ObesityHelp.com: Making the Journey Together
 
  • Name: Nicole S.
  • Username: WisChick
  • Location: West Bend, WI, USA
  • Member Since: 10/4/2005
  • BMI: 23.0
  • Post Op
  • Surgeon: Zane Prewitt
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Surgeon Testimonial

Zane Prewitt
I absolutely love Dr Prewitt. He's a great doctor, and if I had to do this all over again I'd pick him. My first impression of him was he was quiet, but always interested in what I had to ask or say, everytime I see him I like him more and more.
There is nothing I don't like about him, he is 100% professional, but also 100% sincere, and caring.
Aftercare is very important to him - his nurse, Ellen is also very involved in what goes on, before, during and after the surgery.

If you are in the Milwaukee area and are thinking about this, PLEASE GO TALK TO DR PREWITT, he's been involved in this type of surgery for 10 yrs.
Before the surgery there is a list of possible complications, and they make you sign it and they make sure you understand what you are getting into.
I would rate him 1-10, I'd rate him 500.
Both surgicial competence and bedside manner
were fantastic, no matter how busy he was with surgery, or being in his office, he made sure to see you everyday.
Member Interests
  • Crafts - Craft fairs and flea markets
  • Travel - I love going to Arizona (the most beautiful place ever!) and to Florida
  • Dogs - I love husky's and german shephard,
  • Tattoo - I have 5 so far, would love to get more, but I am running out of space.
  • Married - In love with Adam - married since 03/27/2004

Latest Surgery Support Comments

  • Comment by inspector-girl on 4/25/06 2:47 pm
    When feeling blue or WHATEVER about your “slow” weight loss or a plateau, remember these wise words whispered by Confucius – “It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop.” Be patient and celebrate your accomplishments so far! You didn’t put it on over night, it won’t come off over night (DARN IT!)… RNY 10/31/03 257/140 - GOAL!!! Good luck!
  • Comment by Caramel Delight on 11/27/05 10:32 am
    I am also having surgery tomorrow!!! I just wanted to wish you many Blessings as you start this new chapter of your journey. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. ~Tonya
  • Comment by piperkc on 11/7/05 6:56 pm
    "It's never too late to be who you might have been." ~George Eliot “The Greatest healing therapy is friendship and Love.” ~ Hubert Humphrey "Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, any one can start from now and make a brand new ending" " The great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, but in what direction we are moving." ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes "There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful as expectation of something better tomorrow." ~ O. S. Marden "Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so shall you become. Your vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your ideal is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil." ~ James Allen "I asked God to give me happiness. God said, "No. I give you blessings. Happiness is up to you." ~ Author Unknown "Goals give you more than a reason to get up in the morning; they are an incentive to keep you going all day. Goals tend to tap the deeper resources and draw the best out of life. "Put yourself in a state of mind where you say to yourself, 'Here is an opportunity for me to celebrate like never before, my own power, my own ability to get myself to do whatever is necessary." ~ Anthony Robbins " ~ Harvey Mackay "Life is a challenge, but if you don't stand and risk you will never know if you were able to win or lose. Challenges are not a thing of winning or losing; they are a way of learning from them to become a better person every day! ~ Alexsander Rodriguez, P.R "Don't ask for it to be easy, ask for it to be worth it." Dan Kuschell "The most important question to ask is not 'What am I getting?' The most important question to ask on the job is 'What am I becoming?'"You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it true. You may have to work for it, however." - Richard Bach "In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins; not through strength, but through persistence." ~ Jackson Brown "I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning." ~ J.B. Priestly "Each of us has an inner dream that we can unfold if we will just have the courage to admit what it is. And the faith to trust our own admission. The admitting is often very difficult." ~ Julia Cameron "The block of granite which was an obstacle in the pathway of the weak becomes a stepping-stone in the pathway of the strong. That block of granite is often nothing more than a decision." ~ Thomas Carlyle "Being yourself is not remaining what you were, or being satisfied with what you are. It is the point of departure." ~ Sydney Harris "Risk! Risk anything! Care no more for the opinion of others, for those voices. Do the hardest thing on earth for you. Act for yourself. Face the truth." ~ Katherine Mansfield "Too often we are scared. Scared of what we might not be able to do. Scared of what people might think if we tried. We let fears stand in the way of our hopes. We say no when we want to say yes. We sit quietly when we want to scream. And we shout with the others, when we should keep our mouths shut. Why? After all, we do only go around once. There's really no time to be afraid. JUST DO IT." ~ Nike advertising campaign "I am convinced that attitude is the key to success or failure in almost any of life's endeavors. Your attitude - your perspective, your outlook, how you feel about yourself, how you feel about other people - determines your priorities, your actions, your values. Your attitude determines how you interact with other people and how you interact with yourself." ~ Carolyn Warner "Happiness lies for those who cry, those who hurt, those who have searched, and those who tried, for only they can appreciate the importance of people who have touched their lives." ~ Author Unknown "It's never too late to be what you might have been." ~ George Eliot "For every beauty there is an eye somewhere to see it. For every truth there is an ear somewhere to hear it. For every love there is a heart somewhere to receive it." ~ Author Unknown "Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising which tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to the end, requires some of the same courage which a soldier needs." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson A wish changes NOTHING; A decision, changes EVERYTHING "So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will,they soon become inevitable." Christopher Reeves "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you. For I am the LORD your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Isaiah 43:2-3 Everyone has beauty but not everyone sees it. "If you don't design your own life plan, chances are you'll fall into someone else's plan. And guess what they may have planned for you? Not much." ~ Jim Rohn May you always have an Angel by your side. Watching out for you in all the things you do. Reminding you to keep believing in brighter days. Have a speedy recovery Angela in Corpus Christi 291lbs BMI 45.60 -234lbs Dr Michael Grace Open RNY Life began May 16, 2002 I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears. Surely..I will heal you." 2 Kings 20:5
Click here for the surgery support page
Am I really that small now?  I STILL don't see it!!
WisChick's Blog



Gave birth and lost all of the pregnancy weight!
on December 7, 2007 9:34 am
I gave birth to Brianna Danielle on 11/13/2007 - after spending 2 days in labor - I thought it was gas pains, she is completely heathly - she weighed 6 lbs 11 oz and was 20 1/2 inches long.  She gained over a pound in one week of being born, she's an amazing eater.  

6 days after having her I stepped on the scale and was amazed that I had lost all of the pregnancy weight already and was down to the weight I was prior to being pregnant.  It feels good to have my body back, but I do miss being pregnant.  

Thats my update for now!
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3 months left
on July 27, 2007 10:55 am
Hi everyone,

I am now 25 weeks along - 3.5 months left of pregnancy, its been an amazing thing.  I never dreamed this would be happening.

We found out its a girl, our estimated due date is 11/8/07, and the baby is growing and doing everything we need her to do.  

I have gained 7 pounds so far, I still walk - not as often as I did - but I get out a few times a week to walk a mile or so - it takes me much longer to walk that mile too!

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6/13/07
on June 13, 2007 3:13 pm
I know its been awhile.  I am almost 5 months pregnant now, things are progressing nicely.  I have gained about 4 pounds so far, and my ob/gyn is always doing ultrasounds to make sure the baby is growing.  
Judging from ever expanding belly the baby is doing just fine.  On Friday we go in for the big ultrasound and hopefully we'll be able to tell if we are having a boy or a girl.  

All of my labs have been normal, as my dr checks them all the time.

I hope all is well.

Nicole
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Another form of life begins
on March 15, 2007 10:47 am
3/15/07

I found out last week that I am pregnant!!!
I am 6 weeks along and due November 8th.

I had taken one test on the 3rd of March and it was negative, I took it again on the 6th of March and it was postive.  My husband and I were in shock, but its finally wore off and we are just trying to get things done in the house.

We have been truly blessed.  

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The day my life changed
on November 13, 2006 3:30 pm
10/14/05
I have a date of November 28th at 1pm.
It feels like a dream! I can't wait.



10/15/05
Well, let me tell you alittle about myself, I live in Wisconsin, I am married to a wonderful man, 
his name is Adam, he's been a huge support, he's never once told me I should not have 
this done, he says all he wants is for me to be happy with myself.
I've been overweight since I was in the 7th grade, I remember 
being in a special class for gym - it was the "fat girl class"

Well anyways, I am 29 yr old, I have no kids, but I have a 
special little girl whose name is Sabby - she's my 2 yr old 
Siberian Husky.

Right now my health issues are type 2 diabetes, asthma, 
GERD (acid reflux) I've had to have knee surgery, 
I have PCOS (poly cycstic ovarian syndrome) 
Adam and I have tried for many years to try to have a baby, 
but I can't lose the weight. Currently I am 248 lbs - why is 
that so hard to admit?
I've tried to get approved for the surgery 2 yrs ago and 
my health insurance wouldn't cover it. My husband got
insurance from his new job and his policy allows the surgery.
It was like an angel let this happen for me.

I am so grateful that I am able to have this surgery. 
I just want to be happy and healthy. I know if I didn't 
do something about it I will die very young. 
I have alot of living to do.

10/28/05
1 month to go! I am getting alot of paperwork from 
Medical Management from BCBS - they do a good job 
of keep you informed of everything they are getting prepared. 
Yesterday I got a letter in the mail telling me I've been approved 
for 3 days in the hospital.
I can't believe how people have been supportive of this surgery. 
The other day at work I had a lady come up to me that I had not 
told about it (its slowly working itself around the company I work for) 
and she said "so I hear you are having surgery" and I said yes I am, 
she touched my arm and said "I think that is fantastic! 
Everything will be fine for you!"
And my boss has said that I hide my weight well, she 
couldn't believe when I told her how much I weighed and 
how much I wanted to lose. Amazing!

11/20/05
Well 1 week to go. I am not excited anymore, just plain scared. 
My sister has really been my rock with this. I've been attempting 
the liquid diet my surgeon wants me on, however, by the time 
dinnertime rolls around water, crystal light, and jello are not 
cutting it. So I end up having chicken or turkey for dinner, 
I have been good about getting in my protein requirements so far. 
Last Friday I had an emotional meltdown, I think my husband is 
scared and so is my family, aside from my sister, and nobody 
has really been calling or giving me alot of support.
It seems everyone has questions about the surgery, or they 
are proud of me, but everyone talks amongst themselves and
 I hear all of the questions and comments thru the grapevine, 
which bugs me, but what can I do about it.
So dealing with that and then being so freaking hungry has 
put me on edge, so all I could do was cry. And I felt better afterwards.

I had an experience 2 weeks ago that really made me glad that 
I am having this done. I went to California on a business trip. 
I had to fly alot and on different airlines, all of the planes had 3 
seats across and I was either in the middle seat or the isle, 
whenever someone saw me coming I could see "that look" in 
their eyes of "please don't be sitting next to me"
It was completely embarrassing. For the first time I really had
my eyes open and saw peoples reactions.
And I must've been eating well out there - come Wednesday 
when I was flying again, first time ever I had to ask for a seat 
belt extender. I really wanted to cry. (I seem to be doing that 
more and more as the weeks go by.)
I also got a lung infection and a double ear infection from flying, 
which I certainly didn't need - I went to my PCP and he had me 
on drugs for it, I am feeling better, however I still have alittle bit 
of wheezing in my chest so I go back to him tomorrow and I 
may ask for somemore pills since I am all out. I'd rather be 
safe then sorry.
Anyways, I am sure I'll write somemore before the surgery.
Goodnight!

Nov 27, 2005
Well, its the night before surgery. I have been trying to keep busy, 
and this morning I woke up with a screaming headache, and I 
can't take anything for it, so I am just trying to tough it out.
I am in the middle of the bowel prep, which hasn't been that bad. 
(The stuff was nasty to drink however!) My phone hasn't stopped 
ringing all day, it really gives me the support I need, I feel blessed 
to have so many people in my life that love me.
I am nervous, and sometimes I find myself getting excited. 
I told my husband last night that I am putting all of my faith in 
God, I will let him completely take control of this.
My husband and I did have the death talk though, and I told 
him what I wanted done 'just in case' - he really hates talking 
about it, but I feel relieved to tell him what I want done...just in case.
I hope to write in tomorrow before I leave for the hospital at 10am - 
surgery is scheduled for 1pm.
In case I don't I will write back once I am home...I really can't 
believe its my time. Everyone please keep me in your prayers.
God bless everyone whose having the surgery tomorrow!
Nicole

12/06/05
Well I am finally home. I begged my dr to let me go home last night. 
I spent a week at the hospital.
I had a few complications (nothing life threatening).
So I know how it bugs me that people don't type in what exactly 
what happened minute by minute while at the hospital, so I will 
go thru everything I remember.
We got to the hospital and I registered, we sat in a waiting area 
and they put me in the pre-op room, nurse came in and took all 
info, she started the IV, and gave me a shot of Heprain (sp?) 
in my stomach - it didn't hurt to bad, but the meds stung going in.
So I asked for a valium, I really didn't want to remember going 
into the OR. They came to get me, my sister started to cry so I 
told her to leave. I was holding on by a thread.
They took me to the holding area, my drug dr came in and talked 
to me, and shortly after they brought me into the OR. 
(Valium calmed my nerves but I remember everything)
I switched tables, they put a warm blanket on me, I joked 
with the nurses while we were waiting for Dr Prewitt to come in.
Dr Prewitt came in and I asked him if his hands were clean 
(haha) we all laughed.
I was laying there and I remember feeling the drugs being put 
in my IV, and I remember them telling me to take deep breaths.
I woke up and was having a hell of a time breathing, they gave 
me a breathing treatment, I had the gas bubble pain in my 
shoulder from the lap procedure and quite honestly, my head
 kept screaming "WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO THIS FOR???" 
I was in terrible pain. My surgery was scheduled at 1:30, and 
I woke up in recovery at 7:30pm. So it was a long surgery. 
I made it up to my room at 8:00pm - the next day they took 
me for the leak test, one dr thought he saw a leak and they
got a 2nd opinion, and the other dr said he saw none. 
But they were just playing it on the safe side and decided
 to keep me in the hospital. So the IV had to stay in, and 
they ran an IV just above my elbow so they could start me 
on a feeding tube. My blood sugars were all over the place 
so they were giving me insulin shots every 3 hours.
12/05/05 rolls around and they give me my leak test again, 
and I passed, so out came the JP drains, and I was allowed
 liquids for lunch, and then pureed food for dinner, at which 
point I begged my suregon to let me go home, and he agreed.

12/29/05
Well I am one month post op, I am not losing alot I seem to be 
stuck at 225. I really need to start exercising more.
I didn't have a scale before going into surgery, when I went in 
for my pre-op appt with my surgeon I was 251, when I went into 
surgery I was 246, so I've lost 21 pounds so far. I notice that I can 
feel my ribs, I seem to be losing everything on the upper torso I've 
lost 4 inches in my boobs :(
On the up side of things my sugars are normal now and I 
don't have to take ANY diabetes medication. I test 2 times a day.
I've thrown up on numerous occasions, I still eat to fast. I can 
pretty much have anything, except red meats, and they don't 
bother me. I go back to work on Jan 3rd, so maybe getting out 
of the house will help me with start losing weight again.
I hope everyone has a great New Years!!

2/19/06
It has been awhile. I am down 46 pounds, so 1 more pound 
before I am off of the 200 mark! It has been almost 3 months now, 
and I can have pretty much everything I want, bread doesn't work 
to well for me, and my love for pizza is no longer. 
The crust is horrible, so now when I think of pizza I want to gag.
My blood sugars have been fanastic. They range from 105
fasting to 150 after eating. Before surgery my sugars were
past 250.
People at work are starting to notice my change, I've had a 
few people come up and ask 'what my secret' is. While its 
nice to be noticed like that, I still hestiate to tell the truth, 
BUT I do tell them. No need in hiding it!
I still have a few issues with throwing up, but its gotten 
better now that my tummy has the "full" sensation back. About 
4 bites of something and that's it for me. Before I was eating to
much or not enough because of tummy wasn't telling me if I was
full or not.

4/20/06
Hello there,
Wow, it has been awhile since I've updated. I have lost 62 pounds 
so far. I have hit a plateau now for the past 3 weeks. Very frustrating! 
I am feeling better and better everyday, I went for a walk the other 
day and walked a mile in 25 minutes. Not to shabby!
I get alot of compliments from people almost daily at work.
I also went 3 weeks ago and had the Lasik eye procedure done.
My sugars are totally normal now, and all of my labs are normal. 
It feels great to be healthy!!

6/1/06
Well I am down 77 pounds now, I checked my BMI and I am 
considered only moderately overweight, no more being obese.
I have hit alot of plateau's in the past 2 months, I seem to lose 
about 10 pounds a month now, but that's ok.
I have had some serious tailbone pain now, after sitting all day 
work, by the time I get home, I want to cry. There just isn't alot of 
cushion left!!
Some funny things have happened, some people at work don't 
recognize me anymore! A co-worker calls me the incrediable 
shrinking woman, and another one refers to me as a "new employee"
Almost everyday some stops me to say how small I am getting. 
I don't feel like I am, but its great to hear the compliments.
I am also in a size 12 pants now. Before the surgery I was 
a size 24. It feels great to buy petite pants, that fit!
One more thing I have noticed about friends and family 
who I thought would be a huge support no longer talk to me, 
or want to hear about my success, and people who I didn't think 
would be any support has been the biggest supporters.
It is what is it!

6/11/06 **ALERT**
On Friday I ended up having yet another surgery....
Thursday night I was having some stomach pains - which 
I have had before.
I didn't sleep well Thursday night because the pain had gotten 
so bad. Friday I went to work and it was still bothering me, 
so I called my surgeon and he told me to go to the ER at 
Community Memorial. So I went up there at 10:30 Friday morning.
They did blood work and a CT scan to see if they could find 
something. Both blood work and CT scan came up normal. 
But my surgeon admitted me for observation overnight.
So around 3:30pm he came up to my room and told me that 
he was worried that I might have a bowel obstruction or a 
hernia that the CT might have not caught and he wanted to 
do exploratory surgery. (I was still having pains)
I went in at 6:30 at night for the surgery - they did the camera 
down my throat and then opened me up.
He didn't find anything. Luckily!
I think I might've had some food stuck - my dr thinks I also might've
had a stomach virus.
I have all the faith I'll ever need in Dr. Prewitt, he didn't wait or 
hestiate on making a decision. I know I've said it a few times, 
but if you are in the Milwaukee area, and are looking for a surgeon 
- PLEASE TALK TO DR PREWITT. He's the only surgeon that I have
 felt like a "person" not a patient when talking to him.

8/8/06
Hello all,
I am down to 155 now, the weight is slow to come off, I have been 
exercising lots, I walk about a hour a day (once on my lunch and 
once at night) so I'm walking 2-3 miles a day. I am wearing a loose 
size 10, almost time for me to buy some new clothes. I've found 
that in the past month or so my appetite has come back and its 
taking alot of willpower for me not to snack. I've found that sucking 
on mints (sugar free of course) and the crystal light hard candies 
help when I feel like being naughty.
My back has been hurting ALOT the past few months, I have alot of 
saggy skin, and I really feel like that it what is causing the pain. 
I have been going to the chiropractor for adjustments but they aren't 
helping as much as I hoped they would. So I'm going to make sure 
my dr's document how bad its been.
This surgery has changed so many things in my life, 
I'm so glad I went through with this. As I've heard a million times
before from other people, I'd do it all over again.
**HUGS**

9/6/2006
Well I have offically lost 100 pounds! WOW! I stepped on the 
scale and I couldn't believe it, so I called my husband into the
 bathroom and asked him if I was actually reading it right.
I now weigh 146 lbs!! I could seriously cry. I don't remember 
every being that light.
Anyways, I have a myspace.com website.
My webpage is:
http://www.myspace.com/coleee76.
Enjoy!

10/03/06

I weigh now 140!! I can't believe it. I went to see Dr Prewitt 
last week and he was so impressed with how I am doing, 
he said I am alittle ahead of where I need to be. My labs are 
looking good, my B vitamins were alittle on the low end so I 
have been taking the B-complex liquid. 

11/23/06
It is almost a year now since my surgery.  I took some time to stop
today and reflect on my life has changed.  I remember how I felt one
year ago today and how my life is so much more different.
I wear a size 8-10 I wear a medium in shirts, today Sabby and I went 
on a 3 mile walk, most of the walk was uphill!!  I see a future ahead
of me, and not a black hole of uncertain.  
I am happier, I feel like a woman, and I feel like I matter now.  
I couldn't have done this without such a wonder support system in
my life.  Most of all I feel such gratitude for Dr Prewitt.  I just adore the
man.  I see him in 2 weeks and I bought a gift for him as my thanks
to him.  
I know after coming out of surgery I thought this was the stupidest 
thing I could have ever done, but now, I'd do it a million times over.
I've been jumping between 135-140 for the last month.  My husband
seems to be happy with that, he doesn't want me to lose anymore.
I'd like to go down to 125-130 - since I am short, but if I stop now, I'd
be ok with it.
 
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