Carrie Stockwell
Height: 5'-4"
Insurance: Kaiser (Pleasanton, CA)
Co-morbids: Sleep Apnea
Health Problems: Asthma since age 14 and Carpal Tunnel since 1991. Other than that, I'm a pretty healthy fluff!
I started to think about weight loss surgery (WLS) in December 2002. I did some research online and found the following websites that were extremely helpful!
www.spotlighthealth.com
www.obesityhelp.com
I reseached others but come back to these two the most. I researched for months and am still surfing around!
I attended my first support group in January 2003. I wasn't sure if weight loss surgery (WLS) was for me at the time. There was alot of info I needed. But I thought I would start the process and see...
February 10, 2003:
Weight: 304#
Consult with PCP regarding WLS. Being new to Kaiser, I have only seen my PCP a couple of times and this is the first time I asked her about weight loss surgery. She said there was a process I had to go through to see if I was a good candidate. I guess she felt that I was or she wouldn't have referred me to the rest of the appointments. She referred me to have psych eval and nutritionist eval.
Had my psych eval same day! Lucky me! "Janet" gave me my psych evaluation. She recommended I have 4 more sessions with a therapist. Reason? I got emotional and started to cry. Janet said I was a "binge eater". . . no duh. But, that's ok, therapy is good. I wanted to see someone anyway. I thought if I could get to the bottom of my binge eating that could help with my weight issue. But I have been to therapy before for other reasons, including emotional eating and didn't really lose any weight.
February 13, 2003:
Nutritonist eval. Can't remember the ladies name. But she said I was a good candidate for the surgery and had no problem recommending me. Great! Had my first of 4 therapy sessions. I see Dr. Proctor. I really like him.
August 11, 2003:
YIPPEE! Approved to Pacific Bariatric in San Diego.
August 13, 2003:
Attended the P.B. orientation in Walnut Creek.
Age = 37
Height = 5'-4"
Official weight = 307
Official BMI= 52.7
Fat % = 53.1% Desirable Range: 21 - 33%
Fat Mass = 163.0 lbs. Desirable Range: 38.5 - 71 lbs.
September 16, 2003:
Received my Authorization Code to have my surgery at PB! Yippee!
I have been going to Curves, but getting there is so hard sometimes! I have been taking my vitamins and replacing one meal with a Pro-Complex shakes, as recommened by PB. There's still more to do. Still waiting to have my gall bladder ultrasound and blood tests. I lagged on call my PCP about the ultrasound and now they are lagging on me. Getting the Auth Code has given me a little boost to keep moving ahead!
October 16, 2003:
Wow, I'm going to be 38 soon! yikes! I am looking foward to my 40's; healthy and thin!
PB has ALL my paperwork now; including my blood test & gb ultrasound results and paperwork they required I fill out. I should know within the next 2 -3 weeks when my "marathon" appt will be. I will fly down to San Diego for the day to visiting my surgeon, have a psych eval and nutrtion consult. I'm getting excited! I have to now research the 5 surgeons and choose one.
October 24, 2003:
Flying to San Diego on November 5 for my "marathon" appointments!
10AM Psych Dr. Margolis
11:30Am Internest Dr. Bressler
1:30PM Surgeon Dr. Mary Murphy
Hoping to have surgery in January 2004! I'm SO excited! Do I say that enough? lol.
A little disapointed....my husband might not be able to fly down with me on Nov 5. The airfare is too expensive for one day. I'm checking into seeing if I can purchase an open-ended tix for him for January. I have a call into my coordinator at PB to see if she has any suggestions. Since I don't know my surgery date yet, I don't know if I can do this. I don't want to wait too long to buy his ticket and have the same problem I'm having now. It's the cost not the availablity that's the problem.
November 6, 2003
Hi everyone!
Thanks for all your good thoughts and well wishes! I believe they really worked! I had great day yesturday....tiring...but great!
ok....let's see...it all started around 4am....I took a shower....*giggle*....just kidding, I won't start that early! But I did have to get up that early!
I had requested from Pacific Bariatrics (PB) to have 2 airline seats. They pay for both, so why not. I haven't flown since I went to Seattle shortly after 9/11 to see two beautiful babies come into this world (Hi Monica!) and since then SouthWest set in place a new rule that "obese" people buy 2 seats. I didn't want to quish anyone and I didn't want to be quished. I only take up about 2 inches of the next seat....but still...and I can't put the arm rest down.
So when I checked in they gave me a white card that looks like a boarding pass that says in large black letters.......SEAT RESERVED.....with the flight info on it. I was put to this card on the seat next to me so no one would sit there. I hated it! I felt like I was advertising...."Hello I'm fat! You can't sit here or I will squish you!" Once the plane doors closed I took it off the seat. And I also asked for a seat belt extension. I have NEVER done that before! It wasn't until this year did I know they had such a thing! The attendent was very nice and discrete...but again..."Hello, I'm fat.I can't fit into a regular seat belt, so may I please have the one fit for elephants!" It's ok....I'm laughing.
I had great cab drivers. They were all very friendly. And the seat belts fit! HA HA
My first appointment was for a psych _eval. The lady was very nice. We spoke for about 30 minutes. In brief, she wanted to know about my childhood...it was great. When my first diet was (16). When I first thought of my self as over weight (22). How I yo-yo dieted. What kind of support I have at home and with family and friends. What I expect from the surgery. What my long term goals are in regards to the surgery. There was more, but you get the jist of it. She said she felt that I was very well grounded and cleared me for surgery. YEAH!
Second appt was with an internist. He, too, was very nice. The gals in the office were nice. It was weird....everyone was so nice and friendly! I had an EKG, checked my nose, throat and stuff like that....just a real quick basic check up. No big deal. He cleared me for surgery! YEAH!
I did, however, weigh myself on their scale. I hadn't weighed my self since the PB orientation in August. I was suprised! It said I had lost about 10 lbs. No way, the scale must me wrong I thought and went on with my day.
I must say, however......I thought I might have lost a few pounds.....I have been exercising more....cut out fast food.....no caffine.....having a protein shake in place of a meal......AND there are a pair of pants I haven't been able to wear for over a year that suddenly fit, they still a little snug, but I zip them up and I wear them!......AND I can easily put the seat belt on in my mom's car! That was a huge discovery! It was just 2 or 3 months ago when Tyler, mom and I went to dinner and I had to hold the belt over my lap to make it look like it was on!
Third appt. Dr. Mary Murphy....my surgeon! SHE IS SO AWESOME! I love her! If her bedside manner is anything like her surgeon skills, I'm set!
Before I met her they weighed me on their special scale. It's called Tanika Body Compositon Analyzer. It weighs you what you REALLY are! It weighs you in pounds and body fat. It also tells you what your desirable range for Fat % and Fat Mass should be based on your height, sex and age. They gave a print out of my numbers. OH MY GOD! I DID LOSE WEIGHT! I can't believe it! I did believe it, because this type of scale is so accurate and truth-telling! I lost 11.5 pounds!!!!!!!! Wholly Shit!!
I spent about a half hour or so with Dr. Mary. She asked me if I was taking my vitamins...yes. Asked what form of exercise I was doing....Gazelle and some walking. She said that walking isn't really a big deal unless I am power-walking and/or doing hills so that my heart rate would get up there and I was really sweating.....yuck....I told here I trained for a year to walk 60 miles for breast cancer and that my Mom MADE me do hills. *wink* She seemed impressed. And I told her that I could sweat really good and have a high heart rate without power-walking....;) She just told me to continue doing what I was doing but do it more....exercise and water. It helps with surgery and recovery. She doesn't require the 10% loss...yeah! She drew me a picture of what she would be doing. She told me all the risks.....death 1/300 (don't be scared, I'm not), etc...I can't remember the others....I thought I took the paper home she was writing on, but no. She talked about the other risks, I just can't remember what the numbers were....bleeding, stictures, etc... As with ANY surgery there are risks, HOWEVER, she said that on the risk scale of low to high ....I'm very low due to the fact that I am young (ya hear that! I'm young!), fairly active for my weight and size and that I don't have any health issues other than sleep apnea....like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, etc. And seemed sure that my sleep apnea would go away eventually. Good news all around!
I met a few ladies in the waiting room before and after the appointment. One gal from Bakersfield is having Dr. Mary as her surgeon too. Then met a lady who just had her surgery 5 days ago with Dr. Mary, she was there for her 1st post-op visit and was hoping to go home. She looked great! I said to her, "I know I just met you, but you look great. You are laughing and seem to have energy." She said that she just started to feel better and felt pretty good considering she just had major surgery a few days ago. I met another lady who just lost 170 lbs, she had her surgery sometime last year. She showed us her before picture...she looks amazing. She wouldn't stop talking! I was interested in what she had to say, but I also wanted to talk to the other lady and she just kept interrupting, so we had to interrupt her. I have noticed that that with some of these people who've had surgery they just talk and talk and talk. Which is good. They're excited and want to share....but sheesh! I hope I won't be like that. But I think that maybe these people were already talkers........like me.........so I guess I might be the same!!!!!!!!! No disrespect to the ladies.
After my surgeon appt I visited Pascha that I know from support group. She had her surgery on Tuesday. She looked as good as to be expected. She was out of it, being on Demerol. They took her off the moraphine....not sure why...I can only assume that she was naseaus/vomiting. Her parents were there. The mom was trying to get her to walk. She had "open" and her gallbladder removed. She said, "Carrie, I'm not going to lie to you....It hurts." She's sweet. Of course it hurts, silly! I didn't say that, though. I only stayed 5 minutes. Ya can't exactly visit with someone who's just had surgery and is drugged up....and I don't really know her all that well to just hang out.
I went to visit Michell C. Her surgery was scheduled for 3PM, that's when I was there. So I wasn't able to see her and didn't think to ask which floor surgery patients would be on so I could tell her support person that I stopped by to wish her the best.
Finally, my flight home. I was able to get an earlier flight. Again, I had to put the "I-can't-fit-in-one-seat" sign next to me. Asked for the stupid seat belt extension. The gal was nice and discrete....oh, by the way....because I had two seats, both coming and going I was told to pre-board. I've pre-boarded before but had Tyler with me. This time it was alone....another sign of fatism....is that a word?
Anyway, the flight attendent saw the sign next to me and asked if that was new. I didn't know. Told her it was embarassing. Asked me if I had to pay for both seats....told her my insurance paid. Asked me if I was having "that" surgery as she pointed to her stomach. I said yes. She said, "Great! I get so many people on my flights that are getting it too!" She told me not to put the sign on the seat. But I left it there. I didn't know what to do. Thinking back, I guess I could have just said the seat is taken and if there was a problem, then I could have showed whomever the reserved seat pass. I sat in a row of six...3 seats facing each other....Dale, Sandy, Tammie, Peg like the way we sat when we went to Disneyland. 2 super skinny, tall gals sat across from me. The other seats were taken my men. No one said anything to me. Just smiled and kept to themselves. The gal sitting across from my extra seat put her feet up there. I thought, hey bitch...that's my extra seat! *chuckle* After awhile, I was really thinking that because I couldn't stretch out my legs because of the gal in front of me. My knees were starting to get stiff from not being able to stretch out at all. I was so tired! I took a nap and hoped that I wouldn't snore or stop breathing.
I was so glad to get home! I was so happy to see Bobby and Tyler! It was a LONG day. A Great day.
I'm hoping to find out by the beginning of December when my surgery date is. Did I mention that my surgeon thought it might not be until late Jan or early Feb. She didn't know her schedule, but was told by her staff that that's when she's scheduling. I hope for late January.
Oh....one more thing......Tyler and Bobby have been great! I had told Tyler that I was a little nervous about going and he came to me and hugged me for a long time. He was so cute! And told me that I would be fine and that I should walk in going like this......he was gesturing that I walk in acting cool by pointing my fingers out like a gun and play shooting and say "hey". I'm trying to think who he was imitating, but can't think of the guy...Jim Carey or something. He was pretty funny. He asked me when we got home if I did what he told me...I told him I was thinking it but didn't actually act it out.
ok...I just thought of something else.....inregards the belt extension and seat pass.....after my surgery, as I lose weight........I will NEVER have to feel that embarasement again! I only have to go through it 2 more times....before and after surgery.
Ok, I'm done. Thanks for listening/reading. And espcially thanks for all your support and great thoughts for me. They really work!!
New weight 295.5 lbs.
December 18, 2003
Got my SURGERY DATE! FEB. 6, 2004!
February 3, 2004
Only a few more days until the start of my NEW LIFE! I'm SO excited, nervous, scared,....so many feelings from one minute to the next. I have a tremendous amount of support from friends and family....and from people I have never met! It's amazing and overwhelming at times. It's wonderful. I am so grateful and very appreciative. Thank you everyone!
February 4, 2004
Weight: 283#
2 Days before surgery! I'm SO EXCITED! But, this morning was a wreck! I was feeling extremely emotional. I had errands to run and found myself crying, then laughing. I would hear a great song and turn up the volume super loud and sing on the top of my lungs! My mind is all over the place. I was at Safeway picking up some last minute things and called my friend/Angel Rachel. We spoke for about 20 minutes while I walked up and down the isles. Told her about my emotional episodes. She was great and helpful. It's nice to know that my feelings are normal.
February 6, 2004: Day of Surgery!
Weight: 280#
February 15, 2004
Weight: 277#
I'M ON THE OTHER SIDE! I got home Wednesday night. I was to stay until Thursday, but saw my surgeon Wed, she released me and because I missed my son SO much, my hubby and I came home a day earlier. We were going to do more site seeing but decided to go back to San Diego next year with our son and REALLY enjoy the beauty down there.
I felt pretty good after surgery. I've had minial pain, on the pain scale a 2 or 3. Just some tightness, like doing to many sit-ups. I don't know what I was expecting after surgery, but I know I WASN'T expecting to feel THIS GOOD! I'm not tired. I feel really good. I walked the halls ALOT. I was told that 15 times around is a mile...I almost made it, the most I did at one time was 12.
We went site seeing abit after I was discharged from hospital on Tues and Wed. The weather was great! In the low to mid 70's.
I had NO vomiting, nausea (only after a couple times after using the lemon mouth swabs), or complications. Yea!
I've lost 30#'s since Aug 2003. I can see it in my face only after looking at a photo that taken of me and my hubby on 4th of July. OMG! I face was SO HUGE! I'm not super excited about the 30# elimination. It doesn't seem real to me. Maybe as I lose more it will.
I'm still (mostly) on a liquid diet until 2/20. That's when Dr. Mary said I could stary soft foods: scrambled egg, cottage cheese, tuna fish, mashed potatoes, etc...
Howevery, I feel I'm ready to eat! I need to chew. I feel like I need FOOD! SO!....the other night after crying to my husband how hungry I felt, he made me a scrambled egg. It went down just fine and was YUMMY! I didn't have the feeling of starvation really, I just wanted to chew and felt like I needed more than just ProComplex, broth, jello, popcicles and WATER!
The scrambled egg was SO GOOD! I ate about a teaspoon and was very satisfied. My mood changed to the better and I felt satisfied.
I'm glad to be on the other side! WooHoo!
March 7, 2004: 4 Weeks Post-Op!
Weight: 257.5
I feel wonderful! No pain. Lots of energy! I"m having a hard time believing I had surgery, then I look at my scar and say, "well, something happened in there." But, it still doesn't seem real. I feel like I won't lose anymore weight. I'm happy that I am longer over 300 pounds! But, that is still unbelievable to a point also.
My clothes are hanging on me. That is so cool!
I can eat up to 4 -5 oz. per meal. But, I don't do that every meal. Some meals are more than others. I'm able to drink between 30 - 40 oz. of water/day. I have been able to gulp my water more. Which is good, cuz I am getting so thirsty that sipping wasn't cutting it.
I think I had my first dumping episode. I did something stupid...I ate a tiny bit, about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of a peanut butter cookie that I bought my hubby/son from the farmer's market. About a 1/2 hr later my stomach cramped and I had a bit of diarrhea. The cramping wasn't horrible. I just knew I had to "go". Glad I learned that lesson...hopefully. I think I was testing my limits because I feel so good and have not had a problem with any foods I've tried so far.
I went out to dinner for the first time since Feb 4, 2003. We (me, Tyler, Bobby, Sue, Tim & PJ) went to Mariposa in Walnut Creek. A chinese restaurant. It so yummy! Not your typical chinese food. I've been there before. I wast a little concerned with what I would eat. I know I can have chicken, but wasn't sure about the sauce or spice. I had a little wonton soup broth and peeled the wrapping off the wonton and ate the filing. Had a piece of shrimp, crab & scallops. Had a couple of slices of mushroom, zuchini and carrot. A teaspoon of rice w/soy sauce. I'd say I had about 4 -5 oz. all together. It was very yummy. All went down fine and I was very satisfied and felt part of the dinner! It was great.
Sometimes I get tears in my eyes when I think about that I had surgery. I'm totally amazed that I was approved and given the chance to be healthy and change my life. I see my future as being bright and sunny. I'm acutally looking forward to summer this year.
Bobby & Tyler absolutley wonderful! And so are my friends and family. They are all so very supportive. My mom still comes with me and Pam to our support groups twice a month. The people at the groups and online are fantastic. I don't know what I would do without them! They are full of encouragement and wonderful information. I am totally PRO-Support group! Whether it's online or in person or both is better. I am a firm believer that along with the surgery, one needs support with others who've had the surgery. I am so grateful and blessed to have such wonderful people in my life.
March 10, 2004
Weight: 255.5
March 15, 2004: 5 Weeks Post-Op
Weight: 253.5
Went to Oregon to see Bald Eagles with my mom and Pam. Had a wonderful weekend and saw many Eagle...they are so beautiful.
Had my first experience with vomiting. We were eating dinner and talking. I was eating a little chicken left over from lunch and sipping some cream of chicken soup. I took too big of a gulp and I knew right away there was going to be a problem. UG! The pain. I thought that maybe the pain would go away after a bit since it was soup, but I guess there was a small piece of chicken that went down too. After an hour of pain...Pam told me to go throw up. YUCK! I hate throwing up. But it hurt so bad...so I did. And boy did I feel SO MUCH BETTER! Mom was a little worried because I threw up 3 times, but Pam told her I'd be ok. I was worried about my pouch, but I'm fine.
I have my 1 month Post-Op appt with a surgeon; Dr. Leo Murphy. I'll update later about that. Looking forward to seeing how much I weigh on PB's scale. I weighed myself when I got home last night....253.5 lbs....lost 2#'s while in Oregon! I hope PB's scale is the same!
March 16, 2004
Weight according to PB's scale: 255.0
Post-Op appt with surgeon yesterday:
I weighed myself on my scale before I left for appt (with clothes on), I weighed 250, so our scales match up. I noted that I weighed 253.5 the other day, and they were the same clothes...not sure why the difference, I guess weight fluxuates between days. I'm not sure which weight to go by. I really like the fact that the scale said 253.5, oh well. I will weigh again in a week and see what it says then.
My 1 month post op with Dr. Leo Murphy yesterday went very well. He's a very nice and gentle man. His plane was an hour late so all appts were behind. I had to wait 1 1/2 hours to see him. Once I did, I was there for about 5 minutes.
I can exercise now, just stay easy on the sit-ups. Wants me to do 45 min at Curves instead of 30 min. I can swim/hot tub. Asked how much protein I should be having...for a woman my age (38), he said work up to 70 grams/day.
Found out that the protein drink is considered a meal. Should only have 3 meals a day. I will continue to have 3 meals/day and one protein drink unless I see that my weight is slowing down or something. I eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. But, between lunch and dinner I need something, so I have my protien drink. I don't think that it's a problem, it's better than snacking. I have experimented with having drink for breakfast, then having lunch and dinner. But, I get hungry between lunch and dinner and don't want to eat too much food in the afternoon. So I will stick with the protein shake in the afternoon.
Now that I can exercise, I just have to figure out when I'm going to go back to Curves or even get on the Gazelle again. I haven't been to Curves in MONTHS!! I was doing the Gazelle Pre-Op and loved it. It's the getting started part that's hard.
March 17, 2004 Happy Paddy's Day!
weight: 253.5 (that's what it said this AM!)
I just cleaned out my closet and drawers! I have TONS of clothes that don't fit anymore. Sizes range from 32 to 26. Some of the 26 - 28's fit, but not like they used to. Taking them to Oakland Kaiser meeting tonight for clothing exchange.
The best part is that I can now wear again a Pooh sweatshirt that some ex-coworkers gave me for my bday several years ago! The tag says size XXL. When I first got it I didn't think it would fit, but it did and it does again! I'm so excited! There is a stain on it, coffee I think, but I don't care...I will keep it forever, it's my favorite sweatshirt ever!
March 19, 2004: 6 Weeks Post-Op
I got back on my Gazelle today. Boy, did it feel great! I only did 10 minutes, but it's a start! anyway, afterwards I stretched and I was so excited!....I was able to lift my own leg behind me to do the quad stretch! I was NEVER able to do that before! When I was in training in 2002 for the AVON Breast Cancer Walk (60 miles!), my mom always had to "hand me" my leg....and today I did all myself!
It may sound crazy to some...but it was a great feeling! Another thing to check off the list!
March 23, 2004
I found this on another's profile. I thought it was funny and would post it on my site too. Non WLS'ers might not get it....
You Know You've Had WLS When.....
*I have a date" does not mean your going out.
*You have baby food in the house and no baby.
* "I'm a loser" is a good thing.
* All of your silverware says Gerber.
* A wooden spoon isn't just for cooking.
* "Welcome to the other side" doesn't include death.
* New clothes fall off in a week.
* You get excited about hand me downs.
* The scale at Wal-Mart no longer says "one at a time please".
* Going bald and getting wrinkles is a good thing.
* "Just water for me please".
* Hitting the "Century Mark" is actually a good thing.
* You can be touched by an angel and still not be considered crazy.
* When your rear end no longer looks like a mudslide.
* When you get excited that your incision was "only 6 inches".
* When the word lap has nothing to do with a strip club.
* Other women are calling you "bitch" behind your back.
* When you are glared at in the plus size department because you don't "belong there".
* When you really don't have a thing to wear.
* You have to prove you are the person on the drivers license.
* You start being in the pictures not behind the camera.
* You want to hug everyone fat and hand them your surgeons card.
* You are never parted from a bottle of water.
* When you order a doggy bag at the same time as your meal.
* Being too small for your britches.
* When the only way your nipples are where they belong
is to roll them up, position them with your bra and secure with a ponytail holder.
* When you go pick up your child at school and all the other kids say WOW you're mom is hot.
* When you got to the mall a take the first available space instead of circling 20 minutes for one closer to
the door.
* You truly are a "cheap date".
* When one drink makes you flipping floozy!
* When you run to the door and don't hear a flapping sound.
* You flip your shirt to show complete strangers your scar.
* Vitamins feel like a meal.
* You go from a 56DDDD to 32AAA in a year and didn't have a breast reduction.
* You've just lost 100 lbs and run into a high school friend who asks "did you change your hair?"
* You can cross your legs... both of them
* Instead of a Wonder Bra you need a Wonder Where They Went Bra
* When your obsession from food turns to your scale.
* They no longer call 911 for the Jaws of life to extricate you from a turnstile.
* No more velcro shoes.
* Tongs are no longer to fry chicken.
* "Checking for leaks" no longer includes your panties
* When your stairmaster is no longer used for drying your fine washables
* Your mother says "You don't eat enough"
* When your doctor looks you in the eye and says "I know
you will have sucess with this."
* Having sex your husband complains that your hip bones are poking him.
* You can wear corderoy pants without igniting a fire
* When you wave and your upper arms wave back
* You safety pin your underwear
* Someone phones and thinks your husband is sneaking around with some skinny mistress
* Cannot blame the cat for shedding
* Cancel your Lane Bryant Credit Card
* 3 Lean Cuisines a week and thats your total grocery purchase
* The kids wonder what happened to the cake and cookie God..did he die???
March 24, 2004: 7 weeks Post-Op
Weight: 248 lbs.
Down 32 lbs. since surgery 2/6/04 and
a total of 59 lbs since August 2003
I'm so excited I just had to share! My girlfriend Peg gave me a pair of size 24 shorts. I thought they looked small and was going to just put them aside and try them on in a couple of weeks. Well....this morning I thought, what the heck, and
tried them on and OMG they FIT! They are even a little loose!
It wasn't that long ago that I wore a 30/32 or 4x. I just can't believe it. It doesn't seem real.
I haven't gone out to try on clothes yet to see what size I am. I guess I'm around a 3x? and a 24!
wow...unbelievable....
March 29, 2004
weight: 244.5
I bought my first pair of jeans since last year! And they are....drum roll, please...a size 24! It's a great feeling to be able to shop for clothes and try on smaller sizes and not larger sizes! Since I've started exercising, I've been losing about 1 lb./day. I feel great and eat healthy. Eating small portions is wonderful and not a problem. The only problem is having left-overs and throwing food away. But, better the food gets tossed than me eating it like I used to do. I was the human garbage disposal. Anyway, I will be 8 weeks post-op friday and will have Bobby take pics and update with measurements. Have a great day!
April 28, 2004
Weight: 235.5
Down 44.5 since surgery
Total elimination 71.5 since August
Today hubby and I have been together for 22 years! (Not our wedding anniversary, that's on July 28th, it will be 14 yrs.)
I haven't updated in a few weeks. I couldn't upload any pics for my 2 month post op, my computer is acting funny...and I'm not laughing.
I feel good and can eat almost anything! I stay away from chicken unless is SUPER, SUPER moist! I'm getting bored with food. Food is just not the same post-op. I usually eat cottage cheese, yogurt and cheese. Food doesn't thrill me, I never know what I want to eat so I just eat the few listed above and then I'm not hungry and I go on with my life until the meal time. I have tried Taco bell...I eat the pinto's N cheese and the inside of a mexican pizza not at the same time, one or the other. I like avacado's. Having a hard time getting the protein in. I'm looking for a new protein drink. ProCOmplex is yucky to me now and I have tried MANY recipes and non have satisfied my tastebuds.
I'm liking my self better in clothes. I actually wore a tank top in public! That was a biggie for me. I was very comfortable.
Well, that's all for now. Hopefully I can get some new pics up for my 3 month post op next week.
August 9, 2004
Weight: 211
I'm 6 months post op now. Still feeling real good! I wear a size 18. That so exciting! Only 4 more pounds until I'm in the Century Club! Can't wait! I'll try to update picture soon. I've been lazy about posting here, sorry...I know there are some out there who look forward to my updates. Just haven't felt like typing. Just know that I'm doing good and feel great! Will try to update more another time.
September 2, 2004
Weight: 206.5
I'm in the Century Club! I've eliminated at total of 100.5lbs since August and 73.5lbs. since surgery in Feb 2004.
I went to my 21-year high school reunion saturday night. I know I wouldn't have gone if it weren't for losing weight and feeling really good about myself. I'm still fat, but I like who I am now and I like how I look. Even though only a couple of people knew about my surgery and many had no clue about me losing 100 lbs., I knew! And to me that's all that mattered. Am I making any sense? My mind is full of thoughts, I just can't keep up with the typing. If I still weighed over 300lbs. my hubby would have gone to the reunion by himself. We went to HS together, yes...we're high school sweethearts! :)
well anyway, it was a good time. I'll try to get some pictures up. I wore a blue wrap-type top a friend gave me before surgery. It's a 14/16. I'm still an 18 (no complaints here!), and didn't think it would fit. But it does! And I looked pretty cute! I wore it with black capri pants (18). I've worn this outfit 3 times in the last 2 months and will wear once more. The pants are getting big so I will have to retire them soon.
Bobby took out 6 links from my MedicAlert bracelet. I was able to slip it off my wrist. My wedding ring is too big, so I wear it on my middle finger. I can do so many things now that I couldn't do before. I'm not afraid to go to a restaurant and sit in a booth. I can actually wear a seatbelt the correct way and not have to hold over myself. I don't have to use the handicap stall in a restroom anymore. I can cross my legs. Bend over and tie my shoes. I can see my feet when I stand up! I can paint my own toes. Tyler can almost pick me up. He can put his arms completely around me when he hugs me! I love that! Bobby, Tyler and I can all fit in the front seat of Bobby's truck. I can skip! I tried that yesterday. I was showing my nephew Brandon how to skip!
More later....
October 29, 2004
Weight: 202
Almost 9-months Post-op.
I've been going up and down 3 to 5 lbs for the last couple of months. Now that's it's football season I've been drinking more alcohol on the weekends and I have not been exercising. I've been trying to get back on track. I bought a book called "The Success Habits of Weight-Loss Surgery Patients" by Colleen M. Cook. What a great book! Wonderful information. Every WLSer should have one.
It's only been 5 days, but I have already made some changes. I
haven't had wine or any kind of alcohol in a week (Raiders are out of town for 3 weeks so that should help with the alcohol intake) and I started exercising on Monday. I weighed 205 on Monday morning and this morning I weighed 202. I'm starting slow...5 minutes a day on the Gazelle...and will add 5 minutes more each week. I love the Gazelle (when I get on it), it's a full body workout. My skin is getting loose and not bouncing back the way it should....I'm only 39 for haven sakes! I feel pretty good at my weight now, but the skin thing is killing me! So I exercise in hopes that my sharpe-like legs get toned up.
The less plastic surgery I need to have in the future the better. Yes, plastic surgery. I'm definately getting a boob lift!
I bought some chewable calicum from Bariatrics Advantage and have been really good at taking my vitamins this week. The only thing now is to get my water in.
My goal weight is 170 but would really like to weigh 150. I was
reminded that I "only" have 32 lbs to reach 170. It doesn't sound that bad, but I hear the last 20 to 30 lbs are the hardest. So now I REALLY have to get my butt in gear and work my tool and work the "Success Habits".
My hair is starting to grow back. I didn't realize how much I lost until I started to see all these little hairs stick straight up on my head! But remembering back, I did have handfuls of hair come out in the shower. Now it's only a few strands here and there.
I started working outside the home! It's a part-time 5 hrs/day 4 days/week at a doctors office I worked for 4 yrs ago. It keeps me busy during the day. It's nice to get back out and socialize with people. It has also helped with my "grazing" during the day, which I don't do anymore.
Will try to update with new pictures and measurements soon. You can also go to South Shield Tailgate website, click on Photos and see some Now and Then photos of me. Happy Halloween!
October 30, 2004
I was reading some of my own posts...tears came to eyes. I've really come along way physically, mentally and emotionally. I was SO miserable this time last year and for many years previous. I'M SO HAPPY with MYSELF TODAY! I'm extremely grateful for having this chance to start a new life. I really feel like I've been re-born. I sometimes think it's a dream and I'll wake up and be over 300lbs again. I look in the mirror a lot now just to make sure that the person looking back is really me!
I revisit my pre-op photos every so often to remind myself where I came from. When if first look at some pics my first emotion is sadness. I sometimes don't reconize myself and I feel sad and sorry for the person...who turns out to be me!
Before when someone would ask me "How are you?", I would say "fine", without meaning. Now when asked it thrills me to be able to say and truly meant it, "I'm great!" And I am.
January 11, 2005 ** Happy New Year! **
Weight: 196.5 lbs
I've joined a new club!!!
...The Victoria Secrets Club! Woo Hoo! I just bought my first 2 bras this evening. I was wearing a 42D which was getting big and a couple of friends of mine "talked me into" being measured and trying on a few. I measured at 40D, tried one on and it was big...so I'm wearing a 38D!! Yeah for me! When I was 307lbs (almost one year ago) I wore a 48D, now at 196.5 I'm a 38D...wholly crap, can you believe it? I'm totally amazed and very excited! By the way...VS is having their Semi-Annual Sale...go out and get yourself a bra!
It totally lifted my spirits. I was feeling pretty sad the last couple of days. It snuck up on me then I realized that tomorrow will be one year since my brother-in-law passed away. Trying on bras and sniffing lotions and hanging out with friends really helped lift me up. It's amazing what spending a little money can do!
My one year is coming up! Feb. 6th. Will try to update then!
April 24, 2006
115 lbs ago…
I walked 60 miles in the Avon Breast Cancer Walk in So Cal in 2002. That was quite an challenge at weighing over 300 lbs! My motivations were two of my mom's best friends; Diane and Pam. Diane had recently died of Breast Cancer and Pam was new victim. Training for the walk was not easy. But, when I found myself complaining I would think of Pam and Diane and all the pain they went through with drugs and treatment. All I had to do was get through was the next mile and maybe some blisters...big deal. Their pain was much more.
Today, I celebrate Pam for she has been CANCER FREE for FIVE years! Pam is also a 4 year WLS post-op.
This summer, on July 8-9, I'll spend the weekend walking 39 miles.
Now I plea for your support in another Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in San Francisco. This will be my third year participating in this event (walking twice, crewing once). To all of you who have supported me in past walks, you have my deepest thanks. As strange as it may sound, when you’ve been walking for a full day and your feet are on fire and you wonder how you can walk one more step, much less several more miles it really does keep you going when you think about all the people who believe in you and support you…
Right now I need your help.
All you have to do is write a *check. I'm not asking for much...$5 or $10. Don't think you can afford that? Bring you lunch to work for one day and donate that money you would spend for lunch or that latte on your way to work. Ask your friends or co-workers for $1 and see how much you can collect. Empty the change from your pockets for a week, you’d be surprised to see how it adds up! Every dollar counts. If you can afford more...Great! I'm not asking you to break the bank. I’m asking you to help me save a life. That life could be yours or of a loved one.
You can also donate online directly through my Walk Page by clicking on the link below.
Carrie's Walk Page - Click here!
All donations are tax deductible.
I truly appreciate your support.
Sincerely,
Carrie Stockwell
