Theresa W.
This is me! - (most recent posts are at top)
Oct 24, 2006
Well, it's been quite some time since I posted a note. Maybe I'm subconsciously hiding out?
I did go see my surgeon in December for my 3 year checkup as planned. Had to swallow my pride and admit I had gained about 40 lbs from my very lowest weight after WLS. We discussed my weaknesses and problems I was having, and talked of ways to get back on track. It wasn't the best appt. for me. I felt like I let him down, and it really made me upset. After thinking about it, and researching, I found a surgeon in Grand Rapids (Dr. Randall Baker) @ MMPC that does a procedure called "Sclerotherapy", which is done to narrow an enlarged stoma. (The stoma is the part that connects the pouch to the intestine) He said it's very common in WLS patients for the stoma to stretch, therefore not causing any food to stay in the pouch for any length of time...it just falls thru, and then I never feel any type of "fullness". I just never felt any restriction in my pouch anymore, so I went in for the procedure on May 11, 2007. It's done out-patient by scope and they inject the stoma with an irritant to actually "scar" it back to it's normal size. It was relatively painless and my insurance covered the procedure. I had great success with it the first few weeks....it definitely limited the amount I could eat at one time. But as we know, we can't just nibble all the time...that's how I got this way. So I am trying very hard to keep that under control. Lost about 7 lbs. Then had a bout with vomiting at about 3 weeks out from this (bad dump!) and felt something "give" and wow, it was painful, and now I don't feel the restriction much. I think I may have stretched it or injured it. But the Dr. did say it is very common to require more than one treatment in order for it to get to the right diameter. So I will be going back in soon to have them check it out and if needed, get another treatment. It did help tremendously. So...that's where I'm at right now. Struggling with the old vices...and picked up a few new one.....crazy. But I will never, ever give up! Hoping documenting my journey will help someone else who is struggling. Till next time....
12/06/06
I made the first step to getting healthier (again). I called my wonderful surgeon, Dr. Arthur Carlin, and made an appt. to see him again. I've had some weight gain and need to nip it in the bud. He says he can help me and I am elated! I go to see him on 12/27/06 and I am very anxious. I just can't regain the weight... Now my goal is to at least not gain anything more over these coming weeks til my appt. Holidays are treacherous! Food traps everywhere! Wish me luck!
10/24/06
Hi guys!
Since we have this new profile format with ObesityHelp, I thought I'd take the opportunity to quickly bring you up to speed with my journey...in a nutshell. I will also have my previous profile posted later on in the blog....
I decided to have WLS almost 3 years ago, after much thought and angst. I was sick of feeling "old and decrepid" when I was only 44 years old! I couldn't keep up with my kids or hubby while on vacation jaunts, and I just had enough of it. I had the RNY done laproscopically and lost 125 lbs initially! Yay for me!!! At this point, I was about 20 lbs from goal, so I decided to go ahead and have my tummy tuck 1/5/05. That made "all" the difference in my book! Just having the hanging flab gone made me feel so much better about myself. I finally felt "finished". I would definately recommend it, although I won't kid you, it's not a picnic but well worth it. Well, when I reached approximately 2 years out, I started to see myself gain weight here and there, but with good reason...I was being pretty lax in my eating regimen and exercise. Slowly over the Holiday season last year thru this summer, I managed to put on about 30 lbs!!! I swore that would never happen to me again, but here I am. The reason I am posting this is to not scare you, but to let all of you know there are consequences to not following the program. It "can" come back on if you don't watch it. So now I am back at it. The tool is always there...we just have to remember to use it! I know you will!
ORIGINAL PROFILE STARTED NOVEMBER, 2003:
Hello! I am 44 years "young", BMI of 51, 5'2" and soooo ready to begin my weight loss journey! Two tests to go (scheduled 11/12/02), and hopefully a surgery date soon after!!!! Planning on having RNY Lap yet in 2003. I work in an office with great co-workers...I know that's not the norm, but I'm lucky! Everyone is very supportive. I love this site and excited to know we have so much support here! Thanks all!
11/11/03:
I have a surgery date of 12/1/03!!!! Not long to go now!
11/25/03:
6 days to go! On protein drinks for the week....not the greatest, especially since it's Thanksgiving week (boo hoo!) But will be well worth it in the end. Bye for now.
11/29/03
In 5 days on just protein drinks I have lost 27 lbs.! How can that be? I'm figuring I had alot of fluid on board, as well as not eating any salt right now....must be it. But geez! Hubby said, Hey, the protein drinks are working, do you still want the surgery??? (He was joking) I said I still need the surgery cuz I know me....if I didn't HAVE to stay on this for a week, I'd never stick to it. Just like every other diet in my life. So...only 3 more days!!!!
11/30/03
Today is my daughter Andrea's 21st birthday!! It is also the last day I have to wait to have the surgery. Tomorrow is the day!! Have to leave at about 5:30am to get to Detroit in time for 10:15am surgery. Hope the snow holds off. My son Jimmy is going with me, what a sweetie! Meeting my husband there...he's working downstate tonight late, so makes the most sense for him to meet us there. I'm getting excited! Waiting for this phospho-soda stuff to wear off...running to the bathroom every other minute! Talk to you after I'm home!
12/8/03
Been home now for 5 days...was a little sore, but feeling good! Everything went really well. Have not been sick and everything working just as it should:-) Been on clear liquids since surgery and not really hungry at all, just when I smell food or see a commercial about food, kicks in the taste buds:-) But have 1st week check-up Friday, and they will advance me to soft food I think. Never thought I'd be
salivating over cottage cheese or scrambled eggs! I'm excited where this journey is going to take me!
12/28/03
My one week Dr. visit went great...took off steri-strips..all healing well. One incision leaked for a while, but I guess that is normal. I will be going for my one month checkup on Wed. already! Have been eating pea soup
a lot, scrambled egg (feel very full with eggs for some reason) V8 I love. At this next visit, I believe they will put me on soft diet. Yay!!! I haven't had any dumping or throwing up at all, so I feel very fortunate! Thank the Lord!
01/02/04
One month appt. got changed to today...went really well. Healing fine, feeling great. Still having trouble getting in all my protein and water though. Have to work on that, as well as get into an exercise regimen....Have to say I've been slacking off on that. But all in all, I have lost 30 lbs so far!!!! Yay!!!
01/20/04
I'm at about 38 lbs off now! Went back to Curves today...plan to continue that everyday. Still hard to get all the water in but protein easier now. Feeling great!
02/02/04
I had lost a couple of pounds after the 20th of Jan, but went on a plateau after that....couldn't lose a lb more! I up'd my water intake and started eating just a touch "more", believe it or not!, and wala'....lost 8 lbs just like that!!!! Yay! I am so happy I decided to have this surgery!
2/16/04
I am now down to 228 lbs.!!!!!! This is the lowest I have been in YEARS! Can't wait to see the 100's again! I have been feeling great, no problems, at least pertaining to the bariatric surgery. I have just found out, after the Dr. looking at my pre-surgery chest xray, that he saw something "suspicious" on my right lung...a shadow, and would like another xray done, just to be sure. I had another xray done at my one month checkup, and it said the shadow looked "less obvious", but Dr. suggested I have a cat scan just to be sure. I had the cat scan done about 3 weeks ago, and the Dr. called me this week and said the report indicated 2 or 3 nodules on my right lung, which may be nothing, but if it were him, he would go to a thorasic surgeon and take the films for him to read, as this is his area of expertise. So I have made an appt. with a thorasic surgeon at Henry Ford for this Thursday. My three month checkup at Henry Ford is this Wednesday, so I'm just going to stay overnight at a hotel instead of driving down each day. Sure hope it is nothing, but maybe in some odd way having this surgery was meant to be....catching this lung thing early??? Who knows...only God above. I pray it's nothing. Talk again soon.
02/25/04
Well, things went at both my 3 month bariatric appt. and my appt. with the thoracic surgeon. At my appt. I was down to 228 as I said before when I weighed at home! My bloodwork is good...everything going as it's supposed to! As of today, I'm down to 225:-)!!!! The lung dr. said it does NOT look cancerous, but should be rechecked in 3 months, which I will do. He thinks it's prabably just the remainder of a respitory infection or something....time will tell. So, I'm taking that as a good thing. I will continue to pray about it though. I feel like my life is just starting again and I don't want anything to mess it up.
3/21/04
Haven't posted in a while. As of this morning, down to 215 lbs.! 65 altogether! I was stuck for a while, but moving again.Started a support group here in town! Have had one, next one tomorrow...every 4th Monday of the month at 7pm. Had a good turnout! Nice to be able to talk to others in person with the same things in common. Post again soon.
04/20/04
Gosh, it's been a month since I posted last! Time flies! I am now down to 206...can't wait to hit the 100's again! It's been over a decade I'm sure! I still hit plateaus...I'm on one again. But I try not to think about it...it will come off. All I can say is I have never felt such freedom as I do now. Free from pain, stiffness, (mostly:-), and being depressed about not being able to lose weight. Now it's all acheivable! If you are seeking out this surgery, congratulations! It will make you a new person!
05/03/04
Everything's been going great! Weight has been staying about the same (dang!) but clothes are getting looser and looser! Bought 2 pairs of pull-on jean type pants in an XL!!! On the regular side of the store! Amazing! I'm still in awe over the whole journey. I've really been blessed. I have my 6 month checkup coming up June 2nd and hoping to be under 200 lbs by then. I don't know if I'm a plateau or not, but sure wish the scale would move. Your "old" brain fears this may be it...not lose anymore, but logically of course you will. Life is good!
05/16/04
Weight loss is going good....just been through a bout of very bad sinus problems and missed 6 days of work! I'm still in a funk with it, but it finally is moving a little. Had to go to an allergy specialist to get any relief. They put me on a steriod, as well as some other things, and finally I was feeling a little better. I was getting nervous about it because I didn't feel like eating or drinking cuz I was so sick, and I know that is very important, especially with our surgery. I don't know if they've actually gotten to the bottom of my problem, but at least my head doesn't feel like it's going to explode anymore...just an earache for now. My regular Dr. tried everything, to no avail. The steriod did the trick I believe, so I'm praying that all continues to get back to normal. I would have rather had another surgery than to go thru all that head pain that I couldn't get rid of. But after all was said and done, I lost another 7 lbs during this seige and am now officially under the 200 lb mark! (198 to be exact!) The hard way, yes, but at least something good came from it:-) Will post again soon with more "happy thoughts", I hope!
05/25/04
Me again! I have NOT had a headache for 4 days now!!!! I'm so happy! Finally getting back to normal. Nothing much else new right now. Just wanted to update. Love my surgery more and more each day:-)
05/28/04
I lied...headache comes back each day, but not nearly as intense....dumb sinuses! But I know it will have to end one of these days. Feeling great otherwise! Still estatic that I got the surgery....never regretted one day yet! Have a great Memorial Day Weekend!
06/23/04
Hi everyone! Haven't been here in a while. I'm about 90 lbs down now (according to MY scales) so I'm very happy and awaiting the long elusive "CENTURY CLUB" I've heard so much about! I feel wonderful....sinuses still giving me fits now and then, but other than that doing very well. Weight seems to be coming off a bit slower now, but to be honest with you, I have not been exercising like I should, so that's probably my problem. I plan to change that now! So off I go to take my walk! (See?!)
08/01/04
I'M FINALLY IN THE CENTURY CLUB!!! HALLALUEH! I thought this day would never come! Actually, I'm at 101 lbs off today, which happens to be my 8 month anniversary from surgery!! I have never regretted having this surgury and when you make milestones like this, it just reaffirms it for me. Today I was sitting in a lean-back camp chair at my brother's house and I got up to go get something and realized I didn't have to struggle to lean forward and wiggle my way to my feet like I would have 8 months ago! I just popped up and did what I needed to do! FREEDOM!!!
08/06/04
My family reunion is tomorrow and I am so excited! I have 6 brothers and 4 sisters and all of them are coming! Plus cousins, aunts, uncles, etc.... Should be an awesome event! Last year at the family reunion is when I announced to my family I was planning on having WLS. Now I get to tell them I am down 101 lbs!!!! Plus, since then, my sister Rita had WLS too (in March 2004) and has also lost over 100 lbs!!! So this is going to be so great! Can't wait to see them all!
09/10/04
I am feeling great and going down in sizes! I have lost about 105 lbs and just bought a size 12 skirt! Wearing size large shirts...can't believe it! I'm very happy!
09/11/04
Here I am again...got on the scale this morning and walah!...down another 7 lbs! Is that possible??? It must be! I decided I LOVE my scale now (ha! ha!) Usually I want to throw it out in the garbage! Well, I guess what they say is true...if you are patient, it does come off!!! Don't get discouraged if the scale isn't moving "all" the time...just trust that it will eventually! Good day for me! Yay!
10/16/04
Well, I seem to have found my appetite again...dang! So I have to watch a little more closely my intake. I guess we do have to help it along after a while. Sure hope I've learned all I need to know to do this on my own.
Went to my tummy tuck consult yesterday with Dr. Pummill in Grand Blanc. Met with friends there that are also having it done and we had a great time! I will be getting the "smile" cut down low on my abdomen, hip to hip, she will pull down the skin, remove fat, etc. and I will have a beautiful new tummy! I can't believe it! Even when I was a size 7 when I was a teenager, I still was kinda flabby there...now it will be flat! Plus most of my stretch marks will be gone!! It's pretty exciting. I've been kind of in a daze about this...I don't know if I thought it may never happen, so I didn't get my hopes up, but now after meeting with her, it feels so real. So...I pledge here and now that I WILL get out and walk more often and try to lose these last 30 lbs prior to surgery (I hope!) Wish me luck...:-)
10/21/04
Well, I have been doing what I said....walking 3 miles a day now and trying to watch the carb intake...want to boost the weight loss again before tummy tuck surgery! Scale hasn't moved yet, but I'm feeling "thinner", if you know what I mean!:-) Just have to keep at it.
10/28/04
I'm approved for my tummy tuck!!!! I'm so excited!!! They called yesterday, so it only took 12 days since my initial appt. to get approval! Amazing! It is January 5th, 2005!!! So, I have some REAL work to do to get these last 30 lbs off...talk about incentive! Okay...off I go to walk!:-)
11/30/04
Tomorrow is my one year anniverary and I have to say this is the best thing I have ever done for myself! My life has changed for the better in every way! I'm feeling wonderful, no more aches and pains, and feeling 20 years younger! No regrets! Any newbies out there reading this....GO FOR IT!!!!
1/1/05
It's hard to explain how wonderful this year has been for me. I had my surgery Dec. 1, 2003 and have been losing ever since! I started at a miserable 299 (heaviest) with all the aches, pains, depression, low self-esteem, etc. that goes with it and I flowered into an outgoing, self-confident woman! I have always been that way on the inside but it was a little hard to let it shine through all the layers of, let's say, "fluff"! It takes a little getting used to the new "me", only meaning the person you look in the mirror at does not look like "you" anymore. But I like who I see! Yes, I have my down days where I feel "fat" and worried I have stopped losing for good, but I know I just have to stay on track. I am about 30 lbs from "my" personal goal. And I am starting the New Year out right with my tummy tuck Wed., Jan 5th, so things are good for me and I am very thankful to the Lord above and all of you extended family here that I know I could not have achieved what I have without you!!
2/23/05
Hi everyone! Long time, no post! I had my tummy tuck January 5 and am feeling great! Wow, the big fat flap is gone! Amazing! I still am a little tender, but not bad at all. Haven't really been out buying any new button/zip pants yet, cuz waiting for ALL the swelling to go down to see what size I am in now. I'm thinking maybe a 10 or 12!!! Geez! How amazing to me.
3/14/05
Okay, Have been out shopping and buying 12's, button and zip pants! Even bought a size 10 corderouy skirt!!! Amazing! It's just so nice to have that flap of skin gone and things actually look "good" on me! No more buying long shirts to cover it! I'd still like to lose 20 lbs more, and I find it hard, but need to get active again. Not been good on exercise, I must admit. I plan on getting on that treadmill tonight! See ya!
03/29/05
Went to see Alicia Keys on Easter! She was fabulous! Here is a picture of my husband Mike and I at the concert. 120 lbs off so far! Yippee!!!
04/23/05
I have been struggling to lose weight again...haven't really gained, but still haven't reached goal yet. So, I am challenging myself to get to goal, which means losing 25 lbs., by my birthday Sept. 14th. That gives me about four and a half months. I'd like to be at last half way by the 4th of July. This is a realistic goal if I stay away from snacking and up my fluids, as well as keeping up the exercise. As I read this, it looks like it is so easy, but I know it's not. I think I have mastered "maintaining", but I'm not ready to do that yet! So, here is what I'm going to do:
1. Drink 64 oz. of fluids a day, no matter what!
2. At least 60-80 grams of protein a day
3. Only ONE snack in between meals, as low carb as possible!
4. Walk at least 3 miles 4-6 times a week.
5. I WILL EAT 2 SERVINGS OF VEGGIES A DAY! (I'm very bad at this!)
Okay, so this looks like it will work....lets see how I do! Pray for me!
6/17/05
Hi all! Haven't been updating in some time I see, so thought I'd better hop on and say hello. Scale still staying still...haven't been doing the best as far as carbs go. Have to quit eating inbetween meals...I think that's the culprit. I guess I should be happy I haven't really gained. It's hard to not be losing pounds...we were doing it regularly for so long and when it stops, it's quite scarey. Well, all I can do is continue on the best way I know how. Wish me luck!
9/8/05
Well, I haven't posted in a while because I have been gaining weight lately....what a bummer it is! I didn't think I could sink into gaining weight again, but I have gained about 8 lbs over the summer. Well, starting two days ago, I went back to basics....64 oz. of fluids, protein and exercise and I have now lost 5 lbs!!! I am so estatic I could burst! I had forgotten how good it feels to actually lose weight, since I haven't in so long! I feel like a success now instead of a failure again! So...if you are reading this and you are having trouble losing, go back to basics....get thru one day...then you can continue on working on it day to day....I'm so happy right now!
09/30/05
Well, so much sticking to my "behaving" foodwise....been snacking again, and gained it back! Well, I'm not a quitter, so I am trying again. Newbies, if you are reading this, BEWARE of snacking and tolerating sugars! DON'T TEST THE WATERS!!!! It's best to think you can never have sugar again. Well, off I go to try, try again. Can you tell I'm down today??? :-)
10/20/05
Well, alot of soul-searching and honesty with myself has been done this month, and I am back on track with the exercise and diet, if I dare use that word. I am feeling wonderful and healthy and am down another 7 lbs! It's amazing how well the "tool" still works when you use it correctly. I WILL succeed to goal this time....I'm convinced of it. Hoping to get there by the end of the year. Best wishes to all!
12/1/05
Well, here it is...my 2 year anniversary of WLS! Wow! Sure doesn't seem that long. I am doing pretty well, but kinda fell of the proverbial wagon as far as exercise goes because I just had a scar revision on my tummy tuck, so it has slowed me down some. As well as the snow starting. I was really enjoying walking my 4 mile walk each day...now that is difficult. So...back to Curves I go. I am so thankful for this surgery! I have gained some weight back, but not much....still not to goal, but will be working on that. My new years resolution will be to use my tool as it is meant to be used. That in itself will be very good for me. I feel myself slipping now and then, and I don't like it. I don't EVER want to be fat again. I am not one to give up, so I will continue to strive to reach my goal! Talk again soon!
1/10/06
Happy New Year To All!
I went to Henry Ford's Centurian Induction Awards last night, and wow, what an experience! So uplifting and wonderful! This was for all patients that have lost at least 100 lbs since surgery. I have not been able to make the other previous inductions, so finally I made it to this one. I reached my 100 lbs off I beleive at 8 months, so I needed to do this! I'm so glad I did! How inspiring, and I really needed that right now. I've been struggling with evil FOOD ADDICTION (I believe)...got off track over the holidays and found out I could tolerate more sugar than I really wanted to know I could. I could feel the "old me" coming back, eating things I didn't even want (granted, not in huge quantities, but eating none-the-less) to get thru stressful times, etc. Just like the old days. Gained some weight and started feeling horrible about myself, and guess what...that makes me spiral down even more. I snacked myself up about 15 lbs from my lowest, which wasn't even at goal, so I was really feeling down in the dumps. But between talking to a good friend on the MI Board(KP!) who really kicked my butt and pushed me in the right direction (gently:-) and going to the induction last night...wow, incredible is all I can say! So....I'm moving in the right direction again...getting in my protein, fluids and exercise and WILL make it to goal!!!! If you are reading this, please say a little prayer for me:-) Love you all! Til next time.....
1/20/06
Hi all!
Just wanted to pop on and show you my beautiful kids! Below is a pic taken on Christmas Day '06, by my husband Mike (he's a photographer..."Picture Perfect Photography") in his studio. Left to right is Andrea-23, Jimmy-20 and Christy-24. My pride and joy! Talk soon!
05/03/06
I have not posted anything to my profile in a long time. I have been really struggling with weight gain. It is so awful! But I fight it...to those reading this...don't test the waters of sugars and carbs! You don't need them. I am now up about 30 lbs from my lowest weight after WLS. So, I have some work to do. But the weather is nice and I am recommitting and hopefully the next time I post I can tell you I have lost! Hugs to all!
07/14/06
Long time no see! I have been working at my weight loss (again) and have had some success!!! After my last post, I was up and down, and then finally started again admamently in June. I am now down 19 lbs!! Thank the Lord! I had to recommit to my pouch and really watch the snacking, and got off the sweets, and it is working! I hope the next time I post I'm down another 20! Wish me luck!
10/03/06
Yikes!! I fell off the wagon (again!). To those that are reading this, you need to know that WLS is not a "magic cure" for obesity, but it is a valuable tool. I realize that more than ever now. I've gotten lazy about my tool, I admit it, and now I am floating back up. I am still about 30 pounds (again) from my lowest since WLS, and it is frustrating. I don't want to feel like a failure, but it's hard sometimes. I know I have to keep this in perspective though....I lost about 125 lbs initially, gained 30 back, but hey, I'm still ahead by 95 lbs!!! I just have to get a grip and regroup. I can do this, I know I can. I have great friends out there on the MI board that have helped me and are helping me each day, even if they don't realize it. I love you all! Once again, wish me luck! Talk soon...
02/06/07
Wow, 4 months have just flown by! I just read thru my profile, hoping to get some inspiration from "myself" :lol:.....The early days were so much easier, weren't they? Just reading, I noticed how repetitive I sounded in the last year or so! I haven't gotten it together yet eating-wise, for some reason or another, but I continue to try. They don't operate on our "brains" when they do this surgery, which really is too bad! I think that is the crux of the whole thing. I'll try to get back and post more often.
Before surgery and miserable - 285 lbs. +
15 months out and 167 lbs! I feel great!
About Me
Before & After
rollover to see after photo
