especially walking you are very sore. Shaana I can remember when I first started walking to the train station OMG I was so embarrassed because literally I was out of breath & when it was time to get off the train that was hard because my calves & thighs hurt so bad, I remember when it was hot days out & I would walk my legs would literally be burning. Especially in the inside of my thighs rubbing together, but with time (a long time) the pain eased up some. When I walk with ******* & ***** I be so out of breath Shaana cause they move FAST that’s why I was so excited when you say you walking with us because I know we will walk at our own pace & we wouldn’t be so sore after the walk.
Just continue to walk the pain will ease I promise you & no having this pain is not as good as it gets, it get better for you with a lot of time & patience. Just think how it was before you started walking, it was hard for you to get up & go to the restroom. I know it’s a bit easier now. Remember everything is BABY steps & the body is like DAMN what is she doing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From: Shaana
Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2007 10:15 AM
To: B, Y
Subject: walking
You know what I wonder??? Even though my back and ankles don’t hurt like they used to… will there ever be a time when I don’t feel any pain when I walk? It’s crazy, but I don’t even remember what that feels like. I can’t imagine it at this point. It’s such a simple thing to do!!! BUT the pain is STILL there, just way more bearable. I get a little scared when I think about if maybe this is as good as it’s going to get in regards to the pain L
Shaana
"This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message."
Love Yall!
~Shaana~
| Leave a comment.
I Have My 3 Mo Post-op F/u Visit with Dr. Tanaka... on March 13, 2008 12:39 pm
Wish me luck! He always makes me sooo nervous 
2 comments | Leave a comment.
A Question was asked about getting in all your protein... on March 10, 2008 3:04 pm
Here's 2 of the sources that I currently use:
1. New Whey Liquid Protein by IDS- It's 42 grams of protein and only 3.1 oz-176 calories
Taste: 5 out of 10 (I think the Grape and Orange flavors taste best- I don't like the Blue Raspberry or Fruit Punch)
or
2. ProComplex Augmented Protein System- It's 60 grams of protein for 2 scoops. You can mix it with as little as 8 oz of water- 260/270 calories **This is the one that my Surgeon recommends**
Taste: 9 out of 10 (I drink the Strawberry Swirl and Rich Chocolate Milk flavors)
*Both of the above can be purchased at The Vitamin Shoppe
NOTE: A person's body can only absorb so much protein at one time BUT (per my surgeon) it is okay to take more than you need at one time. A surplus of protein is better than not getting enough.
4 comments | Leave a comment.
It's Finally Here!!!!! Officially 3 Months Post-Op on February 27, 2008 12:47 pm
Yesterday was my 3 month Surgiversary! Yippeee! As yall know I had set a mini goal of being down to 298 lbs by 02/26/08. So, I've been sticking to my Gym routine and eating fairly decent (BUT I have to admit that I have got my Drank on on a few occasions- I didn't want the good Hennessey to go to waste- BAD Shaana! Bad Shaana! ) . So, on Monday 02/25/08 (the day BEFORE my 3 month surgiversary) I got on my scale and it read 298.4. Yes! Yes! Yes!. Even though it was a day early I rushed to my computer to update my stats on OH. Go Shaana... it's ya birfday... we gonna party like it's ya birfday... Yall I updated both of my Tickers, my weight chart, my General info page... etc etc ... since I figured I got this one in the bag, right???? WRONG!!! LOL. So, for Shits and Giggles I hopped on the scale on the morning of 02/26/08(since this is the OFFICIAL end date of my goal) and guess what the mofo reads?????? 299.4. Hmmmm. Okay let me move it over a little to the left and try it again... Okay here goes.... 299.4. Okay maybe I need to go pee then try it again. So, I go and do my business and return to the scale. Okay it's on and cracking now! Right? Wrong! 299.2. Step off, step back on... and voila... 299.4!
Moral:
Did I achieve my mini goal? No!
Am I proud of myself and my efforts? Hell to the Yeah!!!!!
Love Yall!!
Shaana
PS- I had to go in and RE-update both of my Tickers etc...
PS#2- To summarize: I started at 388 lbs, so I have lost a total of 89 lbs (40 pre-surgery and 49 since surgery 3 months ago on 11/26/07). When I started my BMI was almost 65, but now it is 49.8 It’s now officially under 50 yall! So that means that I am no longer in the SUPER Obese category; I now fall in the EXTREMELY Obese category. Yippee!
*That would probably sound like a crazy thing to celebrate to a "normal" weight individual, but I know that my OH family understands (especially my fellow WLS Heavyweights)*. Because of the above I have added a few more (QUALITY) years to my life!
New GOAL for f/u Surgeon's visit on 03/13/08: -5 lbs
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On my way... on February 24, 2008 2:34 pm
 
Pre-Surgery 2 Months and 20 days post surgery
| Leave a comment.
WOW Moment...... on February 19, 2008 1:33 pm
This past Friday (02/15/08) I bought a pair of Bootcut Levi’s ! They are S-T-R-E-T-C-H jeans BUT they are a size 24 (when I started this journey I was in a 34/36). I could not believe that they even fit! I have not had a pair of Levi’s in years. And to top it off they were on clearance for $10.49!
Chuch!
PS- As of this morning I finally broke 305 lbs! I am now 303 lbs. That’s a total of 85 lbs gone FOREVER! (-40 pre-surgery and -45 since surgery on 11/26/07)
PS#2- I had to work very hard to get those 2 little pounds off yall. During my 3 day weekend(for Presidents Day) I went to the gym 4 times; Saturday, Sunday, and twice on Monday(morning & evening). Can a sista get a break?!? Does anyone have any ideas on how I can jumpstart my weight loss again w/o killin myself with over exertion?  LOL | Leave a comment.
Update: 3 Month Surgiversary GOAL (02/26/08) on February 19, 2008 9:33 am
****3 month surgiversary is on Tuesday, 02/26/08****
Next stop Twoserville! 
****3 month surgiversary is on Tuesday, 02/26/08****
Stuck Like Chuck!! on February 15, 2008 12:03 pm
I have been stuck at 305 lbs for about 2 weeks. Errrgh! It's quite frustrating  . I posted a few new pictures anyway. Check them out.
~Shaana~
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My 3 Month Surgiversary Goal on February 10, 2008 1:23 pm
This is a small goal that I have set for myself. TWOserville here I come!
1 comment | Leave a comment.
Beware Ladies... ;)~ on February 6, 2008 7:45 pm
The titties will start to shrivel post surgery!  A few months ago I was wearing a DDD/E cup and now I am in a DD. So, basically when it's all said and done these girls are gonna need a lift. LOL. Remember to put some $$$ aside to invest in some GOOD bras.
3 comments | Leave a comment.
Eyes on the Prize on February 4, 2008 1:19 pm
STATS as of this time last year (Feb `07):
Height: 5' 5"
Weight: 388
BMI: 64.6
Clothing Size: 34/36
Bra Size: 48 & 50 DDD/E/F
Shoe Size: 10 W
Medications: Hydrochlortiazide, Glyburide(08/07), Lisinopril
STATS as of Feb `08 (2 months, 10 days post-op):
Height: 5' 5"
Weight: 305
BMI: 50.8
Clothing Size: 26/28
Bra Size: 44DD/ 46DD/ 46D ---> Depends on the bra
Shoe Size: 10 (and some 9 1/2)
Medications: Actigall (I only have to take this for 90 days. Yes!) and Vitamins
Wow! My BMI has decreased by 13.5!!!! Go Shaana... it's ya birfday!
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Archive
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My Story The Journey...
06/2004
I recently had an appointment with my PCP and he did not seem to even be open to listening to my desire to have gastric bypass surgery. He immediately began telling me how I need to lose weight "naturally". So, I have another appt w/him on 7/06/04 to discuss my recent Diabetes diagnosis. I plan to ask about the surgery again at the visit. I have a feeling that this Doc has some "personal" bias against this procedure (as many uninformed individuals do). I hope that I'm wrong. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
********************************************************************
7/6/04
Well, I had my appointment today with my PCP and like I thought he flat out said that he will not give me a referral for WLS. We actually got into an argument in the examination room. I left Kaiser so frustrated today. When I got to my car I just sobbed for about 20 min. I feel/felt like just giving up, but I know that I can't (especially now since I have Diabetes). I feel so helpless right now :(
My PCP told me that MAYBE he'll give me a referral in 6 months or so if I lose weight using a 1200/day diet. I tried to explain to him that I have already done the yo-yo dieting thing. I have lost and regained at least a whole other person over the past 10 years. He would not listen though. He more than implied that I just did not try hard enough. He even told me that what's wrong with waiting 6 more months for him to decide since I've been overweight "all this time". He seems to think that I have all the time in the world; but I feel like I'm dying a little bit at a time every day as it feels like my body/health is betraying me.
*****************************************************************
7/25/04
Update: I found an understanding PCP! YES! I went in on 7/16 for my first visit with her, and she was very caring. She agreed to giving me a referral for WLS that same visit. It was so funny because I went in there all geared up to plead my case, but she ended telling me all about the possible benefits of WLS. I could not believe it. She has trully done her homework on this subject. I was so happy when she told me that she would give me the referral that I almost cried right there in the examination room. I did my initial blood work, so I'll keep y'all posted.
BTW- In case you're looking for an understanding PCP @ Kaiser in the Downey/Bellflower area: My PCP's name is Dr. Jane Fealy and her office is at the Downey Kaiser on Imperial Highway. She's great! And very pro WLS
******************************************************************
8/18/04
Well alot has happened since I last posted. I have finished all my
initial blood work and the 24 hour urine test(that was really gross!!).
I thought everything would be smooth sailing because at my 7/16/04 appt my pcp told me to come back in 4 wks and by then she would have all of my test results ready; and that at that time she would put the test results and the diet history that I typed up together with my
file and send it over to the guy at Kaiser Sunset to be reviewed for approval/denial/follow up or whatever. However, I got a call from one of my Dr's nursing staff about 1 week after my tests were complete saying that the doctor would like for me to come in because of
concern due to my sugar being really high....cont...
*******************************************************************
12/20/04
Good News! I have met with my surgeon (Dr. Amir Mehran at UCLA Medical). He really impressed me with his knowledge about the procedure. I also met with UCLA's Bariatric Coordinator, Debbie(kinda upbrupt/not so friendly lady); and she said that my surgery will be scheduled for sometime in March 05. I will be attending the 4 required classes at UCLA in Feb 05, because the Jan 05 classes are already booked up. I have to do some of my lab work over because most of it is only good for 30 days, not the 6 months that I was told. The EKG is the only thing that is good for 6 months.
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9/30/06
I'M BACK... It's been almost 2 years since I posted anything. Brief update: I completed/passed the classes at UCLA and had a tentative surgery date of around March 12th (I don't remember the exact date). HOWEVER, I did not lose the weight that Dr. Mehran required prior to the surgery date, so my surgery was "postponed" a couple of times. So, eventually I got discouraged and stopped making the "weigh in" appointments at UCLA and just gave up :( Eventually, my Authorization from Kaiser expired. I took that as a sign that maybe the time was not right for me. --------------> So here I am 2 years later... with periodic thoughts of the "what if's?" but still not acting on starting the process for the surgery over (especially after all of the drama that I went thru the first time). So, I get this call from one of the nurses at Kaiser saying that it has been a year since I'd seen my PCP and that she was requesting that I come in for an appointment after I complete the labs(Diabetes Panel etc) that she had ordered for me. Okay, so the results of my labs come back and everything was okay/normal EXCEPT for my HB1AC (sugar). I have non-insulin dependent Diabetes, but prior to this month, I was controlling it with "diet and exercise"(LOL). Oooops, sorry folks...TO BE CONTINUED A LITTLE LATER (I need to go run some errands...
The saga continues ...
 My New Journey...
Check out my MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/sexyqwnbee
MONDAY 06/04/07
Update: My journey has started again. I still have Kaiser as my insurance carrier and have been approved for surgery (well technically I guess). Kaiser in my region has now made it a requirement to enroll in/complete a 6-month program called Options before you are referred for surgery. I was initially pissed because I went through so much the 1st go round and I am anxious to be on the other side. However, I am determined to remain positive and stay focused. Hopefully, time will fly by fast, and Oct. 9th (last Options class) will be here in no time! I have already gone to the Orientation and completed the first 5 classes (tomorrow will be class #6, then there will only be 19 more to go *smile*). So wish me luck on my new journey. :)
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WEDNESDAY 07/04/07
Update: I just completed my 10th Options class yesterday. Now only 14 more to go . I am so ready to get the show on the road as they say. I really feel like this program is unnecessarily long. However, I am trying really hard to not get discouraged and just bare with it. We'll see how I do. Please send out some positive vibes for me. LOL
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WEDNESDAY 08/01/07
Quick update: When I started this WLS journey over earlier this year my BMI was about 63.7, now I am dowm to 60.7. Technically I am still well into the Super Morbitly Obese catagory but I happy that I am a little closer to my goal of being <50 at the time of my surgery! I guess it's the small things 
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WEDNESDAY 08/22/07
Went to Options Class yesterday and I'm down another 4 1/2 pounds. Yay! Only 13 more to go then I'll be down the 10% required for surgery.
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Quick Summary of Weight Milestones:5ft 5in
At the time of (1st) referral- 388 lbs (highest)Actually I think I was a few pounds heavier than this but 388 lbs is my highest weight to be documented by Kaiser.
At the time of (2nd) referral - 375 lbs
At Options Class Orientation- 383 lbs
At First Options Class- 379 lbs
As of 08/21/07 Options Class- 355 lbs
As of 11/21/07 pre-op appointment- 346.5 lbs
At surgery weigh-in on Monday 11/26/07- 348.5 lbs
As of Tuesday 11/27/07 (one day post op)- 356 lbs
As of Sunday 12/02/07- 342 lbs
As of Wednesday 12/05/07 (1 wk f/u apptmt w/surgeon)- 338 lbs
As of Tuesday 12/11/07- 331 lbs
As of Tuesday 12/18/07- 328 lbs
As of Tuesday 02/19/08- 303 lbs
As of Tuesday 06/17/08- 276 lbs
As of Tuesday 08/19/08- 264 lbs
As of Friday 09/26/08- 251 lbs
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FRIDAY 09/07/07
5 more Options classes to go : 09/11(my birthday-woohoo), 09/18, 09/25, 10/02, & 10/09.
It's taking soooooooooo long...
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SATURDAY 09/08/07
Random thought: I am determined that NO MORE THAN 3 months post op I will be able to FLUSH all of the crappy medication that I have to take right now! Diabetes??? Hypertension??? Edema??? What's that??? ...LOL
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THURSDAY 09/20/07
3 more Options classes to go! I'm getting very ANXIOUS!
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MONDAY 09/24/07
Quick update:
In our week #20 Options Class we were asked to choose which facility we would like to have our surgery. The choices were UCLA Medical or Pacific Bariatrics in San Diego. I chose Pacific Bariatrics of course (LOL)
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TUESDAY 09/25/07
I completed most of my lab work today!! Yay! They took 12 tubes of blood though. I also did a urine sample and a stool sample (one of the grossest things that I've ever had to do). Yuck! I'm so glad that part is over!  . I only have to do 2 more things as far as tests go; and that is an EKG(which I was told only takes about 10 min) and a gallbladder ultrasound. 2 more Options classes! OMG...
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WEDNESDAY 10/03/07
Well folks, next Tuesday 10/09/07 will be my last Options class! WooHoo!
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THURSDAY 10/04/07
Countdown:
~Saturday 10/06/07- Abdominal Ultrasound @ 11:00am @ Bellflower Kaiser-DONE
~Tuesday 10/09/07- Final Options class-DONE
~Thursday 10/11/07- Pacific Bariatrics Seminar @ The Anaheim Hotel @ 5:30pm-DONE
~Anytime between today 10/04/07 and Tuesday 10/09/07- Walk in and have EKG done-DONE
~Anytime between today 10/04/07 and Tuesday 10/09/07- 2 day Food Experiment-DONE
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TUESDAY 10/09/07
Last Options class was this evening. I can't believe that that part of this journey is FINALLY over.Initially I was very resistant to the whole Options Program requirement because I felt that it was just another “hoop” put in place by Kaiser to discourage people from pursuing having WLS because of the hefty cost of the procedure. HOWEVER, I am truly glad that I went through the program. I feel like I am waaaay more prepared this time around. I learned so much about the procedure itself, the dangers of compulsion, accountability, emotional readiness, the importance of PROTEIN PROTEIN PROTEIN after surgery and I could literally go on and on...
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THURSDAY 10/11/07
This evening I attended the seminar/orientation held by Pacific Bariatrics at 5:30 at The Anaheim Plaza Hotel. It is mandatory that you attend one of these informational sessions if you are having your surgery thru PB. The host was Dr. Tanaka. He was very informative (of course- he's done 1000's of surgeries, open and lap). I hope that he is the surgeon that I get when I go down to PB. The session lasted for about an hour; and while there we were weighed in and given a folder of information and lots of forms that need to be completed (including a quiz about the surgery). Luckily, only one of the sheets was due that evening before we left. The rest will need to be sent on to PB (once I get an official authorization# from Kaiser).
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FRIDAY 10/12/07
I got a call from Johnnie H. from Kaiser Bariatrics Dept this morning. She was calling to give me ....... drum roll ........... MY AUTHORIZATION NUMBER!!!  Yes! Things are moving along just as they should! I'm so excited (but at the same time a lil scared to get too excited cause I don't want to jinx anything- crazy huh??-LOL)
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MONDAY 10/15/07
Since I got my authorization # from Kaiser on Friday, the next thing I need to do is complete all the paperwork from Pacific Bariatrics (which includes a 50 question Quiz about WLS and before and after care and a page to document your diet history for the last 5 years- yikes!). I am trying to get some work done today (so my supervisor does not get in my azz), but I am determined to get this package of paperwork completed and faxed to PacBar before I leave here at 5:00pm today! Wish me luck...
Addendum: I got my packet completed and faxed over to PB at 6:15pm... oops I really did not plan on being here that late; but I'm glad I finished. Yay! I'm on my way...
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TUESDAY 10/16/07
Status update: I called PB to make sure my fax/info from Kaiser had been received. YES! it has. I spoke with Sheryl, who was an absolute doll (I really did not expect the office staff to be that nice/friendly/helpful- but that's what I get for assuming). Anyhoo, I'm currently waiting for my 3 consult appointments to be set after all my paperwork is reviewed. I am so anxious.
Hopefully, I hear from them by Friday so I don't drive myself nuts this weekend... Per Sheryl, the appointment notification goes out to your email (so yall know that I'll be checking my email 1500 times/day until I hear from them... LOL 
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FRIDAY 10/19/07
Well, I have not heard from Pacific Bariatrics. Not a peep! So what did I do? I called them of course. LOL… I got a hold to the patient coordinator Myla(very nice young lady). It just so happens that she is the one who is setting up/scheduling my appointments. She said that she will be sending me an email detailing all the info for the appts (the when, wheres, whos… etc). Per Myla, the email will be sent out this afternoon or the latest on Monday (10/22/07). She did however give me the date and times; and they go as follows:
Wednesday 10/24/07
1. 11:45am with the Internist (Dr. Khehar)
2. 12:45pm with the surgeon (Dr. Tanaka) He’s the doctor who led the info seminar*
3. 2:00pm with the Psychologist (Dr. Olmstead)
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So, I guess I’ll be waiting on an email with the addresses etc... I will feel a LITTLE more at ease once I see everything in writing.
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MONDAY 10/22/07
 Ok, so why I have I still not received an email detailing the appointments that I have scheduled for THIS WEDNESDAY (10/24/07)???? Remember “no later then Monday”…So, because I had that promise I had a stress free weekend (thank goodness). Well what in the heezy happened? C’mon now Ms. Myla(Patient coordinator)! You were sweet as pie (food reference…LOL) when I spoke to you last week, but I need FOLLOW THROUGH. Well, since it’s well after 7:00pm I’m certain the PB staff has gone home for the day. So, I will humbly wait for tomorrow and call (AGAIN) and see if I can just be given the addresses over the phone. Urrrggh! Deep breaths… Deep breaths… It’s going to be okay…
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TUESDAY 10/23/07
8:30am- T/c to Pac Bar. Transferred to 3 different people; then finally to Myla… She had not realized that I still had not been sent the email directions… Hmmm… Breathe Shaana, just breathe… So I gave her my work email address in addition to verifying that they had my home email address correct. Per Myla, they will be sent right now; however, there may be a 15 min or so delay because of their computer system. Not sure why I just could not be given the addresses right there while I had her on the phone. But she said that the info will be sent out, so I’m not going to trip (yet).10:00am- Well, it’s over an hour later and still no email! Even with a 15 min delay it still should have been received at at least one of my email addresses by now. So, instead of calling back (AGAIN), I sent the following email to the email address that is listed on the Business card I have for PB (info@pbsmg.com):
Hello,
I have my 3 consult appointments tomorrow. However, I never received the email confirmation at either of my email addresses. So, I was wondering if I could be provided with the addresses of each appointment before I head down to San Diego tomorrow (in the event I need to MapQuest the directions). Thanks
My Info:
S***** B*****
Kaiser Patient
(562) ***-****- Cell
(714) ***-****- Work
(949) ***-****- Home
Email 1: ********************
Email 2: ********************
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P.B.S.M.G
Eugene W. Rumsey, Jr. MD, FACS Laurence K. Tanaka, MD, FACS
George G. Zorn, MD, FACS
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Appointment Sheet For: ****** ******
Surgical Evaluation
Date: 10/24/07 Time: 12:45pm Co-Pay:$ 15.00
Doctor: Dr. Laurence Tanaka
Location: 4060 4th Ave. Suite 330 San Diego, CA 92103_(619)_298-9931
Psychiatric Evaluation
Date: 10/24/07 Time: 2:00pm Co-Pay:$ 0.00
Doctor: Dr. Judith Olmstead
Location: 4105 First Avenue San Diego, CA 92103 (619) 298-9122
Internist Evaluation
Date: 10/24/07 Time: 11:45am Co-Pay:$ 0.00
Doctor: Dr. Bhupinder S. Khehar
Location: 4094 Fourth Avenue Suite 103 San Diego, CA 92103 (619) 291-9285
If you are unable to make these appointments, you must contact the Pacific Bariatric office at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointments at 1-800-267-7212.
· You will be notified by your patient coordinator with the status of your case approximately 21 working days after your consult. If you have not heard within this time frame, please call for an update. Thank you for your patience.
· Please be prepared to take off shoes and socks during you surgeons consultation. You will be required to get on a body fat analysis scale. We recommend wearing easily removable shoes, such as: sandals, flip-flops, clogs, ect..
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FINALLY!!!!! DAYUM Here it is!!!!!!!!!!!
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WEDNESDAY 10/24/07
Well it is the morning of my 3 appointments down in San Diego... But guess what????? Southern California is burning! Literally. Some NUTBUCKET has decided to start randon fires all over southern Cali. WHY people. Of course one of the places that is being affected is ... DRUM ROLL.... SAN DIEGO, which is where all of my appoinments are and where the hospital that I will eventually have surgery is located. Hmmmm.... just breath Shaana.... just breath... So, of course I've been up since 5am watching the news to check the status of the freeways as I have received several text messages from different folks this morning telling me that the 5 Fwy is closed in both directions! God has a really strange sense of humor... LOL. Before I went to bed last night the news was reporting that the 15 Fwy was shut down until further notice due to the fires, so I thought cool because we were planning to take the 5 Fwy down to SD. But I wake up this morning to this???? What is really going on. So as of 6:45 am (per all the news reports) the 5 Fwy (SOUTH) headed to San Diego IS SHUT DOWN DUE TO THE FIRE. Breath Shaana, breath...
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THURSDAY 10/25/07
Well, after I watched the news(Fire Coverage) until about 6:55am, I decided to go back to sleep and get up at 8:15am like I had originally planned. It made no sense to sit there all stressed out staring at the t.v. screen, because my stress was not going to make the Fwys open back up any faster. So… by the time we were ready to get on the road and head down to SD the 5 Fwy reopened(southbound), and to make it even sweeter, there was hardly any traffic (Probably because most “normal” folks were indoors somewhere trying to AVOID the smoke- I never claimed to be “normal” though… LOL). Oh yeah I took some awesome pictures of the fire that was still burning on the other side of the 5 Fwy(which was still closed at different sections).
Anyhoo, on to the bizness… The actual doctors’ visits were pretty quick. They all pretty much just asked the same questions (about medical/family history, allergies, addictions… etc… etc). The Internist did another EKG also. All 3 said that they will clear me for surgery J and that I should be getting a call between 7 to 21 business days from now with my surgery date. Is this really going to finally happen???????????
Addendum: FYI- For anyone going down to Pac Bar, be prepared to pay for parking. The office will validate, but this is only to get the reduced parking rate. Luckily, 2 of my appts were in walking distance from each other, so we just left the car in the structure for the duration of both appts. The 3rd appt(Psych) was in a “residential-type” neighborhood, so it had it’s own free parking in the back(whew). There is no parking on the street during business hours M-F unless you have some “A” permit.
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FRIDAY 11/09/07
Guess what yall????????? I've got a date!!!!! 11/26/07 will be the day of my re-birth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
   
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SATURDAY 11/17/07
Today I received my pre-op packet in the mail. It contains lots of info/forms and also 3 prescriptons that I need to get filled at Kaiser before I go down to SD for the actual pre-op appointment at the hospital. One med is for pain, one is a gallbladder med that helps prevent gallstones due to rapid weight loss, and the last one is a med that works to prevent the new pouch from getting ulcers. **Plus side: These are NOT on-going medications... yippee!
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WEDNESDAY 11/21/07
Went for pre-op today in San Diego. All was well. I lost a few more pounds. I am now at 346.5. WOW!! I'm kickin ass at Bally's Gym!! Not to toot my own horn... BEEP BEEP , but this is the first time in life that I have CONSISTENTLY been on an exercise program with enough results to keep me motivated to keep going. I can ALMOST say that I love the gym... LOL.
Well, Thanksgiving is tomorrow... and there is sooo much that I gave thanks for!!!!
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THURSDAY 11/22/07
Happy Turkey Day OH Family!!! I really had a nice Thanksgiving. I spent it with folks that are like family to me in Riverside. And true to form, my girl threw down. Everything was delicious! (To have never have been fat, she can really cook... WONDERS NEVER CEASE... LOL) 
Surgery in 4 days!
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SUNDAY 11/25/07
Been on clear liquids and MILK OF MAGNESIA all day.
That M.O.M. is nooooooooooooo joke. Stay really close to a bathroom... LOL.
Surgery is tomorrow... Is this all real??????
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SATURDAY 12/01/07
I'm home from the hospital yall!!!! Yaaaay! Actually, I was released from the hospital on Thursday 11/29/07. I am going to keep this short for right now and update a lil later because my bed is calling me AGAIN... LOL. We really missed each other. 
***There's nothing like sleeping in your own bed!!!***
But, I just wanted to let my OH family know that everything went well with the surgery and to also say thanks and much love for all of the prayers, well wishes, and positive vibes that were sent my way.
Peace and many many many many many Blessings to you all!
~Shaana~
1:06pm-Still no response to my email. So, I called again and spoke with Myla, but this time I firmly asked for the address info over the phone. So, of course she complied (LOL)...
1:25pm- BUT 19 minutes later I get the following email:
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Waiting for Approval
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06/12/08
. I've come a long way and I know there are more successes to follow! 
It proved that I still do not truly have a grasp on what I actually look like to other folks. Maybe my head will eventually catch up with my shrinking body. 
04/2008
). Thank you guys for the words of encouragement and for providing the shoulders to cry on; but also for keeping it real with me and FIRMLY telling me to get and stay on the ball and stop trippin 
