DSGAGirl
ORIGINAL RNY SURGERY
Today's Date: May 12, 2002
Start Weight: 321 lbs
Goal Weight: 165 lbs
Date of Surgery: May 20, 2002
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I contacted Dr. Burrowes office sometime in early November for a consultation visit, which was scheduled for February 5, 2002. He then referred me out to Dr. Gary Santivicca for a Psych Eval. that was scheduled about two weeks later. In early March, I received a summary of benefits from Cigna denying benefits for the both office visits. I was sure this was a denial and my hopes for having the WLS had ended. I contacted Dr. Burrowes office and explained to the office staff that I had received a denial. They told me not to get upset and that Dr. Burrowes still had to send my file proving the medical necessity of the surgery. I called about two weeks later to see if the letter was sent and was told by the office staff they still had not heard from the insurance company.
On April 9th, Monica from Dr. Burrowes office called to schedule my pre-op testing. She totally forgot to inform me that Cigna had approved the procedure. My labs, which consisted of blood work, UGI testing, Ultrasounds, Smallbowel testing, Echocardiogram, EKG, PFTs and ABGs, were scheduled on two separate days. The tests were not bad at all, but the small bowel testing took about 6 hours. I refused to drink all the Barium, therefore they could not get good pictures. The ABG was sort of painful afterward and remained sore for about an hour. My consultation to review the test results is scheduled for May 15, 2002. I pray that it's not rescheduled. I'll keep you posted..........
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Today's Date: May 25, 2002
HI!! I just wanted to let everyone know that my surgery was done on May 20th and it went very well. I thank GOD for my life, health and strength and for continuing to watch over me as I walk through this journey of my new life. I want to thank each and every one of you who kept me in your prayers and all the words of encouragement.
Today, I'm feeling pretty good. My wound is a little sore and I have some swelling in my legs and ankles and some numbness throughout. I'm not eating no more than two to three spoonfuls of pureed food. I'm sipping water more than before.
I have a follow-up appointment next week with Dr. Burrowes and I'll see just how much weight I've lost. I'll keep you posted.
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Today's Date: May 29, 2002
HI!! I went for my one week follow-up today. First, let me tell you that I have more energy than ever. On yesterday, I was able to go outside the house and do some shopping. I made my Walmart and Kroger rounds. I also had my hair done and was able to keep my dermatology appointment I scheduled from last month. I had so much energy, I came home and moved the clothes from the treadmill and walked for 20 minutes. I felt like I could continue for another hour, but I didn't want to over do it. Today, I still had just as much energy and I may hop back on the treadmill tonight. Okay, I know you're wondering how much did I lose in these nine days, since the surgery. WELL, I lost 18 lbs. (YES!!!!) I can tell, because my heel spurs don't bother me as much when I walk. Oh and about my doctor's visit, Dr. Burrowes removed the bandages that were left from surgery, cleaned the wound and reapplied a gauze w/tape. He said that it was okay for me to wash that area and rinse well, then reapply some gauze and tape. Normally, he doesn't release his patients to return to work so soon, but I promised I wouldn't be doing anything strenious. So, I'll be back to work on Monday! He wants me back in the office again next week, so I'll update you on my progress next week.
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Today's Date: June 6, 2002
Well, the energy part has tapered off. I'm not real tired, but I don't have as much energy as I did the first two weeks. I had some minor complications and had to come out of work for a couple of weeks, but it's nothing but I was pushing myself too hard. I'm now allowing myself time to heal and concentrating on getting as much water in as possible. I'm still on soft and pureed foods and I don't mind that too much. I lost 6 more pounds making my total weight loss down to 24 pounds. See ya next week.
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Today's Date: June 12, 2002
HI!! I just wanted to update. I lost 6 more pounds this week, which brings my total loss to 30 pounds in three weeks. I'm still doing the pureed foods, soups, and protein drink. I found this liquid protein supplement by Challenge. You just mix three tablespoons with water, juice or whatever (I even put it in my soup) and that gives you 18 grams per serving. I'm healing pretty good and sleeping well. My doctor said I should be ready to go back to work in a couple of weeks. I think I've gotten too use to being at home everyday. See ya in a couple of weeks.
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Today's Date: July 7, 2002
HI! It's been a few weeks since I've updated. I went through an episode where I was not able to keep anything, not even liquids, down. I was admitted back into the hospital where I had a procedure done to stretch my pouch. This procedure was painless! My doctor said this was common in some patients where the opening healed more narrow than expected. I'm now able to experiment with more solid foods and able to keep my water down. I'm still having a problem getting in the adequate amounts of protein because I don't like the taste of the powdered protein shakes. Anyway, I'm still enjoying the weight loss. I've lost a total of about 44 lbs and wearing a size 18 pants and 20/22 blouses. I've lost about 3 inches from each of my arms and about 5 inches from each of my thighs. WooHoo!
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Today's Date: August 18, 2002
HI!!! It's been over a month since I've updated. Well, my eating habits are getting much better. I don't have dumping syndrome as much any more. I am able to tolerate a more variety of foods now. My favorite of chicken is now tolerable, but not the hot wings, yet. I have went back to my wild cherry flavored protein mix and decided to mix it in my juicer with 2 whole peaches, a tsp of lemon juice, crushed ice, and 1/8 c. of cranberry juice. I have also included an areobics program 3-4 times a week. This has truly made a difference and seems to be speeding up the weight loss.
I have also received a couple of emails from ladies interested in the surgery. I just want to say that this is one of the best things I have done for myself. I don't regret it and would do it again and again if I had to. Please do your research and be aware that there are some people that die from this surgery, BUT everyone is different and you have to do what you feel is right in your heart.
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Today's Date: September 18, 2002
It's been about a month since I've updated. My schedule has been very busy. My weight loss has slowed down, but the inches keep falling off. I'm just about able to tolerate any foods (in moderation) and I feel good about that. My goal is to reach the 100lb century club by November. I guess that means sticking to my exercise regimen.
I also just want to say to those who are awaiting their surgery date to just be patient. IT'S WELL WORTH THE WAIT!! I'll update again later.
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Today's Date: December 22, 2002
Hi, I know it's been a hot minute since I've updated. I've been very stressed and also very depressed because I just haven't been doing the right thing as far as eating the right types of food. I went for a followup and seen Dr. Case (he's the other doctor in Dr. Burrowes practice). He was upset because I had only lost 3 lbs in the last two months. He asked what I was eating and I had to be totally honest. I told him, "Pizza, french fries, hot chicken wings, and any sweets I could get my hands on." Then he asked me, "Why did you have the surgery?" I just dropped my head, there was nothing, I mean nothing I could say. When I left the office, I felt real bad. Not because I was sick or anything, but it was his tone of voice. I could tell that he was also discouraged as well. Since my visit, I decided that I would work on changing my eating habits and keep consisent in my exercise routine. Until next time........
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Today's Date: May 23, 2003
Hi!! I know, it's been a while since I've updated. This is another one of the things that I'm gonna try to do on a regular basis. The weight loss is very, very slow. However, I'm still losing inches. I can't believe it though, being that I'm not sticky to my exercise routine. I'm a little between sizes. I can wear most 14s, but 16s are more comfortable (unless they're stretch). My eating habits are terrible and I crave sweets on a constant basis. I have about 50 more lbs to lose before I consider any plastic surgery, so I guess I better get on the ball.
Until next time..............
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Today's Date: July 16, 2003
..........Well, it's next time and I haven't been following my program. However, I did start a program to lower my carb intake and I'm working on toning my arms each day. I work out about once or twice per week. At least I'm doing something.
Until next time................
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Today's Date: October 4, 2004
..........Oooh I know its been a long time since I've updated. So much has happened in my life - tons and tons of great stuff and some bad! However, that is no reason not to update, Support and keep others motivated. I promise to do a better job. As you can see, I have started to regain some weight - OK, a lot of weight over the last year. Yes, my bad eating habits probably contributed the most, but there are other health issues I'm now faced with. A couple of months ago, my surgeon referred me to a specialist because of persistent nausea, vomitting and abdominal pain (mostly on my upper left side). The specialist discovered a leak from my pouch into my stomach and a severe amount of scar tissue. Yes, I must have surgery to repair this or it will cause severe internal damage and even death. This scared me, so after putting it off for as long as I could, I made the choice to to abide my doctors orders and go back under again. With the grace of God, I'm sure I'll be fine, but just keep me in your prayers. Hopefully when this is all over, I can get back started on the weight loss wagon.
I'll keep you posted!
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...And The Journey Begins - Again
Today's Date: October 18, 2004
Today's Weight: 254 lbs (my scale)
Total Loss: 70 lbs
My repair (revision) surgery was done on Tuesday, October 5th, 2004. My hospital stay was 6 days this time around. I guess you're wondering why. Well, most surgeons request that a barium swallow test be done to make sure that everything is passing through normally. My swallow test revealed that nothing was passing through at all. My surgeon said this was from the swelling and I remained in the hospital for 4 days with nothing to eat or drink by mouth until the swelling had went down. On the 5th day, I was able to eat and drink the sugar free liquid diet of soup and pudding. I went home Sunday, October 10th, 2004. My husband stayed each night - what a sweetie. But you know by the 3rd night, I was ready for him to GO!! He got on my nerves so bad with his "don't do this, don't do that, lie down, you gotta go to the restroom again!" AAUUGGHH!!! Seriously, I'm truly lucky to have him. The kids said they missed me, but was probably more happy that I wasn't at home to get in their shit!
I went home with those irritating drainage tubes. The doctor took them out on Thursday, October 14, 2004. It was so painful. The holes where the drainage tubes were and the incision are still sore today. Thank God for the pain medication. I'm tolerating my mostly sugar free pureed foods just fine. I'm getting in about 64-80 oz of water and I'm taking two chewable multi vitamins each day, along with 60 gms of protein drink that I mix with my crystal lite or cranberry juice. I know the cranberry is high in sugar, so I only mix my protein every other day using it. I'm up to about 15 minutes on the treadmill. Since the incisions are very sore, I am trying not to over do it on the exercise right now. All in all, I'm doing pretty good.
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Today's Date: October 28, 2004
Today's Weight: 246 lbs (my scale)
Total Loss: 78 lbs
Hi....everything is going good. I'm still eating the soft pureed foods. I do real well with chili. I'm still following the doctor's orders of no sweets or sugars, no bread, pasta, rice, butter, greasy or fried foods. I'm just doing meat, fruit and veggies and seem to be very satisfied with no cravings. I'm finding it very hard to get in the water, but I'm doing my best. I'm still mixing the protein with the cranberry juice because I can't stand the crystal light. I've also started taking "Biotin" vitamin supplements for the hair and skin, along with the 2 chewable multi-vitamins. I'm only doing about 20-30 minutes on the treadmill because of the soreness of my incisions, and I'm doing this every other day. My plans are to join the Y in my area and work with a personal trainer in the next couple of weeks. I've had several rashes in the folds under my breast, arms, lower abdominal area and inner thighs. My surgeon documented this and suggested I use "Lotrimin" and baby powder, well I'll see how this works.
Until next time.......
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Today's Date: November 28, 2004
Today's Weight: 239 lbs
Total Loss: 85 lbs
Well, It's been a month since I've updated and I've only lost 7 lbs in the last month. This is so discouraging. I've been following my doctor's advise by eating ONLY protein, fruits and veggies. There have been no deviations, except for Thanksgiving Day, and even then I did not over do it. I've been getting in water, maybe not enough, and exercising 30-45 minutes three to four times per week. I just truly don't understand. I did have a severe problem with constipation where I did not have a bowel movement for three weeks - maybe that's why. I can tell my pouch is stretching because I can eat more than before. I still cannot eat and drink, which is a good thing. I have rejoined fitday.com and will start journaling my exercise and diet. That way I can track exactly what's going on to share with my doctor on my next visit.
On a brighter note, I met some of the members from my online support group - BAF. Outside of my immediate family, the people there are just great and gives more support than you can ever imagine!
Until Next Time.........
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Today's Date: January 3, 2005
Today's Weight: 229 lbs
Total Loss: 95 lbs
Hi, it's been a little over a month and I've lost 10 lbs since my last post. I've just come to terms that my weight loss is going to be much slower this time around. I can say that I've truly changed by eating habits and have made exercise a consistent thing in my life. I'm not doing any of the protein supplements. I'm getting all of my protein from the foods that I eat. I'm still staying away from added sugars, rice and pasta as per my doctors instruction. I continue to thank my online support family for the encouragement and drama that keeps me going.
Until next time.....
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Today's Date: September 9, 2005
Today's Weight: 221 lbs
Total Loss: 103 lbs
Hi there, just checking in and as you can see, I'm still losing but at a much slower rate. One thing I have to say is that you can easily go back to your same eating habits. However, the one thing that's there to remind me is the ring that I had put in this last time around. I'm very restrictive, so if I do over eat - I'm quickly reminded. Another thing is that I can still tolerate the sugar and carbs, so I have to be extra careful to monitor my intake.
The exercise is getting much better too - I have a workout buddy at my job and we ride the treadmill at least 3 times a week for 45 minutes to an hour. I have also consulted with several different plastic surgeons for removal of my hanging pannus, drooping arms and sagging breast. It looks like insurance will cover the panni and breast, but the arms will have be down out of pocket.
I'm so thankful for family and friends (and most of all my husband) for the continued support.
Until next time.....
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Today's Date: March 4, 2006
Today's Weight: 249 lbs
Total Loss: 75 lbs
OH MY.....It's been a long time since I've updated.
I've been truly STRESSED OUT. My sole focus was completing my Undergraduate and I did it - THANK YOU LORD!! There have been a lot of other things going on and I guess that's how I lost control over my weight loss goals and managed to GAIN 28 lbs. Since I'm done with school, I can now put the focus back on the weight loss and maintaining.
I'm still battling with getting scheduled for my reconstructive surgeries. I'm getting a lot of resistance with the precertification departments of the surgeons I've consulted with. I was told that I had approval by my insurance company, but they had not receive any documentation from the surgeons office. I guess I just have to do the damn work myself!
Until next time......
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Today's Date: October 15, 2006
Today's Weight: 249 lbs
Total Loss: 75 lbs
Hi there, a lot has happened since I last updated. The most important was - I got insurance approval for my reconstructive surgeries - YES!!! I had consulted with several different surgeons and have narrowed it down to two.
My first choice is the least expensive in terms of what I'll have to pay out of pocket, but this is the same office that didn't turn in their documentation to the insurance company. This is the same office where the precertification manager just pulled a price and a surgery date out of her head, changed it two times and went on vacation during the time she told me to come in for pre-op and no one in the office had I clue that I was scheduled for surgery! I guess I don't need to tell you that this was the office of Dr. Work at Atlanta Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery. I have had several referrals and know of several other people that actually had their surgeries with Dr. Work and stated that he was the best. However, I can't operate my business with the way his precertification department operate theirs!
My second choice actually had an approval and authorization in less than two weeks after submitting their documentation. While this office is the most expensive, I was able to get a date scheduled so I can be back to work by mid December during our most critical time of the year.
As far as the weight loss, I have been maintaining the past 6-8 months and really watching what I eat. I have also managed to make being more active a way of life.
My family, especially my husband and the Lord, continues to be my support tool!
Until next time......
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Today's Date: January 26, 2008
Today's Weight: 249 lbs (?)
Total Loss: 75 lbs
My, My, My...It's been a long while since I've updated my page. It's been over a year since my reconstructive surgery. I had some severe complications and I'm very thankful to my Lord and Savior to still be alive.
I'm still on this journey to eat right and incorporate exercise into my lifestyle. I'll say it again - it's a journey and I continue to challenging myself to take off the 40 lbs I've regained and will slowly do it by keeping to those lifestyle goals I've set.
For those of you who have made this WLS decision - keep working your tool and stay true to yourself.
Until next time.............
About Me
Before & After
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