Rese269

Send Message

Block

Add Friend

Upon going to the doctors iniatially to get the diet pills that were all the rave, he denied me pills because the blood pressure was up. I really appreciate the fact that he didn't just brush me off. I also appreciate him for telling me that I needed to exercise and cut back on my consumption.

Well I went right out and joined a gym in June 2000

I excercised 3 days a week, cut back on my food intake and I was doing so well I was even leading an ab class.

My marriage didn't get any better. He started resenting the fact that I was losing weight. We separated. I felt it was best for the kids and the both of us. We have been better as friends than as husband and wife. Better for the kids no more tension.

By November 2002 I had lost 60 lbs. My weight had been 368 at my highest. In December 2002 I started getting unmotivated and the old lazy Theresa came back hungry all the time and always meaning to get back on track. I went from 299 back up to 325 by March 2003.

 

March 21, 2003

got a call today from Mandy.

I've been APPROVED!!!!! I am setting up my surgery date. I'm so relieved. Inially when I researched about this procedure 3 years ago I was denied. I have to give up a trip to San Diego but it's worth it. I can always go to another conference. Atleast next time I fly I may not need an extension belt. Ha Ha Ha. Maybe next summer I'll get to go to Jamaica.

 March 27, 2003

Yesterday I went for preop heart tests and passed. 18 days to go before my bypass. I am so nervous. I met a nice person at the Dr. office yesterday. Her name is Rhonda. She offered to be my support buddy. I was telling her I really don't have anyone to help me through this decision. I know I need support and I am looking for others who have gone through this to give me some insight. Feeling good today and nervous. Trying not talk about it to much.

 

March 28, 2003

Having this surgery is not about vanity.I know all the people in my life love me. I need to do this for myself. I kind of have an idea that I will change alot. What I want everyone in my life to understand is I need them to support me not judge me or constantly remind me that they think this has been a bad decision. I have only a few days left and I am by no means going to change my mind. but for anyone who has gone through this you know the uncertain panic feeling I am going through now. I am happy and sad and scared at the same time... Good night

 April 2, 2003

I'm getting real close to my date and I'm feeling good but nervous. Been getting alot of inspirational messages from the site members. There really appreciated. I know whithin myself that this decision is the right one for me. Negativity is all around me but I try to remain calm. Some people will have alot of questions later and I will deal with them then. It's really hard to explain to someone how I feel who has not been through this. I keep getting: why do you have such low self esteem, you got love yourself the way you are or We love you the way you are. They just don't get. I'm doing this for me.

April 7, 2003

Tomorrow I go for my psych eval and then on Tuesday I have my preop meeting. Only 6 more days to go. Trying to make my mind up on what I want to eat as my (last meal)before surgery.

 

April 8, 2003 I weighed 330 lbs. 5 days before surgery.

 

April 17,2003

I'm home from the hospital 4 day post op and feeling sore and stiff. Other than that I'm doing fine. Not feeling hungry just making sure I get my fluids in. Dr Afram, ,his assistant and all the nurses at the hospital were very attentive and I got great care. The first few days were rough but it's getting better. This operation is not easy but I feel it's worth it.

 

April 24, 2003

I'm 10 days post op and down 18 pounds (311). It's been hard eating. I have to make myself eat. When other post ops use to complain about not being hungry, I did not understand what they meant. Now I know. I'm on a pureed and some soft foods. I can't believe I hoave lost that much weight in such a short time. Feeling good and going back to work on Monday the 28. I am really happy I made the decision to have this surgery. I've been takin a daily walks. Not in pain much. Just a little aching.

 

May 13, 2003

I had my second post op Dr's appt. 5/9/2003. He says I'm coming along very well. Still eating soft foods. When foods don't agreee with my stomach, they usually come back up. Which is good, then I don't feel nauseated for long. I now weight 296. My BMI is 54.1. It's going down. No more 300's for me. I waited so long to get under 300 and now I've finally made it. Tomorrow I'll be 1 month post-op. I am so happy. Now that I feel better and am healing well, I'm going to start a little exercising along with my walking. Walking with a lighter pep in my step, until next time I'm out.

 

Weight loss surgery can be a very private and personal matter.

Sometimes, family or friends do not understand the struggle with obesity or how you feel inside. They sometimes have a belief that obesity is simply a lack of self-control. When someone believes this and they hear that you are having WLS, they may judge you and believe you are "taking the easy way out". It's difficult to give advice for everyone about how to handle your family's reaction to your decision. Some people simply tell their family or friends that they are having stomach surgery or having their gallbladder removed. Some people feel that an honest and forthright approach is best... when you combine it with the confidence that you are making a good decision for yourself with the knowledge that you have the right to choose what is best for you. Only you are qualified to make the decisions about your body and your life.

If you decide to tell your friends and family, declare what you have decided to do for yourself and ask them for their understanding and support. When your family and friends realize that you are making a careful decision for your future, they will hopefully support you.

IF GOD BROUGHT YOU TO IT,

HE WILL BRING YOU THROUGH IT

 

 

You will possibly have a million questions that you want to ask your surgeon at your initial consult. Write them down on a piece of paper and take it with you. Often, people forget questions they wanted to ask if there not written down.

1. Are you listed with the ASBS?

2. How many surgeries have you performed? Success rate?

Mortality rate?

3. Do you offer more than one type of procedure?

4. What are the differences?

5. What type of surgery do you think is best for me?

6. What kind of pre- op testing is there?

7. What is your most common complication?

8. What is the long term success rate of your patients who have had this particular kind of surgery?

9. How many days will I be in the hospital? ICU?

10. What kind of pain will I be in?

11. What about pain medication?

12. How long is the recovery?

13. When can I return to work? Drive? Sex?

14. What about the support group? When does it meet?

15. Can I get a copy of the post-op sample diet?

16. How soon can we schedule surgery?

17. How many follow up appointments do I have to have?

18. What can I do to prepare myself for surgery and be successful with as easy recovery as possible?

19. Does he have a support group he can recommend to you?

20. What type of insurance does he accept?

June 2, 2003

 

I'm now 7 weeks post-op and I weight 287. That's 43 pounds gone. I'm feeling real good. In no pain at all from surgery and walking and exercising as much as possible. 4 days a week. I take Tae- bo 2 days a week. I've started taking my multi-vitamin and drinking more protein. Skin getting loose around my arms and thighs. I now have to find exercises to get the toning started in those areas. My energy is starting to pick up. I also can eat a better variety of foods. Still not to good with meats. Don't really have the taste for them right now. Have been enjoying seafood. Don't really be hungry but I know I must put in nutrients. I have to take my time and chew very good. My co-workers have been making comments about me getting smaller or shrinking. I myself am just starting to see the difference when I look in the mirror and I love what I see. A work in progress. until later T.

August 4, 2003

 

Today I'm 4 months out. I am down to 267. I am so happy I had this surgery. I tell everyone that yes I may look better to them because of the weight loss but I have no way of describing to them how I feel. I have so much more energy and I exercise and walk with so much more confidence. My mother would be so proud. I was 368 lbs at 24 years of age, she was very scared for me. Obesity, heart desease and sugar diabetes runs in our family. A lot of my relatives died at early ages. I work out 3 to 4 days a week. My goal is #170 lbs. I do not want to plateau out at a high weight and then have to work really really hard to meet my goal. Even my friends now want to exercise more. I have given away a trash bag full of clothes I could no longer fit. I buy a few pieces to make outfits but I don’t do a lot of shopping because the clothes size keeps changing too fast. I wear 20-22 now. I use to wear a snug 30-32. Life is feeling great and I feel so good.

 

October 22, 2003

Today I am 6 months out and I weight 249. I am so estatic with the results of this procedure. I am full of energy I never had before. Going dancing has become my favorite pass time now. All my coworkers, family and friends tell me constantly how good I look and what they really don't know is that I feel inside much better than I look on the outside to them. I can't even describe the way I feel. I can sit down on the bus and not feel that I am making the person sitting there already uncomfortable and also when someone sits next to me theres room for them. It use to be hard and embarrassing. Most time I would be so ashamed I would just stand. I work out 3 days a week and walk all the time. I've been able to eat very well without getting sick. I keep all my meal portion small. 1 to 1 1/2 cup only. Then I know I won't get sick. Tolerance to meats getting better. I can eat boiled or baked chicken, baked fish, hamburger, tuna and deli meats. I stick mostly to salads and light food. Heavy food tends to stick in my chest and feel very uncomfortable. Milk products and sugar have no bad affect to my system, so I make sure I keep the consumption down. I hardly ever eat bread products to bulky. As long as I keep my portions down to 1 to 1 1/2 cups. I can pretty much eat anything, but no fried foods at all.

Which I miss, but after a lifetime of eating foods of that sort. I'm not missing nothing. The surgery was well worth it. If I had a choice of whether or not I would do it. I would do it again. My health has changed drastically in the last six months and I am well on the way to my goal. I stay inspired by remembering where I started and seeing where I am now. It's up to you in the end. You can do the right things or do the wrong things that got you in the depressing and negative frame of mind you were in before. I have given away 2 large bags full of clothes to a friend. I need to go shopping. Ready to hit the mall now.

 

January 4, 2004

Hello everyone and Happy New Year. Today I weigh 239 and feel so good I can scream out loud. Which I often do singing out spontaneously at work. I've been enjoying the holidays so I have not been exercising much. I started back first thing this morning. I had to remind myself the easy part was forgetting that you have to keep exercising to get the weight loss results you want for you. Working out is also a good stress reliever. I am so much more confident now when I go out in public. I don't feel like the whole world is staring and feeling sorry for the fat girl. I no longer walk looking down at the ground and wishing I was invisible. These feelings may not be the same as anyone else but that's how being 330 pounds made me feel. I walk with confidence now because I am much happier with myself and my appearance. I will continue to work towards reaching my goal which changes monthly. It doesnt matter though I will just keep up the good work and food changes that I have adapted for myself and watch the results. I can now pretty much eat anything I want, even steak and chicken. I just know that my stomach capacity is only 1 1/2 cup at a sitting. As long as I eat that amount I have no problems. I have not purged in about 2 months now and never get nauseas or sick. So I will continue to live life and enjoy the wonderful things that are happening for me. until later all, peace out.

April 15, 2004

Hello all.

Today is a blessed day for me because it is my on year anniversary and I feel great. A lot of people that I have known don’t even recognize me at first and when I tell them who I am they say to me Theresa you look so good. But what they really and truly don’t understand is that I feel so much better within than I could ever look. Since my one year I have lost 110 lbs and 140 pounds from my highest weight of 368 lbs 4 years ago. I now weigh 223 pounds and continue to exercise 3 days a week and watch what I eat. Yes, I have been bad as we all tend to be and paid dearly for it. So I try to make the right choices now. I don’t really have trouble eating most foods, but I still have to be careful with meats and I also still keep my intake at 1 ½ cups per meal. You have to follow the pouch rules. One year out and my appetite is starting to come back. It’s scarey for me since I really didn’t have one after the procedure. It does not get any easier and this procedure is really just a tool to help you minimize the amount of food you consume. You yourself must make the right choices. I continue to drink protein drinks periodically and I also drink lots and lots of water. I am a totally different person now and I thank God and the medical industry for giving me this new lease on life. Things are truly different for me. This year has gone by so fast that I didn’t even realize it until just recently. I am still trying to make it down to 190 and if I do, I do. If I don’t, I don’t. When I use to hear people say that if they never lose another pound they would still be happy. I did not understand what they meant but now I do. I can truly say that as well. I feel as though I have lost a whole person who was riding around on me. Funny but that’s how it felt. Now I have more energy to do anything I want to do and walk with more confidence in public. I no longer feel that people are looking down on me with pity and laughing and making faces about my size. No one can understand that, but someone who has experienced such feelings like the ones I use to have can understand it. I have always been the life of the party. Energetic, happy and free spirited but inside I was fighting a battle with food and emotional problems that no one knew about or could help me with. Losing weight has also given me insight to deal with other aspects in my life that was sabotaging my happiness. Just let me add that losing weight did not make me happy it made me not focus on eating so much to block out the pain or unhappy feelings and daily life problems that I did not want to deal with. Many of us use food as a crutch or for comfort and having this procedure changed that a great deal for me. I have met many people who oppose and support weight loss surgery and all I have to say is that it is easy to judge something that you have no understanding about. Weight loss surgery is a life saving procedure not cosmetic. There are many forms of illnesses out there. People get help for alcoholism, drugs, gambling and sex just to name a few. Food addiction is an illness too. If anyone had walked in my shoes they would know that I was in a lot of pain and frustration in my life. I am now a better person because of it. Until later Peace.....

June 16, 2004

Hello all, I'm feeling really good today. I am 14 months post op, I weigh 225 and I must say life is great. I am still losing weight. It gets a little scary now that I can comsume a little more than I could in the beginning. But I still keep my portions down to 1 or 1 1/2 cup per meal. I also make sure I eat plenty fruits and vegetables and drink at least 64 oz of water a day. I can pretty much eat what ever I want. So I be very careful about what I choose to eat. The operation is a helpful tool. The capacity is not there but the mind remembers all the bad food choices I use to consume non stop daily. The good thing about the procedure is not only has it decreased my consumption level, I have also lost the taste for alot of the high calorie and greasy artery clogging foods I use to pack in around the clock. I no longer have the desire to eat breads and cakes, ding dongs, honey buns, candy bars, whole rolls of crackers, and carry out food. I perfer more fish and seafood now. Although I can have beef, after about 3 bites I've had enough. I don't drink much milk, ice cream or dairy products. I had one dumping since my procedure after eating some ice cream and was sick with stomach pains,loose bowels and head aches for 3 whole days. I don't ever what to feel like that again. Other than that time I have not had any other food problems or illnesses. I really love the way my clothes have begun to fit me. I have a whole lot of loose skin in my belly and thigh areas that are giving me quite a challenge. I will probably pursue a tummy tuck around November or December. I'm not really sure that my insurance will cover it. But I feel as long as I keep chipping away at this iceberg eventually I will get down to the ice cube. LOL. I still exercise at least 3 to 4 days a week. That will never change because having the procedure is just the beginning of a lot of lifestyle changes you have to accept and adapt to. I am no longer too tired to enjoy life or just walk across the room. One of the first things I use to say that I wanted to be able to do is cross my legs and look feminine and lady like. Now I can cross my legs on both sides. I thank got every day for allowing me to reverse some of the bad affects that gaining all that weight has done to my body and I thank him continually for being on my side, allowing me to live, enjoy life agen and for all his blessing. bye until later.

1/10/2005

Hello and Happy New Year to all. I just receive confirmation that my tummy tuck surgery has been approved. I am so happy. My surgery date is schedule for 1/24/05. This has been an amazing year for me. Losing weight has given me so much more energy. but, it is a challege to eat the right foods every day so you have to keep reminding yourself where you came from so that you will not go back to the distructive behavior. After my surgery I will be going back to the gym and get back on track. Good luck to you all. If you are in the process of making the decision whether or not to have this procedure. I say go for it. Life is so much better on the other side. I never imagined being so happy as a loser. (weight that is) LOL. Love Theresa

 

March 10, 2005

Hello all. It’s been 6 weeks since my tummy tuck and I am finally feeling less pain and tightness. I actually have started exercising again. The operation hurt really bad while you are healing. But it is worth it. I dropped about 3 sizes since then. My doctor, which is Dr Macy Hall out of Providence hospital here in Washington DC is the greatest and the results are way more than what I expected. He took 16lbs of my belly. Reconstructive abdominoplasty consists of extra skin removal, repositioning of your belly button, liposuction and tightening of the muscles of your belly. My surgeon took 16 1/2 lbls. off my belly. I have a flat belly and it is so exciting to look this way people who have not seen me in years cannot believe it’s me. Buying clothes is now a complete joy. I can fit a size 16 now. Still a little snug so I fit more comfortable in 18's. I weight 210 lbs and am still trying to make it to my goal of 190lbs. It feels real good to be able to exercise again and my health is no longer in danger because of obesity. It’s a tough road and you have to fight every day you are still responsible for what goes into your mouth. I am enjoying life much more now. Can walk a long time anywhere and don’t get tired. When the steps are not working at the subway I feel comfortable to be able to walk straight up the escalator without getting winded or tired. No more Shortness of breath, no gurd, ankle pains or knee pains. I am a grand ma now. My grand baby boy’s name is Jayshawn Malik Davis. He is 5 weeks old and he is so adorable. I feel like a very energetic and sexy grandma. LOL later........

 November 22, 2005

Hello all,

It's been getting kind of hard to stay focused on my exercise. I am still at about 220 after 2 1/2 years. I still take my vitamins, protein and iron pills atleast 4 days a week. I continue to exercise weekly. I go dancing 3 to 4 days a week and that's exercise in it's self. I wear a tight/snug 14 and very comfortable 16. Some clothes have give, some don't. I really enjoy shopping for clothes and second hand can be brand new at times. I really rack up at flea markets and thriftys, because now I can find my size on the rack. Life is great now. I don't regret having the procedure done one bit. I especially like to see the expressions on people faces that have not seen me in a long time. I try not to say too much unless I'm asked. It's very hard to approach people and just strike up a conversation about bariatrics. But by all means when I meet someone I feel is open minded and not too embarrassed I tell them everything I know to let them know that there is help out there for everyone who is interested in changing their health and quality of life. Keep on fighting with me all my obesity help friends. Together we are going to keep on pushing. Later.

***PS Enjoy Thanksgiving and don't eat to much. But then again everyone on this side of the fight already knows that everyday is Thangsgiving. Peace!!!00000XXXXXX

WHAT TO TAKE TO THE HOSPITAL:

A roomy bath robe

Slip on slippers (so you won't need to bend over)

Small fan (especially if you're hot natured)

Loose fitting clothes or dress to wear home

(can be the same thing you wear to the hospital)

Maxipads (some women start their period after surgery)

Chapstick

Hairbrush, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Deodorant, Lotion

Baby wipes

Tongs

(to help reach with wipes places you might not be able to reach)

Antibacterial hand gel

CD player for relaxation and to block out noise

Magazines or books 

ABSOLUTE NECESSITIES: Slip on slippers and Chapstick

GROCERIES TO HAVE ON HAND POST-OP

Clear broth or bouillon (beef and/or chicken)

Crystal Lite

Cottage cheese

Gatorade sports water

Sugar free Carnation Instant Breakfast

Cream of Wheat, Malt O Meal, grits

Sugar Free Popsicles & Fudgesicles

Sugar Free Jello

Cottage Cheese (low fat or nonfat)

Eggs (any style)

Low Fat Yogurt

 

Also, make sure to have a good thermometer at home.

I started a list of what I want out of wls and the changes I hope for in my life:

1. Be healthy again. - Done

2. Feel better physically.-Done

3. Feel better about myself.-Done

4. Walk without hurting.-Done

5. Have more energy.-Done

6. Start living again. -Done

7. Stop hiding from people who have not seen me since I gained so much weight. Done

8. Have a wardrobe in one or two sizes (and stop spending a fortune in clothes in 7 different sizes) Done

9. Climb stairs without hurting at step 3 or 4.-Done

10. Fit comfortably into airplane and theatre seats. Done

11. Shop in normal clothing stores. Done

12. Buy panties and bras from Victoria’s Secret.

13. Feel comfortable in jeans again. Done

14. Wear shorts without them riding up between my legs.-Done

15. Ride a bike. -Done

16. Take travel holidays and not worry about whether I am going to fit everywhere we go. Done

17. Be able to walk into a room and not feel like everyone is looking at me because of my size.-*Done*

18. Be able to meet a group of friends twice and be the same, normal size both times! Done

19. Eat out a restaurants without feeling conscious that others are staring at me. -Done

20. Wear pantyhose without my legs rubbing together.-Done

21. Have a few scars fixed. Done

22. Not panic whenever my picture is taken.-Done

23. Feel attractive. Not feel that I look funny.-Done

24. Tuck my shirt in when I feel like it. Done

25. Stand for a long time without my back, knees and ankles killing me.-Done

26. Look in the mirror and like what I see. Done

27. Like shopping again!-Yes Yes Done

28. Wrap a regular size towel around myself. Done

29. Bend over without hurting.-Done

30. Fit into 'One size fits all' items.

31. Dance Dance Dance without my feet hurting -*Done*

And last but not least:

32. Live the rest of my life with a more positive and healthier outlook and being grateful to the Lord above for this second lease on life. CONTINUING TO DO FROM NOW ON!!!!!!!!!!

A PRAYER OF COMFORT:

May God love you, when you do not feel loved;

help you love others, when you do not feel capable;

protect your mind, when its invaded or it needs protection;

protect your body and soul, when you feel unsafe and vulnerable;

virtually hug you, when you need affection;

direct you, when you feel aimless;

give you answers, when you have questions;

give you peace, when you are in turmoil;

sustain you, when you need sustenance;

mend you, when you are broken;

heal you, when you feel unhealthy;

comfort you, when you are uncomfortable;

fill you, when you feel empty;

guide you, when you are lost;

keep you, when you feel unkempt;

fulfill you, when you need purpose;

satisfy you, when you are unsatisfied;

and bless you now and forever.

 Copyright Lee Anne Krause 2003

The Beauty of a Person

The beauty of a person is not the clothes they wear,

The figure they carry, or the way they comb their hair.

The beauty of a person must be seen from their eyes,

Because that is the doorway to their heart,

The place where love resides.

The beauty of a person is not in a facial mole,

But true beauty in a person is reflected in their soul.

It is the caring that they lovingly give,

The passion that they show.

The beauty of a person

With passing years -- only grows.

~~author unknown~~

Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:

he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul:

he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil:

for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:

thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

TOP 10 INNER-PERSONAL BENEFITS OF WLS by Carmen from Spotlight Health

1) FREEDOM

Freedom from shame, guilt, ridicule, embarrassment, and worry.

Freedom to move without pain and struggle.

Freedom from the control of food.

Freedom to dream without limitation.

2) PEACE OF MIND

Peace of mind knowing our HEALTH is the best it can possibly be.

Peace of mind that our families will NOT have to go on without us.

Peace of mind that we've done all WE can to insure we are around to take care of those who count on us being there for them.

3) CHOICES

To have unlimited options from which to choose everything from our clothing to our cars, to how we use our bodies and live our lives.Unlimited career options, relationship options, and all around LIFE OPTIONS!

4) FITTING IN

Fitting in any chair, any car, any booth, any seatbelt, any store, any bathroom stall, any bathtub or shower, any amusement park ride, any clothing we like, and most of all......... Just plain "fitting in" to society!

5) OPTIMISM

Suddenly life becomes half full instead of half empty. We feel more positive about ourselves, our future, and our life. We react to the world in a more positive light because we are no longer prisoners of our bodies. As we release the demon of food that has controlled us for so long, we accept and forgive ourselves for our own weakness; releasing us to become more tolerant and forgiving of others. Therefore, causing us to feel lighter in body AND spirit.

6) DIGNITY

The dignity that comes with being able to: take care of ourselves, reach for personal hygiene, easily get out of a chair, couch, or car, walk a reasonable distance, not drip with sweat when everyone else isn't, tie our shoes, or pick up what we drop. To be able to climb stairs, or out a window, or pull/lower ourselves or someone we love to safety if a life depended on it.

7) SELF-CONFIDENCE

As we regain our confidence in everyday activities, our confidence grows in our ability to do and try things we've never done before. With each accomplishment, we can see further

 

HAPPY MOMENT-PRAISE GOD

DIFFICULT MOMENT-SEEK GOD

QUITE MOMENT-WORSHIP GOD

PAINFUL MOMENT-TRUST GOD

EVERY MOMENT-PRAISE GOD

 

G O A L !!! G O A L !! G O A L !! G O A L !! G O A L !

G go for it....never stop wanting it! Desire is 80% of making it!

O over achieve, allow no boundaries or limits to your success!

A allow no one to stop you..let no obstacle stand in your way!!

L listen and learn all you can....be educated about you as as person and your journey!