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BEFORE WLS PICS

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EVERY OTHER DAY IN MAY:

5-1-06 I'm very nervous but excited too! I've always been over weight and look forward to the second half of my life being healthy, confident and deliriously happy :)

5-3-06 I have to lose a little weight before my surgery, I've lost 11 lbs already and need to lose 5 more. Wish me luck!

5-5-06 My surgery is scheduled for May 26th, I've never had surgery of any kind and am very nervous. I am reading many of the testimonials on this site and find comfort with all the success stories! At this time my biggest fear is pain. I am confident that I will be one of the many successful people that have had WLS and look forward to my future endeavors.

5-7-06 About myself, I'm 37 years "young", my occupation is a Physical Therapy Aide/ Patient Service Specialist , basically I run the clinic front and back office. I love the people I work with and enjoy assisting my patients in their quest to feeling better and getting back on their feet! I'm currently engaged to a wonderful, caring man whom has supported me through this whole process of WLS. His name is Alex. He loves me for who I am and how I look now, however together we feel our health is soo important and want to do what we can to make sure we are old and grey rocking in our matching recliner chairs! :) Neither of us have children soo we take great pleasure in spoiling and adoring my neice and nephew. I'm very close to my family and have always been supported with their love and enthusiasm! My mom and sister have both had RNY lap surgery and look and feel wonderful! They both believe it's the best decision they ever made. My surgery is in 3 weeks and I'm getting a little more nervous each day with anticipation. I know God is always watching over me and will be there with me that wonderful day.

5-9-06 Another day closer and like clockwork my nerves are wound up. I spoke with a friend who had the surgery last Thursday, she states she was in little pain, only slight discomfort. Perhaps, I'm worrying too much about the pain of the surgery rather than really concentrating and focusing on the afterwards. My goal this day forward is to be in "positive" mode. Focus on all that needs to be done before my surgery.Take some before pictures, prepare my hospital stay bag, start buying the approriate foods that I can eat post surgery. Last night, I went into the obesity.help chat room knowing that surrounding myself with people so like myself would ease my mind. I was right. I sat there and listened mostly but found comfort in making new friends and learning little facts here and there. At one point I sat and cried for what I thought was no reason at all. It was the kind words of a new friend that let me know it was ok and that emotions are a huge factor in this whole process. It is good for me to have all these emotions, it means I'm alive! GOD, I'm soo thankful to be ALIVE!

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5-11-06 I'ts almost the weekend, day before my 2 week countdown. Been a tough week, haven't lost anymore weight, work was very busy and a little overwhelming at times. I feel alright about not losing weight though seeings as I am trying to fit a few of my favorite meals in before the big day. Alex is making busghetti tonight! Yum!
I think a lot about my decision to have WLS and have gone back and forth in my mind a million times going over reasons why I should and should not proceed. Seems, the only reason I can come up with for changing my mind and not having it done, is simply the "F" word. F-E-A-R. (what were you thinking, shame on you!??? :)~ LOL
Therefore, I am continuing on my mission of self positiveness. Pain is temporary, Fear is temporary, just another in the plethera of emotions that I will feel in my lifetime. I look forward to feeling good, being well, and enjoying the rest of my life with my "big dog". ^. .^


5-13-06 Started the pre-op menu my doctor gave me today, Morning consists of 8 oz of skim milk, 1 scoop protein powder, and 4 oz fresh fruit, Noon: 1 can protein shake, Evening: 4 oz of protein, 1 tbsp healthy oil, and 4 oz vegetables. I am also taking my vitamins. The plan is to reduce the fat around my liver to enable the surgeon to better visualize the area of surgery. Must comply to reduce any complications. I do not want to be cut open! I am prepared for laprascopic not any other drastic measures. I shall try my best to follow this plan!


5-15-06 Been on the "pre-op diet" diet for a few days, it's hard because I get hungry often, although there is not supposed to be any snacks, I have bought a few products to help me. I nibble on a piece of beef jerkey or string cheese and drink water. This seems to help the hunger and I don't think about food after that. I figure the two are protein, it should not hinder my pre-op diet. Need to drink drink drink more water! :)

5-17-06 Today is a very good day! Alex and I set our wedding date for July 4, 2006! We are getting married in Las Vegas, NV! We booked our hotel and chapel today! I am soo excited! WOW! I have soo much to look forward to in my life. I cannot wait to marry him! By then I will be a little over a month out and will have lost some weight.
My pre-op appointment is next Tuesday and hospital admission pre op is next Wednesday. This is really happening, one week from Friday, I'm making a change for the better!!

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5-19-06 Today, offiicially starts my one week countdown to surgery. Honestly, I'm not as nervous as I was 2 weeks ago. I am definately more anxious and excited now.
I went to Dr. Coirin's office today to fill out my disability papers. Before I left, I asked to step on their scale because I wanted to check my weight, I need to be down to 310 lbs before next Friday. I was very disappointed because the scale shows I weigh 318. I am eating only protein, fruits and vegetables like the pre op diet states. I drink lots of water and crystal light. On my scale at home it reads 312. I was wearing jeans and medical scrubs this afternoon. When I weigh myself at home, I'm in my underwear, perhaps that's the reason. Clothes can be very heavy, especially when they are as large as mine are now. But not for long!! (YaY!)
I can't wait until next Friday! I am soo ready!

5-21-06 How time flies...
Well, I went shopping today for my post surgery food ( broth, sf jello, and popsicles). I also needed to buy comfy pj's and a robe for my strolls down the hospital corridor. I realized that this could be the last time I would have to shop for something to wear at a specialty plus size store. As much as I love the clothes selection at The Fashion Bug, I will be able to buy clothes at any department store! Actually, now that I think about it, they have a section of the store specifically for petite sizes. I am soo there!!! :)
I've been doing well with my diet, exercise, and drinking lots of water. I believe I will be under the 310 mark before my surgery date!
Wish me luck!

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5-23-06 I had my pre op appointment today with Dr Coirin's office. it went alright. I still have to lose 2 pounds. I'm figuring that if I eat only broth and sf jello for the next 2 days, I'll make it. My bmi has to be 55 or under. Tomorrow is my pre op with the hospital. Wow... 3 days left.

5-25-06 Woo Hoo! Went to Dr Coirin's office this morning and I weigh 309.5 lbs! My bmi is finally where my doctor required. I'm very happy. Believe it or not, I'm really more excited about tomorrow than I am scared.
Yesterday, was my last day at work. My fellow employees plus a few patients were vey supportive and encouraging. I feel confident that the clinic will be in good hands during my absence.
I went to my pre-op at the hospital where I had a few labs done. The people that work at Memorial Hospital are soo very kind! They made me feel very comfortable and were excited about my surgery.
OK, about an hour ago I just drank this icky cherry citrate of magnesium (bowel prep), it was AWEFUL, should be an interesting day. (lol) I've been nauseous ever since.
My overnight bag is packed. I'm basically ready for the big day tomorrow. My surgery is scheduled at 8:30 am, I have to be at Memorial Hospital at 6:30 am. Alex, my mom, and dad will be there.
I should be in the hospital for a few days and will continue with my journal when I'm back home. Pray for me, Thank you! :)

" Life isn't measured by the number of breaths we take-
but by the moments that take our breath away"

5-27-06 Lisa's surgery went Great!!!! She is still in the hospital and gives everyone lots of hugs and kisses. She will let you all know how it went as soon as she comes home in a day or two. Thank you all for the awesome support,.. it really helped her get through this,.. thanks again,.. Alex:-)

5-29-06 Got home yesterday, feeling pretty good. I'm a little sore but not a lot of pain. I've only had to take pain meds once since I got home. My best friend right now is gas-x though! lol... The bloating and gas pain is the hardest part. Once is passes though, I feel better. I'll keep ya all updated on my progress. I haven't checked my weight yet, gonna wait a few days for the bloating to subside.. lol
On a personal note, I want to thank Krissy from OH chat for visiting me in the hospital. You are soo very sweet and I really appreciate your support . I love my angel wings! 0-:o)

5-31-06 Well today was a very good day, little to zero pain all day. I went to Costco with Alex, had a nice walk. This was the first day I actually got fully dressed (bra even), contacts, and make up. I felt sooo good! I really didn't have any pain except for a little gas/bloating. I can't stand up all the way straight or it will ache but I did really well overall. We also went and purchased Alex's wedding ring, very excited! It was a busy day and time to relax! I'm soo thankful I'm feeling soo good! My 1 week post op appointment is Friday morning, looking forward to it. :)

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KEEPING YOU IN TUNE IN JUNE:

6-1-06 Today I went to my 1 week post op appt, I was soo excited when I found out I lost 10 pounds! In one week.. woohoo!
The PA said I'm doing great and advised me that I do not have to take the hbp or water pill anymore. Then she told me that I could start stage 2 diet!! I gave her a hug and told her I will never eat chicken/beef broth again for as long as I live! lol.. Soo, I had a scrambled egg for breakfast, dannon carb smart lite yogurt for lunch and a piece of rotisserie chicken breast with a little mayo (ala magic bullet) for dinner. I ate very slow and really didn't end up eating very much but was very satisfied. Optisource vitamins are very yummy as well! So today was a very good day.

P.S. I need to drink more water :)

6-3-06 We had a bbq today, wow I never knew pureed bbq chicken could be soo good! :).. I couldn't have anything else but I was satisfied. I am able to shower and do most housework on my own. I LOVE walking, it is when I feel my best. My post op nutrition class is next Tuesday, I look forward to it. I sent out our wedding invitations today. I can't wait for the big day!!

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6-5-06 Today was another good day. I've been able to keep all food down. Still not hungry but am eating and taking vitamins like I'm supposed to. My post op nutrition class is in the morning. I have a Dr's appt with my PCP in the afternoon, hope to get some exercise. I love walking.

6-7-06 I went to my post op nutrition class yesterday, it was very informative. But the best news is I went to my PCP for a follow up, he monitors my BP every 3 months. *drum roll* I lost another 6 lbs! That brings me to 16lbs in less than 2 weeks! *happy dance* I was very happy! He says thats about 32 lbs since I last saw him. I feel really wonderful! We're having grilled basa fish fillets tonight, yum!

6-9-06 2 weeks post op today, looks like I'm down 19lbs total! yipee!
Went to San Francisco today, spent the entire day there. We musta walked about 10 miles ( so it felt!) lol.. Spent time at the beach, it was beautiful! The air was soo crisp and the wind felt good on my face. This evening I wasn't real hungry soo I had a few very small pieces of cheese for dinner and wow I feel soo awful now! It feels like its stuck in my chest. The pain wont go away, I've felt like this for hours. I'm going to lay down and pray it goes away. Mental note: no cheese for awhile. :)~

6-11-06 Been having trouble with this pain in my chest, it feels like whatever I eat is getting stuck. I'm going back to soft foods like eggs and milk. My stomach isn't ready for meat or cheese yet. (no matter how much I puree or mush it). I try to drink as much water as possible, still not drinking as much as my doctor wants though. I made a pitcher of non caffeine ice tea, that should help. Not feeling great tonight,if that's not bad enough, constipation is occuring now too. I know I will feel better real soon. My body is learning how to heal itself and work again.

6-13-06 Just finished having tuna and mayo. Tastes soo good! I also love these Dannon light n fit carb smart yogurt smoothies! We found this chocolate milk today that is soo amazingly good and has low sugar, fat and carbs, its called HOOD. It comes in regular and chocolate milk! I'm trying to fit veggies and fruits in my meals, it's difficult. I'm not hungry for the most part soo getting protein supplements down isn't going so well either. I'm getting all my protein directly from the food I eat. I need to start a food journal and really keep track of how much protein I'm actually eating.
I went to work to visit the girls today, they are amazed how good I look with just 20 lbs gone. It was wonderful to see them! I haven't weighed myself for over a week. I want to be surprised soo I'm going to wait a few more days.

6-15-06 I didn't do much today, I felt really tired. I started the B-50 earlier this week. It's supposed to give me even more vitamins as well as Biotin for my hair. I'm hoping I will have more energy now that I'm taking soo many vitamins. I have to go and have labs done tomorrow, my 4 week post op appointment is next week. I guess they can tell me if I'm lacking anything. I'll weigh in tomorrow on my scale and see how much weight I've lost. I'm still a little sore on my left side. It comes and goes.
On a positive note! I'm going to try watermelon tonight! Yum!

6-17-06 Ok, it's official, I LOVE watermelon! lol I can't seem to stop eating it, I have it with my cottage cheese or after I finish my egg in the morning. I slowly feel like I'm getting back to normal. Less pain and soreness everyday. I got my lab done yesterday, wow the lady had a hard time finding my veins and I now have a humongous bruise on my inner arm. Except for that, I'm feeling wonderful!

6-19-06 Woo Hoo! I got my wedding dress today! I went down from a size 30-32 to a 22-24! I'm very excited!
We went out to dinner tonight, it was my first dining experience since I had my surgery. I ordered a 2 egg omelet with cheese,(cottage cheese instead of hash browns) I ate very slowly, chewed real good and had no problems! It tasted great and felt good to be out. I honestly feel everyday that goes by, I feel better and better! My 4 week post op appt is Wed. I haven't weighed myself yet this week, I wanted to wait til I saw the Dr., I don't trust my scale yet. lol

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6-21-06 Well I'm very disapointed this evening. I went to my 4 week post op appt today and it looks like I've only lost 1 pound in 2 weeks. I don't understand that because I've followed all the rules. Dr Coirin says not to worry, it works like that sometimes. There will be months of significant weight loss and some that are not. He did say I could start exercising more, perhaps that will help. My lab report shows I'm doing very well, all my levels were perfect. Blood pressure is still normal too. I know I should be satisfied and excited because I'm doing soo well. I'll just keep on track and continue to eat right, drink right, and exercise!

6-23-06 Not much to say, just passing the time.. I've got most of my wedding plans in order. Just gotta keep doing what I'm doing. I feel pretty good today. It's 104 degrees outside today! WOW too hot!

6-25-06 Just kinda kicked back at home this weekend. I weighed myself this morning, I'm at 290. *happy dance*
It was race day! Jeff Gordon won today! Alex is happy! Had some family over for the WWE Pay Per View this evening. I tried ground beef for the first time. (We bought 4% fat, 96% lean). Alex barbecued, it was really good. It settled just fine. It's cool that slowly I'm introducing different foods and so far my stomach is ok with everything. I'm still on a watermelon fix! I have to eat it everyday :)

6-27-06 One week from today, I'll be married! 20 lbs lighter too :)

6-30-06 Leaving for Las Vegas on Sunday! Next post I make I will be a married woman! I can't wait! God bless us all.



HOTTER THAN JULY!:

7-7-06 Back from Vegas! *drum roll* WERE MARRIED!!
Our wedding was wonderful! We had a fantastic time and are soo happy to be home! It was 117 degrees and pouring in Vegas! Tomorrow is our reception here at home, gonna have a full house!
My appetite is getting better. I find that I get hungrier more often ( not sure if thats good or not). I'm losing slowly but healthy. It's gonna be tough not being able to eat any wedding cake! (lol)
I go back to work on Monday, looking forward to that.

7-9-06 The reception party was a great success! We had such a wonderful time. I got too see a lot of family members I haven't seen in a long time. I was told soo many times how good I looked and how proud everyone is that I am doing soo well with my weight loss. Krissy from OH chat came, it was soo nice of her to share in our happiness. I'm soo thankful to have a good friend like her. I think it's great the relationships/friendships we make here at OH.com. She is going to have her surgery in a little over a week, I can't wait to be able to share the experience with her and have someone to talk about this whole journey.

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7-11-06 I weighed myself today... 280! woo hoo! -30 lbs exactly! since my surgery. 50 lbs since April. I'm soo happy!

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10-26-06 It has been awhile since I've updated my profile, I am sad to say with a broken heart that I lost my mom last month. I haven't been able to cope with this. It has been hard for me to get out of bed much lless get online.
As of yesterday I weigh 249, that's 61 lbs. since my surgery. My weight loss is going very slow but I'm pleased with the results.
My mom has always been my best friend and biggest supporter in life. She just made her goal of 150 the week before her death. She was soo happy. Her WLS was in 2003. On a Thursday night in September, she wasn't feeling well, she went to lay down to rest and never woke up. I know I should find comfort in the thought that she did not suffer, however I am still too grief stricken to understand or deal with it. I know how proud she was of my decision to have WLS. She always made sure to let me know how good I was doing and how great I looked. I miss her soo much.



2-28-07 Happy New Year friends, I'm hanging in there. My life has changed so drastically it is unbelievable sometimes. After the sudden death of my mom last year, I was very depressed however I had to stay strong for my dad, niece and nephew. Alex and I have become full time parents due to the kids lived with my mom and dad. They now stay with us full time. I wish there was a parenting 101 class I could take. I am working on being more patient and understanding. I know God doesn't give us anything we can't handle. I have faith. I do miss my mom so much. I get by knowing that her spirit is around me everyday assisting me in my day to day life. As for weight loss, I weigh 225. It has been a very slow process for me however I am pleased with my results thus far. When I started this journey my highest weight was 230 . That's over 100 lbs gone. I am so proud of myself and happy with my decision to have WLS. Once it gets warmer and stops raining I want to start back on my walking regimen. I know I need more exercise. I will try to come on when I can and update you all on my progress. Please pray for me and my family as I will do the same for you all.

Bigoo

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