Gala G.
Dec. 10, 2003
Surgeon Consult Scheduled on Dec. 16th.
Little bit about me.
I am wife to James of 10 yrs on Jan. 1.
We have 3 children. After 4 yrs of infertility our first child Corry was adopted at the age of 4 yrs old. We then added Abi the following year. She was our "surprise". Then 3 yrs later Bryant was born. Right now my children are Corry age 9, Abi age 4 and Bryant age 1.
My children are my everything!! I love them more than life itself. They are the reason why I get out of bed in the morning. With out them my life would be meaningless. I know that may sound harsh. However, I mean every bit of that. From the time I was a very little girl I dreamed of being a mommy. How devastating it was to not have those dreams be hampered and not be able to concieve a child. The day I found out I was pregnant w/my daughter Abi -- was bitter sweet. (I had some health problems. It was 1 week before we knew for sure that Abi was not a tubal pregnancy).
We have had many trials as parents. Our oldest son, Corry came to us with a basket full of issues. We were not only un-informed but unprepared for what the next 5 yrs would bring to us. Corry has lived outside of our home a great deal of time since we adopted him...either in treatment foster home, w/family, in mental hospital and currently he is in a residential treatment facility. His mental health problems have put the younger children in our home at risk. They have led to his hospitalization 2 times. His current placement we have seen leaps and bounds in improvement. However, there is a great deal of improvement needed before he can be reunited w/our family.
As far as co-morbities -- I have Cardiomegaly (fluid on/in heart), tendanitis in my foot due to a stress fracture that did not heal (it is believe the s.fracture was due to my size), depression, pickwickian syndrome --begining stages.
I hope and pray that as this journey in having WLS begins I will be able become a happier and healthier person. Be able to play w/my children and not regret it for hours on end because my back and feet hurt. At 295 lbs and 5ft 4 this body hurts. 
12-17-03
My Dh and I both met w/Dr. Sunby's Bariatric team yesterday. I can't say anything negative about the entire visit. We both left with great feeling we had accomplished our first step in our mission to have a happier and healthier life. We are now in the process of writing detailed letters for his Bariatric Coordinator to send in for insurance approval. We were told it would be about 6 months and when asked further questions about the length of time Dr. Sunby mentioned that probably 6-8 weeks would be a good estimate of time. I am extremely excited. I went shopping after our appt. for a holiday outfit for Xmas Party last night. I bought my LAST size 4X dress outfit and my LAST size 30 jeans. I will NOT buy another pair of pants in this size. It killed me to pay $32 for pr of jeans when I know I could get them much cheaper if I was even 30 lbs lighter.
The next step in this journey is for me to get all the evals done. I am going to be seeing my PCP and requesting RX for Merida. I had very good success w/this before and had no side affects.
I am so excited about what the future holds for my family. I can't wait for the day I can sit on my floor, play with my children and not feel as if the floor will fall threw when I get up. I can't wait for the day when people will stop saying to me "OH' your not 'that' big, you don't need to have surgery". I am "that" big, and I do feel "much bigger" and I am going to do this for ME and my Babies..... 
Pre-Op w/my daughter Abigayle. This pic. was taken in July of 2003
Christmas Eve 2003,
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Quick update on my end. The week of Jan. 5 I will be busy going to appts. for the testing and such for surgery. I am really excited and yet nervous.
I finished my letter for Dr. Sunby's nurse to send into the insurance. I have been waiting for my dh to do the same for himself so we can send it together. However, he hasn't and has till Monday to get it done or mine is being mailed then.
My Dr. RX Merida for me as a "jump start" before surgery. However, when I went to get it filled the pharmacy told me that there is a interaction between Merida and Lexapro. Which I completely forgot about. When I was on it 2 yrs ago I had some major problems. So....back to making another appt.
Happy New Year and Merry Christmas. It is my prayer that each of you will have your New Years Wishes come true. I know that I can't wait to be on the "loosing" side this upcoming year and have it be "gone" forever.
Feb. 25, 2004
Been a long time since I updated my profile. Not sure if anyone reads it or not but if you do.....hope you learn something along the way.
Right now I have been in kind of a holding pattern as far as surgery. I really had hoped and prayed that by now my husband and I would have surgery dates. However, the Psch. eval didn't go as we would have liked. First of all. I did not like the dr. My first impression of him was "Oh' I just met w/your husband. I know TONS about you already". Well...why did I need to go to the appt. then?? My appt. w/him lasted less than 20 min. I was told it would be a minimum of 60 minutes. WHy so short? He took my dh words on things and not mine.
My DH has been on disability since last May because of a back injury. He can create his own profile and hopefully you can read there about his story. Long story short...he is still home, can't have the required back surgery until he looses a minimum of 100 lbs. Nice huh?
Anyway, the Dr.'s office did not call us back for over a month and half. I called nearly 3-4 times per week. No call. I get a letter in the mail stating I need to go to counceling. Okay..I'll do that. But I need to know "why" the team thinks that. Whatever, I schedule appts. Don't like the first person - she kept asking me "why are you hear?" Called my PCP...asked her the same thing. So I switched. I have a new appt. tomorrow with someone else. I talked to Dr. S's coordinator last Friday the a20th. She said we should schedule another appt. w/the pdoc and go from there. So I called his office. NO such luck. They will not schedule appt till we follow threw with the required recommendations...I said "uh...what were they cause I was never told the reasoning why and I just got off the phone w/the Laureen..blah blah blah." So that got worked otu and the therapist have to call Dr. Schramm and let them know whatever he wants to know I guess.
So I am in a holding pattern right now. I don't like that. I got a 2nd opinion. Which was good and the psych. eval is a long process and I think it would be just better to wait it out with Dr. Sunby and his team. I dearly love Dr. Sunby just have not been very impressed w/the team he has working w/him -- psychiatrist that is.
So that is my 'lil' update for now. Hopefully I will be posting my surgery date soon!! Wish me luck!!
March 23, 2004
The latest update on in my little corner of the world.
I saw/see a therapist that has been very supportive of me moving fwd with WLS. Yeah...so after a few visits she contacted Dr. Schramm -- ended with she was to write a letter stating her support and her care plan. Also he wanted my PCP to write a letter stating depression is stable and all that jazz. So I had that done ASAP. Those letters were mailed to his office about 2 weeks ago. I contacted them last week on Monday -- they didn't have them. Okay...so here I go again getting frustrated with the "system". So I get copies of both letters stating I would hand deliver them to the Dr. Schramm himself personally. Amazingly enough...I did not have to do that since both letters got there the next morning.
So the next step was to give the Surgery Coordinator the information from those letters and Dr. Schramm's approval and we could go forth. That was last week. I heard today from Lauren W. that she would be sending the paperwork to MA the end of this week. So now the waiting game goes on. Just a hole new step in this long journey.
I try to tell myself that in the end this will all be so worth it and I will be able to sit back and relax. However, at this moment in time as I am updating this profile I really am not thinking that. You know how it is.... Your feet hurt, your back hurts, your chest gets tight everytime you walk out into the cold, out of breath just coming in the first set of stairs to my home carrying some bags from WalMart.
Keep wondering "how did I get this way" and "how am I going to take it all back"... I love it when the different people tell me "be prepared for the pain afterwards"...sure I am prepared.....I have had 2 c-sections...and I can only imagine it probably rates right in there. Difference though...with a c-section you have a ton of other 'hormonal' things going on, my breast will not be engourged w/WLS...yeah!! I will not have spent 24 hrs in hard labor wondering when it will end and ending in a c-section. So...you know I am thinking that even if it ends up being open and not lap....still gotta be better than havin a baby via c-section....am I right??? Hope so -- guess time will tell huh??
Guess I'm just a rambling tonight. So I will sign off for now.
TTFN....Love in Him who makes all things possible!!
April 10, 2004
HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE,
Just quick update. It has been over 2 weeks since I was told my info would be sent to Badgercare/MA for prior auth/approval. I received a call on the 5 from the Dr's office stating they needed my MA number. I was quite taken back by that because here I am expecting to hear this week re: the approval (around 2-3 weeks). Crap the dang paperwork hadn't even been sent in yet. This is very frustrating. I realize that the coordinator is very busy and way over her head. Yet that is not my fault....so still weighting. I will be contacting the MA Advocate for this clinic this week if it doesn't get taken care of ASAP (like last week)....
Wish me luck. I need it. TTFN and Love, Gala
April 24, 2004
Still waiting for an approval. I guess it would help if the Prior auth had been dated.
My thinking is that I need to learn more patience and thus taking so dang long.
I want to thank Shannon for making my profile so pretty. I truelly love it and am so greatful for people like her who help those of us who don' know what we are doing when it comes to this stuff! It is WONDERFUL SHANNON!! Thank You!!
I developed Vertigo this week. Wow what a ride that has been. I am begining to feel better finally however, I sometimes wonder.
My DH has had all his appts. and will be having his file sent to MA with in the next week or so. Should be intersting to see. Will the Dean Clinic in Madison where I am going get things done before the Southwest Health Center in Platteville get things done?? His process there has been much easier than what I have went threw. He gave up on the dr/team in Madison and switched.
TTFN: Gala
April 26, 04
Called MA today. File was sent back again for the 2nd time. Spoke w/the coordinator of the clinic program. Supposidly she is going to be checking on it and go from there.
April 27, 04
Yeah for Cindy...She got her approval today. Soon she will be on the other side.
Spoke w/MA again today. Never guess what I was told...sent back AGAIN for the 3rd time for "more information". I have absolutely had it and am about to come undone. I can't believe the incompetency in whomever it is that is screwing this up. There is absolutely no reason why I have not had an approval by now.
May 11, 2004
Time has moved slowly. Nothing new has improved. Someone keeps screwing things up and I am getting really ticked off. My gut tells me the clinic -- the latest reason my PA was sent back (makes the 4 time) was because the 'completed' psych eval was not sent. So therefore they received an eval that was not supportive of me having surgery. All I can say right now is I am not happy. I do know one thing. Dr. Sunby is a wonderful man. He truelly is pationate about his work. Cares about his patients. This was VERY much noticeable when my best friend Danna was ill last fall. And if it wasn't that I think he is such a wonderful dr. I would have looked elsewhere by now.
My husbands clinic has sent his info over to MA. I am guessing we will get our approvals the same week. I HOPE this week.. I would like to think anyway. Unless of course there is another screw up in my PA. I really dont' want to start all over but then again I just mayh have to..>James has and heck he is much further along than I am in a sence. Had my PA not been kicked back so many times I could have had surgery by now probably.
Lets hope my next update is giving my surgery date!!!!!!
May 26,2004
APPROVED APPROVED APPROVED APPROVED APPROVED
WOW....I can't believe it has finally happened!! My date has been set for July 6th == 3 weeks after my dh whose is June 14. I am so greatful and scared and I don't know what at the same time. It is late and I will update more later.
June 13, 2003
My DH's big day is almost here. He goes in tomorrow AM bright and early. My Angel and My angellette is also going in tomorrow for her WLS. I feel kind of left out...hehehe. NO that's okay. My turn is just 3 weeks away. WOW that will be quick.
I'll update more when James is out of surgery.
Here are some of my "WISH LIST GOALS"
My wish list:
-To be healthy -- DONE
-Own a dog and be able to take them for walks with out them pulling me -- DONE (got rid of dog though)
-Walk on the treadmill for at least 30 minutes without joint pain DONE
-Have comfort on planes-fasten seat belt without tugging it to the very end; plug in the earphones without having to stand up to find the control panel; put the tray down without it slicing my belly in half DONE
-Wipe myself in the bathroom without having to lean into gymnastic contortions; nearly impossible in a public toilet stall DONE
-Cross my legs at all. At the knee would be great. DONE DONE DONE
-Hurry to answer the phone and not sound winded DONE
-Buy clothes off the rack in a "normal" store..hopefully in a single digit size. DONE...not quite single digits yet. From 3-4xl to a MEDIUM is good.
-Be able to sit at a booth in a restraunt and not have to request a table because I can’t fit in a booth. - DONE
-Tie my shoes without feeling acid flooding up into my throat DONE
-Make love without losing my breath - DONE
-Not be afraid to sit on delicate looking chairs..or need to choose the sturdiest looking one to sit on DONE
-Give myself a pedicure I can see, heck being able to just put lotion on would be great. DONE
-Wear my blouses tucked in and look good that way DONE
-Have a beach towel wrap in front of me and cover me up..heck! how about a normal bath towel? DONE....normal towels are great
- Wear my wedding dress DONE...it is TO BIG. hahaha
-Have slacks that fit properly instead of rolling the waist down because I had to buy such a large size the waist comes up to my rib cage DONE
-Ride roller coaster and other rides at Great America, WI Dells and the county fairs with out leaving permanent indents in my stomach and worse yet w/o having to worry if I will ‘fit’ or not. DONE
OH the list goes on that I would have loved to be able to do....But...guess what...it just gets better from here on out. ( July 18, 2004)
July 5, 2004
Well, the big day has almost arrived. I can't believe it is here finally. Last fall when this started I thought for sure I would have been to this point already> heck one of my goals was to be under 250 by summer. Well, guess I have to "rethink" my goals and start from now.
My dh is -27 lbs over the last 3 weeks. He is getting better slowly but surely.
TTFN...See you on the "loosing" side. Love, Gala
July 12, 2004
Yeah I made it to the looser side!! What a ride it has been so far.
I was able to have my surgery done LAP RNY and LAP gall bladder removal. If I didn't know better -- the gall bladder is still there. 95% of my pain right now is due to the gall bladder area I think and also a lovely bladder infection.
Anytime you have a cathider you are at risk for infection. Well...I had my fair share that is for sure. Lets see...first cath. came out day after surgery (Wed.) then I was strait cathed that night, then the next am, then again around noon -- only this time after the 3rd attempt I said "NO MORE" then Dr. Sunby came by for his daily visit and said "okay put the foley cath back in. So it went back in over night. I had non stop contraction type spasms from the moment that ugly thing went in till it came out the next morning. I was STILL unable to pee..>I wonder why. And so I was strait cathed...again and again....and well you get the hint. I was there an xtra 2 days because Ms. Bladder didn't want to cooperate. I walked in the door...went to the bathroom and WHAM...she woke up and has not stopped since. However, I also have had blood in my urine and developed an infection.
My dh is -30 lbs. His loss has slowed a bit. He is definatly showing it though and I am so happy for him.
I broke out in a tape allergy friday night. Had an intern rx Elixer benedryl..>NO WAY that stuff is horrid!!! I immediatly got sick. I was doubled over in the most awful pain ever and promptly made my way to the bathroom to puke again and again... As my dr. said "That is why interns are interns"
Lets see...I am a week post op down -11 lbs. I have to see the numbers move..or I will struggle. Especially here in the begining to make this all worth while.
TTFN
Aug. 1, 2004
Now I know that I have updated this since the 12th...So here goes it.
I have had 2 bladder infections, been dehydrated couple times and had to go into the hospital for IV fluids 2 times.
As of today I am getting better by the day. Slowly but surely. I would have thought by now I would be much better. The area where my gall bladder was hurts A LOT and I wish I knew why. I have lost around 30 lbs so far and am noticing a difference in my clothes. FINALLY.
My husband is down 40 lbs. He will be 6 weeks post op tomorrow. Time has went so slow yet so fast.
I am so greatful for the choice I made to go have WLS. I am eating pretty good. I have had a few bites here and there of things that are "down" the road. But it satisfies my need to eat "more" and the cravings.
I am off to bed for the night. Till next time...>Gala
August 18, 2004
Hello Everyone,
As you can see below I have updated pictures. THe first picture is my 1 month post op with my best friend Danna. Danna has been such a wonderful support to me and I am so very greatful everyday for her. This coming Labor Day marks her 1 yr anniv. from when she became ill and nearly left her loved ones on this earth. She has made nearly a full recovery. I am so greatful for that. God is Good!!!
My weightloss is around 40 lbs at this point. I am 6 weeks post op. I have had some problems with eating puree/soft foods. They food will go down fine. Once it enters my pouch I have pain. This happens with just one bite or five. The last week has been a bit better.
As the time goes by I am more frustrated with not being able to eat and also frustrated because I am running out of ideas. Tuna really gets old fast and so does cottage cheese, eggs, and string cheese. Oh' well...guess the price in the end is better.
Sept. 17, 2004
Well, I should be more dilligent in updating my profile. But I am not.
The last month has been quite hard for me. I started having alot of pain in my pouch and would end up making myself throw up after I ate to get rid of the pain. And then other times just throw up because I was sick. This lasted for quite sometime. Forever it seemed. From about 3 weeks post op till about 2 weeks ago. I went to see the PA for my surgeon. What a joke. I was given a "talk" about how hard it must be to be on a different diet than my husband. ANd how his program is much easier than mine and so I must be cheating or I wouldn't be sick. That was basically the "jist" of the appt. I left in tears. Feeling completely defeated and regretting having ever had surgery. This was on Aug. 31st. Then few days later I saw the psychiatrist that rx. my meds and she made some comments to me that the PA told her. Which didn't help matters any more. Cathy gave me more "ideas" on what could be wrong than the dang PA did. Frustrated is exactly how I felt. Defeated for sure!! So I decided after the appt. w/Cathy to forget them all -- and I went off all my meds. Not the "wisest" of things to do and I don't recommend it to anyone. But I did it. I take 2 antidepressants and birth control. Found out the culprit of the being sick and nausous and puking all the tme was from -- birth control. Bingo!! So now it is on to looking into different forms of bc. My dh may have a vasectomy but he isn't to thrilled about that idea.
I deleted the weight chart on here. I hope I did it right. I am going to just do a reg. post on it and see how that works from now on. The chart was to hard for me to figure out. I now weigh 247 lbs as of 2 days ago. I am so excited. I feel better every day.
Leg cramps...my word am I having them all the time. I am getting real tired of them too. My potassium and calcium are fine. So not sure what is going on.
TTFN: Gala
Oct. 13, 2004
The last month has been a full one to say the least.
My 3 month post op appt. yesterday went okay. Nothing to exciting. My weightloss is now at around 60 lbs.
Since my WLS I have had problems with urinating. I have numerous infections. I don't have much pain so to speak. More spasms than anything after I urinate. One issue at the moment is that I don't ever have to pee. Ever. Twice a day is about what I do go. And if I'm lucky 3 times a day. My surgeon's PA said that 3 times a day is okay. Anything under isn't. I am being referred to urologist in Madison. Not only don't I pee but when the PA from my PCP office tried to straight cath me this week she wasn't able to. There is something wrong with my urethra (sp??) and so that will need to be checked out too. I had a CAT scan on Monday to check my kidney and bladder. That was okay. In the process the radiologist saw a cyst on my liver and abnormal soft tissue on my bladder. Next week I am supposed to have another CT Scan w/contrast dye and also an ultrasound. Lovely Lovely Lovely.
I keep wondering when the day will come my life will be normal? Or is there any such thing? If you know please fill me in. :)
Gala
October 17, 2004
The last week went by and it was so muble jumble. The CT last Monday wasn't normal. It showed that I have some sort of abnormal mass on my bladder. I made an appt. w/Dr. Lynn Hahnfeld at the Madison Dean Clinic - urology. I had to have another CT scan w/contrast and dye. That was the morning. I REALLY REALLY resent having techs not listen to me. I called them last week - on Tues. to tell them that I am a "hard stick" when it comes to IV's and to PLEASe have either anestest. or a VERY experienced person there. 3 sticks later they went and got someone. I told them when I first came in and they said they "knew". I am certain the guy was training as he had someone following him right and left. Then the ER nurse comes in and she insists on attempting in my wrist or my foot. NO CAN DO. I was the least bit happy. I told her nope she wasn't putting a dang thing in my foot. Her response was "if we have to we will". I said "on my death bed maybe. But I will go to Madison where they "listen" to the patient and have anestigolist (SP??) put it in. She did get it in my hand. Nearly took my hand off in the process I think. This is all very disheartening to me. I am trying to keep my head above water but it is hard. SPecially on days like today. The mass on my bladder is called "urachial remanent" and I have to have a cystoscopy on Friday to check the inside of my bladder
November 12, 2004
What a month it has been. My weightloss has reached 80 lbs. I am slowly getting into the routine of exercising at Curves. The owner is very sweet and it is a small town atmosphere.
I am feeling better and better every day. I am in a 1x top and 22 pant.
This past weekend I won a trip to La Costa Spa and Resort in Carlsbad, California. I can't wait to get more info on our trip. What fun it will be.
I am able to eat pretty much just fine. Few things bother me here and there but not to bad.
January 12, 2005
Happy New Year!!!
I haven't updated my profile in a while. Oh' well. I will try to be better at it. Pretty soon I will be updating my photo. I
know I did it last month. But I believe I have changed alot even since that picture.
I am now officially UNDER 200 lbs!! And have entered the "Centry Club". You know it was really exciting to get to that point. And then know that I am here I am working towards my next goal and it is like that "old" goal is in the wind.
Last time I updated I mentioned the trip I won. Well - my dh and I celebrated our 11th Anniversary at the La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, CA outside of San Diego. While there we each had 2 massages and a facial, went whale watching, went to Seaport Bay in San Diego, and also to Tijuana, Mexico. We had a nice vacation to say the least. No kids, no pets, no crying, no she said she did this and he hit me stuff. We went to bed when we wanted to. We slept threw the night. We ate when we were hungry. We did as we wanted. And loved every moment and the best part of all. It was ALL EXPENSES PAID!!! WoW!! Can you ask for any thing more?
I am doing okay for the most part. I can eat pretty much anything I want to. Just not everytime. There are times when I can have chicken and be fine and then other times not. I have found that when I eat something I know is not healthy (or even is healthy but doesn't have protein in it) I find myself feeling sick immediatly. I know that this is my body-heads way of saying don't do that. I also have realized when I eat - if I am upset, anxious, rushed or anything like that - I will have a great deal of pain in my pouch. Just like I used to. This is the key, my friends.... When your body is "tense" like it usually woudl be when you are feeling those rash of emotions that means your (my) pouch isn't relaxed. The more I am "aware" of this. The less chance I am of getting sick. I try really hard to not put myself in situations like that.
I am slowly getting over the "comments" from people bothering me. It is nice to have people tell you that you look good. But there are times - and for me alot of times - that it is really uncomfortable. People like my mom, best friend thats okay. But others I tend to get embarrassed. I have worked w/someone on ways to approach and/or deal w/these comments and it is getting better. Its all about self acceptance. For so long I haven't accepted who I am. I haven't given a rats you know what about me and for the first time in many years I am realizing that "I" am somebody. That "I" matter. While we were in CA I bought a great book at the spa. I am reading it and learning alot. And the main key is "healing theyself." Making yourself a priority. Looking in the mirror and telling yourself "I matter. I'm worth something" And other positive affirmations such as that. I haven't done the exercises yet. I will as soon as I get threw the book once.
My biggest fear right now and it is something that I seem to be obsessing about quite abit lately is - waking up tomorrow and weighing 305 lbs. This terrifies me to no end. And as I am trying to change the bad habits that got me to that weight it tends to get a bit harder and harder.
My dh is doing great. He weighs 185 lbs. Which is 70% of his excess body fat. In the bariatric guidelines and according to his surgeon -- he is at their goal. So know it will be interesting to see how much lower he goes. He looks great. I had someone recently tell me "Is your husband sick?" When I said no and asked why she said "Well he has lost a lot of weight and he looks sick"> I said "Well, what part of 305 lbs is healthy? cause last time I checked he wasn't healthy."
Well, I have rambled enough and the new sessions of ER are on. So off I go. Oh'...and I also quit my job driving school bus and will be staying home w/my kiddos. Wish me luck. I'll need it.
TTFN.
Feb. 23, 2005
I am feeling so good these days. One of the things that is really "clearer" to me and I notice more and more is how much more "clear" I think. How much better I feel emotionally/mentally. It feels great to feel better physically. To wear a size 16 Lands End Jean and a Large Lands End top. But what is even better is what it has done for my self esteem. I can't wait to enjoy this summer for all it is worth.
I sent in some new pics of myself and hope to see them flashing around here soon.
TTFN: Gala
Good Morning Everyone. Happy March 2004
I'm so excited the OH Minn. event is coming soon. IN just a few short weeks. I wish my dh could come with me. However, he can't. That is okay though. I'm going w/someone from my support group. We are going to stay with Mark - who is also from our support group. My weightloss has slowed down drastically. That is okay for now.
April 5, 2005
I had so much fun at the Mall of America event. Sherry and I had a great drive to Minn. We went to Mall of America on Friday night. Had kind of a bumm dinner. Thats okay.
Saturday we had a great breakfast at the hotel. Then went to the meeting. I really liked the PS talk. He was very informative and answered a ton of my questions. Bo and Monica's talks were great. However, I wasn't very impressed with Bo's "dumping" story on cheesecake. I can't figure out why you would encourage people to eat something that you KNOW will make you sick just to have the "dumping together bonding experience". Oh' well each person is different. Whatever works. The best part of the hole thing was 2 different thiings. First our group...Sherry, Mark and then Joan Van Nice from the OFF forum and I went to Mall of America. Mark and I enjoyed a few roller coasters. It has been many YEARS since we had been on them. And Mark was tad apprehensive I think. But we did it and had a blast. The other thing that was great -- Sherry and I went to Monica Ganz' room so she could buy some power crunch bars. We ended up being there for nearly 2 hrs. It was a late night. But OOOOHHH so worth it. She gave some great advice and support which is really what I needed.
I've been struggling with heart burn the last few weeks. Not to sure what the deal is with it. But I will figure it out hopefully.
April 28, 2005
I had an endoscopy yesterday. Didn't find an ulcer which is great. The dr. removed an inflamed stitch and left another one in there.
May 3, 2005
Abi had a CAT scan yesterday. Hopefully we can get to the bottem of her sinus infection stuff.
I have had a spurt of some REALLY bad heart burn and more now it is pain in my pouch. I called the Surgeons office yesterday and had an appt. today w/the PA and then Dr. Sunby came in.
The GI dr. says that I look "beautiful" inside and that there is nothing structurally wrong. Dr. Sunby asked what was going on at home (which he already knew I am quite certain). Regardless he feels that the stress is contributing to the stomach problems. Not sure that I want to agree...but I guess I will just have to wait and see.
We are in the process of 99% terminating the parental rights to our old son who will be 11 in June. We adopted him 7 yrs ago this August. He has been living ouit of the home in residential for 2 yrs now. This is taking its toll emotionally and physicall for sure.
I've also been having spells of dizziness. So I will keep an eye on that and follow up w/my PCP if I need to.
May 15, 2005
So much has happened over the last month. My marriage is still shaky but getting a bit better. I emailed the peopleon the list who have expressed desire to join support group and I heard back from 2 people (who are from my support group at Dean Clinic). I told them right now I can't really commit to doing the support group on my own. Between my marriage problems, health and some other stuff I just can't do it. I've struggled finding a place to start the group and will just need to hold off and see what happens. Mark and Jenny have offered to help. Jenny is going to look into a place to meet as is Mark. I've let Monica know the brief and will just go from there. I really need/want to have more of a support network that are post op. Since that is the NEED in this area. Just need to get things going I guess.
I've been testing my blood sugars because they were a bit low. And the dizzy spells continue. My PCP said they look okay for the most part and it appears I am having insulin surges. I also have a pelvic u/s next Monday and hopefully that will shed some light on some other issues. What a life we live huh? So much easier after having lost 140-145 lbs that is for sure.
TTFN Gala
June 3, 2005
Not a hole lot new on my end. Just kind of hanging in there. I was in the Memorial Day Parade w/the Daisy Girl Scouts this past Monday. I know for sure I would have never been able to do that at 305 lbs. What a great feeling.
Gala
Happy June!!!
Well, I start my new job real soon. :) I can't wait for this opportunity. I hope and pray it works out.
I'm struggling with getting myself motivated to "move". I am with kids all day long and soon will start this new job. I'm active and on my feet - however, I'm not exercising. And I really need to "work" on this.
I got my first 'rash' since having WLS. Before WLS it was very common. However, this was the first. Tis' the season of heat that is upon us. This rash was in my belly button. My PCP was out of the office. I called the office and one of the other docs reccommended that i put gauze in there. What the heck. Thta doesn't even make sense. Now how would I get gauze in my belly button??
Last week was the "Daisy Bridging to Brownie Ceremony" So I'm including some pictures of myself that were taken that day. WOW>..what a difference 11 months and 145 lbs later makes. 
Love, Gala
July 11, 2005
What a Differance a Year Makes!! I'm so excited to actually say "I have lost 150 lbs" -- Not sure that I really believed in myself. Believe that "yes I could do this". Now...the fun part comes - maintaining. I currently weigh 155 lbs. Not sure wehre that puts my BMI but I'm sure this page will tell me when I hit "update my file".
Last night I went intot he ER -- my PCP was on call. He questioned if others don't recognise me. Then admitted that he was/is one that wouldn't. Also made comment in regards to how 'thin' I've become, when do I think enough is enough. I told him when my body is done loosing that it will stop. So time will tell... ;-)
My husband has maintained the same weight for some time now. Apprx. 3 months. I know that doesn't make him happy and he wants to loose more. He looks great where he is at and I'm proud of him for getting to this point. I hope and pray that he can 'accept' himself and not take it out on me in being negative. I didn't start this to be a competition and I will not end it being one. Enough said.
My good friend Ken DeRosa has his surgery tomorrow. Oh' how I am so very happy, excited, scared, elated for Ken. What a great embarkment he has begun. It truly is his time!! At around 500 lbs Ken needs every ounce he can loose to better his life. Ken...the lord will be with you tomorrow I'm very sure of it. Dr. Sunby and Dr. Huepenbecker are wonderful surgeons!!
I have my 1 yr follow up with Dr. Sunby tomorrow morning. It will be good to see him. Give him a hug and big thank you. I'm truelly greatful for this wonderful blessing that has been put into my life.
TTFN..>Gala
JULY 18, 2005 IT'S OFFICIAL
I'm at my own personal goal weight - 152 lbs!! For a total loss of 153 lbs. HOLY Crap...I never dreamed it was possible. Really - I didn't. I've lost 1/2 of what I started at. Life is good at 1 yr post op!!
Sept. 15, 2005
It has been a long couple of months. A lot has changed since I last updated my profile.
We moved from Dodgeville, WI to Cottage Grove, WI. Which is a suburb of Madison.
I'm doing okay. Have fleeting moments of the 'old' self. But for the most part I'm okay. My weight still is going down. However, much slower than it was. My goal came and went and now I'm 10 lbs under that. I'm adding some new pictures. One of them is of my Aunt Jackie and My Grandma Rose. My Grandma has Alzheimer's and is not really doing so good. Unfortunatly this may very well be one of the last "happy" looking pics we get of Grandma. It was taken last weekend at my parents 25th Anniv. party. The other pics are of myself and my parents and brother.
(To see pics either click on the link/name above the picture or the picture for larger view)
Grandma and Jackie 
Gala, Mom, Curtis and Dad
Gala holding Mom's flowers. Weight - below personal goal by 10 lbs.
Gala, Mom and Dad
November 21st, 2005
It has been a very trying 2 months since I posted last. I spent nearly 3 weeks in October in the hospital. I'm not going to go into to much detail other than to say - I was hospitalized for depression and anorexia. I was in for 2 different hospitalizations. If you want more info, are curious 'what happened' or anything else feel free to email me. Right now I'm not real interested in posting on here the extent. The good news is - I'm eating and that is what counts. I'm struggling with the fact that I lost weight and went down to 139 lbs. Then gained back - and now am back to 142/143 again. Regardless the fear of gaining weight is very strong!!!
It is late and I'm going to end this for tonight. Take Care, Gala
11/23/05
This summer we had family pics done. I wasn't able get them scanned. Yesterday James was able get it scanned. Here it is. :) I used to work at this photography studio (just quit last week). I loved it and have some great family pics.
Gala, James, Bryant and Abigayle Gardiner
(click on image to see larger)
Abigayle - 6 Yrs Old
Bryant - 3 yrs Old -- Our Super Hero Boy
src="http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/mempix/gardiner_gala/angelfriendbar.jpg">
Aug. 24, 2006
Been a very long time since I've updated. Here is a current a fun thing I made on photobucket. Still working on redoing my picture.
I'm doing okay. Had a few issues the last year with iron. CUrrently getting iron infusions and most likely will have a hysterectomy in the next few months or so. I'll know more in the next month after seeing a new OBGYN. My iron is VERY low and the hope is that by doing the hysterectomy we are ending added issues with my iron.
Currently working for a swimming school. It is going rather good. I love it. Have a very small office for now. However, will get a bigger office in the next 6 months or so. :)
2 yrs out and doing pretty good. Lost 150-155 lbs so far. I have lost what I weigh.
TTFN: Gala
DATE WEIGHT / LBS LOST
7-06-04 305 0
7-20-04 281 24
8-18-04 264 41
8-20-04 263 42
8-25-04 267 38 (5 lb gain)
9-01 04 263 42
9-06-04 260 45
9-10-04 255 50
9-13-04 253 53
9-15-04 248 57 (somewhere in here I got my dates/numbers off)
10-12-04 243 62
11-12-04 225 80
12-12-04 210 95
01-05-05 205 100 lbs (I had lost 5 additional lbs and gained them back on our vacation due to lack of fluids.
01-12-05 199 106 lbs
02-23-05 183 122 lbs GONE YEAH YEAH YEAH
03-15-05 179 126 lbs
06-03-05 162 143 lbs. TEN LBS Till GOAL!!
07-12-05 155 150 lbs - at my 1 yr appt. w/Surgeon
07-18-05 152 153 lbs @ PERSONAL GOAL
09-15-05 142 163 lbs
11-21-05 142lbs 163 lbs lost
About Me
Before & After
rollover to see after photo
