Melissa F.
( May 2005)I am a 33 yr old female, 5'3", 241.5 lbs,married to the most wonderful man in the world of 13 yrs and we have a beautiful 7 yr old daughter. I have been heavy for awhile, I don't mind being over weight but for the sake of my health (I have mild CP, that cause my hips to hurt,HBP, and depression, the meds for this is causing weight gain out the booty) I need to have this surgery.
May 2009
Ok, so here it is, the beginning of May, and I have gotten my bowels back in check. It turns out that when I went back to my food log, that I wasn't getting the 20g plus fiber a day. I'm making sure now that I do and I'm going smoothly now. I will say I am a bit FRUSTRATED because, I have been trying my darndest to get back on track, and it seems like weight wise, the scale isn't moving. I'm trying my best to g et in 65g protein a day (it is hard to do), but I do not always succeed. I'm walking on my treadmill, drinking 60 to 80 oz. water a day etc, SO WHAT IS THE PROBLEM, URGHHHH. I know muscle weighs more than fat, but I want to build muscle and see the numbers on the scales go down as well....What to do, what to do
April 2009
I know it's been A REALLY LONG TIME, since I've updated, but as time goes by and you get smaller/healthier you tend to make other things priority. I'm now 3 1/2 yrs out, weighing 144 now, but some is due to constipation issues, I'm struggling with. I will admit there was a time, I had gotten where I would/could eat anything, and now I'm eating more healthy. I stopped sugar cold turkey and diet cokes. I'm getting in enough fiber, etc, but still that isn't enough for my bowels. Ive had to take 2 bottles of mag citrate in the last few weeks to go and that stuff OMG is aweful. I'm going to my Dr. Monday April 20th, to see what can be done. I am thinking I may have to stay on Miralax the rest of my life, but I do not care as long as I am not miserable as I have been the past few weeks.
January 2007
HAPPY NEW YEAR!! My New Years Eve started off coming back from Florida, an 11 hour trip, so I was in bed before the new year came in, not only due to the trip, but I am now sick, with coughing, congestion, etc. I (was) stable at 136-138 before the holidays (x-mas), but now I'm 140. I know it's only a 2 pound gain but hey 2 pounds is alot to me. As soon as I get better sick wise, I'm going to start exercising more and eating more healthy to get those 2 pounds (or more) off. I still have problems with constipation (have had problems since surgery) but I manage one day at a time and take it into my own hands.
September
9/30/06
Oh my I can't believe it has been over a month since I updated, well here goes. I DID NOT have a kink in my bowels, but I did find out what was making me sick,the "Multivitamin with Iron". I have since started taking Optisource ( a Bariatric Vitamin from walgreens online) and I feel wonderful. I am now down to Dr. Ds goal of 135 pounds (I so don't wanna be at this weight) I feel better than I have in months except for 1 set back. For a whole month we have been going through a rough time with our daughter. She has been having fits/ rages at the drop of a hat, throwing things etc. that has been very stressful. I took her to have her re-evaluated and the Dr. not only says she has ADHD, but ODD and IED (Intermittent Explosive Disorder) and he says the IED is the one we need to focus on right now. DH and I are starting behavioral management sessions Oct. 9th, to try to help us deal with/control this disorder, and possibly she'll have to be put on meds for this. I have a consult with her ped. dr. on Oct. 2nd to discuss this and to see whether or not he indeed thinks she needs meds for it. Until next time.....
August
8/13/05
I wish sometimes I had never had this surgery. I am 10 months out and 8 of the 10 have been aweful. I have had severe nausea all of the 8 months, finally went and had a scope June 30th and was told I have mild acid reflux now. MILD my ass, it's more sever than mild I think. I stay so sick all the time, if I'm not nausious, I'm in the bathroom dry heaving. I CAN'T live like this. I go back to the gastrologist Wednesday and HE HAS GOT TO DO SOMETHING else other than the 1 protonix a day, which seems to NOT be helping at all. It has gotten worse the last 5-7 days/nights. I'm usually in the bathroom every night heaving because of this and my stomach is soooooo sore. To top it off, I had an all day nausea/ heaving session Saturday and not even phentagrin (sp) relieved it. I just feel this is never going to end and this is how the rest of my life is going to be and I CAN'T DEAL WITH IT. I know I'm off all meds and am down 96 pounds, but I really wonder if it was/is all worth it now
8/15/06
Dr. Grybowski seems to think it's possible I may have a kink in my small intestines. I am having a lower GI done(Monday Aug. 21st) to see if that's whats going on. He told me to come off my multivitamin, etc. til we see what the problem is. I am to go back on miralax at night, plus 2 ducolax in the a.m............1 protonix in the a.m., 1 in the p.m., and take my zyrtec by 7 p.m. He wasn't to happy about me taking the lower bowel herb LB-X as he said he didn't know what was in it. Oh he also said that I have VERY LITTLE stomach acid so that shouldn't be whats causing me to stay so sick, we'll see what the lower GI shows when it's scheduled
July
7/8/06
Today I will be attending my great neices 2nd birthday party. I can honestly say that I feel better today (and the past 3) than I have in 7 months, since they found out what's causing my nausea (reflux). I have been sick free for 3 days now and feel awesome. I am at 153 pounds now, and my goal is 150, so only 3 more to go. WOO FREAKIN HOO, until next time...
7/19/06
Well as of today I'm down to 150, MY GOAL, WOOHOO. I'm feeling so much better stomach wise since the protonix, although I think I may become vegitarian as most meats make my stomach churn. I knew this journey wasn't going to be easy, but I didn't expect to HATE foods (MEATS) which I do now. Most nothing appeals to me anymore but veggies and fruits. I think of my life now as "EAT TO LIVE" NOT "LIVE TO EAT" Every day now is a learning adventure since diagnosed with acid reflux, "you live and learn" is what I say. I had a bad day from HELL last Friday as I eat tomatoes and onions and boy did I realize after 2 protonix that day it was still a NO NO. Trial and Error I guess, Until next time...
7/24/06
All is well today, Presleigh's last day at Sylvan is July 31st...YAYYYYY. That will be 140 less miles on my car a week. School starts back August 7th here and I'll have 7 hours a day of ME time, lol I'm so glad for that. As of today, I've hit 149, not to proud of that because I wanted to be at MY goal of 150, but I guess my body will be where it wants to be. I just don't wanna get to skinny and have that SKELETON look
June
6/9/06
June is already here OMG this year is passing fast.I went to my PCP Wednesday for a re-check on the ulcer he said I had, he is sending me to a gastrologist (Dr. Grybowski) in Fayetteville, Ga., as I'm continuing to get nausous all the time. I have that appt. for June 14th. He also told me that the tiredness I continue to have (after being almost 9 months PO) is STILL from the rapid weight loss, GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR He ask me if I work-out, I told him NO, how can I, I stay sick at my stomach to much (with dry heaves), he said well yes, I can understand) The movie "CARS" came out today, I am taking my daughter tomorrow to see it, I think it'll be good. Oh and I'm down another pound totaling -83.5 and at 158 now, woo freakin hoo, Until next time....
6/27/2006
We went on Vacation to Ft. Stewart/Savannah/Tybee Island, June 22nd-26th, returned home yesterday and had a blast. I am down now to 154 pounds, but my nausea is still here. I went to the Gastrologist on June 14th, he put me on Flagyl and protonix, it seems to be helping. I go in this Friday June 30th @ 7 A.M. for a Upper Endoscopy test to see what's going on. Below are pics from our trip, until next time...
6/30/06
I went in today for my EGD at Fayeteville medical hospital, where they have determine that my nausea is coming from reflux. He upped my protonix to 2x a day for 14 days then 1x a day thereafter. I'm so glad it was minor and not major, I've just got to stay away/limit any acidic, spicy foods, and decaf tea. Oh and Chocolate (I'm a sugar free freak now), but I can't eat that much anyway, hehehe. I'm now in a size 8/10 Jeans, still in a med/large top, due to the big ole knockers, but the good news is I have went from a 48 DD to 38 DD in bra size WOO HOO.....until next time
May 2006
5/03/06
I went today to my PCP about the nausea I've been having since January and I have an ulcer. He put me on Carafate for that and also gave me a prescription for Mirilax for the constipation, and I've have to go back on May 18th for a recheck on the ulcer. Other than that I'm A ok, until next time....
5/06/06
Marty Wise hosted Mays gathering at the renassaice festival today, and we had a blast. 1st time my family has ever been and we will soooo go back next year. My daughter (Presleigh) really enjoyed it. They had so many beautiful items in the shops it's was unreal. We watched the THE WASHING WELL WENCHES show and THE DED BOB SHO, they were both so funny, but THE DED BOB SHO, really isn't recommended for kids. It's worth going just to see all the shows if nothing else. I'm still stuck at 164, but thats ok, because I got into a size 12 jeans the other day, woohoo
5/14/2006
I had a WOW moment today.This is different from all the usual WOW moments. We went to a close friends house last night (almost like a brother to me), he just got back from Iraq, and they had a cook-out at his house. When we got there I noticed he never acknowledged I was there, but I didn't say anything. A little later he told my Dad, he had moved his vehicle to the back yard due to he was waiting for me and my family to arrive. Dad said what do you mean, Melissa's already here. He knew he had seen David and thought where is Melissa. Well later he came in after Dad told him that and he heard my Voice and said "I didn't even know that was y ou, until I heard you speak, and then he came an gave me a big hug. I was like DAMN, he really didn't know who I was. That made me feel so good.
5/24/2006
Today I had to go to my OB-GYN, due to the fact that my last 2 monthlys have been unreal. My body has reverted back to when I was a teenager. I had (at age 15) to be put on birth control for painful monthlys and YES they have come back. He put me on that new on SEASONALE, where you only have 4 monthlys a year. He said I'll have one every 12 weeks and since they are painful, the less I have the less trouble I'll have, so I'm going to LOVE that, til next time....
5/27/2006
I have broken the plateau that I was on for a month, I am now down to 159, WOO FREAKIN HOO, thats -82 lbs for me. I feel tired some, but I know it's due to lack of excercise, MY FAULT, but starting May 30th, I'll be going to work-out 4 days a week while my daughter is in Sylvan. She goes Mon, Tues, Thurs, and Fri. from 1:30-3:30, so I figured why not work-out to make up for lost time. I can now get into size 10 clothes (pants, shorts, capris), but in shirts it's a 12/14-16/18 because I still somewhat have big knockers. My family teases me and says that after I have a TT, I'll still have to have a boob reduction because they are still big for my body now, LOL to be honest though I actually like it :) I have started having some issues with my lower back/hips hurting and I think that is contributed to the -82 lbs. lost being shifted from one place to another...........Who knows, until next time TA TA
April 2006
4/17/06
Today I went for my 6 month post op visit at Dr. Duncans office. They say I'm doing really well, I'm down to 166, which Dr. Fields says is very good for me, I've lost like 22 pounds since my 3 month post op visit. They are suppose to call me back about my results from the hydascan test, apparently today(almost a week later) they hadn't even been transcribed yet. So Dr. Fields is suppose to call me back with those results, other than that I was told to eat more greens like broccolli, and collards (sp?) to help with the constipation that I'm still having and I go back in 6 months (my 1 yr. appt.) on Oct 2, 2006
04/29/06
Just checkin in. I got my results back from the hydascan, they said everything is fine with it so NO gallbladder problems, yippeeeeee, although I must add that I'm disappointed in the fact that they didn't mention doing any other test to find out where my nausa (sp) is coming from. So I'm taking matters into my own hands. I'm going Monday May 1st to my PCP and get him to do blood work and see if he will refer me to a gastrologist. I mean dang the nausa (sp?) is not normal and I'm continuing to have it. I'm at 164 now, woohooo Everyone says I look great, I've even had some to tell me I don't need to lose anymore, but trust me I do. I need to atleast get to my goal of 150. Until next time, be good everyone
November
11/28/05
It's now been 6 weeks since my surgery, I feel really great, but really tired. I started taking B12 shots a month ago and I take 1 every 2 weeks. I went to my 1 month post op visit on Nov. 17th, I was down to 209 then (-20) since surgery day. I'm a slow loser for sure, as of today I am at 207 (-22 in 6 weeks). I was told at my 1st month post op that I need to start doing 2 protein shakes a day, and up my liquid intake to 64 oz. I'm trying but it is very hard. I am drinking 1 sometimes 2 shakes a day, but my 1 has 30g protein so that's good. I'm starting to feel the emotional side of this journey, It's not due to food commercials or not being able to eat much, because I really HATE food at this point. I'm just taking one day at a time...Until next time
March
3/7/2006
Things are really looking up for me. I'm starting to feel great energy wise and mind wise. I was put on Strattera about 8 days ago for the Adult ADD and it is soooooooo working. I am down to 177, in a size 14 (haven't seen that size in almost 13 yrs) and feel awesome. I'm just not used to people calling me "skinny", which I'm not yet. I am still struggling with protein, but I am getting better with this, and still my major problem is CONSTIPATION, but that 2 shall pass at some point. I hope everyones having a great march, until next time.
3/31/2006
WOW a long time since I updated. Life is busy busy busy now what can I say.My daughter was put in Sylvan learning center about 6 weeks ago, she goes twice a week, and the closest one is the next town over, so I'm a busy be those to days running her there after school for 2 hrs. per day, then we have girl scouts, and my monthly weight loss meetings as well. I've been having problems with nausea and I went for test a few weeks ago for my gallbladder (ultrasound), but it came back ok. I've got to go on April 11th for a hydascan of the gallbladder to see what that shows. I'm now down to 171, which gives me a total loss of 70 pounds and everyone says I look great. Still struggling with protein, but I do manage to get atleast 50 or more in a day. I'm going between a size 12 and 14 in cloths, just depends on the brand. Got a new hairstyle to, I no longer look like the below pic, I had it cut much shorter, and people tell me it makes me look alot y ounger. Well that's all for now, Until April
February
2/8/06
Happy heart day month everyone. I am still having problems getting in the protein, but I can now report I am at 182. I still feel sluggish at times ,but I know thats due to lack of protein. I will get it down one day, it just takes time. On another note I found out a few weeks ago I have Adult A.D.D., I knew I had it but was never diagnosed til now. I noticed it was getting worse since I had the surgery. I am now waiting on my PCP to contact me to treat it. I need to run now toodles.
January
01/13/06
Today is Friday the 13th, Oh MY. I am continuing to do well weight loss wise, weighing in at 188 today. I have now lost 13 in. in my waist. I have been battling horrible headaches for a month now. I went to my PCP a month ago with a sinus infection and still after 2 different antibiotics, headaches still continue. I went to my ENT yesterday and my diagnosis was, YOU GUESSED IT, MIGRAINES. I have had migraines on and off for over 7 years now, more on that off. When I had this surgery in Oct., they stopped, so I thought it must be a hormone thing, well I guess not, because they have come back :( The ENT has ordered a CT scan of my Sinuses, which will be done Jan. 24th, other than this bump in the road, I'm great, and the weekly B12 shots are working wonders.
01/17/06
I went for my 3 month post-op visit today, and they said everything looks great. I am down to 188, -53 pounds total, and -41 since Oct. 17th. They did say that I need to up my calories by about 200 per day and try my best to get in the 80 oz. protein a day. I'm trying but it's really hard. What else can a gal do.
December
12/29/05
Today is Thursday Dec. 29th, I'm sorry I haven't updated in over a month, with Christmas and my tiredness (yes I still have it) I have just been pooped. I would like to say that I am now down to 197, I know just -10 pounds in a little over a month, but I think alot of that is due to protein, I still can't get no where near the 70 to 80G a day, but hey it's a loss. I am down from a almost 26( and I mean really close to a 26) to a 16 in pants, 14/16 in shirts, some x-larges from a 2X, bra Size 48 DD (yes huge knockers) to a 44 C, and from a size 8 shoe to a 7. I have so far lost 10 inches in my waist, 2 in my hips and 4 in my neck. The emotional side of things have gone, thank god. I am having about 10 hairs a day fall out due to lack of protein, but hey my hair is thick anyway. The constipation sill comes and goes, but no biggie, and I've gone to 1 B12 shot per week. All in all I'm doing pretty well....until next time
November
11/28/05
It's now been 6 weeks since my surgery, I feel really great, but really tired. I started taking B12 shots a month ago and I take 1 every 2 weeks. I went to my 1 month post op visit on Nov. 17th, I was down to 209 then (-20) since surgery day. I'm a slow loser for sure, as of today I am at 207 (-22 in 6 weeks). I was told at my 1st month post op that I need to start doing 2 protein shakes a day, and up my liquid intake to 64 oz. I'm trying but it is very hard. I am drinking 1 sometimes 2 shakes a day, but my 1 has 30g protein so that's good. I'm starting to feel the emotional side of this journey, It's not due to food commercials or not being able to eat much, because I really HATE food at this point. I'm just taking one day at a time...Until next time
October
10/8/005
My day is getting closer, just 9 days away, I'm not nervous at all, nor have I been. I'm getting a little anxious, but that's it. I still have pre-op in 4 days and I'm SOOO looking forward to going, my nerves might kick in then, not sure but we'll see. Til next time, ta ta
10/19/05
I had my surgery on Oct 17th, Surgery went well, I had a few problems with the morphine so they switched me, other than that I did pretty good. The LEAK test is aweful tho, I had dry heaves afterwards, but after that was smooth sailing. I was realeased on the 18th, in which that was the worst day I had but not to bad. It just felt like I had pulled alot of muscles in my stomach.
10/25/05
each day has gotten better and better, I learnt the 2nd day I came on that I could not tolerate Chrystal light even tho, I loved it before surgery, I "DUMPED" on it and I NEVER want it again. I also can't tolerate s/f Jellos or s/f puddings. I have made it to the full liquid stage and can tolerate mash potatoes, grits, eggs, yogurts, etc.
10/27/05
I went today for my 1st post op visit, everything went great. I went from start, 241.5 to pre-op 229.5 and as of today I am 216.5 a total loss in 10 days of 13 pounds..........THAT IS SO GREAT, Dr. Ejey said I could start trying chicken, turkey, fish, soft beans today........hooray. I that night ate chicken with engish peas and they were sooooo good with NO problems, I tried fish a day later and it made me nausous. I can't seem to get in much protein either those shakes are plain YUCK. As of Oct. 30th I have now lost down to 214, wohoooo, it' keeps coming down, YIPEEEEEEE
