cbmello
July 12, 2005
I am currently scheduled for surgery on July 19th, 2005 at the Barix Clinic in Wylie Texas. I have been pursuing this since November 2004. It took me awhile to pull together the required history because I have lived in several states during the past five years. I believe it will all be worth it and wanted to help others understand the process and what you can expect. I will periodically update the site with information starting today.
After years of being overweight and trying every diet imaginable. I am ready for something permanent. I have always been active but have noticed in the past few years that the body doesn't want to do as much as I would like. I run out of energy much quicker than I would like. I have the support of my friends and family... I believe without that it will be a much harder road. I look forward to the new me in the coming months.
Everything has moved quite quickly during the past couple of weeks. After taking quite a bit of time to gather my records and talk my local doctor into agreeing that surgery was necessary, the paperwork was submitted to Aetna on June 15th. Two weeks later I had approval. No hassle, no fuss. However, Aetna’s guidelines are very strict. As they should be… I don’t believe this surgery should be done unless you really have been up and down the scale and completely understand all the issues and life changes that are necessary. So, I called Barix Clinic on Monday, July 11th and they wanted me in on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 for pre-op. Surgery scheduled for the following Tuesday, July 19th at 11:30.
Parents are in a mad scramble to make it to Texas from Arizona to support me through it all! They are great!
July 17, 2005
Hello all. I have had several question about pre-op so I decided to write a little bit about that experience.... The tests weren't bad at all. I got to the facility about 8:00 in the morning. The whole process took about 4 hours. They first go over all the financial information... that is the most painful part of the entire day... smile. Then it is off to give several vials of blood, have an xray, ultrasound for gall bladder, general physical, talk to nutritionist, EKG, breathing test, and finally one more blood test. That was somewhat uncomfortable. They are measuring the oxygen in your blood and they take the blood from where your thumb and wrist meet.
Overall, it was painless. I am really looking forward to getting the surgery completed. I have never had surgery so I have no idea what to really expect. I will post more once I am out of the hospital and home. Wish me luck!
July 24, 2005
I have been home from the Barix Clinic since Friday, July 22. I believe I am doing quite well. I am walking and drinking the required amount of liquid each day. I am having some pain but it isn't anything that can't be controlled.
So let me tell you a little bit about the surgery. Tuesday morning was the prep work. The nurses get you ready for surgery and tell you what you can expect. In my case, the surgery was several hours long and I was in recovery for about one hour. Both my Doctor and the Anesthesiologist were out to talk with my parents and myself. I don’t remember much after that. I was back in my room about 5:00 pm and was walking four hours later. Several laps around the floor to start. After that it was rest, vitals, and walk again. I believe the walking is great for you. It relieved much of my cramping and I was very willing to continue on my own for additional laps. It was kind of cute to see all of us out walking large circles around the facility pushing our IVs. I did have some cramping the first day. That was painful but was treated quickly by the nursing staff. I guess it isn’t uncommon when they are moving things around for there to be some cramping. Overall the pain was very manageable.
I want to take a moment and thank everyone who provided care to me at the Barix Clinic. There were so many of you. I would also like to say a very special thanks to Donna, Ron, Carolyn, and Jill. They took great care of me and I plan to say hello each time I go back for follow-up.
I am on clear liquids for several more day and will then continue on full liquids and protein. The most important information I can impart during my experience this far is to listen to what the doctors and nurses are telling you to do and try and walk… I believe I am well on the road to recovery because of their direction, my families support, and all the prayers from family and friends.
July 30, 2005
Good morning! Parents are on their way back to Arizona. I will be on my own for the next couple of weeks before returning to work. I have been on full liquids since Tuesday, July 26th. The biggest problem I have had is trying to get the required grams of protein each day. Came close the first couple of days (within 2 grams of required 62). Rest of week has been much better. I have to tell you, some of the protein drinks are quite nasty. Others have been quite good. A typical day one week into the full liquids and I am at about 76 grams a day for protein and 400 calories. I believe (based on menus provided to me) that this is about average. The only problem I have had was learning to really drink them slow. First couple of days I would take about 10 or 15 minutes to drink a 6oz drink and would feel awful. I now take about 30 and that is working just fine. Also… I continue my walks. Have been to Lowes, Home Depot, and several other stores to get out of the house and walk.
With my driver gone back to AZ (Dad) and me still unable to drive I will have to limit it to local walks. My two week follow-up appointment is on August 4th. I will check in with everyone at that point. I really want to know how much I have lost… I feel like I have lost but don’t want to jinx myself and get on my scale… smile.
August 5, 2005
Two week follow-up happened this week. All is well. I have lost a total of 25 lbs. Ten of that was just before surgery. The remaining 15 has been since July 19th. Doctor was pleased. I am walking each day. Doc wants me to up the milage. I am feeling great, so I plan on doing just that. I am going to return to work on August 16. That will be four weeks. I think that is long enough to be away. Have my one month follow-up scheduled for September 1st. I will post new weight loss at that time.
September 17, 2005
Well it has been quite awhile since I last updated my profile. Things are going well. I am on solid foods and am not having much trouble. I didn't loose any weight for almost 4 weeks. What frustration. Scale has just started to move during the last couple of days. So for those of you who are stuck... keep with it! I had my six-week follow-up with the doctor. While I was getting all my protein and water down, they wanted me to boost my calories from the 500 I am currently getting to 800 a day. My doctors office recommend 800 to 1000 calories a day. The nutritionist believes that is why the weight just stopped coming off. Also, I have been exercising faithfully. Usually the treadmill and elliptical machine. If I didn't say so earlier... it was so frustrating. So for all of you that have that not been happy with the weight loss... just stick with what your doctor is telling you. The weight will come off. It just might not be as fast as other people. My new outlook… as long as I continue to loose weight, I will achieve my goal. Maybe it will take me a couple of months longer but that is O.K. Anyway, just wanted to check in. I am currently 45lbs lighter and down several sizes in clothing (was 28 am in a 22).
October 5, 05
Just wanted to check in. Things have been fine and I am doing well with no issues to report on solid foods. New weight posted above. Take care all!
October 20, 2005
Three month checkup and I am doing fine. Weight loss is listed above. I am down 5 pant sizes and am in a 18! Next goal is below the 200 mark. Looking to do that before my vacation in January.
November 28, 2005
Hello all... it has been quite a long time since I have written. I am down 74 lbs in just over 4 months. Must say this is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Do I have bad days... a few... do I get tired eating mostly the same things day in and out... yes. However, I am within 1 lb of my first goal. That was to be down 75 lbs at Christmas. My next goal is to be under 200 lbs by the end of January (vacation time). Wish me luck and now that I actually remember my login I will update more often.
January 7, 2006
Hello all... it has been awhile but all is well. I made it through the holidays and did well. I was in Arizona at family's house and managed to eat correctly. I continue to loose and am very pleased about that. I am even biking now... that is in addition to working out at home to tapes and with treadmill and elliptical machine. I am currently 6 lbs away from my cruise goal. Three more weeks and I know I will make the goal. I am also 8 lbs away from the 100 lbs lost mark. Soon I HOPE! I feel wonderful and wouldn't change a thing. I will post again soon... when I loose my 100 lbs.
February 2, 2006
2/4/06 - Wow has this been an exciting six months! There have been so many great changes in my life. I have hit my goal of 200 lbs for my vacation. I am so excited and have bought all new clothes. I can't begin to put into words how exciting it is to go into a regular store to shop and be able to pull things off the rack. I still start at the plus size stores (14-16)… some habits are hard to break. In fact when I bought my formal dress for the cruise it was at Catherine’s. The woman behind the counter actually said, “I wish I was as slim as you and could fit into that dress.” What a shock. It was sexy and red… smile. I even went on an ATV for a 3-hour ride. It was through the jungle and the terrain was brutal. I was the only one in my group that wasn’t sore the next day… how cool is that? As for regular exercise, I am working out 4 to 6 times a week and have taken up Kick Boxing. I love it… I thought I was in good shape until I took my first class. Had trouble sitting for several days after that… ouch! Anyway, I am healthy, tan, and can’t wait to get to my next goal of 100lbs lost. Only two more pounds.
2/8/06: It is official... I have lost my 100 lbs as of this morning. I am so excited. Forty more to go to meet my goal of 160. Life is good!
5/2/06: It has been quite a long time since I last logged on... all is well. I am currently 18 lbs away from my goal and am enjoying life so much. I would do this again in a heartbeat. For everyone that is reading these profiles... don't hesitate to take care of the problem. I wish I had done this years ago... it isn't easy. I am very careful with what I eat and excercise regularly. I wouldn't change a thing! I am a changed woman.
7/20/06: Just over one year and I have hit my personal goal of 160. I have now revised that goal to 150. Why not! I feel great and this is without a doubt the best thing I have ever done for myself. I can move, run, lift weights, and just enjoy life again. For those of you who are still trying to get approved, do not give up the fight. I have my life and health back and for that I thank God every day!
1/8/07: Just shy of a 1 1/2 years. I am at a current weight of 147. I am just where I want to be and can't be happier. I have a new body... new look... and new outlook on life. I would recommend this surgery to anyone that is willing to do what it takes to be healthy. I do have excess skin and plan on fixing that in the near future. Hope these messages help someone the way all of the information helped me make the right choices.
3/18/07: Well it has been several months since last I posted. During that time I have consulted with several plastic surgeons and have had my breast lifted and excess skin on my arms removed (brachioplasty). The upper arm lift procedure has eliminated my stretched, hanging skin. My arms are much more sculpted and there is no longer embarrassing skin jiggling when I move. I had the surgery done on 3/9/07 and am still in the recovery phase. I am willing to share any and all information with anyone that would like additional details. However, I will say that I went to several surgeons before picking Dr. Scott Kasden out of Southlake. He is without a doubt the most caring and professional doctor I have ever met. I highly recommend him to anyone interested in surgery caused by massive weight loss. There are not many surgeons out there that understand our unique needs. He takes all the time needed to fully explain the process and answer my many questions. During the entire process I have been completely informed of all surgical requirements, expected results, and what to expect with the final results. I was excited about my weight-loss accomplishment but am even more excited to see the new me unfolding in the coming months. Again, I highly recommend Dr. Kasden and his staff and would suggest that you start there first. It would have saved me time and mileage if I had. I will keep everyone posted as time goes on and the healing process continues.
Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: David S. Hall, M.D.
I met my surgeon back in November of 2004. He took quite a bit of time to answer all of my questions. I believed the interview went both ways. He asked me many questions in return. I believe he is very interested in helping those that will help themselves. Overall everyone I have met at the Barix Clinic in Wylie Texas have been professional and have answered my many questions. They go above and beyond the call of duty. I will add more after surgery. That will be the true test of the doctor and the staff... soon!
Insurer Info:
Aetna, PPO