Vegas_ T.
Qisati (my story)
Oct 15, 2006
05/16/03 Have an appointment with my PCP on Tuesday to ask for a referral... I am bringing a letter with my diet attempts, andfamily medical history.
5/24/03 PCP told me she would give me a referral!!! She was supposed to call on Friday but that would have been to easy, now I have to wait through the holiday weekend. I have made some consultation appointments with surgeons in the area. The military hospital has a wait of 2 years (like I can do that). I am really interested in Dr. Halmi but I am hearing that he doesnt do lap (which I would prefer)...oh well will find out on June 12th.
6/2/03 Finally after calling back and forth between Tricare and my PCP the referral is there!!! I was told by Tricare to call back tomorrow because they have 24 hours to issue an approval. Of course this is just for my consult but still it is a start. They approved me to see who I wish in the area because they have no network docs. I still have an appt with Dr. Halmi but I am scared to death because he only does open rny. I know this is vain but after enduring surgery and pain I want to have the best of both worlds... better health and a better body (and wear a bikini!!!) I guess that would be toooo perfect. My boyfriend has been so supportive of me. I know he loves me for who I am and he met me at this weight, but I still want him to see the REAL me. The one who wants to go out and play at the beach, go to nightclubs, hang out with friends. I seem to have become a hermit. I used to be soooo outgoing and friendly and happy...where did I go? I work from home so now I am lucky if I step outside once a day. I pray that this goes through and inshalla it will (god willing). I just dont want to feel inferior to the thin people on the street, it makes me not even want to be outside at all :( okay enough crying...
06/20/03 Okay this is a happy day!!! I got my approval. I am amazed at how easy it was. I had my consult with Dr. Halmi on the 12th, I was in the office all of 30 minutes. He answered my questions explained what I already new about the procedure (thanks to this website) and that was it. I called his office today just to see if they had submitted the paperwork and they already had received the approval from Tricare. I still feel as if this is a dream. I attempted to have this surgery done over 2 years ago and was declined and sort of just forgot about it. I am sooooo thankful that this will be my last "fat" summer. Contrary to most people on the east coast I am loving the yucky weather because then I dont have to make up an excuse of why I dont want to be outside. I really could not fathom wearing a bathing suit right now...especially because I have recently regained the 50lbs that I lost last year (thanks to my boyfriends mom's cooking). Well I will update more later when they call to schedule my surgery!!!!!
06/25/03 Got my surgery date 09/03/03 Right after labor day. I cannot believe how fast this is happening. I put myself on the waiting list incase they have an opening. I am sooo excited, I ordered protein samples from vitalady, they should be getting here next week. I tried the Isopure premaid...loved it. It tasted fairly normal...just a little bit of a dry taste in your mouth after. I hope to god this is my last FAT summer.
07/14/03 Met with Dr. Halmi and Deanna today...the appointment was short and quick. I got a list of all the testing that I need to have done and I feel like I will be at the hospital or with a doc everyday until my surgery!!! My new friend Michelle got her surgery bumped up today from 9/10 to 8/6 GO MICHELLE!!! I am pretty happy she is going before me so I will know what to expect :) It still seems like it isn't really happening or that I will be one of the ones this surgery doesnt work for. I think I will spend my first 2 months losing the weight that I have put on just waiting for my surgery date. Doesnt help that I hardly ever leave the house anymore.
I leave this Thursday for California...need to drive my sisters car back to VA, fun fun for me..(not really) Then we hopefully close on our house the 13th of August. I am really keeping my fingers crossed because I want to be all settled in by the time my date comes around... even though we will be without couches and stuff...oh well that is shopping for me to do and get some excercise afterwards!!! Till next time.
8/8/02 I had my upper GI, chest x-ray, and gall bladder done yesterday. All I can say is yuck!!! I thought I was going to lose it right there on that crazy machine. Barium was absolutely horrible...and that gas stuff they make you drink...oh man I was hurting the rest of the day. I am down to under a month before my surgery and I have been so busy working that it hasnt sunk in yet. I guess that is a good thing cause I dont want to stress. I am having issues with Tricare and having to pay for some of my consults... I need to take time out to appeal these charges. Still havent closed on our house yet, everything is soooo last minute. My daughter and bf's birthdays are next week and do you think I had time to buy anything?? Nope. I still havent told anyone about my surgery other then the immediate people I live with and I intend to keep it that way. My adopted kitty Josephine had babies 2 days ago...so cute, now I will have 5 little babies running around the new house (no I am not keeping them)
I think I have gained 20lbs since my first consult, my clothes are really not fitting at all and I am down to wearing sweats and overalls :( thank god I work from home. Till next time.
09/02/03 Night before my surgery... In exactly 12 hours I will be at the hospital...aaaggghhh... It still has not hit me totally. I am starting to get some butterflies but I have kept myself soooo busy that I havent had time to sit and dwell on it. I am not really scared just a little curious as to what my life will be like afterwards. I have gained nearly 20lbs since my first meeting with Dr. Halmi.. that is not what I was expecting :( I am so thankful that this process was so quick. I will update when I am home
09/16/03 Well I havent had a time to update so here it goes. Surgery was no problem...not as bad as I was anticipating. I woke up in pain and wanting to throw up and they gave me something and I was fine. I was up running the halls the entire time I was there trying to get out of the hospital. I was discharged on Saturday and that is where it got difficult. I am having a hard time mentally adjusting to this surgery. I WANT TO DRINK A COKE soooooo bad it hurts and I wasnt even a big soda drinker. I havent been sick but I am definately missing chewing food. Getting all my fluids in is a joke and protein shakes are not a choice right now. I think the farther out I get the easier it will be. I went to the Doc yesterday and I am down 21 lbs... thank god for that. Hopefully I will look back in a month or so and think this is all worth it. The incision is tiny, barely 3 inches and closed with surgical tape, I am not worried about the scar. Till next time.
Start weight 257
09/15/03 -21 lbs (236)
09/29/03 - 5 lbs (231)
10/24/03 -15 lbs (216)
12/04/03 -16 lbs (200.4)
01/07/04 -13 lbs (187.4)
01/15/04 - 4 lbs (183.4)
02/03/04 - 8 lbs (175)
03/03/04 - 8 lbs (167)
04/01/04 -10 lbs (157)
05/03/04 -11 lbs (146)
06/03/04 - 8 lbs (138)
06/29/04 - 5 lbs (133)
08/09/04 - 9 lbs (124)
11/04/04 - 0 lbs (124)
09/29/03 Had my second visit to the doc today and I am down another 5lbs. I was a little disappointed. I know I shouldnt be but when you do something this dramatic to your body I think your expectations are increased. I am doing 150% better. I can eat, get in more liquids. Still not up the the 64 required but getting closer. Head hunger is still killing me and I really want some cookies but I am scared to death to dump. I got a piece of chicken stuck the other night... wasnt pleasant. I still dont know if I am going to lose all this weight...seems to good to be true but I will try my hardest. I was cleared to go to the gym so I will be there tomorrow. 3
10/24/03 -40lbs -40lbs!!!! I am so happy. I still have 10 days to go before I am 2 months out and I have lost 40lbs!!! I have been doing sooooo well. I go to the gym as much as possible and I am back to jogging...need to work back up to 3 miles...but 1.5 aint bad. I forget that I have had this surgery most of the time, well until it is time to eat. I always get all protein in first...and still havent been able to get much more then that. I am drinking 2 protein shakes a day, I need to keep my calories up because I work out pretty good. I am doing 35 minutes on the treadmill and 25 minutes on the eliptical trainer...thats a killer...plus I lift very light weights for my upper body. I have had a few episodes of food getting stuck and it is horrible, I make sure that I throw it up. I will now weigh in only on the 3rd of every month or when I visit Dr. Halmi. I can now honestly say that I do not regret this surgery, I am trying to retrain all my eating habits. I have not tested sugar, nor starches... I want to be down 65lbs before my Paris vacation in December
12/04/03 Exactly 3 months yesterday I had surgery and I am down 57lbs!!! I just looked at my goal for my vacation to be down 65lbs...dont think I will make that but I am trying. I havent been to the gym because I feel tired all the time. I suck at eating, and drinking my water...not to great about getting my vitamins in all the time but I try. I know once I get on track I will feel better. I have unfortunately tested my surgery like I said I would NEVER do...I dont dump :( Some how I had 4 bites of Tiramisu cheesecake sneak in my mouth a few weeks ago...hmmm. I am normally pretty good with getting in protein first. I do treat myself with sugar free snacks here and there. I am now solidly in a 16 (except for old navy) I cant wait until I get into single digits!!!
01/07/04 Just home from vacation from Paris...Thanks god I am back that is all I have to say. It is so hard to eat in a foreign country when nothing is fat free or low carb, etc... The only thing is that I walked forever!!! I am down 13 more lbs and am finally under 200!!!! I havent been under 200 in so long. I am still in 16's but loose...not loose enough for 14's though...I did squeeze into a pair I havent worn in YEARS!!! but I had the fat roll at the top :( I can finally say that I am happy that I had this surgery, I am still learning to deal with my food cravings and feeling bad cause I cant eat alot. I do not dump and I had some chocolate experiences while I was there but I dont over do it. I am 60lbs away from goal, that is absolutely unbelievable. I am still shooting for 100lbs by 6 months and I am ready to start back at the gym...
02/03/04 5 months ago I had surgery...I am now down 82lbs!!! Unbelievable. I am solidly in a size 14 and actually bought a pair of 12's. I dont even remember ever wearing a size 12. I was shooting to lose 100 by 6 months but I think I will be a little short. Why is it the more I lose the fatter I think I get. I have horrible skin and have already started the surgery fund. I went shopping for new bras today and I can still do a 40?? Is that normal? My eating has improved a 100% I put my family on the south beach diet and I have been following it pretty well, it really makes sense. I think I am finally learning to take this surgery seriously...I mean if I dont change my relationship with food now I will never keep this weight off. I have been going to the gym in hopes to firm up a bit and I find that I am liking it alot better. I am turning 29 in 11 days!!! I have been getting alot of attention from people regarding my weightloss and I still just say to follow south beach, I have even been getting more looks from men. My boyfriend seems to notice and has been getting a little nervous...its kind of funny, not that I would ever do anything. Well I am keeping my fingers crossed for a continuous weightloss and cant wait to see 125.
03/03/04 -90lbs exactly on my 6 month anniversary. I am very happy. I am solidly in a size 12 and have bought size 10's. I was hoping to be down 100lbs today but I will reach it next month god willing. It is amazing to think that I have only 42 more pounds till I reach my goal. I am excited to see my family this summer that does not even know that I have had surgery!!!!
04/01/04 -100!!!!!!!! I am in the century club and this is noooo April Fools joke. I cant believe I made it. I have 32 more pounds to go before I hit my goal. I am in a size 10 with 8's coming up real close. I love it. I have had run in's with girl scout cookies and survived :) I have started my belly dancing classes, I take pilates and jog every other day. Life is pretty good now.
05/23/04 -111 lbs I am 21lbs away from goal and cant believe. I have been so bad with updating because I am busy planning my wedding!!!! I am in 8's almost 6's!!!!
06/03/04 -119 I cant believe how close I am to my goal. It still seems like a dream to me. I can wear 6's 8's size medium tops....wow. I am so excited to see my family who is clueless about my surgery :) I am getting married August 1st and it is so stressful planning this wedding. I have also registered to run a marathon...yeah right me a marathon, that has always been my goal though. I cant wait to get my health insurance back so that I can pursue plastic surgery...I need it BAD.
06/29/04 -124 I weighed in a little early this month but still down 5lbs. I am now at 133.... sooooo close to my 125 goal. I havent been eating all that well... I hate eating but I love it if that makes any sense. I am getting ready to sell my house and move back to Sunny Cali!!!! I am getting married in almost exactly a month. I have been so stressed about that.
08/09/04 -133!!!!! I have now lost more than I weigh!!!! I am at below my goal. How absolutely amazing, in less than 1 year. I wear 2/4 petites, and I feel perfect (except for the nip and tuck I want done...oh yeah boobs too!) I got married on the 1st. Yeah for me, what an exciting year that I have had. Habibi leaves Wednesday for the Army, I want to move to Las Vegas and cocktail serve while finally completing my degree. I dont think I can handle a winter here in Va as I am cold all the time. I saw all my family for the first time and none of them know about surgery...no one recognized me. How fun is that :) Surgery was so worth it. I find myself eating more... the weight keeps coming off... I really dont want to get any lower than 120. I need to see Dr. Halmi asap and get some advice.
09/05/04 Happy Anniversary to meeee!!!! I have made it one year!!! I cannot believe the changes that have occured in the last year. I am tiny, I am married and I am happy!!!! My weight seems to have stabilized a bit as I am able to eat more than before. My husband did not go to the military HAMDULILAH!!! We are working on getting all the wedding bills paid.
I am so thankful to have had this surgery, it has changed more than my physical being. I am motivated and back in school. I feel as if I can accomplish anything that I set my mind to. Now it is just keeping this weight off.
11/04/05 So I am pretty much leveling off at 124. I would like to see 115 just to see it :) I am wearing a size 2 and if I didnt have this saggy skin probably a 0, who would have thought. I am seriously looking at plastics now and I want the works!!! Tomorrow is the DC convention and my sister is going. She is extremely big and I hate for her to miss out on her young years because of her weight. I wish my mother would consider this also. I guess it isnt for everyone. I survived Halloween okay, only dipped into the candy a few times :) Better then eating a whole bag like before. I have been so much better on taking my supplements... vistas, b complex, iron and my monthly b12 injection. I was feeling really fatigued and I am sure it was cause I was laxed with those. Well till next month.
01/21/05 Happy New Year!!! Eid Mubarak today! It has been a long time since I updated. I am currently 1 month post op from plastics. I had a tt, thigh lift and breast aug. I have to say the boobs hurt like the dickens. I can wear a bikini!!! I am anxiously waiting for the swelling to subside and my energy level to come back up so that I can work out. I am 99% happy with my boobs but one needs to settle down a bit to even them out. I am going to have my arms lifted hopefully in March. This has been quite the experience and I had a great Doc...anyone interested in going over the border to save some money email me:) I have lost more weight weighing in at 120 and that is with the swelling. I am getting a little to thin for my liking. I had my body fat measured and I am at 20% which is under normal ;( I am upping my protein and trying to get in enough food but between school and work its tough. We sold our house hamdulah. I am counting down the months till we make our move to Nevada!!! I am going to make it a point to update more. My big 30 Bday is less than a month away!!!!
06/17/05 I completely suck about updating my profile. My life is soooo busy lately. I am in my final week of living in VA. I leave on the 28th for Morocco for a month or so, then we are moving to Las Vegas. I found an awesome apartment and we will look for a house after we settle in there. I am about 6 months post op from plastics. I am pretty happy with the results but I still have some gushy skin. I had to have my left breast done again because I had developed so much scar tissue that it hurt and wouldnt settle down. I have rebounded 14lbs and I hate it. I want to be back to 120 but I am finding it impossible to control my cravings. I know this is a tool but dang I think mine stopped working. I am still in 4's but pushing 6's and I wont have it. I was to skinny at 120 and perfect at 125 so that is where I am going.
I cant wait for this move and I cant wait to be on vacation for a month. I am going to sit on the beach in eljadida and tangier and have some fun!!! I have started jogging outside vs. the treadmill and man does that work your butt. I have to be vigilant about this weightloss. I am able to eat everything without issue, I do dump but I wanted to be the one that hated pasta and bread etc... but no not me. I can eat it all!!!!
08/27/05 Just because I can eat it doesnt mean that I should right??? Well why cant I get that through my head? I have finally made my move to Las Vegas and I love it here. Close enough to drive to see my family in California but still affordable. I have been on the job hunt for 2 weeks now with no luck. Thank god I transferred with my company but I would still like a change. I have been absolutely out of control with my eating...why? Because I am a food addict. I am going back to protein only for the next 3 days if I can make it. I have got to get back in control of myself and get rid of 15lbs that I have gained. I feel weak and I dont like to feel that way. How am I supposed to look cute cocktail waitressing if I am on the border of being overweight ...lol..
I am happy to have returned from my vacation from Morocco...I love visiting but they are not WLS friendly there...basically everything is bread,pasta or some type of carb. Fat free milk is nearly impossible to find as is sugar substitue. I did bring my own splenda. There lives revolve around food and they feel insulted if you dont eat everything!!! So there I was forcing myself to eat more then I should and now the clothes are tight and I am miserable. Well I am done with that feeling and I am getting back in control. I need to come to this website more and just accept the fact that I will never not have a food problem.
12/1/05 Still doing well. Recently got over a bout with the stomach flu...at least I lost some weight (not that I would want to do it that way again)
I cant believe how different life is being normal weight. I have a job as a cocktail server (money is GREAT) It is so weird being gawked at over your body in a good way. I work out hard and no one would ever guess I was previously morbidly obese. I love my new life. I am thinking about getting my boobs redone...the left one has bottomed out and I would like them to sit up higher. I have been putting in for the new casinos opening cause mine will be closing in about a year...was going to go with the coast casinos but I am not THAT comfortable wearing a G-string in public ..lol
Nothing much new to report. I need to keep better track of my profile and update more.
04-23/06 Okay so I completely suck at updating my profile. I think part of it is on purpose since I basically went completely off track. I have gained so much weight that I want to cry... I hate going shopping again :( None of my clothes fit. I refuse to buy a bigger size. Thats what I get for thinking that my surgery was invincible. On a kind of good note; I just got hired as a cocktail server at the most expensive casino on the strip. I am so excited to start that I have been dieting and exercising like a mad woman. It is pretty cool you have to get headshots (pics) done because there are times that you do speacial engagements such as the fights (being ring girls) Maxim parties, etc... what a far stretch from being formerly obese. I will get back to 120...
06-29-06 So I have started my aerobic training for the LV marathon in December. I wont start the actual marathon training for 6 more weeks. What a great goal... I have always wanted to do a marathon and what better one then the LV w/ the running Elvis's!!! Work is going well. I love my job when people tip (hint hint) The other night one of the girls made 25K and not even in the high limit area... when is it my turn??? I am determined to get back to my lowest weight and I know that this training will help alot. I am becoming obsessed with my arm skin YUCK! It never bothered me before but now that my dress is spaghetti strapped I am so self conscious!!! I am going to start updating on my progress more... I promise
09-11-06 Wow 5 years ago today; I had just started my life in Northern VA working in Pentagon City when tragedy hit. I saw it first hand and felt all the fear that we all felt. So many people scared and alone that there were no strangers that day. People knocking on my window are you going here or there can I ride with you??? I needed to stay at work that day as I couldnt get home. Hayes street was a madhouse so I thought I could help by passing out water and such. Cell phones werent working... so much wrong information. I should have listened to my friend and just stayed home... if it werent for that day I dont know if I would have gotten so close to my husband. I was new in a city and he was there to help when I was soooo scared.
Enough rattling on but days like this just make you think...
Ash-hadu an laa-ilaaha illal-laahu wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadar rasuulullaah
As far as my weightloss it is still up... I had to stop training for awhile because I was soooo sick. Why is it after surgery that I cannot shake these normal colds??? I am planning on running tonight insh'alla.
11/14/06 Okay day 2 of my nutrisystem plan and I am doing okay. Seems like alot of food to eat in order to lose weight. My starting weight is 150 and I need to get to 125 I am keeping my fingers crossed XXXX I will post my weekly weight on here. I am gearing up for black friday.... god I love that day!!!!
02/20/07 Thank god this weekend is over!!! Please never bring the All Stars back to Vegas. What a weekend and what an experience. Do you want to know what it is like to be stiffed by millionaire basketball players...ask me it happened ALLLLL weekend. Good thing it is Chinese New Year and I am working in the high limit area... need to make money for my house. Nothing to much is new here other then I have lost 12 lbs and am on my way back to 120!!! Did I mention I have a new baby!!!! His name is Zindin Al Ahhsan otherwise known as Zizou born 12.11.2006
Welcome Leila Jamila!!! Born 3/31/07
AAAGGHHH have to lose 25lbs!!!
After our baby is born.... 3/6/08
12/13/08 I am a horrible horrible blogger!!! I used to read peoples profiles daily and always promised that I would keep mine updated. I suck!!! All is going well with baby #2. I have put on too much weight and my back is paying for it. I cannot believe I am 28 weeks already, time flies like crazy. I started my leave early because my butt was hanging out the bottom of my dress and the shoes were killing me!!!!
Sept 07 Oct 07
Dec 07
01/11/2008 Happy New Year! Wish it could be better. I am just counting down the days till this bun pops out of her oven. I tell you the issues I have had since RNY suck. If you have a choice take your gallbladder out!!!!
05/11/2008 Had baby Yasmeen 2.15 and 8:49 in the morning...she was tiny 4lbs 11oz. I will post some pics eventually. Wanted to keep track of my new weightloss adventure. I have been working with a trainer 5+ days a week and he rocks. I have went from 160 to 156 since Monday.. He has me on the following supplements
GLUTAMINE 5 GRAMS 3 TIMES A DAY
MULTI VITAMIN 2X A DAY
VITAMIN C 2000 THROUGHOUT DAY
GREEN TEA EXTRACT 2000 GRAMS
ACETYL CARNATINE 2000 GRAMS
CLA (FAT BURNER) 4000 MGS DAILY
VASPORO (EPHEDRINE) 50MGS DAILY
CAFFEINE PILL 200MG (SINCE I AM CUT OFF OF COFFEE :( )
LIPODDREME 25MG (APPETITE CONTROL)
ISOPURE PROTEIN SHAKES.
He is a pro bodybuilder and looks great so we are following his regimine and it seems to be working great. I feel great and have tons of energy. I will keep you all posted on my progress.... 120 here I come (he promises by July) I hope so cause I have a closet full of 2/4 that I want to fit back into!!!!
05/27/200008 I am still loving my trainer. Have to get off my butt and get some new running shoes so I can get my cardio in. I like him because he doesnt let me cry or say something is too hard... he knows I can do it. Now on to he health issues...OMG where do I start. I have had 3 CT scans in the past 3 weeks, having another MRI done soon. I finally made it in to the pain management people and they adjusted my meds, I FEELLLSO MUCH BETTER! I had a CTscan today because they saw white spots on my lungs...please let it be nothing. I have a family that needs me here.okay enough crying. Still weighing in at 155 but that is because I havent been eating correctly nor doing my cardio. I know if I stick with him I willl look amazing and it will be worth every penny spent!
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