First Time On This Board

Just wanted to pop out and say hello. This is my first time venturing over to this board. So hello. I'm from the downstate area, but I currently live in Traverse City. Dr. Lutrzykowski performed my bypass back in 2001. I have only had, oh, 3 more corrective surgeries since then. (not due to the fault of the doc I may add) The most recent being 5 weeks ago. I really wish this would stop happening, but what can you do. Nothing like an exploratory abdominal surgery to help jump start my weight loss again, lol. It's not really all that funny, but it is just a little. Come on 120, come on. Now if I could find an extra $25 K lying around to have my skin removal, I would be all set. (Never going to happen) Julie

Yow!!!! 3 extra cuts??? Hope you are doing better. How close are you to goal? You look like you are at it in your pics. Have your insurance company start the ball rolling on your TT. BCBS paid for mine. kp

I'm doing okay recovery wise, thanks. However, I still have this pain in my left side that the doctor cannot figure out what is causing it. As far as the TT, I think I will wait until after I have kids. It doesn't make sense to have one and then get pregnant, lol. I weigh about 140 pounds currently, but I would like to weigh 120. Except some of that is skin. Most people tell me I look "skinny" enough, but I would still like to lose some more. I don't feel skinny yet.

I don't see it but,,,, you want to lose it. As long as you get the pain deal squared up. Positive vibes for you. kp

Hey Julie, Welcome to the Michigan board! I read hear that you said you were having pain on your left side. I am 5 1/2 months out of surgery and I have side aches horrible. What if I can ask do yours feel like? I get like side cramps all the time. Like when you run for too long. Is that something like what you have? I can't sleep on my stomach anymore either. I am down to 175 after being 254 so I am pretty excited. Keep at it the weight will come off girl! Hope you are feeling better soon. Hugs and welcome again! Di

It kind of feels like there is a ball sitting on my left side and someone keeps stabbing at it. Also, I have lower back pain that goes with the side pain. Sometimes it also feels like a gas bubble that will not go away, but I know it's not gas. The last two times, the surgeon found adhesions that he removed along with twisted intestine. This time, he found minimal adhesions so he didn't feel that was causing my pain. They also found a small (benign) mass on my small bowel. He left it because he said removing it would be too risky. He said that it shouldn't bother me.

Dear Julie, Welcome to MI board of oh.com. Sounds like you've had your share of happenings lately.....thanks for letting us know so we can be of support to you!!! I know the feeling wanting to be in the 120's. I set my original goal at 140, and am 2 lbs from it, but now, want to be 125. I am not sure I can get there, but with hard work, exercise and persistance, I will. As I'm sure YOU will too!!!!!!!!!!!! Let's race! lol Anyway, welcome to the MI board and glad you jumped on!!! Stacey W

Welcome, and congratulations on your weight loss so far. BT

Welcome to the board Julie I also live in Traverse city and also needed additional surgery to correct my bypass. Yes I can totally relate I had my last abdomial surgery last summer and lost another 10 pounds and more hanging skin . I am know looking into a tummy tuck and my insurance will probally pay for it due to health issues. Call your insurance carrier and ask them what the requirments are for abdoninalplasty and see if they cover the procedure and you might be able to have it covered due to the weight loss procedure. Welcome to the board again and if you would like to talk I am always open. Tricia

Hi Julie ! Welcome to the Michigan board ! I am still fairly new here but everyone that I have met so far is so very sweet, and very helpful ! You'll love it here ! I am not far from TC, will be having my surgery there and I also have family there, so needless to say I am in Traverse quite a bit. Congrats on your weight loss so far ! I can't wait until I get to that point ! My 1st goal is 145, but ultimately would LOVE LOVE LOVE to be 120, won't hold my breath tho LOL Look forward to getting to know you ! ~~Rona