Dave
Sunday, February 13, 2005
So I have decided to document my journey through weight loss surgery in an effort to share with others that find themselves in similar circumstances. I have read hundreds of journals on ObesityHelp.com and each one is different, yet the same. It’s good knowing that there are many others out there with the same feelings, limitations and experiences with being fat. People who have never been very overweight can’t relate to what big people go through. So my story starts here and if it helps someone decide to go through with weight loss surgery or not to, I can only offer up what my experience is.
I have always been big. When I say big, I mean that I grew up in Husky clothing and in high school; my family had to search out select stores that offered clothing in my size and length. I’m 5 ft 9 ½ tall and I’m blessed with a 26 &1/2” inseam. In other words, I’m short AND fat. No matter what pants were purchased, they all had to be cut off even further once we got back home. Most clothing manufacturers offer a 27 inch inseam but rarely do they offer anything shorter.
I was a decent athlete in high school. I lettered in football, wrestling and baseball. I was selected the outstanding athlete of my senior class and even received an award for it at graduation. I weighed right at 225 at that time. I started college in the fall weighing right about 240, played football and wrestled for a Division III (small) college. My college years were unspectacular and I graduated in 1983.
I was married to my high school sweetheart in August of 1983. We’ve now been together for 21 years and she and my two sons are the best things in my life. At the time of my marriage, I weighed about 250 and steadily added pounds as I grew older.
I have tried numerous diets throughout my adult life. Several times I was directed by a physician and was able to lose 50+ pounds but each time I gained it back with extra pounds. I’ve tried just about everything around to lose the weight but I reached a conclusion in about 1990 that I was going to be fat for life and realistically just gave up thinking of getting to normal.
We lost our first child in 1988 after a tough 30 day battle and our marriage is one that strengthened because of it instead of falling apart. It was tough and our hearts were broken but we made it together. Our oldest was born at
Both boys played little league sports and I regularly golfed. As they grew older, I participated less and less with their teams and started riding carts more while playing golf as my weight continued to grow. Then came my wake up call.
We went back home in 2002 for a family wedding. We were there just for a weekend and while playing golf with my brother in law on Sunday morning, I had difficulty breathing and ended up at the local hospital. My aortic valve had failed because of stenosis. It had hardened and was not giving me enough pressure to function. I had only a short time to live unless something was done. Of course I had known about the valve and my physician had given me about 5 more years until it had to be replaced. Well, due to my weight and lifestyle, the valve went bad earlier than anticipated. Unfortunately, because I am so big and what is deemed a perfect candidate for a heart attack, all the local doctors there assumed I had suffered a heart attack. I kept telling them that I was aware of the classic heart attack symptoms and this was not presenting as one but they insisted that they had to treat it that way.
To make a long story short, I ended up being transferred to UVA (close to home) and within 2 hours of arriving in my room, they had diagnosed the problem and informed me that I had to have my valve replaced ASAP. Some July 4th that was. They did a heart catheterization and the young, slim doctors just couldn’t believe how someone so fat could have clean arteries and not be having signs of trouble. I guess I’m just lucky!
So I had my valve replaced, it was a 6 hour surgery that involved my heart being stopped and everything being switched to a bypass machine. I was convinced that I was not going to make it through and nobody could change my mind. I was a very happy camper when I awoke in recovery and was released a couple days early because I snapped back to normal so fast. (I’m a great patient!). Anyway, after the surgery I went back to work within 4 weeks and although tired, came back from the experience fine.
Life went along well from that point. I am currently on about 13 pills a day for my medical conditions (diabetes, lasix, coumadin) and take all of them religiously. Thankfully, my wife’s a nurse and takes very good care of me. I continued to gain weight, although eating less, because of my lifestyle and the fact that I sit at a desk all day with very little movement. At my one year cardiologist check up, I weighed in at 375. What a shock. That’s too much. I thought the fact that I was out of breathe after walking no more than a quarter of a mile was due to my heart damage. Nope! It’s because I’m so out of shape and weight way too much. Something had to be done.
I went to my primary physician and he recommended WLS. At first my wife did not agree but after meeting with him again, she has come around to the realization that I am miserable with ME and that I have a great desire to lose the weight. My doctor said that even if I was to lose a small amount each week for the rest of my life that I would still be fat when I die. Now that’s something no one wants to hear from their doctor. He’s a great guy and one that really doesn’t mess around with facts.
I knew several people that had gone to
My wife and I attended the initial informational meeting with Commonwealth Surgeons at St. Mary’s this past Wednesday night and we have an initial appointment scheduled for February 21. If things go well, I could possibly be in surgery the week of March 21 and my wife will be able to be with me because of spring break. If possible, I hope to have the lap done but don’t really care which it is as I want to get rid of this stuff as fast as is possible and be on my way to changing my life!
I’m more excited about this than anything I’ve ever attempted in life. There’s hope and the possibility of living a normal sized life in a year or two looks promising. I have no questions about qualifying other than worries about my heart medications and blood thinner. I expect the good surgeons will see me through one way or the other and no matter how it turns out, I’m taking an action that could better my life. It’s worth it!
The stories I’ve read on this website have inspired me to realize that there are others who have undertaken their journeys with odds against them and yet they have done it. The wonderful stories of success bring joy for them and hope for us contemplating taking this huge life step. I’ll add to this when I’ve spoken with the nurse practitioner next Monday and let you know where I stand.
Monday, February 21, 2005
Well I met with the Nurse Practitioner today. She took all of my measurements, weight and history. My wife and youngest son attended with me. We had a list of questions which she answered fully. The appointment did not start off well as we arrived 20 minutes earlier than scheduled (anticipating paperwork and questions regarding insurance/forms) and was finally called in for the appointment one hour later. I’m used to that at physician’s offices but for the life of me, I can’t see why they always run late! I can understand a surgeon being late or a doctor at a practice when someone really sick comes in without an appointment and needs to be seen. However, when I’m just going in to open a case file and meet with a nurse, you’d think they’d be close to being on time.
Anyway, she stated that I am a great case for WLS and could benefit in many ways. I indicated that I’ve researched almost everything about it and desire to have a lap done to allow me to recuperate quickly and get back to work. The only negative news was that I may have to wait longer than originally indicated for everything to get done. I was hoping that surgery could be scheduled for the week of March 21 as it’s spring break and my family would be available to help me through the initial recovery without being in school or working. Barbara indicated that it would probably be stretching it to have it then. My wife has been communicating with the other (scheduling) NP and she indicated that we may be able to have it that week. I’m sure my wife will be emailing her and pushing for the March date. There is no question that I’m qualified for the surgery and that my insurance company will take care of it. I will also move everything possible in my schedule to make the required trips to
I wrote a matter of fact letter “To Whom It May Concern” regarding my needs for the surgery and have demonstrated through my past medical history that I have been able to do the right thing with the exception of maintaining a reasonable weight!
Just wanted you to know where I now stand in the process. A little worried but now it’s just a waiting game to get to the finish/starting line on the other side!
Tuesday March 1, 2005
What a difference a day makes! Yesterday it snowed a lot (about 6 inches) and I closed the office. Well guess what came in the mail, my insurance approval! My wife called the surgeon immediately and they went ahead and scheduled me for a psych appointment Thursday afternoon. Needless to say, we were all excited and I found myself sleeping easily last night knowing that I had qualified and only had to wait for word from the surgeon’s office.
So I get up and head to
Well my schedule for this week now includes three educational sessions Wednesday evening with the psych interview and the initial physical Thursday. Whew! What a high I’m on right now. I can’t begin to relate the different thoughts and feelings that have gone through my mind just today. Worry, elation, fear, joy and numerous others only begin to scratch the surface.
I keep finding myself reading others profiles and in amazement of their grit and determination to make their lives better. I received a reply to my post on the state board from a wonderful lady from
Monday March 7, 2005
Well things are rolling along! At first, we thought I’d have to attend the educational sessions alone. However, my oldest son (16) found out that he didn’t make the baseball team at school that day and was able to come home and be with my youngest son (12). Although he was very distressed about being cut from the team, he called my wife at work and told her to go with me and that he’d take care of the house until we got back home that night. What a great (both of them) son I have! So I drove from
I met some great people while there and we all introduced ourselves and gave our surgery dates. Most are scheduled for the next week or two and everyone was a little apprehensive but excited at the thought of losing weight that’s held them back. The first presenter was Irene, a nurse who’s almost a nurse practitioner she has a few more months until she gets it. She started out making each of us give a complication from surgery and had to make sure that everyone knew the risk. Then she went into detail about all of the types of surgery and what would actually be done inside of our bodies.
We then had a nutritionist go through what we should be eating before and after surgery. I thought the information was presented well and learned a great deal. However, I’m currently of the opinion that nutritional education is not the strongest part of the surgical group I’m with. I feel that there’s a lot left for me to discover in my journey and I feel a little overwhelmed by the changes in my diet that are fast approaching me. I’ll make it though. They probably do well but my greatest fear (other than dying) is hurting myself or my chances to lose the most weight by not knowing everything I need to do after the surgery.
We then broke for a 10 minute dinner break and Irene took over and made us drink a small medicine cup of water over 15 minutes to teach us how little we are to have right after surgery. I went a little better than 15 minutes but am used to taking a large swallow all the time and I’m sure I’ll screw it up after surgery. I remember being really parched after my heart valve surgery and I’m very worried about dehydration right after surgery. I guess I’ll have to sleep as much as possible until the first full day passes and they allow me to drink some. Irene did a great job and at the end of the evening, we all looked at each other and felt better and more educated to what we all were going to go through.
The next day I had my psych exam scheduled for 1:00pm and arrived early. To my surprise, the lady came right out and called my name. She was very nice and as she led me to her office, I apologized if I had cut her lunchtime short by being early. She said that the earlier we finished, the quicker she got to go home - a woman after my own heart. She gave me a short 40 question multiple choice test to see if I am depressed or considering suicide. The only problem with the test is that there were really no positive answers. It wanted to gauge how my feelings were only over the last 2 weeks. I wanted to write that I had more hope in the last two weeks than in the last two decades because this opportunity for surgery had given me a chance for normal living.
I finished the test pretty quickly and we started talking. The questions and direction she took were expected and normal. She seemed interested and asked questions that I would have had we switched chairs. She indicated that I was a five star which I understood to be a good candidate and then we spent about 15 minutes just talking about what she does and how she deals with the people that just aren’t right for the surgery. It was very interesting and I was a bit disappointed when she indicated that we were done.
I then had about a 90 minute wait before my general physical by Barbara (the NP that did my initial). It must have been my day because after waiting only 20 minutes, I was called in. The nurse that took me in weighed me, (I’m down to 365 after a week) and took two “before” pictures. She then led me into the exam room and measured me. Then she pointed to a gown and said it would fit. I would hope so! In reality, it’s a cloth US Army poncho with no sides. It smothered me and that felt good because I haven’t been in something that big in many years. The physical really wasn’t much - all sorts of medical questions and a general overview of my lungs, heart and swelling. When I left there, it was a relief because I was early leaving and would miss the rush hour traffic!
I continue to read the boards here everyday and marvel at the spirit shown by those that have made this journey before me. I feel like I know some of the regular posters and my Virginia partners on here are truly just good people! More to come next week as I do pre-admission and blood work Tuesday and then meet Dr. Bautista and have a sonogram next week.
Wednesday March 16, 2005
Well things are really flying now! I'm less than a week until surgery and as excited about this as anything I've ever done in my life. Am I questioning what and why I'm doing this? You betcha! But the answer keeps coming up that it's the only way I'm ever going to have a normal life and be healthy! I've had no regrets and the experience, so far, has introduced me to some great people. I met Dr. Bautista yesterday and was able to ask what questions I had left. I had been worried that my coumadin levels might be cause for some kind of delay. He quickly knew the levels off the top of his head and everything he said indicated that he thought I was a prime candidate for the lap. That's important as I want to return to work as quickly as is possible and also because I hate pain! Having had my entire chest cavity opened up 2 years ago for the valve replacement, I remember how sore and miserable I was, even though I was lucky to be alive. I remember coughing during the first 30 days after the cardiac surgery and going to my knees in pain because my chest muscles ached so bad. Do not want to experience anything like that again if possible.
Anyway, Nat (my wife) was able to go with me and her main concern was about the CPAP and my ability to use it right after surgery. She was there at my prior surgery when the took the tube out and I experienced some difficulty breathing without the CPAP. Dr. Bautista assured her that I would be closely monitored and that if needed, Bi Pap or the CPAP would be used. She felt better after talking with him and that made me feel better as she was my main reason for delay for the last few years. She really was worried about the complications and the risk of the surgery. It seems tat my wife really loves me and doesn't want to do without me just yet!
So I finished up with the doc and then went to have my sonogram. A decent experience but a little painful when the tech actually pushed against some of my ribs. I explained that I didn't even know I had some down that far as I have been so well padded that I've never felt them! A quick trip after that for a coumadin level check and then the long drive home.
Yesterday was the best "high" I've had in many years! Knowing that the surgery is coming and I'll soon be on "the other side" is just the greatest feeling in the world! The hope and the realization that I'll soon be on the path to being healthy and extending my chances of seeing grandchildren can't help but make a person happy!
Monday, March 21, 2005
The night before surgery and I keep waiting to get nervous or worried. I’m in an unanticipated calm with where I stand and what I'm about to go through. I had my lastà meal just now: Crystal Light, a chicken breast patty sandwich, a small bowl of bullion, and a small bowl of lobster bisque (one of my favorites!). Not much but I have not had a desire to eat large. I did have a great steak and lobster tail dinner last week but we cooked them on the grill.
My in-laws have just arrived they are staying with my boys while I’m in the hospital. They did the same while I was in the hospital for the heart valve and the boys had a great time. They take good care of them and the boys eat up all of the attention. Several friends have called and wished me luck. I spoke with my parents yesterday I wish they were able to at least be close but they live in and will be moving here in May. I hope by the time they get here that I’ve gotten down some. I keep remembering that I’ve learned that men lose weight a lot faster than women do with this surgery. That’s a good thing in my favor!
I’m tired and yawning and know I’ll sleep well tonight. My main worries now are about dehydration and the terrible thirst that I remember from my other major surgery. If I can make it through not be able to quench my thirst after waking up from surgery, I’ll do fine.
Just want to thank those who have supported me and become friends through this website. My Virginia Board friends have taught me much and I look forward to meeting them in the months after surgery. Peggy went through WLS last month and looks great and I’ll be driving her crazy asking questions after the surgery. I’ve frequented the Sex Before and After WLS Board (freaks they all are) and learned much from them about the surgery and what to expect. I’ve also learned that many who lose weight still suffer the same problems and difficulties with their own self view. Just things I’ll have to adjust to while those near and dear adjust to the new me after surgery!
Well that’s enough for now. I’m going to do my best to remember what happens over the next 3 or 5 days (until I come home). I’ll do my best to document what happens and rely on my wife to fill me on most on what happens Tuesday during surgery and afterwards. My own experience tells me that I will pretty much be out of it until late Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning. Wish me luck and it’s now only a wake up, drive to
Tuesday March 29, 2005
So I’m now an official LOSER! Let me walk you through my surgery day and hospital stay.
We left home for St. Mary’s at about 9:15am. We arrived at the hospital at 10:30 and Nat dropped me off at the front door because parking there is nonexistent. I waited for her about 15 minutes and we went into the registration room and waited about 20 minutes. I had to go ASAP to the lab to have a blood draw to check my coumadin level. It had just been done the day before by my PCP but the results were not received by my surgeon’s office. As I sat there, a lady came in and told the staff that I was waiting and had surgery scheduled for 1:00pm. I didn’t correct her but my surgery was scheduled for 1:30. So I was able to walk across the hall to pre-op at about 12:45 and kissed my wife goodbye with a smile.
I put on the cap, gown and booties and was led into the pre-op room that looks to hold about 25 patients. Because it was late in the day, there was only one other patient there, a post WLS lady I assumed was going to have plastic surgery done. I never saw her but she did tell me through the curtain that WLS was the best decision that she had ever made and that I would be happy with my outcome.
Dr. Bautista came in (in street clothes) at about 1:05 and we spoke for a few minutes. I told him that I hoped he slept well and was in a good mood! He said he did and that he was going to grab a quick lunch and then start on me. The anesthesiologist then came in and really didn�t say much to me. I did indicate that I had alarmed the UVA staff after my last surgery because I experienced some difficulty breathing after being extubated. They had indicated the difficulty was due to taking the tube out before I was fully awake. I also told him that I use a CPAP and have apnea when sleeping without it. He nodded OK and I’d guess within about 30 seconds, I was out like a light!
The next thing I remember involved people telling me to breathe while they removed the tube. That’s pretty much all I remember from post-op until I was wheeled into the step down unit later that afternoon. My first solid visions were of my wife and my friend Heather P. who had just had the open WLS in
I was up and walking within 2 hours of surgery and feeling great! No real pain but I followed what everyone had told me and kept hitting the Morphine button before getting up to walk and getting back into bed. I had some kidney problems and just couldn’t urinate until they gave me some Lasix, which my wonderful wife kept telling them, because I’m on Lasix already for my heart valve problems.
On to my other problem. It seems Morphine Sulphate just doesn’t make me a very nice person. My wife tells me that I was very rude, didn’t want to get out of bed, questioned everything and in general, acted like an ass! I remember thinking Wednesday night that we were being held prisoner in a medical facility near
So, because of the problems, I wasn’t allowed to go home Thursday as planned. The leak test was done in radiology and I asked if I could watch it with the doctor doing the test. She turned the monitor towards me and was very friendly. I can’t believe my stomach (pouch now) is that small! I also didn’t find the taste of the two types of drinks I took to be too bad. I was so thirsty at the time I would have drank mud if they put it in front of me.
Friday came and with it, Dr Bautista visited again to go over my menu and medicine orders. I was able to get a picture with him and the smile on my face is genuine happiness.
I’m now one week out and feeling good. I struggle to get everything in and find it quite ironic that I have to force myself to drink the 3 protein drinks each day. If I sleep late, I don’t have time to take all of my meds, drinks and just plain water! I have not experienced hunger yet and have sat in Hardees while my wife and oldest son ate lunch in front of me. I wanted a big burger but not from hunger, just from lust from how I used to eat and how it made me feel.
Many friends have called and visited and I think I know at least 2 people that are now going to have the surgery because of my having had it done and I haven’t lost any weight as of now that I know of. I refuse to try the scales and don’t want to be a scale slave for the next 18 months. I feel better and lighter on my feet. I feel as though I’ve been given a second chance and I’m not going to screw this up. I see my surgeon next Tuesday and will add more then.
Tuesday April 5, 2005
I started out walking again the past week and shocked myself by starting out at a smooth .5 mile at 1.8mph. Before surgery, I’d have been able to walk it but would have been dripping with sweat and breathing heavily. After the first day, I felt so good that one day two, I went for ¾ of a mile at 1.8mph. No problem! After two days at ¾ of a mile I figured what the hell I’ll go for a mile and see just how far I’ll get. Well I walked the full mile at 2.2mph and was floating off the treadmill in euphoria. I had never made a mile on my treadmill (pre-op) but I was not flustered or breathing heavy and was full of energy when finishing. I realized later that I probably should have walked further but didn’t want to push it too far or do something that I might regret later.
Well my first post-op appointment went pretty well. I didn’t have to wait very long and when the nurse took me in to weigh, she only wanted my shoes off as she only wanted to get a weight. I stepped off and she said I was now 346 pounds! That’s down from 375 at my first office visit and 21 pounds down since surgery! I must say that this is great. She said that she could have weighed me on the regular scales! Ha! I haven’t weighed on regular scales in 2 years since heart valve replacement. She then took me into an exam room and took my blood pressure. It was a little high but I explained that knowing I’ve lost so much weight had set my heart to fluttering and I wasn’t the least bit surprised by the elevated BP.
Dr. Bautista then came in and had a big smile on his face. He asked how I was doing and said that it looked to him that I was doing very well. He even had a sheet eating grin on his face the entire appointment. I indicated that the only thing I had eaten during the last two weeks were Carnation Instant Breakfasts and about 2 sugar free popsicles a day (for the feeling of having something of substance) in my mouth. He asked about my wife and answered some questions she had prepared she couldn’t get off work to be there. He examined my surgical scars and declared me fit for duty at half days for a week but it was up to me. I told him that I am a desk jockey and although I might work half days this week, it’s back to my normal hours come Monday. He said that was great and that I should come back and see him in two weeks.
My oldest son (16) drove me home from
It does seem that WLS has turned out to not only be healthier in terms of my weight but also in terms of my mental health. I get to try some new things to eat in the next 2 weeks and look forward to having even mushy stuff in my mouth versus all liquids! More next week.
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Tuesday,
Fresh home from my 4 week post-op appointment this morning. I’m now at 333lbs down from 375. Not too bad but I wish it had been closer to 50! I’m just greedy. Feeling very good and walking easier each day on the treadmill. Now up to 2.5 mph for 1 mile. If it gets any better, I’ll start walking around the section here and feeling decent about it.
Nat measured my neck 2 Sundays ago. She had been telling me that I have been deflating but I didn’t feel any change at all. Well in the first 2.5 weeks, I had lost a full 2 inches from around my neck! (Unbelievable!)
I’m in pants now that I have not been able to clime into for several years and my overall general feeling is super! Dr. Bautista states that I’m right on schedule but he won’t tell me what the schedule is. He did report that someone had printed out my surgeon report on him from this site and brought it with them to their appointment. I was worried how he took it as I really forgot what I wrote but he thanked me for it and said that he appreciated my comments. I guess it was flattering.
I have been contacted by a volunteer here to spiff up my profile. I can’t wait to see it and provide a more personal touch to this dreary page. My menu has been changed to include crab, fish and tuna. About time. I continue to drink 3 protein drinks per day with at least 65 grams most days more including the limited food I eat. I have really not been hungry nor can I tell yet when I’m full. I’ve been eating the small servings measured into a cup by my wife. Most days I only get in one or two meals. I figured out that all of my meals since surgery wouldn’t have totaled one regular meal before. I was eating that much and killing myself.
I have another appointment in 2 weeks and will post more then unless something extraordinary happens before.
Wednesday,
Had my 6 week check up yesterday. I was a bit disappointed because I only lost 5 pounds in the last 2 weeks but everybody assures me that it’s normal and that my body is simply resting. It was a good looking day with a slight chill and the walk from the garage to the medical building was super no worries, no breathing hard and no sweat. I now enjoy walking more than ever!
I’m still chugging away on the treadmill and find that I can’t walk very good without using the poles and working out my arms and shoulder too! I’ve tried walking normally but it seems harder than working my upper body. I guess I’m just re-learning how to walk correctly after waddling for so long. I’ve gotten up to 2.8 miles per hour and can go past a mile pretty easily. I just wish I had more time to do it each day.
My menu has now been opened up to everything but red meat. The form says I should wait about 3-4 months after surgery but I’ve had Wendy’s chili and found it to really work well on my occasional constipation! It doesn’t have much protein but it’s a good change of pace and it allows me to eat out cheaply with the family. We ate out at Applebee’s last week and I had a nice shrimp kabob salad. That means I ate 5 small shrimp and about 3 bites of lettuce. That was the first time in my life that I’ve passed shrimp around to my wife and kids while eating out. Plus I saved the salad and Nat had it for lunch the next day.
I don’t have to go back for 6 more weeks and that should allow me to loose some more weight. My goal (short term) is to get below 300. If I can do that, I can do anything. Plus, I’m playing golf again after about 3 years and only been twice (rain every weekend) but shot an 85 and then an 80. I had 4 birdies the last time and really hit my irons well and my driver is back out near 280. Things are looking up.
I did vomit for the first time yesterday. After getting back from
June 1, 2005
Howdy! I'm back with a regular update. I've had several people request that I update more often but I've got to tell you that nothing much is happening that needs to be written except that I'm continuing to lose and grow slimmer. Don't get me wrong, I'm still well over 300 pounds and I'm fat but the change in the past 9 weeks has been tremendous!
I have not had a follow up visit to my surgeon now in a month. I'm scheduled for one in a couple of weeks and can't wait to see what he says. My body has worked great and I'm full of energy and loving life more than in the past 25 years! Now to give you an idea of what's been going on:
Last week, my parents arrived from after living there for 2 years doing missionary work. They sold most of their belongings (or gave them to my sister and I) and took only a few essentials to set up their house in . Since all of the electrical services and TV things are different over there, they planned on buying most everything there. Now let me point out that they volunteered for their trip and went as a part of their denomination but as volunteers. They received no pay and pretty much made it a condition that they would pay for most everything except what they needed to do their "work". This threw the normal channels for missionaries askew as they had never had volunteers before and in reality, had never dealt with anyone like my father before. His main concern with the entire mission was being able to watch the Redskins while over there! He didn't worry about spreading the word of Christ or eating or having to drive on the wrong side of the road or anything else. Only that he would be able to see the Redskins play (and win a few games) while over there. He knew that mom and him could handle everything else. They had a great time and met witnessed to over 1000 people face to face. However, 2 years was enough time away from the kids and grandkids for my mom and she told my dad that she was ready to come home!
Well they are now living with me and my family while they go about establishing another new life here in the states. We picked them up last Wednesday at the
Last Friday, I took them around Charlottesville to look at vehicles because that's the first thing they need to then go out and find a place to live. (They plan on living near
I went in and asked the waitress for a table for 3. Well she walked us straight into the booth area and laid everything on the table. I was sweating bullets as I haven't sat in a booth (and breathed) for about 10 years because of my size. I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to fit in there and cause some sort of a scene that would embarrass not only me but my parents. Well low and behold I slid right into the space with a few inches to spare between the table and my belly! Talk about a WOW moment! My eyes were misty and it was hard to explain why to my parents.
After eating about half of my clam chowder, we left and I had to go get my coumadin level checked. While there, I stepped on the scales at my PCP's office and couldn't believe my eyes! I was down to 305 pounds from my starting weight of 375! What a rush! I can't begin to explain the feelings I had/have with this discovery. 9 weeks and I'm down 70 pounds! I think this WLS thing really works!
My clothes are hanging from me and I finally had my wife get me a belt that has holes in it all of the way around. I've had my shorts fall down to my ankles twice in the past 2 weeks playing golf! My partners love it as they can really tell I'm losing weight but it's a great embarrassment that I'll learn to live with. I started out with a 58 inch waist and I can fit into a size 46 pants (tight) but fit well into a 48. What a change this surgery makes. I'll post again when I have my follow up visit in a couple of weeks.
Here's a picture of my two sons. They've really helped me through this journey so far - except without my wife, I wouldn't be here!
June 14, 2005
I had my 3 month follow up appointment today. Nat and I left the house at 7:45am and arrived at St. Mary’s by 9:00am. I signed in and was called in for weighing within 5 minutes. I've got to tell you, they keep to schedule there when you have an early appointment. (Note to potential patients: attempt to get early appointments as they run behind later in the day!)
I had to weigh without shoes and socks today and it came out to 302. Now that includes my large set of keys and a pocket knife that is pretty hefty. I was a bit miffed that I didn't break the 300 pound point yet but it's really only a matter of days! I remember weighing in at 292 in 1983 and within a month or two, I'll be there smiling with the knowledge that I've lost over twenty years worth of weight in less than 5 months!
Here's a picture of Dr. Bautista and I at my 3 month follow up on June 14, 2005. 302 (down from 375).
June 16, 2005
HUGE UPDATE! I weighed tonight and was at 298.5! There goes the 300 pound mark in my rearview mirror! I wish I could explain just how much that is to someone that didn't weigh 292 in 1984. What a great thing having this surgery has done for me. I now have to keep working to join the century club! Less than 25 more pounds and I'll be there. That followed agreat day of golf where my team shot our lowest round ever (7 under par)! I'm almost back to where I was many years ago with my golf game.
Here's a picture of the Richmond Get Together at the Holiday Inn. It was great meeting everyone and it was a true "family" event!
Monday,
Another big weekend for me. We left for a family event in
On Sunday, four of us went to play the new golf course in
July 13, 2005
Well it's been a couple weeks since I updated so I thought I'd come here and let you know how it's going. I've entered my first weight loss holding pattern. I'm fluctuating around 290 but the inches keep getting smaller and the clothes bigger on me. I can tell easily that my face is smaller and others have commented on how much better I'm looking.
Mom and Dad are still with us but have made an offer on a house in
I find myself checking the Virginia Board several times each day and have developed a dependency on the others that routinely post there. It's a great Board and the people really care about and support each other. I have my favorites but they are not limited to a handful! There's a bunch of people that I really care about. Their lives and experiences are exciting and they are all very good people. I hope we are able to get together in the near future.
The summer is flying by. I haven't been swimming yet and probably won't until next summer but look forward to it. I used to love to swim and had to be pulled from the water every time I was there. I miss Scuba but because of my valve replacement, I can't do it anymore. Bummer but that's the way it is.
I'm not eating too much and not frequently but maintaining under 1000 calories every day. Sometimes I think I don't eat enough but find that I eat just to do something rather than when I find myself hungry. The problem is, I don't really get hungry. Aint' that a shame!
I'll fill you in some more when something happens. Later.
August 1, 2005
Well I'm into August and I've got to say that not only am I feeling good, I'm looking much better! I did measurements this past weekend and I continue to lose inches. All told, I'm down about 65 inches total but as of yesterday, I weigh 278! That's right folks, I'm within 3 pounds of the century mark in under four months. I'd have liked to hit it in July but have found out that we all lose at different rates and when you really look at it, I didn't start out "that" much higher than allot of people. It seems the more overweight you are the quicker you lose down through the first several "big" goals. I've read on here where some of my fellow Marchers have lost over 100 pounds (a couple even 150 pounds) through July. I admire them and I surely wish I could be like them but I'm just fine with what my body is doing.
I've got some minor batwings and my belly that used to be solidly stretched to its limit is now a very jelly roll. I can live with it if it keeps getting smaller! I'm still wearing a few of my smaller pants from before but only because I'm tight and it seems that everytime we go anywhere it's for a ball game or some other event and not to shop for me. I find that I often look at catalogs now and I'm amazed that I can find clothes that I now can get into! That's never (NEVER) happened before! I was stuck at the big men's store paying outrageous prices. Now I can fit into a few of my boys shirts. Thank God that kids like to wear big things nowdays as I will be stealing shirts from Zac and Alex for awhile. Zac has a favorite pair of silky Nike shorts that I love to find laying around and put on. They are only a large but they fit me perfectly. Problem is, he won't give them to me because he loves them too. I've looked everywhere for a like pair but haven't found them yet!
Mom and Dad moved out last week to
We played golf at their country club on Saturday afternoon while the ladies went shopping. The golf actually sucked as I played last Monday and Friday evening too so my body was a bit stiff and tired. I didn't play well but well enough to know that my game is back to stay. The only problem I have is that my body changes each week and it plays hell with my swing fro the tee. My irons are solid but my drive (my strength) sometimes leaves me and it takes allot of work to get it back.
I've gotten two large trash bags of clothes to give away! I'm down to 2 pair of shorts (from a 56 to a 44 and even a 42) and my dress pants are barely hanging on to me as I go to work. It's a great feeling but I do need to spend a little bit and buy something presentable for meetings.
That's all for now. I'll post when I hit the century mark! It's only a week or so away! L8R!
August 17,2005
Well I finally made the century mark! It happened on my 22nd anniversary and I have to say that I thought I'd never get there! I had stalled out near there but never could quite reach it for about 3 weeks. Well I played golf last Friday, walked a bunch in un-Godly heat, (shot a fine score) and then messed around a little bit at home. Well lo and behold I get on the scale about 1:00am Friday night/Saturday morning and I'm below 275. As of this morning, my scales placed me at 270. I guess the stall is off and I'm back on the way down again. It's a great feeling and I hope others can share in it.
When you think about 100 extra pounds being gone from every step taken and the good feeling you have when you're standing around in the heat and yet feel pretty comfortable, it's very strange. I mean I've had allot of extra insulation forever and dreaded going outside during the summer and fall. Now I find that I ride a bike when the temperature is in the high 90's and the heat index is above 100. No big deal. I still sweat a bunch but man it's a total different feeling.
Football season has started as well as school in our county. My oldest is playing varsity for the high school and my youngest starts tryouts for the Middle School team today. At least they will be playing on different nights if the youngest makes the team. They only keep 40 players and most of them will be 8th graders - mine's only in 7th.
I'm playing great golf and having allot of fun doing it. I find that I enjoy it much more now but because my body is going through constant changes - and can actually turn the way it's supposed to - my swing has to be changed almost every time I go to the course. It makes it a challenge but when you love it as much as I do, it's worth it. My concentration needs to improve as I find that I can't quite read putts as well as I used to and really don't care. I'm making bunches of pars but missing many birdie putts simply because I'm not focusing and working hard to make them. I need to work on that part of my game to make myself better!
Work has improved and I hired a super girl to start working for me in a couple of weeks. She has a great personality and she is a team player that will compliment the entire staff. The job she will be performing requires great patience and the ability to work well with allot of different types of people. She's well known in the area and well liked. It will make my job that much easier to do in the future.
Oh, yea, I have to report that WLS does increase your sex drive. That may be a good or bad thing for you but for me it's most excellent. I'm almost at the level of my teenage years and I think my wife is enjoying it too! (Either she's a great actress or else she really is happy!)