L. Gibbs
One Year After
May 24, 2012
Hello All,
Yes it has been a long while well my progress has been great. My surgery was a year and four months ago and I went down from 303 pounds to my now 185 pounds which means I have lost 118 pounds my goal was 140 pounds I believe so that means I have another 45 pounds to go. I have been blessed with another chance to live a healthy lifestyle so I intend to make the best of it. I hope everyone who has the surgery really gives it a chance it can make all the difference in the world. No it isn't a quick fix but we didn't get this way over night so yes it's going to take some time and work BUT it can be done. I am a success story. Thank GOD. Much Luv!
0 comments
Yes it has been a long while well my progress has been great. My surgery was a year and four months ago and I went down from 303 pounds to my now 185 pounds which means I have lost 118 pounds my goal was 140 pounds I believe so that means I have another 45 pounds to go. I have been blessed with another chance to live a healthy lifestyle so I intend to make the best of it. I hope everyone who has the surgery really gives it a chance it can make all the difference in the world. No it isn't a quick fix but we didn't get this way over night so yes it's going to take some time and work BUT it can be done. I am a success story. Thank GOD. Much Luv!
Almost 3 Months Post-Op
Apr 07, 2011
April 7, 2011
Hello Obesity Help friends well, I haven't posted anything in a while and that's mainly because I am
spending a lot of my time trying to get use to this new life style. Man are things different. I am constantly struggling trying to make sure that I am complying with all my guide lines given to me. I do have positives to show for my diligence though and I am very happy to say that I am 1 week and 4 days shy of my 3 month post-op marker and I am currently weighing 249 pounds and my BMI is now 39. At my highest weight I was 313 pounds which was two weeks prior to my surgery. 10 days before surgery I was put on a Pre-Op high protein low cal carbohydrate reduced diet and the day of surgery I weighed in at 303 pounds. So my friends If you want to count the loss from the highest weight I am down 64 pounds but if you want to count my pre-surgery weight I am down 54 pounds. Thank-You Jesus.
I wont sit here and tell you that it's been easy because it han't by any means. I just know that for the rest of my life
I have to make a conscious effort to continue with this life-style change. Surgery isn't by any means a quick fix. It takes years to develope the damaging life-style habbits that lead to obesity and it will take time to try to correct
all the damage it does to the body. It will be something that I will have to work on for the remainder of my life but I
am okay with that. I will post again soon.
0 comments
Hello Obesity Help friends well, I haven't posted anything in a while and that's mainly because I am
spending a lot of my time trying to get use to this new life style. Man are things different. I am constantly struggling trying to make sure that I am complying with all my guide lines given to me. I do have positives to show for my diligence though and I am very happy to say that I am 1 week and 4 days shy of my 3 month post-op marker and I am currently weighing 249 pounds and my BMI is now 39. At my highest weight I was 313 pounds which was two weeks prior to my surgery. 10 days before surgery I was put on a Pre-Op high protein low cal carbohydrate reduced diet and the day of surgery I weighed in at 303 pounds. So my friends If you want to count the loss from the highest weight I am down 64 pounds but if you want to count my pre-surgery weight I am down 54 pounds. Thank-You Jesus.
I wont sit here and tell you that it's been easy because it han't by any means. I just know that for the rest of my life
I have to make a conscious effort to continue with this life-style change. Surgery isn't by any means a quick fix. It takes years to develope the damaging life-style habbits that lead to obesity and it will take time to try to correct
all the damage it does to the body. It will be something that I will have to work on for the remainder of my life but I
am okay with that. I will post again soon.
One Month Post-Op
Feb 15, 2011
February 15, 2011
Today marks my fourth week following my Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and I seem to be doing alright. Thank God no complications thus far. I do seem to be having minor difficulty trying to find certain foods that I can tolerate. I am now in the phase II - soft foods stage and can have soft textured and moist foods that are easy to chew. I have not been able to tolerate meats at this point and I haven't dared to try bread yet. I am mainly sticking to soups, casseroles, unsweetened canned fruits and oatmeal, grits and cream of wheat. I stopped sugar completely two weeks prior to my bypass so I am not having any problem staying away from it. I do think that it is just a part of the process and it is still early on for me at this point.
Now, to give you the SKINNY on weight-loss: 1 month post-op down 33 lbs.
I have been taking brisk walks as weather permits. My next post -op appointment with my surgeon is March 9, 2011. I am finding that my challenge isn't the food part of the surgery its the trying to get everything in that they say I need when I can barely hold anything more than a couple of ounces at a time. I am having a hard time getting all the protein in with the amount of water they say I must have and then there is all the vitamins. I have the vitamin regimen down pat but its verything else. I signed on for this and I sincerely believe that I have to keep my focus on the finish. It will truly all be worth it to be able to reach my weight loss goals. Please pray for me.
0 comments
Today marks my fourth week following my Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and I seem to be doing alright. Thank God no complications thus far. I do seem to be having minor difficulty trying to find certain foods that I can tolerate. I am now in the phase II - soft foods stage and can have soft textured and moist foods that are easy to chew. I have not been able to tolerate meats at this point and I haven't dared to try bread yet. I am mainly sticking to soups, casseroles, unsweetened canned fruits and oatmeal, grits and cream of wheat. I stopped sugar completely two weeks prior to my bypass so I am not having any problem staying away from it. I do think that it is just a part of the process and it is still early on for me at this point.
Now, to give you the SKINNY on weight-loss: 1 month post-op down 33 lbs.
I have been taking brisk walks as weather permits. My next post -op appointment with my surgeon is March 9, 2011. I am finding that my challenge isn't the food part of the surgery its the trying to get everything in that they say I need when I can barely hold anything more than a couple of ounces at a time. I am having a hard time getting all the protein in with the amount of water they say I must have and then there is all the vitamins. I have the vitamin regimen down pat but its verything else. I signed on for this and I sincerely believe that I have to keep my focus on the finish. It will truly all be worth it to be able to reach my weight loss goals. Please pray for me.
1st Post-Op Visit
Jan 26, 2011
Wednesday, January 26,2011
Today was my first post-op visit. Woke up feeling pretty good and as I prepared for my trip to see my surgeon the questions started to pile up. I couldn't help but wonder if I had actually started loosing the weight. Surley I must because my eating has drastically redued from what it once was. Anyway Thumbs Up are indeed in order. I went and I was told that I was doing great. All incisions have healed, there are no problems to report. Doing good on the protein intake and get to cut one or two of my meds already. Since the surgery my blood sugars have remained 114 or lower so that is great get to hold the diabetic meds for now. I have to continue to test regularly though. My energy level has improved and I feel pretty good. Now to the good part. I'm one week out and down 10 lbs. How great is that? Wow. I have lost 6% of my excess body weight with my BMI now being 45.8 down from 47 or 48. Another good mark. I am even going toget to move up to my second stage diet starting Tuesday. My next Post-Op Appointment will be in six weeks. How good is that. I get to travel back home for a while.
Well, just waned to jot down my progress for others to see so until next time. I'm outta here!
0 comments
Today was my first post-op visit. Woke up feeling pretty good and as I prepared for my trip to see my surgeon the questions started to pile up. I couldn't help but wonder if I had actually started loosing the weight. Surley I must because my eating has drastically redued from what it once was. Anyway
Thumbs Up are indeed in order. I went and I was told that I was doing great. All incisions have healed, there are no problems to report. Doing good on the protein intake and get to cut one or two of my meds already. Since the surgery my blood sugars have remained 114 or lower so that is great get to hold the diabetic meds for now. I have to continue to test regularly though. My energy level has improved and I feel pretty good. Now to the good part. I'm one week out and down 10 lbs. How great is that? Wow. I have lost 6% of my excess body weight with my BMI now being 45.8 down from 47 or 48. Another good mark. I am even going toget to move up to my second stage diet starting Tuesday. My next Post-Op Appointment will be in six weeks. How good is that. I get to travel back home for a while. Well, just waned to jot down my progress for others to see so until next time. I'm outta here!
4 Days Out!!!
Jan 22, 2011
Saturday January 22, 2011
Wow!! I actually did it! I had my surgery now I can begin the work. I was a little apprehensive at first not knowing what to really expect. I will admit I was cool up until they called me back. It was then that I became a little worried as to how I would do during the surgery and coming out of surgery. Glory be to the highest, God had me. I was as my sister the nurse said, a trooper. I did exceptionally well according to my doctors, nurses and family members that were present. So I just wanted to let everyone the worst is over if that is what you can call it. I will post more as the days pass. I am good. God is Good.
My Weight Loss Journey
Sep 27, 2010
September 27, 2010
This will be the first time I write in the blog section so I am going to have to go backwards and then catch up. So here it is. I have been researching surgical weight loss for about 6 or 7 years now but it always seemed like when ever I would start the process toward it something would come about to change things and a monkey wrench would be thrown into my plans. Prior to this attempt I have attended three information sessions with three different providers and I have had two psyche evals so this attempt makes my 4th information session and my third psyche eval. I understand though that it is a requirement so I went ahead and sat through another one. After all, things do tend to change over time and they have made many advancements toward to perfecting the various types of surgeries so it is really vital that I attend a information session this time. I am OK with it. So here goes my lengthy process toward my transformation.
September 27, 2010
Went to Harrisburg Medical Center for Pulmonary Function Testing. There were a series of three different tests one of which had to be completed twice. Starting to feel like I am moving forward. I am planning to see my primary care physician tomorrow and I will be asking about the results of my sleep study and any other testing results that may have come back.
September 23, 2010
Went to see a Pulmonologist to obtain pulmonary clearance. As per the Pulmonologist, he was giving me clearance but he wanted me to have Pulmonary Function Testing.
August 31, 2010
Went to Ferrell Hospital for my sleep study. Had one before this but it wasn’t a recent one so I had to have it re-done.
August 10, 2010
Went to the University of Chicago Hospital to my 24 Hour Ph and Esophageal Manometry study. Had the testing completed and will have to return tomorrow for the removal of the tube.
August 9, 2010
Traveled to Chicago to attend Surgical PREP Group; in this pre-operative readiness education program we were introduced to a great deal of critical information. This information is an essential part of the process. The information received will help me to achieve and maintain substantial sustainable weight loss goals.
August 5, 2010
I received confirmation that I can use another support group for the program. I just have to document the group that I am attending and whether or not it is online.
August 4, 2010
Sent an e-mail inquiring about the ability to obtain support other than by attending support group meetings held at the University of Chicago Hospital. Because of the distance I felt that it would be more feasible for me to use other options for support groups such as on-line support or support groups here at home.
July 31, 2010
I contacted The University of Chicago and expressed my eagerness to proceed with the recommended surgical procedure, gave them the information they requested regarding my primary care physician and insurance information. Completed the Insurance Compliance Form provided to me for completion and sent it back via e-mail. Received correspondence from them telling me that once I complete my pre-surgical requirements outlined they will contact me to schedule a date for surgery. Starting to feel like maybe this is going to happen.
July 30, 2010
I was notified that based on the multidisciplinary evaluation completed a couple days prior Dr. Vivek Prachand and the team at the University of Chicago Center for the Surgical Treatment of Obesity had found me to be an appropriate candidate for Bariatric surgery. Based on the severity of my obesity and my obesity related medical conditions along with other pertinent medic al history in their opinion the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass would provide me with a high likelihood of significant and sustained weight loss, improvements in my obesity- related medical conditions, and an improved quality of life. To move forward the leg work begins because there are the pre-surgical requirements that must be completed. I have to obtain pre-surgical clearance and testing along with a list of other requirements.
July 28, 2010
I traveled to Chicago to attend a multidisciplinary evaluation/consultation at the Center for Surgical Treatment of Obesity. It was at that time I provided the name of my appropriate support person or persons, had my evaluation with my Surgeon, the Nutritionist and the Psychologist.
June 8, 2010
I traveled to Chicago IL to attend the required Information Session at the University of Chicago Center for Surgical Treatment of Obesity.
May 9, 2010
I completed a series of Psychological questionnaires which are a part of my pre-surgery evaluation which were to be completed prior to my evaluation.
April 21, 2010
I went to the Marion Healthcare Surgery Center to receive a Colonoscopy and Esophagogastroduodenoscopy.
April 1, 2010
I phoned my insurance carrier to verify that my appt with the Surgeon, Nutritionist and Psychologist are covered under my policy.
March 26, 2010
I received correspondence back from the University of Chicago telling me that based upon the preliminary information provided them with they found me to be an appropriate candidate for multidisciplinary evaluation/consultation at their center. In order to be appropriately prepared for the full evaluation/consultation I was required to attend one of the Information sessions being held.I then received my date for the Information Session I was to attend and the Evaluation with the Surgeon, Dietician and Therapist.
March 25, 2010
I contacted the University of Chicago Medical Center so that I may provide them with information to be screened as a candidate for evaluation at the Center for Surgical Treatment of Obesity.
December 31, 2009
Tired of struggling with obesity and obesity related health issues I decided I was ready to do whatever it takes to conquer my problem with obesity. I knew that I wouldn’t be able to have any type of surgical procedure if I continued to smoke. I wasn’t clear as to how long I had to be smoke free before they would do the surgery so I wasn’t willing to take any chances. On New Years Eve I took a garbage bag and threw away all the ashtrays in my home and lighters and anything that triggered my need to smoke. I even stopped having my routine morning two cups of coffee. I knew that I would want to have a cigarette if I took one sip of coffee because that was my morning ritual. Conquering the smoking issue will take care of the Smoking Cessation. I was off and running. I knew if I could give that part of my life up I would be able to overcome any other obstacles.
0 comments
This will be the first time I write in the blog section so I am going to have to go backwards and then catch up. So here it is. I have been researching surgical weight loss for about 6 or 7 years now but it always seemed like when ever I would start the process toward it something would come about to change things and a monkey wrench would be thrown into my plans. Prior to this attempt I have attended three information sessions with three different providers and I have had two psyche evals so this attempt makes my 4th information session and my third psyche eval. I understand though that it is a requirement so I went ahead and sat through another one. After all, things do tend to change over time and they have made many advancements toward to perfecting the various types of surgeries so it is really vital that I attend a information session this time. I am OK with it. So here goes my lengthy process toward my transformation.
September 27, 2010
Went to Harrisburg Medical Center for Pulmonary Function Testing. There were a series of three different tests one of which had to be completed twice. Starting to feel like I am moving forward. I am planning to see my primary care physician tomorrow and I will be asking about the results of my sleep study and any other testing results that may have come back.
September 23, 2010
Went to see a Pulmonologist to obtain pulmonary clearance. As per the Pulmonologist, he was giving me clearance but he wanted me to have Pulmonary Function Testing.
August 31, 2010
Went to Ferrell Hospital for my sleep study. Had one before this but it wasn’t a recent one so I had to have it re-done.
August 10, 2010
Went to the University of Chicago Hospital to my 24 Hour Ph and Esophageal Manometry study. Had the testing completed and will have to return tomorrow for the removal of the tube.
August 9, 2010
Traveled to Chicago to attend Surgical PREP Group; in this pre-operative readiness education program we were introduced to a great deal of critical information. This information is an essential part of the process. The information received will help me to achieve and maintain substantial sustainable weight loss goals.
August 5, 2010
I received confirmation that I can use another support group for the program. I just have to document the group that I am attending and whether or not it is online.
August 4, 2010
Sent an e-mail inquiring about the ability to obtain support other than by attending support group meetings held at the University of Chicago Hospital. Because of the distance I felt that it would be more feasible for me to use other options for support groups such as on-line support or support groups here at home.
July 31, 2010
I contacted The University of Chicago and expressed my eagerness to proceed with the recommended surgical procedure, gave them the information they requested regarding my primary care physician and insurance information. Completed the Insurance Compliance Form provided to me for completion and sent it back via e-mail. Received correspondence from them telling me that once I complete my pre-surgical requirements outlined they will contact me to schedule a date for surgery. Starting to feel like maybe this is going to happen.
July 30, 2010
I was notified that based on the multidisciplinary evaluation completed a couple days prior Dr. Vivek Prachand and the team at the University of Chicago Center for the Surgical Treatment of Obesity had found me to be an appropriate candidate for Bariatric surgery. Based on the severity of my obesity and my obesity related medical conditions along with other pertinent medic al history in their opinion the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass would provide me with a high likelihood of significant and sustained weight loss, improvements in my obesity- related medical conditions, and an improved quality of life. To move forward the leg work begins because there are the pre-surgical requirements that must be completed. I have to obtain pre-surgical clearance and testing along with a list of other requirements.
July 28, 2010
I traveled to Chicago to attend a multidisciplinary evaluation/consultation at the Center for Surgical Treatment of Obesity. It was at that time I provided the name of my appropriate support person or persons, had my evaluation with my Surgeon, the Nutritionist and the Psychologist.
June 8, 2010
I traveled to Chicago IL to attend the required Information Session at the University of Chicago Center for Surgical Treatment of Obesity.
May 9, 2010
I completed a series of Psychological questionnaires which are a part of my pre-surgery evaluation which were to be completed prior to my evaluation.
April 21, 2010
I went to the Marion Healthcare Surgery Center to receive a Colonoscopy and Esophagogastroduodenoscopy.
April 1, 2010
I phoned my insurance carrier to verify that my appt with the Surgeon, Nutritionist and Psychologist are covered under my policy.
March 26, 2010
I received correspondence back from the University of Chicago telling me that based upon the preliminary information provided them with they found me to be an appropriate candidate for multidisciplinary evaluation/consultation at their center. In order to be appropriately prepared for the full evaluation/consultation I was required to attend one of the Information sessions being held.I then received my date for the Information Session I was to attend and the Evaluation with the Surgeon, Dietician and Therapist.
March 25, 2010
I contacted the University of Chicago Medical Center so that I may provide them with information to be screened as a candidate for evaluation at the Center for Surgical Treatment of Obesity.
December 31, 2009
Tired of struggling with obesity and obesity related health issues I decided I was ready to do whatever it takes to conquer my problem with obesity. I knew that I wouldn’t be able to have any type of surgical procedure if I continued to smoke. I wasn’t clear as to how long I had to be smoke free before they would do the surgery so I wasn’t willing to take any chances. On New Years Eve I took a garbage bag and threw away all the ashtrays in my home and lighters and anything that triggered my need to smoke. I even stopped having my routine morning two cups of coffee. I knew that I would want to have a cigarette if I took one sip of coffee because that was my morning ritual. Conquering the smoking issue will take care of the Smoking Cessation. I was off and running. I knew if I could give that part of my life up I would be able to overcome any other obstacles.
