ObesityHelp

05-11-05 I have my first consultation on 5/16/05. I'm getting excited. I wonder how long after that it will be before I get a date, hopefully not to long.

5/17/05 I went for my assessment visit yesterday, it was a long day. You have to fill out tons of paperwork. Most of it is very repetitive. They do a through psych evaluation, and then they don't even read it. He asked me all the question I had answer and typed them in the computer as I answered him. Why make us do an hour worth of paper work when your just gonna type it in anyway. It's fine as long as I get to have my surgery.

Then I attended my first group session, I already knew everything he went over, but at least I got one out of the way. They require you to attend at least four before surgery. Then they told me to wait for the Physical Therapist, I sat there for about thirty minutes. Then I went and asked someone else how much longer it would be and she said that the PT wasn't here on Mondays, I was pissed. They apologized over and over. Then she says I will have to return on another day, and I said wait I live over an hour away. So she set it up for a day I had to return any way to see doctor Raum.

I have my next appointment on June 9th for my sleep apnea test and the rest of my text the next day. So I only have to make one trip for those as well. So that worked out good. She said I could shoot for the end of July for surgery.

5-20-2005 I received my sleep study package in the mail. I have to fill it out and take it with me when I go for my test on the ninth of June. While reading over it, I realized that I don't really have any of the problems it talks about. So hopefully I won't have sleep apnea.

06/08/05 Well tomorrow I go for my sleep apnea test. I have to be there at 8:30 p.m. I'm not worried about being able to sleep because I can sleep through anything. I just hope they will let me read a little before I go to sleep. It helps me unwind and relax. I still haven't filled out the survey they sent me so I guess I need to get on that. I put it off thinking I had plenty of time well now I don't. Then on Friday I go for my blood tests, REE/BC, PFT w/ABG, CXR, EKG, a Gallbladder Ultrasound, and a Upper GI. Plus I will get another group session in too. Not really sure what all those test are just that I have to have all of them done and they are doing them all in one day. So Friday will be a long day.

I had decided I needed this surgery several months ago and had already did a lot of research on it, because my father in law had it done and it was very successful for him. But if I hadn't of already decided that I would have it done my son would have made up my mind for me yesterday. We where sitting there watching TV and he says to me, "Mommy when are you not going to be fat anymore?" He is only five and he wasn't saying it in a mean way. But you don't realize how much your size can affect your children. I don't want him to grow up with kids making fun of him because of me. And they will because children can be cruel sometimes. It is not his fault I'm this way so why should he have to suffer for it. I did explain to him that you shouldn't ask people questions like that because it could hurt their feelings. He understood and said he didn't mean to hurt my feelings, I told him you didn't hurt mine, but it might hurt someone Else's. Surprisingly it didn't hurt my feelings because I knew I wouldn't be this way much longer.

6-10-05 Went last night to have sleep test done, worst night of my life. Get there at 8:30 finally find someone to let us in because the doors are all locked. Go in and fill out some paper work. Go to room and sit for a few then I decide to go ahead and brush my teeth and wash my face and get ready for bed. Wait an hour for them to finish getting the other person ready. Finally call me to do my electrodes. They clean the areas where they put them with an exfoliating cream then rub it off with alcohol. Then she puts glue on the tips then tapes them to you. She puts two on my forehead, one on each temple, one behind each ear, three on my chin, four in my hair, two on my chest, three on each of my sides, and three on each leg. As if that wasn't bad enough she then puts wires up my nose. And also attach's something to my neck, then puts an oxygen tester on my finger. And finally two straps, one around my chest and the other under my chest, she pulls them really tight which hurts and make it hard to breath. I finally get in bed around eleven. She’s like you don't have to sleep on your back so I try to turn over and can't because of all the wires. No matter how I turned it hurt, they where pulling my skin and my hair, so I ended up on my back. Well of course I sleep like crap. Then in the morning the guy starts taking them off and is not gentle at all. He had a look in his eyes like he was enjoying the pain he was inflicting on me. I'm so glad that is over with and I hope I never have to do it again.

6-11-05 Well today is my 28th birthday and it is going good so far. Now about all the other test I had done yesterday. First I was not feeling very well after the night before so the day had already started bad. First went to the clinic and got weighed I've lost eleven pounds from just cutting out the sodas and drinking the shakes that they wanted me to go ahead and get use to.

Then I headed over to have my REE/BC and After/ABG not fun at all. Had to lie down and she attached some wires not so bad. But then she put a clamp on my nose that hurt and made me breath through a tube for ten full minutes. Finally I thought when it was over. Then she stuck a big needle in my wrist, which of course hurt like crazy. Then I had to do another breathing thing that almost made me pass out and seem to last forever.

Then I went to have a EKG done and a chest X-ray that was easy. Well after that I went back to the clinic to get in my group and the doc that does group was leaving. So I ask them why is he leaving isn’t he doing group, and she replies no not today. This really makes me mad because that is why she scheduled my Upper GI and Ultrasound so late in the day so I could attend group. So I ended up not being able to eat until 3:00 pm for nothing. My husband was so mad by the time it was all over he was ready to find another doctor. My ultrasound was scheduled for one she didn’t come to get me until 1:45. So that pushed my Upper GI back, which was, suppose to be at 1:30. The upper GI was the worst the barium was so hard to drink. I’m just glad it is all over and done with.

6-13-05 Now I guess it is just a waiting game. I'm done with all my pre-op testing, now I'm waiting for my next appointment. I think I'm gonna call them and ask how long before my next appointment. I called and they weren't sure, she said it would take a few days to get all the results in. Glad I called because they never received the fax with my Pulmonary results on it. She said to just fax them a copy of mine the nurse gave me. And when I got to looking at my appointment sheet I realized they never sent me for my blood work. I had so many test to do that day that it was hard to keep up with them. I will call tomorrow and see what to do about that. I picked a great doctor for my surgery but the staff there is not very organized and the hospital where all the test are done is much worse.

6-17-05 Had to go back yesterday and have my Blood work and my Physical Therapy done. Some how the blood work was left off the orders. But I needed to get in another group anyway. But of course they didn't have group yet again. So if they try to tell me I must attend group before surgery I will go crazy on them. I have tried three times to attend and lo and behold each time no group. How do they expect you to have group when they don't have it. I think I'm too stressed about this. I'm finally through with all the test, but I still feel stressed out. Hopefully it will pass soon.

/29/05 The waiting it the worst. Friday will be three weeks since I had all of my test completed and I have not heard a word from the doctors office. So on Monday I tried calling and every time I called it said all circuits busy try again. I tried about five times. Yesterday didn't bother with it. Called again today and they said a nurse would call me back. So now it is more waiting.

Later today-Finally spoke with Yvette(nurse)and she said that my folder was with Carly(scheduler)and that she should be calling me to set up an appointment in the next day or two. If I don't hear from her to call her back. She also informed me that she was putting me on (sp)?zylopram, she said my uric acid levels where high. She said it was nothing to worry about but it could cause gaut. So I will pick that prescription up today at the pharmacy.

7/05/05 Called Carley the scheduler at Dr. Martins office today, and of course she had not been given my folder like the nurse told me. But in my dealings with them I knew she would say that. I told her I wasn't saying her in particular, but people there tend to not follow through on what they say. So she set up my next appointment with the endocrinologist. It is set for July, 25. I was hoping for something sooner, but that was the earliest she had available. She said I was first on the list to be called if someone canceled or couldn't make it, so maybe someone will between now and then.

7-27-05 On Monday I had my appointment with Dr. Raum. Everything went well and I'm cleared for surgery. Now it is off to the board to see if there are anymore recommendations, then on Monday it will be sent to insurance.

A little about the visit: He said I was quite healthy considering my weight. All of my labs where fine some where slightly elevated and some where borderline. Nothing that would require medicine. He said I have a very mild case of sleep apnea, not enough to be put on a CPAP though, which is good. But he did say that surgery was a plus for me because it would help stop all the problems before they start. If I wait another five years I will have all the problems and I would definitely develop diabetes. He said my body doesn't produce enough insulin. And that is what caused the discoloration of skin I have. He also said I may have to have insulin shots while I'm in the hospital. He said he would moniter it closely. He also went ahead and put me on my liquid diet to shrink my liver. He said I didn't need to lose any weight before surgery, but I did have to shrink my liver. He also said I would have to remain on the zylopram after surgery. He explained that my uric acid levels would increase after surgery because it is stored in fat and as I start to lose the fat it will be release into my body. He also said my gallbladder was fine and if would not come out. He said I have a lot of muscle mass so I'm good there. He said I also have a lot of fat mass too. He said that I didn't need to build any muscle just tone what I have. So I'm ready now, just need my date.

7-29-05 Got a call from Dr. Martins office. There are no recommendations from the board. So I'm good to go. They informed me that the paper work will be sent to the insurance company by Wednesday. Now more waiting. It is all coming together now. Hopefully it won't take insurance long, because this liquid diet sucks.

08/19/2005 Carolyn the nurse from Touro called me today to set up my meeting with Dr. Klainer. She said she does clinics on Mondays but would not be there this Monday. So my day to meet her and sign consents in Monday the twenty ninth. She told me to be there at twelve to get a group in and Dr. Klainer would see me after group. So I will get my date then. She also told me to start my liquid diet I just laughed and said I've been doing that for the last three weeks. She so good you should be ready to go then. She also said that Dr. Klainer is a stickler for the two week liquid diet. I said well I won't have any problem there. So now it's more waiting but at least it just a week. And hopefully I will get a close date. I don't want it to take another month for surgery.

9/12/05 I know it has been awhile since I updated. As you know I was to meet with my surgeon on the 29th at noon, that did not happen. Hurricane Katrina decided to hit New Orleans at that time. I do not know what will happen now. I have looked into changing surgeons, but they want my medical records from the previous surgeon and that is not a possibility right now. Don't know when anyone will be allowed back into New Orleans or how long it will take. Now I just sit and wait to see what is gonna happen. You would think that since I already have approval a surgeon would go ahead without those records. But no they want. This is disturbing to say the least.

9/13/2005 I have contacted a new surgeon just to see what they would say. And I spoke with Kelly at Dr Chu's office. She informed me that there was no reason why I should have to do all the test again. She is calling insurance to have it switched for me. She said the only thing I would have to do is see a cardiologist which is fine with me. She will call me when she talks to the insurance company.

09/14/2005 Just got the call from Kelly at Dr. Chu's office, not only did she get it switched for me, but she also got me a surgery date already. I go for a consult with Dr. Chu on September 22 at 1:00. And then have my surgery on October the 13th. I'm so excited. I thought it could be a year before I had it. My surgery date is also my husbands birthday. But he is fine with it, we both agree that we would never forget when I had surgery. Now more waiting but at least I know when it will happen.

She also told me I had to give up caffeine two weeks before and no aspirin two weeks before. I have already done this in preparation of surgery. She said I would have to do a liquid diet one week prior to surgery. I was on it for a month last time. I stopped it because of the hurricane because I didn't know when they would allow people back in to New Orleans. I'm ready to get this over with now.

9/21/05 I got a call last night from someone with Touro telling me to call this number to set up an appointment with my original surgeon because they will be picking up where they left off here in Baton Rouge. That was wonderful news, except where they are at is not in our network for insurance. Me and my hubby spent two days on the phone with the insurance and they have approved me having it there out of network. I'm so excited. But then I had to call my new surgeon's office and tell them that. I didn't like doing it, because they have been super helpful and got me in fast and got me a date. But I'm much more comfortable using my original surgeon. And it is only 15 miles from me now instead of 70 miles. And I won't have to pay the fees that they where gonna charge me. I have my appointment Friday at 10:00am with my surgeon and hopefully I will get my date. I'm hoping to keep the same date that I have since my mom has already made plans to come that week.

9/23/2005 Went to see my surgeon today. She was not there so I saw Dr. Martin, which was fine because I like him. He will be assisting my surgeon also. He had looked over my chart and said you where all ready for surgery when the hurricane hit weren't you. I said yes sir and he says, "Well your young and healthy so how does Thursday sound?" I said that sounds fine, so my surgery is now scheduled for the 29th of September, that is only six days away. I can't wait. Next I signed consent and spoke with a nurse about all that needed to be done before surgery. He also gave me a prescription for antibiotics. I have to take three different three times a day for three days prior to surgery. I also have to wash with an antibacterial soap twice a day for those three days as well. Now just waiting for the day to get here. I have to be there at six am and the surgery will be at nine. My Mom is gonna get here Wednesday night to keep my son so the hubby can stay there with me. Only six days to go.

Just wanted to update on my feelings. I'm overly emotional. I cry, I laugh, I get scared, I even get angry sometimes. This is a major life changing event and my emotions are haywire. I'm worried that I won't make it through it. Which makes me worry about my family especially my son. I worry that he will have to grow up with out me and that makes me want to call it off. I'm not worried about anything else but that. I'm not gonna call it off, but when I work myself into a tissy over it I think about it. But then I calm down and feel silly for feeling that way. Just wanted to post about this so people know that they are not alone in these emotional times

9/28/05 Tomorrow is the big day. The nurse at Vista called me yesterday and said they want me there tonight at midnight instead of in the morning at six am. So what little sleep I was gonna get tonight now I don't think it will be happening. I've got everything ready to go. Here's my list of what I'm taking to the hospital with me.

Robe
Slippers
Socks
Lip balm
Lotion
Fan
Shampoo&Conditioner
Headband for hair
Last two months of Parenting magazine I haven't been able to read yet
Clothes to come home in

I think I'm ready to go. My Mom will be here around noon today she is driving over from Alabama to stay with my son while I'm in surgery and recovering. She should be here around noon today. I've got my house clean and my cabinets stocked, clothes all washed up, cleans sheets on all the beds, grass cut and now I have nothing to do but wait. This last day is gonna take forever, I just know it will. I should have saved somethings to do today.

I will update again as soon as I feel up to it.

10/3/2005 Well I'm home and doing well. Here's the update. I got to the hospital at 12:00pm on the 28th. They do it this way because insurance will not pay for it before that. I get there do a little paper work and they take me back to a room. I have to bath in a beta-dine bath first then I get in my gown. The come in to hook up the IV and start my antibiotics. I get four through out the night. Didn't get much sleep that night, every two hours they come in and check vital signs. Then the next morning at eight the wheel me to holding and I wait for awhile. I was schedule for 9am but the other one ahead of me took longer and I didn't go in until 10:30am. They took me in got me on the OR table and hooked me up. He put a mask on me and said breath real deep next thing I know I'm in ICU. I didn't even wait up while I was in recovery for an hour. I wake up to my husband and the surgeon talking. Then I remember the other surgeon and the endocrinologist. But not to much more. I slept a lot at first but after about five I couldn't get much sleep. I had so much stuff hooked to me it was annoying, but I know it was needed. At four am I couldn't stand the bed any longer so they let me get up and in the recliner. Every two hours they did vitals, and I had to do breathing treatments, and had to blow in a tube and make the little thing rise.

Then at eight they cam and got me and took me to do the swallow test, passed with flying colors. They also did a chest x-ray, then I got to go to my room. The only bad thing about that was they took away my morphine pump. But I did get lortab every four hours. Wasn't too much pain at first. But about 4 o'clock I started having sharp pains in my lower stomach no where near my incisions. They couldn't figure out what was causing it. It was so severe I couldn't move. Chris had to pick me up out of the bed so I could go to the bathroom. The doctor ordered suppositories thinking it was that I had to go and that wasn't it I had no trouble going. The nurse said he thought the drain was causing it. He said sometimes they get in a bad spot and are very painful. I was in agony. Well Saturday finally got here and Dr. Martin comes to take out the drain as soon as he pulled it out the pain was gone. So that is definitely what was causing it. The drain hurt like a bitch coming out. Doc was hilarious, he said now you know what it feels like for a man to have his private squeezed. My hubby thought that was funny. Then I took a shower talked to the nutritionist and came home.

I'm doing fine, tired some but not bad. I feel a lot better than I thought I would at this time.

I love Dr. Martin. Dr. Klainer was my surgeon and she did my surgery but I didn't really get to know her. I didn't even meet her until the morning right before surgery. Then she came by after for a few. I've had most of my dealing with Dr. Martin. And will be doing my follow up with him as well. So I would recommend him to anyone.

10/7/2005 Had my one week check up. Everything looks good, cuts healing fine. I've lost 15lbs which is great. Doc said that was good, said most folks don't lose that much because of the fluids giving in the hospital. I didn't retain any so that helped. Go back in two weeks for blood work to make sure levels are good. Then in a month to see my surgeon again.

I've been doing really well with my protein and water. I don't have a problem getting them in at all. And nothing is making me sick so I think I'm doing good.

10-21-2005 Went to see the doctor today. Says I'm doing great. He said he wants patients to lose at least five percent of their body fat a month but no more than 15 percent and I have lost 12 percent so that is good. He drew some blood to run test and will call me with those results. He also put me on a drug to help keep my gallbladder healthy while I'm losing weight. I have to take it four times a day like I will remember that. He also said I have to wait another month before I can go on my birth control pills, that really sucks. Can't chance a pregnancy right now though, it would be dangerous for me and the baby have to wait at least a year. So far I've lost 29lbs since surgery and 60lbs all together. I've lost five inches on my waist, one and a half on my neck and 9 on my hips, not to bad uh. He estimated by the end of the month I would lose 34lbs. If I lost that much that fast I would be at goal in four months. He said I should be there in six months so that is great. It will be right at the time of our cruise to Cozumel. I can't wait.

11/03/2005 Just pulled up my insurance to see how much the surgery was, and almost fell out of my chair. It was 65,000.00 dollars, holy moly that's a lot of money. Thank God for insurance, my out of pocket was only 200 dollars. The cost of this surgery is ridiculous, but worth every penny.

11/05/2005 One Month Check Up--Doctor Update For Me 1 Month!
Went to the doctor yesterday and she said everything looks good. My cuts are healing nicely. She said not to worry about the stitches coming out that it happens a lot. I only lost five pounds in two weeks but she said that is fine because I lost 34 the first month and that was really good. I was on my monthly visitor last week and she said don't expect to lose any around that time. All of my labs where good. My uric acid was a little high but not enough for medication, so that is good. I also told her my head was itching like crazy and she said it could be dry scalp that happens with some people. She said to take some Vitamin E and A and that should help with that and my dry skin. It's weird for me to have dry skin, my skin has always been very oily and now it is terribly dry. I go back again on the 23rd and he will test my metabolism again then and do a body comp test too. But all in all everything looks good.

11/30/2005 Wednesday I went to see the endocrinologist again, and got some great news. He did a body comp and 90 percent of the weight I have lost was fat and only ten percent muscle, he said I had a five to one ratio and that was outstanding. He said it was almost to good to be true. Then he asked if I was using ephedrine. I said no that I was lifting weights and getting about a hundred grams of protein a day and he said to keep it up. I was down to 266 that day but now I'm down to 259. I lost weight over Thanksgiving and I can honestly say that is a first for me. I usaully gain about five pounds. My total loss since surgery is now 46lbs wow that's great for two months. I'm down 77lbs since my highest and I feel great. He also said I was burning about 2000 calories a day. I'm only taking in 800, but he said that is fine as long as I keep my protein up. He said I need at least 80 grams of protein a day and I get about 100. That is fine and it will help me hold on to my muscle mass too.

01/06/2006 Not alot to update. The vitamin A&E helped with the dry skin and scalp so that was good. I'm down 87lbs and feeling great. If I would get the excerise that I'm suppose to I would lose alot faster, but hell I couldn't exercise before and not doing so good now. It's great to still be losing though. I will get back into the routine of exercise though soon.

01/19/06 Had a wow moment yesterday that made me feel great. I grabbed one of Chris's Alabama sweatshirts out of his closet and looked at the size and it said large. I thought there is no way it will fit, but I tried it on anyway and it fit. Now that may not seem like much but three months ago I was wearing a 3X. I'm also down to an XL pants from a 26. I haven't worn a size large since the eighth grade so this is a milestone for me. It's funny though because when I look in the mirror I don't seem much smaller to me. They say that happens though. I mean I can see the difference it just doesn't seem like it's that much right now. Chris says I'm the smallest he has every seen me. My best friend says I look like I did when I was in school and we haven't been in school together since the seventh grade. So I would says I'm coming along nicely. I'm down 93lbs and have 88lbs to go till I'm at goal. But I would be happy with only sixty or seventy more pounds. I think the goal the have for me is crazy. They say I should weigh 142 and I'm 5'6. My mom is 5'4 and she weighs 144 and she is tiny. I don't think I would want to be tiny, I wouldn't know how to act I've been large almost my whole life.

1/24/06 I'm obese!! I know that doesn't sound good but it is. Three months ago I was extremely obese, then super obese, and now I'm just obese so that is a good thing.

Here is a picture before surgery, this is me at my highest of 336.

Here I am about three weeks ago and 90lbs lighter.

I'm down five sizes in four months, I can't believe it. I feel great. I walk every weekday now and it makes a big difference. I lift weights every other day to help tone my muscle so I don't lose them. I get at least a 100 grams of protein a day. I've lost a total of 95lbs. All in all everything is going great.

02/17/2006 Well I have some good news. We are returning to Alabama probably sometime in the next month. I'm so excited. We are finally going home. We have lived here in Louisiana for two years. I don't dislike it here, I've met some really nice people. I just want to be back with my family and friends, all of our family lives in Alabama.

On the weight loss I'm down -101lbs and feeling great.

3/04/2006 Well it looks like we will be staying here after all. We decided not to take the job in Alabama. I'm a little disappointed because I wanted to be closer to my family again. But we are happy here and that's all that matters.

03/13/2006

Yesterday we decided to get out our bikes that have been sitting for about three maybe four years now. I just knew we would have to replace the tires but alas we didn't. We aired them up and they where fine. So we went riding and boy let me tell you my rear is sore today. That's fine because we had fun and got some great exercise. We plan to ride everyday when the hubby gets home from work. It will be fun and we will get a work out in the process. This is something I would have not been able to do five months ago. This surgery has been a blessing.

Oh and I ordered my dress for our cruise coming up in April I ordered a size 16. Five months ago I would have needed a 26/28. It felt really good to order that size.

I'm down 108 lbs and feeling great.


Me at 224lbs, shirt and pants are a size large.

5/01/2006 I have now lost 123lbs wow that is a whole little person. I have 60 more to go. I lost four pounds just last week. I need to lose 12 more before May 20th to reach my first personal goal. That is also when we are having our family reunion. Man will my family be surprised none of them have seen me since I've lost all this weight. Then I will have only 48 more until I reach my goal weight.

Of course the doctors say I have 70 more to lose till I'm at their ideal weight but I think their ideal weight is ridiculous. I'm 5'6 and they are telling me I should weight 140 noway my mom is 5'4 and weights 144 and she is tiny. I don't want to look sickly, I think I will look fine around 150 to 155. We shall see. The only thing I'm worried about is will I stop losing. Some people don't stop. I eat what I want when I want and I still lose weight. At the rate I'm losing in twelve weeks I will be at my goal. But they say you lose for up to 18 months my god if I do that I will be nothing. But I'm sure I can up the calories and maintain it once I reach my goal.

I just cut the grass and didn't have to take a break between the front yard and the back yard. And I'm not even worn out that is a great feat. Before it took me all day to do the yard. I even tried to weed eat but the weed eater is out of gas and I don't know what oil to mix with the gas. So I'm not gonna mess with it. I will finish when Chris gets home. I can't believe I still have energy after that.

You may not understand why this makes me so happy so I will explain. Before I would cut half the yard and feel like I was gonna pass out. I would get light headed and have to rest for awhile before I started again and then I would cut half of the back and feel like I was gonna pass out. Then I would go back and cut the other half of the back and feel the same and then be no good for the rest of the day. I just cut the whole yard in thirty minutes and still feel like I could do more a lot more. So this is why I'm excited.

06/01/2006
I'm eight months out down to 207 and only 62lbs from the doctors goal weight. I must say this has been a wonderful experience for me. I have been truly blessed. I was one of the lucky ones who had no complications at all and I'm very greatful for that. I really believe that is largly in part to doing what my doctor orders. I think that plays a big role in your recovery. I have an appointment with Dr. Raum the endocrinologist on the 21st of June. I will not have lab done that day because my insurance is refusing to continue with the out of network. So I will get my orders that day and go to an in network hospital to have all my test run. Then they will fax the results to him. I guess I will have to go back again to get them or maybe he will call and tell them to me. Don't know we shall see.

Hopefully everything is good. I think it is I know I feel good.

06/06/2006 Well weight loss is still going good. I'm down 132lbs and 59 to go. Then I will be a the ideal weight for my height. But I think I only want to lose about 45 more. Because once I have the excess skin removed that could take away anywhere from 15 to 20lbs, and I don't want to be skin and bones. We shall see when that time comes I guess. I want be having plastics for at least two more years anyway.

First I want to have another baby that will take almost a year then I have to lose the baby fat. Then I can consider plastics. But I may not have any baby fat to lose. A friend of mine got pregnant after a year and only gained 15lbs during her whole pregnancy. And that was all baby and water. I don't think I will gain much either. I didn't gain but 30lbs with Brett and the doc said that is exactly what I should gain no more. So maybe I won't gain any with this one.

I have an appointment on the 21st to have lab work and all that good stuff done. And when I'm there I'm gonna ask him if it's alright to go ahead and start trying. I know he will say no but I'm gonna ask anyway. I only have three months until I can and I'm doing really well so I don't see why I can't go ahead and start now.

But if he tells me to wait I will. I think by following the doctor's orders I have done so well so I will keep following them even if I don't like them.

06/20/2006
This is me this morning down 137 and in a size 13 from a 26.

June 21st 2006
Visit went okay. He said my weight loss was off the charts literally. Next time he will have to start a new chart. He said I was doing really well and I looked good. He flipped to the picture of me they took when I first went in and said he would not recognize me from that picture.

He did get on to me though. He said I'm not eating enough and I'm losing muscle mass because of it. He said I'm working out to much and not taking in enough to sustain it. Never thought I would hear those words. He said I've lost 34% body fat and 28% muscle mass and that is way to much muscle mass. So I have to eat more and go back to drinking three protein shakes a day and see if that helps. I also have to cut back on some of the exercise. He said if I walk every morning then don't ride the bike in the afternoon or just do it every other day. But just until I build back up some of my muscle mass then I can go back to doing as much as I like.

He also put me on ephedrine, he said it will help burn fat and not muscle. I had always heard bad things about it but he said they are not true if you don't abuse it. I have to have a utility bill, my driver license, and a prescription to get it. He said people use it to make Meth so it's hard to get it with out jumping through loops. Never would have thought I would have to show proof of address to get a prescription.

He also said no way on the baby for now. He said as long as I'm losing more that five pounds a month I cannot get pregnant. But hey I knew that anyway I was just hoping. I go back in three months and we will see then what he thinks. I know I have to start eating more. And since Chris knows this he will really ride my butt now about it. He already stays on me about eating because I forget too

07/13/2006 I'm down 144lbs the meds and eating more have definetly help me start losing more. In the last two weeks I've lost 8lbs so about four pounds a week isn't bad.

I have 47lbs to go until I'm at what the charts say I should be. But I have alot of excess skin so I think I should stop around 10 to 15 higher than the charts say. Because once I have plastics I will be underweight because I know I have a lot to be removed.

I'm really dislikeing the excess skin. I could probably wear a size ten if I didn't have the big flap in front.

7/22/2006 I now weigh 189 and only have 29 pounds to go till my goal. And 44 till the charts says I'm normal.

8/30/06 We just got home from New York and it was fun. We had a blast. I can't wait to visit again, there just wasn't enough time to do all we wanted to do. But we saw Andrea Agassi play in the U S open his last tournament, and that is what we went for. My husband is a huge Andrea fan and grew up watching him play. He went to college on a tennis scholorship so this has been a dream of his. He has seen him play in other tournaments but not a grand slam, and this is the biggest one for him. So I'm glad we got to go for him. I really enjoyed New York not something I would have enjoyed a year ago. There is no way I could have walked as much as I walked the past few days a year ago. It felt good to be able to do it.

Weight update. I'm down 157 pounds with 27 more to go before I'm considered in the normal weight range. But I'm happy with where I'm at so if I don't lose another pound I will still be happy. But I am gonna try to lose those last pounds. We are also trying to concieve so whatever I lose will have to be done before then. I'm also in a size nine pants and a medium shirt.

9/24/2006 Great news I'm pregnant!! It only took one try after coming off the pill. We are so excited. We had tried for four years before I had surgery to no avail. But my doctor told me there was nothing wrong with me I just needed to lose weight so I did and now we are having a baby.

First doctor's visit went really well. He said he didn't want me losing any weight so I have to work on that. And believe me I am I feel like I'm starving all the time so I eat all the time. Of course I eat healthy cause there is no way I'm gonna gain more than I need to with this pregnancy, I've came to far to gain alot of weight back. He said he doesn't for see any problems and says I'm healthy and should have a easy pregnancy. Lets hope so. I had a real easy one with my first child too.

So far the only complaint I have is gas man it is bad and painfully. At some points it almost feels as bad as it did after surgery. But I've been told this is normal with WLS patients so I'm not worried about it. But man everything I eat gives it to me. And from what I understand it doesn't get any better with time. My main problem is I seem to have trouble passing it it gets stuck and then it starts to hurt. I'm gonna try some gas x after I speak to the doctor and make sure it is alright. I'm sure it will be because basically everything that was safe for me since surgery is safe for me with pregnancy. The diet is the same too.