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• Update 11/10/02 - Went to Disneyland
  on 10/20, for my daughters 10th birthday. Wow, could not believe some of the
  things I did. I climbed the tree house, over on Tom Sawyers island. Actually
  went in the small tree part, and climbed the ladder. Never would have
  attempted before. I was able to fit in the little climbing cubbyholes in the
  caves too. Also, notice when I go thought the turnstiles, I walk STRAIGHT in,
  no turning sideways to squeeze through. My new pics I posted, one is at least
  a month old. The other one, I posted on Oct 19, a week after a nice sit down
  dinner at the Queen Mary. I went out and bought some shorts at Mervyns last
  month, and I could not believe I'm wearing a size 44? Wow, that makes one more
  size to go to get into the smallest size in my memory. I lost weight, and was
  in a 42 for about a couple months back in the mid 80's. Need to get back to
  the counselor. Been too much going on, preparing for Kim's surgery, with all
  her appointments. Kim is doing great with her surgery so far. She had not
  weighed yet, but she healing up good, and walking around the neighborhood.
  Been on a plateau now for almost a month. Stuck at 250. It happens. I'm not
  going to worry about it. Having a hard time with the head hunger now, really
  bad. I walk into the kitchen and want to eat even if I'm not hungry. Still
  have a hard time when I'm at home, to eat all I should. Need to get some
  clothes. These are falling off of me bad. Just keep getting tighter belts to
  hold them up with. The gym monkey is sometimes a hard one to get off my back.
  It is so easy to come up with an excuse not to go. I need to get back in to
  it. When I work front half of the week, I can go after work, but when I work
  on the weekends, the gym doesn't open till 6am, so I would have to wait an
  hour, so I just go home. Things are still going good here. I pretty much eat
  whatever I want, and have still had no dumping. I guess thats good and bad. I
  at least get to have a piece of candy now and again, and I should not feel
  guilty about it. I wish I could think of more to say, but I guess life is
  pretty much back to normal, except that I'm much smaller than I was at
  "normal". Keep up the good work everyone. Take care, and will be back to
  update next month. I know that Thanksgiving will have some stuff I need to
  talk about.
  
  


• Update 10/12/02 - I have been doing
  really good. I'm at 4 months out now, and I'm really feeling good. I can eat
  anything I want to eat, and that's the key, I don't want to eat all the crap I
  got into the habit of eating before surgery. I have a house full of candy, for
  Halloween, it's even my favorite kind (candy corn), but then I think all candy
  is my favorite, and it's not calling my name. I eat mostly good stuff, protein
  based. I pretty much stay away from breads and stuff like pasta, and rice. I
  do buy the Pritikin bread, it had only 26 grams of carbs in 2 slices. I can
  hang with that. My exercise is still going just ok. I go on the days I work,
  which is a 3 day work week, since we work 12 hour shifts. My scar, which I was
  concerned with after a month or so, is looking better and better. It has some
  keloided action to it, so I didn't know what to think about it. I was putting
  on vitamin e, and other topical solutions, but a couple of docs said those
  don't really do much, so I left it alone. It is now starting to look better on
  its own. Even now, I still don't get hungry physically. I still have that
  little thing in the mind thinking I'm hungry. I do have a hard time eating
  enough protein. My hair, I don't think is a problem. It's not noticeable
  anyway. Hey, it was falling out before this surgery :) My closet is so barren
  now. Only 1/4 of what was in there. Thank god I kept a bunch of clothes from
  before, so now I have something to wear. People are commenting on how my
  clothes are too big, so I guess it's time to buy something else soon. I want
  to wait a little bit longer, when the weight will slow down, and I can keep
  the clothes longer. I go to the thrift stores, but it's so hard to find
  anything to wear there, the sizes are so hidden in pants and stuff. Every time
  I go to put a shirt on now, it seems so small, and I know I can not wear that,
  but then it fits. Amazing!! This has been such a positive process for me. I
  have had no problems at all. No nausea, no dumping that I can really say was
  terrible. Maybe a little calling to the bathroom, but it wasn't too bad, and
  it went away fast. I take no meds at all now. I was taking a med for GERD, and
  one for diabetes. I told my PCP that I quit the diabetes meds, cause they were
  giving me low blood sugar, and he said it was fine, I don't need them. I'm
  still drinking protein shakes daily. I found a way to make them that I
  actually like. I don't know if my tastes changed to adapt them, or if I really
  found a good brand. I can tell you what they are if you want, but there is so
  many varied tastes people have, that most likely you won't like what I like,
  etc. I don't have to go the doctor again till December. I guess I'm well on my
  way. I still have the mind games my brain plays on me. But I'm progressing on
  all those fronts. I used to have to talk myself out of stopping for "something
  protein" on the way home, like at a fast food place, but I have won that
  battle, and don't even think about it anymore. So many years of just pulling
  in and picking up something, it's hard to break. Now when I go to a store, its
  just not the same. I'm in and out. I used to go, just to find the snacks they
  have. Any store was to get a snack, and whatever else I might need. Now, I go
  in, get what I go for, and leave. Also, I don't go as often anymore, since I
  don't need to pickup any food. I used to love to go shopping (grocery) with my
  wife, when I got a chance, but now, its so boring in the store. Not that I
  can't find a good stuff, just that now I don't care about the goodies, she
  didn't buy. This is really a different life now. Went out to lunch with my
  dad, and my family, and for the first time noticed how much people eat. I
  never paid attention to it. My daughter ate more than me, and she ate the kids
  plate. My a la carte burrito had less food than hers. And I only ate 3/4 of
  it, and didn't care to take it home. We don't eat out very often, but that was
  the first time I paid attention to the size of food that was served, and it
  wasn't one of those HUGE platter type restaurants, just a normal Mexican food
  joint. I need to get some more pics taken and posted. I'm still feeling great,
  and doing great, and I would, like they say, do this again in a minute.
  
  Well, now the games can begin for Kim. She is 3 weeks away on Monday, and she
  is starting the last minute push for all the pre-op stuff. She is going in Nov
  4th, and she has her psych eval next week. So, here we go again folks.
  
  


• Update 09/12/02 - Went to my 3 month
  check-up with Dr Chin today. He says I'm doing great. I feel so good. I have
  nothing left to remind me that I have had a surgery, except for my scar. I
  pretty much am able to eat almost anything. I don't always feel full with what
  I have for a meal, but it totally satisfies me, and I don't care to have more.
  Sometimes, I feel I have had enough, and toss out my plate, before I even eat
  my allotted amount. Seems to be a slow month again. I only lost 6 lbs since
  last month, but I'm okay with that. I understand that I will slow a bit here
  and there. I also have been slacking at the gym lately. I just got back into
  it on Tuesday. Some hell week at work a couple weeks ago, and I got lazy.
  Well, I'm back into it now. Just have to start all over again, as far as
  progress at the gym. I forgot to mention before now, I have not taken any of
  my diabetes medicine, nor have I taken any of my Prilosec for my heartburn. I
  have had no attacks of heartburn since the surgery. I once got a tinge in my
  tummy, but it was short lived, and I eat spicy foods with no consequence. I'm
  wearing a size 48 now. I was at Walmart, shopping for the kids for back to
  school, and I saw a clearance rack of shorts. I didn't think I would be able
  to wear that size yet, but I bought them anyway, knowing I would be there
  soon. Well, I got home, and what would you know, they fit just perfect. I have
  cleared out my closet of all bigger size clothes, and now have so much room in
  there. I'm glad I saved my clothes as I got bigger. They really come in handy
  now. My wife, Kimberly got her approval last week, and has a surgery date of
  Nov 4. She will be going through all this with me, and I can be her
  cheerleader. I work front half of the week nights right now, so I will have
  to find a new support group to attend. Its amazing to be able to purchase
  clothes in a regular store. Not that I have, but I can when I need them. I
  almost was able to find shorts in my size at Sams Club, they had 44's, and I
  almost bought them, but I will wait till next year, when I can get clothes
  anywhere. Funny how I can run up stairs now, without being so winded, I have
  to do deep breathing exercises for a few minutes. And walking is no chore
  anymore. I don't care where I park at the mall now either. Things are still
  going great, with now complications, and thats the way I like it. I have not
  really had a dumping episode, nor have I had any nausea. Want you to know,
  that it is possible to have no complications from this surgery, and it is
  still working. I don't freak out when I don't lost a ton of weight. I'm just
  giving it time. I will get there. 61 lbs in 3 months? I don't think I ever
  imagined that weight loss. I think I may have to pick up the pace on exercise
  though. Eating wise, I still eat very little at a time, and I still think of
  eating as a pain in the butt. As an example of what do I eat? 1/2 cup cottage
  cheese, or string cheese and package of deli meat, or half of sandwich, with
  lower carb bread. Shrimp cocktail is a good one too. I still drink a protein
  shake every day. First meal of the day. This is happening, and I could not be
  happier. Would I do this again? I don't think I really need to answer that.
  
  
  


• Update 08/11/02 - Wow, where do I
  start. I'm now at 9 weeks, or 2 months on Saturday. I finally broke my long
  plateau. I sneak on the scale now and again, and last time I weighed at the
  gym, last week, it said I was at 286, but officially my weight is 284, exactly
  50 lbs now. Some meals I feel like I can eat more than I should be able to,
  but I don't care, I eat till I'm satisfied. It's incredible how much, or how
  little I eat during the course of the day. I feel like I never had the
  surgery. My energy level is always good. I don't feel any less pains yet, like
  a lot of others do. I definitely see a difference in my face, especially when
  I look at my pictures. I still have clothes to wear, since I kept all my
  clothes since before I quit smoking, and really gained a lot of weight, so I
  guess that's a bonus. Still love going to my support meetings, although, I
  have missed the last couple because of work, or being out of town on vacation.
  They are so helpful. Went to see Dr Chin this afternoon. Didn't get to see
  him, had to see his Physician's Assistant. I don't really care for her. She is
  not the most informed, from what I have seen, and what others have said at the
  support group meetings. Still have to talk myself into going to the gym. It is
  so hard to find the time to go, when your already at home. I had an easier
  time when I would get out and walk. I can eat just about anything. I haven't
  tried everything, but anything I have eaten, has not been a problem. Not
  really eating red meat, though I have eaten it without a problem. I stay away
  from the bad carbs too, mostly. A couple times a week, I may eat a triscuit or
  wheat thin or 3, but I bought some bread, that's whole grain and all, that is
  13 carbs / slice. So not too bad. I still try to have a protein shake first
  thing in the morning, and then whatever else I can to get the protein levels
  up there. I don't think I have a problem getting my protein levels up there,
  and I seem to get most of my water in daily, but I know I can get a little
  more in than I do. I get close to 64 oz a day. It really is hard to get all
  the water in, and eat too. I seem to be drinking all the time, except for the
  waiting between meals, and I still can not get in the exact amount of water. I
  guess its okay, because my energy level is fine, and I have no problems being
  too thirsty, or week from dehydration. I really do enjoy going to the hospital
  and visiting with Bariatric patients, since I know how they feel, and can use
  all the incentive they can get, seeing someone that is a couple months out
  now. I seem to sleep fine all the way through the night now. I don't need any
  sleep pills anymore. I only drink 1 cup of coffee a day now, instead of the 5
  or 6. Did not really miss coffee much, although I did start drinking again
  after the 7th week. I work nights, so I grab a cup when I first get on shift.
  My scar seems to be keloiding a little. Not looking too great, so I'm going
  to have to use something on it. I guess if that's the only complication I get,
  I can live with that. Exercise is the key I know. I was still walking through
  my plateau, but I wasn't checking my ketosis level before, and now I do. When
  I don't get all my exercise in, the stick doesn't turn pink. I am moving into
  my last set of clothes that I have before gaining so much more weight after
  quitting smoking 3 years ago. Don't know what I am going to after that. Its
  really cool to be wearing all these clothes that have taken up so much space
  in my closet all these years, and fit into them now. I keep trying things on,
  and they sometimes still don't fit, but they at least now go on, without
  ripping at the seams. Well, that's it for now. Can't think of anything else I
  did not cover. If you have any questions, just send me an email. Thanks for
  following along.
  
  


• Update 07/18/02 - Week 5 was Monday.
  Had my 5 week check up with Dr. Chin on Monday, and things are going great. He
  said it looked like I was doing great, and he saw no problems with anything I
  was feeling. Basically the only thing I had questions about, was the soft
  BM's, that I'm sure you all know about, at least all you post-ops. I decided
  to only update this page now, once a month, since there is so little to report
  a couple times a week now. My weight is still on a standstill. Considering I
  lost about 20 lbs before my surgery, my body is really trying to beat the
  starving, it feels it is going through. I know I have to be patient. As far as
  food goes, I pretty much can eat most things with the Dr's okay. I have not
  yet had an episode of dumping yet. I drink Gatorade with no problems, and have
  been watering it down to lower the sugar content. One big problem I have post
  op, the taste of water isnt the best anymore. I used to love water. I drank
  lots of it before the surgery. Never had a problem with water, with all the
  diets they say, drink water. Never a problem. Now the taste is not the best.
  That sucks for me, cause I used to drink water with everything. Well,
  hopefully that will change with time, and I can enjoy water again soon. I have
  been saying for over 2 weeks, that I'm going to put the scale in the garage.
  Where are they now? In the bathroom still, where I still stand on it everyday.
  Man, why can't I put it away. I have never been obsessed with the scale
  before, with all the dieting that I have done, I always waited for the
  meeting, or to go to the Drs. office before weighing. That's it. I'm taking
  the stupid scale to the garage, as soon as I'm finished uploading this update.
  I tired of the stupid thing not moving, even though my clothes are still
  getting looser. I started up at a gym last week. Lots of money for those
  things. But it's for my health, and I need it. I had been walking 2 miles a
  day before joining, and now I'm doing 2 miles a day, on the treadmill, and
  riding the bike for 3 miles. Lots of cardio. Need to start the weights soon.
  Those gyms are all a rip off. Damn Bally's. They have a pool too, and looking
  forward to doing some water aerobics. I tried the cross trainer, and man, is
  that a workout. My right thigh is still feeling it now. Hard to bend. May have
  injured the muscle. I hope not. I only did for about 12 minutes. I have some
  updated pics on the photos page. These are my 3 weeks post-op pics. I also
  have a picture of my scar at 3 weeks, and I think it looks great. Dr. Chin did
  a fantastic job with the closing. And that glue they use, its awesome, since
  there are no staple holes to worry about. Well, Im still getting into clothes
  that I have not worn for years. I still have clothes for a few more sizes
  lower. I figure, I have a couple months before I have to buy clothes. Lets see
  what tomorrow brings.
  
  


• Update 07/01/02 - Today is 3 weeks
  since my surgery day. I almost feel as if I never had the surgery, as far as
  how I feel, day to day, and aches and pains. I do not have any pain at all. I
  still have a little discomfort, when going to sleep on my stomach, since I
  have a hard time sleeping any other way. I know that the surgery has been a
  success, since I am now eating some things that are normal, for instance, over
  the weekend, my brothers and myself, were in Palm Springs for the weekend, and
  we went to dinner at a Mexican food joint. I couldn't find a lot on the menu
  to eat, but I knew I could have a quesadilla. In the span of about 45 minutes,
  I ate about half it, and I sure did feel full. Like a holiday meal, I was
  stuffed to the gills. I bought a scale after weighing in at the doctors
  office, one that will measure my weight, up to 300lbs. Couldn't believe I am
  at 290!! I almost at the weight I was when I quit smoking. For years I stayed
  at 280, in the same size clothes, 48 waist, and 2x shirts. Now, I'm digging
  through the closet, and putting on the old clothes, and they are fitting.
  Never throw away those smaller clothes, cause you know your going to get back
  to that size again. Well, as I go down, I'm making sure that I get rid of
  these big clothes. I will never again, get this big! That's the reason I'm
  seeing a therapist and all. I want to get my body fixed, and my head fixed.
  Right now it's kind of cool getting into those clothes I have not worn for
  over 3 years. But, once I get too small for the 48's, I will have to go buy
  clothes, cause that's the smallest I have, and that will not be too far out.
  Going to see how it goes tonight at work. Starting back to 12 hour shifts.
  Work tonight, but not again till maybe Thursday. Will have to see how I handle
  it. Happy Independence Day to all. I will only be updating this once a week
  now, cause things are not changing daily, but pretty much 4 - 5 day stretch's.
  
  
  


• Update 06/25/02 - 2 week post-op,
  yesterday. Went to see Dr. Chin for my follow up, and down 16 lbs in 2 weeks.
  Not too shabby. Doc said I was doing really good, and he actually released me
  to go to work next week. I am sure ready to go back to work. But don't know
  how my stamina will be at work. Still on the liquids, stage 1, but this
  weekend, I will step up to stage 2. Going out to the desert for the weekend,
  "Guys Weekend/Golf Tournament". Going to be interesting to see how that goes.
  I don't know how to eat out at the restaurant. Been walking a mile, twice a
  day. Going to increase to 2 miles a day, just once. I still get pooped after
  walking that distance, but I know it will get better with time. I can drive
  now too. Yahoo. No more prison walls for me. They let me out finally. It was
  nice to drive to the Drs office, and to the support group meeting last night.
  The support group meeting is something I would recommend for anyone. They are
  truly helpful, and you have many people, from Pre-Op to Post-Op up to 5 years
  out. All answers to your questions are answered, and over-answered. I have no
  pain at all, except, I'm still sleeping in my living room, but not in the
  recliner, I'm in an air mattress. The waterbed was not comfortable enough to
  sleep in. Could not sleep very well. The air mattress is a little better than
  the recliner, and I can sleep better in it. Went to see a therapist for the
  first time. I feel so Southern California like, I officially have a therapist
  now. Session went good. I think I may like this therapist, but we see if she
  can help. I do not want to even have the chance of returning back to the
  person I was prior to surgery. At least I am reaching out for help. It's a
  good thing.
  
  


• Update 06/20/02 - Let's see. 10 days
  post-op today. I was planning on sleeping in the waterbed last night, and fell
  asleep in the recliner, and didn't awaken until 7 am. So, I guess, I still
  don't know if I can successfully sleep there not. Will try again tonight. I'
  am healing up great. I walk about 15 minutes 3x's a day. It is weird to notice
  that I' am never hungry, and I actually hate having to eat. I only eat now, to
  get my protein levels in. I take my multi- vitamins, iron supplement, 2 tums,
  and weekly B-12's. I still consider myself one of the lucky ones. I have yet
  to have any complications, but I know, they can pop up any day now. My scar is
  healing nicely too. Doesn't really look that bad to me. It does put strain on
  my stomach when I do almost anything vertically. I have to remember to take it
  easy. Can't wait to start driving again. Drives me, and my wife Kimberly, nuts
  to have to be driven anywhere all the time. But, it's one of those things you
  have to put up with, after major surgery. Don't know how much weight loss yet.
  The scale I have, says nothing. Its also meant for someone under 260, so that
  will be of no benefit for now. Have my first follow up coming up on Monday.
  Should get a good number then. My clothing sure is getting looser though.
  Wearing stuff in the closet, I haven't worn for a long time. My shorts that
  used to fit me just right, are now loose, and I HAVE to wear a belt with them.
  So, I know it's coming off. I'm pretty close to being waned off the pain meds.
  I take about 1 dose a day, and thats at night, or first thing in the AM.
  Supposed to take 4x's a day as needed. That's really good. Everything goes
  down fine, but I can not wait to be able to eat eggs. This protein stuff,
  really is hard to keep up with. Just pretty much drinking shakes for now. That
  ProCel stuff, not as good as they make it out to be. Getting better all the
  time. Stamina is getting up there. I guess its not too bad already, since I
  only average about 6 hours sleep. More later.
  
  
  

  Update 06/15/02 - So far, so good. Woke
  up this morning, and did not have any pain, even though it had been about 8
  hours since my pain meds. I still need to take them though, but it seems to be
  waning a bit. I felt absolutely fantastic this morning. I took a shower early,
  and actually took the chair out, since I don't feel like I am going to be
  getting light headed, since it has not happened yet. I through my walking
  shoes on, and walked down the street about 8 houses. Farthest I was able to go
  yet. I always have to remember that I have to get back home too. Yesterday
  went pretty good too. Had a little more pain than today. It's seems to ebb a
  little everyday. I have been having no problems getting my water in. Seems a
  little harder to eat all that I'm supposed to. But, I know that will improve
  too. Walking a little further too. Yesterday, I was able to walk about 4
  houses down the street, before feeling pain, and fatigue. The family went out
  today, to do some shopping for Fathers Day, and stuff. I desperately needed to
  get out of the house. Went to Sams Club too, and got 6 gallons of GOOD water
  to drink. What a deal. When I got home, I was a little tired, but I didn't
  overdo it. I think it was just enough. My strength is really improving,
  noticed how now I have been walking in semi-normal pace now, instead of the 5
  hour mile. I can not say, that I can't believe that it has been less than a
  week since surgery, many things remind me that I have. The incision itches a
  little, but not too bad. Sounds like I was one of those people that I was
  hoping to be, almost nil in the complications department, but that is a little
  premature, I know. But so far so good. It does get sore to sit at the computer
  for too long. But, I have to do it, it's where I live. You could throw my TV
  out easier than my computer. Just look forward to each new day, to see how I
  feel. I have to admit, I didn't expect to feel this good so soon. Thought it
  would be a couple of weeks at least before I got this good. Everything about
  this surgery, so far, has been way worth it. I'm not seeing any benefits yet
  to say that I would do it again in a minute, but I know I will one day. No
  remorse for the decision. Still feel like the decision to go with the surgery
  was the best. Funny how the mind starts working on you, trying to talk you out
  of it, saying other things less severe. Well, I'm here to say, that "YOU CAN
  DO IT", and I think if you can, and have the chance for it, go for it. I did
  it, and some of you may not know me from Adam, but, yes this surgery has been
  easy for me. For me, I say. I know some people have a lot harder time with it,
  but I did go in with some good stats, and I felt that I would be a good
  candidate for this, and a good healer.
  
  



• Update 06/13/02 - Well, I'm home. I
  made it. I have to admit, this was not as bad as I made it out to be. There
  was some pain involved, but definitely worth it so far, and I haven't even
  started losing yet. Arrived at the hospital at 5:30 am, got the heparin shot,
  and then got the IV started. From that time till surgery time of 7:30, just
  waiting for the doc. When the doc finally arrived, and saw me, the wheeled me
  into the OR around 7:20, and started with the O/2 mask. Glad they gave me
  something to know me out, cause that was very uncomfortable, and I really had
  to talk myself to remain calm. Especially when they belt your hands off, and
  you can not move the mask around at all, just lie there and wait. I was really
  getting claustrophobic at that point, since it's really overwhelming to see
  all the tools around the room they plan on using on you. But I don't think I
  was laying there for a minute when they were waking me up 2 hours later,
  telling me to breath deep. Thats all I heard in recovery, "Ron, take deep
  breaths."
  
  When I got to my private room, which was great to have, I kept falling asleep,
  and then I would wake up again, with the machine beeping, and the nurse would
  say to take deep breaths. My wife Kimberly, waited for me to get to my room,
  so she could take off for a bit, and pick up the kids from school, drop them
  off at a friends house, and come back. In between that time, they decided to
  move me to ICU, to monitor my breathing, seems that I got a case of apnea in
  from the anesthesia, and every time I fell asleep, I didn't get enough o/2 and
  would trip the alarm. Well, when Kim got back to my room, she found it empty,
  and went to the nurses station to enquire about me, and they told her my new
  room number in CCU. Scared the hell out of her, especially when she asked why
  I was in the CCU, and the nurse told her, "I don't know, why don't you go ask
  them". Great people skills. I had to keep the BiPAP machine on till about
  midnight. After that, I was okay, and never needed the unit again. I feel bad
  for those that have to use those all the time, they really do suck.(literally
  and figuratively). Well, at about 2:00pm, the nurse asked me when the last
  time I voided was. I said I dunno, what is that. She wanted to know when the
  last time I urinated. I told her 4:30 that morning. She said that if I still
  could not go soon, she would have put a catheter in to drain the bladder.
  Well, that was incentive enough. I tried for the next 2 hours, but could not
  go, and didn't feel like I had to. She came in at 4:00pm and said, "Okay, lets
  get this done". Let me tell you, that had to be the MOST painful experience in
  the whole hospital stay. She said in the ICU, they don't leave them in, they
  do the procedure, and remove it. So, if I did not go by myself again in 8
  hours, we would have to do it again. As hard as I tried, I could not get it to
  go. I tried flushing the toilet, to get water sound in my mind, and it did
  help, but all I was able to get out was like 10CC's at a time, like 4 times,
  and it wasn't enough. So I got that pleasantry again at around 3:00am. It
  hurts just thinking of it. I was moved into my private regular room again on
  Wednesday. The pain meds were great, and I had to remind the nurses how I
  needed to get walks. The nurse took the massage booties off, and gave me a
  walk, and forgot to put the booties back on. I noticed after a couple hours,
  they were never turned back on, so I again had to remind them how I need those
  for circulation.
  
  It's little things like that made this hospital a bad place to be. I just
  wonder what kind of recovery I would have gotten, if I hadn't known what I
  needed. Also, the Incentive Spirometer, I never received instructions for, or
  how much to use it. At about Noon, the new nurse I got on the new floor, asked
  if I was able to void, and I tried and tried, but still nothing. This time she
  said she would put in a catheter that would stay in. OH MY GOD!! That was even
  worse. The tube is thicker, and when she said were done, I started breathing
  again, she had to blow up the balloon to make it stay, MORE EXCRUCIATING
  PAIN!!!!!! But I was done for awhile. I asked the doc if I was going to be
  able to be released on Thursday, he told me, not till I could void for myself.
  They took out the IV on Weds around 12:30 pm, and the catheter at 2:00pm. I
  tried 3 hours later, and was only able to get about 50CC's out. I tried again
  3 hours later, and YAHOO, 300CC's. I told the nurse when she came in that I
  went again, and she was disappointed with the 50CC's I did earlier, but with
  the new progress of 300, she said, "Yeah, that's good, no new catheter". I
  went every 3 hours to make sure I could go, and it got easier and easier after
  that.
  
  Well, I got released today, took a shower, and the pain meds Rx I got work
  just great. Feeling much better to be home and all. Things are going to get
  much better now. The doc said that I was doing great, and all the nurses were
  surprised at how much I wanted to get walking. They thought it was great to
  see someone taking the initiative to do all that. So, I'm home, and I know I'm
  going to heal up just great.
  
  


• Update 6/9/02 - Here it is, 11:00 PM.
  Have to be at the hospital at 5:30am for a 7:30 surgery. Very little
  nervousness today. The hardest part, is going the whole day without being able
  to eat. Is driving me crazy. Everything sounds good right now. Im pretty much
  packed, and ready to go. Have to get a few more things together, and then I
  will be ready. I don't know about the sleep thing tonight. I don't really care
  if I don't sleep though, it won't be an issue tomorrow morning. Made out a
  will to bring to the hospital with me, in case they make me fill one out.
  Funny to have to think that kind of stuff could happen, just like with any
  surgical procedure. Shit happens, and it's not necessarily this procedure if
  it does. Well, this will be the last post to this page. I didn't post
  yesterday at all. Just trying to fill the time doing other things. SEE YOU ON
  THE OTHER SIDE!!!!
  
  


• Update 6/6/02 - I made it through the
  psych eval okay, I guess, she wished me luck on the surgery. WOW!! I can't
  believe it's 3 days away from surgery. Actually 2, since today is already
  over. Well, I'm totally ready for this. Nerves are pretty much calm now, I
  think. Hard to say. I either am so used to being nervous, or I'm totally calm.
  I know that I'm so much more accepting of this than before. The support group
  really did help alot. Well, in 3 days, the surgery part will be done, and I
  will be on the road to a whole new me. YAHOO. I guess I'm really getting
  excited now. I really thought that something would happen, with all this
  cramming of tests in and all. But, I made it, and I can now relax for a couple
  days. Warden served me my last meal tonight. Chicken Fried Steak with mashed
  potatoes and gravy. Not many more posts to this page, and then we will be
  updating the Post-Op page.
  
  


• Update 6/6/02 - Attended my first
  support meeting tonight. Pretty cool having a room full of people that have
  already had, or are in the process of WLS. Had to fill out my paperwork, and
  do the T/F test, in preparation for my psych eval tomorrow. I'm pretty much
  not nervous at all now. I'm ready to get this bus rolling. The trip has been
  booked, I have packed my bags, have my itinerary ready, and maps in hand. "Hey
  driver, start this vehicle up, and let's get going! I have things to do, and
  it's going to be a long and winding road!" Wish me luck. Sunday, I get to do
  the bowel prep thing, but without the dreaded fleet you-know-whats. By the
  way, went in for my endoscopy yesterday, and I guess it was okay. They told me
  I had no restrictions on what I ate, but I should still take my aciphex. I
  guess, at the time I'm writing this, we have 3 days to go. Surgery is at 7:30
  am. Arrival time is 5:30. What joy. I might even have to work that Sunday
  night, which is just as well, since I won't get any sleep anyway. I think I
  won't care too much about being sleepy while on the table.
  
  


• Update 6/4/02 - Wow. Today I went to
  see my PCP to get a final clearance from all the pre-op tests. He told me I
  was going to be just fine, and that I am the perfect patient for this surgery.
  Everything looks great and blood work looked perfect, and he can see no reason
  I shouldn't heal up great. That sure made me feel better. I also asked him for
  something to help take the edge off, and he prescribed 10 vallium pills. Sure
  did help. Although I think it is getting better as I get closer. I have
  accepted the fact that shit does happen, and that I should not worry about
  some of the things that I hear about. So, it looks like a go. I just have to
  clear the psych eval on Friday. I can not see any reason why I won't be able
  to clear that. I know all the risks, am not depressed or anything like that,
  and I know how hard I will have to work to get down to a normal size, for the
  first time in my life, as far as I can remember. I do remember a picture of me
  as a kid, like 6 yrs old or so, and I was thin then. That's last time I was.
  I'm to the point of, "Bring it on!"
  
  


• Update 6/2/02 - Feel pretty good
  today. Nerves seem to have settled down. Slept pretty good this morning.
  Didn't get a lot of sleep, but it was GOOD sleep. Just think, this time next
  week, will be a total liquid day. I guess I' am ready for this. Now if I could
  just get all my testing, and clearances and the like. I sure hate taking this
  to the wire like this. But, what's the worse case scenario, pushing the date
  back? I can live with that, if it has to be.
  
  


• Update 5/31/02 - What a fun day.
  Started off my getting about 3 hours sleep. Since I work nights, I can't seem
  to sleep early, and I didn't get to sleep till after 4:00 am. Alarm went off
  at 6:45, and away I went to the hospital for my final pre-op exams, EKG, ultra
  sound of gall bladder, chest x-rays, upper GI x-rays, lots and lots of blood.
  Was there till about 1:30, and then I finally got to eat & drink something.
  That barium, where can I get some of that for later, sure was delicious stuff.
  Yummy, NOT! Man, that fizzy they give first, harder than hell to hold the
  belch from coming out. Another psych eval. appointment down the drain. The
  psychologist will not approve surgery after just one visit. She wants to see
  the patient at least twice, and since there is only 1 day she will be in the
  office between now and my surgery. She couldn't figure out why we were not
  going to have time to get this done from her. Go figure. Well, signed I think
  final paper work. Still have about an hour of paperwork to get done for the
  psych eval. Friday June 7, sure hope it's going to be finalized. Still have to
  see my PCP on Monday for a final clearance from him. Got the endoscope down my
  throat on Wednesday, and the psych eval. on Friday. Are we going to make it?
  We shall see. Nerves have not been an issue today. Maybe I'am finally
  accepting this. Lets wish for the best.
  
  


• Update 5/30/02 - Wow, am I frustrated
  now. Another appointment down the drain. Can not seem to get this psych eval.
  done. Had a 3:00 appointment today, and the therapist called at noon, asking
  me to call the office, he thinks there may a problem. Well, turns out he can
  not do all the required tests, and now I wasted another week to get the
  evaluation done (see 5/24/02 update). I can always use Smart Dimensions
  psychologist at $125, but was trying to save the $95 by going through my
  insurance referral service. This is like pulling teeth, just keep putting you
  off. You get another appointment, and then find out they can't help you. They
  can't just find all this stuff out earlier. They have to wait till the last
  minute. Gosh, sounds kind of like me!. Well, I have my final pre-op testing in
  the morning. Have to be at the hospital at 7:45, and sounds like I will be
  there most of the day. I guess that's where they do all the x-rays, and ultra
  sound on the Gall Bladder and all that fun stuff. No eating or drinking after
  midnight. I hope I can get to bed that early. Having worked last night, and
  sleeping till 1:30 this afternoon. I'm still anxiously waiting for this
  surgery. The nerves are really a factor on this waiting game. I'm still not
  sure what procedure I will be going with. I have the lap scheduled, but
  thinking of going with the open, just to avoid the complications that seem to
  go with the lap. Well, I'm feeling a little calmer now. Damn, cannot believe
  these problems. Insurmountable
  
  


• Update 5/26/02 - Happy
  Memorial Day to all. Had a BBQ at brother Kens house, and had a good time.
  Finally had some family members ask questions about the surgery. Everyone
  pretty much just ignored the topic before. My dear wife, Kimberly had asked
  for a referral from her PCP almost 2 weeks ago, and the denial letter arrived
  on Friday. She is bummed, and jealous that I got approved first, since she had
  considered the idea before me, but she is still happy, and supportive of me
  going in. I was upset as well. I know how much she was looking forward to
  being approved as well. Looks we have a new fight on our hands. The fact that
  there was 2 deaths recently, of people on the WLS board, has me kind of
  freaked. But I have to go into this positive and upbeat, knowing I can do
  this, and I will be just fine. I'm relatively healthy for now, and I am trying
  to stay that way, and be able to be a good dad for my kids, and a happy
  husband for Kim, I know she deserves it. Tomorrow is the 2 week mark. We will
  see how I get in the next couple weeks leading up to the actual time to go.
  Signing off for now.
  
  


• Update 5/24/02 - Well, it
  looks like were are really going to be cutting this close now. I had a
  previous appointment for the upper GI consult, and they cancelled it on me
  last week. I made a new appointment for today, and I have an endoscopy
  scheduled for June 5, at 11:00 am. The Psych Eval that I had scheduled for
  Tuesday May 28, was cancelled due to insurance not covering it. So now I have
  been on the phone all day trying to get a hold of someone that insurance does
  cover, and since this is Memorial Day weekend, there is nobody in the office
  to call me back. Last Tuesday, Jo at Smart Dimensions called wanting to move
  my surgery date up, and I' am not ready for that. I told her no, I will keep
  the original date of the 10th. I guess someone was hoping to push theirs back
  a few days. I need time to get all my pre-op testing done, it sounds like it's
  going to be close. Anyway, that's all for now. More later.
  
  


• Update 5/18/02 - I' am
  scheduled to have the surgery on June 10, 2002. Right now as of this writing,
  I' am planning on having Laparoscopic Roux En Y. But we will see what decision
  is made after I get my final tests done in the next couple weeks. I had a
  upper GI consult scheduled for Friday 5/17, but they cancelled at the last
  minute. That's all I have for right now. I will put down my starting weight
  when I get a final weigh in before the surgery.