jillygirl
September 8, 2004 -- I can't believe it has been over a year since I posted an update to my profile. I think when you get so involved in actually "living" life you spend very little time doing the things you once had an abumdance of time to do (like surf the internet). To try and catch everyone up... here's my status... Surgery to correct the fistula 10/23/03 .. open and succesful despite my own shortcomings.... Since January 2004 this year I have had 10 stricture openings. There is no specific formula that I am aware of that determines why I continue to have trouble with recurring strictures, however as of late (august 2004 I have been going for longer periods of time between stricture recurrence. I have continued to loose weight and am now right at around 230 pounds. That is so amazing to me and I know most people would not be happy about weighing 230 pounds but from 496 it is a terrific accomplishment! I will continue to have stricture openings (EDG w/ Dilation) as needed (hopefully it won't be needed again) and will strive towards achieving my goal of 170 pounds which means I have about 60 more pounds to loose... I know this will be the hardest to get off and there is a great possibility of needed plastic surgery when I am done. Obviously I have covered a massive amount of time in this brief synopsis of the past year and I welcome any questions about the specifics of my experience. I am planning on attending the local "walk from obesity" in Greenville SC sponsored by Bariatric Solutions (Dr. Eric Bour's practice) on September 18th and hope to see many of you there!!! Thanks to all my AMOS friends who have supported me over the past 3 years and Thanks most of all to My Lord and Savior and the wonderful husband and family He has blessed me with.
July 25, 2003 -- a great long while since I posted below is an update.
It is very early in the morning on July 24th 2003. I am writing to help better explain the current health issues going on with me right now. As most of you all know I had the Roux En Y divided gastric bypass surgery on January 18th 2002 which is now just a few days over a year and half ago. Since that time I have lost approximately 171 pounds, which is roughly, 9.5 pounds a month, which is not the expectation, I had set for myself. Part of the problem I have encountered is explained below which I will be having surgery to correct.
On June 26th I had a visit with my surgeon DR, Eric Bour. I explained to the Doctor I had been throwing up within that past week every time I would eat a normal meal like 1 - 2 oz of grilled chicken and maybe 1 oz of mashed potatoes and 1 or 2 cubes of fruit. Also for at least two months prior to this I was hurting when trying to eat after a bite or two. After explaining this to the doctor he decided to do and Endoscopy (EDG) to see if I had a stricture in the pouch (the new stomach) which is like a closure or narrowing of the exit for my new stomach. What they found was in fact much more serious. I had developed a fistula between my pouch (new stomach) and the old stomach.
Now this is a rare occurrence or complication of the Roux En Y divided Gastric Bypass surgery and happens in less than 2% of patients. The "WHY?" of how this happened is not definite but could have occurred due to a small staple line disruption that attached itself to the old stomach which after surgery lies adjacent to but disconnected from the new pouch. This would have occurred over a period of time but in conjunction with a stricture on the other side of the pouch would have caused a fistula to form, which creates an opening between the pouch and the old stomach. Now this is just a possible reason for the fistula that developed and I have included a link with an article that also provides other information regarding this complication and other complications. Click here: http://www.usagiedu.com/articles/barsur/barsur.pdf
I asked the doctor if I did something wrong to have caused this and his answer was NO, however I do believe had I paid more attention to the warning signs of a problem, it could have been detected sooner.
I can't change what has happened and now begins the task to correct the problem. The surgeon has ordered a series of Endoscopies (4 to be exact) to attempt to open the stricture at the bottom of the pouch by dilating the pouch with a balloon and wire. This needs to be done first so the surgery to repair the fistula can be done successfully. The EDG's are to take place at the Greenville Memorial Eastside Hospital near North Hills Medical Center on the following dates 7/24 10:00 am, 7/31 10:00 am, 8/6 8:00 am, and 8/13 6:00 am. These are all outpatient procedures that take no more than and hour and the hope is that the exit of the pouch will be successfully dilated each time and that it will stay open until the final surgery.
Next will be the major surgery, which is tentatively scheduled for 8/26 (I will know for sure in a few days what time and where). This is the surgery to actually repair the pouch and detach the fistula.
In no way am I sorry about the great blessing God gave me through having the Gastric Bypass surgery. I know at 496 pounds it saved my life. Every step of the way God has been right there beside me. The loving support of my entire family, friends, and church family through their prayers has made me appreciate every person God has placed in my life. But most of all I am grateful for His saving Grace. I know that I am His child and that He loves me and for whatever reason I am going through these difficult times He is with me.
Besides my own health problems, I am overwhelmed with my deep concern for my husbands' health, our financial problems, my sister's health, and the health of my Mom, dad and mother in law. For my friends and loved ones I ask for your prayers that God will lead me in every area of my life in the direction He would have me go. Please pray that Rich, my husband, receives the medical attention he so desperately needs as well and that I might be the kind of support I need to be for him during this trying time. My nerves are shaken but my Faith is unwavering and I believe with every fiber of my being that God has a reason for everything.
Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me."
May 6, 2002 -- It has been 68 days since I last update my profile and I guess I have been too busy living working and playing to come and make updates. I can't believe but today I went for a check up and all my blood work is great and my weight loss is 99.5 pounds and it has been 108 days since surgery!!!!! I am in shock a little... It feels great to breath and not feel so out of breath all the time. My life has been so changed and I have only just begun... I am so grateful for the wonderful people God has given me. I began feeling better about 8 weeks after surgery and I have my ups and downs but mostly I've been getting better and better every day. I have gone through so many different emotions too with all the changes in my life ... this is definitely a wild ride.... I am suddenly very aware of other peoples needs too, I guess I don't have to worry so much about myself anymore. Well I just wanted to update my site and say Thanks to everyone for your continued prayers and support. Especially Thanks to my dear Family (My supportive husband my amazing Mom and Dad Jen Cy & Dawn My Chippy and Ganny... My sweet loving and gracious Aunts Pat and Linda my cous Jonathan and Marie and so many others... My friends who are all unique wonderful and Priceless... Liz Ali Rhonda Susan Miranda Jenny Dawn & David Libby Becky Emily my sweet Jackson and Little Garrett... Becky and Carlin and Dr Willett and Chimene Katie Dr Spearman and Last but not least Dr Bour) and that's only to name a few. I am so blessed ...Thank you Lord for my life and all you are doing for me daily and allowing me to be a child of yours but mostly for giving your life for me that I might live!!!
February 19, 2002 -- Well it has been a month since I posted anything and what a month it has been. I had surgery 32 days ago and this is the first time I have had any desire to even get on the computer and even go to this site. I am healing and have had a long hard battle this past month. I had some other problems that made the whole recovery difficult. I had what the doctor says was gout in my left ankle WOW was I IN PAIN. I also developed slight pneumonia and was re-hospitalized. I think I am a big wimp but I can't help it, I hate pain. The good news is I have lost 58 pounds as of today WOW !!!!! I Know 58 lbs in 32 days ... whatever .... that rocks.... I still have 300 more pounds to loose but WOW what a start!!!!!!!! As my outlook gets better I will write more. This has been the hardest thing I have ever done. Many thanks to all of you who have wished me well I cried tears of joy reading your posts. Many thanks to my angel Paula H for keeping you all posted and all her support. I tell you though the truth is my family and friends were really here for me during this my darkest hour but most important my thanks to the Father, my Heavenly Father.. Thank you Lord for bringing me through and giving me the most wonderful family and friends.
More to come ... keep praying....
January 18 2002 -- I am on my way now going to the hospital. Thank you all for your prayers. I am relatively calm and I know the Lord is with me today. I'll see you all on the lighter side. Yeah!!!!!!
January 13, 2002 -- Hello everyone! I am sitting here at my computer on Sunday, January 13, 2002, at 11:00 PM and I am having all sorts of feelings and emotions about the up and coming surgery on Friday. I am first extremely excited and I guess I just feel as if my life is now going to begin again. I am heading for a new phase where I will be stronger and healthier and happier. I truly believe God has so much more for me to do and this is all part of His plan for my life. With a new lease on life I will really have so much more to be grateful for and so much more I can do for Him, I feel like anything is possible.
Some other emotions are of course the fear of the unknown. I think mostly of how I will feel after the actually surgery and what my pain level will be like. I know I will be able to handle it because God will be with me but I guess it's kind of normal to be a bit nervous. The thing is there is risk in life whatever you do and in any surgery. So with the risk I am taking with surgery I just had to weigh (no pun intended ha ha) the good and the bad. So first for the good.... Obviously a chance at a successful and lasting way to loose the weight I have battled my entire life. To feel normal for once in size. To breath easier when I walk to be able to walk and run and play... ( I used to love to dance and play as all my kids in the neighborhood can attest to) To be able to have children with the love of my life my husband. To feel good and more confident with the way I look. To be taken seriously and not seen as lazy or grotesque by complete strangers. To take care of my Ganny my Chippy and My darling Rich and not feel like they are always taking care of me. To be able to fit in the airplane to go see my brother Cyrus and my sweet sister in law Dawn in Chicago and to see all my other family in Denver Maryland Arizona, and California. To feel good at work (I love my job) and I would be one heck of a salesperson for them. To sing in the choir at church and not be out of breath. To sing with my sister and brother like we did when we were kids. To go out to eat and fit in booths and order just a salad and be full and satisfied. To feel good at school and keep going cause I have lots of energy and to finally graduate from College with honors (maybe). This list could go on and on.
Now for the bad. The worst possible outcome would be to die, which I don't want and is not very likely since the percentage is like .2% and that is very low. I guess some other down sides will be that the surgery is not reversible and I could have complications. But not having surgery will most surely result in an earlier death for me like in ten yrs because of declining health so I guess that's reason to have it really. I know beyond a shadow of doubt that if it is my time to go I will be in heaven with my Savior and my family and friends who have already gone home. My life is not perfect but I do love the Lord and I believe that Jesus died for all sinners and in his perfect love and gift of His son I am forgiven and saved. There is no greater gift. I am in awe of Him and humbly ask for His forgiveness for my sin. He is my everything. So I feel like if it is my time it was all in his will for my life and I want everyone to know I am home and in a better place. The thing is I really don't feel like I have anything to worry about with this surgery. I have a terrific surgeon who is completely thorough and caring who also loves the Lord and believes his hands are God's instruments. I have Katie who I believe loves me and is emotionally supportive of what I am going through and Dr. Spearman who will help me through all the psychological changes I will be experiencing. I am prepared I am ready.
Part of me wants to say things to the people in my life who have meant so much to me and I think I am on a roll here so there is no time like the present to just say what you feel. My sweet Me-ma always told me if you love someone just say it again and again since we never know how many tomorrow's we have and never go to bed angry. I am happy to say I have no feelings of animosity or hatred for anyone in my life, I don't believe I have room in my heart for that. I guess I will just start at the beginning since my list is long and God has blessed me with so many people to love and who love me. I will write letters I think thats a good idea. Well I have so many people I need to tell how important they are to me... I love you all and I know you are scared for me and I know we are all praying that His will be done. I will make it through this and a better healthier me is on the way. Kisses and Hugs and Good night.
January 12, 2002 -- I am up early today since I have to work later and I was checking my mail and I have recieved so many wonderful and encouraging emails from my AMOS friends. You guys are the best and really helped lift my spirits. I had a procedure yesterday and I had some trouble sleeping last night. I have a problem with my blood that is passed on by a parent usually called Factor V Lieden. It has to do with blood clots and a predisposition to it. So my wonderful and thourough doctor arranged for me to have a Greenfield Vena Cava Filter inserted to prevent bloodclots from passing to the heart or lungs. Since this was a little strange I wanted to include it on the page so if anyone ever has a question about it they can email me. The procedure was uncomfortable but I feel better with it in. Well I am 7 short days away from my surgery and I am so ready for this. I have had some nervous moments but you guys came through for me with the encouraging words I needed to hear. I am usually pretty positive in my outlook but I felt a bit scared the other night and it was mostly fear of just the unknown for me since I have never had major surgery. I just want to be there for my family for a long time to come and even though there is a risk involved that is very small, this tool of surgery will provide me with the way to achieve weight loss goals that will extend my life. I was reminded by a very close friend (Liz) that I can't give something to God to handle just in part or give it to Him and then take it back and it really opened my eyes to what I was worrying over. I have given it to him and that frees you from the worry and fear. Well Thanks again everyone for your encouraging words. Oh yeah by the way My preop weight is 491 (lost 5 lbs. prob. fluid Ha Ha)
January 6, 2002 -- Well it's been a while since I last wrote. The holidays were busy but wonderful. I have taken some needed time off of work but I have had too much time to think about this surgery. I find myself here now 12 short days away from surgery date and getting nervous, I guess I'm entitled. I have heard Paula H my friend and angel is doing well. I want to thank everyone for their kind words and well wishes for my surgery. I am really so ready to start my new life and start loosing this weight that's been holding me back for so long now. My whole family has been very supportive and understanding. I know I have been blessed with the most wonderful family imaginable. Where there is love anything is possible. I had a great time on New Yrs eve with my hubby and I am so glad we had that special time together. ......... Well I did have an update of sorts.. I was told my Doctor want's to put in a shield of sorts I'm not sure what it was called but it is to protect me from blood clots since I have this rare blood disorder called Factor V. I feel good about it and the fact that Dr. Bour wants to be safe and cautious. I have been going through some strange emotions about the whole thing but I find it most helpful to read other's stories about WLS and the people on this site have great advice on how to cope. So for now Keep praying that's what I plan to do and I know my friends will too. 12 days and counting until the 18th. I am ready!!!! God help me!!!
December 20, 2001 -- Christmas will be here soon and my surgery date is quickly approaching... 28 days and counting... No real problems just getting nervously excited. I'm exhausted with Christmas shopping and getting ready for the Holidays but this year I have so much I am thankful for. I am looking forward to a new me and a new way of life in 2002. I am meeting with the nutritionist tomorrow and will update more then.
December 16, 2001 I am getting over a terrible sinus headache and thinking alot about the up and coming changes in my life I reall can't wait to start feeling better. I meet with the nutritionist next week so I am excited about that. I think I have an Angel. Thanks to Paula from Greer and I am going to be her Angel as well. I wonder if the weight loss will help with my allergies, well lets hope and pray for the best.
Dec 11th - I am so excited about my date it will be January 18th if nothing else changes and I feel at peace with everything. I am ready for my life to start changing so I am starting now.. no need to wait 5 and a half weeks to start anew... All is not roses but just with the idea of the journey I am about to begin I feel this renewed joy. Fear is there the ugly beast but my Faith in my Lord Jesus is thankfully stronger. I have my parents to thank for giving me every opportunity to know God and that gift is the GREATEST. My sweet husband is ever strong and ever supportive and the old me sometimes says "Why do I deserve him?" but thats what so great about God's plan for your life when its His plan you and your partner get to feel the same way about eachother. Ok so I am all about how I feel.... So I had my EGD and all was good I have a small hiatal hernia and of course a little acid reflux but no other problems. I will have my Echo on December 13th and my meeting with a nutritionist on Dec 21st.Yeah My brother and sister in law will be here for Christmas..... Let the festivities begin. I can't believe how great my company is being but that's why I love it there. I am sure the next five weeks will fly by but I am going to enjoy every minute of it.
Dec 10th - Meeting with Dr. Bour... scared to death nervous about cost..... My insurance is great but the policy in the office which was completely legit. called for a downpayment. Dr. Bour was a complete angel if you will... totally understanding about my confusion and even spent an hour of his own time on the phone with my insurance company... He was so gracious and I am now so ready for this life changing tool and the trust factor is a 10+. I know in part I am trusting this surgeon with my life but just as he put it He is just the hands and God does the rest. Wow, what a blessing!!! I am at total peace and only anxious for my date in January to arrive. My family and freinds are so supportive and my sweet husband never faltering in standing beside me. My parents are my angels as well, it amazes me how wonderful they are and I will be forever grateful to God for them both. Prayers are welcomed by all.
