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on September 10, 2008 4:14 pm
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Surgeon Testimonial C. Kenneth Mitchell, Jr. I was impressed by Dr. Mitchell as soon as he introduced himself. He was very kind and understanding. He was very informative and willing to answer any and all questions. He was straightforward and honest. He wants to help those that are obese and is not judgmental at all. He does his best to make sure your health and quality of life improve. He is concerned about safety and success. I totally trust Dr. Mitchell with performing my surgery and helping me for years to come. Member Interests
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This is my personal weight loss journey. I hope you find my page inspirational and informative. Please read it, think about it, ask questions and make comments. My blogs from July - Sept contain preop information including drs appts and preparation and "My Story" at the bottom contains from the days just prior to surgery, the surgery and beyond.
A New Beginning
Weight Loss Journey
Last Appointment til SURGERY!! on September 10, 2008 4:07 pm Today was my EGD and it went great. I do rembember gagging but it wasn't bad. The doctor said he took a biopsy of my stomach to check for bacteria. He said everything should be fine and he'll see me in a week!!!!! I got the letter from Dr. Mitchell's office saying I would need 4-6 weeks off. I just need to pay the hospital and Dr. Mitchell (costs listed in "my story".)
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on September 9, 2008 4:21 pm I went today for my EKG, chest xray and pre admissions stuff. I'm sleepy but excited. I just took the FLEET!!!!
Be the first to leave a comment. Tomorrow is the EGD. I have to be at the hospital at 8:00. I'm getting really scared about being skinny. I've never been skinny before.  My Story I have been overweight most of my life. Just look through the pictures. I have made numerous attempts to lose weight but...I have been hovering around 260 for the past 5 years. My family is supportive of the surgery. Don't get me wrong...I got the typical "have you tried everything?" spill but they know I'm serious and are willing to support my decision. I went to my first seminar for Dr. Kenneth Mitchell on June 23, 2008 and Dr. Paul Carter on July 10, 2008. After careful consideration I chose Dr. Mitchell. It just felt right.         My Weight Loss Journey... My Pre Surgery Timeline Extensive Research on Weight Loss Surger (April/May 2008)  Phone Call to my Insurance Company to check requirements.  (April/May)Attend Mandatory Seminar in Raleigh for Weight Loss (June 23, 2008) Thyroid Panel and Referral from PCP (mid june) ($20) Requested Weight History from Past Drs. (June) Initial Consult with Surgeon July 28, 2008 ($40 for specialty visit; $250 for program fee)  Bone Density...July 30, 2008 ($20) Psy Evaluation..August 1, 2008 ($40 for specialty visit) Patient Ed class...August 5, 2008 Psy Written Test...August 5, 2008 ($40) Packet Submitted to BCBS of NC (August 13, 2008)  Approved (August 18) Received confirmation letter from BCBS of NC (Aug 28) Patient History and Consult with Surgeon (Sept 9) ($40) EGD at Hospital (Sept 10) ($200) Follow Up Visist with PCP (Sept 19) ($20) SURGERY!!!!!! (SEPT 22) (hospital costs $1,341 and surgeon costs $809) 2 week follow-up ($40) 4 week follow-up ($40) "Ok, that was my pre-surgery timeline. Here goes the REAL story...The real deal!!!" 9-12-08 Today I am one week away from my surgery and boy am I scared and excited. Now I am just taking care of last minute details like buying liquid protein shakes for this pre-diet I'm on and buying coenzyme 10 which is a supplement I take now and a couple of months post-op to aid with healing. The preop diet is pretty easy. I just have to make sure I eat or I start to get terrible headaches. I just took my starting pictures. I will compare myself to these pictures at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months out. I know I am doing the right thing. Oh and I also bought a goal shirt. SIZE: LARGE. I'm proud of myself for taking this step.     9-19-08 It's a few days before surgery and I am running around like crazy trying to prepare for the time off work. I really hate to leave my kids at school with a sub for that long. I got a call from the PA the other day and they said my pre op labs came back. My iron is low and they said there is a possiblity of a transfusion and I have white blood cells, red blood cells and some bacteria in my urine...A urinary tract infection. I called my PCP and they ordered antibiotics for me. I go and get retested tomorrow for the UTI and they will fax the results over to my surgeon. I have to call the hospital between 2-4 tomorrow to find out what time my surgery is on Monday. It's getting close yall. REAL close. My sister and I got into an argument last night. I know she's nervous but right now I don't need any added stress. I am worried enough for myself. She thought when they told me I needed over $2000 I should cancel....I PAID WITH THE CREDIT CARD. She thought I should postpone it because of my UTI...IT'S BEING TAKEN CARE OF!!!! I'm praying nothing gets in my way. Just like the commercial says..."If I die, at least i'll die trying." 9-20-08 Ok I am really getting nervous. Today was the last day at work for the next few weeks. I really I hope I can go back 1/2 days in at least two weeks. I will miss my kids even though they get on my last nerve. Today I went back to my PCP for an all clear. I still have ketones in my urine and she said I was not getting in enough water but signs of infection are gone for now. So she will fax that over to my surgeon's office. I was at work today and received two URGENT phone calls from my surgeons office. I talked to the financial coordinator and she said that I needed to have my urine retested in their office only, not by my PCP. I said WHOA!!!! The other day they told me I could do it at my PCP's office and today they changed it. I said "you really want me to drive an hour and a half to pee in a cup when I am a teacher and you know I can't leave my kids?" Well they called the surgeon to check and he said that it looked like my initial sample was contaminated, it was good I was being treated and retested and if I had a UTI next week they could treat it in the hospital. I was just about to say forget it!!!! Yall stop playing with me!!!!! But everything is gonna be ok!!!! Let me say it loud "EVERYTHING IS GONNA BE OK!!!!!" Monday my report time is 5:15 AM. I am the first one in line for surgery. 9-20-08 I read this and thought it was cute: Twas the night before bypass. 'Twas the night before bypass, when all through my gut not a morsel was stirring, not even a nut. The suitcase was packed by the back door with care, in hopes that a new me would soon return there. I lay nestled, sung in my bed while visions of calories danced in my head; and me in my plus size pajamas and wrap, had just settled in for a long, restless nap. When deep in my mind there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my dreams to see what was the matter. Away to my fridge I flew like a flash, ripped open the door and drooled at the stash. The moonlight reflecting off the beautiful snacks gave a luster of radiance to all on the racks. When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, but an array of the comfort foods I hold so dear. With a familiar feeling of all those I'd pick, I thought in a moment I just might be sick. More lovely than angels their voices they came, and they whistled and shouted and called me by name; "Now pizza, now French fries, now chocolate galore on cheesecake, on ice cream, on donuts and more!" From the tip of my tongue, to the bottom of my toe, I will miss you all more than ever you'll know. As an addict that shakes and stirs as he sits, I'll mourn the loss of my delectable hits. So back to my bed I went with great haste, and settled back down with nary a taste. And then in an instant, in pre-op I sat, nervously waiting to no longer be fat. As I sat deep in thought and adjusted my gown, In came my surgeon in one single bound. He was dressed all in scrubs, from his head to his feet and he seemed very calm as he eyed me like meat. He looked at my chart, with his scope gave a listen, I don't think he noticed my eyes starting to glisten. He was chubby and plump -- he could lose some himself, and I laughed when I saw him in spite of myself. A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread. He spoke barley a word as he prepped for his work, he paused for a moment, then turned with a jerk. And laying a finger aside of his face, and giving a nod, out of the room he did race. He checked in the next day, to his students gave a whistle, and away they all flew like a down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim as he walked out of sight, "speedy thinness to you and a healthier life!" 9-21-08 DAG GONE I'M SCARED!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think everything will go well tomorrow but I am getting ready to embark on a journey that I can't even begin to imagine. I don't even know what to say other than I'm nervous but confident. Confident I'm gonna feel great, confident in the surgeon I chose, confident in so many things. My sister is home and ready to help out my dad at home (he's sick and can't go tomorrow). I will be leaving around 3:30 tomorrow morning to get to the hospital at 5:15 am. I am unsure about a few things though. Shouldn't I stop eating all solid foods today? Should I have some type of bowel prep? I don't remember any of those things but they just sound right. I may call up some friends today and I will probably email a few people too. Well...until next time... Things I packed for hospital: comb, brush, powder, robe, pjs and nightgowns, toothbrush, mouthwash, GAS X, slippers, underwear, shower cap, deodorent. I can't think of anything else. (hospital supply certain things and dr's may require certain things.) 9-22-08  9-25-08 Well I did it. I have no regrets. My surgery lasted about 2 hours. The only thing I wasn't expecting was the pain. I read over and over again from profiles that everyone had a complication free surgery and I just thought that meant pain free too. WRONG. It's true what they say about walking. It helps with the pain and it helps with the gas and bowel movements. Surprisingly you don't even know you have a new pouch. When you drink it's the same and when you eat it's the same. I have a g-tube so that is connected to my old stomach and it is how I get my medicine and my protein shakes. When I woke up from surgery I had oxygen, 2 iv's, 5 probes attached to a heart monitor, an oxygen monitor on my finger, a cathetar, a g tube in my old stomach, a blake drain in my new stomach and I think that's it. I didn't really like the way the hospital staff treated me. I think because it's an elective procedure they feel like you did it to yourself and you are not as sick. Also, it's done laproscopically and you don't have any major outside trauma. I had alot of pain and they took their time doing everything. From getting my food, drinks, pain meds, etc. But enough about that. My Dr. and his PA came in once a day to check on me. They said I was doing well. I had a blood transfusion on Tuesday. They called me a wk before my surgery and said I was slightly anemic and they wanted to do that so I wouldn't leave the hospital anemic. All in all the surgery was uneventful. I haven't asked yet "What have I done to myself?" I do know it's not the easy way out. Just coming home today was so hard. Trying to get protein, water, powerade, snacks in. IT'S CRAZY. I am so glad I have the support of my family. I stayed in the hospital by myself though. I wanted them to carry on with their daily routines and wanted to have time to just adjust. Make sure when you have this surgery you chose the best dr!!!! I am so glad I chose Dr. Mitchell. He does it the RIGHT way!!!!! I went in the hospital weighing 246 and came out weighing 252. Water weight...that's all. I'll post some pictures when I get them from my mom's camera. Right after recovery...     9-26-08 I had a rough day today. This morning I woke up and walked a little. I was feeling sore so I took my pain medicine. Then for breakfast I had peanut butter and peaches. Ok so I felt very nauseaus after the PB. I ate all the peaches. Then I waited an hour to drink my blue powerade. I drank about 180cc's. Then I started walking because I felt sick. I kept saying to myself...I am not going to get sick...I am not going to get sick...but you know what...I scooted right on over to the sink and yep there was the blue peanut butter coming up. It felt terrible to throw up. I then took a nap to try and get some strength and woke up and decided to pour some protein shake in my G tube. Well I felt it go in my stomach and I felt it make me sick. I called my surgeon and talked to the PA. He said that I needed to start over. Start again by putting a little water at a time in my G tube; not to overdo it. I just feel bad today. I know it will get better but...WHEN. My sister and mom keep saying to eat, eat, drink, drink and eat. BUT trust me...IT'S NOT THAT EASY.  9-27-08 I am having a better day. I woke up sore but I only took my pain medicine one time. I am having a hard time getting my protein in but we are trying to put it in my feeding tube or G tube. I am walking some but sleeping more which is not good. I am still just weak from the surgery. TRUST ME!!! This is not the easy way out.  I am feeling really comfortable with what I did. I got a call from my cousin and am going to tell him. I am so amazed at how many people who've had it done are being so supportive. I definitely don't feel alone. These are the flowers my family sent me in the hospital wishing me luck with my "new beginning".   9-28-08 It's early right now on a Sunday morning and I'm really tired. I can tell I am not eating and my body is trying to adjust to what has just happened. I am going to try really hard to get all my protein and liquids in today. Last night I walked 1/2 way around the block before I needed to turn around and come back. I really need to go back to bed-well not really-I need to drink a protein shake. I am having a really hard time getting people to understand I had a major surgery and that is so frustrating. My family thinks I am just sore and I constantly have to remind them I had surgery and I can't just eat or sleep to fix it. The nurses in the hospital treated me the same way. They thought I was ok right after surgery and that just wasn't the case. Ok...maybe later in the day I'll be in a better mood but until then I think I am going back to my room to sip my protein shake.  Oh and one positive is that I am losing water weight now. I am down to 247 from 252 in the hospital from the IVs. The water was making me extra bloated. I can't wait to start losing but I think that may not start until I get all these drains and tubes out.  9-28-08 con't (About an hour later) Well since I was in a bad mood and I know I don't need to go back to bed I decided to journal. Well for the past few days I have had a hard time stomaching pureed foods. Pureed chicken, beef, peaches. etc. We put the food in the blender and then poured it into ice trays. That one cube = 1 ounce of food. It's easy and convenient. I've included the pictures below. The one thing that really helped me through that past few days were frozen popsicles and the "fortified fudgcicles" that we made. You blend cottage cheese, chocalate instant pudding and evaporated milk. You then freeze them and enjoy. They each contain ~9 grams of protein. I eat them in the morning and sometimes for lunch. A friend also gave me some Isopure last night to try drinking. It's actually not that bad. We also bought some protein bullets or shots. Hopefully they won't taste too bad. The blue powerade is to test for leaks. The muscle milk and the nectar were good for my preop diet but I just really don't like them now.     9-28-08 con't Well today turned out to be a good day. I finally ate a pureed meal that I liked. I feel full. I had pureed fish and pureed watermelon. It was wonderful. I also drank some more of my isopure protein drink. It wasn't half bad either. My sister's friend sent me some sugar free drinks that I may try later so I can start to increase my liquids. I can't do that right now because I have to wait an hour before I can drink again. I'm not as sore today and I can now sit in more than one position. I am still walking with a cane because I never know when I will need to get somewhere in a hurry, when I'll need help standing up or just need to rest in the middle of walking somewhere. My G tube keeps going back into my stomach and I have to keep pulling it out. My family had this huge feast tonight: fish, veggies, cake, BREAD, etc. I just took what I could and ate that. It was great and I honestly didn't miss a thing. Like I keep hearing..."NOTHING TASTES AS GOOD AS THIN FEELS" But seriously, I came too far, hoped for too much, spent too much to get sidetracked by some cake and bread. "What sense would that make?"   Oh I know this is off topic but the hospital in my town just started with bariatric surgery. I need to say this one thing for those who are still researching. Please choose wisely when making the step of WLS. Research your surgeon. Just because he's a surgeon doesn't mean he's necessarily the best one to perform your surgery. Also, don't choose lapband just because you are scared. Choose it because you really want that one. Gastric bybass is not for everyone but you have to go into it with the attitude that you are really going to be committed. Each procedure has pros and cons and you have to weigh them. With gastric bypass you are switching one set of problems for another but you have to decide if you can handle them. Which set are you willing to live with. I sure am willing to exercise more, take vitamins for the rest of my life, watch my portions, get routine physicals instead of taking insulin, BP meds, having aching joints, etc. Like I said before, WLS is not the easy way but I'm willing to work at it. Also, don't go with the Dr who will just schedule the surgery without taking your health into consideration. I almost went with a surgeon who was faster because I was eager. He also wanted me to take Flinstone vitamins for the rest of my life. NO WAY!!! Dr. Mitchell is very thorough. Very!!!! He almost cancelled mine twice but we went ahead. He's tough and wants the best for you. He has a bariatric center. It's a group of nurses, PAs, nutritionists, doctors who all work together to help treat obesity.   9-29-08 Ok I must be crazy. Today I totally overdid it. I decided to go over to school and check on my kids and see exactly what they were doing with the substitute. I was sweating profusely and was lightheaded the whole time. I told the sub what I had done. You know...I don't even care who knows anymore. I then left, almost in tears, because the veteran teachers told me I had no business there and I just felt bad. Then I went to get my physical. My school system said if I didn't have a physical my the next paycheck they would hold it...THANKS!!! Then I went to drop it off at the board of ed and I talked to the people in payroll. They told me that they need to rewrite my check. They were going to overpay me for the month and they were glad I said something. Once again...THANKS!!! So since I am a new teacher I don't have that many days accumulated of sick leave and I decided that I would just get docked $50/day until I went back. I'm not even gonna lie. It felt good to be in clothes and out of the house. My mornings are very difficult. I just feel lethargic and don't want to get up. I really get going the later in the day it gets. I called Donna, the person who schedules the appts at my surgeons office in order to move my 2 and 4 wk appts up to those weeks so I won't have to go back to work and then take off again. Other than that I am getting ready to go get a protein shake and relax some. I miss work...I really do...but I bet when I am skinnier I won't be saying I miss being heavy!!!! 9-30-08 Well today was another day at home. I just laid around today trying to get some energy. I am sipping my blue powerade right now. Earlier I set out to drink all my water but I just figured out that cold water makes my pouch/stomach hurt. I had cramping for about 10 minutes. It was bearable but uncomfortable. My protein shake quest is not going so great. I drank 3 oz of my 12 oz shake. I did weigh myself today and I weigh 240. I left the hospital at 252. The day of surgery I was 246. So 6 pounds is not too bad. I just hope I haven't lost too much protein or muscle mass. Well today I actually had another bowel movement and it actually made me feel a whole lot better. I thought I would never go again!!!! Things are starting to become routine. I forced myself to get up this morning but went back to sleep. Oh and last night my dad was admitted to the hospital (he is diabetic, has HBP, is a end stage renal patient, etc.) His doctor decided not to come in and another dr. took his place. The nurse said the dr. taking care of my dad was Dr. Paul Carter. I looked at my mom and was so surprised because he was the one I almost went with to perfom my surgery. It was just weitd that the dr. that almost did my bariatric surgery was treating my dad. 10-1-08  Let me just tell you about these drains. I know they can save my life but I just don't understand why they must hurt so much. Now the tubes hurt and it seems like the tape hurts too!!!! I called the nurse today and told her I was in so much pain and she said to go to the ER. Uh...she must not know where I live!!! I drank one protein supplement today and it actually went down well. Now I just need to get the rest of my protein in for the day. In a few months when I am bald I know everyone will be like "I told you so!!!" But for now. I'm am just trying to make it. Today I slept a whole lot. I have to do better about that. I need to go out and walk. I need some fresh air. But overall I am hanging in there. I can't wait unitl my 2 week appt to get one of my drains out. You know what? I really have some supportive people helping out right now from family, friends and coworkers.  Oh I I weighed 237 today. Haven't been in the 230's since college.10-2-08 I know nobody understands why I am focusing only on my drains but these tubes hanging out of me hurt so bad. My body recognizes them as foreign. The Blake drain makes it very difficult to walk. When I don't walk and lay around I feel terrible, if I take pain meds I feel sick, when I feel sick I can't eat, when I can't eat I have no energy...yest it's a vicious cycle. I wish my sister was home to help out. I did the best last weekend when she was here to help me. Last night a friend came over that had the RNY and she went and picked up some tylenol to go into my Gtube. I was so happy but it made me sick too. It was good to talk to her because she makes me feel like I am not the only one going through this. She could relate to the tubes, the feeling of the old stomach floating around, etc. She also explained some stuff to my mom. Trust me...if you haven't been through it there is no way to know how this feels. Don't get frustrated with your support people. My mom got me fish (Tilapia) last night and boy was it good!!!!. I also went to her weight watchers meeting. She is a leader. I had to get out of the house so that was good. Well I'm going to get some rest and hopefully I'll start feeling better. Mornings are still very hard for me. I started crying just a little while ago. That will happen some more today.  a few hours later... I am bored and decided to start my goals list. I can't wait to the the following things and I when I do, I'll check it off and date it!!!!! I can't wait to...  Need an outfit in a hurry and go to a regular store to buy it. Jump on a trampoline.  Fly without my stomach being cut off by the seatbelt. Go on a rollercoaster. Start wearing button up shirts. Run in a marathon Go shopping with my mom and sister, not just tag along. Shop at Ann Taylor for "petite" clothes...I am 5 ft tall. Get to 150 pounds!!! Start exercising regularly.  Learn how to swim...for real for real!!! Not have a square behind... Wear medium width shoes instead of wide. Get married and wear a normal sized gown.  Not get sweaty everytime I walk or go up and down steps. The attention has died off from this surgery and I start to feel normal again. Get a new job or get a promotion. Not hear you would be great if you lost a little weight...you have such a pretty face!!!! Wear high heels for longer than 20 minutes. Go to Las Vegas and live it up!!!  Go out for new year's and live it up!!!! Celebrate my new life and lifestyle. Eat a tiny piece of a bagel from Paneral bread and not devour it. Introduce my "new" self to family and friend and tell them how much I researched and how hard I've worked. Go back to the hospital where the surgery took place and thank them. Take new professional pictures.  Fit comfortably in chairs and booths!!! Enjoy the warmer months. 10-3-08 Well I am sitting here sipping a protein shake. I drank milk today and it tasted great...but now I am so gassy. Today was a good day. I walked 1/2 a mile and didn't sleep as much. I am trying to get my energy back so I can ease on back into work. The pain isn't easing up with the black drain but I am staying on top of the loricep and liquid tylenol. I'll keep taking those until I get the drains out. I am going to go take a shower and change my dressing around my G tube. I told one of my cousins about my WLS and he was very supportive and happy for me. That just made my week so much better!!! I tell ya...get a support system and forget about the gossiping and negative people. They were probably talking about you before the surgery!!!!  a few hours later... Next week I have a major reunion to go to. It's my college homecoming and my sorority's reunion. Well tonight I totally had a panic attack because I will be away from home with tubes coming out of me. I am scared to death to pack all my belongings and not be able to carry them. We have a dinner planned next week and I don't want to get sick at the table. I can only eat fish and yogurt right now. I also don't have anything to wear. My sorority sisters are very fashion forward and as you know, I haven't had the RNY long enough to just waltz into a store and get a cute outfit. I am still very weak and don't know how I will manage to make that shopping trip this week to buy my standard "black top and dark" jeans. I need some wide width shoes also. I need to get my hair done, eyebrows waxed, nails and toes done, etc. Can I pull it off...I don't know. I will just be starting my vitamins next tuesday. Once again...I think I might be pushing it on this but I really want to go.  10-4-08 I have too much stuff going on to enjoy what I have done-the RNY. I have TOOOO much stuff going on that it's bringing me down. I am already having a hard time adjusting to our diet and these tubes but my recovery is filled with lots of other things are are interfereing with my healing. My dad almost went into a diabetic coma 3x yesterday. I stayed up all night and woke up this morning with the fire dept and rescue squad at my house. Today I went to the ER and sat there about to pass out from pain meds. I came home and wsa just so tired I sat in the car for about 30 minutes. I then went with my friend car shopping. I was in so much pain and was just exhausted. I finally made it home and I told my mom that I needed fluids. I felt dehydrated. She told me I needed protein. UGGGHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am just frustrated. So frustrated. I just want to tell Dr. Mitchell to put me back in the hosptial for 2 more weeks. I need to finish recovering there. ALONE. I just want to quit my job so I don't have to worry about planning material for the kids right now. I don't think anyone sees that I am having a hard time. I really am. I need help. I need to go back to the hospital!!!!  10-6-08 I am just sitting here today thinking. I am going stir crazy since I am not at work. Tomorrow I go for my 2 wk appt and yes lord...I get the blake drain out. I am losing weight. I hope I haven't lost too much muscle and water but some is inevitable because I couldn't get out like I had planned. Recovery is harder than I thought it would be. I may go out and walk some today. I think the fresh air will be good. The pain meds that I begsn taking religiously in the morning for pain make me dizzy, hot, and nauseaus. I am doing good overall. I am just ready to start feeling somewhat normal again. 10-7-08 My 2wk appt was today. I cried the entire time. Simply because I was tired and frustrated. I haven't had anything but tea, water and powerade for the past two weeks. So that = 0 calories. No calories= no energy. Well I weigh 232 today. I am surprised to say that I am not even focused on that right now. I am really focused on getting this right. My mom and I are going grocery shopping shortly. I begin my vitamins today. When the nurses and PA spoke to me today I couldn't stop crying. They ONLY thing that made me feel better today was seeing Dr. Mitchell. Seeing him made me know that I am not doing this alone. Trust me...I am scared. I met with the dietician today and we came up with a pretty good selection of foods I can eat to get calories and proteins. My blake drain was removed...it wasn't that bad. BUT...my G tube has started to hurt. I am happy about the surgery even though I can't express it right now. I am tired and in pain. I want to go back into the hospital so bad so I won't get dehydrated but I know I gotta do this at home so I can learn. I hope this gets better.  10-8-08 Well well well. I am two weeks out and am just starting to feel better. Last night was rough. I had a weird stabbing pain in my side where they removed the blake drain. It made me so sick. I was in pain and it caused me to throw up. I ate well last night because I was so weak. I had chili, boost, a mini banana, etc. But when that pain kicked in...boy!!!!! I called my sorority sister and told her I would not be at our reunion. She was so happy for me. She said to lose all the weight and surprise everyone!!! My mom and I slept on the couch last night. She didn't want to leave me alone. Today I called my dr's office and they KEEP giving me the run around. The only person I want to talk to from here on out is Dr. Mitchell. The rest of em' keep passing my messages along and I get absolutely nowhere. I am starting to get kinda pissed because they wanted me to see the psych yesterday b/c I was crying. My only problems right now are the pain, weakness and nausea. I know what I got myself into but I thought if anyone would understand it would be the people in Dr. Mitchell's office. I really feel like I have to do this alone now.  Oh, and I know I am hypersenstive but that was in the pre-op book...I didn't need another dr to second that. (I know it will get better...for those of you reading this just bear with me. This is my only journal.) 10-09-08 TODAY I'M HAVING A GOOD DAY. I got up this morning and walked. Got sick. Drank tea. Walked. Took vitamins. Walked. Ate ham and yougurt. Napped. Talked to a really good friend in texas. I am thinking about going to get my hair done today. I am going to try and get ready to transition back into the real world. I am almost ready!!!!! I just want to say that you really have to have a good support system to get through this. My parents, sister, grandparents, sarah, cadenhead, reggie, tammy, JJ, mary-beth, norma, annie and dr. mitchell are just a few people that have really been there the past 2 weeks. Like I told my friend today. I made a mistake by thinking complication free meant easy or pain free. No matter what this is tough. You really have to work at it. I'm starting to see the sun come back out. I am going to start thinking positive. I know I will have good days and bad but I think attitude makes all the difference.  Today I logged on to Fitday.com so I could start journaling my food, calories and protein. I am doing good so far. I gotta get in the habit of taking my vitamins and iron pills. I HAVE TO GE T A SCHEDULE. I never want to be so dead tired all I can do is stare off into space EVER again. We have got to eat. Especially since we had surgery. FOLKS THIS AIN'T NO REGULAR DIET!!!!! a few hours later...I walked 1/2 a mile at a fast pace!!!!!!  And...took some comparison pics. I have lost 20 pounds since June 23. I can't really tell by looking at the pictures. Well...only in my face.   10-10-08 Well folks...today was the end of my third week and I went back to work for 1/2 a day. I am a teacher so I just felt like I needed to ease back into it. I taught 1st and 2nd period and got through it great. I sat most of the time and drank lots of water. After 1st period I had to have a snack to keep from feeling lightheaded. I really felt good today. In one more week I will go back full time. My dr. suggests taking 4 wks off but I just needed to see what was going on. The sub stayed with me the whole time and helped me out so much. BUT...you really need to a) do what you feel you can handle and do not overdo it. (Trust me I know my limits) and b) try to follow what your surgeon says. I honestly know it would be harder for me to continue sitting at home, getting bored/depressed, and then going back to work all weak. I did have a good day and I am feeling stronger and happier everyday. Moral of the story...don't lay around while you are out of work. Get up and get moving. Start to set your daily schedule and stick to it. You have to change your lifestyle. Get that pencil and paper out and start to make sense of the changes that are taking place!!!  This all takes time. Next week when I start feeling stronger I'll go out and find a gym to join. 10-11-08 I went to get my hair done today. My stylist was talking about God and church. Then out of no where she said "Have you seen Star Jones lately?" I said no. She proceeded to tell me how awful she looks because of the surgery. I started thinking..."Oh Lord, she knows I had the surgery!!!" But how? God? Then about an hour later I asked her what made her think of Star Jones? She said, "I don't know...You didn't have the surgery did you???!!!!?????" I didn't know what to say so I said I was thinking about it and she said "Please don't!!" I am at a loss for words. That was just too weird.  10-02-08 Well last night I went on a 1/2 mile walk and it was great. Today I woke up and took my pain meds. I then went back to sleep. I can't wait until the Gtube comes out in a wk then I won't need the pain meds. Today started out good. I am getting nervous about going back to work. Tomorrow I will do another 1/2 day. I am starting to pay attention to what everyone eats. I pay attention to if they are eating junk food or healthy foood, if they are just snacking and for what reasons, etc. My mom and sister are die hard Weight Watchers members and I observe every little thing they do. I'm still not sold on WWs. Maybe because it just doesn't work long tern for MO people. I think it works for them because it helps them maintain their weight and they practically eat anything they want and just starve when they run out of points.  I guess thats how it works. It just wan't for me that's all. Tonight my mom is cooking chicken in the crock pot. That should be good. I have only had fish and chili since starting regular foods. I will walk again later tonight. (I may go out and get my nails painted and eyebrows arched.) 10-13-08 Today I went to work for most of the day. Yall...mornings are very hard for me but that doesn't mean that I will have a bad day. Today was a great day. I got real hot a few times but I think that will improve once I get some more weight off. The kids were freezing but I said I couldn't turn the air off. Today I really felt good that I am starting to build my stamina back up. I got in most of my protein by 1 or 2 o'clock. I came home during my planning period and put some boost in my Gtube. I also ate yogurt and ham. I took pain meds all day today simply b/c the wafer holding my Gtube bothers me. It's amazing how I feel. Tonight I actually want to go walk my 1/2 mile around the neighborhood. I have been fortunate so far to be able to eat and drink. I drink all day so I won't get dehydrated. I eat all day so I can get calories and have energy. If I lose I want to do it the right way. Once I get to my goal weight I want to enjoy it. My clothes are starting to be baggy. I won't buy anything new for a while since I didn't get paid for my medical leave. But...all in all...I'm happy and I'm glad I went ahead and did the surgery when I did. 10-15-08 Yall I am doing much better. It's almost been 4 weeks and the pain is almost gone. I am eating and maintaining my hydration and protein. I am holding steady at 231. I am drinking and eating all day. I am able to tolerate luncheon meats, chili, and some fish. I eat cheese, yogurt and drink milk. I also sip protein shakes in the mornings. I am almost eating just as much now as before surgery. I always tried to eat small amount not understanding that I was starving myself. I am also doing a good job with my vitamins. Adjusting to work is going well. I get dizzy first thing in the morning but that is normal when you wake up. I walk 1/2 a mile two or three times a week. Hopefully when I get my Gtube out it will be more often. Everyone is still being very supportive (those that know). I talked to a new friend last night who had surgery with Dr. M and she just really comforted me and reassured me I was on the right track and some of my feelings were normal. I am feeling good yall. REAL GOOD. 10-16-08 Well my medical leave is starting to slowly go away. I officially go back to work on Next Wednesday. I am scared because I have these sweating episodes sometimes and I can't stand them. I don't know if its my body dumping or going through ketosis. Or am I dehydrated. I was always hot before because of my weight. Will I still be all sweaty when I lose weight. It's a lot getting adjusted. I hope this doen't turn out to be a self-pity day. Maybe I should get out of the house. Yep folks...the emotional rollercoaster at first it 100% real. 10-18-08 Yesterday was the first day I felt normal after surgery. I went to work full time and I really felt great. I had to wake up extra early to get past my hot moments in the morning but it still worked out ok. Today I woke up around 9am so I am way off my eating schedule but now I am eating yogurt. I figured out protein shakes need to be saved for the afternoons and I need to eat something with carbs in the mornings like yogurt and some fruit. Today I just plan to grade papers as Monday will be my 4 wk anniversary and I will go back to work officially. Tuesday is my follow up appointment. I'll talke pics and update what happens. 10-22-08 Well I went for my 2 week apt yesterday and it went well. I maintained my muscle mass and my hydration. I am very happy. Getting the G tube out was painful BUT it was so worth it. They say the first 4 wks are the hardest and I am holding them to that. I am back at work full time now and things are going well. People are doing double takes. I think they are trying to figure out why I had surgery and I also think they notice the 25 pounds lost in 4 weeks. Eating is really hard. It's hard to schedule and get in all the protein and water. Honestly I am just not hungry. I really have to decide if I want the capsules or the chewable vitamins. But all in all everything is going well. I met with my nutritionist yesteray and we set some goals like getting in 80-100 oz of water and eating all my fruits and vegetables each day. I'm doing well.  10-26-08 Today I walked 1.1 miles!!!!! In my mind I said I wanted to stop but physically I did it with no problems!!!! My next goal is to start my strength training and isometrics. Eating is going well. I have to consciously drink my protein shake and take my vitamins. Something I hope will become second nature. It's been 5 weeks and I weight 223. That makes 29 pounds lost so far since my first seminar.   10-29-08 Geez yall I have been the same weight for 1 week now. 223.6!!!!! What in the world is going on. My pants are really loose but I don't think I can move to an 18 yet. My shirts seem like they still fit the same. I know I've lost weight but why does nothing feel different? My clothes must have really looked tight before the surgery!!!!! But for real, I gotta get a workout plan or join a gym. I asked a former teacher of mine about yoga but I don't know if that counts. My goal really is to get moving. 10-31-08 HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!! Well last night I got kinda sick from the food I had eaten. I ate some grapes early Thurs and I felt that they hadn't moved much. But I knew I needed to eat dinner so I had some shrimp and broccolli from Ruby Tuesday. I then KNEW I had to do my protein shake AND... My attempts to get everything in just didn't work. So I think from now on if something is stuck I need to wait for it to pass. That's not happened before but now I know what to look for. Halloween was so hard. At work, I walked into the sign in office and there was chocolate for the faculty, in a meeting I went to they passed out bags of candy and the prizes for a competition in the mtg was m and m's. We passed out starburst, skittles and pretzels to children. THIS IS EXACTLY WHY LAP BAND WOULDN"T WORK FOR ME. You can still eat sweets with any gastric banding. With RNY, you dump. So I am very proud of myself. I did walk around the neighborhood and got some fresh air. I NEVER knew starting an exercise program would be this hard. Eating and vitamins are going well. AND...one good thing about me is that I never weigh myself. I don't want to get caught up in that. I actually believe I've lost more than I have. I was never really obesssed with the scale. OH and I just ordered this dress. I LOVE IT...I wear an 18 right now and I ordered it in a 14-16. THIS IS MY FIRST GOAL!!!!!! I can't wait. I think I'll be wearing this by maybe Jan or Feb. So I better get up and moving right???? I can't wait to post a picture when I can finallly put it on!!!!!   11-4-08 Ok things as far as vitamins, eating and drinking have gone really well. Nope...I still haven't joined a gym but keep thinking about it. I HAVE to do something. I have something to confess. I was walking through the living room and there it was!!!!! A PIZZA BOX.  I went and opened it up and thought, one little corner won't hurt. Well I had that one little corner and it was so good. So then I had another and another. Heck I picked it up and ate the whole slice. BUT...now I feel this big lump in my throat. It's not comfortable and I feel bad b/c I ate.it. I have to practice more self control. The scale said 219 today. I haven't been in the two teens since college when I was taking HerbalLife. 11-05-08 I just joined the gym and I have been scheduled for orientation. They told me wear my tennis shoes. I'm excited and know this is key to my success. I can't wait to start water aerobics and aerobics and strength training. I am anxious. I am moving to lose now.11-07-08 Well I have two updates. My goal dress finally came and it fit. I was really hoping to wear it in Dec or Jan but Hey...I'll take today. Also I finally went to the gym. I just got back for doing a workout on the elliptical machine. I feel good. I didn't stop once. I asked about a personal trainer. Hopefully I can start with one soon. I'll take pictures of my dress and post (above 217 pds/ size 14/16 dress).  I might just get up and go in the morning. I just got a notice in the mail that my three month appt is Dec 23 at 9:30 am. OH BOY!!!! I am sipping my shakes and still getting in my vitamins. Still working on drinking 80 oz of water a day though.11-09-08 I just posted pics of the goal dress that I was suppose to fit into in Jan/Feb. It fit today. Look above!!!!!!!! I'm happy. 11-23-08 Things are going well. I am down to 205 pounds. I've had a kidney infection for the past few weeks but I am on antibiotics and getting better. I joined the gym but haven't been going. Last night I went back to the basics and walked around our neighborhood. My sister and I are going to the gym when she comes home from Thanksgiving. Only a few people have noticed the weight loss. It's noticeable but not drastic (especially not to those that see me regularly). I have a feeling there will be some surprised people for the holidays. My goal was to hit 205 by Dec 1 but I've made that goal. My next goal is to be in ONEDERLAND BY DEC 1!!! My vitamins are going well and I am still trying hard with the water. 11-25-08 Last night Iwent to the gym for water aerobics. That was an hour. Then I swam for another hr. I went home and drank my shake. Today at work another coworker noticed my 50 pound weight loss. 11-28-08 I finally fit into my goal shirt which was a size LARGE!!!!!! It was snug but hey...IT FIT...   |
