Sporty Jill

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I am drain free!  YAHOO!!!!  Dr. Krieger took them out yesterday and I am SO glad.  They were really starting to bother me.  Bu,t he looked at all of my incisions and said that everything looks great.  He said that he cannot get over how little my waist is - HEEHAW!!!!

His nurse (Maria) could not believe how well I have been recouping.  She said that when I walked in she was shocked that I not only had surgery 16 days ago, but had also had the complication.  She said that I looked great (aawww.....)

I went out and have bought some new panties and bras - hey...it'd been a long time since I've done that and I feel awesome, so why not....right???  Well, I have gone from a "B" cup (pre-lift) to an "A" cup (post-lift).  I was shocked!!!!  Dr. Krieger says that he didn't take off that much skin, but I told him that I have NEVER been an "A" cup.  Hell....not even in puberty.  But..it's all good.  They have great lift and will look awesome after the impants go in.

I am still so glad that I went with Dr. Krieger.  He did an awesome job, and has taken really good care of me.  I always feel like I am his only patient - I know that I am not, but that is how he makes me feel.

Today I stood in front of the mirror in my bra and panty set and thought - DAMN!  I am wearing a bikini this summer!!!!!!  I'll get one with a skirt to hide my thighs, but I am baring my tummy.  HAHA - I paid enough for it....right????

The scars going down my  tummy, and my new belly button do not look bad at all and I'm putting stuff on them to help fade them.  I will always have it, but hope to be able to fade them quite a bit.

My weight is definately going down.  I hit 134.4 today.  So...my new goal is 130.  It's reasonable, especially since Dr. Krieger took off almost 5 pounds of skin from my tummy. (I was a light weight).

Guess that's it.  Preparing for the holiday........................

Yesterday was another post-op appointment and Dr. Krieger took out 2 drains - YEAH!!!!!  He said that depending on how much fluid comes out over the next 2 days he will remove the other 2 - YEAH!!!!

He seems pleased with my progress - but, I must admit, that while I am happy that I did this and with how I am progressing, I sometimes looka t my scars and think what kind of a freak am I?  You know...it's the ugly guy who sits on our shoulder from time to time.  Fortunately, he doesn't show up very often, but when he does he's a pian.

Dr. K and I chatted about my blood transfusion.  I was really concerned about receiving blood, but he told me that I would be fine and not to lose any sleep over it.  

We again chatted about my tattoo.  I think it really needs to be removed.  he, however, thinks thatI should just tattoo a new head on Hobbs.  He has such a sick sense of humor - I LOVE IT hahahahahaha.  I told him that I would not do that, because my scar line would go straight across his neck.  Dr. K recommended making it look like a necklace - hahahaha.  What a pain - hahahahahaha

I've decided that now that I really feel good about how my body looks that I want to take the pole dancing classes that I was going to do last year and didn't.  So, I asked Dr. Krieger as to when I could  take them and he laughed (blushed - heheheh) and said that I could take them in January - COOL!!!!

He is SUCH a riot...I swear.  But, I am really glad that I decided to go with him.  It's a pain to drive up there for 3 hours, see him for 30 minutes and drive 3 hour home.  But...I have received such great care from him.  I mean, I know that I paid for this and should expect great care, but sometimes you just do not get what you paid for.  With him...I have every step of the way.  He should partner with Dr. Clarke.  They would work well together.

But, since having this surgery, I can really feel the butterfly inside emerging.  HAHA - I even told him that I no longer thought that I was cute, but KNEW that  I was cute.  He laughed and said that was normal - hehehe.  But, that's just how I feel.

I know that hubby is getting tired of me saying....Grab my ass!  HAHAHAHA - it's just not flabby anymore.

Today I went to Victoria's Secret.  I overdid it a bit and am a bit swollen and very tired tonight.  But, I got some cute stuff for when the tubes come out.  But OH!  I went from a 34B (pre-breast lift) to a 34A.  That was a bit disappointing.  But, hopefully I can stay focused until implants.  I want them earlier, but really should wait until October.  Why?  I want a motorcycle this spring.  If  get implants, I can't ride it for at least 6 weeks.  I want to run the 1/2 marathon in Sept, if I do implants then that will interfer with my training - and I want to join the team for the Injured Marines Fund Semper Fi.  Which is SUCH a great cause.  They pick up where the VA leaves off.

Decisions...decisions.............

I cannot belive that twelve days ago I was fortunate enough to have a lower body lift and breast lift.  And to have it go without a hitch.  That's the amazing part.

I feel great, and my self esteem has shot up even higher.  Another great decision!

I cannot wait until the scab comes off of my belly button so I can see the perfect innie that I have been given.  Makes me wonder if I want to pierce it because it is so cute.  Decsions, decisions................

I've started researching implants.  I feel like Veruca Salt....I want them NOW!!!!!!  Haha - but really want to wait until my body has had a chance to heal and stuff.  Plus...there's the 1/2 marathon in September that I wnt to train for and if I do the implants in Feb that will put my training behind by 2 months.  No thanks!

Not much els to write about.  I see Dr. Krieger tomorrow, so until then............

J	Jolly
I	Intelligent
L	Luxurious
L	Legendary

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Ok...just got back.  EVERYONE in the office was really surprised by how well I was doing and by how good I looked.  Dr Krieger was VERY pleased.
 
So, I go in the room, and the nurse gives me the paper gown to put on, but just as I come out of my jacket and kick off my flip flops he's at the door - jeez, can I have a minute??? HAHAHA
 
He comes in and says oh, don't worry about that, I'll just pull your pants down and take a peek (good thing I'm not modest).  So, he helps me onto the table (I'm good so far) and asks how I'm doing.  I told him that I felt great, but realized that I lived with a bunch of jackasses (hahaha - the look on his face).  I told him that everytime I turn around they are doing something that makes me laugh, and it started with the TATTOO - thank you very much!  I told him that we have ALL had a good laugh and that it has been determined that he (Dr Krieger) is a Murderer.  He laughed and said that he realized during surgery that it would be decapitated and though it was kinda funny, too.   One thing he suggested was having just the head retattooed avove the scar line - HAHAHAHA.  How funny would that be. (He is TOO funny!)

But, said that at least they have me laughing.  I told him that it would be fine if I wasn't pushed to the point of crying because it HURT - haha.
 
I told him that  was on the treadmill yesterday for 2 - 5 minutes stints at 1.0 each.  He laughs and says you do realize that you just had major surgery, right?  Slow down.  I told him that I felt fine on it was actually slower than what I walk around here now.  It's just a way to actually monitor some activity.  You want me to be some what active...right????  I told him that he did not prepare me for the boredom.  He laughed and said that I should take up knitting.  HAHA - NO! 
 
So, he removed the staples and we chat about them (why do I have them type thing) and he's removing the sutures from my belly button, etc.  So, I ask him, how long until I can have some bling for my belly button.  I swear that man needs to get out, because he says what's bling????  WHAT?!?!?!!  I explain to him that I am a girlie girl who likes sparkle - BLING.  when can I have it pierced????  He says in a few months.  Good - I was thinking June/July time frame.  He says that is fine.  And then - how cool is this - he says, when you are ready to add your bling bring it to me and I will pierce your belly for you.  COOL!!!!

So, I told him that I would have him do it in June/July which was perfect because that's when I would be looking to consult for the implants.  He laughed and said, so you are already thinking about them, huh?  Hell yes......It's been a shocker that the swelling has gone down and they aren't so puffy anymore.  He laughed and said everyone goes through that.
 
So, we chat about a knot on my butt - it's the drainage tube and I told him that when I stand for a long period of time (like when brushing my teeth), the muscle above my incision hurts - like as if it is tired.  He says, that that would not be a muscle issue, but looks at it.  He looks at it and says, oh, that appears to be muscular.  No joke.  He looks me dead in the face and says that it isprobably just tired.  REALLY?!?!?!?!?!?!  HAHAHAHA
 
As I'm getting off of the table, I am totally doing it on my own.  A little sore, but no big deal.  And he just stood there shaking his head with his hand out for me to use (I got it...thanks).
 
So, I go to leave and he tells me that he wants to see me in a week - ok no problem.  And as I am walking out, he puts his hand on my arm and says you don't have to rush, they will be at the desk when you get there - haha. I'm not rushing.........
 
I guess they just figured that I would come in with one foot dragging behind me.
 
He took none of the drains out and go back to see him on Tuesday.
 
Nat was there for her follow-up, too and he told Nat - I hear you girls have already started sharing pictures - haha.  She died laughing over my tattoo, also.  She said that she could not belive it when she saw it. 

Ok, I had my plastic surgery on 10/31 with Dr. Krieger in Fairfax, Va.  I know....3 hours away, am I crazy?????  YES!  Especially for a lower body lift and a breast lift.  Part 1 of a 2 part adventure.

Dr Krieger was absolutely wonderful.  Much more than what words can express.

I had my reservations about travelling 3 hours away.  But, after getting into his hands, I knew that I was in the right place.

I arrived Tuesday night and just hung out.  I had to be at the hospital at 630 in the morning for 800 surgery.

The day of surgery, hubby and I went to the hospital and checked in.  They took me into pre-op and Dr. Krieger arrived about 730.  He came in, said good morning to me and hubby.  Acknowledged hubby and talked to him a minute and then said I will be right back.  He is very quite, but has a wonderful sense of humor.  He came back with my file and the nurse and was talking to her about paperwork missing that should have been there.  That means that he didn't just assume but actually checked.  Also told her, here is my file from the office, it has the missing paperwork in there.  So, he had the forthought to bring my office file with him as well. 

He began marking me and telling me what he was going to do.  Afterwards, he asked if I had any questions.  I simply asked...Can I be an innie???  He laughed and said that he did not see why I could not be.  He was very tender and caring.  I knew then that all was good.  When he marked me, he marked me standing up AND laying down.  AND...he is SUCH a perfectionist that one hip was slightly higer, but high enough for him to start over in the markings to get it right.  I wonder how many would have said it is 3 cm off and kept on going.  Not him.  Told me he would meet me inside and left.  The rest of OR came in, did their thing and away I went.

I barely recall him being there when I came too.  But, I was SO out of it at that time that it could have been anyone.  I was out of surgery and in my room by approx 600pm.  I recall him coming in to check on me.  

As the night progressed, I know that he called at midnight, because the nurse was with me when he called.  But, during the night, I was not putting out any urine (I was dehydrating) and my blood pressure was really low (80/40 at one point).  The nurse did not call him and at 0700 when he came in to check on me, he was chewing her out as they entered the room.  Nothing hateful, but very snippy.  I was SO cold that I had about 6 blankets on me and was still shivering.  He looked at my urine and personally checked my blood pressure and left the room.  They were doing a shift change so about 30 minutes later, he and the new nurse came in and she was definately taking a back pedal on the situation.  Telling him that whatever he wanted, and agreeing with everything he was saying etc. etc.  He called for a cross-track and for me to receive 4 pints of blood immediately.  He was short and snippy to the nurse (I felt bad for her), but very caring to me.  He checked my incensions and said that in my left hip I may have a bleeder or was clotting - he knew this because there was an area that was very tight.  He told me that they would keep on eye on me to see what my body did, but I would need the blood because there was a problem - that's why my blood pressure was so low, I was dehydrating, my face and figers were VERY puffy and very pale.  I had a terrible headache, too, and that was because of everything else going on.  The night nurse had removed my oxygen tubes and he put them back on and said that I would have to keep it in because that's what carries the blood to where it needs to go.  The new nurse grabbed some warm blankets and put one on my head to help with the headache and to help me get warm again.  He left at about 0815.  

During the day, the nurse came in often to check on me.  He made sure that  I was her priorty for the day.  He called her about every hour to see how I was doing.  She often commented that he was "very protective" of me.  GOOD!  That's what I expect from my doc when something isn't right.

My roommate, who I became friends with, commented early in the morning that she thought my doc was kind of a jerk, but once she found out what was going on agreed that he was right on target for MY well being.

At approx 0915 they came in to do the cross-tracking.  Can you believe it....almost 2 hours to do that.  It's because of their protocol that things are a bit slow.  I didn't get my 1st unit of blood until about 20 minutes before he walked in at Noon.  Funny thing, was my roommate and I joked that it would arrive just before he did...and it did.  In fact, my roommate went out at 1100 and asked where was my blood.

But, at Noon, I took one bite of food and Dr Krieger walked in to find me laughing with my roommate, us chatting and the curtain between us seperated.  He laughed and said that it sounded like we were getting along just great.  But, he said that he had to take away my food because I was going back into surgery at 600pm.  He needed to find and fix the bleeder, because nothing was fixing itself.

He came back about 400 and found my roommate rubbing my feet - haha.  I swear she was a sweetie!

As Dr. Krieger was telling me that I would have to go back into the OR, I told him that if though that was best, because I totally trusted him.  And I did and still do.  He made me feel like he was there every step of the way - we were a team and he was NOT leaving me behind.

UGH!  No drinking all day and all of the pain meds really make you loopy.  But, the nurse got me into pre-op at 430 and basically turned me over to them.  He was aggitated that when I arrived in OR that I was only on the 2nd bag of blood and that OR was told they would have to give me the other 2 bags.  I guess that we (WLS patients) can only take in so much blood at a time.  Not sure the ins and outs on it, but I recall them discussing the blood and my having gastric bypass and an issue.  But, the people in pre-op were awesome!  Had me laughing and joking.  I was VERY comfortable with them.  Dr. Krieger came in and sat with hubby and I for about 20 minutes just shooting the shit.  He told us that his wife is a dentist in the Army and we talked about dogs vs kids (ha - he commented that unlike kids, they don't talk back).  It was very relaxing.  Then, when it was time, he told me he would see me inside.

It was kinda creepy because I was still awake when I entered the OR room, so I saw all of the instruments and such.  I remember before they gave me the juice apologizing to everyone in advance of anything I might say.  Someone laughed and said well what do you plan on saying?   I didn't know...just didn't want to take any chances...ya know????

When I came too, he was there, wiping my forhead and asking me how I felt.  He asked if I still had a headache, and I told him no that was gone already.  Good!  I recall him being there for only a few minutes and then telling me that he was going out to talk to hubby.  Hubby came in a few minutes later and sat with me a bit and then left.

I got back to my room after 1000.

The next day Dr. Krieger came in and I felt ALOT better.  He commented that my color was definately back in my face and that he was happy with how I was progressing.  He checked on my dressing and say "Oh!  I forgot your bra!".  In a smart-ass way, I comments "What...you're kidding me..right? I cannot belive that you forgot it".  He laughed and said, Well, I've been a bit busy.  Busy...HAHA...YES he was.  But, he told me that all was well now and that I wa basically a day behind in recovering, but I would feel alot better as the day progressed.  And I did.  He came in later that day and told me that I could stay or leave.  I decided to stay one more night just to make sure that I was ok.  It was more to make my family feel better, but.....

So, yesterday he comes in with the bra, holds it up and says I brought your bra.  It is a white laced grandma bra that hooks in the front.  I looked at it and said, Well that's attractive looking".  H laughed and said, that I could wear any bra that I wanted to.

Then he pulled off the binder from my stomach, took off the pads and tape and stepped back and said Wow..that really looks good.  He pulled off the tape from my belly button and said TADA...there's your innie.  Well, I just could not let him gloat, so I told him, I'm sure that in a week it will look better, but I only see bloody and yucky and stuck my tongue out (haha).  He chuckled and said - it looks great.  HAHA.  He is a kidder.

The best part about this experience is that he buys insurance for his patients just in case.  My insurance would never have covered this if I had gone with another doctor and I would have come home stressed out with a hefty bill due to the extra days in the hospital, 4 pints of blood and OR usage.  Dr. Krieger relieved that stress.

Sometimes you meet people and wonder why they do what they do, and then there are others that you meet and have a complete understanding as to why - he is one of those people.  I found out that he also has participated in humanitarian missions.  THAT'S how much he cares.  He is not one of those surgeons that picked plastic surgery because it was good money.  Does that make sense???  He really cares about his pateints - that's for sure.

I highly recommend people go and talk to him.  For me, it was worth the 3 hour drive to meet with him.  I can tell you, though, from my experience, he had my best interest in mind the entire time and I knew it.

I knew that he would do good work - I had already seen his work, but did not expect the treatment that I got.  THAT was the icing on the cake.  I know that there are not enough words to express the gratitude I have for him and the treatment that I received.

So now...the healing begins.

WOW!  Hard to believe that in 16 days, I will be starting the next leg of my journey.....PLASTIC SURGERY!!!!!  I am excited...nervous.....sceptic........positive and everything else in between.  I mean....what should I expect?

I will admit that I have selected a really good doctor that I trust, but happens if he does his best and I look the same.  I know* I know...IMPOSSIBLE!  But still........

I am SO thankful of the support I have received from Jackie, Donna Mae, and Natalie as I go into this new adventure.  They have been a wealth of infomation and I just do not know where I would be without them.  seeing the work that Dr. Kreiger has done on them was wonderful!  This is why I know that I am in good hands.

Plus, the locla docs seem to have too many revision work in comparison.  does this meant htat he no revision work - no.  It means that few patients have commented on the amount of revision work that is needed in comparison to the patients of the local docs.  So...driving 3 1/2 hours for surgery is worth it to me.

Because I have been stressed about this - and the fact that my hubby's Command was NOT going to grant him leave to help me - that I have started the nasty habits of grazing and being a lump with my workouts.  But...today is a brand new day with brand new opportunities.  So...I am vowing to NOT graze today, to end my eating by 8:00 pm and I am going back to basics with my workout - TURBO JAM, BABY!!!!  I love Turbo Jam and stopped because I had started running.  Well...I love running, but am getting bored with it, so back to Turbo Jam I go.  That's the nice thing about having a workout area at home with all of my own equipment.  I can change things up as I want to.

I had my 2 year check up the other day, and Nancy was running behind so i was not able to see her.  BUT...Dr. clark called me the next day to make sure that everything was ok and to talk about some of my concerns.  He is SUCH a wonderful doctor.  He talked to me without rushing things and made sure that I felt comfortable.  He answered all of my questions and told me that I was right on track and doing wonderful (I guess I needed to hear that from him).  I was honest and told him that i eat all of the time.  He told me to keep an eye on it, but because I do workout, I can "cheat" a bit more than others who do not.  But...when I am down from surgery, I will need to cut back to because I won't be burning the excess like I am now.

My weight still fluctuates by 2 - 3 pounds and he was happy to hear that, as it shows no real signs of problems.  But...I need to keep it in check.  He is SUCH a lifesaver!

He even wished me "Happy Anniversary!", but I could not have done it without him.

That's it for today...... My pre-op with Dr, Kreiger is on the 18th and I will post again then......

But...life just gets hold of you and next thing you know...the summer is gone!

Well, I'm now moving onto the next phase of my journey - the part that almost everyone undergoes - plastic surgery.  

I met with 3 surgeons that were recommended to my by my doc and people here on the board.  I have to admit, this was a bit more difficult than picking my WLS surgeon.  Simply because the results are so differing and insurance doesn't cover any of it, so I want to make sure that I get the best.  Especially since I'm paying for it.

I decided on Dr. Kreiger, in Fairfax.  It's a bit of a drive back and forth, but oh my gosh!  He does really good work, price was reasonable AND his patients had really good things to say about him.  So...I paid my deposit and scheduled my surgery.

October 31st, I will be going in for a lower body lift and a breast lift.  I'm waiting on implants, because I'm not sure that I want them.  I do alot of physical activity (running, biking, walking, etc) and don't want them to get in the way. So, I decided that I would do this first and wait 1 year to make the decision.  If I decide to, then I will go back for a thigh lift and the implants.

So, what made me chose him over the other 2?  Especially since he is farther away????  HIM!  He was truely concerned wth what I wanted/needed.  Not just physically, but mentally and workwise.  He really understand bariatric patients and our needs.  He took the time to be with me.  And did not act like I was a number.  

in fact, on the day of my appointment, I was 1 1/2 hours late (I got lost) and it was ok.  He saw me as soon as I arrived and it was not a big deal to him.  He was there for ME!

Guess I can't ask for more than that, can I?

So, now I sit here and wait for October 31st to arrive.

I cannot wait!

Well Dear Friend, it has been such a long time since I have written.  I guess I need to get better at doing that, huh?  Sometimes it just feels like I don't have much to write about.  I mean, things are holding pretty steady these days.  My weight fluctuates by 2 pounds.  Yep...that's it.  I remember the days where it was alot more then that and I would get SO frustrated and begin eating and the downward spiral would begin.

But, not so much anymore....... Can't.  The pouch is the Marge in Charge and she really lets me know when she has had enough.  Yep....at almost 2 years out, I still dump and puke if I've over eaten.  But, I eat a bit more now then I did a month ago, and let me tell you it has been scary.

Dr. Clark told me to increase my intake to compensate for the heavy workouts.  Well, at about the same time, I backed off of the heavy workouts a bit.  So, needless to say......I am grazing, which weirds me out, but not gaining (or losing).  With running and the ellipticle I need the carbs, I KNOW that I need the carbs, but it is really scary sometimes.

I just do not EVER want to be 265 pounds again.

I started the plastic surgery consults.  Those are doing well.  I'll have to cough up the $15K to pay for it, but it will be worth it.  I'm doing a body lift and so far, I like Dr. Kreiger in Fairfax the best.  Natalie (Tink) and Donna Mae highly recommended him.  And when I met him, I just felt at ease with him.

He was completely honest about what to expect and really felt that the lower body lift would give me some of the results I am looking for.  But, it will not take care of my inner thigh - that will have to be a thigh lift at a later time.  But, he did say that I would not need that horredous scare from my crotch to my knee.  So, that was positive.

He also recommeneded waiting ont he implants and only doing the lift for now.  Which is fine with me, since I'm not totally committed to the implants anymore.  Just not sure how they would work with running - ya know???

I'm trying to coordinate everything for the end of October.  That way I can be in rare form for the holidays.  Plus, that would allow me to hit the road in Feb to prepare for the Shamrock 8K run and the 1/2 marathon next Labor Day.  Cool....huh???

Since I've been away from you, I've really been a slug with my running (rememebr, I told you that I backed off a bit).  I did well on my 1st 5K - 33 minutes 07 seconds.  But, the second one was not a good (34 minutes and 15 seconds), but that's ok.  I FINISHED!!!!!

i have another one this coming friday and want to really prepare for the Neptune 8K at the end of September.  I can do it...I just need to do it!

I cannot believe that I actually enjoy running.  I mean...who knew????  Certainly not me.

Well......I've chatted your ear off tnnight.  

Have a good one!

I cannot believe that it has been a month since my last post.  Where has the time gone????

So what's new with me?  Well, to begin with, I got a promotion at work (YEAH ME!!!).  But, it meant that I had to move to another department (UGH!).  But, things happen for a reason and I may not know now what the reason is, it will reveal itself eventually.

My weight is up and down by 1 pound - 135 to 136.  I'm happy with that.  I know that I am definately losing in inches as I am now into a size 4.  OMG!!!! A size 4.  How bizzare is that???  From a size 22/24 to a size 4......WOW!

I've increased my running.  I can now run 4.75 miles at a time.  How cool is that????  I have a 5K this coming weekend, and am looking for others to do over the summer.  Hey....maybe after my plastics are finished I'll do a 1/2 marathon.  

Well, that's it.....................

Well, one of my biggest fears is slowly coming to light - the empty nest.  For years, I looked forward to the day when hubby and I would be able to just pick up and go, and now that we are almost there, I'm not sure how I feel about it.

The problem is hubby is still in the military and travels/deploys.  So, what will I do?  Last month was kind of a trial, my son worked alot and hubby was gone for the month.  So, it was just me and the dogs, and unfortunately, they are the quiet type (haha).  So, how did the trail go?  It sucked - that's how.  I found that I let the day-to-day set in and did not have the time to consistently work out.  I hated cooking for just one person.  That sucked, too.

So, hubby is travelling again.  What am I going to do???  This time, I am making real plans.  The weather is going to be nice this week, so I am committing myself to running all week.  I WILL DO IT!!!!

I signed up for my first 5K - it's June 2nd.  I did it to make the commitment to working out.  I've got the flyers posted everywhere (work, treadmill, fridge).  My goal is not to run fast, but to finish it without walking.  So far, I can do it on the treadmill, but have some problems with doing it on the road. 

I find that the longer I run, the smaller my problems become.  I found this in a magazine ad - how true is it???  I love that I am evolving into a runner.  I feel so strong when I do it, and it is something that I never thought I would/could do.  Even in school, I remember they would let us off of the school bus early if we were part of the runner's club.  I wasn't good at it, so I stayed on the bus.  I always felt like my body just wasn't built to run.  Now, I think otherwise.  I don't run fast, but who cares, right?  I'm doing it!  That's what counts.  That, and the fact that I WANT to do it!

Well, it's suppose to be a really nice day today, and I'm training for my first 5K - so....I'm off to run.