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Bernadette H.
King of Prussia, PA, USA
Post Op - BMI: 29.8
Surgery Type: RNY
Member ID: H1024262396
Surgeon: John Meilahn, M.D., F.A.C.S.

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5/06/02 OK had a full physical today, my 35th bday pressy to myself! I finally asked for a referral for a consult for WLS!!!!! My PCP and I have discussed it several times and put it off but I am ready for at the consult to see what its all about. I have never in all my years of obesity felt it as I do now! I have had chronic back pain over 5 years now, sore feet in the AM, stress incontinence (spelling??), always tired and fatigued and feel my weight!!!! I see the surgeon in June!!!

6/30/02 I have had my initial consult with Dr John Meilahn and have had all my pre-tests done! But some scary news, I have a lump in my breast my mammogram found out. The ultrasound was inconclusive so now I have an appt with a surgeon and probable biopsy on 7/11/02. FINGERS CROSSED!!

7/4/02 Just finished all the before and after pics on this site!!! You are all soooo beautiful!!!!! Thanks for sharing your stories with the world, you inspire me!!!!!
I found out this week that I have Sleep APnea (moderate-severe) I was shocked to hear this!!! I dont snore and I sleep through the night but I am grateful to have an explanation for my EXTREME fatique!!!! All my tests are done and my PCP plans to dictate his letter this weekend and then its time for the insurance company to review my file! WISH ME LUCK!!!! My surgeon said once my file is complete then a surgery date is set and will be in two to three weeks from the completed file!!!! So I hope to hear something in the next week or two on a date!!!! Hoping it is real soon so I am healed up before the start of school! I am going to grad school in September for my MSW!!!! Happy independence day ALL!!!!

7/5/02 I got a phone call from my PCPs office today confirming my letter and test results were sent to my surgeon today!!! YIPPEEE!!!!! My PCP got that done quick!!!! Now it is the waiting game!!!!!!!

7/11/02 OK....I thought I was all set and then found out I have to get bloodwork, so got that done and again just waiting!!!! I had my 2nd SLeep Study with the CPAP mask ......ewwwwwww! I had my appt today for the lump in my breast and my surgeon said it is nothing to worry about, no biopsy needed!!! I am blessed! Just need to follow up with another mammogram in October. SO I am still waiting for a date for my WLS date!!!! SOON SOON SOON I hope to get that call!!!!!!!!!

7/20/02 Wish I had good news...AKA a DATE! But no not yet....still WAITING! I had a crazy week and had to have my dad rushed to hospital. When I went over his house Wednesday I found him extremely dizzy and about to pass out! HE gave us quite a scare! But he came home last evening and is fine! Doctors are not sure what happened, maybe food poisoning but had thought originally it was a heartattack. THANK YOU GOD WE WERE TRULY BLESSED THIS WEEK!!!!

7/25/02 I HAVE A DATE!!! AUGUST 6th!!!!!!!! WOO HOOOOO!!!!!

7/30/02 Well its just one more week! Actually this time next week I should be done my surgery!!! I am mixture of emotions!!! There have been three postings on the AMOS message board in the past 2 days of WLS related deaths. My prayers and deepest sympathies go out to the families of fellow WLS patients! I must admit all this has me freaked! I dont want to talk to my family or friends about it because I dont want to worry them even more than they already are about my surgery! The "What ifs" are definately scary! What if this is my last week of life, etc.... I am also excited for a new life after surgery and a healthier me! I am trying to sort all these feelings out and come to a more calmer and assured state of mind!
I am still going through with my surgery! I am also thinking this a normal reaction and maybe even neccessary! Now I am rambling!!!! I have my pre surgery testing and Appointment with my surgeon tomorrow!

8/4/02..Pre testing was a breeze although I got mixed up and told them I already had a chest Xray (which I didnt) and had to go back two days later but all that is done now and its just 2 days till surgery!!!! I had been very anxious all week and think the worst of it is over! I am sooo hopeful about my future and my health! I am also starting grad school in September! ALot of good things happening for me!! I am ready for them!!!!!

8/9/02 HERE I AM POSTING FOR MY FIRST TIME AS I POSTIE!!!!!! I am home! I am still sore and tired but just had to get online and post to my wonderful AMOS family! I am now on the other side!!!!! GOd bless everyone who went in for surgery last week and those going in this upcoming week! I had a great experience and the hospital staff at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia treated me like a princess! The surgery went complication free!!!! Only thing was that the gallbladder was not removed due to the length of time the surgery took and the stress my body was under! ANYWAYSSS...I am home now!!!! :-) I must catch up on all the posts and emails but for now I must go rest! Much love to all!!! THanks for your prayers and well wishes!!!!

8/14/02 Had a pretty good week. SInce being home has been being such a good girl and only having clear liquids(water, apple juice, crystal light and broth). I was able to keep everything down but LOTS of burping!!! The pain gets less and less in the stomache area. I am having bad shoulder pain. I am able to go for walks and have felt week a few times but overall I feel pretty good! JUST BORED BEING HOME ALL DAY!!!

Today I had my first follow up appt. DOWN 19 lbs!!!! Exciting stuff!!!! I had my draining tube removed today and so far that was the worst part!!! My doctor told me there would be a "Twinge" Twinge my A$$!!! That reallly hurt, I was not expecting it too!! I grabbed my doctors hands to stop him! I thought I was going to pass out! But I am fine now! My doctor also took bloodwork to see if everything is ok due to my shoulder pain but thinks everything if good and is being extra cautious!
SO anyway, I am a happy girl today!!! I got to move on to THICKER liquids!!! I had cream soup for lunch and carnation instant breakfast for dinner!!!! YUMMYYYYYYY!!!!!! ( I am being sincere!!). Next week its on to soft foods!

9/11/02 I went to my surgeon for my one month follow up today. Actually 1 month and 5 day follow up. He is pleased with my progress, started me on meds to avoid gallstones from developing, even though at a later date I will have the gallbladder removed, lots of sludge! I was menat to to have it removed during the RNy but it wasnt due to time and stress on my body. OK so my total weight lost so far is ....32 lbs!!! WOO HOO!!!! I have been feeling really good! Aside from a day or two of weekness, feeling faint which the doctor felt was probaby due to my first post surgery period and probable iron deficiency. But I do feel good, I have been back at work for about 2 weeks and started grad school classes last week! Friday I start back to my PT job (there goes the weekends...wahhh!). But I feel good and need to back into my life FULL SWING!!! I have been hearing from lots of people who are getting this surgery and just wanted to post on my profile that I WELCOME HEARING FROM PRE_OPS WITH QUESTIONS!!! DONT HESITATE IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS< ESPECIALLY ABOUT THE GREAT DR MEILAHN!

9/18/02 Had a scare this week. Monday AM got up to go to work and had heart palpitations and tightness in my chest. I called my primary doc who ordered me to an ER immediately so I did. My heart rate was IRREGULAR and was up to 144 at one point! They put on an IV and meds to stablize my heartrate. I was admitted and spent the night and was dicharged the following evening. They called what I had A fibulation. (not so sure of the spelling) but basically it means my upper chambers of the heart was not regulating the heartbeat. I am on a medication to keep it regular and was also ordered to be on a blood thinner but I think that is a no go as my surgeon doesnt like that idea. HE is talking to a specialist and will get back to me on that. I trust what he says. ANyway I am back home and plan to get back to work tomorrow. Oh, this problem with my heart the cardiologist swears and assures me is not related to the WLS. But I am not so sure. My potasium level was also low but it is fine now! Thats all my news! What a scare!

9/29/02 Well I never did start that blood thinner, the surgeon got back to me and told me it was up to me and didnt seem as against it but I was leary. I saw my primary MD this past TUesday and he agrees it is not necessary in my case, did an EKG which was normal and told me he thinks the heart irregularity was probably due to an electrolite imbalance, especially since the potasium was low when I was admitted to the hospital. I go to see the cardiologist this week. And I have been eatting bananas almost daily! Oh and the nest news at all I was weighed at my MDs and I am now down 45lbs!!!! WOO HOO!!!!

11/09/02 HI!! Well its been awhile since an update and I dont have an OFFICIAL new number of Lbs lost today. I go to my surgeon on Wednesday, it is DEFINATELY over 50lbs, maybe 55 or so. Will post when I know! All is going really well!!!!! I am overwhelmed but that is from over committments to school and two jobs and silly me started to paint the house, I should have waited till my break between semesters, but it will be DONE and is starting to look AWESOME!!! High energy levels!!!! Only one complaint and that is hair loss, what a mess in the tub after my showers!!!!! But this too shall pass!!!!

11/14/02 Went for my 3 month follow up visit with my surgeon, and I am doing great!!! He is very impressed with my health and my progress! I have lost 60 lbs....WOO HOOOOO!!!!!! Watched the Al Roker DATELINE last night, I am was sooo happy to see such a positive story on WLS!!!! ANd AL you look WONDERFUL!!!

11/27/02

Just taking a moment to mention on the eve of thanksgiving that I am eternally THANKFUL for my new found great health!!! WOO HOO I feel so much better! I am also thankful for the support and love of my hubby, family and friends!!!! AND ESPECIALLY AMOS AND ALL ITS MEMBERS!!! I am grateful for my life and all the blessings in it!! I am a lucky girlie!!!!

12/08/02
Just another update to say I went to my PCP today for a problem with my eye and I am down 66 lbs now!!!! YIPEEEE!!! All is going very well and just one more week till my break from classes! I am VERY excited for that cuz I have been feeling like a chicken with her head cut off lately!!! 2 papers and a presentation to finish!!! THEN I CAN GET INTO THE XMAS SPIRIT!!!! Start my shopping and decorate !!!! I love Christmas!!!!

12/22/02 HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!!!! I have not been to a doctor since my last post but I am still LOOSING!!! According to my home scales I am at an approximate loss of 70-75 lbs. But that is NOT official till I get weighed at my next follow-up visit, which is January 17th. It is sooo great to face the holidays with no fears of gaining weight!!! I met my first challenge with Christmas cookies in class and it wsa much easier than I expected. It really is sooooo easy when the only option is NO COOKIES!!! lol I am feeling great and dont exercise as much as I should! I went to the first support group at Temple Hospital last Wednesday. It was wonderful to meet others who have had the same experience as me!! It is soooo cool to buy clothes and I am mostly in 18s and fit into a size 16 jean I bought...oh HAPPY DAYS!!!!

JAnuary 22,2003

Had my follow up with my surgeon and DRUMROLL PLEASE.......I am down 85 lbs now!!!!! I just got a pair of jeans from QVC in a 14 to have when I got smaller and tried them on and lo and behold I am wearing them!!! That is a great milestone!!! AMAZING! I feel great!!! I go to see the doc again in three months. I go to the second support group tonight on plastic and reconstructive surgery after WLS...should be interesting!!! Not sure if I updated before or not but I got 2 As on my first grad school report card!!! WOOO HOOOOO a 4.0 GPA!!!!! SO all in all everything is going absolutely FABULOUS!!!

Feb 1st!!! 2003
5 days shy of my six month anniversary of RNY I wanted to update with a list of all I am grateful for due to the WLS!!!
of course without say first and foremost is GOD, my family, hubby, friends and all those that love me!!!! Other things include *improved health, *improved attitude, * DOCTOR MEILAHN AND his staff!, My primary DOctor, *the FRIENDSHIPS I have developed with other AMOS and DOc M patients (especially NANCY and AMY!!! love ya girlies), *a feeling of control, *fitting into NORMAL sized clothes (a first since early High School days and maybe even grade school), *being able to cross my legs, *baths where no tidal wave follows my getting up and unblocking the damm, *compliments, *bones I can feel I never knew were there!, *shopping, *scales, *ENERGY, *Atkins Protein SHakes, *PROPEL WATER, and the love and support of AMOS and all my supports!!!!!

I am thinking I am down 5 more lbs since my last update, that is 90lbs!!!! Getting close to the century club!!! WOO HOO!!!

TOmorrow I get to meet my mentor and friend AMy who I met online here...I am sooo excited!!!

Well till next time!!! :-)

Feeling good!! and HAPPY I made the decision to have WLS!!!

4/27/03
Hello Everyone well I have not posted in AGES!!! I am almost at 9 months post op. It will be nine months on 5/6/03.
I am DOING GREAT!!!! Made the CENTURY and UNDER 200 club!!!! WOO HOO!!!! LAst visit to the Doc had me at a 103 loss and I have lost a few more since then but use his scale as my "offocial loss." I am wearing 12s!!!! UNBELEIVABLE, not even in high school could I do that!!! I am amazed when I see pics of myself! Its weird I can see the loss moreso in pics! (It was the same with weight gain too).
I have recently been having bad attacks which I found out are gallbladder attacks. SO that surgery (gallbladder removal) is scheduled for 5/5/03.
TO anyone thinking about the surgery DO IT!!! I am sooo HAPPY I did! I feel so good and have so much more energy and have made some awesome friendships in the bargain! All through this board!!!

05/15/03 Hello all! HEre I am gallbladderless! Still uncomfortable, two weeks post op, which is unusual! Will see the doc tomorrow so hopefully Ill get a good report! ALl is well in the weight loss journey! While at the doc last Friday I weighed in at 191!!!! Which means a loss of 109 lbs!!!! WOO HOOO!!!! Maybe even a few more will be gone tomorrow!!!! I am in 12s and larges now!!! Its still unreal to me I am this size!!! THe mind is definately not caught up with the body!!! I am in desperate need of summer clothes and hopefully Ill feel well soon so I can get out for that fun!!! REGULAR STORES!!! YEHAWWWW!!!! ANyway first things first and hopefully HEALTH , good HEALTH will be back soon and I can get out and do the fun things again!!!!

HI again. well checked my BMI and I am now just "moderately overweight" YAHOOOO!!! It is 29.something....under 30! Very exciting stuff. I have been having stomach problems since the gallbladder surgery and was in the ER last Friday with the pain. I was diagnosised with Gastritis and a UTI. On antibiotics and PEpcid but still no relief....wahhhhh. I have calls in to my primary and surgeon. So hopefully I get this all straightened out and be pain free soon.

August 27, 2003

Wow how I been bad at updating! Just the week after the last posting I was in the ER again with HORRIBLE doubled over stomach pain, this time they diagnosised it as Acid Reflux Disease. Until this week I didnt have anymore problems with it! But again I have pain just under my chest, and lots of burping. I was put on Gaviscon and we wil see how that works if it doesnt testing will begin and an endoscopy will be in my near future!

I HAD MY PLASTIC SURGERY!!!! On August 1st I had a tummy tuck and an arm lift. Can I say OOOOOWWWWWW!!!! What pain! Glad the worst is over! Each day it feels better. They took off 4 lbs of skin. I went to my primary yesterdya and I have lost 14 lbs since the PS. Now I am at 176 for a total loss of 124! YIPPEEE!!! In some 10s and mediums! SO Weird!

Thats all my news for now!!! God Bless!

November 30th, 2003

Its been a while, I went back into the hospital the end of AUgust with HORRIBLE stomach pain to find out after testing I had/have 3 ulcers. But have been feeeling better since they uped my PRotonix to reduce stomach acid.

Other than that and my crazy hectic schedule with school a ft job and two pt jobs LIFE IS GREAT!

I recently was my sister's Matron of Honor at her wedding and it was great to not worry about everyone looking at me for the wrong reasons (or at least thats the way I used to think, not sure if it was just my distorted perception or real) but at least my mind had me feeling real good about walking down the aisle in my (la te da) Vera Wang gown! It definately was a "You have come a Long Way girl" personal moment!

I've been able to get to my support group meetings more regularly now and love that group and the support we get and give!!!! You guys are the best!

Life after surgery is WONDERFUL!!!! I must say that I always felt blessed and had a wonderful life before but that now there is that extra icing on my cake!!!

I promise to get my after pic online REAL SOON!

GOD BLESS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!!!!!

Page Created by Grace MarshallHadley..
THANKS SOOOOO VERY MUCH GRACE!!! YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!

Photos

Hospital Reviews
(Philadelphia, PA) - Temple University Hospital

Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: John Meilahn, M.D., F.A.C.S.
EXCELLENT and QUALITY CARE from my surgeon, he made sure to visit me daily, as well as several interns! HE did a great job, has a pleasant demeanor and came very HIGHLY recommended by my PCP, a surgeon I saw for another reason and his former patients! His office does all the insurance approvals, I never had to call my insurance company and was approved withina few days of getting my surgery date! Dr MEilahn is big on aftercare and I am glad! THere will be regular aftercare appointments. IF YOU LIVE IN THE PHILLY AREA AND ARE CONSIDERING WLS< GO TO DR MEILAHN!
Insurer Info:
Blue Cross, Keystone Health Plan East