ObesityHelp

2/4/04 Still doing great! I realized I haven't updated in over a year. The biggest "problem" being almost 4 years post op is how easy it is to GAIN weight. I have to be constantly vigilant. The holidays allowed a weight gain to creep on; now it's back to calorie restriction & exercise. No magic pills! But I'm healthy & overall happy!

9/30/02 Happy Autumn! I'm still doing well; I can eat more than I wish. I gave up eating wheat shortly after my last posting. I like the effects: a bit more weight loss! 105 pounds down!

6/6/02 HAPPY SURGERY ANNIVERSARY DATE!! It's been 2 years today since my surgery. My weight has been within a 5 pound fluctuation for a year. Never in my life has my weight been stable for a year! I'm wearing the same clothes. I still wish I weighed less...I'm still trying by eating less starches, more protein, more water, more exercise!

1/25/02 HAPPY NEW YEAR. Here I am ~19 months post op. My weight has been stable since I last posted. I wasn't able to continue the protein-sparing fast; I developed profound fatigue, so resumed eating on the 4th of July. It took a few weeks for my fatigue to resolve. I still would like to weigh less, but it truly is a miracle that my weight has been stable over 6 months. I really wished I had maximized the first 6 months after surgery; eaten even less; exercised more. The best weight loss is in the first 6 months; after that we can eat a larger volume. I must update my picture; the only one on this site is my fat pictures! I'll get them scanned soon & get them posted. Good luck everyone!

6/29/01 I HAVE LOST 100 POUNDS!!! I want to shout from the rooftops! Today I weigh 174; I weighed 274 the day before my surgery, which was June 4, 2000. I've attained this goal in part to undertaking the protein-sparing medically supervised fast for the past month. It's been hard, but I'm determined to go another month and get into the 160's; a weight I'm willing to "defend" and slowly lose down from. If you're thinking about this surgery, DO IT! I'll be 50 years old in August, and I am healthier at 50 than I was at 40!!!

6/12/01 1 year post op! My current weight is 182; In order to lose more weight, I've undertaken a 2 month medically supervised protein-sparing fast of 600-800 calories per day. I was eating around 1500 calories per day & exercising, which was maintaining my weight around 190. I didn't feel successful at that weight, so I hope to get to the mid 160's and maintain that weight with exercise & sensible eating. I can eat a pretty good volume of food; a 4-6 ounce steak or a big salad with around 4 ounces of chicken. I still get mild dumping in the form of nausea & feeling hot & sweaty if I eat concentrated carbohydrate (i.e. cereal, muffin, cake, cookies) and frankly I welcome that to help guide my food choices.

4/13/01 10 months out from surgery. My weight loss has slowed, but I'm 195. I'm "kick-starting" my program by eating fewer calories, exercising more & still keeping track of my food intake. Overall I feel good, but I want to weigh less!!

12/27/00 Over 6 months out. My current weight is 208 lbs; I've lost 66 pounds. I can eat anything I want. I keep daily food records; it helps me stay accountable. My daily protein goal is 80 grams a day and I usually make it. During the holidays I've had more sweets & carbohydrates; but I've learned if I have too much of them I get a bit nauseated. My physical energy is quite good. It's so much easier to get down on the floor and play with my toddler neices & nephews. I am very happy I made the decision to have this surgery!!

10/18/00 I'm now 4 months out. I've lost 55 lbs; not as fast as some, but it's coming off. I need to be more vigilant with my exercise, and make better food choices. Refined carbohydrates go down too easily. Raw fruits & vegetables are the hardest, but I need to eat more of them. I'm pretty successful at getting in 70 to 100 grams of protein a day.

6/22/00 Happy Summer Solstice. I'm doing quite well; now on pureed foods & healing well!!

I underwent the open RNY gastric bypass with a 150 cm limb on 6/6/00. My pre-op weight was 274 lb. Postop was really hard; I couldn't tolerate ANY narcotics due to the severe nausea & vomiting...all I got was a type of novacaine through an epidural catheter (in my back) for most of the incision, and an IV form of Motrin. My incision is almost 12 inches long with over 30 stiches (not staples). But, I was discharged home on my 3rd post-op day and lived in my recliner for 2 weeks.

5/26/00 My pre-op appointment went smoothly. I met with the very experienced nurse practitioner at length; had the perfunctory physical exam. The clinic nurse came in for extensive pre-op teaching; only to be interrupted by the surgical resident who wanted to get my consent; who was interrupted by the surgeon himself. Dr. Wolfe was warmer than before; this was my 3rd meeting with him. Finally, with most of my questions answered, the clinic nurse finished her teaching and I was free to go. Armed with lab slips, prescriptions for antiobiotics, lots of written instructions and a GALLON of "GoLytely" (whoever named that must be a sadist), I'm almost ready!!

5/1/00 I'm approved! I will have my pre-op appointment on May 26th and am on the surgical schedule for June 6th!!!

4/12/00 I met with Dr. Wolfe a second time. We decided I will have the open procedure on June 6th, 2000.

3/15/00 I had my first appointment with the Surgical Obesity Program at UCDMC. I met with the surgeon, met with the psychologist and went to a class regarding the post-op diet with the dietician. Next I'm to have an echocardiogram (because I took Fen-Phen for awhile) and an abdominal sonogram to look at my gallbladder. After those tests, Ill have a return appointment to the clinic. They will then request a surgical date & approval from my insurance company. Due to my work & choral concert schedule, the soonest I can have surgery is 5/22/00.

2/13/00 I met with a new Internal Medicine doctor. She was very supportive of my desire to have the RNY procedure. She sent in the referral to my insurance company. On 2/28/00 my HMO approved me to consult with the surgeon! However, when I contacted the surgeon's office, they WOULDN'T make an appointment. I had to fill out 4 detailed questionnaires & submit them. Then, they REVIEW the questionnaires, my medical record, and decide IF they will give me an appointment! Sheesh!!!!!!

I have been researching gastric surgery since November 99. I have been through ALL other programs, including weight watchers (1st time 1972), medically supervised fast (several times), Overeaters Anonymous, Jenny Craig, etc. etc. Although I can lose weight, I can't keep it off. I must pursue a more permanent solution. I have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, acid reflux disease, arthritis with chronic foot pain, chronic knee pain, chronic back pain. My father died of diabetes. My only sister has insulin treated diabetes. My only brother was diagnosed with diabetes 2 years ago. Tick, tick, tick; the diabetes clock is ticking for me...

I've been an RN for over 20 years (I'm a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Pediatric Cardiology). I am concerned about post-op complications. My HMO will only approve one surgical program...so here's hoping for the best outcome!