Post-Op

7/6/04

Surgery day has arrived!!! I'm not really as nervous as I thought I would be. I have a lot of friends and family going to the hospital with me this morning.

Arrived at the hospital at 8:00 as instructed. I didn't get moved into prep until almost noon. My blood pressure was really low, and getting an IV started was difficult. A few meds injected and a shaved belly and off to surgery I go!!! Surgery lasted for 4 hours. I had the DS done "open", and my appendix and gall bladder were removed. The doctor also performed a biopsy on my liver.

My first memories are coming out of anesthesia a bit early and struggling with the doctors messing with my airway. I have extreme sleep apnea, which the doctors got to experience full hand. My next memories are of pain while they tried to "shove" my bed into a doorway too small for it. I was using a new style bed and they had a hard time finding a room with a large enough door for it. After several minutes of banging, which feels really good just coming out of surgery, a room with double doors was found. Thank God.

The lack of sleep and a morphine drip kept me coming in and out of consciousness for days. Surgery was around 1:00 and by 10:30 they had me on the "Airlife". It is a thing that you breathe into to measure lung capacity and to help prevent pneumonia setting in.



7/7/04

By 1:00AM they had me up and walking. I am under a LOT of pain!!! Anybody that says that this surgery doesn't hurt is a liar!!! I'm suffering even through the morphine drip.

My bandages were changed around 6:30 this morning. Still using the "Airlife". It is getting easier to use. Being awake means being in pain. They took out my nasal gastric tube around 7:00AM. That was fun. I keep telling the nurses that I do not feel right. I am extremely nauseous and the pain when drinking or eating is intense. Even water "burns" as it travels down. Problems overlooked for the most part. Come 8:00AM I began throwing up. I threw up little clumps of blood...no more than a few blobs. The dry-heaving was the most painful experience I have ever had. As you probably know, it is not a good idea to throw-up after this surgery.

Despite throwing-up at 8:00, I was up and walking at 9:00. In lots of pain. I had my pain meds changed to see if it would help. Crashed into bed. God only knows everything they did to me the rest of the day.



7/8/04

Up and walking at 6:45. Sipping liquids is difficult. Eating is next to impossible. Nothing but protein shakes, diet drinks, broth, and damn Jell-O. Thank God for water for it is the only thing that tastes good. Dr. Kim came to see me at 8:30. Complained of the problems of eating. The doctor says "give it time". Great. Walking again around 11:30. The new meds are letting me feel better and less groggy. Had my first small bowel movement. At 6:00, they took away my morphine drip and IV.



7/9/04

I am running a temperature at 2:00 this morning. Dr. Kim says no more fluids until he can see me when he comes in. The staff has finally realized that I am not resting well when I sleep and my oxygen levels are falling off (my O2 levels got down to 77% at one point...they should be above 93%). Now I am sleeping with a mask that blows oxygen in my face. Spent all night being woke up every few minutes whenever my levels would start falling off. I might be breathing, folks, but I'm also NOT SLEEPING!!!

Around 7:00 this morning, a place on my staple line began leaking. And it leaked a lot!!! It is a minor hole, which was patched up by the nurses. I am now wearing a "girdle" to help keep the incision closed. Though I haven't mentioned it before, my blood pressure continues to be erratic. It is 122/48 this morning. I am getting better with the new meds. At least I am able to drink more. Also, I am walking more now too...walking 4 times a day with no help and doing twice the distance.

At 11:45AM, Dr. Kim came in and looked at my incision. He seems to think I will be going home tomorrow. Blood pressure tonight was 134/52. Also, I had another bowel movement. It was a bit more substantial this time.



7/10/04

I was told this morning that since I have not started pureed food yet I might not get to go home today. More damn Jell-O and broth. A week of that stuff is enough. They brought me pureed chicken and carrots for lunch. I managed to get them both down. After another good bowel movement and clearance by the head nurse, it was decided I could go home after all. After getting all of my cyborg implants removed, it was time for the trip home.

Pot-holes SUCK!!! The ride home was bumpy. Florida is ALWAYS under construction which does not help a recovering DS patient like me. It is nice to be home with nobody around to prick you at 3 in the morning.



7/11/04

Eating continues to be a challenge. The lack of pain meds has allowed my taste buds to come back. I'm not sure if that is a good thing or not. Pureed food is like eating poop. And lets not forget that yummy broth and Jell-O!!! Or better yet those protein shakes!!! I am committed to not take any pain meds at home. Started the post-op 2 week regimen which includes two doses of Centrum Liquid a day as well as a Klor-con and a Pepcid a day. I'm suppose to walk for 20 minutes, but only managed 10.

I have an appointment with Dr. Kim on Thursday.



7/12/04

Still in pain. Bruises are starting to show on my abdomen near the incision line. Making sure to get that protein and fluids. I have found that milk and cottage cheese go down really nicely. I am now getting my 20 minutes of walking in, but I still need to increase the frequency. It is just so hot out in that Florida sun!!! I am peeing my brains out. I have urinated 10 times today, passing over 120 ounces of fluid!!! I guess I am getting rid of the drainage fluids and the IV's.



7/13/04

Cottage cheese still seems to be the choice of champions. Tried some eggs and fruit today, but it didn't settle well. Tried some pureed stew, but I think it had too much fat. It passed through me faster than I could eat it. Because I am peeing so much, I have cut down my liquids today to let my kidneys catch up. This is something I would pay for tonight. Read on...



7/14/04

Around 3:00 this morning, I woke up with both of my legs cramping. It has to be from not taking in enough fluids. So I am back to drinking more, no matter what my kidneys do. Tried an egg omelet today. It went down much better than before. I am having more and more abdominal pain. My "hole" reopened on my incision line. It is barely leaking, so I do not think it is critical. I go see Dr. Kim tomorrow to tell him about my progress.



7/15/04

Seen the doctor today. He seems to think I am doing well. I have to see him again next Wednesday. Got measured today.

<<<< MILESTONE >>>>
I broke 400 pounds!!! Here are my new figures...

Weight: 400 pounds
Percentage Body Fat: 42.2%
Time since surgery: 9 days
Dr. Kim's Target Weight: 190
MY Target Weight: 175
Pounds Lost: 32 pounds
Pounds to Lose: 225 pounds!!!
432 / 400 / 175 / 12.5% excess weight gone



7/19/04

The pain in my back has gotten worse. I called Dr. Kim and they arranged for me to have some tests done. I had a EKG, a chest X-ray, and blood work done. Everything came back normal. Dr. Kim wants me to come into his office in the morning.



7/20/04

Pain medication has helped ease off my grief. I went to see the doctor this morning. I had a cat-scan done on my mid-section, but everything came back looking good. The only thing we can attribute the pain to is "excess", so I am going to slow down for the next few days and continue with the pain medication. Got weighed (not measured) while I was there. The past five days have been unkind. Here are the poor results (granted I did have my shoes on and a pocket full of stuff...)

Weight: 398.5 pounds
Time since surgery: 14 days
Dr. Kim's Target Weight: 190
MY Target Weight: 175
Pounds Lost: 33.5 pounds
Pounds to Lose: 223.5 pounds!!!
432 / 398.5 / 175 / 13% excess weight gone



7/22/04

Pain medication helps keep the woes away. Mostly it helps eliminate all of the bruising and muscle pain. I threw up today for the second time since surgery. Tried to eat some spaghetti and the meatball didn't agree with me. Throwing up is different now than pre-op. There are no stomach acids that come up...only chewed food and whatever liquid I might be drinking. And I don't get the strong "heaving" that I used to get vomiting. The feeling before throwing up is pretty much the same. I guess meatballs are off the list for now.



7/23/04

I threw up again today. In fact, I have not been able to eat today. I ate one small chicken finger and vomited. It has been nothing but water and tea the rest of the day. I hope this isn't the start of some bad trend.



7/24/04

Eating has become an art form. If I want to eat an actual "meal", it now requires me to be seated at a table and a LOT of time to eat. I have found that I can eat a small frozen dinner (like one of those cheap Banquet dinners) if I take an hour or more to work on it. I still don't have a "full" mechanism so I tend to go from hungry to nauseous without ever feeling full. Learning this lesson has been hard, but I think it will reduce my vomiting episodes.



7/26/04

I've got a new problem. The place that opened up on my incision line while I was in the hospital is getting infected. I called the doctor's office and I am set to come in tomorrow for a look over.



7/27/04

Dr. Kim is on vacation so another doctor (I forget his name) looked at my incision. He opened it up to let it drain, packed it, and told me to keep it clean and that right now it is superficial. That's a relief. I got weighed while I was in. Pockets full, but no shoes this time, here is where I stand....

Weight: 386.5 pounds
Time since surgery: 21 days
Dr. Kim's Target Weight: 190
MY Target Weight: 175
Pounds Lost: 45.5 pounds
Pounds to Lose: 211.5 pounds!!!
432 / 386.5 / 175 / 17.7% excess weight gone



7/28/04

Vomited again today. Keeping food down is becoming a difficult thing. And forget about all of those pills I'm suppose to take. I didn't think eating would be such a chore. Nothing tastes good and nothing goes down well. If I didn't have to eat I wouldn't. Everything makes me nauseous. I know that this is not normal. I am hoping it will pass. My incision seems to be getting a little better.



8/1/04

I have started taking the vitamin regimen prescribed to me by the doctor. The pills I am taking are those that I got prior to surgery from the hospital. Here is what my NEW regimen includes:

MORNING:
1 Multivitamin
3 Calcium
1 CoQ10
1 Potassium
1 Pepcid
1 Synthroid

MID-DAY:
1 Multivitamin
1 Iron
1 CoQ10

EVENING:
1 Multivitamin
3 Calcium
1 CoQ10

That's a LOT of pills!!! Far cry from the liquid Centrum twice a day and a potassium pill, Pepcid, and Synthroid in the morning. All of these pills are hard to take, especially with this nausea. Also add 4 antibiotics per day for this week and that makes 20 pills a day!!! The Pepcid are only for a few more months. After 4 months I get to discontinue the potassium pills and after 6 months I can eliminate the CoQ10. That still leaves 11 pills a day that I will have to take for life!!! I am going to investigate this and see if I can find liquid forms of some of this stuff. The liquid Centrum I was on was great. Maybe I can go back to using it for a multivitamin. But for the next 30 days at least, this is my regimen (if I can stomach it). I say 30 days because I already have a month's supply of this stuff to use. It has been a rough few weeks for ingesting things for sure.



8/3/04

Well, old habits die hard. I threw up again today. You would think I would get it in my head not to eat certain things (like fried chicken fingers and spaghetti...both no-no's). Today I ventured out and got a McDonald's hamburger (no bun of course)...the first true attempt at "fast food" since my surgery. Yep, you guessed it...I got sick. I wish my "cravings" would subside. I still want to go get a big steak or a big nasty burger. Also I wish my "full" mechanism would crank up. I am still going from hungry to sick without ever feeling "full" or even "satisfied". But I am less than a month out, so maybe things will improve with time.



8/6/04

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!

Today marks my one month anniversary! Went to the doctor today for a follow-up. The meeting went well. He wants me to concentrate on proteins and walking more.

<<<< MILESTONE >>>>
I have less than 200 pounds to lose now!!! Here are my new figures...

Weight: 374.5 pounds
Time since surgery: 1 month
Dr. Kim's Target Weight: 190
MY Target Weight: 175
Pounds Lost: 57.5 pounds
Pounds to Lose: 199.5 pounds!!!
432 / 374.5 / 175 / 22.4% excess weight gone

While at the hospital, I got some of my records from when I was having tests done to have the surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in Weston, Florida (it was taking too long to get in down there, and I found out about Dr. Kim's reputation and that he performs the DS, so I switched to Celebration). Here is a listing showing how much I weighed and my weight gain over time:

9/27/02 - 359 pounds
11/8/02 - 366
2/25/03 - 380
4/28/03 - 380
8/13/03 - 397
9/22/03 - 398
10/10/03 - 402
4/14/04 - 430
5/13/04 - 428
6/23/04 - 432

That's 73 pounds gained in only 21 months!!! I'm going to look farther back to see if I can find weights before 2002. I will post them when/if I find them.



8/7/04

I have found some weights going back to 1988. Basically, I have not been my ideal weight since I was 16!!! It has been 18 months or so since I have been my current weight. I just hope it keeps coming off. So far all of my weight has been in my neck and legs. I wish some of this gut would go away. Found out that I am scheduled to return to work on the 17th. I hope I haven't forgotten everything.



8/8/04

Threw up again today. This time it was on my pills. Taking over 20 pills a day is not working for me. I am going to take a hiatus on them for a week and resume taking them later. The doctor will not be pleased, but it is definitely necessary.



8/10/04

My appetite is coming back. I'm not sure if this is a good thing or not. I have eaten a lot more the past few days, and eaten more "exotic" food like chicken wings and meatballs without getting sick. I think my nausea is actually making me want to eat...if that makes sense. And I'm able to eat some 10oz at a setting without getting "full". And then eat another 10oz only 4 to 6 hours later. This is definitely a new development. I really want this trend to slow down. I hope it does not interfere with my weight loss!!!



8/13/04

HURRICANE CHARLEY!!!

Charley ripped through my quiet community today. It left devastation everywhere!!! My home lost part of its roof and my screened-in porch. My neighbor's trampoline took out my truck!!! Everything here is in ruins. Being 6 weeks post-op, it sure picked a bad time to come. There is a lot to clean up and repair that I am unable to do right now. And with no electricity, there is no reprieve from the heat.



8/14/04

Still no power. Phones and water are working (thank God). We continue to get storms which isn't helping my leaky roof. No gas or food available anywhere. The water runs, but is unfit to drink. At least the storms cool it down some.



8/15/04

Aftermath, day two. Still no power. Drove all the way to Ocala for supplies (almost a two hour drive north of me). A friend has borrowed a generator from a friend in north Florida, so at least we will be able to run fans and a refrigerator. We are just now getting ice and water relief. The streets are slowly becoming navigable. Gas is in high demand and short supply. Too bad tempers weren't in short supply too. I haven't taken any pills or supplements since the storm. And my diet hasn't been the best either. Hopefully we will get relief soon.



8/16/04

Got my parents running on a generator today. That should bring them some relief. Eating out of cans is getting old. The occasional barbeque is heaven, but hard on the old stomach. Still no power here. Some businesses are running on generators and offering services, which is helping. If only the "A/C Fairy" would come and save us now!!!



8/17/04

We have power at my friend's business!!! Thank you Progress Energy!!! Power a full 4 days ahead of schedule!!! The A/C never felt so good!!! And so did the warm meal. And now I have clean clothes too. The heat has gotten me sick a few times. It is hard to take in enough fluid with the surgery. I almost flaked out once. And I haven't urinated in two days. I hope my kidneys are okay.



8/18/04

My urine is almost orange it is so dark. I hope it is because I am sweating so much. I had power at my place for a few hours before it went off again. I guess one more day and we might have it.



8/19/04

We have electricity!!!! The A/C feels great!!! I also heard from my insurance adjuster today and he will be here tomorrow. Excellent! I also had a local charity group called The Care Center come out and tarp my leaky roof until it can be fixed. I am forever indebted to those people. They truly were a blessing from God himself. I found out that I can start work tomorrow too. I hope to get back on track with my pills and diet tomorrow and try to return to some normal life.



8/23/04

I am finally back to work. It is going to be hard getting in the swing of things again.



8/24/04

Got weighed today!!! Here is where I stand:

Weight: 363.5 pounds
Time since surgery: 7 weeks
Dr. Kim's Target Weight: 190
MY Target Weight: 175
Pounds Lost: 68.5 pounds
Pounds to Lose: 188.5 pounds!!!
432 / 363.5 / 175 / 26.7% excess weight gone

I haven't weighed this "little" since 2002. The weight loss is REALLY slowing down now. Only 11 pounds in 3 weeks. I hope this isn't the start of ANOTHER trend!!!



9/4/04

HURRICANE FRANCES!!!

Can you believe this??? The eye of a SECOND hurricane is about to pass over my community in less than a month!!! UNBELIEVABLE!!! We still have damage from the FIRST storm!!! This one is a LOT bigger and slower, which means LOTS of rain....just what we need since everyone has tarps for roofing right now!!! Everyone's nerves are rattled. This is ridiculous. It had been 44 years since we had a major hurricane hit here. Now we are getting 2 in three weeks!!! I hope there is something left for me to write about once this is over. Please pray for us. We are going to get it bad here.

By the way, if you are curious as to where I live, just track the paths of Charley and Frances and where they criss-cross...that's me!!!



9/7/04

Hurricane Frances is FINALLY gone!!! It took FOREVER for it to leave. It hit us with Category 1 force, but since we already had so much damage from Charley, there were few trees or signs down. A lot of tarped roofing broke free, which is the worst of the damage around here. We were out of power and water once the strongest part of the storm hit. However, water was restored in a few hours and the power is already on (much quicker than Charley when we were out of power for 6 days). We faired the storm fairly well this time. The plastic on my roof held and the water damage was kept to a minimum. Now we have to wait and see what Hurricane Ivan is going to do. It will be heading this way come Saturday.



9/11/04

<<<< MILESTONE >>>>
I was able to sit at a booth in a restaurant!!! I haven't been able to squeeze my big butt into a booth for a long time now. The weight loss is slow, but at least it is leaving.



9/16/04

Whew...Hurricane Ivan missed us!!! I feel for those in Pensacola, but anywhere was better than here. We've had ours, thank you....twice.

I continue to progress well. I'm not nauseated very often anymore and I haven't thrown up in a while. My energy level is good, but I'm still not taking my vitamins or exercising correctly. There is just too much going on with work and the storms to fall into a normal routine. There's the house and the car that need fixing...the insurance companies to battle....and all the cleanup...whew!!! I vow to work on it, though, before going for my checkup on the 30th.



9/17/04

With Hurricane Ivan gone, now we are looking at Jeanne!!! Geez, will this EVER end?

<<<< MILESTONE >>>>
Weighed myself at work today. I was actually able to weigh myself on a NORMAL medical scale!!!! Unofficially, I'm down to 352. That's 80 pounds I hope to never see again. That's only 11 pounds in 24 days. The weight loss is definitely slowing down, which is not a good thing. With another 180 pounds to go, it is too soon to be "slowing down". I'm going to have to make some changes.



9/25/04

HURRICANE JEANNE!!!

This is getting BEYOND ridiculous now. We prepare for our FOURTH hurricane. Ivan missed us, but the first two criss-crossed right over me!!! This one is expected to come right over me too!!! This one is really going to bring the damage. Everyone still has tarps on their roofs (me included). There is going to be a lot of water damage this time. And the insurance companies have been hard enough to work with already. FEMA is so swamped they are of no help now. Please pray for an end to all of this.



9/26/04

Hurricane Jeanne passed right over us. This is the THIRD hurricane eye that hit us in six weeks!!! My place lost the tarps on the roof and took more water. This has really gotten old. We are without power AGAIN. At least there is less debris this time.



9/28/04

We have power!!! Hopefully I will get some help for my ailing roof soon. Roofers and supplies are harder than ever to get. Thank God for the The Care Center. They came and tarped my roof for free AGAIN. The Care Center is a group of Christian volunteers that offer free services, food, and goods to those who need it. I am forever in their debt.

I weighed again today. I'm unofficially 344 pounds. I'll found out on Thursday. Also, a local paper called the Lakeland Ledger put out a map showing where Hurricanes Charley, Frances, and Jeanne crossed the state. It shows that I was in the middle of all three!!! I just wish this drawing showed how big the eyes of each were because Frances and Jeanne were a lot bigger than what this represents.

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9/30/04

Went to see Dr. Kim today. Got some paper work to have blood work done. Also got some chewable vitamins in hopes that these will work for me better. Got the bad news that I will most likely need skin reduction surgery once the weight is gone. However, with my herniated leg I surmised this. Also, got weighed today. Here is where I am now:

Weight: 340.5 pounds
Time since surgery: 12 weeks
Dr. Kim's Target Weight: 190
MY Target Weight: 175
Pounds Lost: 91.5 pounds
Pounds to Lose: 165.5 pounds!!!
432 / 340.5 / 175 / 35.6% excess weight gone



10/6/04

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!

Today is my 3 month anniversary. I went in and had blood work done and got weighed. I found out today that Dr. Kim is no longer doing the DS I guess because of insurance reasons. That really is a shame as he is an excellent and caring surgeon. And he is the only one in Florida that was performing the DS. It really is a loss to the healthcare system. He is still doing the other WLS so at least that is good. Here is where I am at three months:

Weight: 338 pounds
Time since surgery: 3 months
Dr. Kim's Target Weight: 190
MY Target Weight: 175
Pounds Lost: 94 pounds
Pounds to Lose: 163 pounds!!!
432 / 338 / 175 / 36.6% excess weight gone



10/11/04

<<<< MILESTONE >>>>
At 14 weeks, unofficially, I am now down 100 pounds!!! I finally hit the century mark!!! I guess I should update my overall condition, since I haven't done so in a while. My eating has improved drastically!!! I have not vomited in a long time. The "full" mechanism that seemed to not be working, is now. I am also walking a mile or more everyday (which I know needs to improve, and it will as my legs continue to get better). I am on a true vitamin regimen now, taking 3 chewable calcium citrates and 2 chewable multivitamins in the morning, and then again at night. I am also taking 2 irons a day as well. I am thinking about checking into chewable B-12 so that maybe I can avoid shots later.

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Also, got word on my blood work today. Everything is within "normal parameters", that is except my triglycerides which are still high. Nurse Teresa thinks that with more time, diet, and weight loss that this will improve too. Also, although I have not taken any synthroid in several weeks, my thyroid levels are normal. That is a first in a very long time. Also, as I write this I have guys putting roofing supplies on my tattered, tarped roof. I should be seeing it go down by the end of the week. YEAH!!! Life is FINALLY getting back to some normalcy.



10/13/04

My roofs are done!!! And they look good too. A crew of 14 didn't take any time at all.



10/15/04

<<<< MILESTONE >>>>
At 14.5 weeks, I am unofficially no longer superobese!!! I am now down 104 pounds, down to 328. That puts my BMI at 49.9 or morbidly-obese. I have to get down to 262.5 before I will become just severely-obese. Whew!!!



10/22/04

Unofficially, I am now down to 327.5 pounds. That's right, only 0.5 pounds this week. How depressing. But life goes on. I still need to shore up my diet better. The vitamins are going good, and I'm walking more regularly, but my appetite is DEFINITELY back.



10/29/04

Well, it's weigh day again. The scale says that unofficially I am now at 324 pounds. That puts me at 108 pounds gone forever.



11/6/04

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!

It is my 4-month anniversary!!! Definitely a day I will never forget. My weight now unofficially comes in at 318. That is 114 pounds gone. My appetite is getting better, but at the same time my over-eating tendencies are subsiding. I hope it continues. My friends at obesityhelp have turned me on to a free site to help me track my exercise and food intake. The site is called Fit Day. I definitely recommend it to everyone wanting to get into shape.



11/10/04

I went to the monthly support group meeting at the hospital tonight. Celebration has them the second Wednesday of each month. While I was there, I got weighed. Here are the latest:

Weight: 315 pounds
Time since surgery: 18 weeks
Dr. Kim's Target Weight: 190
MY Target Weight: 175
Pounds Lost: 117 pounds
Pounds to Lose: 140 pounds!!!
432 / 315 / 175 / 45.5% excess weight gone

A group of us went out to eat after the meeting. We really have a great time together. I'm really glad that I am making the monthly meetings. They are very informative and inspirational. Everyone that went out to eat is amazed as to how much weight I have lost and how much I can eat. The DS is a lot different from the RNY and Lap-Band at the dinner table for sure. While most people only ate half of their appetizer and could not drink, I ate all of mine and was drinking water too. I am really thankful to God for bringing me this far. Without Him, all things would be lost!!!



11/11/04

I made an alarming discovery this morning. This profile is also being posted at http://www.metamorphosis-weightlosscenter.com/profile.php?N=S1074575624. Please be informed that I did NOT use this facility for my surgery!!! I have notified ObesityHelp about this and they are looking into it.

I want to make clear that I did NOT go to this weight loss center!!! My surgeon, Dr. Kim, is a fine surgeon and is head of the Bariatric department for U.S. Bariatrics at Celebration Health - Florida Hospital. I ONLY recommend Dr. Kim and Celebration Health to those looking for surgery, as these are the only ones I have been associated with.



11/19/04

Well, it's weigh day again. I am now 312 pounds for a total of 120 pounds loss since surgery. That is only 3 pounds this week. But, I am able to walk more now. Where I couldn't walk 1/4 mile before surgery, now I am walking over 2.5 miles each night. Now that I am weighing every week (now that I can weigh on a "human" scale), I will only post weights at anniversary dates, milestones, and doctor visits. I'm sure posting my weight every week, especially since you can see it below in my "Weight Loss History", must be REALLY boring...



12/6/04

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!

Today is my 5-month anniversary!!! I am now briskly walking about an hour each day (about 4 miles). I'm wanting to start working out on my home-gym to get some upper-body training going. Maybe I will be up for getting into a fitness club in a few months.

<<<< MILESTONE >>>>
I weighed today. I am now over half way to goal!!! I now come in unofficially at 301, which is 17 pounds for the month and 131 overall (126 pounds to go to reach "goal"). Not as good as the past few months, but I'll take it.



12/7/04

<<<< MILESTONE >>>>
I weighed today (I couldn't resist being so close to 300 pounds) and I am now TWO-riffic!!! I am now unofficially 299.5 pounds!!! I haven't weighed this since 2001. Breaking the 400-pound barrier felt good, but this feels incredible!!!



12/19/04

I have been suffering with the flu for the past week and a half. It is the first time I have gotten sick since the surgery. You would think that being sick would help move the weight loss along, right? Wrong. I have only managed 3.5 pounds so far this month. I guess exercise really makes the difference. I haven't been able to do a lot lately. I am hoping to get back into things as I start feeling better.



12/23/04

I went to the doctor's today for my six month check up. I found out that I definitely have a hernia along my incision line. Needless to say, now there is more to be careful about...and it also means that more surgery is definitely coming. I really did not want to hear that. Dr. Kim thinks that maybe this will wait until 2006 after I have lost more weight. I could then schedule to have the hernia repaired and get a tummy-tuck at the same time. We will have to see.

I also had blood work done and got weighed today. Here is where I stand officially:

Weight: 293 pounds
Time since surgery: 24 weeks
Dr. Kim's Target Weight: 190
MY Target Weight: 175
Pounds Lost: 139 pounds
Pounds to Lose: 118 pounds!!!
432 / 293 / 175 / 54.1% excess weight gone



12/25/04

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

My "local" family spent the day at my Mom's house again this year. However, it was different than in past years. I felt so spry that I passed out all of the gifts. It was a nice time together. I mostly got clothes as gifts (as what I wear are a bit loose). It was nice to celebrate a holiday and actually FEEL like celebrating it for a change.



1/1/05

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Well, 2005 is here ALREADY. I just want to know one thing....where is my flying car they promised us back in the 80's? I made my first attempt of a vacation in several years for New Year's. Some friends and I went to the Peach Bowl in Atlanta to watch the Gators get stomped by the Canes 27-10.

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Other than that it was a great trip. We drove out Thursday and came back today. Minus a few back aches, I was able to do all of the driving and all of the walking required to go to a football game. It was nice to be able to get around that well.

I got my blood work back. My testosterone is below normal. I will have to see my PCP to follow up on that. I am wanting to start a weight training regimen, and the testosterone would help with putting on mass and maintain lean muscle. With my hernia, the weight training will be difficult. I am not to do any sit-ups or crunches and limit lifting to 50 pounds. So low weight and lots of repetition.

Also, my ALT and PTH levels came back high. My doctor wants we to increase the frequency of my calcium pills and drink more milk. The levels are not so bad that I need treatment yet.

My HDL is still low, but has been my whole life. For some reason I cannot make enough "good" cholesterol.

My triglycerides are in the normal range for the first time EVER I think. They were even high on my three-month visit. Overall, all of my blood work looked good and most of the results were better than last time.

<<<< MILESTONE >>>>
I have reached my 1999 weight of 288. I actually got down to 265 later in 1999 after going on the Atkin's Diet, but this still counts.



1/6/05

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!

It has been six months as of today. Through the post Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's feedings, I only lost 14 pounds this month. My exercising has been off lately also. I will try to post a new picture in the next few days.



1/18/05

<<<< MILESTONE >>>>
I broke the 150-pound loss mark!!! I am now part of the "Century-and-a-Half" club. Still a lot of work to do, though. But isn't life great?



1/26/05

<<<< MILESTONE >>>>
I have less than 100 pounds to go until I reach goal!!! Whew...what a ride it has been!!! I have scheduled an appointment with my PCP to follow up on my testosterone problem. The appointment isn't until Valentine's Day, so I have a while to wait. Hopefully some patches or something will help rejuvenate some saggy muscles.



1/31/05

This weekend was the Gasparilla celebration in Tampa. It is a lot like Mardi Gras, except the theme is pirates and such. I haven't been in years. I went with a group of friends to Ybor City and hit the clubs until 5:00AM!!! It was great!!! I had my beads and my dancing shoes on!!! And I did some drinking too. I was really surprised that I did not get smashed. And it didn't bother me at all. But my legs paid the price and so did my weight. My legs swelled on me some. I guess the phlebitis and edema are still a part of me. Also, I gained 3 pounds along the way, so I am over the "need to lose 100" mark again. It was still worth it!!!



2/6/05

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

It has been 7 months since the surgery. I clock in with my slowest weight loss month to date with only 13 pounds. That 3 pound GAIN I had really threw things off. But I'm back under 100 to go again. That was a nice birthday gift (my birthday was on the 4th).

I spent the weekend doing Mardi Gras and Super Bowl activities (and some birthday celebrating too). The town near me has a miniature Mardi Gras each year and it is a good time for the "locals". I am happy to report that I only drank half a beer. But I still threw beads and had a good time. (I just love flirting with the ladies).



2/14/05

Well, it is Valentine's Day. Maybe next year it will mean more if I get lucky enough to meet that "special someone" by then. Anyway, I have a couple of neat stories to share...

I had my first "wow" experience today. I bumped into an acquaintance at a local cafe today. When I walked in, he asked where he knew me from. As I could not recall his face, I could not answer. The longer I thought about it I realized that he used to work for a friend of mine. I asked him about it and sure enough it was him. We chatted for a while, and the subject of my friend (his ex-employer) came up and how he had known him
for "forever". I replied that I also had known him for a long time, since the second grade in fact. He then said, "Yeah, he has another friend named Bobby that he has been friends with since grade school too". I told him that was me...I'm Bobby. He looked puzzled for a moment and then said, "Wow, I didn't recognize you at all! You have lost so much weight". I have to admit that was a great moment. And I know it was genuine too, which really made it special.

Okay, so now for the "cute" Valentine's story. As I mentioned before, I had an appointment with my PCP today...concerning my testosterone (can you see the humor in this....Valentine's Day...testosterone...) Anyway, I went in and the doctor told me that I would have to have a prostate exam before he could prescribe me a patch (Valentine's Day...testosterone...prostate exam). So, I go to the receptionist's desk and await my prescription and lab form. The receptionist (which I know) whispers to me "Well, at least they don't do the 'finger' test anymore" for the prostate. I quipped back "Well it is Valentine's...any action is better than nothing". She starts laughing uncontrollably. A previous patient had just mentioned how everything in the office was given to them free by some drug company (everything from clipboards to staplers have some advertisement on it). Needless to say, I was not allowed to leave until I took a Viagra writing pen. It was pretty funny. I took the pen to work to see what kind of reactions I would get from having a Viagra pen on my desk.

Oh, but just for the record I do NOT need Viagra. In fact, I almost need Anti-Viagra some days (watch out girls) LOL.



2/26/05

I was warned about "post-op depression", but I didn't realize that it would hit so late after surgery and how severe it would be. I fluctuate in moods from elated to depressed at a drop of a hat. I am starting to notice how people are treating me differently. Some of it is for the better. But where it hurts is how close friends and family change. It seems like I am never meant to be an "equal" with the rest of the human race. I find myself having "food loss", which justs seems so stupid. I spent so many years using food for comfort that it is like I have lost my best friend. I know that I need to lose this dependency, and after almost 8 months you would figure I would have by now. This is truly a daily progression, which has become all too real recently.



2/28/05

I breezed by the doctor's office today...mostly to offer my congratulations to Dr. Kim for becoming a new papa...but also to get some vitamins and weigh. Here is where I am officially:

Weight: 260.5 pounds
Percent body fat: 30.7%
Fat Mass: 80 lbs
Muscle Mass: 180.5 lbs
Time since surgery: 34 weeks
Dr. Kim's Target Weight: 190
MY Target Weight: 175
Pounds Lost: 171.5 pounds
Pounds to Lose: 85.5 pounds!!!
432 / 260.5 / 175 / 66.7% excess weight gone

<<<< MILESTONE >>>>
This means I am no longer morbidly-obese!!! I am now severely-obese (which is like saying "I'm not dead...I'm just mostly-dead). But, anyway, it is a process and it is better. I am 2/3 of the way there....whew!!!

My Mom went with me and got weighed too. She has been losing a little weight herself. The funny thing is that I have lost exactly what she weighs. I told her that "I had gotten one of her off of my stomach!!! Now if I could only get her off of my back..." LOL



3/4/05

HAPPY 8th ANNIVERSARY!!!

OK, I'm two days early, but I have "my" scale available today. And even with this being a short month, and weighing in two days early, I am STILL better than last month!!!! Oh, yeah...oh, yeah!!!



3/8/05

I read the scale and it says "258". I have an old suit from 1995 that I wore to a friend's funeral...I mean wedding (same thing, right? LOL). Anyway, I am close to the same weight as I was then, but the suit is still too small!!! I can't button the jacket on it. The scale might say "258", but it apparently is not proportioned in the same places (granted that I know I have bigger "man-mammories" than then). I'm starting to wonder if it is brain-cells that I am losing and not FAT!!!



3/10/05

I woke up this morning from extreme nausea. When I got out of bed, I was overcome with dizziness and a feeling of being hot. I sipped some water in hopes of relieving the nausea and hit the shower to cool off. I wound up throwing up the water and dry-heaving for awhile. The dizziness only increased to the point where I lost my sight momentarily as everything went white. I had a strange feeling in my chest and it felt hard to breathe. I also felt drained, and had a hard time standing or lifting my arms. I called the doctor once it settled down. It was either something with my heart, anxiety, or something. I went to the doctor and my blood pressure was low. Basically I had a hypotension episode from losing the weight so fast, the malnutrition (and not drinking enough), and the old circulatory problems. I checked my blood pressure later with a home device and it was good: 120/68 and a 64 pulse. I started feeling a bit better as the day went on.



3/14/05

<<<< MILESTONE >>>>
I reached my 1996 weight of 255 today!!! And 255 was the LOW weight that I reached in '96 after a temporarily successful Weight Watchers episode.

I still seem to be a bit dizzy at times, but I have not had another "episode" like I did on the 10th. Hopefully it was just a one time thing now that I am trying harder to be "good" with the water.



3/30/05

<<<< MILESTONE >>>>
I broke 250 pounds!!! This month has been brutal, but at least it is still coming off.

I am still getting the occassional dizzy spell and I am freezing ALL of the time!!! Good thing I live in Florida and not Alaska or something.



4/4/05

<<<< MILESTONE >>>>
I have broke through my LOW weight that I was in 1994!!! I am now 247 pounds. It is hard to believe that I have not been this weight in 11 long years. It is almost unbelievable to me!!!



4/6/05

HAPPY 9th ANNIVERSARY!!!

Well, here we are nine months post-op now. I managed to do a bit better this month with 15.5 pounds gone, but it was an extended month too.

I am starting to get more compliments now. It is funny to hear people say things now that they were really thinking then, things like "I was really worried about you because you were so big." What is more funny is to hear what they think of me NOW!!! I love comments like "You look younger now. You looked so tired and beaten before" and "You look 'normal'" and "Before I could tell you had lost weight but you still looked big, but now..." I guess that means I was old, fat, and ABNORMAL before. And don't forget my favorite "tired". I guess huffing and puffing all day and getting no good sleep will do that. I just never realized how much everyone else saw it. Now my lack of sleep is from being too busy!!!



4/12/05

I set a goal of joining the "Double-Century Club" by my next anniversary, but after only managing to lose 1.5 pounds this week it is not looking good. I will have to lose 10.5 pounds in the next 24 days to make it. I really don't want this to stop NOW!!!

There is an annual event that a local radio station does each year called "Earthday Birthday" that I have gone to for many years. It is a day long concert of a bunch of modern rock bands that has grown to draw several ten's of thousands of spectators. Last year stunk really bad because I was unable to enjoy the concert because of my bad back and legs. I spent most of the day in the hotel room, and made the day miserable for my friends. This year the concert is on May 7, which is one day after my 10th anniversary. I really want to celebrate it by reaching that 200 pound weight loss mark, and once again being the life of the party. I owe that to my friends. Let's see how the next 24 days go.

Weight: 242.5 pounds
Percent body fat: 28.1%
Fat Mass: 67.5 lbs
Muscle Mass: 172.5 lbs
Dr. Kim's Target Weight: 190
MY Target Weight: 175
Pounds Lost: 189.5 pounds
Pounds to Lose: 67.5 pounds!!!
432 / 242.5 / 175 / 73.7% excess weight gone



5/6/05

HAPPY 10th ANNIVERSARY!!!

Well, I met that 10.5 pound challenge and beat it by one!!! That still ties me for the worst weight loss month to date.

<<<< MILESTONE >>>>
I finally joined the "Double-Century Club" today!!! What a way to celebrate an anniversary!!! To date I have lost 201 pounds. Isn't that just mind blowing? I haven't weighed this since 1993 (12 years ago!!!)

Here are my new official stats:

Weight: 231 pounds
Percent body fat: 26.7%
Fat Mass: 61.5 lbs
Muscle Mass: 169.5 lbs
Time since surgery: 10 months
Dr. Kim's Target Weight: 190
MY Target Weight: 175
Pounds Lost: 201 pounds
Pounds to Lose: 56 pounds!!!
432 / 231 / 175 / 78.2% excess weight gone

On the flip side, I have been experiencing some abdominal pain the past couple of days. I went to see Dr. Kim and he looked me over. He wants to keep an eye on things. I may be trying to develop another hernia. Isn't that great? The pain is localized to a spot about the size of my fist below my rib cage and right (my right) of the incision line. It feels almost bruised, like I've been punched or something. It hurts to push on it. I have been a bit constipated lately. I hope this isn't what it sounds like it could be!!!



5/8/05

The Earthday Birthday concert was GREAT!!! I so much made up for last year!!! I think everyone had a good time, and I did not disappoint either. My buddy caught the drum stick that Alter Bridge threw out!!! It has "Alter Bridge" printed on it with the drummers signature. Very cool. Everyone tried to wrestle it away from him, but he had two large friends there so there was no way that was going to happen. I got punched in the lip while fighting for it, but it was worth it!!!

I did something at the concert I never thought I would ever do. There was a woman that was trying to get a picture of the band. She asks me to squat down. Thinking she wanted to try to get a picture without my big pumpkin head in the way, I did. She proceeds to hop on my shoulders. Now this woman was probably close to 300 pounds. Being a trooper I play along (to the amazement of everyone around me) and lifted her up (which made me feel good that I could do it). She took a few shots and got down. She whispers to me "I hope I wasn't too heavy". Without even thinking I said to her "Maybe you should look into weight loss surgery". She took off too fast for me to know if it hurt her feelings or not. Wasn't that cruel of me? It's not like I'm tiny myself. I honestly didn't mean anything by it...in fact if I would have had a chance I would have told her about MY surgery. After all the years of taking crap like that from people, I never thought I would do it to someone else.



5/9/05

<<<< MILESTONE >>>>
At 229.5 pounds, I am now OBESE!!! I know that sounds bad, but when you use to be 432 pounds, it is AMAZING!!! Next step....Overweight....



5/23/05

<<<< MILESTONE >>>>
After being sick and putting on some pounds, I have finally made it down to 227.5 pounds, which was my lowest weight in 1993. Maybe now that I am feeling better, I can get back on track.



6/6/05

HAPPY 11th!!!

This month has not been good. I only managed 7.5 pounds for the month, which is almost half of what I have been doing. By far this has been my worst month. I was told to expect weight loss resistance around 10 months and they were right. I'm hoping to be half the size I started by my next anniversary (which is my one-year one), which means I will have to shed 7.5 pounds again this coming month.



6/18/05

<<<< MILESTONE >>>>
WOW!!! I actually hit TWO milestones since the last time I weighed!!! I broke

Pre-Op

6/22/04



Well, here we are...only 2 weeks away from THE day!!! I'm excited, happy, and TERRIFIED all at that same time. I had my "pre-op" consultation today. Had to pay my $600 for the program fees and $7500 for the surgeon fees. I will have to pay $13,750 for the hospital fees and another $2100 for the anesthesiologist. Paying out of pocket REALLY hurts, but not as bad as the way I feel all of the time. And at least my surgeon is local so in case there are problems I won't have to huff it down to Mexico, Spain, Brazil, or God knows where.



Got a physical today. Dr. Kim seems extra worried about my legs. I have phlebitis and edema in both legs (worse in the left leg) and swelling, redness, and sores to go with it. He's having me sent to be sure there are no clots to contend with (there were none last time I had a test done...some 8 months ago). He also took me off of all my pain meds and told me to exercise and diet before the surgery. Yeah, he said the E and D words. Dieting (for 1.5 weeks) I can do....exercise with my bad legs and back...and with NO pain meds...no chance!!! It will have to be LOW impact whatever it is I do.  I got my vitals taken today too. Here are my pre-op measurements:

Weight: 431.5 pounds


BMI: 67.7


Dr. Kim's Target Weight: 190


MY Target Weight: 175


Pounds to Lose: 256.5 pounds!!! WOW!!!


 


                              


 6/29/04


 Only ONE week to go!!! Man, am I ever getting nervous now. Most of the pre-op junk is done. Blood work came back good again (I've had it done 3 times now since it is only good for 30 days and my date keeps getting moved). Pulmonologist, psychiatrist, and heart specialists have given the green light. Did all of the consultations, group meetings, nutrition sessions...all of that stuff they require for the surgery (I would have kept a detailed memoir of all that pre-op stuff, but it is so long, tedious, and boring. I thought I'd wait until close to surgery to start letting everyone know what is going on). The surgeon ordered me to have a ultrasound done on my lower legs to be double sure there are no blood clots present. The technician doing the work said that everything looks good. It won't be official, of course, until the radiologist gets his fee (did I mention paying out of pocket is horrifying!!!) Actually, I'm hoping my insurance will pick up some of the radiologist expense for this. 


And a brief side note on insurance...mine will NOT pay for WLS. But my surgery also requires gall bladder and appendix removal. Why couldn't it be listed as that so that the insurance would pay for some of it anyway?  OK, back to what is going on... I got my check from my 401k finally. They had post dated the check until today. Why? Who knows. Paid for the anesthesiologist today...$2100 (and that is their "cut" rate for paying out of pocket and early). All that is left is the $13,750 for the hospital, which I will pay this Friday. I have filed for leave of absence from work, but I do not think that the doctor has sent in the paperwork to my employer yet. Just one more thing to do....whew!!! Got all of my post-op meds...with insurance it still was $48 for one month...and that does not include all of the vitamins that DS patients must buy. Luckily, the hospital gives me my first batch for free with the program. I think the savings in my grocery bill will pay for the pills :)


I'm starting to get nervous now. I'm wondering if I'm doing the right thing....having the right surgery...I'm certain that I NEED surgery, but I wonder if the distal RNY would be just as good, and its cheaper and can be done laproscopically. I'm such a wimp when it comes to pain. This will be my first surgery. I picked a big one to start with, huh?  I'm starting the pre-op diet tomorrow, even though I should have started a few days ago (too many people wanting to take me out for that "one last time" this weekend). I'm looking forward to those delicious protein shakes and a fulfilling 800 calorie diet...yeah!!!



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 7/2/04


Today is my "HealthPAS" day. The only thing I could figure "PAS" stands for is "Pay Alot for Surgery"!!! I had to pay the hospital fees today with a certified check. The amount...$13,750. Out of pocket to date, minus medicines, vitamins, and co-pays....$23,950. So, if anyone ever asks me what my life is worth, I can tell them!!! HealthPAS is the day where the hospital gets ready for the surgery. Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork!!! It felt like buying a car...and as expensive as that too. They went over everything to be sure all of the needed tests have been performed, clearances made, etc. If you haven't started down the road to surgery yet, here is a list of pre-op procedures you will have to undergo just to get to the "HealthPAS" date:


  


- Blood Work, including the following tests: T3, T4, TSH, UA, PT, PTT, Comprehensive metabolic profile, Lipid panel, and CBC. These all have to been done within 30 days of surgery, so don't have them done too early. I had to have them done 3 times because my surgery date kept moving!!! 


- The H. Pylori Quantitative, IGG blood test, which if it comes back positive means that you will have to undergo antibiotics for a few weeks. Don't wait too late to do this one.


- Chest X-ray


- EKG


- Gallbladder ultrasound


- You must also receive written clearance by the following professionals: Primary care physician, psychologist, cardiologist, and pulmonologist. 


- You must also attend scheduled meetings like support group meetings, patient education class, nutrition education class, and pre-op appointment.



They had to do a blood-gas test on me today. Basically this is to check lung and kidney function. My blood pressure hit the floor...138/50 (the 138 is high for me). It took two nurses and three tries to find an artery in my wrist to get a little blood. I guess I've been picked so much lately, my arteries and veins know how to get out of the way of needles. So far, everything is on for the 6th.


   





 7/4/04


Happy Independence Day, America!!! It was a real treat to spend the day with good friends for the holiday. And to think my "Independence Day" is less than 36 hours away!!! Spent the day enjoying the downtown activities. I had one last duty to perform as a 400+ pounder....take part in the tug-of-war between UF and FSU fans!!! (Go GATORS) Boy, wait until they get a load of me! The day progressed, the rains came, and the tug-of-war never took place. Probably a good thing with my bad legs and back and all.


A friend took my picture today (see pics below).  This is my last picture before my surgery.  Boy am I big!!!  Here is another picture of me...


  



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 7/5/04


Just one more day to go.  This whole thing has really got me thinking about my mortality....what my life has been....and it makes me realize that I have lived my life around my pain.  I know this surgery will not fix the past or my problems, but I am hoping it will give me a better outlook for tomorrow (as well as give me a chance to live to see tomorrow).



As my last duty before I go in, I had to do something that was very difficult for me.  My dad died when I was 9, but due to financial problems he was never buried.  He was cremated and has been resting on my mom's banister in an urn all these years.  After 23 years I finally laid my dad's remains in ground.  We just got his tombstone placed today.  I am so glad to have had the chance to see it before my surgery.  If something goes wrong and I don't live through this thing, at least I go knowing that my dad is finally resting in peace in paradise with me.


 


                              





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About Me
Central, FL
Location
32.3
BMI
DS
Surgery
07/06/2004
Surgery Date
Jan 19, 2004
Member Since

Before & After
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December 2007
168lbs

Friends 129

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