since we have a lot of new faces.... how about we do some intros
Wow! What a great thread! I love learning about all of you and hearing your inspiring stories. Thanks, Liz!
I'm Julia and just turned 45 3 days ago. I had lap rny with Dr Pupkova at Barix on June 18, so I'm just 3 weeks out. And I'm already seeing amazing results! The morning of my surgery, I was 265, and this morning, my scale said I'm 240. I'll be shopping for smaller pants this weekend---most of my pants are now too big. I was always overweight, so I'm so curious to see where this journey takes me! I learned along the way that I have sleep apnea, and my blood pressure and sugar were starting to creep up. I'm sooo happy to have the support of all of you on this board! (The morning of my surgery, I wanted to change my mind and stay home. But I got on this board and read such positive posts that I knew I needed to have surgery.) I have to say a huge thank you to Teresa/ladychief231 for being my angel and walking along every step of this journey with me!!!! Liz--Teresa and I will be coming to your support group one of these days!
I'm currently a temp in pharmaceuticals. I've been temping for 3 years, after going through 2 layoffs in pharma. I'll be out of work again in Dec (maybe sooner, depending on what happens to our project.) I'm thinking it's time to switch gears and go into a different field. I used to do medical billing, so I may get certified in billing and coding.
I've been with Paul for 6 years, and he's been my biggest cheerleader through this process. During the past year, when I was researching this procedure, Paul never once gave me his opinion, just said he would support whatever I chose to do. The afternoon of my surgery, I heard him on the phone with my sister, saying he wanted me to do this. He's becoming a nag lately: I just started pureed foods yesterday, and Paul constantly tells me "eat slowly! You don't want to get sick!" He can nag me all he wants---I'm so fortunate to have his support and help!!! Paul has a 15 year old son who is an awesome kid. My 2 cats have turned Paul into a cat person---never thought that would happen.
I've already met some of you in person and can't wait to meet others!! I think the most amazing thing to me so far is the support I've received and friendships I've made. I just don't have the words to describe it.
Julia
I'm Julia and just turned 45 3 days ago. I had lap rny with Dr Pupkova at Barix on June 18, so I'm just 3 weeks out. And I'm already seeing amazing results! The morning of my surgery, I was 265, and this morning, my scale said I'm 240. I'll be shopping for smaller pants this weekend---most of my pants are now too big. I was always overweight, so I'm so curious to see where this journey takes me! I learned along the way that I have sleep apnea, and my blood pressure and sugar were starting to creep up. I'm sooo happy to have the support of all of you on this board! (The morning of my surgery, I wanted to change my mind and stay home. But I got on this board and read such positive posts that I knew I needed to have surgery.) I have to say a huge thank you to Teresa/ladychief231 for being my angel and walking along every step of this journey with me!!!! Liz--Teresa and I will be coming to your support group one of these days!
I'm currently a temp in pharmaceuticals. I've been temping for 3 years, after going through 2 layoffs in pharma. I'll be out of work again in Dec (maybe sooner, depending on what happens to our project.) I'm thinking it's time to switch gears and go into a different field. I used to do medical billing, so I may get certified in billing and coding.
I've been with Paul for 6 years, and he's been my biggest cheerleader through this process. During the past year, when I was researching this procedure, Paul never once gave me his opinion, just said he would support whatever I chose to do. The afternoon of my surgery, I heard him on the phone with my sister, saying he wanted me to do this. He's becoming a nag lately: I just started pureed foods yesterday, and Paul constantly tells me "eat slowly! You don't want to get sick!" He can nag me all he wants---I'm so fortunate to have his support and help!!! Paul has a 15 year old son who is an awesome kid. My 2 cats have turned Paul into a cat person---never thought that would happen.
I've already met some of you in person and can't wait to meet others!! I think the most amazing thing to me so far is the support I've received and friendships I've made. I just don't have the words to describe it.
Julia
Ok, here it goes.
My name is Dianna. I am new to OH. I have my first appt with my surgeon at Magee on August 24. I will have 6 months in of supervised diet with my PCP on 7/20. I am hoping that this time will be applied to the WLS program. I have heard so many things about Dr C.
I am 45, married with 2 sons, Jim 21 just married today , (great daughter in law - keeps him in place) in marines stationed at Cam Lajuene, NC; Josh who is 19, in Marine reserves, going to college at Slippery Rock, my step daughter - Danielle; married 2 girls - Samantha - 11 and Emiley - 5. It is comical, Danielle married someone a little older - which makes my son in law younger than me. (Crazy, huh)
I wasn't overweight until the year 2000, at which that time I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease Hypothyroidism, 60 pounds after the fact. Things went kind of down hill after that. I think the most I was able to lose was about 25 lbs. In 2004, I lost my McKees Rocks home and everything therein from Hurricane Ivan.
In 2007, my son decided to join the marines, which is a good thing, but he just did a 360 on me because his whole life growing up he was planning on going into ministry, yeh - so, he being my oldest and the first to leave home, put me in a state of massive shell shock and depression. I thought it was the end of my world.
This is when Sunshine came along, my blue crown conure. She was the only thing that brought me joy and laughter at the time.
I never thought that stress could do so much to your body.
It is so nice to be able to share thoughts and feelings with so many friends that are so caring. Thank you all. I look forward to my new journey and spending more time learning more about all of you. This is truly a godsend for me at this time in my life.
Hugs,
Dianna
My son in law is a little older
My name is Dianna. I am new to OH. I have my first appt with my surgeon at Magee on August 24. I will have 6 months in of supervised diet with my PCP on 7/20. I am hoping that this time will be applied to the WLS program. I have heard so many things about Dr C.
I am 45, married with 2 sons, Jim 21 just married today , (great daughter in law - keeps him in place) in marines stationed at Cam Lajuene, NC; Josh who is 19, in Marine reserves, going to college at Slippery Rock, my step daughter - Danielle; married 2 girls - Samantha - 11 and Emiley - 5. It is comical, Danielle married someone a little older - which makes my son in law younger than me. (Crazy, huh)
I wasn't overweight until the year 2000, at which that time I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease Hypothyroidism, 60 pounds after the fact. Things went kind of down hill after that. I think the most I was able to lose was about 25 lbs. In 2004, I lost my McKees Rocks home and everything therein from Hurricane Ivan.
In 2007, my son decided to join the marines, which is a good thing, but he just did a 360 on me because his whole life growing up he was planning on going into ministry, yeh - so, he being my oldest and the first to leave home, put me in a state of massive shell shock and depression. I thought it was the end of my world.
This is when Sunshine came along, my blue crown conure. She was the only thing that brought me joy and laughter at the time.
I never thought that stress could do so much to your body.
It is so nice to be able to share thoughts and feelings with so many friends that are so caring. Thank you all. I look forward to my new journey and spending more time learning more about all of you. This is truly a godsend for me at this time in my life.
Hugs,
Dianna
My son in law is a little older
I have hasimoto's and hypo-thyroidism too - it also got better post-op! At 21 I had 3/4 of my thyroid removed because of large cysts (enough to bend my trachia (sp?))
Congrats on your son getting married today!
Liz
PS - I am a Marine brat - my dad was in the Marines and Vietnam - then came home to be on the Silent Drill Team in DC
What a great thread - thank you, Liz, for thinking of it!
I'm Karen, age 46 (will be 47 in December), married 21 years, 2 girls (Katie's 20 - goes to Penn State Altoona, Becky's 17 and a rising Senior at Central Bucks East). My hubby Eddie and I live in Mechanicsville/Buckingham in Bucks County, and my elderly mom has lived with us for 17 years now. We have 5 cats (including the one that lives exclusively with my mom in her apt) and numerous fish. Our cats keep us sane.
I had my surgery 4/22/09 with Dr. Pupkova in Langhorne at Barix. What a wonderful doc and incredible support system. Unfortunately, my surgery hasn't been completed - she started it and then found lesions in my abdomen and couldn't complete the bypass. What a ride THAT's been! So i have "half a bypass" (the small stomach pouch, but it empties into the larger original stomach instead of bypassing to the small intestine). I'm going for an endoscopy on Monday which I hope will clear the final lesion and give me a clean bill of health. If they can't get to it or see it, though, it may mean another surgery.
My highest weight that I know of was 270 (although I had practiced severe scale avoidance for a while before that, so it may well have been higher). At surgery, my weight was 258. This morning, it was 215. I can't express how different I feel - so much more energy, so many fewer aches and pains... even my MIND is clearer! I'm exercising daily for about 30 minutes minimum (some days 2 sessions), and am following the RNY dietary guidelines even though my surgery wasn't completed. So far, that's obviously working for me! The cutting of the nerves and the smaller stomach pouch are tools that have been very positive.
The other thing that has been so positive is the self-awareness I've been developing thanks to the great Barix support leaders (like Shauna and Dennis and Susan) and other members of the OH group... you've all pointed me in directions to explore WHY I've struggled with food all my life. And now that I'm starting to understand some of that, it's helping me deal with figuring out how to never go backward. Thank you all for that!
i work at Bucks County Community College, where I'm Director of Enterprise and Web Systems - basically managing the programmers who handle all of the college's computer and web systems and services. It's sometimes nuts, but I really enjoy it - great people, interesting challenges, and a very nurturing place to work.
I'm also a jewelry designer and metalsmith, and have "designs" on doing that full time at some point when my kids are out of college. I teach lost wax casting, mold making, and similar things at the college and through workshops, and sell my work through fine art shows, galleries, wholesale shows, home parties, and do a lot of custom work by commission. It truly is my passion. You can see pics occasionally on facebook or on my website www.nolimitations.com.
Whew!
Karen
I'm Karen, age 46 (will be 47 in December), married 21 years, 2 girls (Katie's 20 - goes to Penn State Altoona, Becky's 17 and a rising Senior at Central Bucks East). My hubby Eddie and I live in Mechanicsville/Buckingham in Bucks County, and my elderly mom has lived with us for 17 years now. We have 5 cats (including the one that lives exclusively with my mom in her apt) and numerous fish. Our cats keep us sane.
I had my surgery 4/22/09 with Dr. Pupkova in Langhorne at Barix. What a wonderful doc and incredible support system. Unfortunately, my surgery hasn't been completed - she started it and then found lesions in my abdomen and couldn't complete the bypass. What a ride THAT's been! So i have "half a bypass" (the small stomach pouch, but it empties into the larger original stomach instead of bypassing to the small intestine). I'm going for an endoscopy on Monday which I hope will clear the final lesion and give me a clean bill of health. If they can't get to it or see it, though, it may mean another surgery.
My highest weight that I know of was 270 (although I had practiced severe scale avoidance for a while before that, so it may well have been higher). At surgery, my weight was 258. This morning, it was 215. I can't express how different I feel - so much more energy, so many fewer aches and pains... even my MIND is clearer! I'm exercising daily for about 30 minutes minimum (some days 2 sessions), and am following the RNY dietary guidelines even though my surgery wasn't completed. So far, that's obviously working for me! The cutting of the nerves and the smaller stomach pouch are tools that have been very positive.
The other thing that has been so positive is the self-awareness I've been developing thanks to the great Barix support leaders (like Shauna and Dennis and Susan) and other members of the OH group... you've all pointed me in directions to explore WHY I've struggled with food all my life. And now that I'm starting to understand some of that, it's helping me deal with figuring out how to never go backward. Thank you all for that!
i work at Bucks County Community College, where I'm Director of Enterprise and Web Systems - basically managing the programmers who handle all of the college's computer and web systems and services. It's sometimes nuts, but I really enjoy it - great people, interesting challenges, and a very nurturing place to work.
I'm also a jewelry designer and metalsmith, and have "designs" on doing that full time at some point when my kids are out of college. I teach lost wax casting, mold making, and similar things at the college and through workshops, and sell my work through fine art shows, galleries, wholesale shows, home parties, and do a lot of custom work by commission. It truly is my passion. You can see pics occasionally on facebook or on my website www.nolimitations.com.
Whew!
Karen
Liz, this is a great idea! I've really enjoyed reading everyone's responses!
I'm Lesley, and I'm one of the few out-of-staters who posts on this board. I live in Bordentown, NJ but I had my surgery in PA so I post here. I had lap RNY on 8/25/08 at Barix in Langhorne, and the wonderful Dr. Pupkova was my surgeon. I am down 150 lbs so far, and pressing onward and downward!
I'm another PCOS-er, and I have hypothyroid as well. I resisted surgery for years, because I just didn't trust it. I figured that if doctors had made me overweight (Paxil, anyone?) then it wouldn't be possible for them to help me lose that weight. Eventually, I was ready, and I am thankful every day for my surgery, the fact that I've had no complications, and that I feel better than I have in years. I've been able to give up three of the asthma meds I took on a daily basis, as well as the Metformin that I took for insulin resistance / diabetes. I have noticed some relief already from my PCOS symptoms and I hope that continues to improve!
I'm 36 years old, and I work as a technical project manager in the field of academic digital archiving. If you've used an online journal archive recently, then you have probably used the archive that I work for! My educational background is in Philosophy and Theology, and I know four languages. I'm not married, and I live alone except for a sweet orange kitty named Clementine. I do hope to get married someday, and I would like to be a mom also.
As I get closer to my one-year surgiversary, I think a lot about long-term sustainability for my weight loss. I am convinced that exercise will be the key to my success, and I never thought I'd say this but I love working out! I go to the gym just about every day -- I work with a trainer once a week, as well as take classes in Step and Zumba, and anything else that looks interesting. My goal is to complete a triathlon next year.
Lesley
I'm Lesley, and I'm one of the few out-of-staters who posts on this board. I live in Bordentown, NJ but I had my surgery in PA so I post here. I had lap RNY on 8/25/08 at Barix in Langhorne, and the wonderful Dr. Pupkova was my surgeon. I am down 150 lbs so far, and pressing onward and downward!
I'm another PCOS-er, and I have hypothyroid as well. I resisted surgery for years, because I just didn't trust it. I figured that if doctors had made me overweight (Paxil, anyone?) then it wouldn't be possible for them to help me lose that weight. Eventually, I was ready, and I am thankful every day for my surgery, the fact that I've had no complications, and that I feel better than I have in years. I've been able to give up three of the asthma meds I took on a daily basis, as well as the Metformin that I took for insulin resistance / diabetes. I have noticed some relief already from my PCOS symptoms and I hope that continues to improve!
I'm 36 years old, and I work as a technical project manager in the field of academic digital archiving. If you've used an online journal archive recently, then you have probably used the archive that I work for! My educational background is in Philosophy and Theology, and I know four languages. I'm not married, and I live alone except for a sweet orange kitty named Clementine. I do hope to get married someday, and I would like to be a mom also.
As I get closer to my one-year surgiversary, I think a lot about long-term sustainability for my weight loss. I am convinced that exercise will be the key to my success, and I never thought I'd say this but I love working out! I go to the gym just about every day -- I work with a trainer once a week, as well as take classes in Step and Zumba, and anything else that looks interesting. My goal is to complete a triathlon next year.
Lesley
Hello, my name is Ruth and I am relatively new to the board - been here about a month or so. I come on and read everyday, but don't post very often.
At this point I am still pre-op but my day is this coming Monday. I am stil in a state of nervous excitement. I got the call this morning to arrive at the hospital by 6:30 am on Monday and I will probably be the first surgery of the day.
I live just outside Philly in Glenside with three of my four chidren, one husband, one father, two dogs, one cat and five goldfish. We have a busy household. I am a teacher in Philly at a middle school. I currently teach science, but am also certified to and have taught math
Sometime early this year I decided that it was to be MY year. I was going to spend time with me and work out some things for me and consciously put myself first in my life. It has been interesting, to say the least. I went to my first wls seminar in March and haven't look back since.
In April I discovered I have sleep apnea (not a surprise) and went on Cpap. My blood pressure had been creeping up, my knees and feet were hurting, I have high cholesterol, and diabetes is looming in my future. I am looking forward to being healthier!
On June 19th had my tonsils and uvula out and lost 17 lbs. My surgeon will be happy, I think. I'm just glad it's over as I lived through a week of pure, painful hell and an additional week of pain. The surgery was partly because my tonsils were so spongy from infections, but partly to help with the sleep apnea ( I hate my Cpap machine) and if I have apnea after my wls I will cry for a very long time. (did I mention I loathe my Cpap machine?)
That is me in a nut shell. I'm very excited to be having the surgery and gaining a new life. I come here every day to read your stories and I must tell you they are VERY inspiring! I Hope to inspire others one day with my own progress. Thank you all!
At this point I am still pre-op but my day is this coming Monday. I am stil in a state of nervous excitement. I got the call this morning to arrive at the hospital by 6:30 am on Monday and I will probably be the first surgery of the day.
I live just outside Philly in Glenside with three of my four chidren, one husband, one father, two dogs, one cat and five goldfish. We have a busy household. I am a teacher in Philly at a middle school. I currently teach science, but am also certified to and have taught math
Sometime early this year I decided that it was to be MY year. I was going to spend time with me and work out some things for me and consciously put myself first in my life. It has been interesting, to say the least. I went to my first wls seminar in March and haven't look back since.
In April I discovered I have sleep apnea (not a surprise) and went on Cpap. My blood pressure had been creeping up, my knees and feet were hurting, I have high cholesterol, and diabetes is looming in my future. I am looking forward to being healthier!
On June 19th had my tonsils and uvula out and lost 17 lbs. My surgeon will be happy, I think. I'm just glad it's over as I lived through a week of pure, painful hell and an additional week of pain. The surgery was partly because my tonsils were so spongy from infections, but partly to help with the sleep apnea ( I hate my Cpap machine) and if I have apnea after my wls I will cry for a very long time. (did I mention I loathe my Cpap machine?)
That is me in a nut shell. I'm very excited to be having the surgery and gaining a new life. I come here every day to read your stories and I must tell you they are VERY inspiring! I Hope to inspire others one day with my own progress. Thank you all!
HI! My name is Michele, I go by Mick or Chele. I have been reading but this is my first post. I had RNY on April 23, 2009, with Dr Gabrielson in Danville. My highest weight was 340 and I am now at 248, down 92 pounds. I did have a stricture with an ulcer 1 month out but otherwise everything has been wonderfu since then. This is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I turned 40 on July 8, which was a little emotional, but my life is definitely better than it was last year. Like so many others I have PCOS, was prediabetic,high blood pressure, had sleep apnea with the dreaded CPAP, lower back disc problems and arthritis in my knees. While getting ready for surgery I fell this winter and now also have a torn meniscus which I am having repaired next Friday( finally!) Has really been a painful problem and has limited my exercise ability. My health has improved so much and my energy has increased I still cannot believe the difference. I live with my fiancee Tony for the past four years, no date set and no kids, at this age probably will not be having any although that was a huge dream for a long time, unfortunately my PCOS was misdiagnosed until just last year. Actually caused a divorce for me 11 years ago.Tony was very much aganst the surgery until afterwards but now has become my biggest support! My Mom lives in Western pa, and I have family in Harrisburg but no one other than Tony close by as a support system. I feel as if I have connnections all over the state, I lived outside of Philly( Fairless Hills****il I was 8 then we moved to western PA(Brookville), north of Pittsburgh where i lived until 4 years ago when I moved to Scranton when I met Tony. Then 2 years ago we moved to Bloomsburg for job oppurtunites and last week we moved to Danville and I now have a 3 minute commute to work. I am a nurse but for the last two years I have been working as an underwriter for insurance. With the weight loss and physical changes I am hoping to be able to go back to patient care very soon. I love clinic nursing! I have been looking for a new position...keep your fingers crossed and say a prayer that something comes up soon!
I hope to be able to join many of you at Lizs' soon. I was hoping to come this month with Lois but just have too much going on with just moving and the surgery coming up next week. Hopefully next time!
Thanks so much for all of the wonderful posts, recipes and support found on here. I have learned so much from all of you. Now that I have come out of hiding I hope to get to know you all better. I really am in need of support.
I hope to be able to join many of you at Lizs' soon. I was hoping to come this month with Lois but just have too much going on with just moving and the surgery coming up next week. Hopefully next time!
Thanks so much for all of the wonderful posts, recipes and support found on here. I have learned so much from all of you. Now that I have come out of hiding I hope to get to know you all better. I really am in need of support.
Just read your message ,sorry you can't come with me...maybe next time...left you an email. sorry if we crossed emails........have a good weekend, and hope your surgery goes well...I called up to Drs. office about my Petersons hernia, think it is back, waiting tosee if they want an mri again......................
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