6 Month Post Op - Very Long

Couldn't sleep last night because I had my 6 mo. post op with not only Dr. Bour but with Michelle too.  Double Whammy.   My husband couldn't believe I was nervous about a dr's appointment.  (I was looking for the boxcutter when he said it).  But,  everything went really well.  Michelle said to keep doing what I'm doing, but since I don't measure my food, I may want to be careful down the road to make sure as my pouch changes that I don't overeat.  That I should every once in a while make a plate of what I think is the correct portions and then measure to make sure I'm on track.  Good advice - I don't want to get complacent.   Then it was on to see Katie for vitals and then Dr. B.  I was very anxious about my vitals because of my blood pressure, but its been normal now for 3 months - so NO MORE MEDICINE.  They're keeping me on the ulcer medicine and recommend that I quit smoking again (I know, the in-laws left so I'm going to start my Chantix again). and he'll probably take me off it at my 9 mo visit.  I'm 18 lbs from Dr. B's goal and my weight loss is "ahead of the curve".  He said the % of weight I've lost is the same as usually about 9 months out.  I WAS ECSTATIC.   He said we could probably talk about plastics at my 9 mo. Not 100% sure I want plastics, but great to know I have the option.  I keep calling my family doctor's office and I tell the nurse to document I have a rash.  He is 100% behind the surgery so she just writes it in my file I don't even have to go in.  I'm done rambling now, but you should've seen me doing the HAPPY DANCE all afternoon at work.    Thanks to all the wonderful friends who've helped me to come this far in me journey.  I know without each and everyone of you it would have been so much harder (and not nearly as much fun).

COngraduations. You are doing wonderful. Take it one step at a time so you add smoking cessation as the next stop. You go girl!!!!!

WTG girl!  It's fantastic that you have done so well with your weight loss. Next week is my 9 month appointment with him and I am more than dreading it this time. I don't know what to expect other than he isn't going to be happy with me at all this time. I'm still 10 pounds shy of where he wanted me to be at this visit. I had lost more but for some reason I have gained 3 pounds this week and have no clue why. It won't budge no matter what I do. I went off my anti-depressant that he had me on to see if maybe that would help, but no, it hasn't made one ounce of a difference on the scale. I'm so afraid that this is it for me, as far as losing more weight, and I sure hope it isn't the begining of my weight creeping back up like in the past. I talked to a nurse at my dermatologists office who had the surgery 3 years ago, lost 175 pounds and has put over 50 pounds of it back on in the last year, that's very scarry because I know it can happen to me too. Oh well, so much for my crying on your shoulder, I'm sorry, but I needed to talk about it. Maybe one day they will give me another psyc. appointment at Dr. Bours, I had called 3 times about the one they cancelled when Dr. Russell left and they kept telling me they will call me and reschedule it, but so far I have heard nothing. I feel like the invisible woman at that office, lol. Maybe I should call them and request a partial refund of my 2,500.00 due to lack of service and see if that gets their attention. OK sweetie, you take care and keep up the good work, you look fantastic. Mary ****Please say a prayer or ttwo for me, that the 3 pounds comes back off before next Friday.

Mary,

I'm so sorry you're feeling this way.  But, everybody's different and your body is doing what's right for you!!!  Don't worry about the 3 lbs he told me today that at around 9 mos. you may see a couple of lbs going up and "don't freak out about it".  I was a little surprised that he didn't sound that concerned about it. (After hearing other people's experiences at their visits).  I'm trying to just do the best I can do and I'm sure you are too.  It's not IT for you.  And as far as his office, I've tried calling Sytrena since November - she finally got back to me in February.  And now again I've tried leaving her messages, I finally told them last week NOT to put me through to her voice mail cuz she doesn't call me back!  The whole $2,500 bites anyway - saw Michelle today and she said unless I need her she wouldn't be making another appt. for me, just to call and schedule one.  I did see Dr. Armstrong last week, after they reschedule 3 times, waited 45 minutes and she typed on the computer the whole time we were talking.  I'm just not sure of her,  she wanted me to "mentor" someone and I told her 2 times I'm only six months out, that I didn't feel comfortable or capable of mentoring - I'm still learning.I think their trying to get some of the "older" (ok further out) patients to take on more of a role, that I personally think is the office's responbility. (My opinion).

Anyway, found out today that their also adding 2 more Dr's to the practice, a Dr. Cobb and I can't remember the others name, because the front office is getting some construction done, their adding, (I think) 4 stations at the receptionist area.  Not sure if that's a good thing or not - only time will tell.

You're doing great and I would love to see you more.  Don't be discouraged.  Just keep on keeping on.  You are a success!!!

Thank you so much for making me feel better, your a doll. I have tried so hard to tell myself over the past 9 months the same thing you just said, but when its your body and its not cooperating like you want it to, you start to think the worst. It's just so nice to have other people who understand what your going through to talk to  when your down and depressed. I thank you for being here and letting me vent to you about my problems when it should be your post for whooping it up about your great visit with Dr. Bour and your success at losing weight and not about  my whinning and crying. Again, thanks for listening. Mary

Mary: Here's some fairy dust to make that scale move back down.

Hey Hot Colleen! Congratulations lady!  Do the Happy Dance!!!  You have worked soooo hard, and been such an inspiration to me!  You look Maaaaaavelous!  It must feel so great to be off your meds!  Double Whooooo Hoooooo! God Bless you as you finish your journey!  I'll be seeing you on Monday! Terri