kathleen-Joan piper
Today Is My Birthday
Mar 23, 2008
Today is my birthday AND Easter..a once in a lifetime event..it will happen again 2160!! I should have done something out of the ordinary to celebrate but I didn't ..just the usual..dinner and time spent with family. I'm certainly not complaining though..I enjoyed it very much. I had a nice birthday.
My Journey 2003 -2006
Mar 19, 2008
My journey from 2003-2006
Feb 8th 2003-
Well, I'm pleased to announce I have a consultation scheduled with Magaret Inman..a REALLY good surgeon ..on March 24th...the day after my birthday...how ironic...this may be the beginning of a whole new life..I'm excited but scared..I'm ready to do this! I almost forgot to mention this...I switched insurance plans because I have heard that United Healthcare is alot more flexible than Mplan. That is why I have to wait until march for my appointment..to definitely be on the new insurance which is effective March 1st. I've had alot of back pain lately and I've had to be prescribed an anti-inflamatory medication (which is tearing my stomach up!!!)muscle relaxant, and pain killer....plus the humilation of an x-ray which I felt like a beached whale on top of the table because I'm not able to move as easily due to the pain. It was yet another wake-up call to me, another sign from God to proceed on with getting this surgery.
March 4th-
Hi! I'm just waiting for my appointment with Dr. Inman for March 24th to have my consultation. I'm really hoping my surgery will be covered by United Health Care -PPO. I think it looks good because I called United Health Care to have them check my coverage through my company (Target) and it says it will cover as long as patient is diagnosed as morbidly obese....I definitely fit the bill! How weird, the one time I'm glad to fit in that category.
It's been so inspiring having the number of people email me and post replies to my concern about being so afraid after reading the memorials. I'm just so thankful for this wonderful website and think God is working through the angels who make this web site possible.
I've filled out my book size questionaire and I hope they are as through in person as they are on paper when it comes to my medical background! That's all for now.
March 6th
I'm still waiting to hear from my Dr's office about how much it will cost me to get my medical files copied for me to take personally to my surgeon on my consultation day. I hope this won't end up being a problem for me in getting approval from the insurance company!
March 7th
Ta Da! I got my "quote" for how much it will cost to copy all my medical records...$24.98 I don't think that's too bad. It'll be kind of nice to see at my leisure what they've been writing all this time in my records....well, maybe it'll be nice ..hope they haven't said anything too mean about my weight! ha ha ..just kidding.. I'm one tiny step closer!
March 12
I have eleven more days until my appointment to find out if I'm eligible for this surgery. I feel like I'm in limbo...just waiting...waiting and more waiting.
I guess I better get used to it though from what I've read in other people's profiles waiting for the insurance company to green light them.
Linda, a wonderful volunteer, did my profile page. I like it alot and I'm happy with it. Thanks Linda!
March 12
I was thinking maybe I should share a little about myself. I am 36 yrs old, married for 9yrs (in July!) with a 7yr old boy. My husband and son are such a huge part of my life that I want to have this surgery so I can use it as a tool to lose enough weight to hopefully enhance my life and health with my family. I want to do fun, physical things again in my life like I used to when I was younger (high school-college years).
Well, I also want to ...LOOK GOOD!!!!! Seriously though, I just want to maintain the excellent health that God and genetics has given me so far.
The only thing truly "wrong" with me is my weight. No diabetes,high cholestral,high blood pressure. ...nothing I have to take regular medication for.
The only complaints I have are tiredness after working and my knees aching after a long day. I've been having a little trouble with muscle spasms in my back and hips so to me that's my wake -up call.
My weight started piling on after I got my driver's license and a car where I had to get a job to pay for my car insurance...which meant for me bye-bye to all the physical exercise I was getting by either walking or riding my bike everywhere in addition to being on a softball team. So all that stopped and I got a job at a fast food place where you could drink however many soft drinks you want...the bane of my exsistance....and the late evenings working and coming home to do homework and eat before I went to bed
Well, you can only imagine how quickly the weight piled on. By that time I was starting college and the late night eating and lack of exercise just got worse. I wasn't working fast food by that time but in retail so the hours were crazy and there was very little time between work and school to eat sensibly and yes, being young ...to even care!
If I could only turn back time I would do that whole bit so differently!! So, begins the start of the many diets. I remember telling my boyfriend(now husband) that I was going to go to Weight Watchers with a friend and his response was "Oh, how come?" What?????!!! We were newly dating and I'm thinking "Okay, you can't tell me that you haven't noticed this extra padding on me?!" Well, he was just trying to be nice.
I am very fortunate that my husband loves me for me not my body. Hopefully after this surgery, he'll love my body just as much as I will if not more..hee hee!
It seems like especially after I had our son, my metabolism took a major dive and it didn't seem to matter WHAT I did to lose weight...it just did not work.
My body also after the birth of my son changed as well...nothing was where it used to be...very frustrating,depressing and nerve wracking!!!
My husband and son are supportive of my decision to have this surgery. My son is so sweet....he told me that I looked just fine to him. I explained some of the reasons why I wanted to have this done and he actually got a little excited thinking of me playing and running with him....not to mention swimming in public!!!!
The last time I was really seen in public (totally on display) was when I was on a swim team in my younger days. I do miss swimming and really want to get back to all the fun activities I did when I was younger. Jazzerize!!! I feel too heavy to do that now but I can't wait to get back into that again too. I realize I can't be in my twenties again or anything but I am hoping that this surgery will help me regain a slightly younger outlook on life and a more youthful appearance. It's not like I look older than my years or anything..I just want to feel younger ...more ALIVE!!!!
March 24, 2003
THE CONSULTATION
It was very low key and fairly quick. I had all my questions answered..so that's what really counts. If I'm approved by insurance for the surgery, I will be having Open RNY because of my BMI being pretty high...no LAP for me.
I also have to have a blood test for Factor V Leiden because my mom has that..which means she is HIGHLY prone to blood clots. I have to get tested for it because it may change alot of procedures if I get the go ahead for surgery. I was told it would be about 4-6 weeks before they would know if I am approved or not. Right now they are scheduling in Dr. Inman's office for Summer. If I get approved I could be scheduled sometime late summer -early fall. All I can do is my walking, get my blood test and be as patient as possible in the meantime! God Willing!!!
I continue to pray every night for guidance through this process. I truly think God has given me these back problems all of a sudden to show me that , "Yes, you really do need this surgery and you need to make these changes in your life." I am ready to do this and I desperately want to succeed at losing the weight this time. I just feel like it's now or never. I don't know how to explain how this time will be different...I just feel like it will be.
It's not very often I get determined about something but once I make up my mind to do something....I do it. I just wish I was able to be like that before in earlier attempts to lose weight. I just get tired of losing the same 20-30 lbs only to have it come back plus another 15-20 lbs to go with it!!
It's really strange to me...I'm not afraid anymore about this surgery. I've heard people say about their problems that they've handed it over to God. Well, that's what I did not too long ago. I told God it's in his hands and to please give me some sign to make it okay for me to proceed on with this whole surgery idea. The next day a lady I work with told me that she was going to have the surgery. I took that as a sign. Al Roker was on T.V. that evening talking about his surgery...I took that as a sign. A little girl the next day was walking past me at work and I heard her say to her mother..."She has a big bottom"...another sign!
It's going to be rough, painful, sad, frustrating, and God only knows what but I'll get through it because I believe there's something more ...something truly great waiting for me on the other side.
Something annoying about my consultation...I'm shorter than I thought!!!
Bummer!! That just drives that BMI up! I thought I was about 5'6..oh, wrongo! Try 5'4 and a half!!! I really don't think I'm that short! Oh, well!
April 3,2003
At last a little progress! I had a message from Dr. Inman's office saying that they had just received my packet of information I had filled out through St. Vincent's Baratric Center and my letter from the surgeon would be sent by middle of next week (faxed) and to check with my insurance company at the end of next week (April 11th).
One tiny step closer!!
April 7,2003
Just waiting patiently to call the insurance company to see where we're at in my journey to a new me. So far I've told my side of the family which has received little to mixed to no reaction. My mom isn't too thrilled and of course she's worried about all the obvious concerns people have. She'd be really scared if I gave her some facts about the chances people who are morbidly obese take with their lives every day. I feel like I'm a walking time bomb in a way. I didn't really feel that way until I started gathering information about obesity. I really detest that word so much!!! My mother-in-law has been saying that word quite a bit lately..in general when talking about people being overweight. I guess she wants to use the proper terms but probably just doesn't realize that people who are overweight,heavy etc.. DO NOT LIKE THAT WORD..at least not in their everyday conversation. It's an ugly word. That's all for today!
April 12, 2003
I am still waiting patiently for the surgeon's office to send my pre-determination letter to UHC. The surgeon's office did call to let me know that the baratric's office had left some information off my packet and that caused a little delay.
So it's been taken care of and SUPPOSEDLY the letter will go out this Monday...we'll see! This is getting a little old.
Here's some of the things I'm looking forward to after my weight loss:
1. Having a decent picture taken of myself sitting down and not worrying about the angle!
2. Buying clothes that say more about my personality rather than "at least it fits".
3. Walking without having that nagging pain in my knees and hips.
4. Going swimming with my son in public. As it is now, I refuse to be seen in
a bathing suit out for the whole world to see!
5. Feeling like I've accomplished something....something to be really proud about...... that I did this on my own.
6. Waking up with more energy and not feeling exhausted in the evening.
7. Going out to eat with my family and not worry "Will I fit in the booth?"
8. Going through all the different sizes of my clothes to the point that I eventually Do HAVE to get some new clothes...OH, DARN!!!
9. I can't wait to feel that rush when someone hasn't seen me in awhile is shocked about my weightloss and barely recognizes me...that would be SO cool!!
10. Just overall good health and lots of energy...I want to feel good and look good!
All the above are reasons to keep plugging away at getting this surgery. Soon hopefully it will be reality. All I can do is pray.
April 18,2003
I have a little bit of "new" news...my predetermination letter was finally received at UHC...it only took about a month for it to finally get there! I also found out from one of my lab tests that my blood clots normally..that's a good sign I hope! I had to have labs taken to see if I am Factor V Leiden ....this is something my mother has and now all of us kids have to be tested to see if we have it as well. This Factor V Leiden basically means that whoever has this is very prone to blood clots. So, you can see why if I hope to have this surgery, I need to get tested. So far just that one test has come back...my blood clots okay. They are still waiting on the actual Factor V Leiden test...it takes awhile to come back. I had it done almost three weeks ago! I'll just have to say some prayers and keep my fingers crossed!
APRIL 25, 2003
The saga continues.....the latest news is that my "case" has been sent for review as of April 16th and what I've been told is that as soon as they know something I will notified. I guess Katherine from UHC is getting a little tired of me calling every other day. She has been very nice about it though.
Other news....grrr........ my dr's office called today to inform me (after I've nagged them beyond belief) that my labs have to be redone because for whatever reason only part of the tests were done. The most important one to see if I'm Factor V was not done. So, I have to go back to the lab and have the bloodwork done again! It takes about a month for these tests to come back. I've already lost a month as it is. I was told if I do have Factor V , it's the surgeon's decision if she feels comfortable enough to do the surgery.
All I can do is pray and hang in there.
April 28, 2003
Great news!
I've been approved! Now I have the fun of waiting for my surgery date to get scheduled. I'm a little bit closer! Yeah!!!!
May 9,2003
Well, it's almost been two weeks since I learned that I had been approved and I've heard nothing from the surgeon's office about getting a date even after calling and leaving a message twice for the scheduler. I know she's extremely busy but would it kill her to at least return my message to tell me it will be awhile? I'm just getting frustrated.
I have to try and work longer hours now because our benefits at work are changing according to average hours per week. As it is now with the average hours I work, I qualify for part-time benefits. I need to get my hours up from the current 28 hrs per week to 32 hrs per week to qualify for full-time benefits which would benefit me and my family the most.
If it was just me on the insurance I could have full time benefits. It's having the family on my insurance that makes it where I need to boost my hours and it's killing me!!!!!
My legs and knees especially ache after being on my feet standing longer periods of time than I'm used to...I guess that's what it'll take getting used to all that again! Hope my family appreciates what I'm doing for them!
May 17,2003
Well, I'm trying really hard not to get frustrated! I finally got to speak to Vicki, the person who schedules for Dr. Inman and Dr. Evanson. She said that she has no idea when I'll get a date because of the sheer volume of people she has to deal with on a daily basis wanting this surgery. She also said she'd be out of the office I think for the next two weeks so I know it'll be at least that long before I hear anything. I told her my approval was only good for 90 days and she has said that she works around it and not to worry about that part. So, I'm still waiting.
June 3, 2003
*********THE WAIT IS OVER!!!!!************
I got my call today for the surgery date...Oct 1st
Seems so far away yet so close too at the same time! I have alot of Dr's appts now to look forward to..ha ha
Till next time!
August 14,2003
Gosh, I can't believe that it's been since June that I've been here at my page! So far I've had my appointment with the hemotologist which went fine and she seems to think I'd do fine with the surgery. I've had my psych evaluation..piece of cake.
I just answered a few questions about what expectations I had from the surgery. I said I no plans to become a bikini model...Ha..ha.
My next appointments are in September for my pre-op nutritional class which is on the the 2nd and I have pre-op testing on the 10th followed the next day with an appointment with the internist for clearance for surgery.
I'm just paranoid enough that it'll be my luck I'll get to the appointment and the internist (Dr.Kern) will find some mysterious disease or condition wrong with me that even though it'll not be something fatal or anything, it'll be something that will prevent me from surgery...I'm soooo paranoid!
Till next time when I'll have news.
September 12,2003
Well, I've had my pre-op nutrition class and all my pre-op tests.
So far everything looks good for the surgery. Dr. Kern says aside from my weight, I am very healthy. He was especially impressed with my blood pressure reading. One of the nurses going over my chart was surprised that on the medication section of the forms I had to fill out that all I take is Tylenol as needed. She said usually people come in with at least 3-4 medications they are on. Hope I can keep it that way. I will have to take a chewable multi-vitamin complete,calcium supplement, and B12 for the rest of my life after surgery. I can handle that.
My pre-op testing wasn't too bad at all. Here's what I had :
Upper GI
Chest X-ray
Ultra Sound
EKG
Labs
Breathing Test
Spirometer Orientation
So, now it's time to wait for my turn. I'll be updating after my surgery. Till then!
September 22, 2003
WOW!!! 9 days until my surgery..no wonder I'm a nervous wreck..well, sorta anyway! I feel like everything is spinning out of control. I feel like no matter what I do, there's always something else that needs to be done before I have my surgery.
So, now it's the waiting game..got to be patient.
Till next time!
October 1,2003
Well, ...gee, aren't I supposed to be at the hospital now? No, because my surgeon's office totally messed things with my insurance to the point where I'll be having my surgery on Oct 8th instead. My insurance (UHC) is set up where once you're approved for surgery it's good for 90 days. Well, my approval was back in March and when I was finally called by the surgeon's office to give me my date in April, I was given the date of Oct 1st. First words out of my mouth was, "My approval is only good for 90 days"
"Oh, that's not a problem..I have a way of working around that..." HA!!! Yesterday I was called by Vicki, the schedule coordinator informing that she wasn't able to get my surgery approved and she was working on it!
She said that she was able to flip flop me with someone having their surgery next Wednesday on the 8th. I wonder if they're running around like a crazy person because everything has been moved up. Hope they realize how super duper lucky they are!!!
I've had to rearrange alot of things because of my surgery being postponed a week. What a pain! Care for our son, work arrangements, volunteer obligations, and social outings a few weeks out from my original date probably will have to be cancelled. I'm really disappointed I'm going to miss the big Cub Scout outing to Conner's Prairie on the 11th. Had I had my surgery on the 1st, I probably would have been able to go and sit down when tired etc.. I guess I'll have to wait until next year for Cub Scout day at Conner's Prairie.
Life goes on....
GRRRR...... till next time!
~ A LITTLE SIDE NOTE ~
The pictures toward the end of my profile are NOT Before and After pictures. The thinner picture is from the summer before college...OLD picture..but it is representative of a size I would like to be again....just setting a goal! I do want to make it clear that's what those pictures are all about.
******THE BIG DAY IS HERE******
OCTOBER 8,2003
Boy, I'm feeling a little scared but I know that's normal. My advice to anyone considering this surgery is to try to go a day like the day I had yesterday...following the special pre-surgery diet....that'll give you a REAL true picture or at least a fraction of what'll be like once you're home coping on your own and eating on your own after surgery.
Pre-surgery diet
I'm sure many people who've had surgery, that this is old hat to them..not me because this is my first ever surgery and hopefully my last! So, anyway you get to start the morning with a normal meal. If you're anything like me who doesn't like breakfast type foods, eat what you like. I went out to breakfast with family members for that last "hurrah" and they all had breakfast stuff and I had chicken salad and a cup of soup. I guess I could have gone a little crazier but just didn't feel like it especially.
I did manage to snag my mother-in-law's bacon though!*LOL*
So, than later on for lunch...here comes the interesting part..all the cream soup, mashed potatoes,hot cereal, etc..whatever is that consistency you want...sounds great..but I'm a TEXTURE type eater...I want to crunch and chew..so reality is starting to set in real quick!!
Dinner..did someone say dinner?!! Oh, jello...thanks. Need I say more? Well, you can also have as much of the jello as you want or any broth you can see through. I do have to say after eating, ..no, DRINKING all those liquids..I spent what I thought was an incredible amount of time in the bathroom. Good times.
My main thoughts as I went through all this yesterday..was better get used to it..it's going to be like this for a long time...not FOREVER but a long time. It was weird looking into the pantry and doing an inventory in my mind of all the things in there that I can't have. I've never had that hard or put that hard of a restriction upon myself. I am proud of myself because I could have really cheated galore and just tell them at the hospital that I followed the special diet instructions...I didn't.. I stuck to the plan...I can do this and I'm not going to fail at it either! YEA for me!!!! :-)
So, back to my thoughts about pre-ops purposely "fasting" it's a good reality check that I think is a good tool to help someone make a decision about this surgery.
I will post as soon as I can POST-OP!!! I've made so many nice friends through my St. Vincent's Baratric Support Group and highly recommend to anyone wherever they have their surgery to look for a support group. It's been an invaluable experience!
!!!!! TILL NEXT TIME !!!!!
********I AM HOME!!!!********
Well, I actually got home yesterday about 1:30 p.m. I'm feeling pretty good except for the obvious pain with my incesion. It only hurts when I'm trying to get to a sitting position from laying and from sitting to standing. In other words, any action that pulls on my incesion hurts like $$#%%$#@$#$%%%%^&&~~@@!!!!!!
I haven't had any trouble with any food yet. So far everything has gone down smooth. This is what I've had to eat so far since
surgery:
Cream of Wheat
Baby Food-Pear (ugh..sweeten it with equal next time!)
Mashed Potatoes(Yummy!!)
Cream of Potato Soup (Tasty!!)
Sugar free jello(good stuff...lime is very good!)
Protein Drink(I haven't had a problem with milk so far- thank you God!!!)
Sugar free popsicles-cherry :-)
******DAILY ROUTINE******
Okay, here it is...now I just have to get into a routine with it:
Lovenox Shot
Multi Vitamin Chewable
Antacid pill
Calcium Chews
Protein Drink
Lexapro (Anti-depressant prescribed to all of Dr. Inman's patients to help supress hunger
Water, Lots and lots of it all day!
Walking every two hours
Spirometer breathing every hour
Breakfast
Walking
Breathing
Water
Lunch
Walking
Breathing
Protein Drink
Water
Check Incesion
Dinner
Breathing
Walking
Water
Protein Drink
It's all kind of the same thing but it's really harder than I thought it would be at home to get this all in, It was so much easier at the hospital because someone was always nearby to remind you also there were checklists too. I think I'll start using a check list to make sure I'm getting it all in.
The Lovenox shots are to prevent blood clots and they are so easy. They are done about two inches from your belly button with this really tiny, thin needle. You don't even feel the needle going in! That's my kind of shot!!!
I do know that even though I've just been home one day now, I'm anxious to get out and do some walking maybe downtown by the canal where it's pretty. Gee, as well as I'm doing, I think I might have been able to get back to work on a limited basis within a week and I did have Open RNY..I'm doing really great!
*****TILL NEXT TIME*****
November 3,2003
Wow, it's hard to believe that I'm just five days away from my 4th week since my surgery!! I had my first follow-up with my surgeon and dietitan October 27th. Everything looks great according to the surgeon...she looked at my incesion and says it's healing really well. I weighed in at the dietitan's and I've lost 22 lbs and that was just after two weeks so who knows how much more I've lost!
I'm having a hard time getting all the water and proteins in that I'm supposed to be but I was told that's normal for this soon out from surgery..just keep trying!! I'm supposed to drink 64 ounces of fluid a day and take in 76 grams of protein per day as well.
I feel like I'm eating and drinking all day! It's really a strange feeling though..not being hungry and forcing myself to eat. I literally have to stop and think how long ago did I eat something? So strange!!!
****Till Next Time****
November 27, 2003
*****HAPPY THANKSGIVING*****
So far, I'm happy to report that I've lost 46 lbs!! I've gone down 3-4 sizes in tops but only one size in pants...gee, I guess I know where my problem area is!! I'm starting to look pear shaped much to my great annoyance! It does feel good to be a little smaller. I find I'm starting to take more care with my appearance...I don't think my husband is used to me being very vain about my looks...kind of freaking him out a little.
My skin has never looked better due to all the water I have to drink and the vitamins I have to take. A great side benefit!
*****Till Next Time*****
December 8, 2003
Boy, I've been busy working!! I feel like all I've been doing lately is work and sleep. I guess all that activity with working is helping the scale move though! I've now have lost 61 lbs!! That's in two months exactly. I'm finally going down a size in pants..at least I think it'll be one...I just assumed from the way I've been pinning my old pants that one size down will do for now..maybe I'll be wrong! I have to wait until they get here by UPS..from JcPenny's...the best to go for work pants!
***Till Next Time***
Jan 5, 2004
Wow! Here we are in 2004!! I just had my second follow up visit with my surgeon and some other doctors as well. I'm doing great and I'm in excellent health. Still the model patient. I've lost a total so far of 66 lbs....that's been basically in two months. I'm just starting my third month. My surgery anniversary date is Oct 8, 2003. I've gone down 4 pant sizes and three shirt sizes as well. It's been so wonderful being able to wear smaller clothes and not worry about fitting into a chair....that's a great feeling!!!
***Till Next Time***
January 30, 2004
Hello! This has been a great month...I've been working hard on getting my walking in and I've been going to the exercise class that St. Vincent's offers free of charge to their gastric bypass patients. It's a fun class...boxing, line dancing, and yoga. I don't particularly like yoga though...too slow paced for me.
I'm not good at the relaxing, soothing part of yoga. I get tired of staring at my hand suspended in mid-air while balancing on one foot..while trying to breathe right...not my idea of fun!
I am joining jazzercise next week though and this is something I find enjoyable. I also dug out my old practise rifle ( I twirled rifle in high school) and I've been twirling and making my own routines just to get some more actvity in and to work my arms some. That rifle is kind of heavy..I figure it's good for strengthing my arms and it's so much fun! That's important..you should really look forward to whatever activity you choose so you'll stick with it!!
So far I've lost 84 lbs. It'll be four months Feb 8th. I've been getting alot of increased attention from the opposite sex and I'm not sure how to deal with that or what to do about it. I don't want to give anyone the wrong idea or impression...which they might because I'm such a friendly person that they might mistake that for interest. Hmmmm.... never had to worry about all that before!
***Till Next Time***
February 14,2004
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!
Wow, I had a really great Valentine's Day..my husband bought me the earrings I've been pining for(they were very expensive!!) plus a few CD's I've been wanting AND he sent me a dozen roses!!!
I'm glad I went all out for him too! He's so sweet and supportive of me in everything I do. I had another great moment..a skirt I bought with the intentions of wearing it early/late spring..fits now!!! How exciting is that?!!!! It's a Liz Claiborne and it's really cute..YIPPEE!!!!
March 6,2004
Weight wise, things are going good for me. My gall bladder unfortunately has been giving me alot of trouble. As long as I can stay pain free with the help of the medication given to me by my surgeon and family doc, I can avoid surgery for as long as I want. I'm going to try really hard to not have surgery until at least next March due to my horrible, hideous insurance I was switched over to because I didn't work enough hours last year to qualify for the GOOD insurance. Thankfully though, I'm well on my way to achieving that goal for next year. My weight loss thus far has been 113 lbs. I wish I could feel more joy about that but unfortunately I'm suffering a bout with depression and anxiety which are in no way related to my weight loss or surgery. My husband is not well and that is causing me this anguish. I don't know how long it'll last etc..I just know I need to get on an antidepressant and soon.
Hopefully next time I'll be a little more upbeat..I certainly hope so.
March 11,2004
Don't know why or how..etc..but I feel alot better. I think it's the power of prayer actually..I've been praying more than usual lately and trying to appreciate all the "little" positives in my life. I think it's working! I definitely have that "sparkle" back in my eyes. Yesterday I was able to fit into a pair of jeans I haven't been able to wear in at least fifteen years! That was a "moment" indeed! I've been enjoying getting more fit...working in as much exercise as possible. I find I even enjoy it...that's a major change!! I was also able to buy size "L" in some tops yesterday..pretty good when it used to be more like 3X!! I still have a ways to go but at least I'm enjoying my journey as I go along. That's something!
***Till Next Time***
August 10,2004
Wow, it's been five months since I've been here. It's amazing how quickly time goes by. Well, I now have lost a total of 146 lbs. I have 50 lbs to go until I reach my personal weight goal. I think I have it in me to get there. I've already met the goal my surgeon had unofficially given me...if I lose 70lbs more I'll match the unrealistic height and weight charts...I'd be surprised if that happened..but you never know!
I'm having an endoscopy this Friday to see if I have an ulcer..I've had a lot of stomach pain lately...in addition to my gall bladder pain. I'm getting my gall bladder out Sept. 8th. Hopefully very soon I'll be reasonably pain free. It hasn't been bad but it's not been a picnic either.
January 19,2005
Wow! It's been a really long time since I've posted here! Turns out I had my gall bladder out on Oct 10th ..a little over a year to the day I had my WLS! I now weigh somewhere around 145-150 ish. I'd like to see if I can get to 120 ish just to see if I can accomplish that goal..you never know! I got some great news the other day, my best friend from high school is getting married! Sounds like her fiancee is a real winner too...funny, kind, from a good family, handsome(looks like Robin Williams..I think that's handsome!)school teacher, rich in friends(direct quote from my friend)Yes..sounds like my friend has found a good one!!!!!
Okay..back to me....I guess I look totally different than I did a year ago...I get many, many compliments on how great etc..I look. It takes some getting used to..all this attention..and it's all positive! It's so weird because before...I was used to being stared at because people were looking at me because I think I looked like some freak from the circus or something because I was so huge..well, now I get some people(male) staring at me, talking to me etc..because they find me attractive...which I'm still having a hard time believing that someone would think that about me. Okay, I don't have the huge body anymore but I still have the big nose and ears I always had before and the too small eyes.
Gosh, I sound so stunning!!!! So, that's where I'm at...getting attention from the opposite sex for reasons I can't imagine ???!!
October 8, 2006
Wow!!! It's been 3 years since I've had this surgery. It's hard to believe it's been that long. I think I've done well with my surgery. My lowest weight was 145 and I've creeped up and settled in at 168. I'm kind of hoping to go down a little from this point. I'm slowly trying by changing a few things here and there. Trying to see where I 've made mistakes in my eating.
