Monique B.
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| Me BEFORE Gastric Bypass (Size 28) |
Me AFTER Gastric Bypass (Size 10) Model Monique B. (Pictures taken as of July 2008) |
Entry: Saturday, September 9, 2006
Hello everyone! Today's the day I joined Obesity Help. I'm a God fearing woman, the wife of a wonderful husband and mother of two handsome boys ages 5 and 1. I posess a BS in Computer Information Systems and I'm pursuing my Masters in Technology Management at Capella University. I've been interested in the gastic bypass procedure about two years now. I've put the idea off many of times, mostly because my husband wasn't the easiest to convince. In the mean time my sister was also interested in the procedure and decided to have it done on 3/1/06. I was excited for her and for me also because this was the prefect opportunity for my husband to witness someone else go throught the surgery and future outcome. To my surpirse he still was unsure about me having the surgery. Yes, I got upset at first but then understood his concerns. He just didint want anything to happen to me while in surgery, but still I didn't give up. I just told him one day, "You know what, I know you feel uncomfortable about this procedure but I have to do this for me and my health."
After much research, success stories, procedure comparisons and even questions for the doctor reguarding his credientials, my husband was finally comfortable with the procedure. He always has been supportive just doesn't want anything to happen to his love bunny (me) lol. I thank God for blessing me with a wonderful husband and family. I also thank God for my sister. She is doing great since her surgery and looking great as well. She's my coach or my library when I have questions. She is very patient, supportive and positive with me and I love her! Love ya sis! (Now stop tearing up...lol) Therefore, my journey began on August 15, 2006, with my first step, with a visit to Dr. Wade Barker's office to discuss the Gastric Bypass procedure. I also had to submit a diet history listing all of the weight loss diet plans/solutions I've attempted. This one step opened several doors or as my sister says, "Once you're in the loop you're in."
My next appointment was on Monday, August 21, 2006 with a cardiologist, reccommended by Dr. Barker, for a stress test. Now I'm a certified EKG technician and I use to perform stress test before I decided to become a web developer/ IT specialist. I've watched many people go through this test and finally it was my turn. All I can say is whew... and thank God that everything came back ok!
My next appointment was on Tuesday, August 22, 2006 with TSD for a sleep study to test for sleep apnea. That was a interesting experience. After all the electrodes where attached to my head with gel I looked like and alien with tentacles...lol. I had to sleep there over night so that they could monitor my sleeping pattern.
My next big event was on THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2006 MY 27th BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YEAH!!!!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ME!!!!
My next big event was Tuesday, August 29, 2006 @ 11:35a (lol) when I found out I was approved by my insurance company for the surgery!!!!! And scheduled a surgery date for Wednesday, September 27, 2006. Almost there!!!
My next appointment on Wednesday, September 6, 2006 for my EDG outpatient procedure.
My next appointments/events are: 9/13/06 - Follow up sleep study 9/14/06 - Dr. Barker 2nd consult 9/20/06 - Start my 1 week liquid diet. 9/27/06 - Surgery Day
Entry: Saturday, September 16, 2006
HAPPY 1 YEAR ANNIVARSARY TO US!!!!
Well I went to my sleep study and my 2nd consult with Dr. Barker. I was informed at my second consult that I did have sleep apnea and was fitted for my mask at my sleep study. My 2nd consult went well. I was informed of everything to expect the day of surgery and after surgery. I was given some post op instructions and informed of the vitamins and protien I'll need. Also, my sis was a big help also. Well guys it's my anniversary and I'm about to get ready to go out. He's surprising me tonight. Not sure where we are going but I guess I'm about to find out really soon! Talk later!
Entry: Tuesday, February 06, 2007 (4 months since gastric bypass surgery)
I know, I know, I know why did I wait so long to update you guys on my progress. I'm sorry but guys I'm feeling great and looking great! I've updated my flash movie with new pictures of me taken in Janurary 2007. I recovered well after my surgery. It was a breeze I had no complications whatsoever. I stayed away from sugar until I was certain that my body could tolerate it. I can tolerate sugar but, I still watch my sugar intake. It was kind of difficult my first month out of surgery because I couldnt eat any meat. It was tough but I survived. After that things were cool. I can pretty much eat what I want but I still watch what I eat. There are foods that I don't have a desire for like hamburger meat, french fries, any pasta that is really thick to name some but everyone is different. I still enjoy food but now view food in a different way and am more mindful of what I put in my mouth. I'm exercising and still drinking my protein! Life is swell, what can I say, I love the new me!
Hey, if you'd like to ask me any questions contact me here or you can contact me on Myspace by clicking here! Talk later and blessings to any future gastric bypass patients!
