stacy213
October 2, 2005
After beginning my journey on July 20, 2005, and completing all necessary appointments on September 29, 2005, I received my surgery date. My surgery is scheduled for Monday, October 24, 2005.
I cannot wait as I have been overweight for 45 of my 46 years. I think of this opportunity as a chance to start not just a new phase in my life but as a chance to make the next part of my life healthier. I have to add that although I have been overweight all my life it is only recently that the weight has affected my overall health. During the clearance process I found out that I had extremely high blood pressure. As Dr. Garber said during my 2nd appointment it was a good thing that you had to go to though all these clearances otherwise it might have been sometime before that high blood pressure as detected. He is absolutely correct, it he had not required all the clearances I would never have gone to any doctors.
I also want to take this opportunity to say that Dr. Garber and his entire staff are the best. Between his office staff, Dr. Holover and all of the other doctors he recommended, I have never meet such consistently nice, caring and helpful member of the medical community. Everyone of them has made this process as easy and "painless" as possible. I would recommend anyone of these doctors and cannot say enough good things about them.
October 15, 2005
I had my presurgical testing on October 13th as well as my final visit with my PCP Dr. Genovese (he shares an office with Dr. Garber and is also very very nice). He will fill out the clearance form that Mercy Medical Center requires and I should be able to pick it up this coming Wednesday. With all of this completed now all I have to do is wait. Easier said then done. Fortunately I only have to wait one week.
Thanks to everyone who has posted on my surgical page. Your thoughts, best wishes and prayer help me to realize that I am not in this alone and that so many people really understand how I feel. A special thanks to Dr. Garber's other patients, hearing how you guys feel about him and his skills really really makes me feel better. I had very good feelings about him, but to hear those same feeling echoed by those who have already had this surgery confirms that I made the right decision about not only the surgery but about the surgeon.
I will post again after my surgery.
See you all on the "losing side".
November 13, 2005
I didn't think it would take me so long to update, but I had a harder time recovering than I had expected. That said the surgery went fine and I was home in two days. I have to say that Dr. Garber and his team are the best and all of the staff at Mercy Medical Center were wonderful.
I had my drains removed on November 3rd (that was fun), I lost 16.5 pound from October 24th to Nov 3rd so that made everything worth it. I went back to work on November 9th (commuting is also fun?).
I find that I get quite tired after very little activity, but I'm sure that will get better as time go by.
A friend asked my yesterday that if I knew before the surgery that I was going to have a harder time with recovery than I had thought would I do it again. I can say without hesitation, YES, as I can already see the changes that are taking place with my body.
Will "talk" to you all soon.
Stacy
November 23, 2005
Hi everyone,
I haven't updated in ten days as there really isn't much to add. I am feeling better (not 100% yet but better). I have not weighed myself since I was at Dr. Garber's office on November 3rd and I am trying to hold out until my next appointment on December 1st. I know I'm losing as I have already gone down 1 pants size and my tops are fitting better and better. I find that I'm still very tired when I come home from work and also I am very cold (this is very unusually for me as up until the surgery I was always very warm). I'm not sure why I'm cold but I think it might have something to do with the way I'm eating. I hope that when I get to the next stage of the diet and can start eating solid food this will no longer be a problem. But who knows.
Happy Thanksgiving to all and I'll "talk" to you all soon.
December 3, 2005
Hi all,
Just wanted to let everyone know that I had my one month (actually 5 weeks) checkup and am now down 28 pounds :). I have been given the ok to start on solid foods (to tell the truth I'm a little afraid after being on pureed food for 5 weeks, but I'm sure I'll get over that). Dr. Garber told me I am healing very well and that he was pleased with my weight loss (that makes two of us). He really is the best.
That's all for now and "talk" to you all soon.
January 7, 2006
Hi all,
I cannot believe that it has been a month since I updated. I hope that everyone had a great holiday season and a Happy and a Healthy New Year to all.
I went for my two month checkup on the 5th and am now down 41 pounds :) Yah!!!! I find that each day I have more energy. Eating can still be a problem some days (or rather keeping the food down) but I realize that I have to get use to eating slowly and hopefully this problem will go away soon.
Anyway I have to say again that I have never meet a doctor with such a great staff. Dr. Garber and all of his people have been the best.
Take care all and "talk" to you soon.
February 4, 2006
Hi All,
I had my 3 month checkup with Dr. Garber on 2/2/06 and I'm down another 11.5 pounds for a grand total of 52.5 pounds :)!!!Woohoo!!
I could not be happier and find that I have more and more energy. I have now dropped 2 pants sizes and all of my clothes are very loose (What a terrible problem LOL).
I feel that this surgery has given me a second chance to enjoy life.
All my best to everyone and "talk" to you soon.
Future Update
March 17, 2006
Happy St. Patrick's Day to All,
I had my "4" month check up with Dr. Garber yesterday and I am down 65 pounds WOOHOO!!!!! :)!!!!! As you might imagine, I am very very very happy with this loss. I can't believe it. The last time I lost this much weight it took me almost a year and came right back on.
I am now down 5 pants sizes (I shopped in the Misses dept. for the first time in my life) and 2 sizes in tops (still the Women's dept. but not for long).
Best wishes to all and "talk" to you all soon.
Future Update
April 22, 2006
Hi All,
Just had my 6th month appointment (April 20th) with Dr. Garber (with the holidays this month I lost month 5) and am now down 78.5 lbs Yeah:)!!!! I haven't been at this low a weight in many many many years. Can you say HAPPY!!!! This surgery is the best thing I could have ever done.
As always, a big THANK YOU to Dr. Garber and all of his staff (especially Donna Franco). You have helped my gain my life back and I feel better at 47 then I did at 25.
"Talk" to you all soon.
Future Update
May 18, 2006
Hi All,
I just got back from my 7 month checkup (actually 7 months will be on the 24th but close enough). I am now down 90 pounds. I CANNOT believe it. One more pound to onederland. This is the lowest weight I have been in almost 30 years (yes, 30 years). I still have trouble accepting that the scale keep going down every month, but I'll take it.
As always my thanks to Dr. Garber, he really did help me regain my life.
"Talk" to you all soon.
6/3/06
Hi All,
I don't usually up date my profile this often, but the last two weeks have been "interesting" to say the least.
Just before my last appointment with my surgeon, I had very bad pains in the area of my largest incision and my bellybutton. When I told Donna (Dr. Garber's PA) about this she had me wait for Dr. Garber and they both told me that most likely I had an internal hernia. However, Dr. Garber would not be sure until he went back into the belly. He also told me this is very common.
Long story short, he was right (I never doubted he would be) and he fixed the problem. This was the Wednesday before Memorial Day weekend.
I had to go back to see him this past Thursday (June 1st) and he told me everything looks good. That was great, but the best part of the visit was when I got weighed, for the first time in 30 years I am below 200 pounds. This brings my grand total to 94 pounds in 7 months (and 1 week).
I still cannot believe it.
"Talk" to everyone soon.
July 7, 2006
Hi All,
Had my 8 month checkup with Dr. Garber and I am now done 102.5 pounds!!!!!!! I can't stop smiling and I can't believe it either. This surgery was definitely a God sent.
As always, I want to thank Dr. Garber (as well as his entire staff). I am now done to 1 blood pressure pill a day (from a high of 4) and hopefully will be off that in the future.
I have run out of adjectives to express my joy.
"Talk" to you all soon.
Future Update
August 4, 2006
"Hi All"
Had my 9 month check-up with Dr. Garber and I am now down 107 pounds. Only 4 1/2 pounds this month. I'm disappointed. I realize that I cannot continue to average 8-12 pounds a month but only 4 was kind of hard. But it is better than a gain.
I will have to "greatly" increase my exercise and perhaps this will make the difference next month. I know that as we get closer to our "goal" weight the pounds will come off more slowly.
With all of the above said, I am still happy with where I am today. When I compare how I feel now with how I felt this time last year, there is no comparison and I have never regretted having this surgery for 1 minute.
"Talk" to all soon.
9/9/06
Hi All,
Just had my 10 month check-up on Thursday, 9/7, and I lost another 11 pounds (drum roll) and am now down 118 pounds. I have lost a twenty-something. I went shopping over Labor Day weekend and bought pants in sizes 8 and or 12 depending on the manufacturer. I could not believe it. Jackets were either size 14 (I carry more weight from the stomach up) or Large. Never ever in my life have I worn such small sizes. Tops were large or medium again depending on manufacturer or type.
I am constantly amazed. In addition I am now off all my BP meds. I joined a gym after last months doctor visit as I was a bit disappointed in my weight loss. It has made a world of difference. I work out 5 days a week doing cardio and on two of those days, I work with a trainer.
I have said this previously that I feel better now then I did in my twenties. As my weigh goes down, I feel better and better.
I cannot thank Dr. Garber enough for giving me my life back.
"Talk" to you all soon.
October 7, 2006,
I had what I thought was going to be my 11th month check-up with Dr. Garber on Thursday (10/5). However it turned out to be not only my 11th month but my 1 year check-up. My one year anniversary is not until October 24th, but Donna Franco said close enough.
In 3 weeks short of a year I have lost 125.5 pounds. I don't have words to express my joy. I cannot remember the last time that I was at this weight, but would guess that it was sometime in grade school (6th grade maybe). According to Dr. Garber's goal weight for me I need to lose 24.5 more pounds. I know I can get there.
I have to go back to see him in January, so I'm hoping that in the next three months I can get close to (if not to) this goal.
I have said this before and at the risk of sounding like a broken record I have not felt as good as I do now in all my life. I felt older at 25 then at 47. Dr. Garber has help me get my life back. I owe him a debt of gratitude that can never be paid.
I am still working out 5 days a week and I think that this has help to keep the weigh loss up even at one year out.
"Talk" to you soon.
Stacy
October 28, 2006
Hi All,
I don't usually update my profile between doctor visits; however this past Tuesday, October 24th, was my one year anniversary and I felt the need to put a few thoughts in writing. I was going to do this update on Tuesday, put time got away from me.
When I look back ove the last year the first thought that comes to my mind is "wow did that year go quick". The second thought is OMG I can't believe how far I've come. In one year I have lost 125.5 pounds. I lost an average sized person imagine that. I have been able to stop all four of the bp meds that I was put on prior to the surgery. My cardologist has removed hypertension from my records. I am within 24.5 pounds of Dr. Garber's goal weight for me (it could actually be closer as I don't get on the scale between office visits). I have never been that close to any goal weight. But the most important thing is that I feel wonderful, I have energy, I want to do things not just sit around. I joined I gym in August and find that I want to go as often as possible (I never wanted to do any type physical activity). I can't sit still and I still have trouble believing that I can't.
Have there been a few problems? Sure, an internal hernia in May and the discovery of an ulcer this month. Would I do this again, IN A HEARTBEAT!!!!!!!!!!!! Over and over again if that were necessary.
I would tell any pre-op one of the most important things is to follow your surgeon's protocol to the letter. Don't be to eager to eat those foods that you loved in the past. You may or may not be able to do so, but I for one, would rather not know if my trigger foods would stay with me. I would rather believe that I will get sick and not know that perhaps I will not.
I still cannot eat too much at one time. Usually about 2 ounces so I will have 3 meals and 2 supplements. Works for me.
I thought after my last visit to Dr. Garber that I would not be going back until January. However, with the discovery of the ulcer I have to go back on November 9th. That's ok I will find out how much closer to goal I am. Besides everyone who works for him is so nice that I will be glad to see them all.
Will update soon.
Stacy
November 11, 2006
Hi All,
I went back to the doctor on Thursday, 11/9/06, and am now down to 160. 130 pounds it just 1 year and 10 days. WOW!!!
I did find out that my latest labs show that my iron and B-12 are a little low. So they added iron and B-12 supplements. No problem.
I'm still going to the gym and feel great. I have 20 (?) pounds left to go before I reach Dr. Garber's goal weight. We'll see.
I have to go back in February and perhaps we can then talk about cosmetic surgery (hopefully). No matter, that will come in time. I never imagned that I would get to this point. I can't thank Dr. Garber and his staff enough for all they've done for me.
"Talk" to you all soon,
Stacy
Future Update
March 24, 2007
Hi All,
Boy it's been quite a while since I updated my profile. I completely skipped my February 2007 visit to Dr. Garber.
Ok I was in his office on February 8th and was done to 148 (I cannot believe this but it's true). My BMI is now (drumroll) NORMAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's very hard for me to accept all of this sometimes, but I have to.
I also talked to Donna about referrals to cosmetic surgeons and they gave me 4 names. All were recommended but 2 especially and I set up consultations with both of these men.
On March 7th I saw one surgeon and on March 9th I saw the second one. Both are absolutely the nicest men I have ever met (outside of Dr. Garber and Dr. Holover of course). However, one must check ones dignitity at the door as the physical exam of the loose skin is quite "through" to put it mildly. Both doctors said about the same things and I now know I will have to have at least 3 procedures to take care of all the ares I want to take care of.
I am currently pursuing insurance coverage for the work on my stomach (the rest of the procedures will be self pay of course) and there is a question as to whether my insurance will even cover this. I will have to wait and see, however, this procedure I will have done no matter what. The others, well we will have to see.
Not much more to say at this point except that although I could not be happier with the changes that have occurred as a result of the surgery and weight loss, I sometimes am bothered (I don't want to say that I get upset, but the would also be true) by the way that people treat me now as opposed to when I was MO. It may be that I have changed but I do believe that weight is the last thing that people still fee they can be non pc about. I try not to let this get to me, but somedays it does.
Oh well, things are so much better now and I cannot believe how wonderful I feel. Someone asked the other day if I would do this again. YES YES YES in a heartbeat.
Take care all.
Stacy
Future Update
Future Update
2/9/07
Hi All,
I had my 15 month appointment with Dr. Garber yesterday. I cannot believe that 15 months have passed. It is just amazing to hear people call you skinny (never in my life did I expect to hear that work applied to me), yet both Donna and Lisa both called me that yesterday. Donna even asked me if I was getting used to being called that (no I don't think I ever will).
I am now down 142 pounds (I cannot fathom that type of a weight loss) and Donna gave me several recommendation for Cosmetic Surgeons.
I have already booked two consults (I just hope I can afford to take care of all the excess skin). I'm so excited I can't wait to meet these two doctors.
I have to go back to Dr. Garber in May.
I'll keep you updated on my CS journey.
"Talk" to you all soon,
Stacy
