Post your stories

Jeannie:

What a good idea! I think the newbies would like to know what we've gone through and some of us old-timers who don't remember our stories would like to hear them again. I remembered some of your story, but it was good to hear the whole thing again.

I started investigating this in the summer of 2003. I was really depressed about my life and decided part of that was my weight. I went to a seminar at MMPC in Grand Rapids, which was the only local place doing it. We had a lot of stories in the paper about them; the one surgeon, Dr. Baker, actually invented stuff for this surgery and was internationally known. I knew right away I wanted the surgery (which is funny, because I once told a coworker I would never have it, because I liked my food too much). I had my appointments set that day and started on my road.

I had my behaviorist appointment and cried through the whole thing, and he recommended I seek counseling, which I did (I still see the same psychologist), because he thought I wouldn't be able to handle my emotional problems post-op without some help. Then I had my surgeon's consult, and he thought I was a good candidate; at this point, I was 320 pounds. That was in Sept. 2003. Then I waited.

And waited. And waited. And waited. In December, I got a call from the insurance at the office, who said they didn't have my insurance card ... which was funny, because they were billing my insurance company for appointments. She said they couldn't get preapproval without that, so I needed to fax it. So that's what was holding up my preapproval! So I faxed that and waited again. After the first of year, I got a letter my Blue Cross saying I was approved but needed a cardiac consult (stress test), so I got that done, passed the stress test ... oh, in between that, I fell over a roll of Christmas wrapping paper, blew out my right knee again and needed to have it scoped, got chewed out by the ortho surgeon about my weight, which at this point was up to 350 pounds (because with all the waiting, I was extremely depressed and kept eating).

In the meantime, I was still waiting for a date ... in March, MMPC called me and said because it had been so long, I had to have all my appointments again, including my psych eval, which would cost me another $220 (not billable to insurance); another internist clearance; and more labs. I had my psychologist write a letter, and then she called their behaviorist, who told her that he didn't think I'd be compliant ... he met me for an hour back in July 2003 ... she assured him that I would because I so badly wanted this surgery.

Finally ... in May, I got approved and got a date, but had to wait until June because I had a wedding to go to in Colorado (my nephew was getting married June 4). So when I got back, I had my dietitian meeting, got my two-week pre-op diet and started the final part of my journey.

Now it gets really fun. Since I have no family here, I had a coworker drive me to the hospital June 29, 2004, early in the morning. He dropped off at the door at 6:30 or so and left. I went to pre-op, checked, got into my nice gown and had labs draw and waited for surgery (I was the first one of the day for Dr. Foote). About an hour or so later, a nurse comes in and says, "You can't have your surgery because your potassium is low." (I had a UTI  the week before and had to take antibiotics, which gave me the runs, so that must have been the reason.) I got so upset and started crying. She had already left, but the people in the bed next to me asked what was the matter and I told them. About 10 minutes later, another nurse comes in and tries to calm me down. I said, "If I can't have surgery today, what am I going to do? I don't have anyone to drive me home. I don't have any money." So she says, "Oh no honey, you're still going to have surgery. We have to get your potassium up. Then you'll have surgery." I could have killed the other nurse. And if you've ever had potassium through an IV, boy, that really hurts. They had to get the anesthesologist to approve a painkiller for me to calm me down, too. By noon, I was in surgery and on my way.

Two days later, I was out of the hospital (a day later than expected, because I had a "heart glitch" ... fast heartbeat they never figured out why). The weight came off pretty easily. It took me three years to lose 180 pounds, but I've kept it off.

I never had problems with any food ... beef didn't agree with me very well at first, but now it's fine (ate buffalo for awhile instead). My main problem now is exercise because of my knee problems.

The best thing I found is this board and all the friends I've made. It's been my lifeline for so many things. I've kept going to my psychologist because I don't want to backslide, and I know I still have so many issues to deal with.

Eileen,
You had a lot of hoops to jump through.  Waiting and anticipating something and then have it yanked away caused me to gain like crazy too.  I even had the "last supper" daily for about six months and gained like twenty pounds.  Not having anyone with you at the hospital is truly sad.  That's why support groups need to include those types of services for people who are alone.  Just having someone wait in the lobby to get the news is the best feeling.  I had my hubby and my son and they both stayed in the hospital with me and slept in my room, in spite of having a hotel room.  My son walked me and brushed my long hair and braided it for me and the nurses laughed at his attempts and one of the nurses scooted him over and french braided my hair so tight but it felt so good having it off my face.  Yeah, support is wonderful.  I'm sorry you went though your surgery alone.  We need to know these things, don't you think?

I knew about OH (it was AMOS back then) but not the Over-50 forum or the Michigan board. I asked for an angel but didn't get one. So I was on my own. My coworkers helped by driving me to the hospital and picking me up. Whenever I've had surgery, they've always been there for me, but they can't sit there with me. So then I'm on my own. Most of the time it's fine, but that day, it was the worst feeling.

 A couple of years ago my niece asked me if I considered wls  ...  OF COURSE NOT.....  I wasn't going to get cut up just to lose weight.....  I'd been to culinary school and knew how to cook low cal ( didn't do it though)  All I needed to do is get off my fat arse and do it.  Yeah right  ! !    She asked (nagged) me to ask my PCP.  I did.. He said I would be a good candidate for the surgery.   He sent me upstairs to the surgeons office to his colleague friend.  I had a gazillion questions.  He was patient with me and took care of all my questions.  I didn't want RNY, I wanted a lap band... he doesn't do lap bands and gave his reasons.  I went through all the usual hoops: several dietitian meetings, head nurse consult, psych evaluation, and back to the surgeon.  

I had met with  my surgeon in Sept and was ready for surgery just before Christmas.  I wanted one more "normal" holiday before my surgery.  Well, in Nov I broke my wrist and had a cast up to my arm pit....  no fun... during that time I decided I didn't want wls.  In February I had an emergency visit due to gout.  Gout??? what the ???  My son took me to the ER...  I was soooo embarrassed.  I was as big as a cow, couldn't walk, couldn't get on the X-ray table, couldn't get on the exam table.   I decided: enough is enough.  I went home and scheduled my surgery.   March 19, 2008...  DONE DEAL

I was losing weight very quickly.  I hated the meds, ground or liquid or whatever.  Couldn't eat eggs, gagged on meat, veggies were too hard on my pouch.  Dumped on fatty foods and barfed on sugars.  My food was limited.  Oh yes, I had buyers remorse.  Wish I hadn't had surgery. Hair fell out, skin sags, and I aged with all the wrinkles.  I whined and cried but everyone marveled at how much better I looked and they noticed the extra energy I had.

Six months out I noticed I wasn't feeling so good.  Now what ????  I plugged along not realizing I was having a serious problem.  It too several months and Dr appointments to find out I'm hypoglycemic.( what the heck is that )  I was sent to an endocrinologist for tests.  No problem with my fasting blood sugars.....  found out I'm a "reactive hypoglycemic"  Huh???  What I eat affect my blood sugars.

Now I'm very diligent on watching my intake of foods.  I have a very simple diet; one I can live with.  Oatmeal w/cranberries & soy milk.  Chili w/cheese & onions,  Dinners vary,  I can eat meats now, veggies are good.  Sugar is NOT worth the mess with the blood sugars.  I do eat bacon and I snack on power bars, apples & peanut butter, and almonds.  Do I miss the other foods? yes, I do but when I eat JUNK I get sick.  I craved a BK whopper meal.... complete with milkshake.  I ate slow and savored every bite (without bun)  dumped on fries and it took two days for my blood sugars to level out from the milkshake.  NEVER AGAIN... 

I like the way I look, my hair has grown back and now has curls... yup curls... I sag and bag but am not gross.  I have empathy for heavy people and pity those who make fun of them.  I do wear sleeveless blouse in public ( I just don't wave at anyone), I also wear a swimsuit in a public pool ( my grands don't care).  I'm healthier and happier than I have been in years.  I mean YEARS.....

Plus, I'm single and loving it.  I can date or not... met some very nice men.  I can come and go as I please too.  This summer I will have my panni removed even though I've not lost all the weight.

I hate having to tell others of my medical insurance situation cause I feel spoiled.  I didn't have to have the strict diet, wait six months, or jump through denial hoops.  I have coverage through the military and it was so easy for me.  In out with in 6 months and that is with a two month self imposed break.  Not all stories are like mine...... 

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Millie

Millie,
I dump on everything too.  I think mine is from the ulcer.  I am like you in that I got approved really quickly and I have two insurances so what one doesn't cover, the other does.  My husband's insurance on me even will pay for the plastics but I have to have a six month period where I am weight stable. 
It sounds like you have it all together now and that's good.  Even with the dumping, even with the saggy skin, even with the feeling tired sometimes, I would do it again and again.  Nothing feels as good as normal does. LOL

Hi!
I did not have WLS but I do have a story..........

My weight loss journey........

I struggled for years..........MANY years!  I would start a diet, do well for a few days/weeks even months but in the end would give up and gain the weight back and then some.  I did this yo-yo dieting for about 20 years and then just totally gave up and stayed at the same place for about 5 years.

I was rather unhappy from the time I was about 14 and then down right miserable starting in my mid 20’s! I NEVER felt pretty, never felt real joy (other than the 30 seconds it took to eat an snickers bar), never felt I deserved anything good, I was never my own priority and I never felt proud of myself.

Finally after being divorced for about 5 or 6 years I decided I wanted to live.  I have no children of my own but I wanted to live not only to see my young nieces and nephews go up, but to finally enjoy my own life.  I did not really "live" life from about 1991-2007; I merely existed.  I worked like crazy to avoid the real issues in my life.

When I decided I wanted to make me my number one priority I got serious about losing weight.  I even told my friends and family that for the next few months or year (whatever it would take) I was going to be selfish and make me my priority. 

It hasn’t been easy!  I NEVER liked to exercise…not even when I was younger.  The only thing close to exercise I ever liked was swimming and riding the bicycle but that was more fun than exercise…I never broke a sweat and never really swam laps, I played around in the pool.

To be successful I knew I had to get serious about exercising.  I got up a little earlier in the morning so I could do my walk before going to work and at night I didn’t go out much because I was doing my nightly routine (either cardio or weight lifting depending on the day of the week).

It's been slow, sometimes painfully slow, but I have lost 150 lbs and I am just 3 lbs from my goal (I hit my original goal but then decided I wanted to lose another 15). 

It can be done with healthy eating and exercise.  Seriously if I (at 51) could start and be successful, anyone can!

My Diet and Exercise.  There is no way to get around the exercise part!  I've been a life long dieter and it never stuck...........finally about 18 months ago I changed my attitude towards food and started eating healthy and exercising daily (except on Saturdays, my free day every week).  

I started slow with the exercise and built my way up. At first I could only walk 10 mins on the treadmill, then 20....now I walk/run a minimum of 40 in the morning.  Even when I was working I would get up early so I could walk (at that time I did not run so I walked 60 mins every morning).  Weight lifting is VERY important...it builds muscle and muscle burns calories even when you are sitting doing nothing.  I feel best on days I do my 40 min walk/run in the morning and then when I add another 40 min walk in the evening.  I basically follow the "Body for Life" exercise program....easy to learn and stick with.  Cardio every morning before breakfast, weight lifting 3 nights a week and the other nights another round of cardio.

For my food - at first I weighed my portions till I got used to knowing what a 4oz piece of meat looked like (turns out I used to eat more like 6-8oz at each meal), and measuring pasta/rice/potatoes was an eye opener for me too. 

At first I ate about 1,700-1,800 cals but as I lost weight I dropped to about 1,500 and now eat around 1,200 (never more).  A body weighing 250+ lbs needs more calories (energy) than the body weighing 200 lbs or 150 lbs so as you lose weight you have to cut back on calories....I used the general rule that I cut calories after every 50 lbs lost.  NOT a drastic cut, just enough to keep losing.  To be successful I had to remember - bottom line….it’s calories in and calories burned that matters.  I have a daily budget of calories and I choose to spend them wisely.   I don't think of this as a "diet" in the traditional sense, for me it's my way of life, it’s my new norm and will never end.

• I eat at least 5 times a day....... protein powder, breakfast (a healthy oatmeal mix I make) , lunch, snack, dinner (on days I'm doing weight lifting I add another protein powder before the workout). I use EAS Whey Protein Powder....it is NOT a meal replacement it is pure protein.  I try to get 80-100 grams of protein every day to lose weight. 

• I eat LOTS AND LOTS of fresh veg (at least 3 full servings a day).  Most of the veg I eat is raw or a quick sauté/stir-fry (crisp), with a little olive oil.
• I eat fresh fruit.....1 apple every day and either an orange, or 1/4 cantaloupe or 20 grapes, maybe a banana…depends what is in season and what is in the house
• I tend to eat more "whole and organic" foods, very little processed foods.  I make my own yogurt (yummy), eat lots of raw veg or flash cooked (keeping lots of crunch and color).  We squeeze our own orange juice (I recently moved to Florida so I feel obligated to squeeze OJ...lol). 
• I broil, bake, or grill most of my meats and fish....occasionally I will brown chicken or fish in a little olive oil but not too much and not very often.
• When eating lunch or dinner I eat the protein and veg first and then if I still have room I eat the carbs......it helps me to not over eat.
• I eat a high amount of protein (80-100 gr a day)
• I eat from EVERY food group....do not eliminate any group.
• I eat healthy carbs......oatmeal for breakfast every morning (except my free day), bulgur wheat once or twice a week, pasta once a week.  I don't eat much bread which was very difficult for me for the first 9 months.  I do have bread once in a while just not everyday and it's usually a whole wheat bread (on my free day it's Italian bread toasted along with my eggs).  I had a bagel for the first time last month.
• Snacks are healthy ones.......1 tbls peanut butter (Smuckers natural creamy) w/ a little strawberry jam on a rice cake or Wasa cracker or slice of low cal whole wheat bread.  OR - 1 plain granola bar (they come 2 in pack, I eat only 1), or 1 tbls peanut butter spread on a banana.  Lately I’ve had 1 hard boiled egg for snack a couple days during the week….great source of protein!
• No cookies, cakes, pies.......okay, I think I had 4 small pieces of baklava (my favorite), 1 slice of pecan pie, and maybe 3 or 4 cookies during the past year.  Seriously, this was not easy but after a while I stopped looking for them.
• No chips......I love potato chips and cheese doodles but have done all I can to avoid them..........recently I had a small bag with my lunch sandwich from Quiznos or Subway but it was the first time in about a year and it was on my Free Day.
• If I know a food is a dangerous one for me (like chips or butter) I do not bring it in the house.  The only time I did was when I was entertaining and I knew others would want them….BUT, I made them take all the leftovers home with them.  My friends’ kid loved that.
• I recently cut out sugar and artificial sweeteners.  Since Feb 1, 2009 I have not had any sweetener in my tea or coffee.....I am amazed I was able to do this.  It's taken a good 2 months to get somewhat used to it and only the other day I added a pkg of Splender to a cup of tea and hated it...it was way too sweet!!!
• Portion control.  It took me a looooooong time to figure out that even too much salad is not a good thing!  Every food has calories.
• I make sure I incorporate some good fats (olive oil, flaxseed oil) into my diet every day!  
• I eat more fish and chicken/turkey during the week and try to limit red meat to about twice a week. 
• The other thing I really changed was I eliminated butter (which I used to love) and I only eat cheese once a week (I used to eat it just about every day).
• I only weigh myself once a week (every Saturday morning)...okay sometimes I cheat and hop on the scale in the middle of the week but it's pretty rare that I do that.
• I write down EVERYTHING I eat/drink....I mean EVERYTHING...if I add 6 raisins to my oatmeal I write it down.  I actually build a small excel file that I use to track my food, cals, protein, fat, fiber, carbs every day.
• Drinking PLENTY of water is a must!  At my heaviest I drank about 15 cups a day....now I drink about 9 most days and sometimes 12.  Again the heavier the body the more water it needs so since I'm so close to my final goal I've cut back to a more normal amount of water.

 

I allow myself 1 free day (Saturday), I can eat/drink anything I want BUT I still do so within reason.....I don’t really watch the calories that day but I don’t go crazy either….it seems to work out that I normally take in an extra 250 cals that day but like I said I do not go crazy……..like I don't eat butter on my free day,  but I will have 1 or 2 small piece of chocolate at night, or 2 slices of pizza for lunch or maybe a nice piece of lasagna for dinner, sometimes I have margarita night and make spicy shrimp tacos and drink a couple margaritas…....something different but not out of control.

Alcohol slows downs the metabolism.  When I first started I would have a drink or two on my free day but after a while I decided it wasn't worth the calories so I hardly had anything during the last 6 months or so.......trust me there have been days that I have had a few drinks but it's not a weekly thing.  Maybe when I'm at goal and maintaining successfully for a while I'll add in a glass of red wine a couple nights a week....it's healthy

The reward for doing this……I’m healthier today at 52 than I was in my 30’s.  I’m happier and for the first time in my life I feel truly proud of myself!

Thanks for listening

Losing weight without weighloss surgery is commedable.  For many of us, though, we had so much to lose that wls was our only recourse.  I, like you, began the weightloss jounrey on my own.  I went from 550 plus to around 300 but could not lose past that number.  In fact, I injured my knee walking and began gaining when I had to have surgery on my knee to repair the torn ligament.  I started gaining and no matter what I did, I could not get the scales to drop.  I think that I lost the ability to walk fast enough to actually do much good or far enough.  My knee was so shot and the ortho doctor was no help.  He was so disgusted my fat that he refused, at first, to even do surgery.  But, then he saw the MRI.  WLS finished off what I started and couldn't finish by traditional means. 

I'm happy you have done so well. 

Congratulations on your terrific accomplishment.  Sounds like you are at goal now......I can't wait to hit my goal...only a few more lbs to go.

Thanks for this thread tonight.  It gives me something to read.

I have never told my story on this board.

I was in the Air Force for 20 years and my max weight was 220.  I stayed right at it.  When I got out, I ate what and when I wanted.  By 2006 I was up to 340 lbs.

Three years and one month ago, my doctor recommended I have RNY.  No way.  My wife was there and said how about me.  The pcp was hesitant because of how many surgeries she has had (right now, including the WLS, she has had over 40 surgeries in 12 years).  They started the paperwork that day.  That was the first week of May 2006.  She was disapproved within two weeks.  Within one more week she was approved.  She was not even put on a liquid diet.  On May 31, the doc's office called and said "How about tomorrow?".  Seriously.  At that point Mary explained the 1st was our anniversary, so she would rather take the next date available.  They gave her 6/6/06.  We knew going in there would be complications because her liver had become attached to her stomach.  Two days after WLS, the doc calls me at 7 AM saying he is taking her into surgery for a minor complication.  He impressed me because my wife even explained later, he dialed the phone himself.  At this point I decided if I ever had the surgery, he was the man.

2007 - I was now at 360 lbs.  Decided in Sept that I was going to do it.  PCP started paperwork and told me it would be disapproved (always is he said), but he kept back a couple of things.  Denied, resubmitted, approved almost immediately.  Scheduled surgery for 12/13, but had a trip to Vegas already planned.  That was my last hurrah.  Started liquid diet 12/1.  Lost 150 lbs in 6 months, having almost no complications at all.  Small bump in the road, had my gall bladder removed.

That's it.  Sorry so long.

George, some of you men just drop those pounds so quickly.  I think it has to do with the size of your muscles and the need to burn energy to move those muscles.  It sounds like wls was the best thing for both you and your wife.