Gina F
I have been overweight all my life. I'm raising my daughter on my own, with the hope of reconciling my marriage soon. My husband is very supportive of my decision and plans to be there for me during my time in the hospital and afterward. I am getting very excited about the possibility of WLS and would appreciate any advice or support anyone wants to give.
3/3/04 I called today to get a referral. I never deal with my PCP - I only see the physician's assistant, so that's where the referral will be from. Please pray that she doesn't make this difficult for me. *crossing fingers*
3/5/04 PCP that has met me once turned me down for a referral. Well, I switched PCP's to someone who is WLS-friendly. Thank you Leslie! I have an appointment for a physical with the new guy on the 23rd. I'm going to ask him for a referral.
3/18/04 I mailed my packet to my surgeon today. I think the ball is rolling! Got all my bloodwork done yesterday for my initial PCP visit. This is just for my annual physical but will give us a place to begin. I'm getting excited!
3/22/04 Just got a call from Phyllis at Dr. Sweeney's office (surgeon). I'm set up to attend the info session and see Dr. Sweeney on April 28. Woo hoo! I see my PCP tomorrow to get the referrals going.
3/24/04 My new PCP had an emergency and I had to reschedule my appointment til next Wednesday 3/31. It's a good thing I'm not in a hurry!
3/26/04 Weird stuff has been happening to my body this week! On Tuesday I noticed the beginning of a rash. That turned into a full-body rash that looked like an allergic reaction. Tried to take Benadryl but then I couldn't stay awake. Next my knees began aching when I walked and especially when I bent down or climbed steps. Today I still have the knee problem, but it seems I'm swelling everywhere. I can't get my wedding ring on my finger for the first time ever. Yikes! Can't get in to see my doctor, so I guess I get to wait it out. I did ask for a call-back from the nurse. Good grief!
3/31/04 Woooo hoooo! Visit with the new PCP went very well today. He already has had several patients who had the surgery and all of them are happy! He was completely supportive. I told him what Humana needs to include in the letter and he says he'll get it written by Friday (2 days from now)!!!! I'm so excited... looks like this journey has begun. I have a consult with my surgeon set for April 28. Oh, and the swelling seems to have been an allergic reaction to something in my yard. Better now and the new doc gave me a Rx for a diuretic.
4/2/04 Oh my gosh! I forgot to add that I now have an angel. Sweet Diva Jackie L has offered to serve and I gladly accepted! Thank you, Jackie!!!!
4/20/04 Good grief... I'm still waiting for my PCP to get my letter written. I think he has the best intentions and too much to do. But I've been calling every single day, and they now are promising it will be ready tomorrow morning. My surgery consult is next Wednesday and I need a referral by then! I'm also going to attend my first support group meeting tonight. I've had a local lady volunteer to be my local angel. I'm so blessed!!!
4/22/04 Finally, finally, I have a letter from my PCP. It does pay to continue to bug people until they get sick of hearing from you. LOL! He also sent a fax to my office and I wasn't here to intercept it, so now at least one other person in my office knows of my plans for surgery -- argh! Now I get to wait for Humana. I'm a little concerned because my surgeon is with Humana but not in my network. My doc asked for the referral and said there were no bariatric surgeons in Austin. We'll see if that flies!!!
4/27/04 Checked on my referral for my appointment with Dr. Sweeney tomorrow and Humana had it *pended*. Called them, they said they needed more info from my doc, they called him, he called me and said they wanted to send me to an Austin doc, but I was totally uncomfortable with that, he called back and got it approved. Wooo hooo... one more baby step on the way.
4/29/04 I traveled to Houston yesterday for the seminar and office visit with my surgeon, Dr. Sweeney. He and Dr. Fisher do the surgeries together and I just loved both of them! I am very comfortable with my choice. I'd like to thank all of you who provide feedback (especially Adasha) to help others make good decisions. This board works because of folks like you!!! I had a not so great experience with the post-doctorate fellow that works with my doc. He came across as rude and curt when my questions were more than he wanted to answer. I will not be using him. There is another fellow available and this guy leaves at the end of June. Just need a psych consult and we're off for insurance approval!!! Woo-hooooo!!! I even got to meet a couple of wonderful ladies from the TMB -- look forward to getting to know you better, Scarlett and Tina!
5/4/04 Woo hoo! After getting the runaround from a couple different psychologists who wanted me to come for an initial consult PLUS an evaluation appointment, I found a guy who could see me Thursday (5/6) and get my letter to me Friday (5/7). Yay!!!
5/6/04 Wow... what a neat psychologist! I really enjoyed talking to this guy. He asked me all kinds of questions and decided early in our conversation that he would write a positive letter for me. Yay! I pass! Then he went on to ask me a million questions about the surgery. He told me that the questions were not for the letter, but he had other folks asking him about WLS so he basically picked my brain. ROFL! It was neat in a way because it confirmed for me that I truly have done my research and I have realistic expectations. I will probably see this guy again to deal with my food/weight issues that go all the way back to childhood. We talked a bit about it, mostly enough for me to realize I gotta deal with those issues! I'm so glad this went well and was not a big waste of time and money. It's so great how God works out the details. Before I left, the psych asked me to call him back later just to find out how it went... isn't that great??? He promised to get the letter ready and sent tomorrow. Then I'm off to insurance approval waiting land.
5/19/04 Surgeon's staff called to get approval yesterday. She is waiting for a callback from the nurse who does approvals at Humana. My insurance has an online service where I can see what's happening. It's so exciting to see the surgery on there, but the status for now is "pended." I guess that's what it will be until the nurse calls back to get additional info. Humana says that is a 24-48 HOUR process. They update nightly, so I'll have to wait until morning to see if anything has changed. I am way impressed by Humana. Woo hoo!!! The date that was submitted for approval is June 29, but I don't know if that's an actual date or just something submitted in order to get approval.
5/21/04 Wooo hooooo!!! Today's the day I found out insurance approved my surgery as medically necessary. I could not have made it without all the support I have received at OH. Thanks to each one of you who I've met along the way. Praise God in heaven for this blessing -- please pray that I will use it wisely! I am seriously happy dancing!!!! Won't have a date until the surgeon's office calls me.
5/22/04 Had a message waiting for me when I got home lastnight. The date is July 19th!!!
6/22/04 One month later, still just waiting. Now we're jumping through hoops for my hubby to be able to take FMLA to be with me for surgery and recovery. I will return to Houston on July 14th for my pre-op testing. They say they will do it all except the endoscopy the same day. Woo-hoo!
6/30/04 Hubby was approved at work for FMLA for my surgery. Yay! Phyllis at Dr. Sweeney's office has just been wonderful with all the requests I've made of her. Today I meet my gastro doc who will be doing my scope on July 6th. Then I'm scheduled for all the other pre-op tests and pre-op appointment with my surgeon for July 14th. Woo hoo... just over 2 weeks til my new beginning!!!
7/7/04 Here we are another week gone... I thought time would crawl but it is flying! I have all my pre-op shopping done, except for my wooden spoon/tongs (ewww). I have kicked my caffeine habit. I am not exercising like I should, but I'm making better food choices and trying to eat lots of veggies. I had a huge insurance scare yesterday for my pre-ops. A lady called me and said she needed to verify insurance for a doctor visit I didn't even know about. So then when she found out I had Humana HMO, she said it wouldn't be covered! I called poor Phyllis at Dr. Sweeney's office almost in tears trying to figure out how all this pre-op stuff would be paid, and she said she would call the coordinator at the hospital but I didn't hear back from either of them! Today I called the coordinator and when she called back, she explained that I did NOT have an appointment with the doctor whose services would not be covered -- he is the gastro doc who will do the scope on surgery day -- and all my pre-ops would be AT the hospital and all covered under the surgery authorization. Huge praise and relief! Thank you, Jesus!!!
7/6/04 I went for my EGD today. Slept right through it! I was very sleepy the rest of the evening but didn't have any bad effects from the sedation. My gastro doc found a hiatal hernia, gastritis, duodenitis, and polyps. She'll tell me more about those when I follow up on Monday 7/12.
7/12/04 Only one more week til I'm on the losing side!!! Wahoo!! I went to see my gastro doc this morning. She wants me to be on an acid reducer from now on, including when I'm in the hospital for surgery. She saw lots of irritation in my tummy and was concerned about the possibility of H. pylori. She already had one test come back negative. She asked today for me to do another test to confirm that I don't have it. She didn't seem to think it would affect my surgery date even if I do have it. She said we would treat it with antibiotics after surgery. My surgeon may see things differently. My pre-op tests and doctor visit will be Wednesday, July 14th. It looks like it will be a looooong day, but please pray for good results!
7/15/04 Oh yes, thank you, Lord! I traveled to Houston yesterday for the rest of my pre-op tests including EKG, chest X-ray, ultrasound and bloodwork. I also had a visit with my surgeon. Praise the Lord that everything came out fine and I am cleared for surgery on Monday morning, July 19th, at 7:30 am. Please pray for a smooth surgery with no complications. I found I had gained a few pounds since April. My surgeon was actually surprised it wasn't more! He understands the "last meal" syndrome well. I was also able to meet with the nutritionist and the anesthesiologist yesterday. Both of those were informative and didn't scare me too bad. I am so glad to have the resources online I have, especially OH, so that I knew so much already of what they would tell me. No surprises! My greatest feeling right now is EXCITEMENT! I guess there's a little nervousness, but nothing too heavy. Thanks for all the support you all have given me to get to this point! Oh, the H. pylori test with my gastro doc came back normal! Another praise!!!
7/24/04 I'm on the other side! YAY! The surgery went well and I had no complications so far. I am so thankful to my Lord that I had a successful surgery and He has given me this tool to help me get my life back. Now I will provide a description of what I went through starting the day before surgery.
Sunday I had to be on clear liquids all day, which made everything seem so appealing! I had strong resolution to do everything right before surgery, so I stood strong and did what I should have. I took the mag citrate at about 4 pm and was occupied with the results of that until about 10:30 pm. I went to bed and slept well. We had to be at the hospital at 5:30 am on Monday.
I had no problem waking up on Monday morning. I was pretty excited about my day finally coming. My husband and I made it to the hospital right at 5:30 only to find we couldn't check in until 6:00. I guess that's how they make sure you get there on time. I had to wait until after 6:30 before I saw hosptital business staff to sign all my forms. Then I was escorted to the pre-op room where I would be prepped for surgery. They wouldn't let my hubby come in until after my IV was started. While I waited, my OR nurse came to meet me and make sure I knew what kind of surgery I was having. (that made me chuckle) Then one of the scrub nurses came in and shared that she had the surgery with my doc in December and had lost 90 pounds. She very honestly answered all my last-minute questions but really put my mind at ease. She looked great, too!
My IV was started and my husband came back to see me. Drs. Fisher, Sweeney, and Reichenbach all came to talk to me and make sure everything was in order. Dr. Sweeney answered my last questions concerning my small hiatal hernia and I was ready. I don't remember much after that. I don't even remember the anesthesiologist warning me that I would be going to sleep. Next thing I remember I was out of surgery and being rolled into my room and saw my husband's smiling face. I was feeling really good at that point. I was given a morphine pump and told to use it whenever I needed to.
The first day nurse was not the best, and my machines kept making noise and they let me run out of my pain meds. My husband had left for awhile to have lunch with his brother who came for the surgery. By the time he returned, I was almost in tears. He quickly took care of the problem and I was back to feeling happy. The nurses got me up to walk a couple times that night. One time I remember and after became nauseous, asked for meds, and was immediately knocked out for the rest of the night.
My night nurse was better. She was much more responsive and kind. The next morning I met my angel nurse, Angelique. She was there 7am-7pm for both my second and third day. I just loved that girl. She took care of my every need and was encouraging and kind. She is also very funny! I wanted to take her home with me.
My precious angel, Jackie, came to see me along with her sidekick and navigator, Linda Jones. I was so happy to meet them both. They have been wonderful supporters in my journey.
Tueday afternoon I lost my best buddy - my morphine pump. I was given tylenol with codeine and my body laughed at that idea. I had to ask for something addition by Tuesday night and that stuff (torbidol?) worked like a charm. I was pain-free until Wednesday.
Wednesday morning, Dr. Reichenbach came to see me at about 7 am to tell me I could be discharged that morning. He took out my drain, which didn't hurt but made me queasy for a moment. He also issued instructions to get rid of my IV. Getting rid of that thing was a very freeing moment. My IV had a small leak and was stinging every time something was administered there.
My hubby took me to our hotel Wednesday around noon. That was a very long trip and hurt like heck every time we hit a bump (and Houston has a lot of bumps!). We had to stop and fill my prescriptions, which was not a fun trip, but necessary. After we checked into our room, I slept most of the afternoon.
Thursday I woke up feeling refreshed and revived. I was able to shower alone and finally get rid of that surgery stench. It felt so good. The only thing I had to have help with was drying the bottom half of my body. I love my hubby so much. He's been a wonderful caregiver. We went shopping for about 2 hours because I thought I was up to it. I was pretty tired when we returned. I took a long afternoon nap.
Friday was a different story. I woke up feeling very little energy and had more pain. I think I overdid it Thursday. I went ahead and went to meet my angel who had scheduled a support group lunch. It was probably not the best idea. I was in much discomfort by the time we returned to the hotel. I had new burning pains that I didn't have before.
Sleeping at night has become more of a challenge. My legs are feeling uncomfortable and I'm not sure why. I'm used to sleeping on my side, and I can't do that because of the pain right now. I'm getting very little nutrition on clear liquids, so that might be the problem. I'm getting frustrated with not being able to get comfortable and sleep at night. I will talk to my surgeon about it on Monday before we head back to Austin.
7/30/04 Well, I've been home for 4 days and life is GOOD! I saw my surgeon on 7/26 before I left. He seemed happy with the way everything looked. I was down SIXTEEN pounds one week out. I was pumped about that! I asked the doc about some lower belly pain and he said it was just muscles healing and I could take children's motrin for it. I did that and the trip home wasn't bad. He also told me to take my pain meds right before bed and I would sleep better. I'll see him again for my 6-week follow-up.
I was so happy to have my recliner. It's my best friend now. I'm sleeping better in my own bed than at the hotel, even though I can't handle much time on either side. That will get better, I'm sure. I moved up to full liquids on 7/26 and have felt much better and more energetic. I have had cream soups, sugar free pudding, yogurt, and today I tried Taco Bell pintos and cheese. Seems to be setting fine so far. That was one tasty treat! Who woulda thunk it? LOL I seem to be having some constipation issues for which I'm trying to get my fluids up and will try milk of magnesia if it doesn't clear up soon. Just love the way you can talk about everything including bodily functions here. I know you all understand.
8/2/04 Today things are really looking great. I had a restful weekend after feeling like I overdid it on Friday with a full day back at work. I was really in pain Friday evening with the burning sensation below all the lap sites. I will faithfully wear my woobie (binder) until I have no more pain in my belly. It really keeps those muscles from straining. Hopefully it will help them heal more quickly, too. Sleeping is much easier now and I can even sleep on my side for a short period. It gets better and better! Seven more pounds gone - forever! Today I begin my 2-week pureed diet. Gotta love that blender!
8/9/04 Things are really good now. Pain is limited to one area on my right side behind my incisions. It doesn't hurt unless I overdo it during the day. I'm still learning how to keep my pouchie happy. That's just going to take some time. I learned this week that I needed to slow down and take smaller bites. That helped immensely with some discomfort I was feeling after eating. I'm also realizing that I have to not drink 30 minutes before and after eating. Those pouch rules are for our benefit! Follow them! The scale is moving again. I'm in the 230s for the first time since I can remember!!! Yay!!!
8/16/04 The scale is continuing to move. I'm so glad! I weigh every day because I know that if it's going up at all, I need to eat more protein. When I eat more protein, the scale goes down. I've been learning this week about my meal amounts. I really don't know when to comfortably stop. Even when I measure, sometimes it's too much. I guess it's a learning process and eventually I'll get it right.
8/23/04 I'm in the twenties!!!! I can't even remember the last time I was there - had to be my college years! I've had an interesting week, finding foods that just won't work and foods that do, figuring out how to make foods less dry so they work better. I can't do white meat chicken. It's just too dry, I guess. I can, however, eat a chicken McNugget. That's just wrong. I'm going to try this week to focus on my protein intake. That means going back to eating a lot of cottage cheese. I haven't found a lot of high protein foods that I can handle yet. The Atkins protein drinks are okay in small quantities. I think my tummy doesn't like too much lactose at once. I actually went out to eat at this great Italian restaurant on Friday and didn't overeat. I took my little 4-oz measuring cup and ate no more. It was the perfect amount and sooo tasty! I even resisted sharing my sister's birthday dessert (luscious chocolate cake). I keep repeating, "Nothing tastes as good as being thin" to myself when I'm tempted. It works. I have a checkup with my doc this week, so I'll find out if my scale at home is accurate. I'll also get to hear about my lack of exercise thus far. I really, really, gotta get to walking. Oh, I forgot to mention -- as of 4 weeks out, I have had no pain whatsoever. I can sleep on my sides, my tummy, whatever... I love this surgery! Thank you, Jesus!!!
8/30/04 I had my 6-week follow-up with my surgeon this past week. He was very happy with my progress and says I'm right on schedule. I was not happy about my weight because his scale weighed me at 235 whereas my home scale has me at 229. That is the reason for the gain this week. I also didn't lose anything this week. I am losing sizes, though. Six weeks out and I'm down 2 pant sizes. I had to go to goodwill to find some clothes to wear to work! It felt so good to get into a size 20W when I've bought nothing smaller than a 24W for years.
9/6/04 This week has been a struggle. It seems that anything I try to eat isn't working other than string cheese, cottage cheese, and McNuggets. It looks like I need to rethink some of the high protein foods and try again. I think I'll try tuna again and see how it goes. I'm supplementing with Atkins shakes. They're about the only "protein drinks" I've tried that don't make me want to gag. Each one is 20 grams of protein. I don't think I'm getting near my goal of 70 grams per day. I will be focusing on getting there this week.
9/13/04 This week I discovered that I cannot trust myself with lowfat crackers. I go overboard. I still have the old patterns in place and the new pouch allows me to eat way too many of those things. I will not buy another box of crackers. I am committed to protein and water as my priority.
9/20/04 Two months out and 40 pounds gone! This is a milestone for me. I can't remember ever losing this much at one time. I'm so excited... and almost fitting into an 18W! Thank you, Jesus, for giving me the gift of this surgery.
9/27/04 Woo hoo... it's still working! Five more pounds almost overnight. I'm still amazed when I step on the scale and it's still going down. I am so thankful every day for the opportunity to have this surgery. If I had waited a few more months, my insurance would not have covered it.
This week I'm working on getting regular exercise. Today is the beginning!
10/11/04 Oh my gosh... I simply cannot believe it! I hit 50 pounds gone and I am on cloud 9!!! This is a major milestone for me. I'm getting compliments and feeling wonderful about myself. I joined Ladies Workout Express this week and am just enjoying working out as often as I can. Life is so different now. I am just in awe and so thankful to my Lord Jesus Christ for giving me this tool.
10/18/04 Last week I had my 3-month follow up with my surgeon. He was happy with my progress and said I should keep doing the same things. I expressed my concern with throwing up every time something didn't feel good, but he didn't share my concern. He took lots of blood and I guess I'll hear this week how everything came out.
11/19/04 Today is my four month anniversary. I can't believe what a whirlwind it has been already. SIXTY pounds gone! I am so happy with where I am, but I know I still have a ways to go. I can eat almost anything in reasonable quantities, which means I have to be much more careful about what I choose to put into my mouth. I am making an appointment to see a psychologist to deal with food issues that don't go away with the weight. I'm looking forward to learning more about why I managed to get where I was. I'm actually wearing size 18's from the "normal" department and it feels soooooo good! Life is so much more fun now. I have tons of energy and can't wait to see what the future holds!
01/04/05 Well, I haven't updated recently but things are still going well. I am feeling full of energy and without my aches and pains that I've lived with for many years. I put on my wedding dress the other day and it had some room. I'm smaller than when I got married 13 years ago! That was an exciting marker for me. I've been on a plateau at 201 pounds for about 6 weeks, but I know if I keep on keeping on that it will begin again for me. Protein, water, exercise!
01/20/05 Wow... yesterday was my 6 month anniversary of my surgery date. I cannot believe the time has gone so quickly. I'm still stuck at -65 and have just today asked for some accountability from a wls buddy on changing some of the things I'm not doing well. I need to use this tool to my advantage during this most important time period of weight loss. I feel a bit better when I calculate the percentage of "excess weight" I've lost -- I'm already at 52% gone. That is amazing to me and I've heard that losing 50-75% of excess weight means the surgery was a success. I'm going to stop comparing, use my tool, and get back on the protein train. Carbs are evil! I'm so happy to be shopping in the regular clothes departments instead of plus size. I am so thankful to God that I was given the precious gift of this surgery.
1/25/05 I had my 6-month follow-up with my surgeon on Friday and his scales say that I'm now at 198.2 pounds! I was so excited that I was doing the happy dance in the office hallways. I simply don't remember having a 1 at the beginning of my weight. It was probably in high school. I am so, so happy and thankful to my lord Jesus Christ for the gift of this surgery and the tremendous benefits I have received because of it. My A1C test continues to be in a normal range, and my surgeon says I'm no longer a diabetic. I am incredibly amazed and still in a bit of shock. I pray that this means my 7-week plateau is over.
1/31/05 Looks like the plateau really is over! Got on my brand new digital scale this morning and it was so kind to say I'm now 194.5. Happy, happy dance!!!!
3/16/05 Well, I'm still at 195. Guess I need to get my rear in gear and start exercising more regularly. I am able to eat just about anything now and that makes it really tough to stick with the right choices. The food demons are here and I'm going to need some help to chase them away. I'm considering counseling or starting OA meetings. I'm content with my current weight, but I can't settle where I am. I need to get about 40 more pounds off to be the healthy person I should be. I was laid off from my job last week, and that really hasn't helped matters. Pray for me!
4/29/05 Hey, there. Things have improved considerably for me since the last time I posted. My plateau may or may not be over... it's been 2 1/2 months. I'm trying to make small changes to help it along. Also, I got a great job and I'm starting there on Monday. I will be working for the same company in a different department. I am getting a raise and am leaving on a really good note with my present job. Things are really good right now. For those of you who are still waiting, keep your head up... life is so good on the other side.
7/19/05 Well today is my one year anniversary. I simply cannot believe it's been a year. My life has changed in so many ways this year, all for good. I want to first thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for having the opportunity to have this surgery and have it almost completely covered by insurance. I still have about 40 pounds to lose, but I feel it is within reach. I am able to do so much more now, without a second thought. I don't feel the need to stay home and hide anymore. I'm living life, and I am so thankful. I am enjoying my daughter so much more and she's really proud of me now. She has been my biggest supporter. I love life and I'm thankful for the beauty that I see around me every day. I was laid off in February and had the confidence to interview well and land a wonderful new job. I didn't miss a single day of income. I am just blessed and I feel like I have a new lease on life.
I had my one-year folllow up with my surgeon last week and he's happy with my progress. He would like to see me get to a BMI of 30 or less. My bloodwork all came back fine. I did have to go recently and get a B12 shot. Watch your levels and stay proactive for your health. No one else is going to do it for you! You must compare your results with past results and look for changes that could signal a problem. Take care of yourself! You've been given the opportunity of a lifetime.
11/29/05 Wow, I haven't updated in a long time. Part of the reason for that has been a loooong stall in my weight loss. It's finally heading down again. So good to know the tool still works. I finally hit the 180s today... it has been a dream for so long... doesn't seem real. I am doing well with my eating, not so well with exercising. Gotta get in the gym!!!
Beginning weight 266
7/26/04 1 week post-op 250 -16
8/2/04 2 weeks 249 -17
8/9/04 3 weeks 245 -21
8/16/04 4 weeks 241 -25
8/23/04 1 month 235 -31
9/20/04 2 months 226 -40 (woo hoo)
10/4/04 11 weeks 220 -46 (hit my first goal of under 225)
10/11/04 12 weeks 216 -50!!!!!!!!!!!
10/19/04 3 months 214 -52
11/19/04 4 months 206 -60
12/20/04 5 months 201 -65 Stuck on a plateau...
01/19/05 6 months 201 -65 Still stuck (sigh)...
Yay! the plateau is over!!! 1/31/05 195 -71
2/19/05 7 months 195 plateau again... gotta walk
7/19/05 1 year!!! 193 stuck here, but happy where I am
11/29/05 almost 18 months 189 have been up and down by about 5-8 pounds, seem to be heading down again
Photos
 266 Here's my starting point |  |  193 One year out - not a single regret |
