May 11, 2010

May 12, 2010

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!   HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!   HAPPY THIRD ANNIVERSARY!!

May 8 -- on this day, 3 years ago that I began my new life as a WLS post op.

For the past 4 years I have actively been involved in the Ontario WLS family.  I am proud to be a part of this, along with so many of you, and I thank you for allowing me to be making this journey with you - all of us together!  I look to all I have met here on OH and in the other Ontario support groups that I attend for inspiration, hope and encouragemen, tand I also hope that for some of you, I too am that to.

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January 28, 2010

Jan 27, 2010

I am so excited about this!  I had my second evaluation at Budning Eye Institue yesterday, and they can fix my eyes!!!!  I was born with strabismus (disorder in which the eyes do not line up in the same direction when focusing), and it has haunted me off and on... I had my first surgery at around one year of age to fix my crossed eyes (both), and another at age 12 on my left eye to fix the now "lazy eye".  I was told then that at around age 30 it most likely would start to appear again - and yes, it has.  The left eye turns out frequently, especially when I am tired; and the right eye goes out occasionally, and also tends to go up... so after two visits to Dr Budning, he has decided that a thrid surgery will benefit and fix at least 80% of the turning.  It will be just on my right eye, on both the vertical and horizontal muscles.  Apparentlty the vertical (the up issue) has never been addressed before.  By fixing the one eye, it will "trick" my brain into thinking both eyes are fixed, and thus the left eye will no longer turn out either!  woohoo!  My fear has always been that I'll be the old, crazy looking weird-eye lady -- like that guy in the original "Poseidon Adventure", hehehehe... so... April 28th is the day!  It is just an out-patient surgery now, takes about 20 minutes!!!  I'll be off work for three days only.
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2010... I remember the coming of 2000 like it was yesterday!!

Jan 14, 2010

Happy New Year!!!!

ok - I need grounding... and I admitted to my BF last night of this issue and asked him to support me on this... so I admit to you all as well and hope that you will learn from my mistake...
 
I have GAINED 7 pounds!!!  eek!!!  I know it began with my illness in September... I was quite nauseaous a lot (still am at times - it is the medication) and I had to stay hydrated... so I turned to SODA POP... actually dreaded rootbeer - not sugar-free, not diet, but the real sugary stuff (nope, no dumping)... and for the past 4 months I have had huge amounts of it!  I am still fitting in my size 18s, but my muffin top is a bit bigger and the scale is UP... and I *KNOW* this is the culprit, and I have enabled it by giving into the craving... but as of last night I am bucking up... NO MORE.... back to walking and volleyball, and "back to basics" - in fact breakfast is a protein shake for me today... the 7 will drop, this I know... I gotta use my tool like I should be! 


Also... received this info this morning from Sue...

2010 Monica Ganz 4th Annual 'Make it a Lifestyle' Seminar

Hi Folks,
Monica will be coming to Canada on Sat. August 14th, so mark your calendars,  for this awesome seminar.

Again, we will be holding it at St. Paul's Presbyterian Church in Ingersoll, Ontario.

Registration at 8:30 am. Seminar runs from 9 am. to 5 pm.

I will post more information and cost later.

Last year the cost was $40.00 per person, [Canadian funds] with a Potluck lunch served. Some people had mentioned, why not, charge an extra $5.00 per person and supply lunch, [any input on this, from those who will be returning again this year for this seminar??]

For those who want to reserve a spot, you can e-mail me, and I will add your name to the list.

About the Seminar, Dr. Ganz, is a behaviourist, from California, who had WLS surgery, about 8 years ago, and lost around 340 lbs.!!!! and has maintained it ever since then. She gave up her private practice, and now travels the world putting on seminars, 'Make it a Lifestyle' for people who want to live a healthier life.

I meet her on a cruise, in 2006, when she was a guest speaker, for an on-board seminar for WLS people.

She is an amazing gentle woman, who has so much information to share for those want and/or have had, this life saving surgery. We have all read and been told, the 'pouch' is only a tool, that they operated on our stomachs and not our heads. This seminar teaches us ways, to stay successful for the rest of our lifes.

Take care, Sue
[co-moderator of the London area WLS support group]

 

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September 15, 2009

Sep 15, 2009

I have just spent the last 6 days in hospital with an infection (NOT WLS related, TG)... Pyelonephritis is the fancy name but it comes down to the mother of all kidney infections as far as I am concerned!!!  I still have no idea how I contracted it or that I even had it until that point driving home from work on Thursday – it came on so quickly – but I am now told that the acuteness and the violent shivering while the temperature rises (rigors) is common… so here I am 6 days later, and I have another week on two different antibiotics, but I am hoping to be back at work by Monday at the very latest.  Currently I do not have much stamina and my back and abdomen are still achy but if my recovery carries on as it has, that should clear up considerably I would think in a few more days.   Anyhoo... my point in this is to say... I ended up being transported by ambulance to Joseph Brant hospital here in Burlington... and my first thoughts were: appendicitis, leak in gastric by-pass lines, bowel twist or hernia... the ER doc heard me out (and received the card for my WLS surgeon without problem)... the doc assessed me and told me that he felt this was a kidney infection based on my symptoms (and he was bang-on), but assured me if not that he'd follow-up on all the items that I was concerned about.  I had a CT scan Friday morning to rule out nothing other then the kidney infection, and he told me that my concerns if there would be seen on the CT scan... it was quite amusing as the radiologist had all sorts of questions on what he saw inside me re the clips from my WLS (and the menstrual cup I use too - sorry boys, but it's a fact of life and it IS environmentally responsible - as I told him, hehehe!)    Anyhow... my experience was handled well, and the WLS did not shock or "put anyone out" -- except the dietitian who simply could not get that I needed proteins more and carbs less... they did replace the lunch and dinner breads with a nice soup, but every morning was cereal or oatmeal with a scone... *sigh*... but we got around that using the staff fridge for my protein that Louis and Laural provided me (thanks guys!!!).   Remember... YOU are your best advocate in YOUR health care... and sadly my medic alert bracelet was not on me as I had broken the band - it was in my purse... but at least I was conscious and able to speak on my behalf.
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June 5, 2009

Jun 06, 2009

Thought it is about time for an update... lost some of that weight I re-gained... at 219 this morning... 20 pounds to my goal!   I am wearing size 16/18 comfortably again!

Laural and I have really connected - I really like her and her daughter and am so glad she has taken on assissting running the WLS support group... it is working so smooth.  We even took the kids to the Great Wolf Lodge two weeks ago - what fun, I hope we can make it an annual mini-holiday!  We got a GREAT rate... so it was even better for me!

The new eyes are great... just occasionally need 1.50 readers for tiny print things... I am so loving no specs... and I wera make-up daily now... people hardly recognise me between the weight loss, short hair and no glasses look! 

The lower lumbar cortisone shots seem to be working, although the remedey is worse then the malady for about 48 hours.  I can barely bend and the pain is intense once the epidural wears off.  But I can garden, do dishes etc. with minimal pain - it gets a bit "tired' but as I build up my core muscles that will improve too.

The new boobs are healing great... I simply love them!  Prior to WLS I was a bra size 52E... after WLS about 6 months ago I was a 44DD.. and now I am wearing a 40C... tops fit me better... I no longer have upper back and neck pain... and the fashion choices are GREAT!  Still saving the pennies for that lower body lift one day.
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May 8, 2009

May 08, 2009

It is my two year surgiversary today...

Thus far, I have lost 82% of my excess weigh... just 24 pounds to my "goal"... and I have been at this stall for about 6 months now... I am joining Premier Fitness to up the game and get to that goal... and I am saving my pennies for my lower body lift - hopefully in two years.  My waist measurement is a size 16, but due to the excess skin I am wearing bottoms of a size 18 to 20 depending on the cut.  In tops I am 16/18 or a 1x... it is WAY better then the size 32/34 bottoms and 5X tops I used to squeeze into!!!!  I will say that my health is not what I thought it would be -- but that has nothing to do with the WLS itself, but rather a back injury I sustained in 1997.  However, I no longer have sleep apnea (got rid of the CPAP!!), and my reflux/GERD is GONE, as well as my use of my asmtha meds has dramatically decreased - and these are all directly related to my weight loss / WLS.

I have been involed with the WLS community for about 3 years now - and I love to be able to share and pass on what I have learned - from my own personal experience as well as the information I have gained in my quest to soak up all I can related to all WLS options.  I love helping to facilitate the Find Your Weigh Hamilton and Area Weight Loss Surgery Support Group ([email protected]) and meeting many new folks, not to mention all of the wonderful freindships that I have developed along my journey -- I thank you all!
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March 25, 2009

Mar 25, 2009

Finally got my WLS memorial tat!!!  I "stole" this idea from someone here on OH, but changed it up a bit... and hers was on her foot (ouchie!!)... mine is on my left front shoulder/chest area... it has my highest (recorded) weight, my WLS date, the yellow tape measure is an obesity symbol... and of course my yummy pink frosted cupcake with a figure... will do one more sitting to sharpen up details, add a bit of white and go over a few lines, and we have decided to add some glow-in-the-dark sprinkles too!!  I love it... it is tied for my fav tat!!!! Thanks Dennis!!!




Saw Dr Harris for my one month post-op this morning... he told me that the girls are healing fine... I am ok to wear whatever type bra I wish -- i can now "treat them like my own"... lol!

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March 20, 2009

Mar 20, 2009

HAPPY SPRING!

Well, 4 weeks after my breast reduction.lift,  and I am finally feeling great!  My energy is nearly back to normal levels, and although I'm still achy in the incisions (and itchy)... I am so pleased with the new girls!!!  Dr Harris did a great job!!  Clothes are fitting better, my upper back / shouler and neck pains are virtually gone, and I am so looking forward to being able to run without getting black eyes!!!  heheheh!!  I would do this one again in a heartbeat.  Now to save up the money for the LBL... http://www.drharris.on.ca/Dr._Leonard_Harris__Plastic_Surgeon.html
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Lasik MD

Mar 13, 2009

I have had SO MANY people contact me for info... so here goes...

Well, I was up to get bi-focals, so… new glasses cost me around $500 or so anyhow…

I went to Lasik MD on Mudd Street in Stoneycreek… just off the RHVP… turn left on Paramount and turn right just past the gas station to get into the strip mall area.  http://www.lasikmd.com/chamilton/lasik-md-hamilton-home.en.html#clinicalTrialRoot 

The initial appt was nearly 3 hours – you get drops, several eye tests and then you meet with someone who goes over the price.  Of course, the price is NEVER the $299 per eye special… mine was $2780 (total) + another $60 for the eye drops needed for the week after surgery (no tax) – I get just $300 and the $60 back from my insurance plan here at work. 

Due to my high degree of astigmatism and nearsightedness, I only qualified for the pricier one – “Zypotix custom wavefront”, and included in that are any “enhancements” which MAY be needed for life… here is the catch -- I have 5 years “free” eye appointments/vision testing at Lasik MD, and then after that I pay the same as for my optometrist visits - currently $90 a visit… but if I continue going to Lasik for those check-ups that “lifetime warranty” holds true.  According to Dr Hakim, who had his eyes done over 15 years ago on not near as good technology, he has never needed any enhancements, and doubts that I ever will. 

Dr Hakim did the procedure February 27… I drove myself there for 7:45am, about an hour later they were ready for me (in the hour you go over a few things, a couple eye tests, pay them, go over the drops, take a sedative if wanted (they have))… sat outside the OR for about 10 minutes with a cute bonnet on my head… then called in… met the doc, he double checked my eyes, asked me if I had any questions, then you go lie on your back on the table – head in a little cut out… NO pain, it is a little bit uncomfortable - like a speck of dust in the eye is all, I admit I was freaked and needed a sedative prior to but that is only because it was my eyes. Actually, once the flap is made the procedure from then on is kinda cool. He did my right eye first, then my left... took about 20 minutes total. The worst part was removing the tape that holds your eyes open, and really that was nothing!! I stayed about 1.5 hours afterwards... they started me on the eye drop regimen during that time and they check you to be sure the flap is in proper positioning, I called Louis and he came and picked me up just before noon.  

You need to go back within 24 hours for a check – took all of 10 minutes, and I got the OK to drive then (Saturday morning), so I drove myself home (we had left my car there overnight no problem).  They want to see you at a week and a month out as well.  

It was really so simple - I should have done this way before now! The technology is nothing short of a miracle in my books... after 35 years of wearing glasses my every waking moment - this is just so amazing!!!!  I still am using artificial tears every 3-4 hours or so, but it is no biggie… just when it feels a tad gritty (like contact lenses) I pop a drop in… they say this should diminish over time. 

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March 9, 2009

Mar 09, 2009

I wrote this last Friday, but forgot to post it!!

I have the all clear to return to work Monday – my boss is so happy… lol…  I definitely have a hematoma, but the area is disbursing well according to my doc (my whole right breast is a bruise now!!)  I will continue to have a low grade fever as long as my body is working on this.. so I take Tylenol for that, and need to finish off the antibiotic – but he says that it is OK now, and the wounds that looked red and were oozing are nearly stopped and the heat and redness is subsiding.  So… there you go! 
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About Me
Burlington, ON
Location
30.8
BMI
RNY
Surgery
05/08/2007
Surgery Date
Jul 10, 2006
Member Since

Before & After
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YUMMY... Jon BonJovi
Spring 2006
336lbs

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