Nancy S.

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 I got some VERY SAD news, my surgeon Dr.Gruniero who I owe my life too! Is leaving, OMG I cried like a baby! I have chosen to go back to the other Geisinger clinic in Danville to see surgeon Dr.Petrick for the rest of my post-op visits.

 anyway, after we left the clinic I wanted a new pair of jeans  so we stopped at Marshall’s (always good buys!) and I walked out with a pair of Tommy Hilfiger jeans in a size 16 regular jeans material and NOT STRETCH!!! And they fit beautiful with no mushroom effect!! That was a huge WOW moment for me! And I only paid $11.00 for them!!! gotta love Marshall’s!

 Well today is October 28 and I am going to try to switch my profile over to the new format. So if things look funky ROFLMAO...bare with it till I tweak it!

 I always weigh myself the day after the clinic,(ok, it is a mental thing… lol) and I weighed 190 this morning!!!

 ...........more to come soon!

 Well it has been a month since my last update, everything is going well, I hit a major stall for 3 weeks the scale didn't budge! I knew it was a temporary thing but still was very frustrating just the same! But.... when the stall broke it did big time! I weighed in at 201 this morning! (Total loss of 85 pounds so far! whoo hoo!!)OMG 2 pounds and I am UNDER 200 I can't believe it! I had set a personal goal that I wanted to be under 200 for my 43rd birthday which is this Thursday September 28th,well with this crazy ride you never know I may just make it under 200!if not I could not be any happier than I am right now!

 More to come soon.............bye!

 August 25^th 2006

 Today was my check up 11 weeks With Dr.Gruniero. He is very pleased with my progress and all is well. I have lost another 6 pounds since last update I am now weighing in at 211;I can hardly believe that number! it all seems so unreal at times, I see what I looked like 11 weeks ago and can't believe that my life has changed so much for the better in such a short period of time.

 On Thursday I decided it was time for a change (since I lost a lot of weight in my face) and I went and cut my hair short! Everyone just loves it and I do too, it is stylish and easy to manage now!

 Will update again soon!

 August 10^th 2006

 Well it has been a very wild ride since starting regular food, it is hard to believe that you can only eat such a tiny amount and several times I made the mistake of taking that "last bite" and making myself sick.

 This is a very trying time, a lot of experimenting of what works and what does not.... I can't eat any kind of bread what so ever it seems to swell in my pouch after about 1/2 hour and I either bring it up or I am uncomfortable for hours.

 Do I regret doing this? Hell No! There is good news! I am down another 12 pounds! 217.... I’ll take that over bread any day!!! LOL...till next time

 July 26^th 2006

 Had my visit with the clinic and all went fantastic! I saw Dr.Still and my Nut Stephanie.

 Lost another 3 pounds this past week, weight loss is slowing up a little, Dr. said that I am right on target and to expect it.

 I have graduated and now can eat anything, well healthy anything!! I was told 1,000 to 1,200 calories a day. I can't even imagine that, I have been eating 300 to 400 and just about making it!! Steph said it will take time to happen but eventually it will.

 I also started my B-12 shots, and have to now add my calcium supplements and I asked to add Biotin again to help with hair loss, I am not losing yet but know I will, I did after my last back surgery, and can do so no problem.

 Dr.Still gave me a restaurant card so when my family goes out to eat I can order from the children’s menu. If you are reading this and going to have surgery make a note of this and ask your doctor if he/she can supply one.

 Well I don't have to go back to the clinic until October for a checkup and my B-12 shot.

 JULY 14^th 2006

 It has been two weeks since my last update, been busy with summer! We had been to several parks this week and just been having a ball!

 I am feeling like a million bucks! Weight loss has slowed but still losing inches like crazy! They say the body is catching up?..Okay...LOL...don't matter I am doing what I need too and letting the tool work for itself!

 Apparently it is working I have went from a starting size of 30/32 4X to a 22/24 pants and can wear a 2X top comfortably!!!

 I dropped another 10 pounds too! I am in the 230's (237) now I haven't been there since 1999.

 I am very happy to report that my angelette Daniel is doing magnificent! I am so proud of him!

 I have another Angelette Michele/Wonga who has her surgery coming up in August!! Michele struggled so hard for the past year and a half with approvals and she never gave up and her dream is coming true and I could not be happier for her! She is like a sister to the sweetest gal you ever want to meet! We already have plans for next spring/summer to hit a Aerosmith concert!....yeah!!!! My how life has changed! She doesn’t know it yet...lol.. But I am going to drag her behind to a AC-DC show...*evil laugh*!!!

 I have taken on another angelette Trish who is also having her surgery in August! She is such a sweetie too! I met Trish just like Michele on the Pa. Boards and she is very enduring!

 I know she will do very well she has the drive and determination to do this!!!

 Well I will be back to update most likely every two weeks unless there is news...Happy Summer All...Till next time!

 It has been a great week! My daughter and I and several friends went to see the American Idol concert July 17^th and it was awesome! I tell you these people are so talented! They are all stars!

 I continue to do very well no problems at all, I am down another 5 pounds this week and I can actually fit into a size 20 now!!! This just keeps getting better and better! I have an appointment at the clinic next Wednesday with Dr.Still and will be back with an update then.

 June 23^rd 2006

 My daughter Samantha and I headed up to Wilkes Barre today for my 2 week follow up appt., she is so supportive and my everything! On the way there was a sign on the side of the road that said "NO DUMPING”. She busted out laughing as she read it, I thought I would die I laughed so hard! Good grief what a kid!
Dr. Gruneiro came in and was so sweet as always, Samantha LOVES him! She didn't get to meet him until today, they had great conversation, she is planning to go to Med School after high school, and so they had in depth conversation about that....

  Anyway,

 He is just a total sweetheart; he said I am doing fantastic! My blood pressure was normal. and I have lost a total of 29 pounds since my surgery! I don't remember the last time I have felt this great!

  The clothes are really starting to hang on me, thankfully I have clothes that I have had stored away that now fit me. I went from a size 30/32 jeans and fit comfortably in a size 24 now!

  Life is good and getting better by the day!

  Thank the good Lord for all the support I get from the Pennsylvania message board and The June 06 surgery boards were we are all being reborn this month! These are the most awesome group of people you will ever meet!

  My Angelette Daniel P. had his surgery on Tuesday and is doing just wonderful! Home in 2 days! He is such a wonderful and special person in my life! And I am so excited for him and his beautiful family!

  I have a appointment next Friday with Dr.Still at the clinic and can't wait! I just love him!

  June 30^th 2006

  Today was my 3-week checks up at the clinic with Dr.Still.I have lost another 6 pounds over the last week! I am doing very well, absolutely no problems at all!

  I an now able to go to the stage 3 part of the diet, with meats, fish, diet cheese etc...And start my Flintstones vitamins, lol.  42 it is kind of funny taking children’s vitamins!

  When I got home I had some Albacore Tuna with diet mayo and it tasted so good! I could only get about 1 1/2 ounces and I was full, it went down fine no nausea or vomiting, just normal meal. THANK GAWD! I was kind of scared at first it was the first solid food I have had in 5 weeks.

  Well I only have to do a monthly checkup now at the clinic so I guess I will be doing my weigh in at home now. Be back in a week!

  I do want to say that this surgery has been the best thing I have ever done in my life! I feel so much better and have a ton of energy and my mood is always happy now!

  June 15^th 2006

  Today I was my one-week post op appointment at the clinic with Dr.Boell.

  I lost 19 pounds in one week! I am still doing wonderful no problems at all. I get to move up to stage 2B next week, eggs and cottage cheese, should be interesting. LOL

  I feel great! I have a appointment with Dr.Gruniero next week. Be back with the weekly weigh-in!

      June 10^th 2006

  I tolerated my proteins no problem and they sent me home at 1:30.I feel fantastic no problems whatsoever! I have no pain, have no nausea, no vomiting, life is great...till next time... 

  June 9^th 2006

  I woke up and all is still well, they came down for me at about 7:45 to take me for my upper GI leak test. Got in the room and Dr.Barna came in and had me stand in front of a big machine and handed me a cup of whatever looked like Mountain Dew. He said to take a mouthful and swallow, OM GAWD! N-A-S-T-Y!!!! Tasted so bitter and yucky like freaking toxic waste! Unbelievable I did not get sick but the aftertaste stayed with me for a long time!

  My test was negative! They immediately called Dr.Gruneiro and by the time I got back to my room and in my chair, the good Dr. was there, he said he was very happy with everything and that I was too walk the halls once a hour and be on clear liquids for a day and starting high protein Saturday and if I tolerate the proteins I was outta there!

  Well low and behold my first meal came....JELLO...ummm...okay the first bite was really scary but went down fine! It took me 2 hrs to eat it, ahhhh 2 days prior it would have been gone in seconds! LOL!

  I drank my water as I was suppose to and all was great! As I was walking down the hall I got this weird feeling kind of like a explosion in the tummy,.............GAS both ends.......All I could think was please do not let me let it rip here, I was by the nurses station ok I know "too much information" well, if you are having this surgery done be prepared! Belching, burping and farting is one of the perks! LOL

  Made it back to the room without offending anyone.lol.. and I had a HUGE SURPRISE visitor!!!!!

  On this website we have message boards and I met Linda B. there she lives 12-15 minutes away from me and we talked several times via email she had her surgery a month before me (and is doing wonderful) I was so surprised! And just tickled to death to meet her! She is just the nicest person! And we have so much in common! I just love her to death! She also was in Geisinger Wyoming Valley and had Dr.Gruneiro and she has had no complications or sickness.... except ...GAS...lol.

  I tolerated everything today no problems! Dr.Gruneiro was in again to say goodnight, he is off the weekend and has another Dr. from the team in this weekend, he is such a doll, he assured me if there was a problem he would be here if there was an emergency, he said I am doing remarkably well and that he feels very confident that I will be leaving tomorrow.
June 7^th

Oops forgot there was one last post before I go to the other side! I go the call today from Linda at the hospital, I have to be there for 6:15 AM and my surgery is at 8:00AM.I am the first surgery of the day, I am glad to have it early, there is no time to sit and "think" LOL I know you know what I mean. I am just taking care of last minute things for my family, my daughter is so upset and I feel so bad she and I are very close and I don't like seeing her like this, so I have made several funny remarks and she seems to be a bit better. My DH works 3rd shift and is a manager at Wal-Mart and he has inventory tomorrow and there is no how or no way he could be home in time to take me to the hospital, I understand this 110% and am not upset, he is though!

When he was leaving for work tonight we said our goodbyes and we both totally lost it, it was very emotional and I have to say I am glad that it is done, I think it would be 100% worse if we did this in the AM.

My sister-in-law Carol is going to take me in the morning, I am glad Carol is such a wonderful person more like a sister. Well I guess this is my last entry until I get home, please say a prayer for me! Love to all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  
  May 25^th 2006

OMG! I had my appointment with my surgeon Dr.Gruniero today what a total sweetheart he is! (not to bad on the eyes either *grin*) he took his time and went through everything made sure all my questions were answered. Then he spoke the magic words!

I have my date June 8!! It was great I got to go do all my admission testing, blood work, chest X-ray, EKG right after his appointment, His office in the complex next to actually connected by a breezeway to the hospital, so no running around from place to place, however I did manage to get lost several times in the hospital! LOL!

Well I am completely ready to go, excited, scared (a little) wow; this is really going to happen!

DR. put me on a liquid diet, 3 protein shakes and jello, broth. . etc..

I guess the next time I update I will be on the other side.

MAY 17^th 2006

I got my call I have been so anxiously awaiting! My surgery is approved!

I talked to Stephanie and she said that my letter went out on Monday because Dr.Still was away on Friday and it was approved on Tuesday! WOW!!! One day!

I must say that everything to do with Geisinger, the clinic, the insurance has been just excellent, they do not play games like some insurance, very straight forward and I can't help but say they are the best to work with!

MAY 12^th 2006 I have completed the program and I was to the clinic for my final visit. I met the weight criteria YAHHHHHOOOOO!!! And my letter went to the insurance company. Fingers crossed! They said I should have no problems getting approved.

My surgery may be as soon as June 1st!

I am nervous, excited, scared...wow what a mixed bad of emotions! 

APRIL

Everything is going well MOM is doing great and now it is my turn! Called the clinic for appointment may 12^th!

FEBRUARY 2^nd 2006

GREATTTTTTTTTTT.......my mother in law took very sick and needs constant care, since I am the only one in the family home I am going to take care of her for awhile, well I have to put everything on hold again, I am not complaining, she took very good care of me and my family when I had my back surgeries and I feel I need to be there for her now, it is the right thing to do.

DECEMBER 14^th 2005

I can't make my appointment I have the FLU so bad and can't hold my head up, have to reschedule, I am going to wait until after the holidays to have my surgery it will just be to hard on my family for me to do this now, I have to think of them first.

  NOVEMBER 16^th 2005
Well today was my final visit with Dr.Still I still needed to loose a couple more pounds so he put me on a liquid diet.

OCTOBER 27^th 2005

Got a call from my PCP about the mass, He had my films from last year (I had my mammogram at the hospital) and sent them to the imaging center for comparison, what they saw was there last year and it was nothing it had not changed and nothing to worry about. THANK THE GOOD LORD!

 OCTOBER 26^th 2005

I had to go for a stress test I was able to have it done here in Hazleton. Since I was going my PCP decided to make me get my mammogram too.... great...

Well, I had the mammogram done (they tell you right there anymore if there is any problem to save women from worrying.)

They found a small mass in my left breast again. I have had 2 surgeries and had benign tumors removed, it still does not make it any more comforting that I have something again. We'll have to wait for a call from my Dr. now. Well off to the stress test

I had to have the stress test it in 2 parts.

Day one they did some kind of a table x-ray it took about a 1/2 hour.

Day 2 this was another story!! They took me in a room with a big ole treadmill in it; the fear struck me...OH NO!!! Yep, they wired me up and turned it on! They had a TV to watch and animal planet was on and since I am a animal lover it was not to bad, the heart Dr. in the sweet voice said gee you look bored, my reply this is not so bad, me and MY BIG MOUTH! He turned the sucker on fast (to get my heart rate up)<---it worked! Did I say he had a sweet voice? Sweet voice my big fat a**...LOL...I thought I was going to either

A. Pass out

Or

B. Die

Then it was over, I wanted to take those wires and hang him by his B***s with it!!! ROFLMAO

Then they sent me back to the same x-ray I had yesterday.

   OCTOBER 11^th 2005

Had my appointment in Danville, had my metabolism test and then went for my ultrasound of my kidneys, liver and Gall bladder, met with Shannon and Dr.Still, all is going very well!!

SEPTEMBER 19^th 2005

Today is my daughters 13 birthday! And where am I going??? To my Physc.Eval.LOL now that is not a coincidence is it?? Since she has been driving me up a wall lately!

I had my Evaluation with Dr.Gerdes in Wilkes Barre,I was a bit uncomfortable at first since I have never been to a shrink before, but within 2 to 3 minutes I was at total ease, it was actually a very nice visit that I enjoyed, he is a very nice Dr. and if I ever needed a shrink I would not think twice to go to him. Oh yeah, I passed with flying colors!

AUGUST 17^th 2005

Well today was my Bariatric Evaluation; WOW was that a LONG visit! Met with Dr.Boell, dietician Stephanie.

JULY 6^th 2005

Today I got to meet Dr.Still, all I can say is WOW! He is the nicest Dr. I have met in a very long time, I was not rushed through the visit and he went into depth with everything, next month I go for my Bariatric Evaluation, I am having it in Danville because Dr. Still is only in the Wilkes Barre clinic once a week, and I don't want to have to wait until September to have this done

JUNE 9^th 2005

I met with the dietician Rosemary today, discussed eating habits and proper eating stuff like that, she also was very nice.

APRIL 28^th 2005

Today was my initial visit! This visit was at the Danville clinic, I found out that I can go to Wilkes Barre for the program and surgery, the surgeon at W.B. Dr.Gruneiro has a outstanding record and reputation and has done hundreds of surgeries, so I am comfortable with him as my surgeon. Anyway, I met with Shannon and discussed the entire program; everybody at the clinic was so nice! Shannon sent me for blood work. I am on my way!!