sbinkerd1
My WLS Journal-Preop
6-13-01:
I went to the Doctor today (my PCP).
I cannot tell you much of the whole experience other than that the Doctor agreed to suggesting me for WLS to my Insurance, and referred me to a Surgeon here in Kansas City. The reason I cannot remember much of the appointment was because the first thing they did was weigh me. I looked down, and as soon as I saw those numbers I got a case of vertigo, and thought I was going to pass out. I was so shaken by the fact that the display on that scale read 402 pounds that I could hardly even talk to the doctor through out the examination. I think the Doctor saw I was very anxious, and nervous, and emotional about this state I am in. I went home to my fiancee, and cried like a baby. That was the first time I had been weighed in a long time, and I guess it was too much of a shock for my ego to handle. I hope this surgery thing works for me. Nothing else has...
6-19-01
I have been overweight for most of my Life. I look back on Pictures of me when I was a skinny kid, and wonder how I got to be 400 pounds. I cannot name one event in my life that caused me to start eating, and not excercising. All I know is that I have had a lifelong friendship with overeating, and no Excercise, and I am through with it.
I have missed out on way too much. I am embarassed to goto a restaruant and hope I don't have to ask for a Table, rather than a booth. I want to once again ride a ride at an amusement park.
To be able to fly in a plane, and actually have the seat belt fit(the last time I flew I had to drape it over my lap, and pretend, so the Attendant wouldn't make a big deal about it). I once again would love to go swimming without the fear of being stared at like a beached whale.
Also I am having horrible pains in my back lately as well as Irritble Bowel Syndrome, and increased stress on my lungs which I have never really had a good time with due to chronic colds, bronchitis, horrendous allergies, a light touch of asthma, and the ever present upper respiratory infections. Not to mention I sometimes bring it on myself because I am a social smoker. I smoke when I drink, but I rarely drink anymore. I also have the usual large persons ailments of knee, and ankle joint pain.
I am getting Married to a wonderful woman in September, in Las Vegas. Although I am sure I won't get through with the tests, and everything to get the surgery done before then, I want to have it done, so my Fiancee' and I can really enjoy each others company in the future. I know she loves me alot for who am, but I want her to love me for who I can, and will be...
I have already talked to my PCP about this surgery, and he Referred me to DR. Thomas Helling here in Kansas City. I tried to setup an appointment with DR. Helling, but his staff just gave me the run around. (I talked to 5 different people just trying to get ahold of the person that shedules appointments). I was told by the Scheduler that I have to talk to my Insurance agent before I can schedule a consultation. this seems odd to me, because ever other profile I read on here says that their Surgeon actually submitted their info to the Insurance Company.
This is a Catch-22, and I am not sure how to proceed.
Why is it different for me?
Any one else have any issues like this?
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6-29-01:
Still have not heard anything from insurance, but am actually waitng on my New insurance cards before I contact them. I thought My PCP was supposed to send a letter of recommandation, but have not heard anything from them either.
I will be contacting them Next week to find out whatis going on.
I want to Thank Nancy Blue for Offering to be my Angel. you are a very good person to do this for me. I hope all goes Well in your Surgery when you have it in August!
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7-13-01:
I did not hear anything from insurance, and still had not gotten my Cards in the mail, so I called them up. There was no record of me being insured with them!!!
I contacted my HR department at my Job, and they say that my info was probably at the beginning, or the end of the data tape they sent over to the insurance company, and that "some people's info always gets dropped".
I was shocked!
I thought that now the insurance company would say that I have a preexisting condition, because I went to the Doctor before I had insurance, and that they could not cover it. I do not know yet if this will be the case, but am very worried. My HR department said that I was covered for nearly a month before this, and it should not matter, that I was not on their records, because of the Date I signed up for insurance. I really hope so...
So needless to say I am STILL waiting for my insurance cards so I can pay for my Initial visit to my PCP, so he will write the letter of recommendation...
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7-19-01:
Still waiting for insurance cards...
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7-24-0:
I have finally recieved my insurance cards. I called the Doctor so they can resubmit the bill to my insurance, and send the letter. the Person that works in the billing department of my Doctors Office(Dr. Dibernardo at the Gashland Clinic)was very Rude, and I told her so. So we will see if she actually resubmits it for me.
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7-30-01:
I called the insurance company myself, and it looks like the (Bi*ch) lady I talked to did not resubmit my info to the insurance, but they said that they had it from when I first went in on the 13th of June, and that since I am now showing up and was supposed to have insurance for the whole month of June that she would resubmit it for me.
I then called my Doctors office, and spoke to one of the nice Nurses(not the Evil Billing lady), and she said they would write the letter of medical Necessity for my WLS, and get that off as soon as possible. the original Nurse that worked with me will not be there until next monday, but tis Other Nurse said she would get the letter off to the insurance Company for me. I am ecstatic. One person I worked with said Our insurance is fast, and easy to work with. She actually didn't seem like a candidate for WLS surgery, because she is not that big. I don't know her Medical history, so I cannot assume she is healthy. Seeing as how it seems I have slowly been through the wringer, we will see how long it will take to hear something now...
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7-31-01:
Okay, so I get home yesterday, and I have a message from the other Doctors Nurse(Dr. Fitzpatrick), because my Nurse is on Vacation. Dr. Fitzpatrick is NOT, I REPEAT NOT for WLS at all. My Fiancee Went to him, and he denied her completely. My Fiancee also Said that this Nurse is a Real Bit*h, so I have a feeling if I deal with his Nurse I will get the same thing.
I am just going to have to wait until next week to talk to My Doctors Nurse... the waiting game continues...
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8-6-01:
I called the Doctors office today 3 times to talk to the nurse for my Doctor. Each time the Nurses are too busy to take calls, but ask me to leave a name, and Number that they can get back to me. Well, I work in a call Center. I am on the Phones all day long, and cannot receive incoming calls, so there is no way to get ahold of me except through my manager, and I am not going to try to have my manager explain what it is I am trying to get accomplished(IE: the Letter of Medical Necessity). So once again I am getting screwed. I will probably need to take another Day off in order to get this crap taken care of.
The saga continues...
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8-6-01::
I finally got ahold of my Doctors Nurse on my 4th try today. She acted like it wasn't something that was going to be very Easy to do. She asked if I am sure my insurance covers this sort of treatment. I said Of course they do, because 3 coworkers under the same plan have gotten the procedure done. So she said she would o ahead, and contact the insurance company, and see what they need to do about sending in a letter of Medical Necessity. She did state that it would take a few days to get any type of answer, and get the letter written up, and sent off. I am a patient man, so I can wait.
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8-11-01:
I called the Doctors office Yesterday, and like before I had to leave a message for the Nurse to call me back and let me know what she had found out. If anything. No message on the answering machine when I got home of course. So now I am going to start being proactive. I am going to call every surgeon I can find that is within a 3 hour drive. I am going to get a packet of information from Each, and everyone. I then am going to send off info to my insurance from one Doctor, and if I get declined I will send the next one, and the next one until they finally say yes. I know that I myself have not contacted my insurance company because I thought There was a certain protocol. First go to the Doctor, or in most cases the Surgeon. have them collect the data, and get all the test done I can, and have them send off the info, but that is not happening in this case.
I am done screwing around.
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8-14-01:
I finally got a call back from the Nurse after caling her again twice. The Nurse(Julia) left a meesage for me stating that she talked to my insurance company, and has all the info needed to write the letter of recommendation, and where to send it to. She said we should hear something back from them soon. I hope she is right. I keep having bad dreams that this is not going to happen, and it scares me.
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6-18-01: Not really an Update, more of a rant...
I Have been telling my Fiancee that if I get Denied I am going to the Doctor every week with a new ilness true, or made up so my insurance will start to see a pattern develop. I figure if I do this for the rest of my life they should get the picture that I am not going away, and they had better deal with me appropriately. I will be a very large, pissed off thorn in there sides until I run out of my benefit money(which has a lifetime coverage upto 1 million dollars).
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8-20-01:
I called the Doctor, and talked to Julia the Doctors Nurse I have been dealing with, and she was much nicer than before.
she says she has all the info they need, and will be writing the letter of Medical necessity, and getting that off to the insurance company this week.
She said she has run into a little trouble with the insurance Company, because they say DR. Thomas Helling WILL give a consultation to get his approval before they can review it. She said that is not the case, and what info does she need, and who does she have to talk to in order to get the approval. I guess they gave her all the info, and she said it will be done shortly.
I asked if there was any Questions she had of me. she said just one... "do you know how much this will cost?". I said no, because the Surgeon won't even do a Consultation until there is assurance that the insurance will cover the costs. I told her this is a Catch 22, and how is anyone supposed to get approval BEFORE they get the green light from the Surgeon? She said that is why she had to fight with the insurance company to get the info... SO it sounds as if the Nurse is fighting for me...
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6-27-01:
Well, here I am. Another week went by, and still waiting. I received a call from the Nurse today(Julia), and she said she was going to send off the Letter of Medical necessity today. she said all she needed from me is my height. I am guessing so they can calculate my BMI for the Insurance company. So at least the Nurse was proactive this week, and called me before I could call her. Hey! maybe I will hear something soon then! Doubt it!
probably will hear something at the end of next month, so for now Everything is going at a snails pace like usual. I hope the problems I am having do not forshadow the conclusion, If so... Somebody just shoot me now. J/K!
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8-31-01:
I AM APPROVED!!!!!
I cannot believe that after all this time waiting, I am finally approved! I called the Nurse again to see if she had sent the Letter. not only did she not send it, she faxed it! So I called the insurance company, and they said that that this surgery is a Covered expense. I was unsure if that meant approved, and asked for clarification, and she said I was approved for surgery!!!!!
They mailed the Approval letter today, and as soon as I get it I am going to call the Surgeon!!! I hope anyone that has been following my story is as happy as I am rght now!!!
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9-3-01:
I cannot tell you all how excited I am at this point. I wish that today was not labor day, so the mail would be delivered. I cannot wait to get my approval letter, and call the surgeon! I have told my Fiancee that I am NOT going to buy ANY new clothes until the weight starts to come off, and then sparingly until I get down towards my goal. This may be sad but I have one pair of shorts(all the others are too small now). I have 4 pairs of Jeans, but I get married in Vegas in 2 1/2 weeks. I am NOT going to wear pants in the desert! Oh well, looks like they might be looking a little rugged by the end of our weeks stay in Vegas if I cannot wash them.
I will update again as soon as I get the approval letter, and talk to the surgeon. laterz...
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9-5-01:
Hi there.
I called the Surgeon today. His staff says before they can give me a Consultation appointment I need to Fax the Approval letter over to them. This is understandable. the only Problem is I forgot to bring it with me to Work, so I could fax it. Called the PCP nurse(Julia), but of course had to leave a message, so I am sure we will play phone tag for a few days. that would suck except my wonderful honey! My Fiancee is going to Kinko's to fax the letter off to them right now. I am going to make many copies of that letter, and have it in my car, my office, my bathroom, my kitchen, my bedroom, and my front, and back porches, just so I have adaquate coverage... J/K. I am however going to make sure I keep a copy at home, and work, so in case I need to refax I have it ready. I will try back later today to see if the surgeons staff received the Approval letter. if they haven't I will wait till tomorrow, and fax it to them 25 times, so maybe they get the hint.
Later.
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9-5-01: Update again!
I have a date for my Consultation! it is November 5th!
I probably won't POST much until after that when I have my Surgery date, but we will see what happens!
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9-13-01:
Pray for everyone in New York, and Washington, and the people aboard those planes that died on Tuesday: 9-11-01. Pray for all of their families, and friends. Pray for America.
I believe in our President, and Nato, and the rest of the Civilized World to come together in the Shadow of terrorism, and wipe this evil off the face of the Earth.
America.
You will be Avenged...
10-1-01:
Hiya Folks,
Went to Las Vegas last week, and got married to the most beautiful woman in the world. Still cannot hardly wait for my Consultation. going back home to South Dakota at the end of October to have the "Big" Reception for our Wedding.
Our Wedding was very nice. It was at the Las Vegas Garden of Love Chapel. the only thing I would have changed was to have a longer reception. Ours ended much too early. The wedding started at 8, and after 30 minutes we had to take pictures, and then the reception was over at 9:30, so it was much too short. Almost 25 people made it to Vegas to attend the Wedding. Which after the 9-11-01 attack made things very Difficult for flying. So my wife's family had to drive a total of 32 hours to get there. My family drove 25 hours. I cannot thank them enough for coming in spite of everything happening in the world.
Word to the wise: Do not go to Las Vegas if you can help it. Everyone there is rude, and expects a tip. Don't get me wrong, I tip when Warranted, but in Vegas it seems everyone expects to be tipped. I'd go so far as to even say it costs you money to breathe in that city. I am not a Miser, but Shelling out money everytime I turn around for "incidentals", marked up a thousand times there value is highway robbery. I did however enjoy Winning money from the Flamingo, and the Stratosphere, and the Sahara, and not resubmitting it back to them. I did end up leaving WELL ahead of the house to be sure...
Another Tip: BEWARE OF TIMESHARE!!!!
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10-12-01:
Still waiting for my Consult on the 5th of November. I will find out the Date of my Surgery during the consult.
I just got back from the Funeral of one of my best friends. he was Killed while walking down a sidewalk by a drunk driver that was going between 60-70 Miles per Hour. Another friend that was walking with him lost his Leg, and is still in Serious condition. The driver is a 19 year old illegal immigrant from Mexico with no drivers license. I am extremely saddened by this tragic turn of events. I am enraged that another Drunk Driver took somebody else's life, but continue to live on themselves. The only Consolation I have is that this Punk has 9 different counts against him ranging from Vehicular Homicide to not wearing a seatbelt.
If I had my way I would sentence him to Death by Ford Taurus like he sentenced my friends that night... I am so tired of this shit.
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10-19-01:
The last time I posted I was upset that my friend had been killed by a drunk driver while walking on the sidewalk. I still am not over it, but am getting better. Next weekend I will travel back to Sioux Falls, South Dakota for a Benefit Concert for my friend's wife, and kids. My friend that was killed also happened to be the Guitar player in the band that I was in. I will be performing a song with my old band Painflux in memory of my friend. RIP: Jamie Stene...
In other news I am still 2 weeks away from my Consultation. The events that has happened to America, and to me personally in recent times has made me reevaluate why I am doing this surgery, and I still come up with the same conclusion. I want a chance at a better life before it is quickly snuffed out by someone else's actions whether deliberate, or unintentional. I am tired of living a non-life. Content to sit in front of the TV like so many drooling zombies awash in MTV, and WWF nonsense.
My Wife, and I are trying to have a baby.
that's all the news I have for right now...
10-31-01:
Hello Friends!
What a healing event a Benefit Concert can be! we had the Benefit for my Jamie Stene last weekend, and Made over 900 bucks for his Family. All of my friends were there, and we sounded great!
I am only about 5 days away from my consultation!!! I called today to make sure everything was still on for monday, and they said everything is fine! I am going to have to ask for the soonest possible date to go under the knife, because the Company I work for has lost money for the 3rd straight quarter, and if they lose again this(4th)Quarter there are rumors we may not be around long after Christmas, so therefore I NEED THIS SOON! I know there is Cobra, and such, but with as much money as rent, and 2 car payments are I cannot afford to pay the 120 bucks a month for the Cobra coverage.
That's about it for now.
11-6-01:
I have a Date for Surgery!!!!!!
I have a date!
I went in to the "clinic" to learn everything I have aready known from researching this surgery for 2 years, and coming to this website for 6 months. At the end of the Consult I received my date. The Scheduler said they were scheduling into April, and May, but like I had stated in a previous Post the Company I work for is not doing well, and may not be around next year. So I explained this to her, and she looked for an earlier date. she saud January 4th. I explained that probably would work fine since the company will not post its earnings until Jan 17th. She said wait a minute I think someone just called to cancel a date this morning, and can you beleive it! I am sceduled for December 14th!!!! WOOHOOOO!!!!!!
P.S. I think I will be needing an Angel since I have not heard from Nancy Blue since she stated she would be my angel...
11-18-01:
I am very excited about my coming surgery date! I have already contacted a Person from Sioux falls(where I am from), that is having the surgery the same day! we had worked at the same company, so we will be keeping each other posted on our progress. His name is Chad Kremer in South Dakota(in case anyone is interested in checking out his profile).
Well, my Preop testing date is November 29th. I guess they are going to do an ultrasound to check my Gall bladder, and also some bloodwork, but that is it! no stupid Psych eval, or other hoops to jump through! I also found out at the "clinic" that we will not have any tubes to deal with except of course the catheter and a central line(she said we need to have this to save us from being stuck with a needle every 5 minutes). no NG tube and no drain tube that I have heard ar rather uncomfortable.
I was also told by the Nurse (Patricia) that they wait for us to be put to sleep before the cath is inserted. she said she knows how that can scare some "boys"! She said something about the penis also that was so funny at the time. We all were laughing hard, but for the life of me right now I cannot remember what she said. Anyway I think that if every Nurse is as good as Patricia this should be an enjoyable Hospital stay.
Later, kids...
11-23-01:
I have 21 days until Surgery. Last night while laying next to my wife I bagan to think about my family. I began to put myself in their shoes. What if I died on the table, or of Complications of the Surgery later on? I have decided to write each one of me, and my wife's family members to tell them goodbye in case something DOES go horribly wrong. I want to be able to explain to them that this surgery was my absolute last hope for a normal life, and that if I had not taken this drastic step I would have been High Risk for something Else like Diabetes, or Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, what have you, that would have shortened my life considerably anyway. I am starting to get very Nervous about this surgery...
11-30-01:
Hi All!
Well, I got poked, and probed yesterday for my Pre-op testing. Didn't go too bad, and helped alay my fears a little bit. I used to be deathly afraid of needles, which is strange because I have my tongue peirced, and both my ears have Double Zero gauge plugs, as well as having 3 tattoos. All in all I cannot wait to be through with it, and on my way down "the other side". I went out, and Bought Carb Solutions- Vanilla from Wal-mart. Yuck! it is very grainy. I even mixed it with the new Handheld Sunbeam mixer. I got a Sippy Cup, and some Albacore white tuna which has 23 grams of protien for 3 ounces. seems good to me. Also bought some multivitamins.
Other than that it is exactly 2 weeks till my surgery, and 12 days until I am done with work with only 10 days of actual work left!
12-7-01
Well it's Pearl Harbor day, and I am now 7 count them S-E-V-E-N days away from Surgery! I cannot wait for my journey tp Surgery to end, and my Post-op Journey to begin! I am thinking that I am going to create another profile on here, so I can make sure I have enough room to accomidate my Post-op Journal entries.
I have already gotten some protein powders, and Stuff, so I am ready! BRING IT ON!!!!
12-10-01: update!
4 Days until my new Birthday! time is really Dragging right now.
It seems that I am in a Time warp. It's just a Jump to the left, and then a step to the ri-i-i-i-ight, Hands on your hips, and put your knees in ti-i-ight... err Sorry A little bit of the Rocky Horror. I seem to be getting very excited, and when that happens I get a little goofy. Anyway. I will POST my Before pic, and my Pre-op measurements soon. laterz!
12-13-01: Day before Surgery!
Well here it is. The day before the surgery. I am now on Clear liquids for 24 hours prior to clear my intestines out. They said there is no need for Bowel Cleaning, or anything with Diuretics. just clear liquids 24 hours before, and then nothing after Midnight. I wish that I could tell you all that I am not scared, because I am. I know I will be alright because I do not have many Serious Co-morbs. just the aches, and pains of being big, and a little wheezing because of the strain on my lungs from carrying my wieght.
I updated my Measurements table, and cleaned up the Weight loss Chart some. If anyone wants to use the Code, just right click on my Profile page, and click view source. It will open up a Text editor, and you can copy the source code for the table at the bottom.
Well this will be my last Post until I am back home again. My parents are coming down here from South Dakota to be with me for this. my wife will be there also. All will be praying for me. I will be ok. I will Survive. I will be the same person, in a new Healthy body. I can't wait...
Take care everyone, and I will see you later!
12-23-01:
Here I am Back again! I want to first thank my Angel Deb for doing updates here for me. She was very good to help me keep updated, and I hope her Larryngitis(SP?) clears up for her soon.
Well, It sure has been a long road back. I guess according to all my Nurses, and Doctors, and even the radiological staff I was doing very well for myself since usually they have to push, poke, and prod WLS patients to get out of bed. I was up and moving around the first day(Gotta Love Morphine!). I really wasn't feeling much pain at all. Then when I came off the Morphine I had wished I had not had the surgery. oh the PAIN! Rat Gnawing at my Guts! the Doctors usually keep WLS patients for up to 8 days, but I got out after 5. should have been after 4 days, but they were worried about what looked like a little stricture after the Gastrograffin Swallow test(BLEAYEAHCHCHCH!!!!). I bareley survived the swallow test because of the wonderful(sarcasm)Orangy-Bug Spray-Dishwashing soap taste it had. UGH.
I have been home since last Wednesday the 19th, but really didn't feel like sitting at my Computer till now.
I am sleeping in my recliner at night. still cannot handle to lay flat in bed. cannot lay on my sides.
Food is really Easy! just make sure it is chewed, and do not drink anything with it for an hour brefore, and after. Milk has made me dry heave both times I have tried to drink it. I dry heaved in the hospital after drinking a couple of ounces of Pure grape Juice from Concentrate. Maybe too much natural Suger? not sure on that one, but other than that the going has been pretty good. I can pretty much eat anything else. what I have found is Albacore tuna in the dry packs is very good, and Chock full of protein! Also white Chicken in a can from Sam's Club chopped with a little fat free mayo, pickles, and Dijon Mustard is Awsome! Also lots of good protein.
My Wife says that I have lost weight, and I think I have lost Quite a bit so far, because one shirt that I used to have to stretch out right out of the drier is now loose on me!!!
Well this is getting long. If I think of anything else to talk about I will log back on.
Later!
1-01-02: Happy New Year!
My one, and only New Years Resolution is to never resolve to "TRYING" to lose weight ever again! I WILL lose the weight!
I went to the doctor to get my staples out on december 27th. I had lost 28 pounds. That is 14 pounds a week, or 2 pounds a day! Awesome! My Clothes are looser, and my wife has really been saying I look very good.
Last night I overdid it at mealtime. I took what normal portion would fill me up without hurting me, and there was only about 4 bites left in the container of beans, so I took that too. well about an hour after I ate, and feeling miserable, I started dry heaving. nothing came up, but now I know not to over do it.
Water is very hard to get in. it seems to give me a smal tummy ache when I drink it. If I drink hot Ginger tea(decalf) with splenda it seems to go a little better.
I find that I am almost never hungry anymore, and have to force myself to eat which is the most foreign thing I have ever heard! I miss Coca-cola! I miss all soda's for that matter, but I will stick to decalf teas, and water for now.
My pain is almost gone, but I still cannot sleep in bed with my Wife, which is putting a slight strain on things. we have not had intimate contact(if you know what I mean) until this very morning. I still have to sleep in my Recliner, because the Bruising inside is still pronounced. I tried sleeping in bed one night this last week, but it lasted all of 2 hours, because of being severly uncomfortable. my sides would hurt, and when I would try to turn on my sides it felt like the bones in my chest were trying to pop out of my skin. I beleive it is still swollen in there, and needs to heal completely before I can sleep in bed.
I am walking longer, and faster on my treadmill everyday that I feel well enough to do it. Somedays are better than others. I have gone 1/4 of a mile at 3.2 MPH, which on the scale on my treadmill is just below the aerobic workout level. that is about 7 minutes of walking fast, which I have not done in years, even in the mall.
Happy New Year everyone!
1-09-02:
I had a major milestone this week. I walked a mile on my treadmill. it took me 23 1/2 minutes to accomplish this, but I did it all at once with no breaks, or sitting down to rest. I am very proud of myself. This is a feat I could not have accomplished pre-op.
I have been having problems getting all my water, and protein in, and I can really tell that me weight loss has slowed. I just got some Perfect Zerocarb Isopure protein powder from Vitalady.com(thanks Michelle!)yesterday. It is the Vanilla kind, and although the smell leaves something to be desired, mixed with suger free chocolate syrup makes it good. It mixes to a very smooth rich constancy which I like. So now that I have my protein shakes, and am doing my walking hopefully I will start seeing the results again.
One thing to note: I tried eating the filling for Crab rangoon from a chinese restaraunt. I immediately threw it up after eating 2 peices. I guess either the cream cheese, or the fact that it is deep fried probably did me in. Hot and sour soup on the other hand is delicious, and stays down good. I ate the inside of a burrito at Taco bell the other day which was excellent. My wife, and I made grilled chicken salad, and I tolerated the lettuce very well. we have recently subscribed to a magazine called Light-n-tasty that has alot of good recipes, all of which have proportionate Protein to Carb counts, and some that the Protien Far outweighs the Carb content! everyone should check it out!
Well, that's about it for now.
1-15-02:
Hi there! well it is just over 4 weeks, and I am down 40 pounds! I have lost 8 inches around my stomach already!!!! 4 inches around my waist! I cannot believe all the changes so far!
Few things though. I have thrown up a few times after eating too fast, and I sometimes get the hiccups after drinking something really cold. I do not ever feel hungry however my "Head Hunger" is a roaring fire. I see a Fast food place, or a commercial for one, and I can almost taste the cheeseburgers, and fries. I am not depressed because I cannot have those things, however I am almost overwhelmed by the thoughts of how those things tasted. I hope this goes away soon, because it is very hard to think of anything else.
I am drinking alot of decaf coffee trying to get in more water. I get 50-70 grams of protein a day with the food I eat, and the Protein shakes. I went to GNC recently, and found the Zerocarb Isopure fruit drinks. What a GODSEND these products are! 40 grams of protein in 20 ounces of clear liquid that is mostly filtered water! I have only tried the Icy orange flavor which tastes alot like Orange Sherbet ice cream. I say they are a godsend, because that Isopure powder although mixes well with water, and S/F Chocolate syrup, smells horrible.
I am still having problems being anle to sleep in bed, but I know it is getting better all the time. My insision is raised, and red, and itches, so I am sure it is healing nicely now.
that's it for now.
1-28-02: update
Well I went back home for a visit, and ended up drinking beer. Although I didn't get drunk I drank more than I should have. I had beer with tomato juice, and salt to get rid of the bubbles, and had about 5 beers per night for 2 nights. I regained about 3 pounds, but dropped them the next day. I have hovered around 45 pounds lost for 2 weeks, and it is frustrating me. I get my protein in, but cannot get all of my water, and I think that is hindering me. I don't get nearly enough calories into me so my body will go out of starvation mode. I just don't feel hungry. I have thrown up, or felt sick almost everyday. some things seem to be hard to get, and keep down no matter how well chewed.
I hope I start to lose again soon.
Later.
2-15-02:
Plateau seems to be broken, but it is going really slow. I am now down about 55 pounds.
3-05-02: Update
I think that the protein powder is the culprit for my slow weight loss. After I stopped taking in the protein powder my weight loss seems to have Been Jump started. I am almost 70 pounds down now. I need to start looking for different Jeans. mine are getting pretty loose. my 4X shirts look way to big for me when I put them on anymore. Everything seems to be going good. Still have to tast test everything before I ea, so I know if I am going to throw up, or not. Fish is really good, Especially Bocourti which is a vietnamese catfish, not fishy tasting at all, and very good on my stomach.
well, better finish for now.
4-18-02: update
Wow! Been awhile since I last updated. I am down almost 90 pounds now in 4 months. Seems like alot, but when I watch the scale daily it makes it seem slow! I know I shouldn't but I feel compelled to every morning. I went to the golf range, and hit about 80 balls, MAN! Do my muscles hurt! I have really slacked off on the walking on the treadmill, but now that it is getting nice out the pools at my apartments should open soon. I am going to take up swimming again now that I am not huge. I still am large, but I am not so self concious anymore. I know that soon I will look more normal, and what people think of me now does not bear any weight on my mind at all. It is nice to feel this free. My wife tells me everyday how cute I look, and how nice my butt is! well she always liked it before, but even more now! Another great peice of news I have since I last updated. Were having a BABY! I cannot wait. We have picked the names of Gage Alexander for a Boy, and Keely Ann if it is a girl. The wife, and I are really leaning towards a girl just for that "gut feeling" we have about it. well, I will Post again when I have hit the Century Club, should be too long now.
Later.
6-11-02:
Well, it has been almost 2 months since my last post. I am down to 294. that is 106 pounds down roughly. I am down to wearing a size 42 pants from 52-54!!! I am wearing some really cool Button fly jeans from Old Navy! nevr before would I have thought I could shop at "regular" stores. This is truly Great. No problems anymore. Hardly get sick at all anymore. My wife, and I are going to Chicago for July fourth. I will be taking some video, and pictures that I will Post here. I cannot wiat to fly in the plane, and see how well I fit.
Oh yeah, and I went Swimming in our Apt swimming pool, and also went on rides at World's of Fun here in KC! I have not rode rides for 8 years at least!!! WOOHOO!!!
9-7-02:
Hello Everyone! been awhile since I updated I know, but I had been on a long plateau so there was nothing much to talk about. this is just a quick update to let you all know that I am now down 135-140 pounds depending on what time of day I weigh myself(I prefer right away in the morning). my weight is anywhere from 260-265. Still doing very well. still eating very small meals. that is about it. Later!
9-15-02:
I added a pic. that's about it. Looks like I better either remove the tables I haven't updated, or update em already! sheesh!
10-23-02:
Here it is another Month went By, and I am down another ten pounds. I weighed in at 255 this morning. that is 147 pounds lost!!!! I will have to take more pics of the new me! still have unsightly flabby skin, but I can live with that for awhile. Excercise is still an elusive creature for me, but I hope to get better soon. That Treadmill in the corner of the bedroom has been calling my name for the last few weeks, but I have been able to break free from it's Siren song. I need to excersize though. I can see how weak my muscles really are now, and I need to start building them up. My son is due to arrive into the world in 7 days, but my wife thinks we will go past the due date. I hope he comes soon. I love the little guy, and haven't even met him yet! later! Bye bye Data tables!!!
5-13-03: Update
Hi there. Sorry I have not updated in almost 7 months. it IS true. you do get busier, and you do move on with your life. I want to be a good role model for anyone seeking this surgery, but life moves on.
Here is the update. I have now lost down to 235pounds which is 172 pounds gone! I am truly amazed, but I know that I need to excersize. that is the really tough part.
My Son is now 6 months old, and just the absolute cutest boy in the whole world. he is the happiest baby I think I have ever seen! he is teething now which is a little rough, but is doing soooo good considering his gums are ripping apart, and little sharp teath are poking through.
My wife and Iare moving back to South Dakota in 2 weeks for our careers, but I won't miss K.C.. I didn't like it here anyway.
A friend of mine just the Lap procedure done 4 days ago, and is doing extremely well. I can't wait to see her get to her milestones, and have as much fun/frustration in attaining her goals.
I can eat pretty much anything now, and that scares me a little, but I still eat small meals about 4 times a day so I think I am maintaining well.I bounce from 235 to 240 and back again all the time, but I am not worried about regaining.
Good luck to all of you seeking this surgery!
About Me
Kansas City, MO
Location
31.9
BMI
Surgery
12/14/2001
Surgery Date
Jun 14, 2001
Member Since
Before & After
rollover to see after photo
This is not my highest weight. I was 402 at my heaviest,
370lbs
