My name is Chelle, I'm 27, I have been married for 6 years to Joe, I have been battling weight issues all my life, I can only remember a short time where I was ok with my weight and that was a very short period. My self - esteem has always been horrible. As well as the cruelity of ppl, I do not think I am pretty and I think and feel ugly. And peoples comments about me didn't help that much. I think as a child I got hurt the most and I still have the scars.
In May 2004 , after 6 years of trying my husband and I were blessed with our children, B/G twins. They are the most precious things in my life right now. At delivery I was the biggest I have ever been 330 lbs due to Pre-E. After I was diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy of unknown cause. I tried so hard to loose weight through out the years but I can't seem to loose it.
I am at 252 , just lost 4 whopping pounds from a few weeks diet. I am tired all the time, and feel sick. All I want to do is lay down and sleep, Which makes me feel horrible, because my babies want to have fun and play with mommy.
Ater 2 years of thinking about surgery and research , I contacted Dr. Meilahn @ Temple and I have my Consult on Jan 31st 2006. I am so scared, but I know I need to do something, I am so ready to feel better about myself and be a better mother for my children!
January 31, 2006
I had my consult today with Dr. Meilahn, he was so wonderful, he was kind and very smart, ( knows his stuff) And Vicki his NP is the greatest, she mapped out everything for me. And Nyressha is sweet too. I have chosen to proceed with the Lap RNY and I am now starting my Pre Cert process. I have The labs, Upper GI, Ultra sound, & Pulmonary already scheduled. And the PCP Medical Note in the process! I have to admit I am very scared, but I suppose I would be even more worried if I wasn't.
Feb 1, 2006
I have changed the proceedure, and I will be having the LAPBAND, I am just a bit nervous about the 1% Mortality rate and I need to be here for my children. So I have decided that yes I need to do for myself, but I also need to be here for my children and help them grow. I know I will just have to work harder to insure the Band will work properly. I have began my journey with my Apts scheduled, and I am wait on my $600 Fee that I am hoping will come. My Wonderful Husband has decided to sell his prize and beloved 80's Transformers collection to try and get my fee money, that just made me cry thinking he would do that for me. He said that he would rather see me healthy. :)
I have also stopped smoking as of last night, because Dr Meilahn will not operate on a smoker. I have been reading up on the band , and I have been talking to bansters here on Ob Help.
I just can;t wait to be on the loosing side!
February 6, 2006
Today I had mt apt with my cardiologist, I told him I was doing pretty well and that my PCP had changed one of my meds. Then I told him that I wanted WLS and I needed him to give me a letter of clearence. I tld him 2 weeks ago I had a Echo and it showed that my ejection fraction went up, actually the tech who knows me said it made a huge improvement. He told me his concerns and he said He will check the reading tomorrow when he is at the hospital, and if the EF has improved he will give me clearence for surgery! So I asked him " Is this a tenitive yes" and he said Yes it is!!! I know what the tech told me So I am sooo psyched, he was the one I was worrying wouldn't give me the clearence. He said obviously I have been checking this out and getting all my info, so he believes I am making the right decision for myself! Now my PCP will give me her clearence also, she stated she wouldn't write the letter unless the cardio dr said he was fine with it!
I have been trying to quit smoking which for some reason is proving a bit harder than I thought due to my nerves. But I know this must be done! So tinight I will throw away the remainder of my pack and be done with it!
Also I am finding that my mind keeps going back and fourth on which procedure to get done. I really want the Lap RNY, but I am scared. So I continue my quest for all the info on both surgeries, and whenthe times comes I will have made the best decision and I will stick to it. I think it is hard because I keep looking at my children and think WHAT IF!
Also, I got my $600 fee the other day. My father asked for an advance on his inheritance to get me the fee. We weren't sure if the Transformers would sell in time, but suprisingly enough they were sold today!
I have tests scheduled all this month:
2- 7- 06 Blood Work
2-14-06 U/S , Upper GI & Chest X-Ray
2-20-06 Full PFTS
2-23-06 Consult with Pulmonary Dr!'
After these I will schedule the Psyc Eval, See the Nutritionist & Go to my 2 Hr Manditory Support & Info Meeting
Then it will be up to the Ins CO for Approval, then Hopefully a Surgery Date!
February 7, 2006
Today I got the offical call from my Cardio Dr. He is giving me surgery clearence!! He said when he chesked my recent Echo my heart has improved very much. He said he would call it on the lower side of normal ( almost normal but not quite) a big change from Oct 2004! I am excited and sacred all at the same time!
February 11, 2006
It has been a short bit since I have updated...Seems like I am moving fast through this preop process By the end of this month I will have all but 2 of my pre-op studies done. What I have left to do is, the 14th I have UGI, U/S & Chest Xray, 15th I have The Support Meeting, The 16th I have My PFTS & The 20th is the Teaching Class & Lastly the 23rd is the Pulmonary Dr. I think the nurse was suprise herself, when I called to get a seat at the teaching class she said she likes to have you attend when your closer to your date, and since my consult was on the 31st I guess she though maybe Ihadn;t started. But I told her I had most of it scheduled and would be done all but 2 by the end of Feb! So she added me to the list!! I think as I start cross off I get more nervous. I know this is the right choice for me, the only questions I have is the WHAT IF, I am sure we all have them, mine pertains to my children. So Now I just need the letter from my PCP done, which I will be going this week and handing her my weight loss outline.
February 13, 2006
Well things are moving along very fast, I was just told I have my Psych Eval today at 1:30. I am bit nerved on this part, but hopfully I will do awesome. Other than that i have a bulk of tests tomorrow. I will update later! UPDATED*** Well I think the eval went ok, I felt like a rabbit under a microscope. She said only problem she may see is the fact that I stress eat and eat when depressed, and I didn't seem to have a plan of action when it arises after surgery. But I told her I have support of family and friends and I have online supprt & also I journal, and I have a therapist. But I told her I was nervous and sometimes I don;t say things right or as I should! So we will see. Also my PCP just called and she just gave me clearance as well, and she is going to have the letter written byt he end of this week! WOOHOOO
February 14, 2006
HAPPY VALENTINES'S DAY!! This morning I had the bulk of my tests done. Wasn't that interesting! So now all that is left is The PFT's and The Nutritionist. At least they gave be the strawberry barium ! YUCK! So now comes the waiting, when all the paperwork gets gathered!
February 15, 2006
I attended a support group tonight at temple and meet alot of nice ppl. So tomrrow is my PFT's and the 23rd the Pulmonary dr. Then I meet eith the nutritionest. Then I will have to wait for all the paperwork to come in and then ins approval, so the wait begins!
I have finally chosen to have the Lap RNY and that is my final decision! Tonight at the meeting I got see Vicki again and meet the nutritionest Kay, she is so nice!
I am starting to get excited~
February 17, 2006
My PFT's were cancelled until this afternoon, so I have now completed them, God was that fun! I have the teaching class on monday and then I can schedule with the nutritionist. And the last thing I have is my Pulmonary Dr on Thursday. I talked to my PCP today and she has my medical note written for me to pick up in the office. So I am on my way! I find myself scared yet excited.
Oh BTW...HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BROTHER STEVE!
2/19/06
I just want to take a minute to think about my Best Friend Kelly right now. She is missing, she has been for 4 days. She got in her car one night and hasn't come back since. So If your in the Philadelphia/Bucks County Area, She is driving a 03 metallic Sand Blazer w. damage on the passenger side. Her Name is Kelly Monahan, she is 5'6 w/ Brown Hair and Brown Eyes, she is about 160 lbs. She wears glasses to drive. Please if anyone has seen her, please contact me. And Kelly please just contact your parents they are so worried about you and scared.******
February 19, 2006
Tomorrow is the teaching class at Temple, I am very excited to have gotten this far already. I can't wait to get approved and start my new life.
**WHAT I WANT TO ACHIEVE FROM SURGERY***
- Better health
- More Positive outlook
- Not to be short of breath
- For my heart to feel better
- Run with my kids
- not feel embarrsed about myself
- Not fear my reflection
- Feel better about being intimate with my DH
- Not to have to do a contortion act to wipe my butt!
- to not sit in a chair and fear I will break it
- to feel pretty
- to be able to buy clothes fro normal stores and not "special" ones
- WOOHOOO to fit in a Victoria Secret Bra!
- To not feel insecure if my shirt is a tiny bit tight, for fear my fat rolls will show.
- For my pants to stop rolling down because they are to tight
- to have a regular period ( ok who says that!, But it is so messed up right now)
****THINGS I WILL MISS****
( but gladly will sacrafice)
- Pasta ( I LURVE IT)
- Pepsi
- Frozen M&M's
- Dove's Chocolate & Brownie Love Affair Icecream ( l I could kill the pint)
- Breads ( Esp. Georgines w. the cheese spread)
- OMG McDonalds Fries & Nuggets ( maybe I could lick a fry 1 yr out...lol)
- Geno's Cheesesteaks
- My occasonial alchocolic beverage ( Not that I drank much)
- AWWWWWW my Marlboro Milds
- Chocolate Chip Canoli's
- Carrot Cake
- Taco Bell
- tasting my cooking and baking!
- drinking while eating
Well 2 more things after this class and I am ready for Ins Approval!
- Pulmonary consult
- Nutritionist
I will update tomorrow
Lord I could go on couldn't I
February 21, 2006
Well I had my teaching class yesterday, and I now have that under my belt, I did learn alot and when I came home I read my whole red book manual! I am def. ready for this surgery and I feel I am prepared to make the proper changes. And I am excited to begin my "rebirth" By the end of this week I will have completed all the manditory pre op duities, and I will begin my trek for INS Approval.
Before I end I would like to mention my Nanny who broke her hip yesterday, she has many probelms that could affect the outcome of her surgery to fix it. So I just wish to mention her to keep her in my thoughts. And also Kelly also who is still missing. Please come home to us!
February 23, 3006
Today I had my apt with the Pulmonary Dr, she is sending her clearance letter today. But she did want to have a sleep study done just for percautions, she said if anything if I do have apnea it is mild. Awesomely enough I got an apointment for tomorrow night, by lucky chance, so I have to be there at 8:30pm. Also I have the nutritionist apt tomorrow also with Kay at 11. Then I am completely finished Pre-Op! So I am def. getting closer!
February 23, 2006
I had my nutrition Apt today with Kay, she was so nice. I have all the guidelines I need, and she wanted me to start a multivit today. I do have my sleep apnea test tonight, this out to be so much fun, trying to go to bed at like 9 at night w/ no TV or book! HAHAHAH.
On a side note:
There is still no word on my friend, he story aired on the news last night and it was so unreal to see. I had a very hard time with it. I miss her so much! **God, Please Let her Call someone!**
February 25, 2006
Happy Birthday to my friend Dina!
Had my sleep study last night, WOW that place was so pretty! And it was cozy and nice. So I have to wait and see what the results are now. But I know my ins approval will be submitted this week coming I believe so Now comes the serious waiting game!
February 27, 2006
So I am officially in the waiting period for insurance. My Dr's office likes you to give them a week from your very last appointment before you call to see where they are with paperwork. Since I went outside Temple to have most of my testing done, I def. have to call and make sure they got all that they need, or I can have Dr. Harris send it ASAP! I am very excied, well as much as I can be considering all that is going on in my life. I have set my goal weight with the nutritionist 150 lbs, I think that is where I will look good for my build! I would even be happy with 160!
I Just want to say Thanks to my family and friends who are supporting me through this whole process! Especially to my Wonderful Husband Joe, who loves me for who I am & always has.
February 28. 2006
I found this song that describe how I feel at this point in my life.
"Nobody's Home"
I couldn't tell you why she felt that way,
She felt it everyday.
And I couldn't help her,
I just watched her make the same mistakes again.
What's wrong, what's wrong now?
Too many, too many problems.
Don't know where she belongs, where she belongs.
She wants to go home, but nobody's home.
It's where she lies, broken inside.
With no place to go, no place to go to dry her eyes.
Broken inside.
Open your eyes and look outside, find the reasons why.
You've been rejected, and now you can't find what you left behind.
Be strong, be strong now.
Too many, too many problems.
Don't know where she belongs, where she belongs.
She wants to go home, but nobody's home.
It's where she lies, broken inside.
With no place to go, no place to go to dry her eyes.
Broken inside.
Her feelings she hides.
Her dreams she can't find.
She's losing her mind.
She's fallen behind.
She can't find her place.
She's losing her faith.
She's fallen from grace.
She's all over the place.
Yeah,oh
She wants to go home, but nobody's home.
It's where she lies, broken inside.
With no place to go, no place to go to dry her eyes.
Broken inside.
She's lost inside, lost inside...oh oh
She's lost inside, lost inside...oh oh yeah
March 2, 2006
I contacted Dr. Meilahn's office today to see if they had all the information they needed, she said they are missing the bloodowork, but all is there. So I tld her I would have my Dr's office fax it today. Nyeesha told me to call on Monday to make sure they got it all then. I had a bad bought with the NeuroVirus as well as my whole family at this point so I think I may have lost a few lbs, I just haven't checked. I have to admit I am a tad bit nervous here, yet very excited to get this surgery on the move, I am very ready for it now. SO I am asuming that next week is when the letter will be submitted to the insurance company. *crossing my fingers*
My friend is still missing, her parents have now issued a reward for information leading to her safe return. I just wish she would come home, we are all so worried and scared for her.
March 3, 2006
Dr. Meilahn's Office called today, there was a small problem with my bloodwork, My B-12 was low and so was my Iron, so they started me on B-12 2X's a week and Iron 1X a day. So I see they are reviewing my chart for Ins Preperation! WOOHOOO
March 7, 2007
I wish I knew why my energy level sucks. you figure since I am taking those supplements it would be bosted..NOT A CHANCE! I can't wait for approval!
March 9, 2006
Talked to Nyesha today, they are still waiting for the psych eval, and the best part is that was one of the obly 2 things I got done at Temple. Go figure right! So she said once they get that and Dr. Meilahn reviews it they will set my surgery date!!!!! OMG I can't believe it. I am not sure if they already got approval, or what but that is what she said! So I called the psych's office myself and told them, " Hey it's been 3 weeks, that should have been at my Dr's by now" So the office manager took my # and called me back. She talked to the Dr and he signed it and was faxing it today or in the morning! WOOOHOOOOO So I am just on the tip of my surgery! I can't wait!!! I am so excited. The other day I went and bought a cute spring robe and jammies for my hosp stay, no way I wanted my butt hanging out walking the halls!. And I was SOOO exctied thinking it was going to be one of the last times I had to pay 3-4 dollars extra for plus size! I am so ready for this!
OHHH And I just CAN'T wait until St. Patty's day is over. Damn those Irish Potatoes! Guess that is what I get for making them for ppl.
On a serious side note, I am starting to get a bit scared, I think I have cried a few times, because of the fear of "What If"...I know I have talked with God alot these past weeks and now even more for I just hope his plan involves me being here with my family, esp my beautiful babies who def. need thier mommy. I have began writting my "letters" and I have revised them each time I have read them, because there is always something else to say. That I have to admit is a very hard part of this journey, but I feel it needs to be done for closure that may be. Of course I am hoping to tear those up, when I come out of this healthier! So God please hear me, keep me safe, and help me come home to my family!
March 13, 2006
OMG..OMG I GOT MY DATE...I GOT MY DATE!....Nyresha called at 12 Noon today, she said all is well and we are scheduling the date April 10, 2006 Is my date to become one of the LOOSERS! I am so excited it is unbelieveable! I have PREOP Testing on March 24th and my last Apt with Dr. Meilahn before surgery! This is so unreal! WOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOO
March 16, 2006
I am very nervous, I was cool for the longest time, but my nerves are creeping in slowly. I so want to do this and make my life better, to feel better, and not be tired constantly. I have been doing so well with smoking, but I slipped these past 2 days! only 4 ciggs, so I promise myself, I will not do this anymore! I can't admit also I am excited, and I can't wait for my date to approach! WOOOOHOOOO I am still in shock that I have my date set! Now I am praying that my WLS buddy Sue gets her soon also. So my prayers are out to her also!
I am trying to cut out somethings, I have stayed away from soda, and have boosted my water intake, plus I am using crystal light and 4CC sugar free drinks. I have not touched alochol...And I see that easter is approaching and I can tell you the urge for my all favorite Zentiners butter cream eggs are SOOOO strong, BUT i have not given in one bit, I admit they are hard to pass, but I am doing it!
Also I just want to add a small prayers for my friend Kelly who still is missing, God please let us find her and very soon!
March 19, 2006
I feel horrible, I feel like I am eating everything! as I sit here bloated! I am so angry with myself. I have been sneeking ciggarettes, which I am stopping, I will remain smoke free these last 23 days! I am also implimenting a new diet as of tomorrow, cutting all sugar drink products and high sugar items, I will cut fried and fast food out! During my last week I will start puree'd foods to see how I do and then the last 3 days will be liquid! I will also try and exercise at least 10 mins a day, weather it be walking or the stationary bike.
I would just like to thank my husband for bringing home butter cream eggs, NOT, I gave in to the Zentiners force last night and ate two of those bad boys, I felt guilty as hell, but they were good. those will be my last butter creams!
WHAAAAAAAAAAAA...No just kidding, I will be happy to give those up!
March 20, 2006
This is just horrible, I feel like I am trying to sabotige this whole surery, For some reason I am having a hard time with smokin, I NEVER had such a hard time, I am thinking it is because of my nerves. But I swear this is it. I will not look or touch another one for the remainder of my life. I really want this surgeryI want to change my life for the better, I want to feel good, and not feel horrible. I want to be able to look in the mirior and not feel repulsed at what I see to the point of crying. I want to look good. I am so ready for this! Also I noticed the boost in food that I have been eating so I am going to try and slow that down. I am trying to get into the midset that eventually I will be able to eat the foods I love in moderation at one point! And also have fun exploring healthy new treats! Dear God please guide me!
March 23, 2006
I just called the Dr's Office, I guess to get a bit of a pep talk. I talked with Nyesha about my smoking issue and I told her the day of surgery will be 19 days w/o one, she actually complimented me on the good work, because she says she knows it is a hard thing. I told her i was so scared tomorrow when I see Dr' Meilahn, he will tell me he will not operate because I only went 19 days, but she said no he won't BUT if I keep doing it and come on the 10th he will not operate because I did not stop at all. She told me to keep my focus on my new life, and about how good I am going to feel. She was so supportive and kind, it totally made me feel I can do this and I will. I am starting to get excited as the days aproach, and yet a tad bit of anexity. But I know I have wonderful family support and they will help me through. Plus I have God who is going to keep me safe! Also My kids want to be able to beat on thier mother for many years to come...lol
Last night DH took my monthly 3 pictures so I can keep a record for ins and myself. I hate to look at them they are so horrible.
I thought also I will write in here the medicines I take and see if anything changes after surgery!
Coreg 25 mg 2X
Atacand 4mg 1X
Lexapro 20 MG 1X
Lamictal 100mg 1X
Levisn 0.025 Mg 3X
B-12 2X a week
Centrum 1X a day
Iron 1X a day
So we will see how this changes, wouldn;t it be great to be off most of them
March 24, 2006
I had my final consult with Dr Meilahn today, and it went well, he did yell at me for the smoking, and he said I may have caused myself to have some possible complications coming out of anesthesia, meaning extra mucus and sputum that will be hard for me to bring up because of the smoking, also the increased risk of pulmonary embolus, which of course scared me. He told me there are reasons why he tells ppl not to smoke and he is serious, he is looking for the wellbeing of me. But the date is still set. He also said I have a slightly enlarged liver so I need to start a high protien , low carb diet for the remainder of my time. and then the day before will be all clears and NPO after midnight.
I also had my PAT's and that went well, I spoke to the anesthesiaologist and they did bloods, ekg and normal BP and heart check. all was great. So now I am in the final home stretch and I am now more nervous than ever! But I want to get this done!
March 30, 2006
Well we have 11 days left on our counter and I can admit I am so nervous, yet ready to make the changes for a new me. I am so excited! But there are parts of me that are scared to death! I have recently discovered the down side to high protien GAS! Good lord I felt bad for my husband! So today I brought in the beano! HEHEHE
There has still been no sign of my Best Friend, I sometimes sit and hope she will pop up at my back door like old times, I am still paraying for her return daily, I miss her so much!
March 31, 2006
Well I am doing well not smoking and that makes me happy. I will start a semi liquid diet on Monday in case I didn;t shrink my liver enough. I will eat only one small meal a day and rest liquids! 10 more days to go, I can't believe it!
April 2, 2006
HAPPY SPRING EVERYONE!!
Well I can't believe I have exactly 7 days until surgery, it has went by so quickly I remember when my ticker said 28 days! I have to admit I am so emotional. I have been crying over nothing all day, and I think it is only going to get worse! Tomorrow I will start my semi liquid diet, so I can shrink my liver more. I will do liquids until dinner and have something small and sensible. And then I will be all liquids on Sunday! I am so scared it is not funny, But I know I can do this. My husband and my mother will both be with me on surgery day ( For some reason I ALWAYS need my Mom with me, and when I awake from anesthesia I cry for her, lol I know I am a baby) Here's to the final week Pre-OP
April 7, 2006
So this is my last weekend I get to spent in my old self, and begining Monday morning i belgin my new healthy life! I got the call today that I have to be there at 7AM. I have monstly all ready, and everything set for the guys next week. I was on a cooking frenzy to have meals frozen for them...My nerves are getting to me now and I am scared and nervous it is crazy. I just hope and pray all goes well and God's plans for my family include me! Please keep me in yout thoughts, that I may stay ok this weekend and get through this!
April 8, 2006
Well kiddies it is the final countdown, tomorrow is my liquid diet of clears and NPO after midnight, I have to be at Temple @ 7AM on Monday. My nerves are going bonkers, thanks God my PCP gave me something for them. Everyone has been wishing me well, But I am so scared & nervous, But I want this done & over with. It is the last 48 hr roller coaster!
I have more things to add to the will miss List!
Corn Beef Specials
Chocolate Marshmellow bunnies
sweedish fish
Banana Split Cake
Things I won't miss:
Ppl looking at me , and talking
feeling horrible bout myself
crying
tiredness
size 24 clothes
Horrible feeling of nothing fits or looks right
welts from the pants being to tight around my waist
Things I look Forward too:
Wearing "normal" clothes
feeling full, and not having to gorge myself to get there
feeling pretty
Feeling healthy
Knowing I will be around a lot longer fo rmy babies
No more Ankle & Knee pain
less stress on my heart
April 9 , 2006
Well everyone, it is only 10 hrs until I have to be at the hospital, and my nerves are going crazy. I am scared, all week I have tried not to think about it, and just go about my business and preparing the house. But now with zero hr aproaching (lol) my thoughts are racing a mile a minute about tomorrow. I will have my DH there and my Mom, but I am still scared! I am praying all will go well, and I will recover safe and fast! I will update after!
Thought I would Post some Pre-Op Pictures, they are from a year or 2, but the size is just the same, i probably was just a bit more swollen looking!
This me Xmas 2004 245 lbs
July 2004 $ My Babies Christining 255lbs
April 10, 2006
I arrived at temple by 7am and was nervous as hell, I had my mother and husband there for support! Here is the Pic that was taken of me walking "the Hall of President's" as I called it! My last hrs of feeling inadequate and a nothing, Goodbye Fat and sadness and Hello life! 252
April 12, 2006
Well I am finally on the other side, surgery was on Monday, all went well and I came home today, I am very sore and tired! I just have to watch because my temp did go up to 100.3 So I just need to keep and eye on it!
April 15, 2006
I figured I would post about my surgery, I am def. feeling much better now. On 4-10, I was at Temple by 7AM, and I was very nervous, I went to admissions and then they escorted me to SPU. I then had a nice bomshell dropped, I needed to give a urine sample for one last PG test, OMG UR KIDDING!! Well not thinking I would have to, I went before I left, plus I was NPO. So I waited and Waited, then they took me back to pre op section, and was told they will have to wait until I pee before they perform surgery! So they opened my IV wide open and I still didn't go, so they ordered up blood beta HCG, so FINALLY as I had the whole OR waiting, I ppe'd like 4 drops and the blood was back! WHAT LUCK! I felt so bad that I made them wait, the Dr was getting upset. So they wheeled me back a lil after 10, I remember going into the OR and seeing Laurie and starting to cry and she held my hand I was so scared. The Anesthesia Teams, gave me something to relax, I moved over to the OR table and they began hooking me up. I remember the o2 mask being put on and they asked me if I would like to go somewhere, I said Hawaii, and they said any special place and I believe I said maui and the next thing I remember is being in reovery and telling my husband that I was in pain!
I was in and out, so I told DH and Mom to go home, I had to wait for my room to be ready in the WL Floor. They hooked me to a PCA pump, and gave me my spiramoter. and then wet my lips, I remember watching he clock here and there, I was in recovery until 8pm because they had trouble getting me a room, But I remember asking if I could get up and walk cause the Dr said I needed too! When I was leaving to my room, the nurses said your such a wonderful patient, you didn't complain, you helped urself if you could. you would never know u had gastric bypass!
When I went to my room, I met a sweet set of nurses, melissa, davida and her sister ( don't remember her name) they got me settled and I asked if I could get up and walk, Melissa was suprised, she said most won't get up until the next morning! I said not me! I said i'll give my self a morphine zap and away I go, and that is exaclty what I did. But by the middle of the night the morphine wouldn't work, she called the Dr and he just said for me to hit the button more offen and if I still had problems he would change it in the morning, so When he came to see me, and checked me out, I told him it wasn't effective and he switched me to demerol. He also gave me my very 1st 1/2 oz of water! very tasty!!! and I was so scared too..lol So i drank an oz and hr, and for dinner they gave me chicken broth, w/ the instructions of only 1 oz an hr!..So i poured it in the lil oz cup and sipped it..Now when I say that was the most awesome broth I tasted it was! I walked a few more times the next day even doing doubles around the floor. The only problem I had was that they removed my cath and i couldn't pee, I went 5 hrs and they had to straight cath me and then I went 8 hrs, so they put a foley in tuesday night. They removed it in the morning and I still couldn't go, so they did the straight cath before I was leaving and it produced 450ml so they wanted to send me home with a foley for a week!! UMMM NOOOOOO, I said if I get home and go 8 hrs again I will go to the ER and have one put in. But as soon as I got home, BAMMM I went!!!
I have been doing ok...The pain is getting much..much better. I have boughts with the sweats and feeling overheated and low grade fevers on and off. I have had only one episode of nausea so far and that was in the hospital when I was trying to sit up in a chair. I did feel like there was a rock in my pouch the first time I started to get full on jello..lol...So I know right before time to stop!
I am living off of SF Jello, SF popcicles, crystal light & Water, I have not done broth yet! And I have walked a few times and up & down steps and stuff, and down the block, but tomorrow will be my first time going for a longer walk!
April 18, 2006
Today was my 1 week post op appt. All went well I lost 18lbs!!! I am healing well and I have to go and see Dr Meilahn in 1 month.
April 20, 2006
Everything is going well, my recovery has been very quick. I was suprised. I am feeling really good and have been doing well with stage 2, I am having abit of a hard time with the protien shakes, so I am making pudding to eat 4x's a day. Everyone keeps saying how they can see my weight loss already, that things are starting to thin out. I know some of my pants are loosning it is very weird..lol
April 26, 2006
Things are going very well, I am now on stage 3 foods. and that is puree'd soft. My first meal was soft scrambled eggs with FF cheese and it was wonderful! I am so excited to be getting this far. Tonight I took pic's for 3 weeks out. I remember I forgot to take them before surgery so I used ones that looked similar. I thought I could use the ones I took tonight, but you can see a difference already, and the only others I have are me 1/2 in the buff! So these should do!
3 weeks Post OP 230 (FRONT)
Side ( where you can REALLY SEE it)
Back
I am so amazed at how this is going, I can walk more distances w/o getting out of breath quickly. I am 10 mins on tread mill but I am working harder. I will be going out to get a goal outfit for incentive!
April 28, 2006
Ok so I am stalling a bit I suppose. There has been no scale movement in 4 days. I am having a hard time with fluids also, I am not getting my 60 oz. Seems like as soon as I tried to intro the food there it went! And I am not exercising as much as I would like to. Arggg am I failing this. I swear this is harder than any diet I have been on. I think I will just ditch my damn scale, it drives me crazy anyway! i do keep track of what I eat and drink with my diet minder, so I will just have to tweak my days a bit!
May 4, 2006
I had a setback, I got sick in work for the first time the other day. And I have been having pain with drinking and eating so the Dr feels I agravated my pouch and I needed to go back to stage 1-2 for a few days and advance slow again. If I still have the issue he will do an upper endoscope to see if I narrowed and dialte it. So I have to say I was disapointed, but will work through it.
On better notes I returned to work after 5 yrs, and I lost 25 lbs to date, I feel and look better!
May 14, 2006
I believe my little setback is behind me, I have been eating solid foods, but very carefully. I still do mix puree's in there. As for the protien still having trouble getting it all in, so I am hoping I can master it with the solid foods. I can eat meatballs, purdue short cuts chicken, cereal, Morning Star meatless patties ( which are pretty decent and have great protien per pattie.
I went to see Dr Meilahn for my 1 month check up. things are going well, I lost 32 lbs to date and 1 pant size. So I am currently now a size 22. He did my bloodwork and I guess I will find out tomorrow how that went. He noticed that my fluid was a bit low so he said U NEED TO DRINK MORE! It is so weird how much I could drink pre op and now I have to force myself!
As for exercise , I went back to work, and I am walking all over and bending and squating, so I get a decent workout just being there, I don't mind walking now either. I try my treadmill and stepper at home, that will take a bit of time to get used to.
I have some more pictures to add!
Here is 4.5 Weeks Post -Op 220 lbs (Side)
Front
Back -
May 22, 2006
This hasn't been an easy road so far, I have trouble eating. Well being hungry to even want to. So I make myself eat and I get nauseous. And Drinking for me is bad too. My protien suffers because of this, and I get so angry with myself, but I do try. I try and eat the easy things that go down ao I at least get something in me. Mashed, soup etc. But the Dr. says soup is no good, goes through really quick.
I now weight 210, I am amazed. My pants hit the ground today, so it is time to retire those 24's for good.
My friend Sue had her surgery and it was a successful LAP. I talked to her the day of surgery and she was doing ok. Hipe to hear from her soon.
As for Kelly, there is no word yet at all. Her Birthday is Thursday and I am getting so upset. I really miss her so much!
May 29, 2006
I have been so sick for 4 days, this pouch is being so mean! I finally felt comfy to try and take some head shots. it really shows a difference! WOW...Now to work on the rest!
Playing Around:
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SRC="http://images.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/mempix/twinmommie/bar.jpg">
WOOOHOOOOOOO WELCOME SUMMER!
June 10, 2006
It is my 2 month anniversary from WLS!
June 11, 2006
Today I have hit a milestone, I have officially lost 50 lbs, I am 1/2 way to my goal. I currently weigh 200 lbs...I haven't seen that since 2001. I felt so good about it, and you can really see the weight and inches coming off...I am now in a size 18 and I wear size 14/16 shirts. Yesterday I went out to celebrate being 2 months out, plus we had no kiddies..lol ..We went to see a friends band play and they were awesome. So i figured I would treat myself to a new outfit and all and you have no idea how amazing I looked and all the compliments I was getting was crazy!
So i figured I would post them for you to see!
2 MONTHS OUT, DOWN 50 LBS
June 16, 2006
Had a check up with the dr and guess what I am out of the 200 zone, I am 199, I can't believe it. I nearly fell off the scale..I have to increase my water and take my iron faithfully they said it would make me feel 100% better, so we shall see, I have to go back again in 1 month and have blood drawn and also they just want to me to see the nutritionest again
June 30, 2006
This have been going very well here, I am now down 61 lbs and many inches. I can admit this is a huge worldwind for me, so much to get used to. For the 1st time ever ppl are always complimenting me and saying how pretty or beautiful I am, It is had to swallow for me, because I still live in fat thinking. I am trying very hard, I do feel a bit of confidence rising, I am trying to make the best of it.
I find that i can now shop in stores that I normally would pass by, like American Eagle & Aeropastle, it is so weird, and I like looking at the possibilities of what is to come.
My family and friends have been so good in tryng to get me to believe in myself, they are definaly drilling it in there, I hope to one day believe it. I know I never want to become something I am not, conceided or stuck up, and I know I never will!
I know take monthly B12 injections and iron 2x's a day with my multi vit and calicum, just in a different regimen so nothing override the other!
HERE ARE SOME UPDATED PIC'S THIS IS 10 WEEKS OUT
MY HEAD SHOT ( YES I DIED MY HAIR)
THIS IS 11 WEEKS OUT 189 lbs
AND A HEAD SHOT FOR YA
July 5, 2006
I have been sick for almost 2 weeks with the flu, so eating has been horrible as well as fluid intake, and with my vitimans being low, my immunity has been horrible so it is taking alot longer to heal from being sick! But I am getting beter. I am down to 185 and now going into a size 16. Like I said before I am starting to look into the reconstruction part, so I can gather some money together if need be.
July 19, 2006
I was in the hospital again for dehydration and pain and not being able to eat w/o getting something stuck. So Dr. Meilahn and Lorrie decided to do antoher Endoscope and a Exploratory Laproscopy. Well They discovered Multiple Hernias and some adhesions so they went on to fix them for me. So now I am finally home and trying to get back on my feet! To date I weigh 181 lbs. so 71 lost!
July 28, 2006
Well 1st I will start with the greatest piece of news, after 5.5 months my Best friend Kelly has been found! I am so relieved and excited, she was reunited with her family today.
I had my post op apt with Dr. Meliahn on Wednesday. I have gained 2 lbs, which they were happy to see considering that it is showing I am able to eat better. Sadly a bit more better actually because for the past 2 days I have been grazing and eating often through the day, and at times I can devour more that 1/2 cup of food. I am getting very upset about this actually. I am finally going back to work Sunday, I know in a way being idle has something to do with this. I just fear destroying all that I have worked for. I also plan to take it back to square one, and carefully follow the rules, and drink plenty of water. I will not become a failure, I have struggled and worked to hard to do that.
Aug 8, 2006
I am currently 175, I have lost more inches and I am in GET THIS a size 14. Yes I had a HUGE WOW moment today. I was in a size 18, and they were getting loose so I decided to make a run to Old Navy and hit the clearence racks and find something for work and home. So I went and started picking up 16's and I seen this cute skirt and shirt, and well if you know me I feel very funny in skirts, but it was just so cute, so I decided to try it on, well they only had a 14 and 18 so I opted to "try" the 14, well it fit just fine, so I grabed the size 16 jeans I had, and to my suprise they were baggy. I went out ad got 14's and they fit awesome!!!!!!!!! I was so suprised...
I still have been munching on the 100 calorie packs, but not as often as I was, I think considering what I could be eating or worse these are ok for now and they kill cravings for sweets.
I have an Apt for Dr. Meilahn on the 24th, but since we are going to the shore for the 24th and 25th I will make it earlier, I also have to get bloodwork done.
Overall I am happy I had this surgery, I have had some bumps in the road, but I am truly happy I did it
Aug, 12, 2006
4 months out pst op..Si I git these cute clothes from Lerner NY and I got vintage demin flares and a black cami, which I thre a black tunice over t and sported a chunky belt...but it was so cute
Over all I went from 252 to 170 an from sz 24 to a 14, so I am excited..there here is a pic for ya;s
ME and our annual pig roast BBQ
HERE is ANOTHER
AND LASTLY ME ND MY BIG GIRL TAYLOR!
September 5, 2006
Well It has been a roough one, I have been severly sick and well it has been awhile. I did loose 10 more lbs and thatw would mean 15 more to goal. I have decided to have my plastics consult to see what can be done But here are some new pic's 4 months out
September 27, 2006
Well I had my Gall Bladder removed by Dr. Meilahn last night, I had stones in there. But other than that things have been ok. I am dealing with my hair falling out, I am trying to boost my protien and I am taking biotin, so hopefully things will get better. I am tired and sore so I will be off now.
PROFILE SHOT
UPCLOSE HEAD SHOT
October 24, 2006
I haven't updated this in a while, so I thought I would write how I am feeling and dealing so to speak. I haven't been doing well, I have been sick and depressed for weeks, I have no energy , and I am week, I have dropped to 148 lbs and on my frame I look a bit sickly, my family is concerned that I have turned anorexic. I try to eat but get sick to my stomach, my protien intake is bad. I know what I need to do, and I try so hard, but I fail at it. I go back and see my Dr in the begining of November. I do not enjoy food at all now, sometimes I get so upset that I have to eat, but I try. My mom being so concerned bought me diabetic boost and protien bars to help me. I can say I am scared, I don't even like to look at myself. I can say I like fitting into smaller clothes, but the way I feel is horrible. Starting tomorrow I am starting a strick log of my calories and protien intake as well as my fluids, and I will make a check list to push myself to meet all my goals for the day. I can't be this way, I feel horrible and I am so depressed, and my poor family suffers for it. So I make this promise I will fight harder.
So my 6 months stats are 148 lbs and a size 11, and good lord my boobs are gone!!! 38 B-C...
October 28, 2006
I attended a halloween party hosted by my husbands co-worker, it was the 1st time I enjoyed getting dressed up and not having to buy from the "limited" selection of plus sized costumes. So DH and I decided on a sexy cop costume, LOL considering his everyday job is a cop we thought it was cute for me to dress like one, Plus he thought the outfit was sexy as hell..lol...We had a blast...
Here is a picture of me we took real quick before we got out of the costumes.
November 20, 2006
Been a bit since I updated, things have been going well for me as of late. I still have some issues with protien and dumping, but I am getting through it. But I can say the past 2 night I have eating like a pig, it is amazing what goes in my pouch, worries me that I streached it, I hope not...I have started some of my holiday baking and I admit I have been 'tasting it" to see if it is good, I know..I know major no no. I am working on some sugar free recipes, lately my fav has been a SF crustless pumpkin pie that is awesome and low in cals and NO SUGAR! ohhh so delicious, thanks to my OH friends who submitted the recipe!
February 17, 2007
It has been quite a bit since I last updated this profile. So I thought I would tell you what has been going on.
In January I was at my lowest 148 lbs, I have been working my tail off and doing really well, things have been much better with my eating and vitimans and stuff. Protien gettin in there.
This weight loss surgery has been the best tool ever, I have been so proud of myself.
But it also helps you in other areas to, On Jan 22, DH and I found out we were pregnant! Amazed because it took us 6 yrs to have Tay and Alex and that was through fertility treatments, this happened all on our own, seems the weightloss helped my infertility! So The final addition to our clan arrives October 3rd.
It has been hard so far, because I can eat more and I want to eat more and I am affriad I will ruin what I have accomplished. But I am working through that for a healthy baby, If need be I will have a revision done. But The gas pains from food have been horrible, because of the bypass, it is much worse to digest food right, and it freaks my tummy out.
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Chelle's page was *spruced up* by Joan M. on February 28, 2006.
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