http://photos.yahoo.com/kawooshie
2/21/05
Had lap RNY. Starting weight 399, BMI 62.5. I had some major complications with my lungs post-op (one of my weak spots historically) and ended up staying in the hospital for 6 weeks. Was on the ventilator for 3 or 4 weeks and had a tracheotomy. I don't remember most of it due to major drugs -- but I was evidently quite a terror pulling out IVs, my G-tube, and finally my trach! For some reason, the hospital staff still liked me, even though they had to tie me down frequently. Oh, well -- definitely no regrets in spite of it all. I had to do something -- and soon. For any pre-ops reading this, remember that this sort of drama is very, very, very rare -- I was extremely heavy and hadn't had any activity in years, and I have a history of respiratory problems. Don't be deterred -- there are risks, but I firmly believe the risks of obesity to be much greater.
5/21/05:
3 months out -- I have lost 87 lbs.; BMI has gone from 62.5 to 48.9.
8/21/05:
6 months out -- I have lost 114 lbs. (from 399 to 285); BMI has gone from 62.5 to 44.6. I was wearing a 6X and size @32-34 (or higher), I'm now into a 3X and size 24 pants...Since surgery, I've lost 10.5 inches in my waist, 10 inches in my hips, 6 inches in each thigh, and 4.5 inches around my neck...Went for my 6-month appointment on 8/25 and went to see several of the nurses in ICU who took care of me during my 4-week stint there (followed by 2 weeks in the Bariatric Unit). I don't really remember most of them (I was pretty out of it), but they were all thrilled to see me -- said I looked great. (I think the fact that I was upright was impressive to them.) They had a picture taken of us all together, along with Dr. Redan (the surgeon who covered for Dr. Kim when he had to go out of town). It was great to see them all -- they were wonderful during a very difficult time. I was asked (again) if I would do it again -- you betcha!
11/21/05
9 mos. out. Down 133 lbs. BMI 41.7. Totally off of insulin and cholesterol medicine.
2/23/06
I had my one-year checkup with my surgeon today. I've lost 149 lbs. (I gained about 5 lbs. over the holidays, but -- unlike the whole rest of my life -- was able to get them back off and continue losing!) My BMI is now 39.2 -- no longer morbidly obese -- finally! Dr. Kim was very pleased with everything. I've been working out at the Fitness Center for almost 3 weeks and am actually kind of enjoying it -- to my amazement. I also met with the exercise physiologist today, and he seemed to think that I'm on the right track with the exercise program. I know a lot of people start working out much sooner, but having been so heavy and having had a 6-week hospital stay, I felt like I needed to wait a while before attempting more than walking daily and occasionally swimming. I'm getting into 1Xs now and am down 2-1/2 shoes sizes so far. I keep having to switch my rings around -- they'll be on my thumbs soon! I'm still in plus sizes, but I can shop in "normal" stores now, which is a big, big change. I've lost a total of 14.5 inches in my waist, 14 inches in my hips, 7 inches in my thighs, and 4.5 inches around my neck. My trach scar has faded quite a bit and has dropped off my neck with the weight loss. I've even had to move my car seat up a couple of notches -- all the little things that are so much fun! I consider myself very blessed.
 Christmas 2004/Definitely Before |  |  Christmas 2005/Down 140 lbs. |
