Weight Loss Surgery Directory

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Melissa S.
West Haven, UT, USA
Post Op - BMI: 22.7
Surgery Type: RNY
Member ID: S1041545937
Web Site: http://smithfamilyhome.bravehost.com/index.html
Surgeon: Sherman C. Smith M.D., F.A.C.S.

Click here for Melissa's surgery support page
Click here for Before & After pictures page
Click here for the 02/2003 Reunion Page
Click here to print Melissa's cards
(You can print your own cards, and if you're good at it,
you can help print cards for your friends as well!)














******************************************************************************************

Date----------{Wt}-----WtLoss-----BMI-----Chest-----Waist-----Hips-----Thigh-----Arm
02/07/03---{220}-----No----------46-------47.5-------43--------51-------27.5------18.5
02/16/03---{201}-----19-----------43.5-----46.5-------42--------49--------25-------16.5
02/23/03---{197}-----23----------42.63----45--------42.5------47.5------24--------16
03/07/03---{193}-----27----------41.76-----45--------39--------46--------24--------14
03/16/03---{189}-----31-----------40.9------44-------38.5-----44.75------23-------13.5
03/23/03---{185}-----35----------40.3------43--------37-------43.5-------23--------13
03/30/03---{180}-----40----------38.95----43-------35.5------43.5------21.5-------11.5
04/06/03---{176}-----44----------38.09----41.5-------35------41.5------20.5-------11
04/20/03---{167}-----53----------36.14----40.3/4-------35.5------41.1/4------21.5-------10.1/2
06/01/03---{148}-----72----------32.03----39.1/4-------33------35.1/2------19.3/4-------9.3/4
06/15/03---{144}-----76----------31.16----38-------32------34------18-------9.1/2
06/15/03---{140}-----80----------0----0-------0------0------0-------0
07/09/03---{136}-----84----------29.43----37.1/2-------31------34------17-------9.1/2
08/10/03---{130}-----90----------28.13----35-------30------33------16-------9
09/07/03---{128}-----92----------27.7----35-------29------32.3/4------16-------9
10/06/03---{122}-----98----------26.4----35-------27.1/2------31------15.1/2-------9
10/13/03---{120}-----100----------26----35-------27------31------15-------9
11/20/03---{117}-----103----------25.3----0-------0------0------0-------0
12//08/03---{117}-----103----------25.3----0-------0------0------0-------0
01//02/04---{115}-----105----------24.89----0-------0------0------0-------0
02/15/04---{114}-----106----------24.67----35-------27------31------15-------9
09/13/04---{111}-----108----------24.02----0-------0------0------0-------0
01/11/05---{105}-----0----------0----0-------0------0------0-------0





I am a wife of 14 years and a mother of 3 kids. I work from 6:00 a.m to 3:30 p.m. When I get home I take a nap till 5:00 then I am off to school till 10:00 p.m. I am very tired before the end of the week.

I have been fighting my weight since I was 8 years old. I am the biggest I have been in all my life even when I was pregnant I didn't weigh this much. I am 4 foot 9 1/2 inches and weigh 220lbs. If I look at bmi the last time I was at my ideal weight was in 4th grade.

I am going to my first appointment with Dr. Smith on Jan 9, 2003 to set up my surgery date. I can't wait!!!!
I wish I had known about this site way before now so I could have updated when I first started my search for the surgery. I went to the class back in July of 2002.

My first three letters I was not accepted for the surgery. But found out why. They were not looking at the new information that was getting sent in. My first letter had me at 4 foot 9 inches and 197 lbs. so I didn't qualify. When we re-sent the new letter in Nov of 2002 we had more testing and better height and weight. I am now at 4 foot 8 inches 230 lbs. have sleep disorder, type 2 diabetes, and a sledding accident Dec 23, 2001 with L1 compression. So this helped me get the surgery at this time.

I only have a few more days tell I see Dr. Smith I can't wait but I guess I will have to. :)

This site is the best!! I spend a lot of time on it anymore.




Jan 07, 2002

Hello everyone. I feel like a kid right before Christmas the last few days and nights. I can’t sleep and I am so wound up. I know it’s just the appointment to setup the surgery on the 9th of Jan but man I have been waiting for so long. As soon as I get my date I plan on calling all my family members and let them know. I am going to ask my husbands mother to watch my three kids while I am in the hospital if she can’t then I will have my mother and father watch them. There is so much to do but need to wait for Thursday. I just can’t stop thinking about it. I spend most of my time here on the web site looking at before and after pictures and reading peoples profiles. Well I will go for now I just hope that the excitement don’t over take me. Only 2 days :) !!!!




Jan 8, 2003

Hey all 1 more day. I had to go see my regular doctor this morning because I was having pains like I always do when I have a bladder infection. Well it turns out I may not a bladder infection but there might be something wrong with my gallbladder so they took a bunch of blood from me this morning. I thought I just had a lot of gas but she kept on asking me question like do you have pains in the middle of your back and is it right after you eat. Well when I got back to my computer I looked up gallbladder on the web by George I do have all the symptoms plus some for problems with the gallbladder have had them for almost 3 months now. So now I am wondering if I am even going to be able to get the surgery done now. I hope this does not mess things up for my surgery. I will let Dr. Smith know about things tomorrow. I will get a ultrasound on Friday so I hope that tells me something. I am not as happy as I was yesterday. :(




Jan 10, 2002

I got my surgery date yesterday its February 21, 2003!!! I am 41 days out right now. Dr. Smith office was very nice yesterday. Channel Fox 13 was there interviewing him when I got there it was kind of cool. I was taken back in a room weighed and all that stuff found out that my height is 4 feet 10 inches and I weigh 219 lbs. now. Then I saw Dr. Smith he is a great man. He let me know that I would lose my hair and may need to buy a wig but says most people just cut it. But being on this web site I have learned so much from reading profiles that I already new that was possible. I get my ultrasound done in just a few hours he wants those results as soon as he can so I will have them faxed to him. I will have my surgery done at Cottonwood in Murray Utah because Tricare will only pay 100% there. I think that is why I have such a long wait before my surgery but I guess I have been waiting this long it will be ok. Well I will close for now will let you know what happens with my ultrasound when I get the results.





Jan 14, 2003

I have not heard about my results on my ultrasound yet plan on calling my Doctor this morning to see if there was any news yet. The days seem to be moving by slower now that I have a date for surgery. So I have been trying to keep myself busy. I am thinking about moving it back 2 weeks so I can finish my school. My last night of school is the 6th of March then I will have my bachelors for computer science. I just don't know what to do. If anyone has any suggestions let me know. I was going to see if I could handle sitting in class for 3 hours a night. I met a wonderful person here on the site Suzanne S she has answered all my questions I have ask. I know there will be so many more questions when it gets closer. Well I will close for now I will write some more later if I hear from my doctor.




Jan 15, 2003

I tried to update my profile yesterday but it was down for profile updates. I got a call back from my doctor’s nurse about 3:25 yesterday saying that the test results for my ultrasound was fine nothing wrong. Is it all in my head? Doctor wants to do a new test it’s called a Hida scan to see if that brings anything out. I will let you know something as soon as I find out something. Well I will close for now.




Jan 17, 2003

I ended up in the E.R on Wednesday night because I could not keep anything down. They did a bunch of blood test there nothing still so I go sometime in the next few weeks I will go get a HIDA scan. This has not been fun. I am just hoping Feb 21 gets here real quick so maybe if its my gallbladder they can take it out. I believe I have lost a few pounds this week because I haven't been eating anything. Just thought I would update today. Will write more later.




Jan 20, 2003

Took my picture tonight so I have a before and after. Tomorrow is my B-day was so hoping I had the surgery before my B-day. I guess I only have 32 days now. Write more later.




Jan 23, 2003

The days are going by so slowwwwwwwwww. Any one got any ideas how to make them go faster? I feel that it’s so far away now. I made my appointment to do my pre stuff on January 31, but even that seems far to me. I thought going to work and school would make things faster. I have been having problems sleeping the last few nights because I am so excited. All I can think about is the surgery. Am I doing the right thing will this make life easier or will it make it harder? Will this get easier or will this be an on going feeling tell I get the surgery. Ok that’s enough for the today. Later




Jan 28, 2003

I never would have thought this would happen to me its like winning a lottery. Dr. Smith’s office called me about 20 minuets ago. They asked me if I wanted to change my surgery date I am like cool sure when will it be. They said it will be moved to the 7th of February can you believe this its not that far now. I am even more nerves then I was before. Can you believe it this is so cool I can't believe it!!!! So instead of my surgery date being the 21st of February its the 7th of February!!!!!! I am so excited I can't wait. Now I have to call my mother in law to see if she can change her time to come up. If not I will have to ask my parents. I am going to go to Dr. Smith this Friday for my pre stuff then the next week I go into surgery.




Jan 31, 2003

Well today went by real fast for me. I went to my Pre-surgical Orientation class today. I found out more about the surgery and the stay at the hospital and what I should do for a few weeks after I get out of the hospital. I can't wait to be on the losing side. I got home and had a phone call from the hospital wanting to do my pre-registering for next Friday so I called them back and got that set up. I should get a call sometime next week when the time the surgery is. I paid for my support group today to. I went out and got my Magnesium Citrate for the night before. I can't wait for that night (NOT). I got all my vitamins, calcium, and some iron tonight. Got some socks with bumpy things on the bottom of them so I can take my walks in the hospital.


I am looking forward to tomorrow because I will be meeting suzanne s and Mary from my area that I meet here on this site. I can't wait to meet my new friends and visit with them. Well I will write more tomorrow and let you know how things go with the meeting. Later




Feb 1, 2003

Today was a good day it started out going shopping for the two week supply of food. Then a baby shower for my sister in law. I meet with Suzanne s and Mary at 3:30 it was so nice to meet with them after talking through email the last few months. We sat and we talk till 5:00 how time goes by when you are having a great time. I just hope the next 5 days goes by just as fast!!I can't wait to be on the losing side. There is one thing that I would suggest to anyone that has found friends here on line and you live some what close is to get together and visit with them as I did with suzanne and Mary today the support from one another is so great to have. Well I will close for now. Later




Feb 4, 2003

Man it’s not my day. I am coming down with a cold. I had a fever last night with chills and now my throat hurts today. Any one got any suggestions on getting well fast I will take it in a heart beat. I only have 2 days till my surgery so I am very excited but scared that the colds going to stop me from having the surgery. Well I will close for now.




Feb 6, 2003

Hello all I just wanted to let you know I stayed home on Wednesday drank a lot of water and slept most of the day. I am feeling so much better today I can't believe what a little sleep and drinking water can do for you. I am starting to get a little scared now. But I guess that comes with any surgery you have. I will write some more tonight when I find out my surgery time. Later




Feb 6, 2003 2:50p.m

I just got my call from the hospital. I have to be at the hospital at 9:15 in the morning and my surgery can be any where between 1 to 2 hours after that. I am hoping 1 hour. Well I am off to let people know. Later




Feb 7, 2003

Well I am on my way to the losing side today. My time was changed yesterday from 9:15 to 10:15 so it will be a little later today. I am either having a stress headache or a hungry headache this morning but can not take any thing for it so am trying to keep focusing on the pain to go away. The Magnesium Citrate was not as bad as it was said to be but I drank mine with ice and not warm. Well I will go for now I will talk to everyone when I am on the losing side.




7 through 9, Feb 2003

I arrived at Cottonwood at 9:00 I was suppose to go back at 10:15, but they had some complications with other patients. I got back to the pre surgery area around 12:30, the nurse told us that I probably wouldn't be going in until 2:30, so I told Billy to take the kids to get something to eat. Billy didn't return until 1:45 and at that time they had wheeled me back. The nurse asked me how I felt I told her ok but I was upset because I didn't get to see my husband before I went back, but it was for the best because I would have started crying. I was on the table at 2:06 and was completed and in recovery at 3:45. When I got to my room I was in some pain but they gave me some meds to help I was also told that they had filled my stomach with CO2 and that I had allot of gas to get rid of and that was allot of my pain. I was up at 1:30 am and was walking the nurses were surprised that I was walking so soon. I also got a call about from Mary and Susan asking how I was doing. The funniest thing about my stay was that on Saturday Morning I heard Dr. Smith ask the nurse if the vampire was awake, I think this came because of my walk at 1:30 that morning. I will write more when I am up to sitting more at the computer. I am on the losing side now!!!! Later




Feb 10, 2003

I am doing ok to night. I went to school for 1 hour it hurt a little to be sitting up that long. I am going to try again tomorrow. I only have 4 weeks tell I am at out of school so I am trying to be at school as much as I can. I am drinking a lot of water and it helps a lot. I will try to write more tomorrow. Later




Feb 14, 2003

Sorry I haven't wrote for a few days. I have been just trying to get through day to day trying to figure what I can eat and what I can't eat. I was off and getting food at the store yesterday it was so hard not to pick up junk food. I did pick some cookies for my daughter to bake so I didn't go to crazy. I have been walking on my gazelle thing the last few days I do two work outs in a day and each I loose 100 cal. its like I have hips again and its real nice to be able to feel them again hehehehe. I have 3 weeks of school now I just can't wait tell its over with so I can be at home with my babies and husband. The hardest thing I find is that I crave French fries and bread a lot the last few days and it drives me crazy. I tried cottage cheese last night and 1 table spoon of refried beans I am not sure which one made me sick but I was hurting really bad. My husband asked witch one made me sick but I like to eat my food some what together so I am not sure he told me I need to eat one at a time so I know which one bugs me. So now I will eat one thing at a time so I know what one upsets me. I just had scrabbled eggs and some turkey deli meat with cheese and it was really good. Well I will close for now. Later




Feb 16, 2003

Well I was going to write yesterday but it was my sons birthday. He wanted to have lasagna so I had to make it and I wanted so much to eat just a little of it. It smelled so good to me but I was strong and didn't it. I has someone else do the cake and ice cream because there is no way I would of stayed in control with that. We decided that we will weigh and measure ever Sunday. I stepped on the scale for the first time since the surgery. I will share what I have lost so far. On Feb 07, 2003 I weighed 220, BMI was 46, chest was 47.5, waist was 43, hips were 51, thigh 27.5, and arm was 18.5. As of today Feb 16, 2003 weight 201, BMI 43.5, waist 42, hips 49, thigh 25, and arm 16.5. I was so excited when I stepped on the scale today I even cried. I am trying to figured out food to eat but I can't seem to find anything that is good any more and would rather starve then eat. I went to see a movie today with the family and walked up the stairs but when I got half way my sons says mom you are not suppose to go but the stairs it didn't hurt so I guess I can do the stairs now. So I am going to plan on going to the work out center here on base on Tuesday to work out on some of the equipment. Well I will close for now. Later




February 21, 2003

I thought I would update and let you know I was at work full time now. It’s good to be back. I started back to work on Tuesday so that’s why I have not updated. I have been having problems finding food still to eat so I am still just eating yogurt and chicken broth. I tried some deli meat but just didn’t go over well. I guess it will come in time. I am getting all my water down and then some each day. I am not working out as much but have only 2 weeks of school so after work I will start to go to the gym. I am getting excited about being done with school. I will update on Sunday when I weigh in again and do measurements. I go to my two week check up on Monday so I will update then to. Later




February 23, 2003

Well I didn’t do as good as last week. I will start to work out Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 5:00 in the morning before work. I am hoping that might help. Here is how much I have lost and my measurements for this week. Weight 220 - 197, BMI 46 - 42.63, Chest 46 - 45, Waist 43 - 42, Hips 51 - 47.5, Thigh 27.5 - 24, Arm 18.5 - 16. I will be seeing Dr. Smith tomorrow so I will have more to update then. Later




February 25, 2003

Well I didn’t have time to update yesterday after my doctor appointment so here I am. I weighed in at the office and I was at 199 so I am going with my scale at home 197 hehehe. Doctor Smith gave me the ok to go and take on the world and become the new me so I guess that means back to work and back to school ops I am already doing that. He gave me two prescriptions yesterday 1 was for iron and the other was to keep from getting gallbladder stones. I am going to go get them filled tonight after work. I told him I was having problems with a lot of foods. I told him I was only eating yogurt and my cream soups so he told me to drink some ensure for my protein. So my husband bought me some last night and it’s not that bad. I will go back to see Doctor Smith on March 14 for my 6 week check up. Well I will close for now. I will update on Sunday unless something happens that I need to tell you about. Later




March 3, 2003

Sorry I didn’t update yesterday but I didn’t get a chance to weigh or measure so I will try this next weekend. My husband worked till late last night so he wasn’t home to help. By then I might have lost more so I can be less depressed then if I would have done it yesterday. I went cloths shopping yesterday well I guess just bra shopping I have went from a 40DD to a 38D so I have dropped one cup its nice to know that maybe I will not have to carry so much up front when this is all done. Well I will go for now. Later




March 7, 2003

I real quick note before I am off to Idaho for the weekend. I did my weight and height today being my 1 month anniversary. My weight is 193 lbs., BMI 41.6, chest 45, waist 39, hips 46, thigh 24, and arm 14. I just finished school last night I am now a graduate of Bachelor of Computer Science and it feels so good to final say that. I will start working out every night at the gym here on base next week. I can't wait to start thinning out even more with exercise. I am thinking that maybe even doing that tanning thing hehehhe. Well I better go help get things ready for Idaho. Will write later.




March 17, 2003

Not much to say today other then I am still losing weight and feeling good. I am still not eating much but that’s ok. I am tanning now and working out every night and it feels so good. I just moved to new location on Hill AFB and it’s been well so far. Well there is not to much more here so I will close for now. Later




March 20, 2003

Hi Guys. I just wanted to give you some excited news today well it was exciting to me. I thought I would try a pair of pants on I have not had on for about 2 years as I was pulling them up I was like this will not fit me on and on. Well I got them all the way up and done up they were a little tight but they did up. Well I thought well what size was this and I took them off and guess what? They are size 16P and did that feel great to see. I have been trying to eat more but can’t seem to like any foods anymore. I eat just little bits and still have to stop after eating about two bits unless its yogurt or jerky or cream of mushroom. Well I will close for now. Later







March 23, 2003

Hello all. Today is the day I weigh in so I am updating my information. My weight and all of that is up at the top of this page. I am so excited that I am still losing weight like I am. I thought that without working out all week I wouldn't of lost anything. I went cloths shopping yesterday at the Kmart that is closing down and got me some real nice shirts and some pants. I am going to go through my closet today and bag up my old cloths. Well that’s about all I have to say today so I will close for now. Later






March 30, 2003

Hello all. Here I am again on Sunday for my update. I hit the Obese II 35 - 39.9 this week and it feels good to be obese and not Morbid Obesity anymore. I am working on getting on that train to exercise more and start doing abs workouts at the gym next week. I am getting a tanning bed in the next few weeks so I can tan at home. Well I guess I will close for now will update soon. Later






March 31, 2003

Forgot to tell you the exciting news yesterday when I got done weighing in yesterday I had my husband weigh in to and guess what? We are the same weight 180. I have not weighed the same as my husband for almost 10 years now it’s so cool. Later.





April 06, 2003

This week has been full of fun. One of my best friends Mary went in on Monday to have her surgery done and did real well with the surgery. I went and seen her on Tuesday with my whole family. My two youngest kids see her at school every day and call her Mrs. C. She is the PTA president at the school they go to. My other friend I have meet here on www.obestyhelp.com made my beautiful web page with lighthouses. My whole would ok my house and my web page now are all lighthouses. I think she did a wonderful job on it. Thanks susannes!!! Now for my weight loss I have done a wonderful job losing I just need to start exercising its so hard to say you are going to do something and then not do it. I guess I just need to find someone that will motivate me here in this area. We decided not to get the tanning bed after all because we had to go through so much to put it on base. So I will wait till we move. I am still going tanning every other night to keep my tan. I went shopping on Friday after work I am now in a size 14 pair of pants from a size 24, a size large shirt from a size 2XX, a size C 36 bra from a DD42 bra, and a size 7 panties from a size 10. I got a new picture of myself for my 2 months out from surgery and what a difference 2 months makes. I am still eating the same foods but feeling ok with the protein drink that I mix up for my dinner meals. Well I guess I will go for now if I think of anything else I will write later.





April 9, 2003

I had a wonderful night last night so I just had to get on here and let you all know that this surgery was the best thing I have done for my self for many years. My two youngest had a family night for school and it was at the Classic Fun Center. I went with them and went roller skating for 3 hours straight and I still didn't want to stop. I have not been skating since I was 16 years old and if felt so good to be out there on the floor again. I had so much energy!!! Last night when I got into bed I could feel every bump and strain though so my husband rubbed icy hot on my legs to see if that would help. I am not sore this morning so I guess it helped. I saw my friend Mary there last night she is now 1 week and 2 days out from surgery and she is looking good so far. Keep up the great work Mary. Well I guess I will go for now. Later





April 14, 2003

Hello. I had a real bad week so didn’t get a chance to weigh and tape this weekend. I will try to do it next week. I did weigh in this morning and I am at 174 not to much off this week. I am frustrated because I feel that I am on a plateau right now but I guess this is my first one. I go to my two month check up today at 2:00 to see how the doctor feels about my loss in weight. I have been real constipated the last week so I was trying to find everything and anything to get rid of (you know what). I used MOM, green apple, prune juice and lots of water. When I finally (you know what, sorry but I’ve got to say it) it was coal black so now I am worried that something maybe wrong. I am just hoping it’s my vitamins and my iron pill but will find that out today. I am planning on doing 3 miles on my gazelle this week to help with my plateau and also drink more water. I am just so frustrated right now. I will write some more tonight to let you know how things went at the doctors. Later





April 15, 2003

Hello all. Well everything seemed to be ok yesterday at the doctors he wants me to get some blood drawn up for my black stools he is a little concerned but says more likely its my iron pills. He wants me to take one every other day instead of every day to see if that will help. I asked him about my constipation and he wants me to start taken Metamucil 3 times a day to see if that works for me. I started to work out on my gazelle last night. I worked out for one hour and went 4 miles on it so that’s what I am going to plan on doing for one week to see if that works for my plateau I am on. Well that’s about it for now so I will write later.




April 20, 2003 Happy Easter!!!

Hello everyone! My week seemed to go by very slow. I was working on a few different type of projects like trying to get a new home and to refinance my truck but neither one of them worked out very well so I guess we will stay where we are for now. I have been getting on my gazelle every night for one hour going 4 miles and losing around 560 calories every night I guess that’s what has helped me lose 9 lbs. since I weighed in 2 weeks ago. I am not losing much inches in my tummy any more so its starting to scare me a little so I am planning on going to the gym next week for a abs class. My husband leaves me for 17 days on Tuesday. He goes to Belize with the Army for his 2 week summer camp. I will miss him a lot. I am not sure if I will weigh and measure while he is gone so it might be a few weeks before I measure again. I go to the dentist to get a few cavities filled on this Tuesday and on Thursday I get my braces on so its going to be a busy week again for me. I guess that’s a good thing because I will not notice my husband being gone as much. I have not heard anything on my blood test as of yet so I am thinking that everything should be ok. Well I guess I will go for now. Later … Again Happy Easter!




April 30, 2003

Hello all just wanted to give you an update on how things are going. I have not lost much weight when I weighed in on Sunday. I was down to 164 on Sunday but I didn’t do anything the whole week. I had cavities filled on Tuesday and then on Thursday I had my braces put on and I will say one thing braces hurt very much. I think it almost hurt more then the gastric bypass surgery. I am still trying to get use to them its hard to talk with them and before the end of the day my mouth hurts so bad all I want to do is sleep. My husband is gone till May 10 and I can’t wait for him to get home I sure miss him. I am planning on going tanning tonight if my mouth feels ok and then go to the abs class and the step aerobics to start this exercise routine. If I can’t get there I will at least get on my gazelle for an hour. I am planning on doing my first walk for “freedom” on May 1st here on base. It’s a 3 mile walk. Then on Saturday I am going to do a 6.3 mile walk for MS in Ogden with my friend Mary, her friend Holly and my oldest son Cody. I can’t wait to get out there and walk for MS I have always wanted to but never had the guts to. I am ready and can’t wait!!! Any one willing to donate Please contact me. I am so excited about this walk. Well I will close for now. {Hugs} Later




May 2, 2003

Hello everyone!!! I had a great walk yesterday with the “Walk for Freedom” it was a 3.8 mile walk and if felt good to walk for something other then just walking. There is a total difference between a walk and a walk on my gazelle though. My son Cody said yes mom you have hills and rocks etc. out here in the real world and not just a swinging motion like your gazelle I just laughed. I go to walk for MS tomorrow morning and can’t wait for that 6.3 mile. I heard from my loving husband last night for the first time in 4 days and it was good to hear his voice. We got an 800 minute calling card for him and he called last night and the 800 minutes went to 40 minutes because he is in Belize. So I had to call and get more minutes last night. He still has over a week left there so I guess our calls will have to be short and sweet for now. I went cloths shopping with my daughter last night and found a cute dress to wear when I pick my husband up at the airport when he comes in. I was not going to try it on because it was a size 9 but I tried it any way and guess what??? It fit I was so shocked. I even tried on a 7 but it was a little tight and you could see my wonderful pouch I still have. So I went with the size 9 dress. Oh I got a shirt for my walk I did yesterday for 10 dollars they only had a medium so I took it thinking I will fit in it later. I tried it on this morning and it fits wonderful. Things I thought would not fit me because I am so use to wearing those big cloths are now fitting me and it is so cool. Well that’s about it for now I will write more tomorrow when I get back from the MS walk. Later



May 05, 2003

Hello all! Sorry for not updating on Saturday after my walk but kind of being lazy the rest of the day. The walk turned into a 3.8 walk because there was a bigger marathon happening in Ogden and they were using the walk route we used last year. It was a great walk still. I am going to start with my abs class tonight and the step aerobics to help me fight getting more weight off. I feel that I am stuck in a rut right now. I weighed in yesterday but did not do any measurements. I am down to 159 so far but did not lose very much in the last two weeks. Well I will close for now. Later



May 6, 2003

Just wanted to let you know I made it to the abs class and the step aerobics last night. The abs class was not that bad but the step aerobics were real hard. I am going to go to abs class again tonight and then go walking for one hour at the park here on base. I might even try to jog a little. I am just wondering if I should try doing my abs video for a few weeks before I go back to class. I just could not do half of those exercise and really don’t want to hurt myself. I will see how I feel later today. I think I might wait on those step aerobics for awhile to but will also see how I feel. Well I will close for now. Later




May 8, 2003

Hello all! I decided not to do the abs class or the step aerobics for a while. I am going to the park and walking around the pond for one hour about 3 miles every day or walking on my gazelle for one hour 4 miles. Then I work out with my abs video ever other night. I will do this for a few months then try the abs class and stair class again. I tried on my size 12 pair of pants this morning and they went on with no problems. Even though I am stuck between 163 lbs. and 159 lbs. I guess I am still losing in inches. My husband gets back in a few days and I can’t wait to see him again. Well I guess I will go for now. Later {Hugs}




June 01,2003

Hello all… Sorry its been so long since I have updated on my page but been rather busy and have not lost to much weight lately. I am on a plateau right now and kind of depressed but will be ok. I did weigh and measure today so that’s a good thing maybe that will get me going again. I will be doing my graduation walk on the 27th of this month and would like to be down another 10 lbs. or so. I haven't even been tanning the last two weeks so I am going to be getting back into that to. I am still not eating very much but I think that has to do with my braces in a lot of ways. It hurts to eat meat so I am trying to eat other types of protein. Well I guess I will go for now. I will try to update more often. Later... Sorry this is another part of my update for today. Forgot to tell you that I had to go buy me a new swim suit a few weeks back because my X2 was not fitting me. I tried on a large and it didn't so I put on a medium and it fit just fine. Then my daughter needed a new one and she wasn't around so I thought we are real close to the same size so I would find one for her. The store didn't have any mediums so I had to try to figure what medium was in size number and so I tried on a size 8 and it fit just right. Its nice to be in the one digits now. I am also now wearing size 10 pair of pants depending on the make. My shirts are now medium size and bra is 36 C but can almost wear a size B. I have went to the Dr to start the process for my breast lift so I am hoping in the next year or so I can get that done. I have an appointment with the plastic surgeon on June 12 so my Dr. can see how he feels about waiting for me to get to my ideal weight or do it now because my back is starting to hurt more from my back injury a few years back. My Dr. is also sending me to physical therapy so they can teach me to strengthen my back up. Well I will go for now. Will update later.



June 16, 2003

Hello all… Sorry it’s been so long but had a busy two weeks. I can’t even remember everything I have done. I went to my PCM on last Friday to have some blood test done. (That would be 11 tubes of blood drawn) I wanted him to check my hormones and iron and b12 intake but I believe he was checking a whole lot more then that. My husband and I went to the Hilton inn this weekend for father’s day. We had a great time being alone we have needed that for some time now. I have not been doing to much working out the last few weeks because I am so tired that’s another thing my doctor was checking me for is why I am tried. I went to Dr. Brzowski (plastic surgeon) to see if he could get me a breast reduction so my insurance would pay for it. But he told me I needed a lift and implant because I am already a size B cup and there would be no way my insurance would pay for one when I was already a B cup. My insurance will not pay for a left and implant so I will have to start saving and looking for a loan for that to get done. He wants me to reach my goal weight and I am now down to 144 and my goal weight is 100 so only have 44 left to go. I am going to physical therapy now for my back 2 times a week and that has helped with my back a little. I will graduate on the 27th of this month and was hoping to be down to about 135. I am planning on trying to get to a support group meeting this month here in Layton to ask a few questions. I have been looking at meals and ways I should be eating now and I am no where close enough for food in take that I should be at. But I am so scared to eat anything because I don’t want to gain anything back. Well that’s about it so I will go for now. I will let you know if anything comes out about my blood work. Later {Hugs}





June 30, 2003

I weighed this weekend but didn't get the chance to measure. I will try getting them next time. I graduated this last Friday it was so cool seeing all my old classmates. They were so shocked on how much weight I have lost all ready. One of the bigger guys said that he may look into it now that he seen it can be done. I told him that it was the best thing I have done for my self for a long time. I went to Windover this weekend and did a little gambling about 20 dollars is all I spent I really can't get into that type of thing. We went to the drive inn when we got home on Saturday night and saw the Hulk and Bruce almighty real good shows. I wanted to go see the Angles but it was real crowded. We went to Lagoon on Sunday afternoon it was a lot of fun. We have my husband’s brother staying with us for a week so we got a bounce back coupon for him so we are going back to lagoon tonight after I get off work. On the 3rd of July I get all 3 of my wisdom teeth pulled and on the 4th we are planning on going to Idaho for the weekend. I am just hoping that I am up to the drive etc... My kids will be staying in Idaho for 2 weeks for their summer vacation they have so much fun in Idaho. They have been doing a 2 week vacation since they was babies and love being with all the family in Idaho. I have not found out to much about my blood test as of yet but going to see a specialist for my thyroid on the 1st of July and a herb specialist for my hormones on the 18th of July. I am planning on faxing my lab work to Dr. Smith so he can look them over and maybe see something my other Doctors can't see. Well I guess I will close for now. Later




July 9, 2003

Hello all!!! It’s been awhile since I really did a weigh in and a measure so I did that this morning before I left for work so I could update my page. I am feeling really good with my weight loss the last few days. I think it’s because I had my wisdom teeth pulled last week so I am not eating anything not even my cheese. My brackets on my braces are causing all kinds of trouble for my mouth. I can’t even put my teeth together right now so can’t chow my food small enough to eat anything. I had my appointment with my Thyroid doctor last week and have to do a 24 hour test this week at the hospital to see what my Thyroid is doing. Then go back to the Thyroid doctor next week that is if the test is done which I will ask the hospital how long it will take the doctor to get the results so if I need to I can change the time. I will also have to get another blood test to see if things where just not normal which I plan on doing tonight after work. I have a new picture of myself at 136 but waiting for susannes to put it on the web page so it will be here soon. I have not heard from her so she may be on vacation since it is summer. I have my 6 month check up on Monday so I am hoping that doctor Smith says I am doing fine. I did get my lab work to him so I am hoping he has had time to look over it so he can tell me if the readings on my lab work are normal. Well that’s about it for now. I will let you all know how things go with my test and my 6 month check up next week. Later {Big Hugs}





July 15, 2003

Hello Everyone! Went to Dr. Smith yesterday and everything is going well he said. He told me to keep seeing my thyroid doctor and make sure everything gets settled there. He told me my weight loss has been great and to keep up the great work. He told me I may only make it to 120 and not to get depressed if I don't go any lower and that 120 was good for my height and body frame. I am still shooting for my 100 goal though. I will go back to see Dr. Smith on Feb 5 of next year. He wants me to stop taken my gallbladder pill at the end of Aug so that is one less pill I will not have to take. Oh and with my new weight (135) I am now just over weight and not in the obese stag it’s so cool!!! I have my thyroid doctor appointment tomorrow I will try to update right after but get busy at times. On Thursday I have my Hormone Pharmacy thing I am hoping that she can tell by my lab work everything I need to take and get my body back into drive again. Well I will update in a few days or should I say tomorrow if I get time if not it will be early Thursday morning. {HUGS}




July 17, 2003

Hello everyone. Well my thyroid doctor cleared me in good health yesterday all my new blood readings and the 24 hour scan turned out ok. I am hoping tonight’s Hormone Pharmacy lady can help with my problems and get me feeling better. Well I just wanted to update and let you know how things went. Later {Hugs}






July 18, 2003

Hello all... Just thought I would get on here and let you know that the Hormone Pharmacy is going to try to find out what’s going on with my hormones it may be the problem for all my systems she said. My systems range from memory loss, no sex drive, tired, hair loss (prier to surgery), getting sick more often and etc… My husband is on his way to pick up the prescriptions as I type this message and will plan on getting started with them tomorrow morning. I will update on how things go with them as time goes by. I did have a new picture of myself at 136 on the web site but I really didn't like it so I am planning on getting a new one taken here in the next few days. Well that’s about it right now. Later {Hugs}





July 21, 2003

Hello, I just got on here to update my picture and let you know everything is going well. I am planning on doing weight and measure once a month again since I am losing very little weekly. Later {Hugs}




August 11, 2003

Hello everyone sorry it’s been so long since I updated. There is not much difference since the last time I weighed and measured so decided to wait for a month out instead of every two weeks. I am at a very slow weight loss right now. My husband said he would go to the gym with me tonight so we can start losing together. He is in the Army and is getting ready for a PT test any way. I just need to get back on track and go to the gym. I went to the store the other day to get a new pair of pants. I started out putting a size 8 on and they didn’t fit and made it down to a size 3 and they work wonderfully. I can’t believe I wear a size 3!!! I have been doing a hormone treatment the last 3 weeks and things seem to be working a little better now. (My husband seems a little happier hehehe ) I got my belly button pierced on Saturday and it looks so cool. I can’t believe how much I have changed in the last 7 months it feels so good to be thin and healthy. Well I will close for now just thought I would update and let you know I was still alive. {Hugs}





September 09, 2003

Hello all! Just wanted to get on here and update for the month. I have been walking 2 miles every day this last month and it felt good to get out there and walk on a daily bases. My loving husband walked with me every day and that helped me the most. I have lost two lbs. this month and it makes me feel that the walking is doing its job. It’s getting a little chilly here now days so we are going to have to try to walk sooner. It gets cold when the sun starts to go down around 8:00 and we are walking at 7:00. I am looking into trying to get a new job as a civilian and I am applying for anything that comes available now. I have so much more confidence in myself now where before I would just not even care. I am so happy to be alive now!!! My hormone treatments are working real well… feelings are starting to come back now it’s nice to want to have intercourse and not just have it. I think my husband is enjoying it a little more then me though. I am eating a little more now. I am eating like a piece of lamb, cheese, strawberry’s, and protein bars, some nice protein cookies and some chips I got from Good Earth Natural Foods. I am still drinking 1 protein drink a day so I know I get my protein in. I love drinking a glass of orange juice and chicken broth for fluids but I still get over 48 ounces of water a day to. Well I will close for now. I will update next month unless something comes up. Later {Hugs}





October 06, 2003

Hello, it’s been a very busy month for me. It was my anniversary month and my husband had me take two days off work so we could celebrate it. We went and rode on the Herber City Train here in Utah and then went and stayed at the Anniversary Inn in Salt Lake. It was so great because we stayed in the Lighthouse Theme room. I have been taken my son to soccer on Monday and Wednesday nights and soccer practice on Thursday night. I have not been walking the last month because of the soccer games and etc. I am planning on getting back into it after Wednesday game because it’s the last one for the season. I have 2 more pounds to lose and I will be at 100 lost I can’t wait. I will more likely be there before a month so I will post as soon as I hit it. I am so happy how things have gone so far with this surgery and would not change a thing. My life is so much happier now and my family is so much happier now. Well that’s about it for now. Hope all is well. {Hugs}







October 13, 2003

Just updating my profile because today I hit 100 pounds lost!!! I was so excited and had to share it with everyone here. I am so happy to lose 100 pounds. I will update more in a month. I am also posting my new picture at 120!!!! Later all {hugs}




October 17, 2003

Hello, Sorry all but forgot to tell you about me going to the plastic surgeon about breast implants and lift. If I can get the money together by the 19th of November I will have my surgery done. I am not having much luck because my insurance will not pay for it and our credit is not that good at this time. Well I will close for now. Wish me luck!!! {Hugs}




November 11, 2003

Hello all it’s been a month already and I didn't get the chance to do measurements because Billy was out in the field this last weekend but I did weigh in at 117. I am about done losing weight now I think because it’s getting harder to lose it. It’s been a busy month so far for me I started a new job here at the Hill Help desk working for a new contract. So I have been working from 6:00 am to 9:30 pm giving my old contract their 2 weeks. I will be done with that on Friday the 14th and will go back to normal hours. We are planning on going home (Idaho) for Thanksgiving Day and I am not waiting for that because of all the goodies that will be served on that day but I think have the will power and will be ok and my husband helps me a lot when it comes to being around food. I was planning on getting my breast implants and breast lift done on the 19th of Nov but with the new contractor I will have to wait for some time to get vacation time. My pay raise was very nice for me and my family and I will be able to get that loan now for my surgeries. Well that’s about it for now if anything happens I will be sure to update. Later {Hugs}





November 20, 2003

Well things have been fun the last few weeks. My husband and I went house shopping just to see what was out there for us. We fell in love with a great house but not sure if we do want to take on the payments etc... I know that I would like to have a new home and would like to have my surgery done to. So now I have to figure out what I want to do. I am not losing much weight the last little while I am wondering if I am at a stand still. Well I just wanted to update on the news. Hope next time I update there will be good news. Later {Hugs}




December 08, 2003

Hello All. Not much has changed for me on my weight. I think I am at a stand still now. All this holiday food is starting to catch up with me. I have been eating things I haven’t eaten since my surgery. I hate winter to because that’s when I would love to eat and I have starting doing that a lot more then I use to. I am trying to keep busy and to keep my hands out of the goodies but it’s so hard at times. I have a Christmas party next week and am hoping to lose a few more pounds but will have to get back on my gazelle to do it. My mind has been busy trying to figure out if I want surgery or a new home still. I think I will try for both. The home we were going for they wanted 10,000 down to finish the basement so we are looking else where for a home. Well I will update this month if anything happens but if I don’t I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Later {HUGS}




January 2, 2004

Hello All. Happy New Year!!! There is not too much difference in my weight but I can now say I am at normal weight now (115). It is good to say that after fighting my weight for so long. I haven’t done any measurements. I am going to try to do them this weekend. I am not going to be getting my two surgeries (Breast and arms) until about a year from now unless I can save up by myself. We are getting ready to start building our home in a few weeks if the snow starts to melt if not we will have to wait for spring. We are very happy that we will be getting a home we can call are own. I have not been working out or eating right the last few weeks and I am very sad about that. I know that I need to get back walking etc… I know it would make me feel better about myself if I did. Now that the holidays are over and I am not so busy I am planning on getting back on my gazelle and starting to get back into a routine. I am now in a size 1 pair of pants and a small shirt I would have never thought I would be this small this time last year. I am very happy that I had this surgery!!! Well I will close for now hope you all are doing well. I will update my measurements on Sunday. {Hugs}




January 13, 2004

Sorry that I didn't update my measurements last weekend but Billy's (husband) grandmother past away on January 4. I have not had much time for many thing. I will try to update this coming weekend. Hugs all





February 15, 2004

Sorry I haven't updated lately but been busy and wanted to get my measurements for this update. I haven't lost any inches since my 10th month out. Its kind of sad but I believe it has to do with the seasons still I have started to get back on my gazelle. I have been having some problems with sweats and stuff so having my sugar check again since there is so much sugar diabetes in my family. My mom was her the last few days and she has a sugar checker so had her check it last night and I was 104 but when she checked it again this morning it was at 88. So I am going to call me doctor on Tuesday to see if my results are back. I had my 1 year check up on the 5th of February and Doctor Smith was very happy where my weight was. He said he would like to see me stay at this weight but if I lost more that would be ok too. I am at normal weight now!!! (I can't believe I can say that.) He said I needed to get some blood work done and will need to every year for the rest of my life. Our home hasn't started to be built yet but they said it will be done in June still. I am hoping next week they will start digging. I am very happy with this surgery and I am glad that I had this life saving surgery. I will go for now and update my web page if I find anything out bad about my blood test. Hope everyone is doing well. {Hugs}




March 23, 2004

Hello All… I hope everyone is doing well. I did get my blood work back on my sugar and everything seems to be ok. My B-12 was down to 549 so my PCM said because I had the gastric bypass I should have the shots. So I had my first shot on last Thursday. I will continue to have a shot every Thursday for 3 weeks. Then she will do one more shot in May and give me another blood test and see where I sit. I hope that it will help me with my energy because I am always tired. I have not lost any weight or any inches still but I am staying in my happy zone. The weather is getting warm and the sun is staying up longer so it helps with my mood and makes me want to get up and walk again but the new house keeps me very busy. The sheet rock will start to go up tomorrow morning and I can’t wait till its all done and we can move in. Well I will go for now. I will update if anything else happens. {HUGS}





May 24, 2004

Hello all… It’s been a few months so figured I would update my profile. Our house is finished and we just started moving in this last weekend. It is a very beautiful home. I am so happy with it. I have not lost any weight or inches since my last update. I am hoping that 2 flights of stairs will get me losing weight again. Plus we have a den/exercise room now in the new house. I think the stress of the home also didn’t help me either but now that we have signed all the paper work and started moving in I feel more relaxed. I also started getting my B-12 shots and they have helped me have more energy. I also think that working from noon to 9:30 p.m. helps a lot. I do not have to wake up at 4:30 to get to work makes all the difference. Well I will go for now I hope everyone is doing well. I will update if anything changes. {HUGS}



September 13, 2004

Hello everyone… I know it has been a very long time since I updated my page. We have been in the new house for almost 3 months now and I just love it there. I have working out more and watching what I eat more because of the move I started eating more fast food items then I was use to. I put about 10 lbs on during the whole house move with stress and everything it was really scary I thought I am not going to be able to get it off. I am now down to 111 lbs and it feels great. I had a very stress full day on August 15, 2004 my husband had a heart attack and almost lost him. We have done many changes in his life also now that he had a heart attack. I got a new car it’s a Saturn VUE and it’s a great little car. I am going to counseling now and it has helped me in a lot of ways. I do not eat food like I use to now because I am not as depressed. I think that I have been depressed for some time now and that may have been why I was fat. Well that’s about it for now. I hope everyone is doing well. {Hugs}






November 5, 2004

Hello everyone… It’s been a while since I updated my page but nothing really was happening. I did start having problems with pains under my right rib that would travel to my right shoulder and then to my back. Went to the E.R and they could not figure out what was going on. I felt nauseated and almost like a heart attack. They did a EKG and a x-ray of my chest but found nothing wrong. They told me to consult with my PCM in the next few days. So I went to see my PCM and she made me go for blood test and an ultrasound of my gallbladder. I found out that I have sludge in my gallbladder. She sent me to a surgeon. The surgeon wants to remove my gallbladder so I will have surgery on Nov 10, 2004. I am not eating that much right now because I get sick on most foods. I try to avoid anything with grease in it at all. Well I will update as soon as I can and let you know how things go with the surgery. {HUGS}




May 8, 2003

January 11, 2005
Hello everyone it’s been a very long time since I updated the page. I had my gallbladder removed in November and did real well with it. I have gone from 111 to 105 in the last few months. I was stuck at 111 to 117 till I got my gallbladder removed. I am going to be getting a body lift and my breast done at the end of February or first part of March I can’t wait to get all this excess skin off of my body. I should be right around 100 or so once I lose the skin. I will close for now and write as soon as I find out when I will have my first two surgeries. I plan on having my arms and legs down in about 6 months if I feel I need it done. {HUGS}



Photos

220
This is me before surgery with eyes closed!!!
114
This is my recent picture. I am 1 year post op!!!


Hospital Reviews
  • (Salt Lake City, UT) - Cottonwood Hospital Medical Center


    • Weight Loss Survey Responses
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    Member Interests:
  • Animals - We have 1 dog named Cooper and a cat named Daisy.

  • Computers & Internet - I work with computers all day long and enjoy them.

  • Crafts - Love to draw on paper when I am board

  • Fitness & Exercise - I am trying to get into fit with exercise it does wake up your body.

  • Music - Love to listen to all types of music country, rap, pop etc...

  • Karaoke - My daughter has a karaoke machine and I love to sing with her.

  • Collectibles - I collect lighthouese from small little toys to big bird feeders.

  • Cooking & Baking - Cooking new and exciting meals for the whole family that are good for us.

  • Camping - I loved to go camping.

  • Military - Well I am a military wife so Love the Military


    • Click here to see interests of other ObesityHelp members.

    Surgeon Info:
    Surgeon: Sherman C. Smith M.D., F.A.C.S.
    Dr. Smith was great the first time I saw him he was getting a drink from the water jug in the office. He was talking to one of his co workers about Channel Fox 13 being there to interview him. The office staff was very friendly they were very prompt to get me back to see Dr. Smith as soon as the T.V people had left. He was very up straight with me told me that both of us would have to work on this new beginning together he may do the surgery but I have to learn how to eat and drink again and exercise if I want this to really work. I will let you know how things go after a few more visits with him. Dr. Smith was there the next day to check on me. It was great to see his smiling face. He said that I did a wonderful job in my surgery and I was doing great. He was happy that I was already walking and told me to keep it up. The next day he came in around 12:00 noon and said that he was going to release me because I was doing such a wonderful job. I was sent home with oxygen for my sleep apnea but I had a bloody nose the night before they put a humidifier on me the night before I left the hospital and the delivery people would not bring me back a humidifier so my husband called Dr. Smith office and he called back within minutes to my husband and got it setup for me to get one delivered now that is a fast, caring and responsible Doctor to me.
    Insurer Info:
    Tricare Prime
    I sent 3 appeals but they never seen the updated information on the last two appeals so I was denied 3 times. I then worked with Hill AFB Tricare team and they got it approved on the first letter. Dr Asse was a great inspiration here on Hill AFB where no other Dr was for the Surgery. The team at Hill AFB did not stall they had my appointment and surgery approved in 1 week. I had most all my testing done with Dr. Asse then he put the information in the system. Then I walked over to the Tricare Center and they sent the information to Dr. Smith. Dr Smith then turned around and faxed information back to Tricare. Dr. Smith called the following week to setup the first appointment with Dr Smith. I am not sure what to put for insurance being denied 3 times before and waiting 28 weeks. Then starting over and getting the ok in 1 week on first letter.