Linda W.
On September 4, 2010, I copied and pasted the section below from my old profile:
8-5-01:
I am 2 1/2 weeks from the beginning of the rest of my life! I really have few concerns or reservations. I've been researching WLS for over a year, and am confident in Dr. Boe's ability to take care of me and my needs while in his care. My pre-op exam is Aug. 20. I've been trying to get everything taken care of on the home front before my surgery so it will take some pressure off of me while I'm recovering.
My parents and siblings do not know about my surgery, and I don't plan on telling them. There is such a prejudice amongst even the overweight.
I told a lady at church yesterday, and she was absolutely wonderful! She told me she was jealous. She is also overweight, although I don't know by how much. She seemed fascinated by the whole thing. She may be a candidate for the procedure in the future. I'm sure she'll be watching me closely.
I found a woman on this web site who has the same doctor, will be at the same hospital, having the same surgery on the same day as me! Even though we are many states apart (she's from Wisconsin, I'm from Missouri) we'll share the start of a new life! I've emailed her, and I hope she writes me back. I'm looking for a support group in my area. Maybe BTC can help me find one.
I'll update after my pre-op exam. Bravo for Linda!
8-30-01:
(6 days post-op) JENNIFER, WE DID IT! Jennifer and I had our surgery together last Friday with Dr. Brian Boe at the Bariatric Treatment Centers. It was so neat having a companion (I found her on this website, by the way) who is starting her new life the same day, the same place as you. We left our tracks in the halls of Belvidere!
I'm so very glad that I chose BTC. You talk about support. Isn't that why we all come to this website? For support and encouragement, guidance and information? That's what BTC has been for me, alongside of this website. Going to a specialist center that was a five hour drive away from me was not e-a-s-y. I could have gone to someone much closer here in St. Louis. But BTC has been like a built in center of support. Their after care program can't be beat! I know there are other centers out there, but BTC has been one terrific place for me! I will post more about my surgery itself at a later time. I need to go rest now.
9-21-01:
I'm 4 weeks post-op and feeling good! I'm walking about 120 minutes or more a week, and I've noticed it really does make a difference with your energy and stamina bouncing back after surgery. My goal is 160 minutes a week. I've already lost 30 pounds, and am finally fitting into clothes that have been too tight for me for some time. Stored away, I have a few sizes down, but I can't wait to go shopping for new ones! WLS has allowed me to begin a whole new life! I feel as if I've got a new birthday!! The big thing right now is to try to get more liquids down. I know I'm not getting as much as I should be. I'm working on it. I went back to work at 3 weeks post-op. I have an office job, and I'll only work half-days for two weeks, then full time again. I've done so well. This is the best thing I've ever done for myself!! Rah, Rah, Linda!!
10-25-01:
Well, here I am at two months post-op. I've started an aerobics class at work. We meet twice a week after work for an hour. That leaves me only 40 minutes of walking left on the weekends to reach my exercise goal. It's really been a boost to the plateaus I keep hitting. I'm down 44 pounds now!! Weight loss has really slowed down this last month, but I'm trying to make this a life-long endeavor. I give myself talks all the time about not "spazzing" over the little things. I'm getting my daily protein requirements, and my daily fluid needs are being met better than they were. I'm already off of my blood pressure meds (I have been since the day after surgery). I'm exercising 160 minutes a week, and learning to be happy without sugar! What a feat! My tight clothes are not only starting to fit, they're actually getting loose. It's definitely a great feeling knowing that I'll never be this heavy again. I've said that before in the past, on various diets, but it's a for-sure now that I have this fabulous 'tool'. I'm so thankful for the opportunity that WLS has given me to get healthy and be active for the first time in 23 years. It was a present I gave to myself. My 3-month checkup is on November 19. I'll update when I get home.
1-10-02:
Here I am ... down 74 pounds in less than 5 months! My blood tests in November turned out to have elevated liver enzymes. An ultrasound showed that I had sludge in my gall bladder, which is a precurser to stones. Dr. Boe has me on Actigall four times a day to liquify the sludge so that it won't become stones. We'll see how things are on Feb. 4 when I go for more blood tests.
I'm doing very well, though. I'm feeling fine, and loving the name-calling of 'Skinny' and 'Melting'. My hair loss has been average; not balding, but definitely noticable. I've even developed enough confidence to frost my hair blonde! I'm still learning how to eat & drink like I should, but it's coming. I shouldn't expect this drastic of a lifestyle change to happen very quickly.
The holidays were full of self-denial. The fudge and New York style cheesecake were the hardest to resist, but resist I did. I tried pumpkin pie made with Splenda, but the texture had changed so much ... it was too dry. I was disappointed, to say the least. Next, I'm going to try frozen-applejuice-concentrate-sweetened apple pie. Can't wait.
If I had it to do over again, I would not have waited a year of research to have this surgery!!! I could've been so much further along, but I wanted to be sure. I'm so pleased with my doctor, with Bariatric Treatment Center, and with the results. In a lot of ways, I feel as if I have been born again. I thank the Lord for such a wonderful opportunity, and the people who have gone before me, refining the surgical process. How truly blessed, and fortunate, I am!!
3-16-02:
I'm doing great! I'm not quite 7 months post-op and I'm down 90 pounds! I haven't been getting as much exercise as I'd like to, but I do walk when I can. I had my first, and only, bout with dumping a couple of weeks ago. At work I had bought a ham & cheese sandwich out of the machine. I thought I checked it out well enough, but that evening I was at the grocery store and I suddenly had the urge to go. It took about 20 seconds and ... OH NO!! So, there I was, in the store bathroom, TOTALLY wiped out, and my only armour was a cell phone! Thank God for cell phones! I called my daughter and she brought me clothes. I was sooooo humiliated!! I will NEVER buy another sandwich out of the machine at work. The sandwich was the only thing I could think of that I'd eaten out of the ordinary that day. I really do try to eat like I should, constantly reading labels, checking fat & sugar. I'm very thankful that I've done so well post-op. My energy level has been very good, and I've enjoyed a renewed sense of ability to be active. I'm looking forward to hiking and canoeing this summer. It's like a whole new me has 'hatched'! Look out, world! Here I come! I've tried the Archway sugar-free cookies. They're wonderful! I've also found a dessert cookbook with a bunch of Equal recipes in it. I've tried the New York Cheesecake, and heaven has come to earth!! I thought I'd have to give up all cheesecake, but not now! I cut the cake into 16 servings, individually wrapped them, and froze them to have during the next several weeks. They are truly scrumptious. This sugar-free stuff isn't as bad as people make it out to be. Whenever anyone at work has a birthday, we always have a food day. Everyone brings in sweets, snacks, and JUNK! My boss was teasing me the other day, saying that when it's my birthday next month, they'll have to bring in bean sprouts and tofu! I said, NO WAY. I wouldn't even eat that, much less anyone else. I'm hoping to be down another 10 pound in the next month. That would really be a cool birthday present to myself. But, if not, I have plenty to be happy about! Well, I'll keep you posted about my birthday goal. Thanks for listening, and I'll check back soon.
4-16-02:
YEEAAAHHHH!! I did it!! I'm down 101 pounds!! And just in time for my birthday tomorrow! I'm no longer considered obese!! I brought my 'before' pictures into work yesterday ... the word is getting around fast now! I've got to figure out how to get my pictures on this site. I don't have a scanner, so I'm not sure how to do it.
I've tried to keep up with my walking. I don't get all 160 minutes (my personal goal) per week, but I try to get as close as possible. My husband encourages me to keep moving by walking with me after dark.
I went to shop for the next size down last weekend, and I had to buy a size 12 dress pants!! WOW!! I had no idea that I'd be down to this size in less than eight months! I'm so grateful to the Lord for leading me in this direction! What a marvel it's been!
I'll update later.
6-5-02:
Wow! I'm down ten more pounds! Weight loss has definitely slowed down, but I'm thrilled! What loose skin I have!! It's amazing all the extra 'bags' I've found on myself. I didn't think I'd have this problem. But here I am. So I'm having plastic surgery on July 8. I'm needing to borrow money to have this done since my insurance company doesn't cover it. I'll have my upper arms (major priority with summer here!) and my breasts done (lift with implants). With only one week off of work, it will be soooo worth it. After I pay for that, they'll do my tummy, butt and thighs (not sure when that'll be). I'm really looking forward to it. Most people are so excited for me. I do, occasionally, find someone who thinks I'm a fool, because they're jealous, or whatever.
Well, my workout awaits. I'll check back after my surgery.
7-13-02:
I did it!! I had the first part of my plastic surgery done this past Monday. I'd lost another eight pounds, but since I had a brachioplasty (upper arm lift) and 500cc breast implants put in (with lift) on July 8 ... I'm up five pounds! It's probably still due to swelling and post surgical trauma & stuff. I cannot believe that these 'girls' would weigh 2 and 1/2 pounds each! They are still so sore and hard though. I know that they need more time to heal and 'settle' in. My husband can't wait to get his hands on them! He's going to be like a kid in a candy store!
I'm really liking how my arm contours are looking, although they're still very bruised and have the tapes to come off yet.
I'm SOOO glad that I didn't have the whole body lift done at once! I can't even believe how miserable I would have been. It's far better to take it a few big bites at a time. This plastic surgery is a great cap off to the best present anyone has ever given to me ... WLS. It's like adding the hair spray to the perfect 'do'; the trimmings on the best Christmas tree; the jewelry for that one special dress!
I'm so glad that I chose Dr. Huffaker with St. Louis Cosmetic Surgery Center. He has a great sense of humor, and a comforting bedside manner. I would recommend him to anyone in the St. Louis area.
I'm supposed to go back to work on Monday, but I may take a day or two more. Each day is such an improvement, but I want to take the time I need to heal. My after pictures will be on their way shortly! I'll check back later when I'm feeling better and stronger.
7-23-02:
I'VE LOST 120 POUNDS!! I'm in a size 10 pants & shorts, and a size 12 jeans. Tomorrow is my 11 month anniversary. My daughter is getting married next month. When I went to buy a dress for the wedding, I absolutely loved trying on those little sizes! My husband got to watch me model dress after dress, with his eyes popping out in amazement!
For the first time I actually feel like I'm prepared for the 'competition', which there is plenty of! We're going on a cruise this Thanksgiving for our 25th wedding anniversary. All I can say is, the women better watch out!! Here I come!
Thanks for listening.
8-31-02:
I can't believe it! I was so excited about my one year (8-24-01) anniversary that I forgot to post on my profile! Duh! I've lost 124 pounds now. That's sooooo wonderful! You should've seen me at my daughter's wedding on Aug. 17! I let it loose at the reception! I danced and boogied, until I plopped! That was awesome. I definitely had a good time. My siblings were standing there taking pictures because they couldn't believe their eyes! Now, how do you think that made me feel?
I haven't been able to exercise much since my plastic surgery. I wasn't even supposed to for six weeks (no bouncing, said the doctor) post-op. But, now I'm out of the habit, and I've got to get going again. With cooler weather coming, I'm hoping to get walking again. With an office job, I do enjoy getting some fresh air.
I'm so glad I had my breast lift/augmentation done. So is my husband! They are so gorgeous, if I may say so myself! It has made a big difference in my proportions to the point that my hips and waist look even smaller than they really are. I'm a 36D now, which is what I was when I was nursing my babies. My arms are looking better, too. The swelling is down, and I'm confident in sleeveless shirts for the first time in 23 years! I'm just a more confident person ... period! Someone at work said to me, "You seem to be a lot happier person these days". Ah, duh! But, I'm glad they noticed.
My one-year blood tests turned out normal. I'm absorbing all the nutrients that I'm supposed to be, getting the protein, calcium, iron, B-12, and so forth that my body needs. My cholesterol is normal, too. I'm taking a chewable multi-vitamin twice a day, with some extra E for my breast implants. I drink a lot of milk, which, by the way, is a very satisfying meal. Health is a wonderful gift.
I have my one year checkup with Dr. Boe on Monday, Sept. 23. I'll post more then.
9-24-02:
Well, I had my one-year consultation at BTC. Everything went great, and I had a clean bill-of-health. I've officially lost 128 pounds! Wow, what a year it's been!
There was a bunch of women (hello, Jennifer!) in the waiting area before our appointments, and we all were Dr. Boe's patients. We got to talking, and ended up having our own support group meeting right there in the waiting room! There were some who were coming for their initial consultation (still looking into having the surgery), pre-op, two weeks post-op, 6 weeks post-op, three months post-op, one year post-op and two years post-op. It was really awesome to be able to share together how this surgery has changed our lives. Because St. Louis doesn't have a support group (not that I've been able to find,anyway), I've really missed being able to talk to others who have had WLS. I don't know of anyone personally (in my acquaintance) who has had WLS. This web site is the only outlet I have right now.
A lot of women were wanting to see the scars on my arms from my brachioplasty. I also had Dr. Boe write a note to Royal Caribbean Cruises to ask if I can have a mini-frig in my cabin in order to be able to eat quality foods 6 times a day. I know that on a ship there is food galore, but I don't want to have to revert to eating pizza or junk, just to get in my meals. The cruise line will work with you if you have a note from your surgeon. Thanks, Dr. Boe!
Well, I'm in a size 8/10 now! Never in my wildest imagination did I ever think I'd be this size! What a thrill life is, now! Thank the Lord for the gift of health and slimness!!
11-21-02:
I'm down 130 pounds! I don't think I'm going to lose much more, if any. But that's great! I'm in size 8 skirt & pants, size 10 jeans. My wedding band from 25 years ago fits perfectly. I measured the other day, and my bust is actually one inch bigger than my hips! Amazing!
I'm leaving in two days for a week long cruise in the Caribbean with my hubby and two teenage daughters. I CANNOT WAIT!! For the first time in ... I don't know how long ... I'm not going to be shy of the camera or camcorder! Bring 'em on!
Life has made such a turn since this surgery was given to me. Exhilarating, to say the least! I hope all of you are doing well. I'll update when I get back from 'tropical paradise'.
12-03-02:
We had a GREAT time on our cruise! It was so convenient having that little frig in my stateroom. At breakfast I'd get a few extra cartons of milk and stick them in the frig for a snack later on. I also was able to keep some fruit and water in there. It really helped! I actually lost another pound while I was gone! THAT IS AMAZING! I ate some of the most terrific food (we're talking prime rib, filet mignon, lobster tail, shrimp scampi, rosemary chicken, shall I continue?), just not much of it. They even had some sugar-free desserts with just about every meal! Wow!
There was one drawback. In July, I had bought two new swimsuits for the beach, thinking that I'd order a size down and be able to make due. I had ordered, according to the catalog size charts for measurements, a size 12. Where they fit in July, they are too big now! Yikes! I made due with them, but, what really puzzles me is that I've not lost THAT much weight since July! Does your weight distribution change that much, even after you've stopped losing?
I still continue to be amazed at the changes my life has taken since this surgery. There is such freedom in knowing that I'm not controlled by my appetite or held back by my body-image anymore!
I had some portraits made on the ship. I'm wanting to post one that's a full body picture at the Captain's Gala dinner. I hope to have it up soon!
8-24-03:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!! Wow!! Has it been two years already?! I've got to say that it doesn't seem like it's been that long. I'm doing very well, and I would NEVER go back! I'm staying on course as far as my eating, although, my exercise could use a little revving up. I've settled in at about 150 pounds (size 8-10), and am thrilled at the quality of life that I now have. I just had my one year checkup with Dr. Huffaker (plastic surgeon) and he said that I look great and that I seem to be glowing. Wow! I feel very fortunate to have been given this second chance at a quality of life I thought would never be mine again.
Well, I'll go now. I'll share more later when I have more time. Thanks for listening.
8-25-04:
Has it really been 3 years? I must say that it has been quite a journey. I've been struggling with a 17-pound weight gain since I hit my all-time low of 143 (at about 15 months post-op). I have gone back on Weight Watchers and have lost 5 of them, but I know if I had time to exercise more, it would make a big difference. There just doesn't seem to be enough time in a day.
I've recently started a new job ... I'm an office manager of a financial firm here in St. Louis. I attribute my career success partly to my weight loss. It has amazingly boosted my confidence to be able to tackle just about anything. I quit my dead-end job in a customer service position, and stepped out to new heights and went for what I really wanted! I'm healthy, happy, and off all medications.
I need to go see Dr. Boe just for a checkup. I never went to my two-year visit, and I know I should.
I've lost track of Jennifer Fitzi, from Wisconsin, who I had surgery with. I wonder how she's doing.
Well, I hope all who are reading this, and thinking about having this surgery, will be inspired to go for it. I have never looked back, except to see how far I've come!!!
8-25-05:
Hello to all who are reading this. Four years ago I started this journey toward optimal health, and I am still in awe as to how far it has brought me! I feel terrific, my marriage has never been better, I love my new job, and I have more energy to deal with life! I'm back down to 154 lbs. and would like to lose a little more. I've been on Weight Watchers for several months now. I believe that it is such a balanced, sensible program. But, even if I don't lose any more, I'm still so much better off than I was. I'm wanting to at least maintain where I'm at now. I continue to get comments about how much different I look since my weight loss, especially when people get out pictures of years past. It's pretty cool!
I'm taking my vitamins daily, and have recently had to incorporate an iron supplement because my blood test revealed an extremely low level. I also bought myself a 64 ounce mug that I fill up every morning, and make sure that I have it gone by bedtime. That way I'm getting my liquids, and I don't have to remember how many glasses I've already drank.
Thanks for reading, and I hope that wherever you're at on this journey, that you'll hang in there. Do extensive research, and follow your instincts. Go with the best doctor and most competent facility. Do what the doctor says to do, and DON'T do what the doctor says NOT to do.
Till next time ...
Photos
 274 lbs August, 2001 / BMI 47 Do I look happy & healthy to you? |
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 143 lbs BMI 24 / November, 2002 on my 25th wedding anniversary cruise. Can you believe this is the same woman?! |
Hospital Reviews
- (Belvidere, IL) - Barix Clinics (NW Suburban Com. Hospital)
Product Reviews
- Archway - Rocky Road Cookies
- Murray - Sugar Free Fudge Dipped Wafers
- Nestle - Sugar Free Turtles
Weight Loss Survey Responses
Click Here To View
Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: Brian S. Boe, M.D.
My first impression of Dr. Boe was that he genuinely cares about his patients. He spent extra time with my husband and I to answer our myriad of questions. At no time did we feel intimidated or that a question wasn't important. I really don't know much more than this yet. I've only spent time with him at my initial consultation. Follow-up to come.
Insurer Info:
Healthlink
They were EXTREMELY particular. I had to take a psych. exam and evaluation, check for pre-existing conditions, wait, wait, and wait some more. I did seem to get quicker answers when I was the one to call instead of my doctor's office. But they did come through for me. I know it was worth the long wait.
About Me
Before & After
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