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L C. Port St John, FL, USA Post Op - BMI: 57.2 Surgery Type: RNY Member ID: C1104875484 Surgeon: Wm Todd Overcash, M.D. |
Click here for L's surgery support page Click here for the 08/2005 Reunion Page Click here to print L's cards (You can print your own cards, and if you're good at it, you can help print cards for your friends as well!) Click here to view L’s friends. |
  I have been obese since I was 12 years old. My mother says I started gaining weight at age 3 or 4. My first grade picture shows me already in tight fitting clothes. I was 6 years old. I have a twin sister and we both have been obese all our lives. I'm tired of carrying all this weight and now with type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, painful knees and ankles and lower back; I need some help. Don't get me wrong, I really like who I am, I'm just tired of the weight. I didn't always like the person inside, let alone outside. I use to run away from being alone with myself. Now I love to spend time figuring out who the "Real ME" is. It is a great journey. Now I'm ready to get healthy and live a long life. So that is why I have been researching WLS since Nov. 04.  I began this process of research November 2004. I had several friends and 2 family members who have had this surgery (1 family member is over a year out and the other had her surgery in Jan 05) The first one has lost over 140 pounds and is maintaining at this point and the other has lost over 80 pounds since Jan.). I have looked at 3 surgeons: Dr. Tenewitz (who is not doing the surgeries right now) who is appr. 20 miles from my home city, Dr. Kim of US Bariatrics of Celebration, FL which was 67 miles from my home city, & Dr. Overcash in Ocala, FL which is 142 miles from my home city. I never met Dr. T, but both Dr Kim and Dr. Overcash held great seminars. Their personalities are total different. Dr. Kim was going to be out of network, so I choose Dr. Overcash. He is very upfront and to the point, but he has done over 1,000 surgeries. I am unsure how many surgeries Dr. Kim has done, but many people on this site have used him and he has a great reputation as well. My reasons for using Dr. Overcash were pretty simple: He met me at the door of his office and he took me back to the conference room after he weighed me in. I did not meet a nurse at that time, it was done by him. I is a little impersonal in his manner, but I have never been to any other doctors office where the doctor meets you to take you back. So no matter what else, this made a huge impression on me. The process to choose Dr. Overcash took some time for me and you will understand it as you read through the rest of my profile. My wish in journaling my process here is to inform you of the steps and some of the emotions that I have gone through in this process. I wish you well as you journey through this exciting time in your life. May my experience shed some light on who I am, why I am doing this and hopefully help you in some small way as you begin your journey to a healthier you. Blessings to you as you read this profile. -- Lori
9/23/06 - I promised to get this on my profile so that those starting out on this journey have an idea of what they need to do to get their nutrient in. One of the woman on August 2005 Message Board posted this for us and I truly thank her for it. My surgeon hasn't been very helpful in the area of how much to eat, a real stickler for eating just 3 meals a day with protein first. I have found that this hasn't been the best way for me to loose. I was loosing slowly, so I have been following this recommendation and eating 3 meals with some snacks inbetween and my stahl has changed this week to 3 pounds lost. That is a lot for me in one week... Thanks, Deb, for posting........Of course, if you are just starting out, this is your goal...you won't be able to eat this much to begin with, but make it a goal to follow this pyramid if you don't have any other help or support system in place. In reading "Bariatric Surgery for Dummies" there is a great food pyramid guide for all of us. Here's what it says..different from the regular food pyramid. At the bottom: Protein: Minimum 8-10 servings: can include-1/2 C cooked beans, 6 oz yogurt, 1/4 C cottage cheese, 1 egg or 1/4 c egg substitute, 1 oz lean meat, poultry, fish, cheese; 8 oz non fat milk (any of this counts as 1 serving) So if you eat 2 oz of lean meat, that's 2 servings. etc... Vegetables: 2 Servings a day - 1 Cup Raw, 1/2 Cup cooked Fruits: 2 Servings a day - 1 cup berries; 1 small banana; 1 peeled apple (samples) Grains/Beans/and Starchy vegetables: 2 Servings a Day - 3/4 C cereal (less than 6gr sugar); 1 small sweet potato; 1 slice 40 cal wheat bread; 1/3 c brown rice or wheat pasta Fats: 4 servings a day: 2 tbsp avocado, 1 tsp olive oil/butter/margarine Your surgeon and nutritionist may provide some helpful menus, but the bariatric food guide pyramid will help you design your own daily menus. The base of the pyramid is protein, the sources of protein are meat, fish, eggs, dairy, and legumes. Half of your daily diet (calories) should come from these sources. I don't know about you guys, but I really didn't know exactly how to balance out my daily food. This is a good guideline for a balanced diet. Hope it's helpful to all of you.  3/31/05 - Well, I posted a message on the Message Board for Florida about Dr Tenewitz. Had 3 responses...thanks so much to you ladies for posting and emailing. Due to each of them stating that Dr T is no longer doing bariatric surgery, I need to look some where else. Kristen from Ocala said she had seen Dr. T in Dec. 04 and was told he wasn't doing the surgery anymore and that she wasn't impressed with the staff there. she said that Dr Kim of US Bariatric did her surgery and she answered several questions for me in a email. I have decided to go on April 13th to the Pre-Op Seminar and stay for the post-op after the meeting to hear information about the surgery and see some folks who have had the surgery. The website for US Bariatric is great. It lists several areas in Florida where they are located. My insurance covers Florida Hospital - Celebration Health, which is where Dr Kim does the surgery. I will need to find out if he is covered on my plan next. I will ask that question at the seminar in 2 weeks. That's it for now. Have a great day to all who read this post. Lori 4/1/05 - I called US Bariatric of Orlando today and asked what I needed to bring with me for the meeting on 4/13/05. They asked me to bring a copy of my insurance card enlarged and a copy of my I.D. This way they can get started right away with finding out if I am able to get approved for the surgery. Also suggested I stay for the support group after the seminar because it is a requirement of Dr. Kim to attend a support group before having the surgery. That is the reason I choose to wait until the 13th instead of going over this week. The receptionist was very friendly and helpful. I'll post more later. Lori 4/5/05 - Well, I viewed the online seminar from US Bariatrics with Dr. Marema as the speaker on the informational session. It was very informative and I feel really good about the choice of using US Bariatric team. After watching the presentation, I was able to download their forms and information into Adobe reader. It included the forms needed to get started, fees associated with the procedure and your initial Out of Pocket expenses. They have a $600 non-refundable, not covered by insurance fee that is paid on your first consult visit with the doctor. This is paid after the team contacts your insurance company and finds out whether you will be able to start the process with your insurance (not before). I was very impressed with the presentation and that the whole process is about your total health, not just physical. They promote physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health to each patient. They have a 7 step plan to help you achieve your goals. I had my mother view and she was also very impressed with the presentation. I am very excited about the meeting in Celebration that I will attend on 4/13/05. I will begin to get the ball rolling. Now I must decide which surgery I will go for; RNY or Adjustable banding. Need to do more research on these two procedures. I'll keep you posted. - Lori 4/13/2005 - Well, today I went to see my PCP, Dr Aziz. He is great. I told him I was going this evening to US Bariatric Info Seminar in Orlando and had a sample letter of Medical Necessity for him to view. He said to let him know when I needed the letter and he will do whatever is necessary to get what I want done for me. Dr Aziz has been great since 2001 when I found out I had diabetes (wasn't so great before that). However, I decided that my health is my responsibility and changed the way we both viewed discussing my health issues. Since then, I have been very hands on and ask questions of him. It has taught me that if I don't take care of health matters, no one else will be my champion. So, Dr Aziz said he is willing to do whatever I want as long as I do my research on WLS. He has been awesome. Anyone looking for a PCP in the Rockledge/Cocoa area of Florida should consider him. Will post about US Bariatric seminar tomorrow. I am really looking forward to this meeting and the support group afterwards. Both are requirements to be seen by the doctor. Thanks for reading! -- Lori 4/14/05 - Wow! What an evening. I went to the Info session for US Bariatrics at Florida Hospital's Celebration Health Complex. It was very informative and Dr Keith Kim was very knowledgeable & funny at times. He was very serious about the risks involved, but found times when humor work to make a point. His staff was there as well. Because I had already viewed the online seminar, I had all my forms ready to go. When you arrived you had to weigh in and fill out the information profile. Since mine was already done, I just weighed in. Karen (who does the insurance) was very helpful and said she would be in touch with me as soon as she spoke with United Health Care. After Dr. Kim's session, Kristen from his office went over the insurance part of the process. She was very helpful as well. Found out that Dr Kim isn't a preferred provider for any insurance co., so whatever the insurance co. pays, you are responsible for the balance. Lap Band Surgeon cost is $4,000 and RNY surgeon cost is $5,000 so if the difference is half or greater, it can get a little more costly then I anticipated. The support group after the info session was really fun. Several stood and told how much they've lost and how they are doing, how much energy they have. One lady was there after 9 nine days post-op (Lap Band) and she has lost 12 pounds already. It is amazing. Everyone who spoke was very helpful to those who had questions. There is a lot of testing to be done, but it will be worth it. Well, I'll close for now. If anyone has questions, please email me. I'll try to get the answers for you. (we were told the total cost for self-pay if anyone wants to know this). More later! -- Lori 4/18/04 - Karen from Dr. Kim's office called on Friday and said that my insurance covers the surgery if medically necessary. We discussed the cost of surgery. It looks like I will have to come up with approx. $4,500 total for deductibles, co pays, program fees, psych eval, & anasticia (sp). Wow! what an eye opener. So I will turn in my IRA from my old job (that will give me approx. $2,800) and I am selling some things on eBay. If you like Marie Osmond dolls, check me out (userid: twin2twin). I am also looking at savings with a little over $800 in it and will just have to save the rest. Now with that stated, this doesn't include my cost for pre-op testing. It is a lot, but I will work hard for this. I thought about changing doctors who are in network, but those who are in network, the facility they use is not. That would be more expensive then Dr. Kim with a 60/40 co-pay, plus $500 deductible. I am still working through the expense part in my mind. Hoping that something somehow will break into my mind to help figure out how I will afford this surgery. Please keep me in your prayers. I know there is a solution. I am single and rent so equity loan won't work. Credit history is not great due to other medical bills. Well, I've lived with being morbidly obese for more than 30 years, so I can live with it for a few more months if need be. Thanks for reading. -- Lori 4/21/05 - Well, I have bone spurs in both my feet. Went for x-ray on Tuesday and both feet have them. That's good news though because the alternative could have been the start of neuropathy. Went to get a cortisone injection in one foot and gave my PCP the information he needs to write the letter of medical necessity. He offered his good luck to me in getting everything approved and said he would get the letter written as quickly as possible. I love Dr Aziz, he has been wonderful. I also spoke with Karen at Dr Kim's office to see if Dr Aziz needed to do anything about calling insurance or not. She said they just need the letter from him and it can be faxed. I have a great repor with the girls in PCP's office so I'll give them a call about the letter next week. I don't think I'll have to bug them to much to get it done. I was also approved for my psych eval. from the mental health side of the insurance. My total cost will only be $61 as they found a woman psychologist in my area who specializes in the bariatric psych eval. It will take 3 hours and the fee is $16 co-pay plus $15/hr. I am so happy about that. The person Dr Kim uses is $400 & she isn't on the mental health side of my insurance. Wish me luck, I believe the psych part will be the easiest for me as I like who I am and have very good self-esteem. I am truly doing this for health reasons. I've never not been obese so I don't know what I would look like thin, it bothered me when I was a teen and up until my mid-30's, but I decided that this is who I am and I am happy with who I am. I only get down on myself when I feel alone, but I love being single right now. No worries about living life with someone else. Oh well, I'm rambling. I will write more later. -- Lori 4/22/05 - Just got off the phone with Janice the nurse at Dr Kim's office. This is moving faster than I thought. I have many things to get done before I have my pre-op visit with Dr. Kim. Psych Eval needs to be done and they are checking with Dr Kim to see if I can use the one covered by my insurance. Don't know what I'll do if not. Maybe look for someone else to do surgery. Need the H. Pylori blood test done, EKG Strip, Chest X-Ray, Gallbladder Ultrasound, PCP Clearance, Cardiology Clearance & Pulmonary clearance. Then a month before my date I'll get my blood work done. They only allow it to be within 30 days of surgery. That won't be a problem, I get blood drawn ever 3 months for HA1C, and lipids, etc. Been doing that for more than 3 years now. The staff is so nice at US Bariatrics. I hope and pray that I'll be able to use them for my surgery. That's my repot for this go round. I'll write more later. -- Lori 4/27/05 - I just had to write to let everyone know that I have the greatest boss in the world. Today is Administrative Day and instead of getting me flowers, he gave me $100 towards my surgery deductibles. Isn't that wonderful. He also pledge to give me $500 more toward my surgery during the time I have to get funds together. I am so thankful to have a boss and friend who supports me in this big step I am taking. Thanks, Bob! You are the greatest!!! -- Lori 5/2/05 - I needed to update to say that I have decided not to us Dr Kim at US Bariatric at this time. If you read my post above about 2 from this one, I explained that my mental health portion of my insurance found someone in my area that does psych eval for bariatric surgery and it would only cost me $61 - $81. Dr Kim's office said no and that I had to use their person who would be $400. That was it! So I got on the phone and called Dr Jawad's office (who I still haven't heard from) and Dr Overcash's office on Friday, 4/30. I spoke with Patrice at Dr. Overcash and have an appt set up for Mon., 5/9 @ 1 p.m. Dr. Overcash is covered on my insurance and so is the hospital. He only does open RNY, but I thought with my BMI, that is how I would end having my procedure anyway. I've read many people's profiles over the past months and feel comfortable with this decision. I'll no more after the appt. with Dr. O. I really liked Patrice. She seemed to have her ducks in a row and even said I may not even need a psych eval with my insurance and employer records. But even if I do, I can use the one my mental health insurance found for me. So far my expenses will be a whole lot less than with Dr. Kim. Now I just need to wait and see what I think of Dr. O. More later -- Lori 5/4/05 - Well, I am sitting here at work and had some time on my hands and thought I would update you on finances I've found for the surgery. I don't know what the cost will be with Dr. O, but I am still saving my funds. What I don't use for this surgery, I'll save for plastics (cause I know that I will need it). I sold several of my Marie Osmond dolls on eBay and have made almost $350 from that, I also had an extra pay check in July, so I put $200 toward the surgery. I was also able to save appr. $50 in food bill this week by eating at home instead of eating out, so at this point I have $600 saved. Now if I was still going with Dr. Kim, that would have been the non-refundable program fee...now I can pay for the $75 nutrient class required by Dr. O and still have my deductible ready for the hospital (it is $500). This week I'll be able to save about $30 I think. So, I am still working on getting it all together. I still have my IRA from my former job if I need it ($2800 after penalties). So I think I'm getting close to having all my funds together for surgery! This is so amazing, I can't believe it. -- Lori 5/10/05 - I met Dr. Overcash yesterday for the first time. As others have stated on his surgeon page, he is very matter of fact, blunt, overstates the risks. He wants to make sure you know that you could die from surgery. I really appreciated his candor in not sugar coating a thing. He also told me that not everyone likes him because he is very insistent in getting up and doing for yourself right after your surgery. He doesn't agree with the helpless, I'm hurting patient and will make family members who do too much for you i.e. put straws in your cup when you are more then capable of doing that yourself, leave the hospital. I liked that about him. I think he and I will get along famously. After scaring me with the risks (and he did), he went on to say that I would do very well with this surgery. He believes I would lose weight quickly due to a test he does in office to measure your metabolic rate. It showed that my metabolism is very fast at +39. our meeting was almost 2 hours long. He came to the waiting room door and got me himself, I'm not sure that is normal because his nurse was out due to an emergency. He weighed me and we found out that my BMI is 54.9 at this point. That puts my risk factor higher then normal. There is a 1 in 100 chance of death for me. That really made me think about what I am doing. We talked about how he does the procedure as to what other doctors do and the percentage of 5 to 20% of weight gained back with his method. He only does open and he discussed his reasons why. He gave me the number of patients that have died that he has performed the surgery on. He has done 1,000 + surgeries and has had 5 deaths (3 were expected and 2 were unexpected). Yes, he is very serious about letting you know that you are going into major surgery and it could be fatal. He answered all my questions and asked several times if I had any other questions for him. He also said if I thought of anything else to call the office and they would get right back with me as soon as possible. Then I met with Patrice...what a wonderful person she is!! I thought I would have quite a few things to do before the surgery, but she informed me that I don't need a letter from my PCP, diet history (which I already did and she added to my chart), medically supervised 6 months of diet, psych eval, gall bladder scan, or any other tests. The only thing I need to provide from this point on is a letter from me stating that I realize the risks and why the surgery would be beneficial for me, a letter from my mother (who was at the meeting with me) stating that she supports me and knows the risks, a stress test for cardiac clearance and the nutrient class the day before surgery. She said that is all my insurance requires. That is a far cry from the hoops that US bariatrics wanted from me. I would suggest that anyone having the surgery call the insurance company on your own, you may be able to save yourself some time and money on unnecessary testing. Just because the surgeon requires it doesn't mean the insurance company does. It was truly an eye opening experience. I am looking at approval in about 4 to 6 weeks and then surgery. I was thinking this was going to take much longer...like October or November...now we are looking at first or middle July. Unbelievable. More later. -- Lori 5/12/05 - Well, I've faxed my letter and my family members letter explaining the risks and benefits of the surgery for me. I have been thinking very seriously about those risks and am not sure where I am in my mind right now. I saw my PCP yesterday and asked his opinion. He is more concerned about blood clots, wound infections and the other risks than the risk of death for me. He said 5 in 100 (that's 1 in 20) have other problems that may be very serious. He said to take my time with the decision because it is a very big decision and it is elective. I appreciated that advice. Just thinking about the possibilities of something going wrong is very scary to me. I thought I was in better health then this. I guess I will know more after my cardiac stress test. That will tell me what shape my heart is in. I already know I have an enlarged heart, but I don't know what my heart function is at this time. Sorry if this seems morbid, but I am just being honest in how I am feeling right now. More later. -- Lori I'm not really trying to lose any weight, but I am not wanting to gain any or much before surgery, I weigh myself and measure every Sunday and have been doing this since Jun 2003. I have decided to keep a record of my pre-op weight for myself and others to see as I approach surgery. I am starting from 5/9/05 as this is when I had my consult with Dr. Overcash. Pre-Op Weight Chart 5/9/05 - 290.5 BMI - 54.9 5/15/05 - 284 BMI - 53.7 5/22/05 - 283 BMI - 53.5 5/29/05 - 283 BMI - 53.5 6/5/05 - 282 BMI - 53.3 6/12/05 - 282.5 BMI - 53.4 6/19/05 - 284.5 BMI - 53.7 6/26/05 - 287 BMI - 54.2 (PMS week) 7/3/05 - 287.5 BMI - 54.3 7/10/05 - 288 BMI - 54.4 7/17/05 - 287.5 BMI 54.3 7/24/05 - 285 BMI 53.8 7/31/05 - 287.5 BMI 54.3 8/3/05 - 292.7 BMI 55.4 (Surgery Day 5/16/05 - Well, it was an uneventful weekend for me. I have my date for my stress test. It will be this Thursday @ 9:30 a.m. It will take appr. 4 hours and they said don't eat or drink anything for 4 hours before the test. I am not even to take my medications until later in the day. It will be hard not to drink any water before the test because every morning after I brush my teeth I usually drink 8 to 12 oz before I leave for work. That has been my habit for years, so it will be hard on Thursday. I guess the best thing is to not even brush my teeth but I don't think I will be able to stand that. I told some friends about my decision to have the surgery on Sunday and they are very excited for me. It was good to hear. My one girlfriend that I told I was thinking about the surgery back in January (she didn't think it was a good idea and tried to discourage me) was there with my other friends yesterday. I just didn't even talk about it when she was around. I know that she knows something is up, but I have decided to tell only those who are supportive and encouraging about this venture. She may wonder, but until she asks, I'll not say a word to her. If she does ask and then gets negative about it, I will just be firm and tell her that I know the risks, I've researched this and it is my decision. I'll let her know that I appreciate her opinion and concern, but my mind is made up and when we are together it is a subject that is not to be discussed. If she can't not talk about it negatively, I'll just have to not be friends with her for now. I've just learned that you can't please everyone and my opinion and desires are worth pursuing for me. I am worth getting healthy and taking care of me! It has taken a long time to realize this. If I don't take care of me, no one else will. I am the only one who can!!! Well, I'll update again soon. -- Lori 5/17/05 - Patrice from Dr. O's office just called and said that she just submitted my paperwork to the insurance company this morning. I am looking at 4 weeks from now for approval. Hope it is sooner, but won't panic and bug their office at all. I can't believe this is moving so fast. It feels like a dream. --Lori 5/20/05 - I had my persantine/thelliaum stress test yesterday to get cardiac clearance for surgery. At was a Wuesthoff Hospital at 9:00 a.m (appt was at 9:30) and they took me back at 9:25 a.m. Fran was my nurse and she started with putting in an IV site. She was good, because I am a hard stick and she got it in one stick. Then William came in to put in the radioactive stuff through the IV site. I kept waiting for a weird feeling, but it never came. They had me still in the waiting area until the machine was ready; that was appr. 20 minutes (they were busy). Then for the next 15 minutes, I laid on a curved bed and was scanned by a machine. My arms were over my head and I never had a problem with feeling I was larger then the machine. William did the process for this test and he was wonderful. He put on some electrodes (3) and never lifted my shirt. He was very thoughtful and kind. After the 15 minutes was up he took me to an area where Dr Barden (my cardiologist) would do the stress part of the test. Two nurses were there, one to administer the Persantine to stress the heart and one to monitor and time the event. Dr. Barden watched and kept asking if I was feeling ok. I had a slight headache from the drug and I felt like I needed to breath a little faster, but my heart never felt like it was going to beat out of my chest or anything like that. Dr. Barden said "You may feel some pressure in your chest or heaviness (didn't happen), you may get a headache (very slight and lasted about 45 minutes after the test), or some dizziness (very slight, if it happened at all)." All this was done laying down. The most uncomfortable part was the blood pressure cuff would go off every few seconds (15 or so) and would get really tight on my arm. That was really the only part the hurt. There was slight burning as the medicine went in through the vein because Fran used a really small one. After about 7 to 9 minutes the nurse gave me the reversal medication. Dr. Barden said I might feel tingling in my face or numbness. Never felt that. Then while I was laying there, William came in a gave me one more injection of the radioactive medicine for the next set of pictures. At this point they removed the IV site, gave me something to drink and helped me up. I was really cold and they gave me a blanket to wrap up in. Then I was sent back out to the waiting area until a machine became available. I was brought back in to the machine room after waiting about 45 minutes (they really got slammed). The next pictures set took 12 minutes. Then I was released to go. The whole procedure took 3 hours and most of it was wait time for machines. You just have your street clothes on, so no worrying about whether the gown was going to fit. Everyone was really wonderful and very friendly. I was really nervous but the nurses in the stress area kept me laughing and I never had to worry about whether I was going to do well or not. I told Dr. B that I would know whether to worry or not by his reactions. He was there for the whole time going through the stress part of the test and he kept saying, "your doing fine, how are you feeling?" If anyone ever needs a good cardiologist, I would highly recommend him. His bedside manner is wonderful. I've been a patient of his since 2000. I started to see him after I found out I was diabetic. He is also my sister's cardiologist. Well, I've bored you enough for today. I'll journal more later. -- Lori 5/24/05 - Called the UHC insurance today. Spoke with Alfonzo. He had a hard time at first finding me but came back and said, "Um, I believe you need to pay me $5 before I tell you the news. Just kidding!! You've been approved since Friday for your surgery!!!" How's that for exciting news and a great person to tell me. I am so happy that I didn't have to go through so much stuff to get approval. Patrice submitted on Tue., 5/17 and on the 20th I was approved. This is wonderful!!!! More later. -- Lori 5/27/05 - It is official. I got my letter of approval from the insurance company yesterday in the mail. Hooray!!! Now I am just waiting to hear from Patrice for a date for surgery. I am really excited and nervous all at the same time. I'll update more later. -- Lori 5/27/05 - OMG! I can't believe I'm posting so soon from the above post. I just received a call from Dr. O's office and I have a date!!! On August 3rd I will have my surgery. I am so excited. Even after reading an article from the New York Times a friend just sent me on the dangers & high cost of malpractice insurance for WLS, I am excited. Is this really happening? It seems like a dream. -- Lori 6/3/05 - I was just on the message board and saw a post that made me decide to do a list of things that I am looking forward to after my surgery & getting healthier. So here goes; in no particular order (just as they come to mind): 1. Be off of all medications for diabetes, high blood pressure & high cholesterol. I currently spend $120 a month on medications for my obesity. 2. Cross my legs, bend and tie my shoes. 3. Put on my shoes without having to contort my body to accommodate my rolls of fat. 4. Find a pair of jeans that fit. No more stretchy pants unless for exercising. 5. Wear a sleeveless dress or tank top. I hate my fat arms. 6. Be able to walk with my niece and nephews without having to stop and rest for more than 15 minutes at a time. 7. Exercise on elliptical trainer for 10 minutes without stopping because I'm afraid I'm going to pass out soon. (At 3 minutes right now. Began working out 5/16 at 1 minutes & thought I was going to die...lol). 8. Feel pain free in my feet and lower back. 9. Feel like I am achieving greater success & well-being for myself for the first time in my life. 10. Continue to work on the inside of who I am as I get healthier and thinner. Adding more on 6/13/05: 11. No seat belt extender when flying 12. Be able to sit on the floor and get up with out using furniture to help pull myself up. 13. Not have my legs or feet go to sleep when I sit on them. 14. Not think about food all the time. 15. Live life, not just exists. 16. Take dancing lessens. 17. Not be afraid to get on or off of a boat. 18. Ride on the back of a motorcycle. 19. Ride a horse and not feel like I'm going to kill it because I weigh too much. 20. Be happy with how I look in a picture. 21. To see my collar bone sticking up through all this fat. Well, that is quite a list and as I accomplish these things, I will mark them off. I'll add to it too as I think of other things I want to accomplish or wish for. I know that change is an ongoing progress in all our lives and I am learning to like change and not run from it. Yeah for me!! 6/8/05 - Not much to update today. Just wanted to keep in touch with my feelings and what I have seen on the posts that have been helpful to me. One thing that I looked at yesterday was my cousins post on the Maryland profiles under C for Pat C. She is the second one listed. She finally updated her profile and I am amazed. She isn't a 5 months yet and has lost over 90 pounds, she is almost to the century mark. I am really proud of her. She sent me a message on my surgery page (quicker way to her profile link, if you want to check her out) that was really encouraging to me. That is what I love most about this site, everyone is so encouraging! It helps when I am feeling nervous about the surgery part. So thanks to everyone who encourages us everyday!! -- Lori 6/13/05 - Went to see my cardiologist today for my f/u and to get the results from my stress test. He said everything was perfect on the stress test. My infraction rate (whatever that is) was 74% and the pictures looked good to Dr Rajan (he reads the pictures). Dr. Barden said he thought I would do excellent with this surgery because I carry my weight in the lower part of my body. He didn't feel it would hinder my cardiac progress at all. He thought that I will be able to get off all my meds accept my cholesterol medication as my cholesterol is caused by genetics, not entirely by my eating habits. I am ok with that. My cholesterol levels were really good and triglicrides are well below the risk range. He is very happy for me and gave me my order to give to Dr. O for clearance from him for the surgery. He was happy with my choice of surgeon and glad to hear that Dr O has done over 1,000 surgeries. He is also please that I am having the procedure open as the success rate goes down considerably with my high BMI rate. He said that with my larger abdomen, the instruments used for lap just aren't able to maneuver as well as with the open procedure. He wished me luck and said he will see me in December for my next f/u with him. I just love my cardiologist. He is my favorite doctor and is always encouraging me in whatever I try to do for my health. He never berates me or causes me to feel bad about my weight ever. He is so very kind. I would recommend him to anyone who needs a cardiologist in the Cocoa/Rockledge/Melbourne/Titusville area. You'll love him, he's great! I see Dr Aziz my PCP on Wed for my diabetes f/u with him. I'll post more on Wednesday. -- Lori 6/15/05 - I saw Dr Aziz (my PCP) today and my diabetes is well under control. He was very happy with my levels and my last HA1C which was 5.2, so I don't have to see him until 8/31. I will be almost one month post-op by then. He wished me luck and said to be careful in all areas that Dr O instructs me in. That was it. I'll post more later. -- Lori 6/23/05 - Just 6 weeks away from surgery date. It is moving so quickly. Thoughts & questions on my mind as the time approaches for surgery...Who will I become after this is all done over the next 2 years or so? What will I look like? Will my personality change? I never had surgery (had a broken hip in 1988; so I know that pain) but how much pain will I really be in? Will I be able to do this and be a success? Then the thought that fills my mind is; I don't want to die, how do I keep from getting too fearful when this thought hits me? Most of the time, I can put it out of my mind. However, as the date approaches quicker, I can't seem to turn the thought off at bedtime. I don't get overly morbid about it, it is just there in my mind. Another question is have I got enough saved to cover my part of the expenses? I keep worrying about this as well. I don't want to be a burden to my family if something should happen. Medical bills can be devasting. I know, I am worrying too much, but these are the thoughts in my mind. I wish my message therapist was still here and not in NY. Boy, am I tense all the sudden. My right shoulder is hurting from tensing so much. Well, enough for today. I'll post more later if the day allows me too. Afternoons seem to be better times for me. I am still excited, but the what if's creep in at times. Thanks for reading (Just wanted to post so pre-ops see that these emotions are normal; we all go through these periods of doubt before hand). -- Lori 6/28/05 - Not much going on today, just wanted to update to say that I have 5 weeks until surgery date. Oh, I did speak to my friend on Sunday (the one who was so negative). I simply told her that I didn't want her to hear from anyone else but me what was going on with the surgery. I informed her that I am going ahead with it, the date is 8/3 & that was it. She responded that she was excited but nervous for me. She referenced her friend who didn't do well with the surgery one time. I told her my goal is to get healthy and get off my meds and that if I don't lose one pound but accomplish that, than I have reached my goal. I told her I appreciated her concern, but if it got negative, we would not bring it up in our conversation. She agreed and we are fine. So, the point is, if someone doesn't agree with your decision, talk it out and come to an understanding that you appreciate their concern, but this is an off-limit topic for the two of you. If they talk to others behind your back, that's their decision and you just let others know when they tell you something that they have said that you have an understanding with that person not to discuss it with them. You can't control anyone else, but you can decide what you can control from others conversations to you. Good luck to those who are struggling with loved ones and friends with this issue. Like me, you deserve your happiness in this choice. -- Lori 6/30/05 - It's the last of day June and I can't believe that the month is almost over. Wow! Just a few short weeks left until my surgery...one month away. It still seems like a dream. I can't imagine what life will be like, how I will handle the emotions, pain, physical difference of who I will be. I am excited to begin the journey, but fearful as well. In the case of fear, I must remember my mantra..."Fear is my teacher." I have a whole host of new things to learn. Almost there!!! -- Lori 7/1/05 - I am having a difficult time with weight gain right now. I haven't changed how or what I'm eating and I feel bloated and just plain blah. I felt this way yesterday too. I've gained 3 pounds in the past 2 1/2 days and I know it is from water and I am gassy as well. (Sorry to be graphic) But one thing that I am excited about is that it is July 1st and I have a long weekend with the 4th coming. That will be really nice. I am looking forward to laying out by our pool and going to town to watch fireworks, if it doesn't rain. However, it has been raining like crazy here in Florida for the past 2 1/2 months. Everyday we have had rain and I'm tired of it! Oh well, it is what it is. On the WLS front, just 34 days till surgery. OMG! I can't believe it. My girlfriend took me to lunch today at one of our favorite places to go. I got a huge (and I mean like a whole lettuce head bowl full huge) salad with meats in it. I don't even think I ate a 3rd of it. It just kept growing. I told her that I will continue to go with her for lunch, but I'll just have to eat much smaller portions and she said maybe we can share. I thought that was so sweet of her. She is such an encouragement to me. She's been on meds that have increased her metabolism and has lost about 8 pounds. She down to 145 and she said, "You'll be here with me in about 9 to 10 months I bet." Isn't that great! Well, enough rambling...I need to get back to work. Happy 4th to all who read this...stay safe as you travel the highways and byways this weekend. -- Lori 7/4/05 - It's the 4th of July and we are celebrating at my folks house in Palm Bay, FL. What a feast we had for this pre-op girl...crab cakes, pork on the grill, deviled eggs, slaw, tuna salad, fruit, baked beans, beets and carob cake. I pigged out. I don't normally eat this much, but I figured I won't be able to eat like this soon, so why not enjoy for now. I did too. It's been a good day for us all. Have an idea for my twins birthday gift that I want to get before I go in for surgery. This has been weighing heavy on my mind, so I need to get it done. My surgery is the 3rd of Aug and our birthday is the 16th. I won't have time to get anything nor probably won't feel like getting anything after surgery, so I need to make this project status (as Dr Phil says). We've finally talked and she is very nervous about the surgery, not life after. She said when I told her the statistics from Dr. O, all she heard from that point on was "1 in 100 with my high BMI" and she has been stuck with that in her mind. She works for a hospital in admin and knows several people and nurses and doctors. She had a friend check with her friend that lives in Ocala and works at Monroe to see what type of rep Dr. O has. He rep is very good there, so she has relaxed some. I told her that I know that I would be freaking out if it was her. Twins have a weird bond that way. So I want to make sure this birthday gift is very special. More later. -- Lori 7/5/05 - Feeling very tired after the 4th holiday. Wish I was home by the pool instead of at work. Oh well, some days are better than others. Not much to report today...29 days until surgery! -- Lori 7/7/05 - I just got off the phone with a lady in Titusville who had GBY with Dr. Tenewitz in Melbourne 2 years ago. She said he was wonderful and wished he was still doing the surgery. She has lost below goal (200 pounds). We talked for about 20 minutes and I look forward to meeting her in the next couple of weeks before surgery. I believe she will be a wonderful support for me locally. She emphasized staying on program for the first year to 18 months because you will start to not be able to lose weight once you get to that point. She also told me that although Dr. T isn't doing Weight Loss surgery anymore, he is doing hernia repair along with TT & arms. I am going to definitely consider him when I get to that point. She said that a total day of carbs is about 16, so that will change how I currently consume for sure. I really enjoyed speaking with her. I have 27 days until surgery date. I still can't believe it is almost here. More later...-- Lori 7/8/05 - It's Friday! Yeah!! It has been a long week even though Monday was a holiday. I am so glad to be at Friday even if there is a hurricane looming out there near us. I believe it will not hit us directly, but we will have much rain (like that isn't anything new) for the weekend. I guess we will see a movie or get videos to watch with the coming rain. I am so excited, just 3 1/2 weeks left until surgery date (26 days). I still feel like I'm in a dream at times, that it is unreal to me. I checked out the post that shows you your goal weight by imputing the total percentage of excess weight you believe you will lose. I would be happy with 70% lost which will put me at 165 (that is still alot for someone who is 5'1" but I know I will be healthier for it). I try to find the link and add it to my profile here. It was on a post in the Florida boards yesterday from someone who was asking about what is too much to lose or something like that. Anyway, I'll try to find it and add it here for you all. It is quite interesting. Have a great weekend everyone and those in Florida; stay safe!! -- Lori 7/8/05 - I found the link to the post from yesterday about ideal weight or goal weight. It is www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/postopplanner.phtml Hope it helps you to determine your goal for the healthiest you that you can be! -- Lori 7/8/05 late afternoon - Had a lady come into my office today and I am so frosted by her. She is selling some liquid vitamin stuff for like $45 for 2 week supply and was trying her best to sell me on it. I told her that I would listen to her testimonials and speech, but that I really wasn't interested at this time. She asked if I had any problems like diabetes or anything like that. I barely know this person, but said yes I do. She went on to say that this stuff would cure that and so much more. I told her that I was having the surgery on Aug 3rd and didn't really see a need for this stuff. She said, "Oh no your not! You need to get on this stuff right away." I looked at her and said, "Oh yes I am. This is my decision and I am not turning back now." She was offended but I don't care what people think. This is about me and my health. I'm not putting this on hold one more time to try one more thing that isn't going to work. So, I don't know if she will be back or not...I hope not, but she knows how I feel about it now! -- Lori 7/10/05 - I have 24 days until surgery and I am getting more excited as each day passes. Someone asked me on Friday if it was real to me yet; I answered that I feel like I'm in a dream. Truthfully, I don't know what to expect in all of this. I know everyone says that you will loose so much, but I just can't imagine it. I just so want to be healthy and pain free from all of the weight. I could barely move yesterday after shopping at Walmart. My feet hurt and my lower back was hurting so badly. I went shopping for about 2 hours and I just want to be able to shop as long as it takes and have fun doing it and not hurt afterwards. It took all my reserve to get up from my chair to go to the bathroom yesterday evening after that. It was slow going and I almost had an accident because I just couldn't move fast enough because of the pain. This is the first time I have ever confessed this, but I need too! I'm tired of hurting with planter phasheitis (sp). I'm tire of my lower back hurting; I'm just plain tired of the weight and co-morbidities! So, I'm I excited? Yes. I'm I scared? Yes, at times. I'm I ready? You betcha ya!!!!! -- Lori 7/13/05 - Just 21 more days until surgery date. Other than my friend and the lady from last Friday, I have had no other negative reactions from anyone to having this surgery. I saw a friend to lunch today and told her and she is so excited for me. She encouraged me by saying my overall health is better than some friends she knew who had the surgery and they are doing great. I also saw some other friends at the restaurant I was at and they are very excited too. One of them came over to my table when they were leaving, hugged me and wished me good luck. It has been a great day for encouragement. Just got off the phone with a coworker who said he would add me to his prayer list. I feel great and am finally feeling like this is real and is going to happen. I am EXCITED!! -- Lori 7/14/05 - This week I started a semi-liquid diet; not because I have to but because I want to. I have gained about 5 pounds after losing 7 since going to Dr. Overcash in May. I don't want to weigh more then I did at my consult, so I thought I would try to do as much liquid as possible. Last night my left ankle and foot were so swollen, I looked grotesque in my lower leg. I like my right ankle (think it is even sexy looking) but my left ankle bone is huge and sticks out more then the right. I am hoping that it will shrink or look better after surgery and weight lose starts. I am going to see my PCP today to check out my right elbow. It seems to be getting worse and not better so maybe it isn't tennis elbow and something more serious. I remember a few weeks ago bumping it and now it hurts to try to get it straight, hurts to try and drink using the arm and even when brushing my teeth. We will see what is going on at that time. I will be weighed in and see what his scale says. Just 20 days to surgery and I am doing pretty good at not thinking that I will never enjoy foods the same way (this is keeping me from binging too much). I am having foods I enjoy but not overeating them (like the whole bag or pizza in one sitting). I am eating until I feel satisfied not stuffed to the gills. I just don't like that feeling at all and quit when I need to instead of overdoing it. Water intake is still really good. I drink water only most of the time, so I get in appr. 80 to 100 oz a day. I know it will be harder to maintain that once I have the surgery, but a least I can say I like water. Well, I write more later. -- Lori 7/16/05 - My emotions have been off the charts for the past couple of days. I thought I was going to have to cancel my surgery date. My boss, who has been so supportive of this surgery and even given me money towards my surgery, was in a very serious accident on Thur., 7/14 @ 10:15 a.m. (EST). He hit a semi-trailor head on and by the grace of God sustained serious injuries to his left leg and left hand and minor injuries to his spleen and was not killed. When I look at the pictures of the accident from the Florida Today Newspaper website, I can only cry and thank God he is still alive. We are a two person office, it is just him and me. He was in surgery for repairs to the left femur from 3:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. I don't know how he found the strength, but he had his nurse call and spoke to me on Friday, 7/15 around 8:45 a.m. terrified and begging me to come to the hospital to see him. Was afraid he was dying...I was sobbing while on the phone with him and told him I would be there as soon as I could. I called my friend and co-worker and she came to drive me because I was so distraught. I got there and he looked much better than I expected. They weren't going to let me in, but I told them he called and begged and I was coming from 30 minutes away. I got there after visiting 1/2 hour was over (he was in ICU). His nurse came and got me and my friend. He kept telling me that they weren't telling him everything, but they were. He is going to be fine, but will need additional surgeries and will be out of the office for quite a while. That means leaving our clients with strangers in the office if I go and have my surgery now. I have been on an emotional roller coaster and feel totally worn out. I know that I won't be able to reschedule until November because of other commitments to family members who are my support system. I am so thankful that my boss is going to make it. I love and appreciate him so much...he has done much to help me through some very difficult times in my life. Thank you, God, for sparing his life. -- Lori 7/19/05 - It has been a hard weekend and start to this week. My boss's injuries from the car accident were not as bad as we first thought. He had reconstructive surgery on his left leg to include his knee and femur, his left hand was reconstructed and his right hand was fine. His is in extreme pain, so that was very hard to see last night. It isn't any better this morning. As the time for my surgery approaches, I haven't even had time to think about it very much for myself. I have 15 days until surgery...I am not nervous nor do I have time to be so right now. I am not even excited at this point, I am totally exhausted due to my boss's accident. I haven't had a good nights rest since it happened. I awoke this morning at 4 a.m. and laid there praying and worrying about him. He has been so supportive and wonderful to me. If it wasn't for him, I would not even have had the courage to research this surgery. I owe him so much and know I have the opportunity to give back to him. Our relationship is so much stronger then it was before and it was strong before. His wife lovingly calls me "his second wife" and has made me feel welcome and needed at the hospital with him. I know God has his reasons for this happening now, but wow, we are confused. However, he was driving his wife's car on that day and it looks like the tire blew out. If his wife and children had been in the car, it would have been even more tragic. So, although he is in extreme pain, he would do it all over again to ensure the safety of his precious family. Continue to pray for him and wish him well. He is the best! -- Lori 7/21/05 - My boss is doing much better today. I am finally able to get some rest and feel like things are going well for him. I need to get this rest for myself so that I am prepared for surgery on 8/3. Even he is concerned about me and getting my rest. This has been very difficult, but the good thing is that I haven't had time to stress over or wish the date was closer. If anything, I've been wishing it was further away. But now that things are better, I am getting excited beyond anything. I spoke with my boss's sister, who is an OR nurse. She told me what to expect as far a pain. She said to make sure I had a pillow to use and press on my abdomen for when I cough or sneeze or anything like that. She said to press hard; it really helps with the pain. She said to stay ahead of the pain and not be bashful to ask for pain meds when needed. She also said that I will do great and to just rest easy in that knowledge. So, I am calm and assured that this is the right thing to do. Just 13 days until surgery! -- Lori 7/22/05 - Wow, I called and got pre-registered for my surgery this morning. It really is real. I can't believe that in 12 days I will be on the losing side. Last night was a rough night as more details came in about my boss's accident. I kept dreaming that he died and I awoke sobbing 2 times last night. I just thank God for His protection over him that day. He is up and doing PT very well today. I am so thankful. He said to me last night that he was planning to be there on 8/3 and apologized for screwing things up. I told him that he can think and pray for me while he is in therapy just as well as at the hospital. We will both be recuperating at the same time and that is fine with me. I am so excited now, today has drug a little, but it's almost over. -- Lori 7/26/05 - My boss got moved to the rehab place for his therapy and I couldn't be happier. This journey has taken a little detour for me in that I have been very concerned about him instead of being concerned about me. I have been trying to clean the apartment (especially my room) before leaving for Ocala, but with visiting every evening after work with the boss, I just have been too tired. I will make it a goal for Sunday for sure. Just 8 days until surgery. Wow, I can't believe that time has flown by so quickly. Hopefully the shuttle will launch today too. It will prove to be a great week if that happens. Blessings to you all!! -- Lori 7/28/05 - I am very weepy today. I had nightmares last night about my boss' accident and woke very tired and emotional. My girlfriend asked me if it is because I haven't had time to consider how I am feeling about my upcoming surgery and I believe that it may be in part to that, so this evening, after my birthday celebration/last "big" meal at Carrabba's, I will begin to sift through the emotions that are coursing through me at the moment. My boss is going to be fine, but I keep dreaming that he died in the accident...this is due in part to one of the EMTs, who wasn't at the scene, telling us too much info about a week ago. He smiling said, "You shouldn't be alive right now." He is just amazed that Bob is alive and I can't seem to get the picture of the description he gave us out of my head. Rational says, "He's fine...thank you, God." But heart hears, "You shouldn't be alive." Then I am having surgery and our office will be in the hands of strangers to our clients and I am feeling guilty about being gone at the same time as him. However, he doesn't want me to cancel because he knows how much I have been waiting for this day. So, I need to get a handle on all this before next Wednesday. I am so happy he is alive and blessed that God saved him, but my heart is weary, tired, and anxious that something else will happen to him. I am very weary right now. Those of you who pray, please lift me up over the next few days as surgery date approaches. I need to get back to being positive. Thanks for reading and good luck on your journey. -- Lori 7/29/05 - Got through the emotions of yesterday and have begun to try to figure out what is causing my fear. I know that it is not the upcoming surgery. It has more to do with believing in my ability and knowing who I am. I feel stronger today as I have been develing into who I am right now, in this moment. I don't need to wait to see who I will become, it is okay to acknowledge who I am right now and that I like this person. It will only make me stronger in the long run. It all comes down to knowing that I deserve and receive the good in my life. There is not some powerful being that will take everything away because I don't deserve it. No, God doesn't work that way. He loves me and gives me good gifts; i.e. the means to afford this surgery, life & healing to my boss, grace for each moment I live, etc. I just need to acknowledge that I am worthy of His love and believe that it is here to stay. I have just 5 days until surgery and I am very excited. Last night I spent the evening with some of the other ladies from my work. We went to Carrabba's to celebrate our birthdays for the year and also to support me in my surgery. They raised their glasses and toasted my upcoming day, they were excited and very supportive, and they gave me hugs and kisses. I felt incredible and the emotions of the earlier part of the day just vanished for a while. We ate, laughed and even one of the girls shared a dream she had of me. She said she saw me after many months wear a white tank top and denim shorts with a cute belt. She said she remembers saying to me, "My God Lori, you look fantastic!" I felt wonderful about it and told her I knew that I was looking good if I was wearing a tank top in public, because I hate my arms right now. They are so ugly to me. So, I am looking ahead and believing that God is with me and I will make it through this. -- Lori 7/30/05 - Four more days until surgery. It has been a very busy weekend those far. I went shopping and bought my liquid stuff for the next few weeks. I'm staying at my mom's for 2 weeks, so I hope I got enough for the full 2 weeks. I got sugar-free jello, sugar free popcicles, chicken broth, beef broth, peppermint tea (thanks for the suggestion, Tooter), unsweetened soy milk, & of course my water. For the hospital, I am taking a battery operated hand held fan (extra batteries), my hair brush, my toothbrush, carmax lip stuff, flip-flop shoe for walking in the halls, deodorant & perfume, my journal (no computer access till I get home), a robe, my razor, a srunchy on a stick for washing my back, and a comfy oversized dress to wear home. I'm taking one pair of unddies and a front hook bra since my surgery is open. I think that I am pretty well prepared for the hospital. I have my insurance cards and prescription card for getting pain meds for the trip home. I have my money for the deductible and nutrient class for Tuesday. And I have my heart all set. Boss is doing great, so my worries about him and the office are minimal. I am ready. The week will be slow at times and fly by at other times. I have not overdone and gained weight since I found out my surgery date. I've been on an even keel, not too worried about the major changes coming. I just don't want to freak out about it and be overly occupied with what I can't eat for a while (& some stuff for a lifetime). I am ready for this and my mind is very at ease with the decision. The last thing to do is talk with the person I want to be my decision-maker for the Living Will. That will happen tonight. My twin will have the final say so, but the person I want to help her is her best friend and she trusts him and his opinion. He will not do anything that she doesn't want done and I will state that in the Living Will paper work I have. I just believe it is important to have the paperwork. I will also work on some letters to friends and family just in case. I am not trying to be morbid, just realistic. My twin and my birthday is 8/16 and I have purchased her present and my mom has it too. I am ready for everything and I am at peace within my being. Life is good and I am ready to start a new chapter in it. I will post more before I go to Ocala on Tuesday. Blessings & good luck on your journey. -- Lori 7/31/05 - Just 3 days from now and I will be on the losing side! Wow! I can't believe it. My bags are almost all packed for staying with my folks for 2 weeks after the surgery, my food is purchased for the first couple of weeks after surgery and my Living Will is completed. I am ready...I am really ready!!! More soon. -- Lori  These are the updates since my surgery...date today is 8/9/05 8/2/05 - 1 day until surgery. We headed for Ocala and our friends place at 10 a.m. Got there around 12:30 p.m. It was a really nice place...thanks Ralph and Lois; you're the best. We set out for a late lunch/early dinner and ate my last meal at Florida Buffet. Not really my first choice, but I did have my mashed potatoes w/gravy. Always my comfort food. Then we headed for Monroe Regional Med Center for my Nutrient Class at 3:30 p.m. What a beautiful place. It is well led out and signs to direct you where to go. Mini buses took you from the parking lot to the front door and there are like 3 running at one time. It was very impressive. The folks at the information desk were friendly and helpful. The staff person that took us to the class was so nice. She walked slow for everyone and made sure our group was together. Nicole was our dietician and she was great. I'll share the diet later. We were done at 5:00 p.m. One of the people there was having the surgery in the morning by Dr O as well. He was very friendly, about 30ish and his wife was with him. We talked a little and I knew that we both were feeling good about Dr O. My folks picked me up and we headed back to our place to wait till morning. I took Magnesium Citrate at 6:00 p.m. and began my treks to the bathroom about 40 minutes after that. I ate an English muffin with peanut butter at 9:45 p.m. than drank the rest of the mag cit. I was up and down the rest of the night going potty. I needed the extra protien that late for my diabetes...I would suggest peanut butter crackers to someone for that late snack before bed if you have to take something that late. Got up the next morning and still was going...I thought "What will happen if I need to go when I get to the hospital?" 8/3/05 - Surgery Day!! Reported to the hospital at 5:30 a.m. Gave my insurance info and signed all the papers. I was feeling excited; no nervousness at all. I was taken to the pre-admit room. My weight was taken (292.7; so I'm calling it 293). I gained 1.5 pounds since I saw Dr O in May. I was pretty proud of that. Then my nurse took me to my waiting room area and I was given a nice gown that was bigger then I needed...amazing. I changed and came out of the bathroom after going again ready for labs and IV to be started. They came in and everyone was so nice. Just before they came to transport me to surgical waiting that wave hit me again and YES, I did have to go to the bathroom again. The nurse said, "No problem" Just take the IV in with you, it's okay. I was place on the transport bed and wheeled over to surgical waiting room. I met my nurse Bonnie, who had the surgery just 5 weeks prior to mine and Dr. O was her surgeon. She was so sweet. She gave me some happy juice and my sister and I just talked waiting for Dr O. He finally came in...Late, but he said that he had been sick up until Tuesday and they almost had to cancel so I wasn't going to complain. They started to put the antibiotic in my IV site and I knew that it was blown. Sure enough, they had to find a new site. Did I mention, I'm a really hard stick. It took them 20 minutes and finally the Aneastiologist said he would put in a central line in the OR. Ok we head for OR, I remember seeing the big lights, being shifted to the table, breathing in the mask and that was it. Then I remember not really being awake but hearing everyone around me. I was very anxious and gagging alot from the breathing tube. I couldn't figure out what was going on. I heard a male voice say, "Oh, Shit!" and thought, "That's not good." I was banging on something and they kept trying to calm me down. Then someone said, "It's okay, just let the machine breath for you." My mind said, "Oh, that's what's in my throat gagging me. Okay!" And I went to sleep. I know, my mind is weird, I just have to know what's going on and then I can relax. I don't remember much about being taken to my room, but my family says that I was really clear, speaking, using the call button when necessary and sitting up in a chair around 5 p.m. My father said that I was nauseas and that I was dry heaving until they gave me something to help. I don't even remember that. That is what I was told, I don't remember any of that day. 8/4/05 to 8/9/05 - The rest of my hospital stay I remember and it was very nice. Monroe has a great staff that are pretty much always smiling and ready to assist. On Thur. catheter was removed, I was up in a chair very early in the morning, took my first walk around the double nurses stations (whew! did that hurt), went to the bathroom, kept my lips moist with their wonderful (lol) lemon flavored swabs and my lip balm (a must for anyone going to have this surgery). No food that day. Late in the a.m. I had to go to the bathroom right away and that is the only time I didn't care for the aide assigned to me. She was slow and pee was running down my legs. I almost jumped out of bed so I wouldn't pee in it. I am thankful for that wonderful pump too. I yelled at her to hurry up (which takes a lot for me, I'm very status quo about things) but that was unacceptable to me in her attitude. Everyone else was great though!! They took the nasal gastric tube out on Friday and did the leak test. I didn't mind the swallow test. Everything looked great. Started my liquid diet with 2 oz of ice chips as my first meal and then my second meal was 2 oz. of skim milk. Left the hospital around 3:30 in the afternoon. Folks got my prescription for me and off we went to our friends for one more night in Ocala.  Pain medication was percocet and at first it was great. Pain was manageable. Then on Sunday evening I was having horrible reality type nightmares. I had four and they were so real. I called the doctor the next morning and told them. They switched me to Hydocodon which isn't as strong but the nightmares were gone. My head cleared and I feel really good. By Tues., 8/9 I was feeling like me and adjusting great to the new diet. Got on the scale and had lost 10 pounds. I am really happy I did this. More later. -- Lori 8/11/05 - Today has been another great day. I have lost 14 pounds in the past week and one day. It is amazing. I don't feel hungry at all. The smells of food make my head think I'm hungry, but in reality, once I start to eat my soup or protein drink after 2 to 4 sips I feel satisfied. Now I am dealing with staying regular though. I feel bloated by the evenings and until I have a BM (which are soft and sometime runny) I have pain. Today for pain I took 1 hydrocodon and 2 Tylonol later in the day. I will take one hydrocodon before bed. It is 11 p.m. and this is the first night I've been up this late in a long time. I am feeling great and exercising (walking) is going well. Life is very good. -- Lori 8/12/05 - It is so surreal to me and still kind of a dream. I have had some minor pinching kinda pain today and the incision is beginning to itch, hurry up Tue.! When I weighed in today, I almost can't believe my eyes...3 more pounds gone. It just doesn't seem possible to lose 17 pounds in 9 days, but that is what the scale says. I'm totally amazed. Everyday is a new blessing to me. I haven't had any depression so far, there is no hungry really...it is more a head hunger when my mom is cooking, then I just remind myself to enjoy the smell and eat my soup and that makes me satisfied and happy. Yes, really happy. I can enjoy the smell without getting sad because I can't eat it right now and getting on the scale each day helps with that. It is great. Thanks to all my OH friends, my cousins and those who have gone before me who helped me to go forward and live my life for me. You are awesome!! -- Lori 8/13/05 - It is Midnight and I am still up. I can't believe it, because was jammed packed with activities. I went home Sat. evening and spent the night in my own bed. That was great. Before that happened, I spent some time at a friends house and took my meal and water with me. They fixed tacos w/refired beans...I had about a tablespoon on my plate and ate about 1 1/2 tsps of the beans. I know they weren't on the diet yet, but I'm having bowl problems and thought they would help. They did!!! Got up on Sun. and went to church, then came back to my mother's and waited for Bob, my boss, to arrive for a visit. I was so tired I almost fell asleep a few times. He arrived at 3:30 and stayed until 6:30 p.m. It was so good to see him and he is getting around great since the accident. He brought the whole family and we had the best time together. Mom fixed me dinner of soup prepared by Bob's mother. It was delicious and I couldn't eat it all. Mrs. P understood and was very gracious about me not be able to eat all her soup. I thought it was very nice of her to fixed it for me in the first place. I ate that around 4 p.m. When they left I fixed my dinner for the evening of 4 oz. cream of broccoli soup w/cheese, 2 oz of juice and 2 oz of SF vanilla pudding. I was quite full and sat and watched some TV with my mom. Just took a pain pill so I'll be heading to bed in a few minutes. I got in a little over 40 oz of water today. That is a big plus. My biggest concern is keeping the bowls moving, and it isn't easy. Tues is my first visit to Dr O since surgery to get staples out. I'll discuss my concerns with him on this issue. Hopefully, when I start pureed next Sat., some fruits will help with this problem. The bloated feeling is bothersome, but not painful. I am feeling great and my sugars have evened out it seems. I may be able to get off my diabetes meds soon. Yeah!! -- Lori 8/15/05 - Weighed in this morning and the same as Saturday. Not sure what is going on, but love the fact that my feet aren't hurting. It is easier to walk and I don't get out of breath as easy either. Just fixed dinner for the family and it was good not to feel achy feet and be breathy as I moved about the kitchen. This has been such a positive experience for me. I am really doing well. It has been a little hard when favorites are out, i.e. cookies, candy, pizza, etc. I'm not hungry, it is just the head hunger that gets to me. I have to remind myself that it will be okay. Foods are not the enemy, the way I use to over use it is. One day I will be able to have pizza, but for now I just need to enjoy the smells. So, 17 pounds gone forever!! -- Lori 8/18/05 - I am home today and it is getting boring by myself. My incision has opened just slightly at the top near my bra line and I've had a little puss but nothing major. I am keeping it clean and dry with a bandage to keep clothes from getting stained. I have lost 19.5 pounds as of today. I still can't believe it. Yesterday I had a protien drink and added some peanut butter to it. Mistake...too soon for that. I didn't throw up, but felt like it. Went to bed and slept for 2 hours because of it. Started vitamins yesterday...Yuck! They tasted awful but they are necessary. More later. -- Lori 8/21/05 - I did too much Friday and yesterday and today I am paying for it. I had to buy new undies and have gone from a size 14 to 12 and even and 11 fits in the shorts style. I was so excited. I haven't worn a 12 undies in 7 or 8 years. My size has always been 13 to 14 forever and now, just 18 days post-op, I'm wearing an 11. I know that isn't the most exciting news to some people, but to me it is unbelievable and increditable. I am very happy. I am also very sore from shopping at Wally World and JC Penney yesterday. I ache in my sides, still too soon for some things. My incision is looking better each day and the slight infection seems to be correcting and cleaning up well. I have lost 21 pounds in 18 days. That is more than a pound a day so far. Wow! I weigh 272 today. I had some scramble egg w/cheese yesterday and it felt weird in my mouth. Eating was difficult yesterday. I am not ready for solids yet. I definitely need my protien drink in the am or I don't get enough protien in. I felt for the first time yesterday, "Why did I do this?" but it only lasted for about 15 minutes. I am happy with my decision, just those moments when everyone is eating around me make those thoughts come up. I'll post more later. -- Lori 8/22/05 - Today is a blah day. I don't feel like eating, drinking or anything. It is time to get back to work I think. I'll take my sister to work tomorrow so I can have the car and go out for a while. Maybe that will help with these feelings of blah. Not really depression, just too many days of the same old thing. Clothes are looser, so that's a plus. More later. -- Lori 8/26/05 - Well, stress is a bad thing for working with this tool. This week has been very stressful as my nephew is in big trouble at age 14. Between not wanting to eat and wanting to eat everything I see, this week has been fraught with wrong choices. On Wednesday, I ate cheese crackers almost mindlessly until I was almost sick. Old habits of wanting to eat to medicate. Then on Thursday, we went to court. I wasn't even allowed to take in my water. So from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., all I had was a few sips of water from the water fountain in the hallway. I am finally back on schedule as of yesterday. The scale shows that stress is not a good thing either. I didn't gain, but I didn't lose anything this week either. So, in the weeks to come through this situation our family finds itself in, I must at all cost keep to my schedule. I have lost a total of 22 pounds to date which is great, but who knows how much better that number would have been if I had tried harder to stick to my schedule. Please keep our family in your prayers as you read this post. Thanks! -- Lori 8/28/05 - Today has been an exciting day. I went back to work and feel great. I have stayed on schedule for the most part. Drinking is still very hard to do. I never realized it would be so difficult to get in 32 oz of fluid each day. I wanted to keep my intake at 64 oz. and struggle with 32. It is amazing. I have had approx.16 oz so far today & it is almost 4:30 p.m. It is hard!!! Well, I am glad to be back at work and can't wait for my boss to get back too. He goes to his doctor on Wednesday and hopefully he will be released to return to work after Labor Day. The hasn't moved today, but I am still glad I've had this surgery. More Later. -- Lori 8/31/05 - I saw my PCP today and weighed in at 273...that's 20 pounds gone according to his scale. Last Monday I weighed 275 at his office so 2 more pounds gone since that time. My scale weighs me at 268.5 today. That's 24.5 pounds. I feel like I have broken the short stall I had, so I am excited. I was beginning to think it was never going to move, but it did. I am feeling tired but very glad to be back to work. My diabetes is doing great, I'm off all meds for that. I take Tarka and 1/2 a Toprol for blood pressure and Zocor still for cholesterol. I hope to be off them in the very near future. The incision is healing very well according to PCP. I am extremely happy about that as it was oozing just a little for about 2 1/2 weeks. He said it is healing fine and not to worry about the oozing, it is not infected. Yeah! Yesterday I left work for lunch and went home and had something I have had normally and I was so doubled over with cramps. A friend thought I might be dumping, but I think it was because what I ate had gone bad. I didn't have any other symptoms of dumping other than cramps. I ended up staying home for the rest of the day. When I ate dinner, it was late (9 pm) and I was afraid to eat at first, but everything was fine. More later. -- Lori /3/05 - It has been one month since my surgery...8/3/05. I will be taking a picture and posting it very soon, I hope. I still feel achy inside and have pain in my ribs from them being spread open during the surgery. I also had my first time of vomiting on Friday. I ate my scrambled eggs too fast and didn't chew well. If you do this, you will be sick, so lesson learned, no more eating fast and swallowing too soon. I have lost 25 pounds in a month. That is amazing. I also tired on a pair of jeans that I couldn't zip up and the zipped today. They are just a little tight yet, but they zipped!! Yahoo!!!! I am feeling really good. Although, walking through Walmart today was still tiring. Work went well this past week. I am glad to be back. I have been excersing and that really helps with losing the pounds. I post my weight and measure tomorrow. My sister says that she really sees the difference and to tell the truth, I do too. My lower abdomen seems the same, but my waist and just below my bust have really changed. I am still happy with this surgery and although I can't eat like I use to, I am doing okay most days. More later. -- Lori   9/5/05 - Today has been an interesting day for me. My youngest sister and I met with an attorney for my nephew who was arrested a week in a half ago. We really liked him. He will do everything he can to help my nephew through his troubles. It will cost $2,500 but it is worth it. He is the first to advise for him not to plead guilty to anything, so that was a big first! I had another episode of vomiting and it was on eggs again. Maybe I should stay away from eggs for the time being. They seem to be bad news for now. I am still having trouble getting in my liquids. I think for the whole day so far, I've drunk 6 oz. I need to do better in this to help with the weight loss. I have lost 25 pounds to date which I am excited about. I can see a big difference in my upper body. More later. -- Lori 9/8/05 - I feel tight inside my abdominal area today and this am I was slightly dizzy & light-headed. I drank my protein drink but that didn't seem to help. The light-headedness went away after I ate my yogurt snack. It is raining like cats & dogs here due to the tropical storm off our coast. So I really didn't want to go out for lunch, but had nothing here to eat. I braved the weather and headed for Burger King and got an order of their chicken tenders (they come in a 5 pack for $.99). I ate them all in about 1/2 an hour along with snyder's pretzels w/cheese (3 of these). That has really helped with the way I was feeling earlier. I've been drinking my water as best as I can...that is very difficult for me some days. It is really hard to stay in tune with the eating/drinking that we are suppose to do. I didn't realize how hard this was going to be. It affects weight loss too. I am now 5 weeks out and have lost 25 pounds. Sometimes I feel discouraged, but then I realize that it took a lifetime to be where I am at now and it may take longer to lose some of these pounds as my body gets used to this new way of life. It has also been hard to stay on track with my nephew being in so much trouble with the law. I just don't want to eat when I think about his situation and the horror of what may happen to him. The DA in the case now says they want to charge him as an adult (14 years old)! I am fuming and angry at the stupidity of this statement. He has never been in trouble before and now they want to charge him as an adult. He is already so remorseful of how his actions have affected the whole family and he hates Juvenile Dention. He was hoping to come home on 9/6 and we thought he would too, but the DA wasn't even ready to charge him yet. The other boy involved has been in a lot of trouble and I guess they want to make an example of my nephew, who did a stupid thing by hanging with the wrong person. The DA is saying that arson charges maybe pending, but our lawyer says all this is heresy from the boy who has been in trouble with the law before. Well, I need to just stop being angry and get a hold on things for myself or I will end up getting sick. I sleep, but it comes around 4 a.m. and I am always tired. I am taking my vitamins every day, so I am hoping that it is just the stress and not because I am not getting enough nut. Well, I've vented enough for today. Take care and I'll post more later. -- Lori 9/12/05 - I had to go to the ER on Sunday a.m. 9/11 @ 4:00 a.m. I woke up feeling very light-headed and dizzy. Went to the bathroom because I felt weird in my abdomen area. Then my heart rate went sky high. It was beating over 150 at resting rate. I knew I was in tachacardia which is never good. I haven't had one of these episodes in over a year and 1/2. Found out that my labs were good, nothing with potassium, so I need to call my cardiologist and make sure my med for this is being absorbed correctly. Don't know if that is going to be a problem or not. It was not a good thing. Started my period later on Sunday afternoon and boy do I have cramps today. The good news is that I have lost 3 more pounds. I am down 28 pounds as of today. Will post more later. -- Lori 9/15/05 - Nothing much to report today. I have been very sore in my ab area, intestines. I believe it is because I have been going to solid foods too fast and the food when passing through scratches me up in tender areas. I had to take a pain pill for the first time in about 2 weeks last night to sleep. I wasn't able to exercise last night due to the pain. However, I did lost a 1/2 pound so my total loss is 28 1/2 pounds gone in six weeks. Yeah me!! -- Lori 9/16/05 - TGIF...These weeks have been exciting and also challenging. The stress of life takes it toll on you and it is hard to not get overwhelmed and wonder if you are doing everything right. The challenge is to remember it took a life time to get in the condition I am in and it will take time (even with this tool) to get out of this condition. The past 3 weeks have been particularly difficult due to my nephew's situation. Stress has been a havoc reaker these past couple of weeks. Going from eating just to eat (although, not much) to the opposite of not wanting to eat at all; has been the most difficult part of this venture with my nephew. Days begin to run into each other as we wait on the court dates for his release. Hopefully, next Thursday he will be home...it is my greatest prayer. I had to cancel my 9/13 appoint (1 month out) with Dr. O due to this family issue. I am rescheduled for 9/29 and pray that I will be able to make it to this one. That will be my 8 week anniversary. I am working on staying on schedule and drinking more liquids. I was able to get in 60 oz. yesterday. Today I have only drank 8 oz so far and it is already past noon. I just ate, so I need to wait about 25 more minutes to drink. I am thirsty now...but I know better then to hedge on this. Food comes back up on me if I try sooner then I should. I have lost 29 pounds to date. My body is beginning to look different to me and that is exciting. Life is getting better by the day. More later. -- Lori 9/19/05 - Frustration is the word for today. I am 7 1/2 weeks post-op and my weight loss seems to be at a stall. I have lost 29 1/2 pounds, which is great, but I thought it would be more than that at this point. I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I know that it I frustrated. I wasn't going to post this, but then I went back and read my first couple of posts and realize that I need to put in all my feelings to help others who read this so they can know that it isn't all peaches and cream. So, as the days go by and I lose little to nothing I want to weep. I don't understand how I can't have lost at least 35 at this point. I hardly eat anything it seems. I know that my calorie intake is only about 500 to 700 per day. It is very difficult to eat more then that, as the food intake is so small. I have been doing better with my water intake. I seem to be able to get in 60 oz a day since Friday. That's a plus. Well, I just needed to vent today. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day. -- Lori 9/24/05 - Don't know what happened with the other posts from this week. Guess when the spruce up happened, some of the posts didn't get done. That's okay though. Nothing really happened to speak of. Updating today and love my new profile look. Thanks Tracy for your help. I love golf and the M&M guys are always fun. Hope my site doesn't cause anyone to want to stray and eat a bag full, sorry! Well, I went and got my hair cut a little today. I really like it. I told the hairdresser that I wanted to go short to hopefully fight off the hair loss if it should start to happen. She suggested going shoulder length instead of going real short and said if hair loss happens we can go shorter later. I agreed and am glad I did. I would have really missed longer hair and at shoulder length it looks great. I've lost 31 1/2 pounds and am happy but a little frustrated too. I know the problem is not getting enough to eat, but I can't seem to get more in and get my liquids in too. This is really a struggle for me. I hope to be able to do better. I see Dr O this week on Thursday. I'll talk everything over with him. More later. -- Lori Just read another post of someone who had surgery a week earlier than me. She has lost 31 pounds at the point I am at too, so I guess I am on schedule and won't worry about the slowness of this in my mind. I just keep saying to myself, "It took a life time to get to the weight I was and it will take time for it to start to come off. -- Lori 9/30/05 - Went to see the surgeon for 6 week f/u. I am so upset at my surgeon. He is a great surgeon and I am alive, but he basically called me a liar yesterday and I am not going to put up with that. It is very true that he has no bedside manner, but to out and out say that I am not telling the truth blew my mind. I have lost 13.5 pounds in that 6 weeks and he said that is not enough, it should be around 18 or more. He asked me what I eat for breakfast...Protein drink, snack...nothing, lunch...2 cheese sticks, piece of fruit or yogurt & 3 to 4 crackers w/peanut butter or something like that; snack...nothing; dinner... 2 to 3 oz of fish or chicken or ground beef, started veggies about 1/8 cup, & 2 Tbs mashed tatos w/cheese (but don't eat them all) or something like that; snack...nothing. What do you drink...water. He basically said that couldn't be the truth that I had to be snacking or grazing. I told him "Swear to God, that is it. I do not snack and I have been under a lot of stress." He said that doesn't matter, your eating too much. I told him that I get about 550 to 700 calories a day and he said that's impossible. I told him I use fitday.com and if he didn't believe me we could go in on his computer and I'll sign in for him to see what I eat in a day. He said I don't like fitday.com because you don't get a true picture of what you are eating. He said to carry a 1/4 cup measuring container with me and eat protein first and then if I had room to eat something else if I wanted to. Then he said I want to see you in one month. I told him that I thought I was in starvation mode and he said that couldn't be it...than before I got up and left, he said if the weight didn't start coming off by the next visit he would do the metabolic test and look at whether I am in starvation mode. I was like thought you said it couldn't be that?! Anger doesn't even express how I feel at this point. I called the office this a.m. and spoke to Madeline (nurse who assists him in surgery). She is so sweet, but I just left her have it. I told her that I drive 2 hours to his office and I will not allow him or anyone else call me a liar. I told her he didn't say it in those words, but it is how I took it. I explained to her that I don't lie to anyone, let alone my doctors because it doesn't benefit me. She was very understanding and had the surgery too. She said she and the doctor go round and round about this all the time because he has never had to deal with his weight as an issue and not everyone is the same, we all lose in different degrees. She asked that I return in a month and discuss it with Dr O and try to get this straightened out with him because this is a long road and I need the help of the office staff and the doctor. I told her I would keep the appointment, but this was his last chance with me. I was so upset that I didn't even ask him the questions I had because I thought I need to leave or I'm going to pouch him out! Madeline asked me what my total weight loss has been for the 2 months out. I told her it is almost 30 and she said that I am right on track and doing fine...I know now to be straightforward and not take his crap and let him know that I don't need to be handheld through this, but I do deserve respect. I have given him my respect and he needs to give me the same courtesy. He needs to come off the "surgeon pedestal" and treat his patients with a little more dignity. Thanks for letting me vent. - Lori 10/3/05 - I am 2 months post-op as of today. The scales seem to be moving again, which I am very thankful for. Changing up my diet to all protein with a bite or two of veggies seems to have helped. I have been getting approx. 950 to 1,000 calories a day over the weekend and am on a good start for today. It seems that protein has more calories than other foods I've been eating, i.e. fruit, veggies, crackers and carbs in general. Thanks to Sharon and Ruth for the tips. It is working! Today I weighed in at 262.4 which is a loss of 2.6 pounds since my visit to Dr O on Thur. My total loss for 2 months post-op is 30.6 pounds. I am very happy to say that 30 pounds are gone forever. I can't wait to be under 260 pounds. I am really happy with how I am looking too. I had several people yesterday at church say how wonderful I look. Last night a good friend (guy friend) said "I can really see the difference in your face. You look amazing!" That really made my night! - Lori 9/7/05 - A client came in the office yesterday and said, "Someone has been dropping the pounds. Wow! You look fantastic!!" It made me feel so good because I have been so down this week due to the scale not moving. It has been so frustrating to me. I keep going back to Dr O's comments from last Thurs. and feel like a failure right now. But, thanks to the client who stopped in yesterday, I at least know that someone see a difference. This weeks new change with more protein hasn't really helped too much. I've lost 2.5 pounds and gained 1 back. I know everyone says not to weigh everyday, but I can't seem to help myself. I am very discouraged today, even with the comment by my client. Thanks for listening... - Lori   10/10/05 - It is Monday and I am really in a mood. My period had better get here or heads are going to roll. I can't even stand to be around myself right now. The good news is that I have lost another pound. I am down to 261 and a friend was in the office and said he can really see a difference. My brother got married on Sat. and so I have 2 month post-op pics I need to get on my profile. I felt good and I think I looked good too! My niece said she really like how I looked. Well, I hope to be in a better mood tomorrow. I post more news soon. -- Lori 10/12/05 - Had an interesting day yesterday...I had my first major dumping experience and I didn't like it one bit. I was working and had 3 oz of yogurt and 2 cheese sticks for breakfast. This is my usual breakfast since about 5 weeks post-op. About 10 minutes after eating, I got cramps, went to bathroom and vomited. Came back to my desk and within 5 minutes was back in the bathroom vomiting again. Came out and told my boss I needed to leave. Started to drive home and got flushed and dizzy. Called my sister who works around the corner from me and told her she needed to drive me home. Got home and vomited again and then got in bed and slept from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. I have never been so sick nor do I want to again. Cross yogurt off my list of things to eat. I will also cross off all dairy with lactose in it. Whew! Now for the good news. I have finally broken the 260 barrier. I weighed in today at 259.8 (YAHOO!!) for a total weight loss of 33.2 pounds. I am 10 weeks post-op today! Thanks for reading my profile. -- Lori 10/15/05 - Today is a good day! I have lost 37 pounds now!! I was so excited this morning when I weighed in. I didn't think I was ever going to get below 260 and now I have. It is such a good feeling. Yeah me!!! I am at my mother's today and we are celebrating a special "Thanksgiving Day" dinner for my nephew. It was a promise made by my mother, so I am smelling all these wonderful smells and know that I won't be able to eat very much. I will eat my protein first and then have a little bite of something else, like dressing, green beans, or mashed taters if I want. I don't think I'll want too though. Then while they eat their pies, I'll have a SF popcicle for my dessert. Hey, I can count that as liquid too! Good idea!! More later. -- Lori 10/20/05 - There hasn't been much to report this week, so I thought I would wait until something happened to update. Well, I went to Beall's Outlet today and bought a new pair of non-elastic pants in a size 26w. I have always had to buy them for Lane Bryant catalog and in a size 30 or 32, so wow! Then I got 2 button down shirts in 3x and the fit wonderfully. Of course they are also non-stretch type and I have never been able to wear this style of shirt. So tomorrow, at my annual office administrator's mtg at work, I will have a new outfit. I just have to decide which shirt I like best with the pants and I'm good to go! I haven't gone walking since Monday (shame on me) and we are now having rain and storms coming from Wilma the hurricane. We are praying and hoping the size drops and the strength drops as well. Please keep Florida and the whole southern part of this world area in your prayers and thoughts this weekend. I am really looking forward to my next visit with Dr. O so I can talk last visits over with him. I have calmed down quite a bit since the last meeting and intend to make sure he understands that I treat him with respect and deserve the same. Well, I have lost 37 pounds to date and I am so excited. I can't wait to be under 250 pounds. I believe the last time I weighed that low I was in high school around my junior year 1976. I didn't really like to get on the scale back then, so I am not sure what my actual weight was during my jr.high and sr. high years. It wasn't until I turned 28 and began seeing a doctor regularly that I knew what I weighed and at that time I was 267. So, I don't know when I hit over the 225 mark. When I was in 5 grade I weighed 195. Isn't that horrible. But, life is still seen through the innocent eyes of a young girl who was always loved and treasured pretty much no matter what. I only ever felt really horrible about my weight when I was in high school and when I went to see my pediatrician (he was a jerk). How did that happen, sorry, got off subject. Anyway, I feel great, am looking much better and have a new attitude about shopping now. I can't wait to go into the stores and go to the regular sizes. Life is good!! -- Lori 10/27/05 - Today was the day to see Dr O since the last visit. He was very pleasant and did sort of apologize for he manner in talking to me last month. My weight loss was very bad to both of us. We discussed it very thoroughly and I will try his instruction to the letter. I will eat 1/4 cup of protein and see if I am full or feel satisfied at that time. If I feel I need more, I will then eat 1/4 cup of anything else that I would like (including potatoes, he said) I believe I will just eat more protein (also said that would be ok). I will eat only 3 meals a day, drink my water and walk more. I am to weigh myself tomorrow on my scale and then in one month on 11/27 call his office and report the amount lost. We will go from there. He said that if I have done better, he won't require me to come in to see him until the first of January, if not, then sooner. I was ok with that. The way he explained it made much sense to me. Even though I am eating less than I have ever eaten, he feels it is still too much. So, I will try what he is suggesting and go with that. In this one month I only lost 7 pounds for a total in 12 weeks of 35 pounds. I believe it should be more and I am definitely more than a little discouraged. So, wish me luck and I'll post more later. -- Lori  11/1/05 - I can't believe it is November already. I have been very discouraged and a little depression has set in. I have lost 3 pounds since my last post, but I hate eating. I miss food right now. I may be PMSing, but I am struggling right now. This is the hardest thing I've ever done because I simply cannot go back to my old eating habits. Last night I decided to have some of my sugar-free chocolate. I had 3 small pieces (like the size of Hersy's Nugget, but a little smaller then that. They have splenda in them & I don't really like them (also, have had problems with splenda before WLS). Well, about 10 minutes went by and I had terrible cramps and had to vomit. I vomited for about 20 minutes on and off. There was nothing left to bring up, yet still I heaved. I am so sore today and everything I've eaten just tastes awful. I'm like, why even bother. Even water feels funny going down. I have been sticking to Dr. O's instructions of 1/4 c protein, last night was the first time I didn't need to eat anything else with dinner. Just the chicken & cheese was all I needed, but then after about an hour & 1/2 I was just really craving for chocolate. Well, the chocolate came back up along with the chicken and the foamies everyone has talked about. I went straight to bed and didn't even try to take my evening meds. So my bp was up this a.m. Best part was getting on the scale this morning and weighing in at 255 even. Yesterday, I was at 256.4, so that's a pound and 1/2 in one day. I will not be trying to vomit on purpose, but I will continue to follow Dr O's instructions even if I don't feel like eating. Anyone who says this is the easy way out doesn't know what they are talking about. This is HARD!!!!! -- Lori 11/2/05 - Ok, so I'm on a yo-yo. Today is a much better day. Took a friend to lunch at Woody's (a bar-b-que place here in Florida) and the food tasted so good. Had the chicken w/green beans and a couple of French Fries. Taking the leftovers home for dinner tonight. It is one of our favorite places to go together. I was actually hungry and the food just tasted fantastic. I feel better emotionally today then yesterday (reference to yo-yo effect). I know that each day is different and just wanted to post to let those who read my journey know that some days are hard and some days are easier. I've lost 38 pounds as of this a.m. and that helps. -- Lori 11/3/05 - Well, today is my 3 month anniversary for WLS and I have lost 39 pounds thus far. I weigh today 254 and am so happy about that. I will be thrilled when the scale is below 250 which will be very soon. I haven't seen numbers like this for 20 years. I know the last time I weighed less then 255 I was around 25 or so. And the last time I weighed in the 240s I was about 20 or 21. It is going slow, but it is going. I thought for sure that my loose skin would hang down to just about my knees, but now I feel like even if I do have loose skin, it will not be as bad as I am thinking. I still believe I'll need plastic surgery, but I feel like it won't be as bad as I first thought it would be. Everyone of my friends has said that losing slowly is a good thing. They keep encouraging me to not compare myself with everyone else, but it is hard sometimes. I feel good today about what is happening. Since following Dr. O's advice from last Thurs. I've lost 4 pounds this week. That is tremendous. Yeah me!! -- Lori   11/7/05 - Well, I finally hit the -40 pound mark. I weigh in at 253 on Sunday. I am very happy for that. I am 13 1/2 weeks post-op at this point. I have also lost 32 1/4 inches overall with the greatest loss being in my hips at 5 1/2", my abdomen measures a 4 1/2" loss and my waits is 4" smaller. I have had to buy new bras, one size down 2 weeks ago and they are getting too big already. I also am in an 18/20 in my top and a 26w in pants, but they are getting too big to. I have tried a 24w, but they are a bit tight so I believe by the end of the week, I'll be able to wear a size 24w comfortably. Saturday was a really bad day for me. I was severely constipated and it is the first time that I cried and wished I hadn't done this to myself. My insides are so messed up at times and I can't seem to get regulated in my bowels. It is so frustrating. I have tried flax seed oil, drinking more fluids and now I will try laxatives to help the progress. Exercise is coming along, but slowly. Walking is much easier than it has been in over 10 years. I see a big difference in my face and in my shoulders. It is amazing to see the changes. I have bad days and great days and days that are in between. Today is a good day as I am wearing a top that I thought would take more months to wear and it looks fantastic on me. My sister gave me this shirt from her and her daughter. I can't believe it fits. It looks much smaller to me, so I thought it would hang in the closet for at least 3 or 4 more months, but in my struggle to see new results, IT FITS!! New BMI is 47.8 More later. -- Lori 11/10/05 - Great day today! A couple of wow moments have happened. First is the scale moved again and I am down 41.5 pounds and my BMI is 47.5 as of today. Second, I am wearing a blouse that a friend gave me in the 1990s and I was never able to wear it before. My big tummy wouldn't let me button it up. Well, today I tried it on and decided I looked so good I had to wear it to work. I am hoping to get a picture of me in it posted this evening for you all to see. I know I usually wait for the month anniversary to post pics, but I am so excited about this turning point for me. Third, I went to the thrift shop in town and bought 3 outfits for $3.52 and they are smaller and will work for the office. I am so happy today. Life is good and exercise is working! More later. -- Lori  11/14/05 - Well, I had to go and get my hair cut Saturday. I was just going to get it trimmed up. But when more hair kept coming out as she was combing it, I thought it is time to cut it all off to try to keep it from totally falling out. It looks really cute and a lot of people have been complimenting me on it. I really do like it, but I also liked it long. I miss it, but it will grow back again. I weighed in today at 250.5 so I am down 42.5 pounds now and that is really exciting. I am doing really well and exercise is a little more enjoyable. I don't know that I will ever like it, but that's ok. I'll keep doing what I'm doing and hopefully the weight will continue to decline even if it is slowly. More later. -- Lori 11/18/2005 - Well, my boss is finally back to work. I am so happy!!!! Then today another exciting thing happened. I weighed in UNDER 250 for the first time in more than 20 years. I 249.5 and my BMI is 47.1 at this point. I have lost a total of 43.5 pounds. I am still loosing slowly, but this is a milestone for me. A client came in today and when he was leaving he asked me if I had been losing weight. I told him yes and as of today I am down 43.5 pounds. I also told him I had the surgery in Aug. He was very impressed and happy for me. It was really nice to hear. The best part of this day is the happiness that my boss, who has been gone for 4 months now, is back and doing so well. It has been a long road of recovery and he is walking with a cane right now, but he is back and that's is the greatest thing in the world to me. More later. -- Lori 11/20/05 - Weighed in today at 248.5 which is 44.5 pounds down. My BMI is 46.9 at this point. I am still at severely morbid obese but not at super severely morbid obese. It is amazing to go shopping now. I am in a 24W in pants and skirts because my abdomen is the largest part of me. The waist is big in them but I need that size to fit the abs and hips still. I measured today and I am down 37.25" overall. Waist is 4" smaller, abs are 4.75" smaller and hips are 6" smaller. I am very happy with this. I am wearing a 18/20W in tops or a 2X very comfortably. We went shopping yesterday and I got 2 beautiful skirts and 4 tops. Three of the tops are stretch cotton that button down the front in a 2 X and the short sleeve sweater is a 1X. I just can't believe that shopping for clothes that fit is so much fun. I use to dread that. I think I need to get a new bra in a 40 because my newest is getting droopy and I have it adjusted to be the smallest fit. At this point, I am going through new bras faster than anything. But, that's ok. Life is very good and we even had Chinese last night for the first time since surgery. I had a very small portion and after eating about 6 bites, I was full. My dad went and got his ice cream, but I wasn't even tempted. When he went back for vanilla pudding, I did take the smallest taste of that. I love vanilla pudding. It was enough to satisfy my need in that moment. It was less then a 1/8 of a teaspoon because I didn't want to dump. I am amazed that just the smallest taste is enough. Well, I need to get ready for church today. I'm gonna wear a new outfit and feel great in it. More later. -- Lori 11/21/05 - It's a great day!! I have lost 45 pounds as of this morning and my BMI is at 46.8 which is 8.6 points down from when I began this journey. I am wearing my new suit to work and I feel absolutely fantastic in it. Life is so good right now. More later. -- Lori 11/30/05 - Saw my PCP, Dr. Aziz, today. He is the greatest. He is very excited about the weight loss and says I'm doing fantastic. He thinks that the average of 12 per month is the best and that my body will catch up in the long run with itself. He is happy that my health is so much better. My total cholesterol is 126 and it was 187 last year at this time. My bad cholesterol is even marked on the low side. Wow! I weighed 246 today at his office and was so excited to move the weight to 200...instead of the farthest over at 250. That was a wow moment for me. Even Dee, his nurse was impressed. He liked my labs, he liked my sugar levels and he was even encouraged that I may be able to decrease my Zocor (cholesterol med) and be off it for good soon. That is great news. The only problem is that my blood pressure was up today for some reason. I think it is due to a severe backache and he thought that might be what is contributing to it as well. When I take my pressure at home, it is always around 118/76 or lower, today it was 150/80. Not happy about that. Soon I'll update my picture with my new Christmas one that will go out in my cards this year. Life is so different and I am not done with my weight or with my internal growth. Everyday is exciting. More later. -- Lori 12/7/05 - Today is a milestone! I have lost 50 pounds since the surgery. I weighed 243 today and my BMI is 45.9 and I am very happy. Dec. 3rd was my 4 month anniversary and I wanted to be down by 50 pounds by then. I was 48 1/2 pounds down, so in just a 1/2 week I made it to the 50 pound loss point. It has taken longer then I expected, but I made it. Today is 18 weeks since the surgery. Although I thought I would have lost more (like 65 or 70 pounds by now), I'll take the 50 and be happy with that. Eating has gotten easier in some ways. I do feel hunger pangs, but still try to eat only 3 times a day with protein in first. I am finding that veggies taste very good to me and have to be careful not to eat them first so I can get my protein in. I don't eat much of veggies, but they do taste fantastic to me. I have also discovered that chocolate doesn't make me dump if I eat just a small piece, like a hersey kiss or something like that. It also helps to keep me regular. I had been having problems and now I eat a piece of chocolate a day and it really helps. It hasn't caused a problem with weight gain at this point or plateaus, so I will continue this for the time being. I have noticed that if I eat too much salad I will dump and feel sick the next day. I have also discovered that I love to shop for clothes for myself. It is nice to discover that clothes that fit make me feel pretty and really good about myself. I have also discovered that my feet are 2 different sizes now. My right foot is a size 5 1/2 and my left is almost a 6 1/2. How am I suppose to get shoes for myself? I don't know the answer to that one yet. I just hope that as I loose more weight they measure the same soon. I do not like to shoe shop!! Everything has a trade off, I suppose. Well, tomorrow is our office Christmas party and I am so excited about that. I have a new outfit and will take my 4 month post-op pic for my profile. Wow! I will be able to say that I am 50 pounds lighter then last year at this time. The picture at the bottom of my profile was from last years office Christmas party, so I will try to put them side-by-side for comparison. I really liked how I looked in that picture last year, so it will be interesting to see the difference. Well, I need to get back to work, so more later! -- Lori 12/8/05 - The Edward Jones Christmas Party was fantastic!! It was so nice to feel pretty and even sexy. I have lost 50 pounds so far and this was by far the best evening I have spent ever. I danced, laughed, mingled and really enjoyed being me. Below is a picture of the evening to mark my 4th month of being post-op. I am so happy with who I am inside and out right now. Life is very good. More later. -- Lori  12/11/05 - Well today was the day to get our picture taken for our Christmas card being sent out this year. My twin and I both wore red & black and looked great! I love this picture of us. We were laughing and our friend caught us with great smiles that reach our eyes. I am 50.5 pounds lighter then last years picture and that is awesome to me. I am pictured on the left as you look at the picture. Hope you all are having a fantastic a Christmas season as I am. We went shopping yesterday for about 4 hours and I couldn't believe how good I felt. Usually I am ready to go home by about 1 1/2 hours into the shopping, but we both kept going and never had trouble at all moving. My feet didn't hurt when I got home and before surgery 1 hour walking at Walmart with a cart and getting home, I could barely move from the door to my chair to rest. What a difference. I am so happy I had this surgery. I feel more confident about who I am, yet some people make me feel nervous and I have a hard time keeping eye contact with them. This is very different for me. I am very aware of it and am making an effort to realize my feelings when this happens. As Dr. Phil says, "You can't change what you don't acknowledge." This is something I thought I would never do in my life. As me (big or fat) I always held peoples attention and never look away. Now that 50 pounds are gone, it is different. I think I need to talk with my friend in AL about this & soon. Well, more later. -- Lori  12/16/05 - I am having so much fun this Christmas season. This year has not been about the food all around me, but enjoying friends, family and even shopping for the first time in a very long time. I feel so good this year. Last year was hard to get myself around to shop and food was all I thought about. What people served at parties was all consuming. This year has been involved in just enjoying conversation and eating is a small part of the time together. I just haven't been that interested in eating. The most exciting thing has been seeing the pounds move in the negative direction in a greater number this month. I now weigh 239 this morning. I don't know how old I was when I weighed below 240. It was in my 20's, that much I know, but when, I don't know. I am now in a size 22 pants and 1x 18/20 tops. I have lost 54 pounds and I can't believe how well this surgery has made me feel. More later. -- Lori 12/20/05 - I saw my cardiologist today. What a great report he gave me. He has lowered my cholesterol medication from 40mg to 20mg daily and lowered one of my blood pressure medication as well. He said my diabetes is well into normal range and was very excited to see almost 60 pounds gone. I must admit that I am very happy with this news. This means that I can truly get off all medication in time. At first he thought I would have to remain on the cholesterol med, but now he is saying that I will be off all of it in a very short time from now. I weighed in at 237 which is 56 pounds gone now. My BMI is 44.7 which is almost -10 from when I started this journey. Life is good and I am feeling so much better physically, emotionally and even spiritually. I must let you know that this month has been particularly hard with eating. I have found myself dumping quite often and I believe it is due to dairy products. It seems that when I eat cottage cheese or milk products, it is going to be a day spent in the bathroom and bed. It has been 20 weeks since surgery and at first I could eat dairy without any problems, but my cousin warned me that I may become lactose intolerant. I guess she was right. I use soy milk, but have tried the cheeses yet. I know that soy yogurt tastes bad to me. So hopefully I find a cheese substitute I like. We shall see. More Later. -- Lori 12/25/05 - MERRY CHRISTMAS!! everyone! Just wanted to let you know that today has been a wonderful day. I weighed 236 this am and that means 57 pounds gone forever. Becki gave me several new shirts in a size 18W and I wore one to church today. Several people mistook me for my other sister because right now she and I look more alike then my twin. This morning though was not good for my tummy. I ate some egg bake with sausage and it didn't agree with me. But all is right in the world and workings now. I feel better and am ready for lunch! It was a wonderful day with family and friends. Those who are away, it has been good talking to them on the phone. I talked with my cousin who will be one year post-op on 1/21/06 and she has lost 150 pounds so far. Her picture is fantastic and she is very pleased so far. I also spoke to a woman whom I work with that is in MO. She will be one year out on 1/13/06 and she is 5'1" and has lost 110 so far. She told me that due to our height our muscle mass is different so we lose slower. She told me it took her 6 months to get down 50 pounds. I am at 57 now and 4 1/2 months out, so I feel much better about thinking I was a slow loser. It helped to put it all in prospective for me. It was great talking to her and I plan to call next week while at work to talk a little bit more about her journey. Well, Merry Christmas to all and may the new year bring the brightest of all blessings to you and your family. More later. -- Lori 12/30/05 - Well we are headed for a new year and I am excited. As holiday parties are coming to a close (thank goodness!), I am getting on track. My goal is to be -60 pounds by my 5 month post-op date of 1/3/06. I am 2.5 pounds away from goal as of today. I need to watch carefully what I do this weekend to make goal. I know it will be hard, but I plan to make this goal. This has been an awesome season of celebration and fun for me. New clothes, new feelings, new marks in life. It has been since my late 20's that I have been this small and I have more to go. Life is good and I am enjoying it very much. I need to stay away from clothing stores though. My do I like to shop right now. It is fun to see the sizes getting smaller. I have never worn anything but 22/24W to 30/32W for most of my life. To see that a 22W in pants is getting baggy and that a 14/16W in shirts almost fits is amazing to me. I know that there are people out there thinking, that's still big, but for me, it means not always going for the biggest size anymore. That is the most incredible thing to me. To shop, even in the plus size, and know that something is going to fit or even be too big is totally mind-blowing to me. That is what life was always like for me. Feeling like the biggest person in the room due to my clothes. Well, no more of that! I love being with people even more these days and feel good about who I am even more than ever. Life is tremendously grand!! -- Lori Goals I've reached from my list above before surgery dated 6/3/05 - 1. Be off of all medications for diabetes, high blood pressure & high cholesterol. I am completely off diabetes med and both blood pressure meds have been reduced and cholesterol med has been reduced. Cost for meds to date is $75/per month saving me $45 2. Cross my legs, bend and tie my shoes. I can cross my legs, but it isn't a pretty site yet, so I don't unless I'm home alone. I can bend over without much distress and tie my shoes. 3. Put on my shoes without having to contort my body to accommodate my rolls of fat. No need to contort my body any longer!! 4. Find a pair of jeans that fit. No more stretchy pants unless for exercising. Oh my word!!! I love jeans and non-stretchy pants now!! It is amazing to know that jeans fit again!!! 5. Wear a sleeveless dress or tank top. I hate my fat arms. 6. Be able to walk with my niece and nephews without having to stop and rest for more than 15 minutes at a time. This is a great goal I have reached. Being able to keep up with the kids is wonderful. 7. Exercise on elliptical trainer for 10 minutes without stopping because I'm afraid I'm going to pass out soon. (At 3 minutes right now. Began working out 5/16 at 1 minutes & thought I was going to die...lol). I am able to do 30 minutes without feeling like I'm going to die! Another goal accomplished!! 8. Feel pain free in my feet and lower back. My feet no longer hurt but I still have some lower back pain. 9. Feel like I am achieving greater success & well-being for myself for the first time in my life. Oh, how this has changed for me. I've always had good self-esteem, but it is even higher and better then before. 10. Continue to work on the inside of who I am as I get healthier and thinner. Still working on catching up with the tremendous changes that occur everyday in my life. Adding more on 6/13/05: 11. No seat belt extender when flying 12. Be able to sit on the floor and get up with out using furniture to help pull myself up. Ok, I sat on the floor for the 1st time in ages on Christmas day. My legs fell asleep & I did have to use the couch to get up, but I wouldn't have even attempted sitting on the floor 3 months ago! 13. Not have my legs or feet go to sleep when I sit on them. 14. Not think about food all the time. 15. Live life, not just exist. I am living life, not just existing!! 16. Take dancing lessens. 17. Not be afraid to get on or off of a boat. 18. Ride on the back of a motorcycle. 19. Ride a horse and not feel like I'm going to kill it because I weigh too much. 20. Be happy with how I look in a picture. This year's Christmas photo is so great, I really do love how I look in it!! 21. To see my collar bone sticking up through all this fat. I can't believe there is actually bone there, but there is! And more shows each day!! I have hit 8 of my goals and have accomplished 5! Yeah ME!!! 1/4/2006 - Well, I've hit my 5 month post-op anniversary and I am down 59.5 pounds. I just missed my goal by a 1/2 pound. This past month has been one of the best as far as loosing for me. I've lost a total of 13.5 pounds in one month. That is 1.5 pounds more then my average of 12. I weighed in today at 233.5 and my BMI is 44.1 which is unbelievable. Five months ago it was 55.4, that means 11.3 points down in just 5 months! Hopefully, the next month will be another banner month for weight loss. I am feeling really good and my activity level is much higher now then it was just 5 short months ago. The holidays didn't seem to hamper me too much, I felt good and didn't really feel too deprived of anything. There were times that I wished I could eat more then what my tummy would allow, but it didn't last long. I love the new clothes my sis got me for Christmas and that certainly makes those times that I was wishing I could have more come into perspective. She got me one shirt that is a 14/16W and it almost fits at this point. I believe that by the time I am at 228, it will fit perfectly. I love it and plan to have her take a picture of me in it for the profile. I need to have her take my 5 month post-op pic for the site as well. Not much going on here in Florida right now except cold weather. It is great for walking outside and I am trying to take advantage of it before it gets too hot again. Well, I update more later! -- Lori 1/8/06 - Yeah!!! I have finally reached the -60 pound mark!!! Today I got on the scale and it read 233. That makes a total of 60 pounds gone and my BMI is 44. I did a happy dance this morning after hitting this milestone. I was around 23 or 24 when I weigh this, so the scale continues to go down and I am excited. Still waiting for sis to take another pic for the profile. Soon, I hope. More later. -- Lori Information lost from profile again on 3/1/06; happened last month around 2/17/06...didn't copy profile...so information is lost from 1/10-2/27/06. Will try to remember some of the details and add later...Advice from HTML group is to copy and save each time I update so that I can at least keep current if this happens again...I advice that everyone do the same!!!!!! 1/26/06 - Saw Dr Overcash today. Was sortof happy with progress. Wishes it could be more. Down to 230 which is 28 pounds less than last visit in November 2005. Was happy with medical stuff though...no diabetes, lower cholestrol meds and blood pressure meds.  2/15/06 - Today I hit the -70 lb mark and I am so excited. I have until 3/3/06 to be at 218 which will be -75 lbs gone. I set these small goals to reward myself when I hit them. Most of the time, it takes a couple of days after the post-op anniversary to actually get there, but this month I am feeling like I will accomplish it early! I am so excited. Just 5 lbs to go to goal for this month. If I make it early, I'll celebrate by getting a new pair of pants. That is what I really need right now. I have 5 pair of pants that I am in and 3 of them are getting too big. I have one dress in my closet and no skirts or other dressy work clothes. I have purposely not bought dresses because the top is a different size then the bottom. That means too big in the bust and tummy area to fit the hip area. So for now it is skirts, pants and tops to get me to goal at 130 (that seems impossible, that is why I do the smaller goals each month. If you haven't done this, I would suggest you try it. I go to www.fitday.com and after login I click on weight and put in my current weight, my goal weight and the date I want to reach the goal. It is calculated and entered with how many weeks/days you have left to reach the goal, how many pounds left until goal and what you need to loose in the week to reach the goal. It is really a neat feature to fitday. Hope everyone had a great Valentine's day. My goal for next year is to have a date for the day. This year was nice with a work luncheon for our widowed clients. It is so special to do this for our senior clients and they really appreciate our thoughts. I hadn't seen many of the folks since Christmas and they were so complimentary of me. One lady kept commenting on how my new hair cut had done wonders for me. She kept saying it over and over. It was so cute. When I finally told her that I had lost 70 lbs. she said, "I still think the hair cut makes the difference." I had to laugh. It was a very sweet day. One of my bosses mentees, who I have helped out a lot, gave me a stuffed monkey that when you press his tummy he whistles. I told him thanks, it is the first time I've ever been whistled at! It was such a nice compliment and I loved it!! Hope you are all doing well on your journeys and loving the wow moments you encounter!  3/2/06 - Well, my profile page was lost again yesterday so I have been fixing what I know I can. I've lost several posts from January and all but one from February. The Feb. one was posted on August message board so I was able to save it. I went to my PCP on 2/28/06 and he was thrilled with my progress. I am too! I have lost a total of -74 lbs so far and couldn't be happier. I am still hoping to hit the -75 lb mark for my 7 month post-op anniversary. Here's hoping. I will be coping and saving my posts each time they change from here on out...suggest that those reading my post do the same. You can save it in Wordpad or another wordprocessing area. It will save heartache in the long run. Good luck! -- Lori   3/12/06 - It's been a while since I've updated. Not too much to report except that I have been at a slight stand-still the past week. I lost 1 pound this week, but I'll take it. I now weigh 216.8 which is -76.2 lbs. My BMI is 40.9 with just a little more to be plain old obese iinstead of mobid obese. I am still amazed at this progress. My sister and I will be going to the Bay Hill Invatational (golf tournament where Tiger plays) and that means loads of walking. If that doesn't help to kick start weight loss, then the following week I will begin the plateau buster diet for 10 days and see where that leads me. Wish me luck! Hope everyone is still finding their journey a good one. More later. -- Lori 3/19/06 - Well, I got kicked off again, this is the 4th time I�ve lost my post to the profile page. I guess I am spending too much time writing online and it times out. Although I am only online for about 5 minutes. It is the strangest thing. So, I am attempting to write my post in word power and then will copy it to the profile to see if that will help. If not, I will have to look into getting a new online provider because this is crazy!! Well, this weekend was great. My sis and I attended the Bay Hill Invitational Golf Tournament in Orlando. Next year it will be called the Arnold Palmer Invitational which is a great honor for Mr. Palmer. He deserve this as he has hosted this event for over 30 years. This is only the second time in history that an event is named after a famous golfer. I wasn�t looking forward to going this year but I was wrong for feeling this way. I the walking was so much easier and just my stamina was over the top. It was terrific. I didn�t have hurting feet, didn�t have to wear a knee brace, didn�t have heart palpitations or any of those other problems from years past. It was so much fun to follow one of the golfers for a while and not feel like I was going to die from exertion. The other good news is that I weighed in today at 215 which is -78 lbs for me. My BMI is at 40.6 from 55.4 at the beginning of this journey. I am just 16 pounds from onederland and 22 pounds from loosing 100 pounds total. It is amazing to me that this is working. Would I do this again? Yes, in a heart beat!! I am so happy at this point in my life. Here�s to the journey for us all! More later. -- Lori 3/20/06 - What a wierd day! Talk about busy and tax season...I'll be glad when it is over. I weighed in at 213.5 this morning. That is -79.5 lbs (just .5 lb from being -80) OMG!!! This is unbelievable! My BMI has dropped again too, it is 40.3 from 55.4 at the beginning of my journey. Just a few 10ths away from being obese, just plain old obese. I was so busy today that I didn't even get a regular lunch. Good thing I had a protein bar here or I would be chewing on my elbow I think. When I did the bank deposit for work I was hungry...it was 12:34 p.m. The bank was backed up and there was nothing I could do about it. Had a new client coming in at 1:30 and had to stop to get some sympathy cards for myself and the boss. It is now 4:47 p.m. and almost time to go home. I am ready for a good dinner, believe me. I want to take my time and enjoy it though. I've gotten almost all my water in today too. Well, this journey continues to be a wonder to me. Like many people, I continue to see myself as the same heavy person, I know it is changing but, I just feel the same at times in my head. One day it might catch up with the new me! I hope so. Hope everyone has a great day and keep on your journey...it is worth it!! More later. -- Lori 3/28/06 - I don't have much to report today. I am feeling a little under the weather with a touch of a sore throat and loosing my voice. I am also feeling a tad bit blue in the emotional area. It has nothing to do with the weight loss, I just feel down today. I have started the Plateau Buster diet as of yesterday and I must say that I feel fuller doing this than when I eat regular meals of 1/2 cup 3 times a day. My energy level seems to be steady eating 5 times of 3 oz of protein and the protein supplement of 43 grams of protein just from 2 shakes a day. I am wondering what the results of following this for 10 days will really do for me. I am willing to try it though to kick start the weight loss again. I haven't really plateaued but I've gotten lazy in what I know is right to do. I figure starting from strach has got to help at this point. I am losing about a pound a week at this rate, so I'm hoping that this will help push me onward to getting under the 200 pound mark. I am so close to it that it hurts (not really). I keep flucutating between 213 to 215 and have been for 2 weeks now. I really thought this weigh in on Sunday would be a total disaster, but I did end up loosing 1.5 lbs. Everyone says I look great, I know I feel great physically, but I still see the big abdomen on me and wonder if it will ever look different to me. I know that it really isn't as big as it use to be, but it sure seems like it. Well, for not really knowing what to write for today, I seemed to have filled in quite a bit. Guess my mind is more in tune than I thought it was. Sometimes you just have to start writing to figure out that you are feeling down about the weight loss sometimes. Well, I hope this entry helps someone out there and that you see that even when you aren't expecting good or bad, it sometimes happens. I will keep my chin up, and hope you do too. More later. -- Lori 3/31/06 - It's the last day of March and I've lost another pound since 3/28 and that feels great to me. I weighed in today at 212 which means -81 lbs so far. Just 2 pounds from my goal of 210 by 4/3, I'm hoping...3 days away so I need to kick it into gear. The plateau buster diet seems to be helping and tonight I joined my mom and family at the Relay for Life event at FIT in Melbourne, FL. My mom is a breast cancer survivor and it was an amazing evening. There were many cancer survivors there and it was inspirational for everyone who was there. We walked inside the gym and had a wonderful time together. I was great excerise and great fun too! Hopefully, I didn't do anything to mess me up today. I didn't get in a protein drink, but I did have a protein bar. They are a little more in calories and only 15 grams of protein compared to a protein drink, but I didn't go home and had to make due. We'll see what the scale says tomorrow. Well, hope everyone who reads this has a great weekend and fun on the journey. More later! -- Lori 4/2/06 - Did anyone April Fool you yesterday? I was very lucky and didn't have anyone trick me, but I didn't trick anyone either. The plateau buster diet is really working for me. I have until Wednesday on it and I have lost 3 pounds so far. I weighed in today at 211 so that is -82 lbs so far. I think according to this new weight that my BMI is 39.9 which makes me plain old obese. I am very happy and excited about that. I got so many compliments today at church on my outfit. Tomorrow is my 8 month post-op anniversary and I have 1 pound to go to my short term goal of 210. I don't know if I'll make it, but that's ok. I feel really happy and could today. More later -- Lori   4/15/06 - It's been a while since I've updated but there hasn't been any real changes until today. I am below 210!!! I weighed in today at 208 which means I've lost 85 pounds so far!!! My BMI is 39.3 at this point. I am so excited about this. Just 8.5 pounds to be in wonderland. For more then 3 weeks I was stuck at 211 to 213 and just could seem to break the plateau. Well, just for all you who get to the 8 month mark, know that this is normal and just hang in there...it will break and you will not need to fret that this is all there is to your weight loss. I felt like that for a few of the days during the 3 weeks I stalled, but I just kept reading posts from my August buddies that said they were in the same situation and I just got patient with myself and continued to do the program. So, my adivce to you is, find your surgery month & year message board and see what everyone on that board is at. It is better then freaking out and posting on the main board. I have a great commarodery with the folks on that message board. It is like we know each other because we are basically at the same starting point. That really helps. Hope this has been helpful to some of you out there. More later -- Lori 4/22/06 - Hit a new mark today. I am almost -90 lbs. 89.5 gone forever. I weighed in at 203.5 this morning which makes BMI 38.4 and amazes my mind. Getting ready to go to Walmart and I need some new tops for spring/summer. So here I go doing my favorite exercise, SHOPPING!!!! More later. -- Lori 5/3/06 - Well, I went to see Dr Overcash on 5/1 and he was his usual self when he met me at the door. I had lost 21.5 pounds since end of January when I last saw him and he wasn't happy at all with my progress. So, he decided to show me that I was "cheating"/grazing by doing a metobalic test on me. What it showed him was that he was wrong and he admitted it to me. He said, "I guess I have to be happy with how you are doing because I don't want you eating less then 1600 calories a day and your burning 2725 calories a day to boot. I was wrong, you don't ever have a doctor admit their wrong." I told him doctor nothing, surgeons never admit when they are wrong for sure. It made my day. He finally believes me when I tell him my body is different. Yes, I would like to be less then 125 pounds by now, but I have to be happy with what is gone...-87 pounds so far. Today is my 9 month post-op anniversary and I feel great. I weighed in today at 206 and my BMI is 38.9 which is amazing to me. I can see a big difference at times and when I look in a mirror or see my reflection in a glass door, I am amazed. I see it then, but when I look in the mirror at home, I am critical of what I see. I guess I need to just look at the new person I see when I am caught unaware! I like who she is!! I will post new pics in a very short while. More later. -- Lori   5/13/06 - The scale moved and I am down -90 lbs now!! Yeah for me... it has been a long while since I've lost more then a pound and a half in one week, but this week was a good week. I've lost -2 1/2 pounds since last Sunday and that's a good thing! My BMI is at 38.4 so I am still obese, but it keeps going down and one day soon, I'll be overweight and not be the norm for American society. I'll be considered average. On another note, my sis and I have been house hunting. What a stressfilled time it has been in the past couple of days. We've got 2 that we really like and it's a buyer's market. So we put in a bid on one of them and we will hear back by Tuesday at 5 p.m. on whether they will take our offer or at least counter the offer. So, by next week, I hope to be in the process of being a home owner instead of a renter. Wish me luck and good luck to you all as you continue on your wonderful journey of WLS. Weighed in today at 203.5 with a BMI of 38.4; that's -89.5 pounds gone forever! I'm getting oh so close to onederland!! More later. -- Lori 5/19/06 - Well, I know I need to update from Monday and let you know what happened with asking this guy I like out. He arrived at the office for his meeting and we spoke for a few moments before my boss came to greet him for his meeting. It was so nice to see him and he was as nice as always. After the meeting my boss left to give us privacy. We went over the information from the meeting and began to talk somemore. I found out more information that I didn't know and then just before he went out the door I stopped him. I said, "I don't know if you are dating right now, but if you would ever like to go out with someone, I would really enjoy spending time getting to know you better." (or something to that affect.) He didn't act nervous or anything, just said, "Thank you for asking, but I've been seeing someone now for 13 months." We talked some more about him taking things slow since he was hurt so bad from his wife before and I thought, "Oh no, he will move his account from us now." I left work and felt horrible about myself and my stupidity. I cried when I went to bed and was just having a tremendous pity party for myself. I wasn't at all angry at him. He was really generous and sweet in dealing with me. I was angry with myself for misreading him. Or thinking there was more there then there was, ya know what I mean? Anyway, Tuesday was a bad day at work for me too. Then on Wed., out of the blue, he called. He needed to explain something to my boss, but he also wanted to make sure I was okay. I still think he is the sweetest, kindest person I know. So, I will keep the communication open and not close any doors, because who knows what will happen. I don't want to loose him as a client either. Well, that catches everyone up on me for now. I am in a much better frame of mind at the end of the week then I was at the beginning. I weighed in today at 202.5 and am down -90.5 lbs. I am blown away by that. Just 3 pounds from onederland and 9.5 pounds from the century club. I just can't seem to get my mind around being under 200 pounds. I really don't know when I weighed under 200. It had to be when I was starting 8th grade in Jr. High school. It seems like I remember then feeling so fat and now I am excited to be where I am at right now. This journey has been great and hard at the same time. I just keep moving forward with a few steps backward every once in a while. More later. -- Lori 5/22/06 - Saw Dr Aziz today, he's my PCP. Very happy with my weight loss and lab results. I weighed in at 202 which is -91 lbs. Down from 220 when I last saw him 3 months ago. My labs all looked great except he is concerned with my B12, it went way down. I'll see him in 3 months so if it continues to be lower then 300, he will advise that I start with a stronger B12 supplement or start with shots once a month. We shall see. I feel incrediable these days and boy did everyone give me compliments at church yesterday. It was nice to hear. I am thrilled with my weight loss. I've been stressed over looking at houses though. We have 2 we really like and they are both within our price range. I didn't think that we would have this chance, but we do and now we need to make a decision. I'm not sure what to do at this point. I think I need to talk to my buddy in Alaska. So, if he reads this anytime soon, help!! (lol) More later. -- Lori 5/30/06 - Well, I am down to 201 which is -92 pounds for now. My BMI is 37.9 and slow continues to decline as well. I am just 1.5 pounds from onederland and 8 pounds from the century club. It seems unreal that I am almost 10 months out from my surgery date and that I have lost this much weight in less then a year. It seems slow at times but when I look at the pictures from the start I am amazed at who I am now. It has been a wild, crazy and confusing at times ride, but I would do it all again! More later. -- Lori   6/9/06 - I noticed that it has been several days since my last post, ok more than that. I have been totally stressed with house shopping that I have negelected my journal. Things seem to be at an almost stand still with the weight loss. I keep losing and gaining the same 2 to 3 pounds each day. I am at 203 again today and I am sick and tired of it. When will I make it to onederland?! Will I ever get to the point of loosing 100 pounds? Have I stopped loosing all together? These thoughts plague me as the days sail by with no change in weight or inches. I know that my intake of protein and water is key, but there are times when it just seems so hard to manage it. I especially have a difficult time when I am stressed. We are in negotiations on a house right now and I never knew how hard the waiting could be. Hopefully we will be looking at getting our closing done and have a contract by the first part of next week. Did I tell you how stressed I feel? More later. -- Lori 6/10/06 - Well, today is a different. I am down to 200.5 in weight and at 37.8 BMI. That is 92.5 pounds gone forever. I know that yesterday I was venting and frustrated, but today I'm happy. Isn't it wierd how the emotions change in just a second or two. More later. -- Lori 6/20/06 - I've made it to ONEDERLAND!!!! I weighed in this morning at 199.8 and my BMI is 37.6 today. Ok, I realize I barely made it to onederland, but I am there. I am so excited. I haven't weighed under 200 since Jr High School. I remember being in 8th or 9th grade and being at 198 and then just stopped getting on the scale because I knew I would eventually weigh 200 and didn't want that day to happen. So, I ignored the truth and kept eating my way to my highest weight of 298. I must say that I worked very hard to never get over 300 pounds and was successful with that, but oh, I was only 2 pounds from being at that "Kill me if I ever get to 300" number. I remember the day I told both my sisters that if I ever get over 300 pounds, just shoot me. Well, I never reached that number and now I am below the number I dreaded as a teenager. I can't believe it. I didn't think I would ever be below 200 again in my life. I am amazed at this wonderful tool. The past few months have been very hard because the weight loss seemed to go into a standstill. I thought, "This is it for me. I am the one who will never know a life of thinness." Then I remembered what I said in my beginning posts. I just want to be healthy again. I want to feel like I can get around and not be overcome with shortness of breath. Well, I am healthy again. I am no longer a diabetic, my blood pressure is normalizing and my cholesterol is well below the normal range. I still am my worst critic, but I am happy with this journey. Would I do it all over again? In a heart beat! This is the best way for me to have lost this weight and gotten healthy. I know that it isn't for everyone, but it was what I needed to get control of my eating disorder. I still have a long way to go, but I am truely happy with where I am today! More later. -- Lori 7/13/06 - It seems like forever since I last posted, but it hasn't been a month yet. So, good for me. I am a homeowner now and that is a wonderful feeling too. The weight loss has really slowed down to almost a stand still. It has been very frustrating, but I am determined not to give up on this journey. On June 28th, I went to my very first support group meeting in the Orlando area. A plastic surgeon was there from the Tampa area and he was really informative. I liked him alot and thought if he was closer I would use him when I need my plastics done. However, he is not and my family wouldn't appreciate that trip for follow-ups. Well, I am currently at 199.5 which is good because I am back under 200 pounds. The weight, like I said, has slowed and even crept up at times. I am increasing my activity level with the new house, so that's another positive for becoming a homeowner. I try to post better then this for you all. More later. - Lori 7/18/06 - Today is a good day. I weighed in at 198.5 and a BMI of 37.5 since 11.5 months post-op. I've made it to onderland and I am just 5.5 pounds from the Century Club now and I feel like I will make it to losing 100 pounds at this point. It has seemed like I was done, but the scale (as many of my August buddies cheer) has moved to the left again! I am excited again. Yesterday was a good/bad day and I feel a little light-headed today. I see my cardiologist tomorrow and maybe he will take me off one of my blood pressure medications. It is really weird to feel like this today, but I know that it has to do with getting healthier and still on some of my medications. If I didn't have the appointment with him tomorrow, I would be in contact with my PCP today. I also know that I need to get some water in this a.m. as well. Life is good and I love feeling thinner. I still have a hard time seeing the changes in my head. I need to get my 11 month post-op pictures up for you to see. Maybe you all can see what I am missing. More later. - Lori 7/19/06 - Saw Dr Barden today and weighed in at 198.5 for an official record of being in onderland!! He was so happy with my progress today and mentioned that after he gets the results back from my labs in August we may lower some more of my meds. I am very excited about this new turn. My blood pressure was really good and he was very happy to see that my diabetes is well under control and in the normal range. Life is very good. I love Dr Barden, he is the sweetest person in the world for being a doctor. Well, you all won't know how to act with 2 posts in a row from me. I just had to share. More later. - Lori   7/24/06 - So many great things to share from this weekend. I lost another pound and am down to 197.5 for a total weight loss of 95.4 pounds. My BMI is at 37.3 from 55.3 which is amazing to my mind. We got totally moved into our new home on Saturday and spent the first night (aching from head to foot) in my new bedroom. I kept feeling like I heard the people bumping around upstairs, but of course, they weren't...lol. I believe I'll call it phantom noises or withdrawl. Then I went to church on Sunday and one of our dear sweet ladies said to me, "I am so proud of you. I don't believe you know how truly beautiful you are." It made me feel so good and she is right. I feel wonderful, but I still feel like I look in my Christmas photos from 2005. That was at 235ish. I am now at 197.5 so I know that is a big change, I just don't see it for myself. I not bothered by it, I really like my Christmas pictures. Well, I went to the apartment today and got all the areas with carpet vacuumed and still had energy to spare, just not the time due to work. I did this on my lunch hour and know in my heart I wouldn't have been able to do this last year at this time. I would have maybe gotten the small dining area and part of the living room done...but today I got both bedrooms, livinginroom, hallway and dining room done. Then I swept the kitchen and foyer area to boot. It was very satisfying to get that much done and now all we have to do is clean the 2 bathrooms and scrub the kitchen floor. Then we can turn in the keys and say goodbye to apartement life forever!! I love our new house, but there are so many boxes to unpack. I am dreading it, not the work, just figuring out where to start. Well, that's my report for now. I'll post more later. - Lori 8/5/06 - Well, it has been one year and 2 days since I had my surgery and I am loving life! This past year has seen many changes and all most all are very good!! Actually, I can't think of any bad ones... I am no longer diabetic, my blood pressure is under control as is my cholestorol. I love to go walking now, something I dreaded a year ago. Ilove being me and am more confident then I've ever been. I've lost 95 pounds to date and am working to loose more. I am healthy for the first time in my life and it is a good feeling. If you don't think this is the journey you should take, I won't try to talk you into it. However, for me, I would do it all over again in a heart beat to feel this healthy and to be enjoying my life. It has been hard and it is still hard work, but it is worth every moment. Good luck to all who read this post and may your journey exceed your expectations!! More later. -- Lori 8/7/06 - Well, what a weekend I had! I was in Walmart on Friday evening getting a few things and thought I would get a bottle of Sutter House White Zifindel. Purchased my items and was headed out the door to go home when I hit a strip of metal at the entrance and the bottle fell out of the basket and hit the floor. It shattered and hit my foot. I ended up at the ER and received 10 stiches in my right big toe and a tetnus shot. Saturday, I went back to Walmart to pick up my bags and had to shop all over again...they couldn't find my bags anywhere. In the evening the manager called to check on me and give me information to contact their payroll department to see what I need to do to get the ER and ambulance bills taken care of. Sunday, I ended up staying in bed most of the day because the area where they gave me the tetnus was really hurting and making me nausea. Due to all of this stuff, I didn't feel much like eating, so this morning when I weighed in, I was down to 196.5 which is amazing. I weighed in on Sun a.m. at 199 and I thought this is crazy. Will I ever hit the century mark. Well, I have hope again. Maybe by the end of August I be under 190 and make it to the century club. Just 4.5 pounds to go to have lost 100 pounds. Just had to let you all know of my wierd weekend and report that all is not lost. My BMI is down to 37.1 which is still obese, but last year it was over 54 and life was really miserable physically for me. I get frustrated, but the journey has been worth it all. More later. -- Lori 8/9/06 - Just 2 days and I can now report that I am 2.5 pounds away from the century club. I weighed in today at 195.5 with a BMI of 36.9 which is incrediable. Last year my BMI was 55.4 and I was super morbidly obese. I am now obese and heading for overweight quickly. I didn't think there was any hope left of getting to minus 100 pounds for the past 3 months. I've struggled with this thought and decided that I am truly happy with my journey thus far and just keep doing what I've been doing, but maybe a little better. It has been successful today. I realize that last week, before my doctors appointment, I had eaten WanTon Soup for dinner. It is very high in sodium and it made me gain 2 unwanted pounds before going to the doctor. I lost it quickly by increasing my water intake to flush out my system...well, maybe not as quickly as I would have liked, but today the scale actually moved down again. I am thinking back and I believe that sodium is the culprate of my flucutating scale for the past few months. I've been eating frozen dinners alot and not being real careful with choices when eating out for the sodium content. This past week, I've been cooking my own meals and I see that I am doing better leaving the salt shaker alone. It may be the answer and it may not, but for now I am treating it as the answer. I am now wearing a size 18 in the bottoms and I had to buy new underware this week as almost all my current underware is WAY TOO BIG!!! Yeah for me. Soon I'll have to go buy even smaller size, but that is okay with me. I will be cleaning out my unddies drawer this weekend. I will also get my sister's chest of drawers as her new bedroom furniture is being delivered on Saturday. That is really exciting! The new house is such a blessing and we truly do love it. Life is good and only gets better each day. Hope your journey in WLS is going well. More later. -- Lori 8/14/06 - Just 2 days until my birthday and 2 pounds from being in the century club. I weighed in at 195 this morning and I am hoping that by Wednesday, I'll be 193 which would be -100 pounds gone forever!! I remember this time last year being able to eat/drink about 1 to 2 oz. of soup or liquid and still feeling pretty sore after surgery. I remember that my feet still hurt and I didn't think I would ever feel like I would be where I am today. In just 12 1/2 months, I've come so far. My life is so exciting these days and I am so thankful to those who made my journey so wonderful. Thanks to my boss, Bob, for believing in me and supporting me through this year and making me keep my date even while he was recouperating from his accident. Thanks to my sister and best friend (twin) who has been so supportive. Those first few days (weeks) were rough on you with worry and travelling back and forth from work to mom's to make sure I was okay. The nightmares from the pain meds are just a bad memory now. Thanks to United Health Care for the excellent response and quick answers for my insurance approval. Thanks to my place of employment for caring the rider for this surgery! I would not have been able to go through with this if you didn't carry and keep this rider for everyone who needs it. Thanks to my parents for giving up their room for me those first couple of weeks to begin the healing process. Thanks to my mother for fixing those delicious meals (lol) and keeping me on schedule with eating and drinking my water. Thanks to OH and all the members here who have been a help and support source for the rough times, the questioning and reasearch times and for the extensive list of surgeons in my area that helped me choose the right person for this serious operation. Thanks to Dr. Overcash for his expert hands and quickness in surgery. No problems were encountered and I believe it was due to your expertise in the OR. Thanks to Dr. O's staff for the support and help in getting all the necessary paperwork in for approval process. Most of all, I am thankful to God for the circumstances in my life that lead me to be able to have this surgery and begin the journey of a life time. I am so thankful that I am where I am today. Last year in January, I was at the lowest point of my life physically. I was in fearing of waking up every morning because I thought my heart would give out. I no longer have these fears...life is sweet and beautiful. It is my wish that everyone who embarks on this journey will experience the joys of life along the way. There have been hard times, but the good times outweigh the rough road for sure. Sorry this post is so long, but I really needed to say thank you! Oh, thanks to the Aug. 2005 board members for all their hugs and support especially these last few months when things have slowed down so much. We will make it together! More later. -- Lori 8/17/06 - Went to see Dr Aziz, my PCP, today. He is so wonderful. He told me I looked amazing and was happy with my progress. He took my blood pressure with a regular cuff today too. It didn't pop off and when I was getting ready to hold it, he said, "It is okay. You don't need to do that anymore." That made me feel great. I weighed in today at 195 for a total of -98 pounds. My BMI is 36.8 at this point. Life is grand. Yesterday was my birthday and I celebrated by eating some really rich chocolate dessert. I ended getting sick, but it was worth it. This is a wonderful journey and I am so happy these days. Thanks for reading my journal and taking this journey with me. I hope I have been able to help someone along the way. More later. -- Lori 9/5/06 - Well, I am excited today. I weighed in at 192.5 which means I have lost -100.5 pounds. I am overwhelmed by this. Just last week I was thinking that I wasn't ever going to be under that 100 pound mark and thinking I just didn't deserve being that happy. Well, instead of getting caught in that mental game for long, I reached inside myself and said, "Ok, girl! Enough feeling sorry for yourself. Let's look at what you are doing and not doing and change it up a little." That seemed to work. I only lost 2.5 pounds for the month of August, but I'll take it. That's more then I ever lost in a lifetime before and kept it off. Yes, this journey is hard and frustrating, but my health is so much better and I can walk, and play with kids and so much more then before! I am loving life. Oh, by the way, I am wearing size 18 (regular 18) in the bottoms and med to lrg tops. I still only own 1 dress, but I know that I can start looking at them again and in a totally diffrent size then I ever dreamed of wearing before. Incredible!!! More later. -- Lori 9/12/06 - Life is good and I've lost a total of 101 pounds since 8/3/05. It is amazing how I feel. I still see the flaws (I'm my own worst enemy!), but I do feel wonderful these days. I thought I would never reach the century club and I have!!! What a great feeling to say, "I've lost over 100 pounds!" I can't believe it at times. I have been doing more exercising the past few days and hope to continue this trend. I still hate to exercise, but I can tell that it does help with the stalls that I have been expriencing. My goal for 14 months is to be down to 188 which would be -105 pounds. I take it a little at a time. If it is more then that then great, if not, I won't stress over it. I will continue to watch my food intake and work hard to get in protein and liquids and the dreaded exercise. I have been doing something a little different. I saw a commercial for this exerciser called The Red Exerciser. It is basically a stool with a lazy susan on it. It costs $174 with shipping. I thought, "I could use my computer chair at home and work and hold on to my desk to do this exercise. That is what I did and boy just getting through one minute is tough. You sit up straight as you can in the chair, lift you feet off the floor, pull your abdomen in just a little and put you hands a comfortable distance from the arms of the chair and grab the desk. Then you just swivel left and right. Remember to keep breathing. It is just a little movement, but oh my goodness, it is like doing the twist from the 60s in a chair. It is hard work and I working my way up to 20 to 30 minutes a day and do this at least 3 times a week. I will also begin using the elliptical trainer again now that the move is complete. I need to move it into the house from the garage. My goal is to do this tonight! My BMI is now 36.2 from 55.4 on surgery day. I find that amazing. Although that still makes me obese, I would have to have a co-morbidity now to have the surgery and I don't at this point. Everything is healthy and back in normal ranges. Yeah me! More later. -- Lori 9/18/06 - I weighed in this Sunday at 191, that is a total of -102 pounds. Unbelieveable! I just can't believe that I have lost 102 pounds. But it's true! Amazing! More later. -- Lori 9/21/06 - I know, I know...I haven't posted this often in a long time. But, I've changed what I'm doing and I've lost another 1/2 pound since yesterday. I weighed in at 190 this morning, so that is -103 pounds so far. That makes my BMI at 35.8 as of today. This is amazing. I need to post what I found on the Aug 05 message board for those of you who are just starting out. It is the WLS Food Prymaid from the WLS for Dummies or something like that book. It has changed things up for me and just this week I've lost 1 1/2 pounds. It is not usual for me to lose just that or 2 pounds in a month now. This is exciting. I haven't really increased my exercising, but I am trying to do more activities that I like to get me moving and burning the calories. Well, I promise, I'll get that news on my profile soon. It is a home and I don't have access to it at this moment. But it is nothing like what my surgeon told me to do and it seems to be working for now. Good luck to you all on your journey. More later. -- Lori 9/22/06 - I know this is very unusual, but I lost another pound this morning. I weighed in at 189 making a total of -104 pounds and my BMI is 35.7 at this point. I've lost more in this week then I did last month and I still have another week to go before the month is over. I lost 2/12 pounds last month total and this month so far, I've lost a total of 3.5 pounds. This new eating plan is really working for me right now. Thanks to Debs who posted the information on the August 2005 boards. I promise, I 'll work on posting it to my journal this evening. I will probably post it towards the top so that those who don't want to read the entire blog can get it right away. I may also post it toward the bottom for those that skip ahead to read latest posts. More later. -- Lori 9/23/06 - Ok, I posted after my weigh in chart for those who don't want to go through the whole profile and at the end, near the bottom of the profile for those who skip the beginning because you have been following my progress so closely. Hope you find it helpful. It is really working for me. Thanks for reading and good luck on your journey. More later. -- Lori 11/3/06 - Oh my, I've been really bad at updating. Mainly there hasn't been much change and if you notice there has been a gain, slight but frustrating none the least. The month of October was particularly difficult emotionally for me. I had several friends with deaths in their families and that always makes for a hard time. One in particular was my friend whose husband was stationed overseas and they lost their precious 9 month old daughter in a bathtub drowning. We drove the 5 hour trip to Beaufort, SC to be with her and the family for the memorial service. It was sad and hard but I knew she needed us. I think that maybe where I got off track and have gained instead of lost this month and a half. I got down to 186 at one point and then all of a sudden it kept going up and down. I am eating more and not make good choices in what I am eating. I haven't been following the Bariatric Prymaid at all this past month and getting all my liquids in has been a struggle as well. My stomach has gotten bigger as the healing has gone on. I am able to eat approximately 2/3 cups at a meal now, maybe even a bit more at times. Well, I am looking at this month (November) to get back to the basics and excerise more and at least stay the same or loose a little more weight. I am looking toward Plastic Surgery consults beginning the end of Feb 07 and want to be around 165 or lower at that time. I've got a lot of work to do before that time. This profile will be changing soon, they are phasing out this one to a new one. I am hoping I don't loose any information when it is converted, but my M&M guy maybe a thing of the past. We shall see. I am also hoping that my weight chart doesn't get lost, but I don't know about that either. Again I apologize for being gone so long. My boss was out from 9/18 to 11/1 and part of the reason I didn't log on was because of the person who was here working with me...what a jerk! I didn't want to do anything to create problems for me while he was here, so I just didn't post. I'll do better this month letting you all know how I'm doing... More later. -- Lori 11/4/06 - Another day has gone by and I lost 3 pounds. Must have been water weight gain. I've been doing more sodium these days as well and we all know what that can do to a body. Yesterday I drank a lot, not because I had to, but because I just seemed really thirsty. I peed alot yesterday too. I guess I was getting rid of toxins in my body. We shall see what tomorrow brings. Yesterday I weighed 194.5 and today I weighed 191.5, so I know that I was getting rid of fluid in my body. I will be drinking more today too. 1. I'm thirsty again and 2. my body needs it. Remember the basics! More later. -- Lori   11/6/06 - Another weekend and we get closer to Thanksgiving. I am truely thankful for so many things this year. I weighed in today at 189.5 which is a total lose of 103.5 and my BMI is 35.8 so I am creeping closer to just being overweight. I have changed my goal to 150 which is 39.5 pounds away. I believe that 130 is unrealistic at this point, but if it happens that's okay too. I am actually happy at this weight, but want to strive for a better healthy life style. So, the more weight that comes off, the better health I will have. I am wearing a size 16 (regular 16 not women's 16) in jeans. I have a new picture of me in them to post and will take care of this tonight for you all to see. I tried on a beautiful red dress for our annaul holiday celebration for work and can't wait to go back an buy it. I know that I should have gotten it on Saturday but it is sleeveless and that is a problem for me. I still hate my arms and if there was money to do them today, they would be done. Oh well, there isn't, so I might as well not fuss over it too much. Life is grand and I am really enjoying it. I have still not had anyone ask me out on a date, but I'm trying not to stress over this. One day it will happen, I know it will. Thanks for keeping up with my posts...I know, 3 in such a short period of time. Amazing, huh!?! More later. -- Lori 11/8/06 - I went to the store today to purchase my dress for our work holiday party and the size 16 was gone. I was so upset, then decided to look around to make sure I didn't miss it. Well, I saw a size 14 hanging there and thought, why not try it on and see if I can make it work by the end of the month. Well, I don't have to make it work...it does work! I looked great and it fit perfectly. I can't believe I can say that I am able to wear some 14's now. Unbelieveable!! What a great WOW moment for me today. Life is so good. My goal was to be able to wear size 14 and I can now say that I have almost reached that goal. I say that because if it isn't stretchy, I don't think a 14 would work, but that is the miracle of clothing these days...everything is a little more forgiving. I am so excited!!! More later. -- Lori 11/13/06 - Had a great weekend and I've lost another pound at the beginning of this week. I am down to 187.8 with a BMI of 35.5 which amazes me. I am wearing pants that are too big but there is no money right now to buy anything else for me to wear. I have to make due for now, but it is hard. Life is really good and our house is coming along great. More later. -- Lori 11/20/06 - Saw Dr Aziz today (my PCP). He is very happy with my progress and continues to be amazed at how well I am doing. All labs came back very good. Was puzzled over potasuim because my hands, feet and shins tend to cramp up on me. Dr Aziz says the levels are really good and that he thinks that the cramps are due to the rapid weight loss and my body trying to catch up with the muscle changes. He gave me a prescription for quinine to help with muscle relaxing. We shall see if this helps. Told him about my back aches and again believes it is due to the excess skin hanging at the abdomen. He says he will document it for help with approval for plastics when the time comes and to continue taking tylenol p.m. to help with the pain. He also removed a piece of glass in my right toe from when I dropped a bottle of wine in August. I kept thinking that I had an extra stitch in it, but he showed me a small piece of glass that he took out. He said we were lucky it was so close to the surface or I could have had major problems with it (infection and such). Well, it was a good day to see him and I'm happy and so is he! More later. -- Lori 11/30/06 - Tonight was absolutely fabulous. We had our work party for the holidays and I can't believe how much fun it was and how sexy I looked. Check out the photos below. I danced and didn't get tired and last year I had only lost 25 pounds by the time our party was held and I thought I was feeling wonderful then. This year was even better!! I really did dance more and laughed and enjoyed every moment of the evening. I was wearing my new dress which was a size 14 and when I weighed in this morning I was 187 which means I've lost 106 pounds now. Oh, life is so much fun and good!!! More later. -- Lori   12/7/06 - I weighed in today and have lost a total of -109 pounds. My BMI is 34.7 and I feel wonderful. I weighed 184 this morning. I don't know what I'm doing different, but I have lost more in the past week then I did last month. Interesting isn't it. We got our Christmast photo done in front of our church Christmas tree again this year and I will post it later. I love my life and feel wonderful. The space shuttle is suppose to go off this evening. I hope to get some pictures and post them for you all to see. It is an awesome sight at night. More later. -- Lori 12/27/06 - Well, I am down to 181.1 which is -111.5 pounds lost and 34.2 BMI, so I feel like I have finally hit the century club and can email for my century club card. Now all I have to do is figure out how to use the new profile to benefit me and transfer all the post from my old profile over. I'm a little scared because I don't wnat to loose my journal on this site. I know that I need to do this sooner rather then later because they are planning to replace this section in 2007. On other news for me, Christmas was wonderful and my sis and I held on Open House the day after and had about 50 people come to our home to enjoy fellowship, good food, and lots of laughter. My boss's brother was there and paid me a lot of attention which I must admit was very flattering. However, being so new at this new me stuff and not really dating in the past, I believe I've made some very poor choices in the meantime. I just don't get what guys see when they look at me now. It is so confusing to me. I allowed his attention to me to go a little to far and now must figure out how to fix the mess I've made. I thought life would get easier, but I'm just more confused with this new me right now. I write this to help you on your journey. Being fat and unnoticed all your life (& even to have cruel jokes played on you) does a number on your self-esteem. So, when someone pays you the attention you've longed for all your life, remember to be careful with what you are saying in body language, flirtations, and gestures. You, like me, haven't sent unintended signals that can quickly get out of hand. I am learning here...so learn from my mistakes and TAKE IT SLOW! More later. -- Lori 1/23/07 - Wow! time flys when you're having fun!!! I can't believe it has been almost a month since I last posted. Well, the holidays were good for us and we had a wonderful time entertaining at our home. The month of January has been full of getting focused and back on track. I joined a gym and love it. I go during my lunch hour at work and do a 30 minute track of weights and then walk between 15 to 20 minutes on the tread mill. The gym is awesome and the people are very supportive. Old, young, heavy, thin, they are all there and no one judges you. It is great. If you have a Planet Fitness near you, I encourage you to join. It is only $10 a month and the price never goes up. The staff is very friendly and helpful as well. I weighed in at my doctors office this morning at 182.5 which is up a little. But I have lost a total of 110.5 pounds so far. I bought a bathing suit for our trip to Hawaii and it is a size 14. I am amazed that it fits and looks nice as well. Life is so good. I am enjoying myself and I even went out on a limb and asked someone else out. He was from Minnesota visiting his folks for the holidays and it was his last day in town. He said he better stay with his folks this last day, but next time he is in town, maybe. We shall see. I didn't get my feelings hurt, just let it be what it was. Although I am interested in dating, I can't seem to find anyone who is interested in going out with me yet. I'm in no hurry, but would like to explore a friendship/relationship at some point in my lifetime...please God! Oh well, maybe I'll meet someone nice on my cruise with my folks to Hawaii next week. I hope you all are doing well. Keep up working on your journey to better yourself. The journey is worth it, because you are worth it. I'll try to do better next month in updating. More later. -- Lori  2/26/07 - What an exciting month I've spent...I went to Hawaii on Jan 27 thru Feb 4th and it was fabulous. We took a cruise and I lost 5 pounds while on the cruise. That was awesome. I ate breakfast, a snack in the late afternoon of fruit (mostly pineapple...yum!!) and then dinner around 6 to 7 p.m. We walked and I went to the gym 2 times while on board. But the best excerise was learning the hula...what a great workout that is. We learned 4 songs and then performed them on Thursday evening for the other guests. It was so much fun and great cardio as well as good for the thighs and butt...whew!! I've been practicing at home too and boy is it tough and fun. It has been hard to get my head back to Florida and back to real life. I miss Hawaii so much. My sis and I are going back in April on the same cruise as we got a great deal and want to enjoy it all over again. She is thinking about moving there in 5 years...don't know if I'll join her or not. I haven't been excerising like I've wanted to getting back. I really have been depressed and not eating right since coming home. I need to make March a better month in choices. I weighed in today at 179.5, so I am still loosing...looks like it is 1 pound one month and then 3 the next which is good. I'll take it anyway. At least it isn't a gain. And it should be with the way I been eating this past month. My emotions are everywhere these days and I know that is my problem with controling my eating. Old habits creep in and can cause great harm if I don't get my head and heart together. I hope you are excited about your journey and I will continue to post to help someone on the way. We need each other and even at 18 months out, I still need support from all my OH friends. More later. - Lori 3/1/07 - Well, it is a new month and I will be 19 months post-op on 3/3 of this month. My weight loss has slowed to almost nothing, but I am not giving up the fight. Actually, I am getting back into the game and getting back to basics. One of the girls on the Aug 05 forums sent a post that really kicked me in the butt to get motivated again. I am having a horrible problem lately with munching all day long. I can't seem to not want to eat and I told my sis that I don't know what is wrong. Well, I began 2 days ago with an old (good) habit of drinking 25 oz of water before I eat breakfast. Then by 2 p.m. I seem to have been able to get in another 25 oz of water and before I go home from work I seem to get an extra 12 oz. in too. It seems to work, and I know that it does...I got on the scale this morning and thought I would have gained 1 pound from all the munching, but instead I lost 1/2 pound. So I am down to 180 with a BMI of 34...wow! I also went to the gym yesterday and worked out. I am so sore from that because I haven't been since I got back from Hawaii. I kept throwing my hip out and decided to let it get better before starting up on my program again. I was able to do a session of weights and walked on the tread mill for 10 minutes. That doesn't seem like a lot, but I needed to start back slow so I don't injure the hip again. I plan to go in again today during lunch time. (I didn't make it to the gym today.) More Later. - Lori 3/14/07 - I am really struggling with several things these days. The first and foremost is staying on track. The further out from surgery day the harder to keep to the program. I can eat quite a bit more now and my choices are not good at times. I have been eating more carbs lately and chocolate is the enemy for me. I crave it every day and I am not being very successful staying away from it. I only eat one little piece but it seems like I eat one little piece 3 to 4 times a day. This is not good. I need to get rid of the chocolate in the office and at home. The temptation is too great for me to stay away from it when it is right before me. Next is my self-image problem. So many say to me that I look awesome and the other day I even had a lady tell me I didn't need to loose anymore weight...I still can't get over that. I've never heard that before. Well, when I told her that I weighed 179 I felt like I needed to loose at down to 150, she seemed to agree (I think). She said though that I didn't look like I weighed that much. But that's what the scale says. Then there is how I perceive my own self. I am having a very difficult time being told I am beautiful, sexy, thin, whatever else, because I see myself in my own mind's eye as I look in my post-op 5 month pictures. Now I know that in that pic I weigh 240 or there abouts and now I weigh 179...but I can't seem to get beyond seeing myself smaller no matter how much I try to convince myself. I just don't see what others see. So that hinders me when trying to figure out the dating game stuff. I don't understand how guys think because I'm use to being a friend and not seen as a person they want to persue...If anyone can help me here, I would appreciate it. I guess it is because I've never dated (wasn't seen by any guy in that light before) and I don't know how I'm perceived by men in general. I still react the same and am shocked at times by peoples reaction to me. I guess I'm seen as a flirt, but I am just being the person I've always been and I like her, always have. So I don't want to change that but I also don't want to come off as the most flirtaous person that ever roamed the earth either. I can't seem to find the happy medium, because I am just being me and it doesn't even enter into my head until I get a reaction from some that I was inappropriate. No one has ever said anything, but I get the vibe that I'm flirting. I even had a older guy at church say to me that I was really sexy looking one day. I'll admit that I was wearing an outfit that showed more curves and his commet made me feel pretty good about myself, but later I thought, was it a compliment or a warning...not sure. I wanted to post this so that those who are behind me in the journey, with me in the journey or further in the journey can see how this affects the emotional part of us as well as the physical. I will continue to post whatever is thought to help us all along with the joys and sorrows along the way. Hope you all are well. I weighed in the morning at 178 so I have lost a total of 115 pounds thus far with a BMI of 33.7 from a 54.3 I think when I started the journey. I still maintain that it has been worth it and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I can't get over how much my health has improved since surgery. More later. - Lori 3/23/07 - Thought I would post an update for you all. Still struggling and trying to figure some things out. My eating has gotten out of control, so I took the time last night to try and figure out what is triggering it. I will post a few observations here so it may help someone else who is feeling down about slipping up on the journey...1. I am worried. My sis maintains that she is moving to Hawaii (but not in 5 years) she now says in 2 years. and that brings me to #2. I'm mad! That's right, I'm plain mad at her for not really thinking this through. We just bought a house (her dream house, I might add) and now she wants to bale in 2 years. This is my head talking...not being too rational at this point. So, I've learned that worry and anger make me eat. When I am depressed, no problem...I don't even want to look at food. But worry and anger are big triggers for me. So, I've been working today on managing what goes in my mouth, some what. Am I eating it because I'm hungry or is one of the triggers setting me off. I am also eating one bite at a time to make it last longer and taking more time to chew, like in the beginning. During this period, I've gained 3 pounds in 1 1/2 weeks. That's not good...so I need to get control back again and left life take us on the course we are suppose to be on. I know that it is time to talk, I believe we will do some serious searching while in Hawaii over Easter break. But I will make it. If I just keep being honest with myself and not try to hide from issues, I'll make this journey work for me. Hope as you read this, it helps you to get real with yourself too! It is the only way to keep on being successful. More later. - Lori 4/19/2007 - Back from a second trip to Hawaii and I'm glad I went. Settled some questions in my mind about the first trip and what an eye opener for this new me. Went to dinner with the person I thought was interested last trip and was shocked by some of his talk to me. I am really unsure of myself, but I guess men are seeing me in a light I never even dreamed of before. Having just met this person and not really gotten to know him, he talked of sex at times (not him and me, but made comments about sex) & I was shocked by it. I never been referred to by anyone as remotely seeming sexy and this was wierd to me. I was uncomfortable and even offended by this because it was dinner and really the first time we were alone (but we weren't really alone because my sis was with me at dinner too). She didn't seem to be upset by his demeanor toward me and that really upset me. Some of the comments were inappropriate at times and I felt on guard, yet she accused me of flirting with him. I was just being myself and friendly. I don't know. I'm still confused by this male/female thing and still find it hard to believe that someone would find me attractive enough to mention sex to me. While on the cruise I lost 2 pounds and am down to 178.5 again. Now I need to keep at it. I will continue to journal this WLS journey I am on, even with all the confusion I feel at times. I hope that one day, I'll figure all this out. More later. -- Lori 7/2/07 - It has been quite a while since I updated. Sorry about that. Well, I am dealing with alot right now and I thought I would be eating like crazy, but I find that I don't have the interest to eat. All that I seem to be able to do is drink water and pray. I did see a plastic surgeon on Monday, June 25th. I really liked him. He was positive and caring. The only thing that is an issue at this point is he didn't have photos at this office. So I what to see some at our next appt. He said I was a great canidate for the pinneloctomy and was going to write his letter to the insurance company along with my pictures he took. Now we wait until we hear from the insurance if I am approved or not. Who knows at this point. Next month will be 2 years out for the surgery and I am amazed at how well I have done. I am down to 182 today. I seem to be stuck at this number, but eveyone tells me all the time that I am just melting away. One of these days I'll get a new picture up for you all to see. Well, that is it for now. More later. - Lori 7/5/07 - Well, it has been a rough week and a half for me. I thought that I would eat like crazy being a worried as I have been, but instead I turned to prayer and fasted several days in a row (only eating at dinner time, and just protein & veggie). Due to this, I lost 7 pounds and weighed in this morning at 181.5...Usually when I worry, I eat/graze and cause myself weight gain. I thought I need to get control of this before I gain back up to 198 or so. I don't want to start that trend ever again in my life. This is a constant battle folks, the journey never ends. Fight hard against old habits because they always want you back. Anyway, today is a good day. I still haven't heard back from the insurance on the plastic surgery yet. I'll just wait it out for another week before calling a bugging anyone. Don't know when the doctor was going to submit everything and no sense rocking the boat quite yet. I'll post more later on that score. I feel so much more at ease and really feel like the weight of the world has been lifted from my shoulders. As you encounter life's battles and struggles on this journey, keep pushing forward and looking up. God is always working and there to help us during the rough times as well as the good times. More later. - Lori 1/18/08 - It has been forever since I posted or even been on the site and so much has changed in my life. The end of July 07, I went to a Hula Competition with my sister and we found a hula school here in Orlando area and joined. We have been going to hula classes 2 times a week sometimes 3 since first part of Aug 07. It is a blast and a real workout. I am using muscles I never knew I had before. I'll have to post a pic to show you our KUMU (teacher) and us dancing. Then in Aug, my mom had to have triple bypass surgery, she had major blockage but no heart attack, thank God! September was filled with injuries and I ended up have surgery on my right shoulder after helping a little boy pick up toys at hula class. I tripped and with my hands full I used my elbow to keep me from falling down. I heard the pop but everything seemed fine. Until I woke up one morning in Oct with pain in my shoulder, numbness in my lower arm and tingling hand and fingers. Well, I went to see my doctor and we did xrays and after a month and a 1/2 discovered I had torn the ligement that attaches to the ball and socket in the arm and shoulder. So surgery was scheduled and performed on 11/20/07. Everyone had shoulder stories to tell me and they were right with getting on with therapy. It was torture, but it is over and I am getting back to normal. Hula was put on hold for me and I must take it real slow so I don't reinjure the area. Our uncle passed away in October and that was really hard too. Then our cousin had triple bypass just before Christmas. My weight has definitely flattened out and I range between 182 to 186 depending on the time of month. I was denied for the panni, so I am in the process of an appeal. I have until March to get all my ducks in a row and the pictures and letters writiten to submit to the insurance company. Life is very interesting. I want the surgery, but since my shoulder surgery, I haven't had the time to get things together. I am getting everything written in my chart with my primary doc and he has been outstanding. One thing to those who are working with PS...they don't want to help with the insurance appeal because they would rather you pay on your own. Insurance rates are much cheaper than the rate they charge, so I have had a difficult time with the staff at the PS office in helping at all. I plan to go and get the information they sent to insurance and review it on my own. The insurance company sent me all kinds of information with codes and such, but nothing about what PS sent in. That has been the most frustrating part of this whole ordeal. The insurance company wants you to give up as much as the PS wants you to...well, I can't afford to give up and this is medically necessary. So on with the battle. I think this catches you up on what has been happening in my life for the past 7 months or so. I'll try to remember to get on here more often to post. Life is great and I really saw a new me in the mirror at the Physical Therapist's office. I almost didn't recognize the person staring back at me. I couldn't and still don't believe that is me when I see her. Blessings to you all! -- More Later -- Lori FOOD PYRAMID FOR BARIATRIC SURGERY PATIENTS: In reading "Bariatric Surgery for Dummies" there is a great food pyramid guide for all of us. Here's what it says..different from the regular food pyramid. At the bottom: Protein: Minimum 8-10 servings: can include-1/2 C cooked beans, 6 oz yogurt, 1/4 C cottage cheese, 1 egg or 1/4 c egg substitute, 1 oz lean meat, poultry, fish, cheese; 8 oz non fat milk Vegetables: 2 Servings a day - 1 Cup Raw, 1/2 Cup cooked Fruits: 2 Servings a day - 1 cup berries; 1 small banana; 1 peeled apple (samples) Grains/Beans/and Starchy vegetables: 2 Servings a Day - 3/4 C cereal (less than 6gr sugar); 1 small sweet potato; 1 slice 40 cal wheat bread; 1/3 c brown rice or wheat pasta Fats: 4 servings a day: 2 tbsp avocado, 1 tsp olive oil/butter/margarine Your surgeon and nutritionist may provide some helpful menus, but the bariatric food guide pyramid will help you design your own daily menus. The base of the pyramid is protein, the sources of protein are meat, fish, eggs, dairy, and legumes. Half of your daily diet (calories) should come from these sources. I don't know about you guys, but I really didn't know exactly how to balance out my daily food. This is a good guideline for a balanced diet. Hope it's helpful to all of you.  09/22/05 If you'd like your profile spruced up write to one of the HTML Volunteer�s here:  Web Design Photos
Hospital Reviews Product Reviews Member Interests: Click here to see interests of other ObesityHelp members. Surgeon Info: Surgeon: Wm Todd Overcash, M.D. Dr. Overcash met me at the door and called me back. That surprised me. I thought his nurse would do that, but he did. It was and continues to be a very nice thing about the office procedures. He weighed me and then we went to a conference room to discuss the surgery. He was very straightforward and to the point. He discusses the risks involved and doesn't sugarcoat the possibility of death from this surgery. He wants you to know right up front this is major surgery. He did not try to talk me into or out of the surgery, he was giving me the facts. Dr. Overcash did not rush through explanations. He asked several times if I understood what he was saying or if what he said made sense to me. He spent almost 2 hours in this process. He takes the time to answer all your questions. He told me that some people don't care for his manner and he can be abrute at times. I loved working with Patrice, she is fantastic. Very friendly. Dr O is a great surgeon and I am glad he did my surgery. I felt confident in his record and know that he did his best for me in the surgery. I have had no complications. -- Update Date of surgery, Dr. O was done in appr. 20 minutes and came to the hospital two times. We talked for a few minutes and but he never checked the incesion site or asked how the pain was. He seemed uncomfortable and couldn't wait to get out of there...but I had no complications at all. I would choose Dr O to do this surgery again. He is a great surgeon. However, aftercare is a different matter. It is almost non-existent and I have had more support here on OH then from him. You need to know upfront that his demeanor is what it is. I have nothing bad to say about his skills as a surgeron! He is fantastic as a surgeon. Insurer Info: United Health Care POS South, Lorna J Cullember I called on 3/7/05 and spoke with someone who was new. She was very helpful. She told me that my PCP needs to notify the United Health Care Coordination (Care Notification Line) at 877-842-3210 to help get processed. Have an appointment with PCP in April and will discuss this at that time. 5/12/05 - Spoke with Patrice at Dr O's office and they are just waiting on his letter of medical necessity and she will send the packet into UHC. Sent her my letter and my family member (support) letter yesterday. She says she has all she needs from me at this point. That is really great! 5/17/05 - Patrice called this afternoon to say the the insurance paperwork has been submitted, here we go!! 5/20/05 - CAlled UHC and spoke to someone who could'nt find my paperwork. So I called Patrice to find out if the faxed or mailed it. She said niether, they just take it over the phone. Ok, can we say dah to the lady at UHC?! 5/24/05 - Spoke with Alfonzo at UHC and I am approved!! He said I've been approved since Friday, 5/20...seriously, the lady who checked on Friday must not know what she's doing. Anyhow, I approved. Waiting on my letter! 5/26 - Got my approval letter in the mail today!! It's official!!! 9/12/05 - I have paid appr. $650 total for my part of the surgery. UHC has paid 100% of hospital, surgeon fee, anastesiologist fees and tests while in hospital. My out of pocket has been very minimual. I had saved about $1,500 for this as I wasn't sure what my cost would be. I have money to spare which will go to plastic surgery expense when it is needed. Thank UHC!! |
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