ObesityHelp.com: Making the Journey Together
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normal BMI

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 in progress, 
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Fit into my wedding dress again.

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Surgeon Testimonial

Jon L. Schram, M.D., F.A.C.S.
I went to Dr Schram March 24th. I was very impressed with his manner and professionalism. He is very through in explaining everything and answering questions. Any of the girls I have spoken with have been great, even listening to my ramblings and tears, not just blowing you off. Most of them have been where I am today!

If I had to choose over again, I would choose Dr Schram and would recommend him to anyone considering having this surgery.'

From what I see, they are very serious about the after care, havent experienced that yet,lol.

I have had 3 post-op check ups. I am very pleased at the care I have gotten from Dr. Schram. Their gals are great if you have a question, and very helpful. I would recommend them to anyone for this surgery.
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Latest Surgery Support Comments

  • Comment by * Cindee * on 6/14/06 2:48 pm
    Just popping in to say I am praying for your safe surgery and speedy recovery. Your journey is just beginning, I wish you the best of luck with it!!!
  • Comment by Stacy C. on 6/14/06 2:47 pm
    ***Teri D had her surgery today*** I spoke with her mom today about 2, they took her into surgery about 12 and she was still in recovery. Dr said everything went well. I am hoping to talk to her later this evening or sometime tomorrow. Thank you to everyone that signed her support page. :angel: Stacy
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Teri D.'s Blog



Pre-Surgery
on November 17, 2006 5:44 am
I am just starting my journey to a new me. I have an appt March 24 with Dr. Schram. I am very excited, and also have many questions. It is great to see that there is a place that you can come and get help. I am happily married-for almost 28 years. Have 2 adult sons, who are both married. Have 2 beautiful granddaughters. I have been a hefty girl since about 2 years old. Elementary school was a real bummer, I was the fat girl. No friends, probably of self esteem as much as anything. was a size 16-18 in high school. Got married 3 weeks after graduating and pg 3 months later and there went my weight. I enjoy sewing and doing crewel and am just starting to scrap! Can't wait to do a page about the new me. Have my Psyche appt next wed, the 29th. Not a bit worried about that one. Saw Dr. Shram on Friday, the 24th. My mom took me. She was very impressed with the consultation. We really liked him. I have to have a stress test after my psyche appt. and then they will schedule. I am really anxious to get this going. My best friend-next to hubby- said i was like a butterfly in a cocoon. I can't wait for the new me to emerge! Lost 9 lbs since appt two weeks before, was surprized at that! I was thinking last night about the things that I really want to see happen on my new road: 1. BE HEALTHY 2. Fit into my wedding dress-size 16 3. Weigh less than my husband 4. Buckle seat belts in any type of car 5. Run with my granddaughter 6. Fit into any booth at a restaurant 7. Sleep without CPAP 8. Learn to belly dance 9. regain self-confidence 10. NOT wear WOMENS sized clothing! 03-29-06 Psyche eval done. Piece of cake. Got letter from pcp and faxed it all in. Just have to wait for the insurance people to call me back. This is so important to me. I feel that if I can do this, that I will be here for my family, if not I dont know what I will do. The seriousness of the situation really hit me when i got the letter from my pcp stating that this is a necessity. What a chance we have to correct all the damage that we have done. I pray that all comes together and we can get it done soon. 04-04-06' Got a letter from Barix today. I have a coordinator. Hopefully they will get everything together and approved in a few days. It is so encouraging reading the profiles in OH. It really helps understand what is to come and be prepared for the things that will take place. 04-06-06 OH MY GOODNESS~just got a call from Barix-ypsi-I AM APPROVED! wow, i can hardly believe it. They are sending the file to surgeons office and they will call and schedule my preops and surgery date. 04-13-06 has been a week of runaround,lol. my pcp sent a referral for my cardiologist, they couldnt use the obesity as a billable diagnosis. duh.they were supposed to do it for irregular heartbeat,anyway, have the first part of my stress test monday and the second part thurdsay. this is the only thing that Dr. Schram is waiting for to schedule. 04-17-06 today was very interesting. had to have a nuclear stress test because of my irregular heartbeat. the nurse tried 2x for the IV then she gave up and got a second nurse. she was able to get the IV with a baby needle the first try, man i HATE needles. after that they hooked up my ekg, the nurses husband had rny 3 years ago with dr pop. she was great. we had about 45 min of great discussion. that made all the pokes worth while. we made it through all the chemicals. it is a bit scarry when they have meds in a sealed conatiner-nuclear- and put it in your body. wonder if i glowed in the dark last night,lol. i have the second part thursday and they should have the results to barix monday. then i get a date, woohoo.
04-18-06 Well, phaze 2 of the stress test is over, shew, i really hate needles, they have such a bad time finding veins. really hate the thought of bloodwork as often as we need it, but I CAN DO THIS!! hopefully they wll have an answer to dr's office monday.i started going through my closet last night, thinking about all the winter clothes i can get rid of, because i will never wear them again. what a thought, Lord willing, by next year at this time i will be about 100 lbs or more lighter, cant believe it. havent seen numbers like that since high school.wow. 04-21-06 well, as if i were not stressed enough, the cardiologist office called and there are some abnormalities with my stress test, and i have to see the doctor. they cant even see me before the 22nd of may and then they say that i will probably have to have an angiogram and go from there. so, here i sit. oh well, maybe they can get me in sooner on a cancellation list and get it over with so i can get my surgery before the end of summer. 04-26-06 Well things are looking a bit better, my cardio called me and they can get me in Monday!! Thank you Lord! I hope it is nothing serious and they can get things moving on. Goal date is June 12th. Work will be closed for vacation that week. Would be perfect! May 1,2006 Went to my cardio this morn. was really nervous. have CAD in a single artery. he is treating with medication and weight loss and exercise. YEAH, Dr Schram should have the letter by the end of the week and we can get a date. Thank you Lord for your answer to prayer!! May 5,2006 got my letter today. barix should have it too, which means that i should have a date monday. wow, cant wait to get this overwith,lol. May 11th,2006 I have a date, June 14th!! I am now officially nervous. I guess if I weren't, I would be crazy. I cannot wait to be on the losing side. It is so exciting. May 16th, 2006 Well, i am four weeks out, and starting to think about the changes in my future. This will be a tool that i can use to finally be able to be healthy. It is really scary, but i know i can do this and i want to be here to see my granddaughters get married! they are only 5 and 5 months! Took my measurements this morning, how scary,lol! /1 mo./3mo. neck: 16 /15/15 left arm: 17/ 15.5/15 chest: 44/ 44/42 Waiste 49.5/ 45/44 hips 59/ 57/54.5 left thigh /31.25/29.5 left calf 20.5/ 21/19.5 left wrist 7.5/ 7/7 Lets see what they look like a couple months after surgery!! 05-25-06 Stacy C is going to be my angel. Thank you, thank you!! 06-01-06 It's 2 weeks before surgery. I am nervous, but have a calm about me that is almost scary. Trying to get meds situated, had to change wellbutrin xl to regular, because other cannot be crushed. I hope it works as well. It is amazing the things that go through your mind when you are going into surgery. I have been there too many times due to health issues, and this is always something that you go through. What iffs........... I am putting my trust in God that all will be well and I will be well after this. I got several books today. Weight loss surgery for dummies, eating well after weight loss surgery and before and after by Susan Maria Leach. Should give me some good reading for a little bit. My family is nervous, but excited. They see the way my health is going and think this is a good thing, I do too. To think about my grandkids, and know that I cannot do the things with them that I would love to do, kills me. I want to be able to run and play and enjoy them. I have a lot of protien samples on hand. I didnt want to get any major amounts of any, because they say your taste changes, and it is too expensive to just have to throw away. We shall see, Had pre-ops yesterday. Was fine til the blood gas needle. OMG that was rough. They didnt get the artery, hit a nerve, really was not good. They decided to waive the test instead of trying again.Thank Goodness. 06-12-06 Well, here i am getting things final for Wednesday. All done at work til later,lol. I am looking forward to it, but it is also scary. Can't wait til it is finally over. Will be a great thing. Will post after the surgery.
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My Story

 My journey started in March of 2006, when I was diagnosed as being pre-diabetic. My MD mentioned bariatric surgery, and I went for it. I had my consult with Dr Schram on March 24th. Had to have a cardiac stress test, psyche evalue, and letter from my MD for dieting. Everything went well, had surgery June 14th. All went well, no complications.

Well, Saturday marked the 4 months post op. What changes have I seen? 75 lbs lost, gone from a size 28 bottom to a size 22 and from 26-3x top to a size XL-18. I am able to eat just about anything(within my boundaries). There is really nothing complicated about the eating regamin. I eat 6 times a day and get atleast 64 oz. liquids. I try to keep my protein to 75-100g. a day.

I am going to Curves 3 times a week, that is helping get me in shape. I have lost a lot of inches. I am still haveing hair loss, hopefully it will slow sometime soon.

My surrent weight is 246. I have not seen this weight since 1981, before I got pregnant with my youngest son! It is really fun to be able to enjoy doing things like walking, shopping, cleaning the yard, things that I was limited to because of my size. I still make a wide pass area, still think the behind will knock things over,lol. That will be one of the funnest things to adjust to. What a great ride this has been so far. I am excited to see what the changes are to come!

One of the biggest changes!!!!!!!!!I am no longer morbidly obese! I am only obese!! WOOHOO!!

October 26th, 2006

Got measured today, down 13 lbs in the last month.Measurements are as follows

Bust  40

Waist-42.5

abdomen 52.5

hips 53.25

thigh 28.5

arm 13.

Nov. 13,2006

Tomorrow marks the 5 month point in my journey. I am doing well. I have been sick for 2 weeks, so no exercise. Going back to curves today. My weight is at 234. That is a total loss of 87 lbs since surgery, 103 lbs loss since March, 2006. I am able to eat almost anything within my limits. I have to increase my calories, only getting about 600 a day.

11-21-06

Well, took my measurements this morning. Bust is at 39, waist 40.5,hips 51, left thigh 27.5, calf 18.5. down about 4.75 inches from October. A loss of 31.25 inches so far!Thats not too bad. I bought an outfit for Christmas, hoping that the pants will fit, they are an 18 and I am currently wearing 20-22 depending on brand and cut.  All around, things are going well. Mood seems to have some serioous swings right now, hopefully that will calm down soon.

12-01-06

Made it through Thanksgiving. Wasnt as bad as i thought, other than the people telling me i needed to eat more. well, that didnt happen. I am down 96 lbs as of today. I hope to lose another 4 by the 14th. that is my 6 month ann. I am wearing size 20 bottom and xl or 18 tops. things are going well. have increased my protein, that seems to help. tomorrow is my birthday, and we are going to a really nice Amish restuarant for my work Christmas party. the food is soooo good. too bad cant take home extras,lol.

12-21-06

6 months have come and gone as well as 105 lbs and many inches. I feel great, it is a bit scary when you think about losing that much in such a short time, but it has been great. I am able to wear a few size 18 and xl bottoms, and large and xl tops. I have not seen this size since 1978. It is hard to believe where I was 6 months ago, the health issues, the lack of physical ability, now my major complaint is BONES! Havent seen those for so long, forgot they were there!! Skin issues arent too bad at this point, my husband calls me his little sharpei! lol, what a small price to pay for being this much smaller. I have not yet had sugar or major fat. Do not want to dump.

Really dont miss any major food. The  hardest thing for me has been making my fudge. That was a challange. Not sure I will make it next year.

01-09-07

Happy late new year!! Things have been going well. Weight is at 208.6 today, that makes -113. since surgery.

Got measured today at Curves. Bust 38.5, waiste 38.5, hips 49.5, thighs 25., arms 12.5, that is a loss of about 7.5 more inches. I am working into 18 pants and l tops. everything is going great at this point. i tried a pair of my husbands pants on the other night and they fit! that was too funny. they are 38-30 painter style.  

Feb 13th, 2006

Things are going well. Down 126 lbs since surgery. Wearing a size 18 pants and large tops. It has been a challange this winter to stay warm. I am almost looking forward to summer, but i hate the heat,lol. Still pushing 100g protein a day. Getting more hair back in (yeah). Was afraid for a while I was not going to get any back. Still thin, but better. I have 30 lbs to go to my personal goal and 46 to dr.'s goal. Not sure I will be able to attain that one. I am afraid it would be too thin, we shall see,lol.

March 16, 2007.  9 months out, things are going well. Weight has slowed a bit, only  5 lbs in the last month, but still losing inches. I am back to curves 2-3 times a week. Am anxious to be able to get my bicycle out as soon as it stays warm enough.

The things that I can do now compared to 9 months ago are wonderful. I dont have to worry about fitting into chairs or booths. I can shop in the regular size clothes. I can run and keep up with my granddaughter. My general health is great. No more borderline sugar, high cholesterol,bouncing blood pressure. I HAVE BONES!!

It is still hard to accept the new body, the mind still sees the fat girl.  I still guage myself with door openings etc. I hope that will change eventually. At this point I am hoping not to have plastics, we will see after I get to goal and how I manage the excess skin issues. They are there, but not horrible yet.

Should have my bloodwork results in a few days. Hopefully everything is still good.

I am so thankful for this change in my life. I would not go back to the way I was before surgery for any amount of money. I feel so much better and look so much better.

April 16th. I am now 10 months out and down 143 lbs since surgery and 159 since the whole journey began. WHat a trip it has been! I am wearing size 16! I havent seen that since high school. It is really hard to look in the mirror and accept that it is really me there. The brain still doesnt see it as possible. I am eating well, no major problems. Still amazes me that  I can only eat 1/2-1 cup of food depending on the density. I am off all of my previous meds except my irregular heartbeat meds, that is awsome. Still taking my vitamins and biotin and protein. I drink one or 2 protein drinks a day depending on my intake. My bloodwork was good, so I do not have to add anything as of now.

May 29th,

16 days to go til my surgeryversary! wow, what a year it has been, i am down 167 lbs and many many inches. i measured out at 33.5 chest, 33 waist, 43 hips,40 abdomen, 22 thigh and 12 arm. what a change that is. the loss has slowed down a lot the last month, but that is ok. i have about 10 lbs to go to where i think i will need to stop. i am moving into size 12 bottoms and m-l tops. you can see ribs and spine! i hvent ever seen those,lol. the dr goal is another 11 on top of mine, but we will see what he says when i go back later in june for my 1 year. i love the changes(other than the skin and breasts)lol. i can ride my bike and play on the floor with the grandchildren and i feel good. i am off all meds but one and that is a maintenance not due to weight. one more pound and i will have lost what i weigh, how weird is that, HOW did i ever let myself get there? stress, depression, and then just didnt care any more. what a viscious cycle it is.

 do i have any regrets? none, i would recommend this to anyone, yes there are risks and challanges, but the outcome has been worth it so far. 

 July 25, 2007
It has been a while since I updated. Things are going great. I am at 159 lbs. That puts me at a normal BMI for the first time since I was very young. The smallest I have been since junior high school is a size 14. I am wearing a size 10-12 bottom and m-l tops. What a change. It is great. Food still can be a struggle. I would expect that to be forever, but I still dont eat what I am not supposed to, and make sure I get about 75g protein every day. My caloric intake is probably about 1200 a day. I seem to be doing well there. 

My yearly check up was fine. Blood was fine, no addons. That made me very happy. My pcp says no more weight off. I am skinny! Imagine that,lol! I have a new granddaughter as of June 13th. Number 4 is due Sept 9. What a motivation to be healthy. I am so thankful that things have gone well. God is Great! I wish I could help others to do the same, but I know that you have to be ready on your own to do something like this and you have to be committed. 

Aug 17, 2007
I am now 14 months out. I have hit a new low, 156 lbs. I never thougth I would see this weight. I am feeling great, have lots of energy most of the time,lol. I am wearing a 10-12 in bottoms and m top. It is so hard to believe that I am at this place in my life, it just hit me this morning that my husband has never seen me this small. i have not been this small in my adult life. i would have to say that i hvent seen this weight since elementary school. wow. my oldest son is planning on the surgery after the first of the year. i pray all goes as well for him as it has for me! 

Nov 8, 2007. 
It has been a while since I have updated. I am now down to 145-147 lbs. I have had to increase my calories to keep it there. I feel great! I am wearing 8-10 bottoms and med tops. I am FREEZING!!lol. I am learning what it means to layer. I still eat 5-6 times a day, and try to get some exercize when I can. It is amazing how different life is now, I never dreamt that I would be this small. I really thank God that all has gone so well and that I am feeling this good. I love being able to keep up with my granddaughters-all 4! Had the newest Sept 1. Hannah.  I still do not eat much junk. Chocolate is pretty much a nono. I will have a piece of sf occasionally, but dont really want to go there. I do not want to let myself think that it is ok, because it can lead to bad things.  My dad asked me this morning if I would recommend it to anyone. ABSOLUTELY! I tell anyone that I can about my experience and how it can make a world of difference in their life. I would love to be able to work in a clinic like Barix, I think that would be awsome to be able to help obese people to get this done and go on with their lives healthy.

04-01-08
It is almost 22 months since my life changing surgery. I am doing well. Weight still 145-148. I have to eat 5-6 times a day to keep it there, I do not want to go below that. I am doing great, i can run up and down the basement stairs, keep up with my grandchildren-even the 2 year old-what a remarkable change. I believe i am as lean as i can possibly be, the only place i seem to have any extra is on my thighs, and i am not sure that it more than skin, its hard to tell. I will not seek any plastics unless it becomes a health issue, i figure if i cant do it all, why bother. my skin is pretty well distributed, so doing one area really doesnt appeal to me, other that the thought of a breast augmentation! that is the only part i would truly like to fix, but that is not an option at this point. 

June 16th 2008. 
Well, it has been 2 years since my bariatric surgery. I am doing great. I have had no major problems since my surgery. I currently weigh 154 lbs. This is about 10 lbs higher than my lowest point. I feel better here and do not look sickly thin. I am in a size 10 and enjoying life. I can keep up with my 4 granddaughters and play and chase them and even run from them. WOW, what a change. 

There are still day to day struggles, carbs are my main one. Some days are flat out bad, but I just take it day to day and if I fall, I get right back up and do better the next day. I do still react to sugars and too many sugar alcohols. This is a good thing. Keeps me in line as far as bad eating. 

I am still adjusting to my new body. I have some excess skin, but it covers easily. I would love a tummy tuck and a breast aug, but dont think the pain is worth the small amount of excess skin I have on the tummy. 

I have my 2 year check up today. I have switched to a new bariatric surgeon in my town, he has many years experience and I dont have to drive almost 90 min for a 15 min appt. I still do a liquid protein every morning and usually 1-2 pure protein bars a day. I try to get about 1100 calories a day. Some days are higher and some are lower. I eat 5-6 meals a day to keep my body on an even keil. I am drinking atleast 64 oz of water or tea and some flavored waters. I do not drink pop at all, havent since my surgery.

Would I recommend this to anyone>ABSOLUTELY! My oldest son is in the process of getting scheduled right now. It is not the easiest lifestyle, but well worth the changes.

 


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