cocochannel
MY darling dog Cocoa
This is my story or my journey of losing weight or tried to,this a journey of success and trimuph.
I'm 43year old,I've been interested in wls over 3years.I'm a registered nurse and single.I love walking ,riding bike,vacationing to different places,sewing ,amusement park.
I have been over weight since second year of high school,and that is when I remember my first diet,did well but gain it back. gain,loss,gain,lose,you know how the story goes.I went to wls center three year ago but they weren't interested working with my insurance.So,I forgotten about it and tried to diet by myself.That didn't work.Then my sister had the surgey done and I help her through the process.SHE LOOKS SO GOOD know ,so I decided to try ago.In 2004,my sister told me that CORI Center is in NYC.So I had consultation with Dr Grabeil,he explained everything to me.I started to disguess this with my pcp,but she wasn't so sure about the procedure .First of all my BP was to high we had to control that.Second my pcp wanted me to go to a cardiologist because BP was uncontrolable and I was having palpatation.Third,I was tired in the mornings and very sleepy to drive to work in the mornig.Guest what,I had to have a sleep study test.Now I'm diagnos with sleep apnea ,hypertension,oh and arthritis in both knees.Now I'm back with CORI and waiting for my sugery.
2/24/05 Now that my insurance took effect on jan.10,2005 I have appointment today with gastroenterologist to scope my stomach for ulcer.The doctor will call me back within the week for the results.I hope everything looks good.
3/2/05 Found out everything good from the stomach doctor.He saw small area that was red,I explain to him I took arthritis medication.The doctor gave me nexeum for my stomach.I call Cori center to inform them I finish all my test(seen the phycologist,pcp letter,dietician,sleep study,cardiologist)So my letter was sent the insurance co. Hoping I get approved.
3/11/05 GREATTTTT NEWWWW,I got APPRVED.Dawn(case manager) call my job to tell me I was approved.I was so happy ,I let out a my YIP.I'm at work (let me explain,I work in hospital on ICU ,so I can't scream or yell on the unit).So I called my sister and told her.My surgery is on March 28,2005,I have to go to Cori seminar on the 3/16/05.All I know,I was on cloud nine all day no one could mess up this day.
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3/16/05 Oh boy all the info was overwelhming,I have to start taking vitamins and start a low fat, high protein diet.Considering I'd reduce my fat intake and increase my protein,(I weighed 310 in december)I had lost 25lbs since january.Consulted with Dr.Sapala examine me,he's a very understanding doctor.Let him know ,I was on a diet since january.Followed the menu plan they give me so I can be on track.I,m hoping nothing will go wrong ,I always have back luck keeping my finger cross.
3/27/05 My surgery is to tomorrow and I,ve been taking the sodiumphos prep and clear liquid diet.Oh man could anybody tell that MY BUTT was going to be sore.Pre-H is my friend tonight.A little scare but I,m ready to start my new life .Eventually I won't be the fat one in the group.
4/7/05 It's been a week from surgery,went to the St Vincent Hospital for 8:15am had to leave my home at 5:30am .Still had to do two pre-testing pregnacy test and ekg.Ok I could understand ekg but the prego test(excuse I'm going to be a little funny but I haven't gotten any sex for a year ha!ha! ha!)So I'd peepee in the cup.Ok went to waiting room untill they call my name.Finally it was my turn to go.For all you nurse out there,you know when your on the operation table,waiting to get iv started ,putting on all ekg wires and b/p machine .You get a little antsy because you know whats going on and wishes they hurry up and get started.Finally they put me out,wake in ICU .All i know i was very thirsty and hated the tube in my nose. Love the pain pump. On the second day,sat up in the chair and walk.Tube came out and started on clear liquid diet.Did ok.Spend three day in the icu and one day on the regular unit.The nurse was every nice and understanding.That week home got a very bad cold I'm so sick coughing up nasty stuff.
Saw Dr.sapala on my first visit and lost 14lbs that felt so good.
Advance to full liquid so happy I was getting tired of the clears.
5/5/05 Sorry I didn't write for while,down 24lbs.I don't know but my weight loss is a little slow. Went shopping Ohhhhh!!!! love shoes ,it felt so good to buy a pair of cute fashionable sandals that fit my feet ,FINALLY AT LAST.Wear a size 22/20 from a size 26.Going to Bahamas for Mother Day weekend taking my mother with us.
See everybody later.
5/21/05 Love shopping for clothes and shoe, but I went out to dinner tonight mexican restaurant. I don't think the food agreed with me had bad stomach pain ,I don't feel full or want to throw up just pain.Maybe beef don't agree with me. Good Night.
5/31/05 Down 258 from my scale,weight loss is very slow.Don't see Dr.Sapala for another month. Hey! went to the movie the other night and fit into chair without hips being squeeze.WOW!!!!!!!
Loving this,really loving this.
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Went to Long Island to see my brother,he was suprised to see how good I look.Played some tennis and basket with my nephews didin't get out of breath.I felt so good I can do all these activity without my body giving out.I'm even walking the highschool track almost everyday,NOW THATS A ACCOMPLISHMENT!!. SEE YA.
6/16/05 Going away to visit my mother in florida and celebrate her birthday before I go back to work in july.Down 254 not bad I quess,wear a size 18.Maybe this will get me out the routh,I feel down and depress.Maybe being somewhere different for a while will bring up my spirit.
7/25/05 Oh sorry,
I haven't written in a while,you remeber the stomach ache I had two month ago who knew that was the being of a hernia.Double hernia which cause bowel obstruction.I got sick in florida that monday throwing up everywhere but felt better later on the night.I didn't want to go to the ER because I didn't want to be sick in florida hospital(BAD EXPERIENCE).During that week I could eat but the felt like someone was squeezing my stomach.I was leaving florida on a friday since it was only wednesday and when I get back to NY I will call my doctor.
Sunday,back in NY went to my local urgent care to see if they can take CAT SCAN of my stomach.All they did was xray my stomach explain I alot of stool and take a laxative,prescription for protonix.That was Sunday,on Monday my stomach still didnt feel any better and the pain was getting worse.I call my doctor office they wanted to see me ,but the pain was severe so I went to local ER.I waited for an hour before been seen,so I left.Ok my sister took me to GOOD SAM where I was seen(because my sister-in-law works there).We sugested that I get a CAT SCAN because we believe that there was an obstruction somewhere in the stomach.WE argued with ER doctor,now I started to feel nausea. IV was started and a xray was taken of my stomach.All they saw was stool and stomach staplings(you know sometimes doctor are full of themself ,they shouldn't be working at all because they could hurt someone)Went home that night and started vomiting all over the place and foul smelling.So we headed down the firsted place I should of went to St.Vincent Hosp.Finally some care,you know the routine IV which they proded and probed, xray........They gave some medicine for vomitting and pain(oh hated that morphine sulfate IVpush gave such a pressure that started from the mid-chest to the neck and then the head which gave a whoozy feeling).Even tried to give me an ngt which was unsuccessful because I told the er doctor I had enough probing.(Now I know how my pateint feel when they try to give them nasal gastric tube)Made me drink contrast for Cat Scan a whole liter.I kept telling them my stomach is small I couldn't drink the whole liter.My doctor got mad at them and told them I was only to drink half of the stuff.Went to cat scan couldn't wait to finish the procedure,all I kept praying is that I don't vomit on the table.Finally some answer ,I had a double hernia and was going to surgery the next day.WOW I was glad they found what was wrong with me.That was the longest night everything you could think of went wrong.My iv was infiltrated so it had to come out and I was a hard stick.That means no nausea medicine or pain medication everything had go through the iv.Boy I PRAYED ALL NIGHT NOT TO VOMIT. Went down to the OR couldn't wait untill they knock me out.Prayer answered.Woke up with a drain on my right side of my stomach and an single port iv in my neck.All I remember I'd had to pee and the nurse thought my stomach tube was a foley catheter.
Spend fourth of july in the hospital my room at window viewing battery park an saw the fire works.
Went home that monday with a stomach tube that drain my bile while my stomach and intestine healed.Didn't look pretty.Boy did I felt weak and drained,still felt nauseous and couldn't eat that much.
Call the doctor office because I still didn't feel well.They gave me comperzine and Loritab for pain.That made me felt like a drug addicted every four hour I needed(a hit) medication ha!ha!ha!Trying to take the pain pill the doctor wanted me to crush my pill all it made me do was throwup which hurt my stomach.Hated this whole process,now I thinking did I do the right thing in having this surgery.
Saturday getting along well untill my one of suture open up with puss.Since I'm a nurse,I can take care of my wound until I see the doctor on wednesday.Ha you know I'm getting tire of the hospital game.Went in for my appointment found out ,I had an abscess not one but two and that's why I needed so much pain med every 4hrs.So in the hospital I went,the wound needed to be cleanse and started me on antibiotic.Those nurse must got tired of me ,had a fever 102.6 and gave me tylenol.Got up to go to the bathroom to pee,one of the nurse got upset with me because one of the abscess open up bleed all on the bathroom floor.Went for surgery that morning,what a relief.
Being so sick my weight was 239lbs.
Home on Sunday and recovery begin again,feeling so much better know.I have a visiting nurse that come in and clean and dress my wounds.Now I'm waiting to get my GT tube to be remove which will be in august.Now I'm back on full liquid diet again yack.Tired of liquid diet can't wait to eat real full.
8/4/05 Today I'm more nervous than my last two surgery.I'm getting my gt tube removed,ambulatory surgery.Wouldn't you know I have my period which is not good.In and out of hospital surgery went well,in a little pain from my period.Took the pain med. they gave.Tired from the anesthesia.See everyone later.
8/16/05 It been over two week and abdomen wound healed ,no visiting nurse.My weight still coming off slowly so I going to take advantage of this and exercise so the inches will come off better.My mother is back from Florida she asked me a weird question Am I eating? I told her yeah.I'll just leave that alone.
MY 5mon doctor appointment cancelled,so I'm going away with brother and his to amusement park.
8/22/05 Oh boy am so excited because I fit on all the ride.My sister and scream for JOY about this.UNBELIEVABLE UNBELIEVABLE,can't believe I fit .I enjoy myself so much my body aches.
8/29/05 Well ,today was my first day back to work.Everybody was happy to see me and gave me compliment of how much weight I lost.I thought my body would be tired but I kept on going like an energized bunny.It was good to be back to work I was getting pretty bored at home.
Had my 5months visit with Dr Sapala last week and lost another 12lbs.total of 65lbs.I still say my weight lost is slow but Im still hanging in.Almost a size 16 that should account for something.
9/5/05 I'm so upset,Ive gain 10lbs with my period what a weight gain.
It will come off after my period so I'm not worring to much but wooo 10lbs unbelieveable.
This weightloss is so incredible my co-workers can't believe how good I look.They say I look like a little girl.I'm only 5feet tall maybe even short since I lost the weight.Even our attending doctor didn't recognize me now thats great.Well got to go,see everybody later.
9/12/05 Just venting still didn't loss that 10lbs what a stand still 3week in and at a plateau.I'm eat my protein,drinking plenty of water and exercising everyday.Nothing still 232lbs.I don't want to get depress but I'm headed there.bye,bye
11/08/05 Well it been 2 month since I last posted.Feeling 100% better the weight is still coming off slowly,down to size 16 maybe 14.Enjoying shopping for clothes.Lost another 22lbs by my scale,my 6month appt.was cancel due to emergency with my doc so waiting for him to come back.My B/P under control down to 3 medicine not bad.Alway cold all the time can't wait for summer to come back.Well see everyone later.
Me at Foxwood
6/13/06 It's been over 6months I have logged in with my progress. My sister and my dog moved to Fl. which I missed her so much because that was my best friend.It was lonely in my appartment. I worked al the time,even over at work so I was never home.
In feb went for my 12 mons Dr visits(his back from personal emergency) doing well but weight lose is still slow.My Dr mention I was almost ready for my tummytuck but I wasn't. I wanted to wait a full 2year out.
In May visited my Dr again for the official yearly checkup found I had a inguinal hernia surgery was a must by the end of the month.Had surgery on 5/30/2006 for repair of the hernia,now I'm home bound and grounded for lifting anything over 5lbs.I have to take it easy,I feel so useless and horrible because everybody is doing stuff for me.I'm home for the month woopy I'm going be so bored.
A day after surgery
My sister and I went to a Regional OH conference in April had fun and relearned so much about my tool and how to reapply it back in my life.
Well I lost another 13lbs which isn't bad and now I'm in the onederlands197LBS.Hurray it is about time.Lets see most of this is my fault because I wasn't follow the diet plan so I gain weight during the winter.Now I'm back on track .
See everyone later.Have a good summer.
8/7/06 Had a wow moment last week at work.I'm a nurse and sometime work in the Burn Unit.Usaully most of the nurses wear paper srub(disposable clothing)I don't wear them because it doesn't fit and the pant always use to rub out between the leg.I had to put on a scrub top and bottm.I actually tried on a size med pant and medium top I was shock but showed off all day .I was so excited I almost cried.That was a moment I won't forget.
9/8/06 It has been a while since I posted,this is just a frustating journey .My weight has been up and down can't stay under 200 long enough the next thing I know I'm back in 200s.This is driving me crazy.I started the gym again and my diet regimen(HIGH PROETIN-LOW CARB)those carbs are a b#$*.Satisfing in the mouth but not satistifing in the tummy and I keep making this same mistake over and over again.Well I'm under 200 actually 196 and next week I have appointment with my baritric doctor hoping it go well.Trying to put new pic up next.See ya
9/14/06 Went for my follow-up appointment today down 197 by the doctor scale and 194.5 by my scale.That's ok I can live with that.My hernia healed very well all green light.Still trying to get new pic out.
Well see ya.
10/15/06 Another accomplishment walk 5mile for breast cancer walk.Drag my sister withme for support.So my plead is for any woman who read this profile get your Mammagram every year because you are worth more than life itself.
10/25/06 Well I made it throught the day,it's been 3year today my father past.I do miss him alot even though I don't show it more my than my brothers and sisters do.I beleive my father would have been very proud of me in losing weight.He always called me Miss Hollywood because I always dressed like I was living in Belhair when I go out to special occasion.(I always love dressing up)Pop I love you.
Well that was my day still trying to get in the century club driving me crazy(193lbs)one lbs away.Sometimes I think I'm a failure but I look in the mirror and see a totally different person.A slim young girl(Oh I hate that I look like a teenager)which is a GRRRREEEEAAAATTTT!!!!!!!!!!! thing .Enjoying shopping which putting me in bankrupt Ha Ha Ha Ha!!!!!!!Only kidding.Love shopping for new size,right now I'm a size 10/12on top and 14/16 in pant.See till next time.
SMOOCHES.
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If I had do to this journey again I would jump on it in a HEARTBEAT.
1/12/07 Its been awhile since I have posted,weight wise remain at 197-200 up and down with weight.Back at the gym for the new year,aiming for 10lbs for this month.As for the holiday the worst I have expierence,my niece is still sick spend my holiday with her in the hospital.Slowly she getting better,I hope. My next step is to see BD for plastic surgery hope I'll be ready for that procedure.See Ya
1/11/07 Was a kinda a good week,one I'm off all my hypertention medication and two my mother went to Florida once again.But everything is the same I'm still at 198-204lbs I think i'm done loosing the weight..I'm starting the weight training and treadmill once again wish me luck.Looking forward for tt in the fall.I need to stop complaining because I'm in good health and living life!!!!!!!!!!!
3/31/07 2yrs anniversary wt.205 thats ok I'm happy.Been off all my hypertension medication over a month and my B/P maintain great.Went to Florida this week caugth a clod from my sister and been suffering since.Now I'm suffering from stomach virus diarrhea isn't funny.I never been this sick since my hernia surgery,can't get rid of my cold.Well I'm doing great got start excersizing again miss walking ,lazy during the winter:My doctors want me to excersize more yada yada yada I will spring is here.So see ya later.
My big baby Cocoa
4/12/07 WOW MOMENT,I usually don't get compliment from men they usually have harsh comments to say .Well today at a seminar,one of my co-worker(the porter)was busy staring me down.He told I look very hot I must feel good since I lost the weight.Of course I said yeah so much better.I was on cloud nine all day .
7/27/07 Yesterday I went for my 2 1/2 yr checkup weigh in at 207.My doctor said I lost 6lb since march (211)well I'm happy.Well he schedule me for consultation for my tummytuck next week ,I can't wait.Finally I can get rid of my flabby stomach.HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!
9/15/07 I was denied for my tummytuck so disappointed,it's going in appeal we'll see what happen
1/16/08 Well HappyNew everyone,my weight remain in 200 which is ok .Trying to stay on track which isn't easy .I finally did it ,made a consultation with a pastic surgeon Dr Sterry .Plan to due the LBL and liposuction to my hip,going in in March can't wait .Unfortunationally its coming out of my pocket hoping scare revision will be cover by insurance.Well I go to the gym 3day aweek with my sister keeping her on track with me.I've been so busy with my family and work I haven't had time to update.
3/6/08 Two weeks away from my LBL,I'm not nervous but unsure I'm doing the write thing. When I really think about it I feel like I'm not worthy to do this procedure.I try not to think about it alot and just harp on the good stuffs.So in 2weeks my hips will be smaller,tummy will be gone so I should be exstatic aharay!!!!.March 19 is my date.
3/18/08 Just got my marks for ps tomorrow,I look like a multi-color tiger with green,red,blue,black marking.I'm ready but scared something might go wrong.Have to be at Mt Siani for 7a surgery at 9am .So here I go completing the finally chapter of this jounrey.
3/25/08 Almost a week out from LBL OMG the pain(how can I explain this pain,its like someone tighten all your joint ,muscle,skin and keep it fix there untill you next pain medication,and then your whole body become unjar RELEIF.)That first night I pushed my morphine PCA all night.Second day my pressure was to low(84/45) I was afraid to push it .Later they started me on percocets.Went home on friday,one good pointer for everyone get recliner chair help with postioning body after surgery.Yesterday Dr Sterry remove painball drain which felt liked a worm coming out your body.Now for one of the big drain,that hurt like hell(I didnt mean to hallor but i did)I have 2 or 3 move to remove on friday.But one thing I can say NO LANGING BELLY OR FLABBY BUTT OR LOVE HANDLE.Cant wait to see the true contour when all the swollen goes down.
4/24/08 Well managing around the house(still having pain but not as much just when i stay in one postion for a long time i get very stiff and little burning on my side)able to do a little house work,but other than that I'm very happy with my outcome.Still swollen but that will go away about 6months.I'm not looking forward to going back to work because now I'm enjoying my time home.I'm starting to loose weight again Dr Sapala said I might loose some more weight after plastic surgery.The only thing I miss is going to the gym and working out I've to wait 3months before I could do any heavy lifting.
Looking good in a biniki maybe when I get my computer back in new swing I'll show my before and after pics. my camera broke and can't afford to get another one right away.Well any way just updating my progress.
6/19/08 Home again with seroma to my left buttock go figure what luck.I couldn't sit on my butt for a week before I'd seen the doctor.Went to work for less than two weeks and home for the summer with no money I'm so fustrated.But one thing I know I'm looking real good in my jeans.Under 200's woohoo.Well back to boredomville.
3/28/09 I'M 4years out and feeling great.Maintaining my weight at 200's ok by me .Still trying to loose that last 40lbs.Got lazy over the winter no gyn but started walking on the treadmill this weak.It's been year since my TT and LBL.Can't wait for summer to show off my new body.Next year I'll do my arms and thighs.Well Tata for now.
My first baby Enasia and my second baby Cocoa
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Happy moments, praise God
Difficult moments,seek God
Quiet moments,worship God
Painful moments,trust God
Every moments,Thanks God
Photos
 312 On vacation in December 12, 2004 three months before surgery. |
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 200 April 2006 cruise. |
Member Interests:
- Travel - Love visiting different places
- Dogs - love my dog cocoa
- Theater
- Bicycling - Trying to start riding bike again
- Music
- Black American - Proud to be british caribbean
- Shopping - Born to shop I'm a shopaholic
- RN - SICU RN for 13yrs
- Dancing - Love the beat of the music dance until I drop
Click here to see interests of other ObesityHelp members.
Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: James A. Sapala M.D.
When I first met Dr.Sapala I was a little iffy about him but when he started to expalin his procedure and other surgery everything started to made sense.He answered all my question .The office staff is very busy so you really have to make yourself known.They are good with pre-op and post-op care.There is someone on call after hour.Have support meeting every month.
Insurer Info:
empire bcbs, epo
