capodo
11/22/12. HOLY WOW... It's actually been over SEVEN YEARS since I've posted to OH?! I don't think that's right, but my memory never WAS that good... *LOL* It's been nearly 12 years since my GBP. I have yet to hit my goal of 200 lbs. In fact, my lowest weight was around 238 - and I gained up to 282 nearly 4 years ago. I finally got fed up with myself when I saw over 280 and decided to be serious about losing weight again.
Since 2009 I have had a gym membership (for the past year I've gone to Planet Fitness) - and I've made a point to go no less than 3 days a week - try to do a solid 4 days a week - and sometimes can pull off 5 days a week. I've also tried to be aware of what I eat and how I eat it. And I've kept a food diary (counting calories and protein). Up until this past October... All I'd lost overall was about TEN pounds. Yep, just TEN. In THREE YEARS. I'd lose, gain back, lose, gain back...
I do think part of my issue is that I am on Paxil for Depression/Anxiety. Anti-depressants are notorious for weight gain. However, the more major issue is that after 11 years, I can pretty much eat whatever I want - and certainly in larger qtys than I did right after my GBP.
October of this year, my PCP asked if I wanted to try Phentermine. Now, I did try the "Fen/Phen" combo back in teh 90's. But got off it when I heard about the heart issues. Years later I had an ultrasound done and they found a SLIGHT murmur. Which could or could not have been the result of the "Fen/Phen". I was concerned about my heart health - but my doctor assured me I'd be all right as I do exercise regularly, try to eat right, and am very healthyy despite being overweight. So I agreed to the Phentermine. I'm in week 5 of taking it - and doing REALLY well. I've lost 13 lbs so far with few side effects. At least, that I can tell. I do worry a lot about any pains in my chest. And I've had a few. But I'm also dealing with a back that I think is out of whack... and it spasms a LOT.
That's enough for now. I'll try and update more often. Not sure if anyone is even reading this or cares to. But it's my legacy nonetheless... :-)
Blessings to all,
P
*****PAST POSTS******
3/1/05. It's now been 4 years since my surgery and I have kept off all the weight I've lost, and then some. I still am not at my goal of 200 lbs, and it continues to be a struggle to even get the final pounds off. But I have to continuously tell myself that no matter what, to have lost what I have, and to have KEPT IT OFF FOR FOUR YEARS.... WOWZA!!!!!!
After checking into and researching more my eating habits, etc, it seems I may be one of those people who doesn't do carbs very well. I joined Curves (the gym for women which I would HIGHLY recommend to any woman... it's great!) nearly a year ago and have gone very regularly this whole time. They have a "Six week challenge" where you cut carbs and calories and basically, eat healthy. During the 6 weeks I lost just under 12 lbs! AGAIN this should be a sign for anyone to tell them that the surgery alone is NOT THE FINAL SOLUTION. It's a TOOL people. A tool in helping you TOWARDS YOUR GOAL. Eat right and exercise. THAT is the key. PERIOD!
Will continue to post on here as I can. Not sure if anyone even reads this, but it gives me a kick to go back and look at what I've done!
1/25/04: Today is my 3-year anniversary of my surgery. I didn't even realize it to be honest until Eric sent me an e-anniversary card! My life is NOWHERE near the same as it was 3 years ago. I am delighted that in this time I have managed to keep the weight off, though I have yet to hit the goal I set for myself when I went in for the surgery. Currently I am trying the Weight Watchers Flex Points program... and delighted this time to see it meeting with success. Something that did NOT happen when I had my larger stomach before!
I continue to be amazed at how much the whole Gastric Bypass is growing. More and more celebs are doing it. Recently Randy Jackson (of American Idol fame) and Al Roker. I still smile when I see Carnie Wilson (since it's from her that I heard of GBP first!).
But, with Carnie, I also come to have a worry. Carnie's commented again and again on how "little pain" [overall] she experienced in her surgery. Al, and Randy have said similar things. All three of these celebs had the LAPRISCOPIC version done.
I did not. Nor did thousands of others. And nor will thousands more who see these celebs on tv.
The pain was INTENSE. I was sick A LOT at first. It took a GREAT deal of adjusting. And I experienced post-operation depression. It was NOT a walk in the park! Three years later and I have HUGE amounts of excess fat. And I don't have the money these celebs do for liposuction and such. I'm really embarassed about my arms, stomach, chest area and legs. They're almost GROSSLY flabby. And no amount of exercise will change it.
I just don't want people to see this surgery as a "qick fix". It's just SOOOOOOOOOO not like that! And having this surgery won't guarantee you'll loose the weight for good. For every success in here there are plenty of setbacks. Ranging from DEATH to people gaining the weight. This surgery should just be ONE STEP in a new process to changing one's life.
My heart and my prayers go out to ANYone who reads this. I wish you success and joy. And that this works for you. My heart and prayers also go out to the family and friends of those who DON'T make it. I've read of several since I've been a member three years ago. It breaks my heart every time. And makes me feel guilty in a way since my surgery basically went wonderfully!!
*****Here's my original diary I started about a month after my surgery:*****
2/23 I started week 5 of my pre-op. I'm down 36lbs in just one month. My God I can't believe how amzing this is!! I'm trying more new foods now. Chicken, turkey, etc. Find that I am a bit sick to my pouch EVERY morning. It's frustrating, but I'll deal. Just makes it hard to go to work.
2/26 I'm back to work full time. I've got mixed feelings about this. I think I'm ready, but I don't know. I still don't have a lot of engery. Hope I can keep up. Especially since I know that with my return full time, they'll be letting go the temp that was working for me. This means I'm back into the fray and I just hope I don't get too stressed out! Also, I'm going to try walking to and from work again. It's only 1/2 a mile, and I've really hated driving my car. But my energy level is still VERY low. Hope that improves soon!
3/4 Well, work turned out not to be too bad after all. Only thing is I seem to get SUPER tired by 4pm. But then again, I get to work at about 7:30 and don't take lunch. That means by 4 it's already been 8-1/2 hours! Weighed in Friday and was down 40 lbs. In just 5 weeks. WHOO HOO!! I took a break from the protein suppliments and tried to just do it on my own. Failed miserably, so I went out today and got some stuff from GNC. Hope I can put up with it!
3/17: Happy St Patty's Day to all those who are Irish or just like celebrating like one! I'm down 3 more pounds and a bit flustered. I really was hoping to loose 10lbs a week, but I just keep telling myself that as long as I'm loosing, I'm doing ok!
3/25: Still find that I can upset Ian (that's what I named my pouch!) if I'm not careful what I eat. Makes me mad when I do that too, cause it's my fault. Am still taking protein suppliments to make sure I get enough in. I hate it, but I KNOW how important the protein is. And besides... it don't taste THAT bad. Am real anxious to get back on my Total Gym exercise machine. I WANT to exercise now, because I know for the first time in my life it's going to actually work!!
4/15: Happy Easter everyone! This is the first holiday where I didn't spend it eating everything in sight. *lol* It's really funny to be honest because it ALWAYS seems holidays and food go hand in hand. Much to my joy, I don't find myself missing it one bit. I finally got back on my Total Gym the other day, and it was nice. I'm going to try and keep up with that 3 times a week. It can only HELP me right?? My goal is to be down 100 lbs by July. Keep me in prayers and good thoughts!!
4/27: Weighed in this week and I'm down SIXTY ONE pounds! I can't believe how wonderful it is. I may get my goal of 100 by July 1 just yet!
5/15: I haven't weighed in yet this week, but I'm praying to be down SEVENTY pounds. I'm now exercising three times a week on my Total Gym. While I still hate exercising, it's much easier now and I know my body and my HEART love me for it.
6/23: Ooops! Hadn't updated in a bit have I? *LOL* Still doing my Total Gym 3 days a week. Not always faithfully, but I try. And I walk to work when I can. I'm down 82 pounds now and a bit discouraged. I really wanted 100 or at the least 88. That would have put me 1/2 way to final goal. But I keep reminding myself that 82 is QUITE A LOT!!!!!!!
7/22: It's amazing how many "little things" thin people take for granted that I'm now learning to appreciate being thinner. Like being able to buckle the seatbelt on an airplane without having to ask for an extention. Being able to cross my legs. Heck, being able to lift a foot and place it ON my leg to put a shoe on. I'm down 89 lbs now. Eighty-eight was my halfway point. If I pull off just 88 more, I'll be to goal. Which suits me JUST FINE by the way!
10/20: Holy wow! Just realized I hadn't updated in like this side of FOREVER! Feeling really good and still SO HAPPY I had this surgery done. Wouldn't change it for the world. My heart goes out to those who've had complications. By the grace of God I have not. I'm down 108 pounds. Had to laugh at myself when I read some of my earlier posts. My goal of "10 lbs a week" for example. I've learned to be MUCH more realistic at this point. And I've shifted my goal a bit too. If I get down to 200 I'll be MOST delighted.
11/09: Seems my loss is slowing down MAJOR now. Kinda flusters me. But, I have to realize I just about hit my goal. I also had to get rid of my Total Gym. I miss it, but I'm using free weights now. They're actually better in some aspects!
3/7/02: Ok... So I don't get by here as much as I should to update... *laugh* I'm doing fine. Find that my energy level has NEVER returned to "normal", but my surgeon says that some of us have that for life. I'm down 131 lbs now and feel amazing. Especially when I went into the store and walked out with a size 18 jeans!! A dear friend I've made here in the area is going for a Lap Band on April 1st. I'm excited for her. She weighs nearly what I did, and I know what struggles she's faced. And I know what exciting times are ahead for her!
5/6/02: Well, after a TEN WEEK plateau, I finally dropped another 2 lbs! *laugh* These last 21 that I want to loose are going to be the end of me I can ASSURE you. I went back to my regular doctor a week ago Saturday. I'd had blood work done the time previous to that, and was delighted beyond words when she said my cholesterol count was 119!! However, my iron count was LOW. Low enough that she prescribed iron for me. Which may explain why I'm so tired all the time. And find that I crave carbs. She seems to think the low iron/crave carbs goes hand in hand!
7/3/02: I certainly don't get here as often as I used to. My life just seems to have TOTALLY changed with my surgery. About a week ago I acquired (for a VERY good price) one of my dreams cars... a Pontiac Fiero. I call it my "congrats on the bypass car" because quite honestly... had I not lost the weight I'd lost, I'd never have managed to fit in the car!! Despite the Iron suppliments I'm still tired all the time. Guess I'll have to adjust my life to this new aspect of it as well.
11/1/02: Ok. At this point I'm about to admit that 220-230 lbs is where I'm stuck to stay. I will admit that I can be VERY lazy. I don't currently have an exercise regimine like I used to. And I eat pretty much whatever I want at this stage. And that's not always the healthiest I'm sure. I'm considering Weight Watchers or something at this point to help me continue. I KNOW I can drop more weight off. But I'm getting too comfortable with myself. Not a good thing. On a plus note... I do try and walk at least once a week. And I mean WALK. I usually go SEVEN MILES in just a couple hours. I have NEVER been able to do that before. I'm going to try and work up so that come next Spring or Summer I can walk in one of the marathons for charity like a Diabetes walk or a breast cancer walk or something. (UPDATE 1/25/03: I DID walk the Diabetes walk in Sept. Did the entire 5 miles in just 1.5 hours and raised $150 for them. I nearly cried when I made it to the finish line! I'm so happy I was healthy enough to do this for them!!!!)
January 26, 2005: It's now been SIX YEARS since my surgery and though I have not managed to reach the goal weight I wanted - I am delighted beyond words to say I have still maintained my GLS weight loss. I continues to be a struggle for me to loose weight and I've even gained some here and there in the past couple of years. I WISH I could say that I'm at my goal, as thin as all get-out and completely happy with my body. But I can't. However, I can say that I would do it all again and thank God for the amazing tool this surgery has given me to help me be healthy. Please pray for me as I continue my struggle and journey to better health!
Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: Joseph M. Vitello M.D.
Yeah, I know it's gonna sound like all I'm doing is singing this man's praises... but it's how I feel! Dr. Joseph Vitello is gentle and very kind. I was impressed from the moment he shook my hand. He was thorough and honest. His office staff are nice, though I feel not as polite as he is. At times I feel rushed around them. I have a hard time getting a hold of him or his staff on the phone, which can be annoying. And even if I DO get them, I generally can't talk as long as I'd like to before they tell me they have to go. However, Dr. V does have e-mail and he's really pretty good about replying in a day or so if you send him a message. Those who plan on seeing him, know that he'll answer ANY question you have. And he listens. When he's with you, you're the only thing he focuses on. I really like that. He doesn't care if the meeting lasts 10 minutes or 1/2 an hour. He doesn't seem to emphasize after care that much, at least, not supervised. He seems to let you go on your own unless you have complications. He's the first one to tell you that too. He believes that the best healing for a patient comes from the patient themselves. I don't like this, as there were several things I still didn't understand (despite all my researching on WLS) and felt that Dr. V didn't have a lot of resources available to help answer my questions and such. I have passed this site on to him, however, and HIGHLY recommended he tell his patients about it. When I went in for the consultation he immediately spent almost an hour telling me the complications. He didn't lie or "pad" the information. He gave it to me straight. And I admit I was scared to DEATH when I walked out of his office! I take that as a good sign though. As much as I admire Carnie Wilson for making public the whole wls issue... the media I feel has also "glamorized" her surgery. It's just not like that for real and Dr. V will be the FIRST to tell you that! If I were to rate Dr. Vitello on a scale from 1-10... I'd have to give him a 12 at least!
Insurer Info:
AH & L, HMO
AH&L I have to say is a FRUSTRATING insurance to deal with. They do NOT follow up on anything and you have to continually nag them or nothing gets done. They also don't communicate well between their different departments. I wouldn't say they stall, but they just don't seem motivated. If you're going for it, be prepared to call them DAILY. And keep on them!
