Doranna S.
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Let me start by saying that today is Jan 8, 2007, and I just realized that I missed my first appointment in this exciting journey to a new life. I thought my pulmonology consult was on tomorrow; however, it was today at 1pm (it is now 11:15pm). My appointments were made back in November and I wrote them at the back of my 2006 calendar AND thought I'd remember the dates by hard.....

So, let's back up a bit...

I am 5'7", 311lbs. I have been overweight for as long as I can remember. I even remember a doctor giving me these awful dieter's wafers to take, as a child, to curb my appetite. Mom (God rest her loving soul) did the best that she could with me, but the weight would not go away. I remember the fat jokes from childhood through high school. I recall, as an adult, being introduced "blindly" to a guy who just basically blew me off. I remember all the men who took advantage of a woman with low self esteem....BUT IT'S A BRAND NEW DAY!! (Added 2/21/07 ) -- By the way, I'm working on building a website full of love , inspiration and encouragement. I'm a beginner, so please be patient with me:

http://deedee60466.tripod.com/

Now, I have a loving husband who saw the real "me" through all my issues. He is my soulmate. We know that God brought us together and we are on this journey together. He is significantly older than me and was diagnosed with cancer almost two years ago. God is truly wonderful and my husband is doing fine! However, at the rate I'm going, medically speaking, I'll leave this earth far before him. We want to live a long, LONG time...TOGETHER.

I have three appointments (Cardiology, Psych, and Dr. Cahill) tomorrow and I hope that I can call the pulmonologist early enough in the morning to be seen tomorrow as well. I am excited and will keep you posted.

1/9/2007

I AM SOOOO EXCITED!! I had my visit with the Cardiologist, Dr. Mularczyk, at 1:30pm today. He says all appears well. However, because I have had a history of chest pain and my mom died of Myocardial Infarction, he wants to do a treadmill test. The hospital (Little Co. of Mary) will call me to schedule this. AND, someone had called me to schedule this appointment before I made it home today, so I will await their call again tomorrow. He was wonderful and easygoing.

NEXT (drum roll, please) was my visit with the one, the only, Dr. Gerald Cahill at 3:00pm today! He was wonderful, easy-going, to the point--he knows his stuff. He says I am a very good candidate for Gastric Bypass. He won't know whether it will be Lap or Open until the time of surgery. He says that he believes he can do it Lap, but with my past history of abdominal surgeries, there may be scarring. I don't care HOW he does it. As Nike says, "Just do it!" He says that this surgery will probably happen in a month!! I will be attending the information seminar next week. Another thinkg Dr. Cahill said is that 170lbs is a very realistic weight goal for me. However, I personally want to shoot for 140, but will settle for 160. Heck, okay, 170lbs is amazing. I think I weighed 170 at birth! lol His office staff (Donna) is warm and professional. She even laughs and has a sense of humor.

My last appointment of the day was the Psych Eval. Boy! Are my fingers EVER tired. There were a couple of questionnaires that had to be completed. One had approximately 300 questions. I completed these prior to the actual exam/interview. It was painless! Dr. Robinson's assistant (I didn't catch her name) was wonderful. She was funny and professional. She conducted my exam/interview. She is very informed about the surgery and made sure that I was informed as well. She also stated that Tony (Dr. Cahill's Nurse and Program Director) and the Nutritionist will help me stay on track and well ahead of the game; but of course, I have to want to do it, too! I want to shoot for 140lbs and I will do everything in my power, with the help of the Lord, to achieve this goal. My husband was even allowed to come in the exam room with me, just as he did on all my other appointments. I have some issues, just like others may have (and maybe more!), but all in all I feel that I passed the eval.

Although I can't concern myself with the past and the appointment that I missed yesterday with the Pulmonologist, I sho' do wish I hadn't missed that appointment! I guess I want everything to be completed so that I can get my surgery date. But patience is a virtue. My Pulmo visit has been rescheduled for Jan 25 @1:30pm. That's not TOO far away. Things are looking WAAYY up!!

Free Countdown Clocks at WishAFriend.com

1/10/2007

I got a call today from Little Co. of Mary Hospital to come in Monday (1/15) for my stress test. On another note, I had my first mammogram last week (1/3/07) and I go in tomorrow for the dreaded PAP smear -- okay, too much info. I guess I'm going to bed now.

1/11/2007

Well, I missed my wonderful Pap test today (somehow I didn't hear the alarm clock...hhmmm....). AND I got another call from the hospital. It seems that I was incorrect in my assumption that I would be having a Stress test on 1/15. Dr. Cahill ordered and Upper GI Series (routine) for me! THAT is what I am scheduled for on 1/15. So today's call was to schedule my Stress test. I scheduled it for Tuesday, 1/16/07 since the two tests cannot be done on the same day. I could have scheduled the Stress test for tomorrow but I will be a little busy most of the day. Oh, BTW, glad to see that I now have two friends on my list!

1/15/2007

Happy Monday to all! Just an update: I went for my upper GI series today. While it wasn't painful, it wasn't all that pleasurable either. On the ride there, my husband had to laugh at me. I was so hungry (since my last meal before the test had to be a liquid dinner between 5-6pm last night) that I pointed out every single restaurant that I ever wanted to visit! It wasn't intentional, it's just that way when you get hungry and you know you can't eat. He says it's preparing me for what's to come. Well I told him that I certainly hope that I don't feel THIS hungry after surgery or I'll have to bust a stitch! lol You are given a stool softener to take after each meal to help alleviate constipation and rid yourself of the barium following the upper GI series(also, drinking plenty of water helps). Needless to say, um, how do I put this? I didn't need a stool softener by the time I made it home...notice I did not say, "by the time I made it home AND to the bathroom". Enough said!

Well, tomorrow is the treadmill stress test and I will keep you posted.

1/16/2007

Hi all! I survived the treadmill stress test. The Cardiologist was there and told me the results immediately: my heart is fine. Thank You Jesus! I can't believe I survived 6 minutes 8 seconds on that thing. But I did! Anyway, the last thing I have left is to see the Pulmonologist next week. Also, me and my hubby attended the Weight Loss Seminar at Dr. Cahill's this evening. It was very informative. The Bariatric Program Director, Tony (RN) conducts this session. It is informative even if you are not having surgery with Dr. Cahill. He told me that I can call Donna at Dr. Cahill's tomorrow to see what consultation reports have been received and which ones are still needed. I gave him a brief rundown regarding which consults I've already completed and he "guesstimated" March as my surgery month! However, I'm believing God, in the Mighty Name of Jesus, for a February surgical date. Watch what I tell you. God is awesome and ALL things are possible to those who believe in Him. By the way, I have TEN friends on my list. Thank you all for having me. I am still waiting for you, Maryama, to reply to my request.:-) Well, until tomorrow...

1/17/2007

Happy Hump Day! Yes, it's another Wednesday and January is just flying right on by. Nothing exciting is happening on this journey. I called Donna at Dr. Cahill's and she has received the results of my Cardiology consult and my Upper GI Series. She has not received the results of the Stress Test, which was just done yesterday. Nor has she received Dr. Robinson's Psych Eval because Dr. Robinson won't be back in the office until next Tuesday. Of course, I missed my Pulmo consult on the 8th and will have it next week. So...now I wait a bit. I am happy that Donna has received some action on my file, so that's a good thing. As you all know, though, I am just ready to be right on Dr. Cahill's operating table--like yesterday! But patience is a virtue...Later, all.

1/18/2007

Hey friends! I got a call today from Tony (Bariatric Program Director) today! To sum everything up, all he needs is my Psych Eval (already done) and my Pulmo consult (next Thursday). He says the Pulmo doc is usually quick about generating his reports, and the Psych doc is actually in the same office as Dr. Cahill. So...he wants me to call Donna at Dr. Cahill's on 2/1/07 because he feels that I will be able to receive my surgery date around this time! Also, he remembers me and hubby from the seminar and knows that I have a strong support system and the determination to reach and maintain my goal weight; and, by December, he expects that I will have lost 150lbs!!! I CAN see this! I CAN BELIEVE this! I WILL ACHIEVE THIS! THANK YOU, LORD!!!

1/30/2007

Hi All! It's been a while since I've been able to update. I was without internet for about a week and have been going through withdrawals. lol Anyway, you haven't missed a thing. I was supposed to have had my Pulmo Consult on the 25th, but Dr. McLeod was very busy with his inpatients and had to reschedule to GroundHog's Day (2/2/07) at 4:00pm. I am very disappointed; however, had I not missed my appointment on 1/8, this would NOT have happened, right?? But that's in the past and I must relax, release, relate and forgive...MYSELF. Everyone, be good and remember to LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!

2/2/2007

Hi Friends! Halleleujah, Praise God!! You would think that I'm so happy because I got my "date", but, no, that's not it. I am just so THANKFUL that I finished my last consult that was necessary BEFORE I could receive a date. It's like, I can breathe again. It seems that this Pulmo Consult was the hardest to complete, especially since I missed it the first time. I saw Dr. Evan McLeod and let me tell you, he is simply a wonderful man. I felt like I was going to his home for a dinner or social event. He said to me and my hubby, "Let me take your coats" and gently laid them on the countertop in the exam room. He asked all kinds of background questions prior to the exam. I felt like I was on an interview. lol Anyway, I liked the fact that he took interest in the "whole" me, not just my Pulmonary functions. He is very involved in the Bariatric Program at Little Company of Mary Hospital. He even discussed Plastic Surgery with me. He is just AWESOME! His sense of humor is just "right on": Not too much/phony and not too little. It was just a great experience. I have to call his secretary on Monday to give him the dosage on my Actos (diabetes) medication and he says that he'll even consult with Dr. Cahill about me on Monday! He'll also provide Dr. Cahill with a full report, including past medical history, which is why his exam was very verbally detailed. Physically, he listened extensively to the lungs, checked BP (a little high, though this was attributed to my excitement during this final consult!), and did a Pulse-Ox (you know, the little thing that they put on your finger in the hospital). Otherwise, it was a breeze. I will call his secretary first thing Monday morning with the information regarding my Actos. I don't want to be the cause of any more delays toward my new life!

2/8/2007

I had a very disappointing day. I cannot believe that I've allowed myself to wallow so deep in misery. I spoke with Tony (Bariatric Coordinator) at Dr. Cahill's. My hold up on a surgery date is the Psych Eval -- it has not been received by Dr. Cahill's office. I had my Psych Eval on 1/9/07! About a month ago! Well, Tony tells me today that the Psych Doc does not release the eval until after insurance pays. I was like, whaaattt??? He suggested that I call the Psych Doc to see what I could do to help speed up the process. Needless to say, the Psych Doc did not call me back. I have been calling my surgeon's office for the last 3 weeks about this, but I guess all they could do was check my file and tell me the status (not received). I try not to bother Tony, but had I not called him 2 days ago (and then again today) I would not have known the true holdup. Well, I went online and saw that payment for the Psych Doc was processed yesterday. At this point, I'm truly looking at a March date for surgery instead of February. I am just so disappointed. I thought things were moving right along so smoothly, then, WHAM! You know, I just had an appointment on 2/2/07 (Pulmonologist), and that payment was processed today! So I think the Psych Doc was slow to bill my insurance and that has cost me precious time. I was so angry today that I told my hubby that I'll just forget it and stay FAT for the rest of my life! Where is my FAITH when I really need it?

2/20/2007

Hello All! I haven't updated in a while because, well, there's nothing new to say. I called the surgeon's office today and still NO Psych Eval. I called the Psych's office and still NO callback. Oh, well. I'll just wait and be encouraged. I have prayed to God for patience in all matters, even before this journey began. Well I know that God has to put me in some patience-testing situations in order to build my patience, since that is what I've asked of Him. It even makes sense in the natural, doesn't it? I mean, how can I get practice at being patient without these patience-testing situations, right? So, I'll just sit back and thank God for answering my prayers.

2/27/2007 Now y'all KNOW I'm doing my praise dance, right? Everything occurs in God's own perfect timing! I'm not having my surgery in February, as I wanted...not even in March unless God sees fit to change my date. April 19, 2007 will do JUST FINE! I called Dr. Cahill's office as I usually do on Tuesdays, to see if my Psych Eval was received. I was put on hold, just a tad bit longer than usual...I thought, maybe this is a GOOD sign?! Yes it was! Tiffany came back to the phone to tell me that my Psych Eval was received and I was on the call-list. My surgery date is April 19. I was tickled pink! I ran (to the best of my ability) thru the house laughing and thanking God. My Hubby is so happy for me...for US, because we're in this together. I EVEN HAVE AN ANGEL: DIMPLE DONNA!! She is a beautiful woman, inside and out!

http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/167159/.

3/6/2007

(Written 3/13/07) Hi All! Just wanted to tell you that I attended my first support group meeting today. Yes, I'm still pre-op, but since I've been talking with "Bunnysbrown" I figured I'd join her today. I met her and her Mom at Starbucks before the meeting. We had a good time. They are hilarious!! ...very nice people! The meeting was enjoyable: just being in a room filled with people who are on "the journey" was very encouraging. I've also decided to change my goal to weigh 125lbs. This is really what I want, so why shoot for anything less? Well, that's all for now.

3/13/2007

Hi Fam,

I got a call today from Donna at Dr. Cahill's office. I have to have an EGD done (upper GI scope) next Friday, March 23, 2007 (10:00appt, arrive @9am), routine check for ulcers and such. I'm on my waayyy!!!

3/23/2007

Hi All,

The EGD went well today. It was done by none other than Dr. Cahill! That was a shocker. I had no idea that he would be the one doing the test. He's everywhere! I got there at 8am although the call I received yesterday said to arrive at 8:15am. It was done on 98th & Western at the Magna Surgery Center. Anyway, after signing a few forms, I was called to the back pretty much on time.

3/27/2007

Bad news. Due to a change in the doctor's schedule, my surgery date is now April 30. My pre-surgery class, which I found out that I would have been attending on this coming Friday (on 3/30), is now April 13 at 8AM. During this "class", a final physical that will be conducted, along with a visit with the Nutritionist. I'll also receive my final instructions prior to surgery. I'd be lying if I'd say that I'm not disappointed! Oh, well...Everything is done in God's perfect timing! P.S. I had a doctor's visit yesterday with my PCP and I am up to 314.8lbs! I guess I've been going overboard with my "final" meals. (EDIT: ALL TIME HIGHEST WEIGHT-- but will use my consultation weight as my "starting" weight.)

3/30/2007

I'm really excited now! I received a call today from LCOM Hospital while I was out of the house. The woman (Pat) who called said she would only be in until 5pm and it was now 5:02pm -- on a Friday! She would not be in over the weekend! Her message just said to call back. So I tried once -- voicemail for Pre-op appointments or something like that!! OMG! Twice -- voicemail. What the heck, I'll try again. She answered!! Thank you Jesus! She was calling to schedule my pre-op testing. So, here goes: April 13 @ 6:30am I will have a gallbladder ultrasound and a venous leg Doppler; then my pre-op class is at 8am; after class, I see the Surgical Nurse; then I'll have yet another EKG (my PCP just performed one due to left arm pain of an unknown origin, plus I had one on the day of my EGD) and a chest x-ray. On April 17 I will have my Pulmonary Function Test. On April 25 I go in for blood typing. Whew! Then I guess I'll be good and ready for surgery on April 30!!

4/13/2007

Well my morning has been full! I had the majority of my pre-ops done today: Blood work & Urinalysis, Echocardiogram, Chest X-Ray, Gallbladder Ultrasound (includes Pancreas, Liver and Kidneys), Venous Leg Doppler. I also met with the Internal Medicine doctor (Dr. Burhana sp?) who is part of the Bariatric Program. He said he would dictate his findings later on today, but all was well! I attended my Pre-Op class which was very informative. I received information on pre-op and post-op care. I was given a breathing "machine" to bring to the hospital for Respiratory care following surgery. As a gift, everyone was given a pedometer, but it was suggested that we spend a few bucks on a good one! We were also given suggestions on books we should buy and magazines (including OH--Yeah!) to which we should subscribe. I also discovered that what I was heard is true: I am required to take blood-thinner shots for about 10 days after surgery. Everyone was given two scripts: one for Prevacid and one for the blood thinner. When I look at my script again, I'll fill in the name of the blood thinner (LOVENOX). This helps to prevent blood clots after surgery. I was also informed that, if a surgeon does not provide this (blood thinner) as part of aftercare, one should RUN in another direction! So this is a standard part of aftercare. Tony Romeo (Program Director and Dr. Cahill's Nurse) conducted the class. Also, Lisa--the Nutritionist--made a presentation as well. I met with the Surgical Nurse who was like, COOL as HECK! She says once you get past her, you're "in like Flint". lol She even "sneaked a peek" at my surgical time on the computer: 7:30AM!! Usually, you don't find this out until the day before surgery, or the Saturday before surgery if your date is on a Monday. Anyway, I have my Pulmonary Function Test on Tuesday (the 17th) and then my Blood typing and screening on the 25th (a Wednesday). I start my pre-op protein diet on 4/23/2007!!! God knows I am so excited about the whole process!! I am having a celebratory lunch with one of my mentors, Mrs. Lee, on 4/17 (Tuesday). I haven't seen her in a while, so this will be fun! Oh, by the way, I am also celebrating the fact that my Hubby, after retiring in 2003, is returning to his job as a BioExperimentalist in Toxicology at Illinois Institute of Technology Research Institute! He actually misses his work and it says something about one's character and abilities when a former employer calls YOU back to work! My husband is truly a wonderful man of God. After taking care of his Mom until her death last year in September, we are now entering another chapter in our lives. God is rewarding us for doing what we were required to do: honouring our parents; caring for the elderly; caring for the widows. From the time we married, my mother-in-law and her husband lived with us. First, he (Stepdad-in-law) made his transition and now Mom's gone. "Caring" for them in our home was the most natural thing to do. People used to ask, "How can you do that?" or say, "I couldn't do that." But you know what? I wouldn't have had it any other way. My own Mother died in 1991 and I wish she could be here now...I STILL miss her. My Dad is here for me, though, and his wonderful wife, Pat. Also, my Hubby's father is still living. Again, if either one of these people needed us, our doors would open up again and again and again. I could go on...I just thank God for all He's done for me. P.S. I lost 10 lbs as of today!! I am now 305.2!!

4/17/2007

Well, I just keep on getting good news! I went to my PCP yesterday for a blood pressure check and the numbers have come down: 124/82. Very good! I also got a call yesterday from the Surgical Nurse at LCOM Hospital. She told me that the Anaesthesiologist reviewed my blood work and my Potassium is low. He wants me to take a Potassium Chloride pill everday until Surgery. So she called in the script to my pharmacy. I'm really not all that surprised because, just about every time I've been hospitalized, I've had to take the potassium pills. You know the ones, the horse pills? lol Also, I recall my PCP telling me to come in for regular blood work to monitor my Potassium level -- although I forgot to stay on top of that one! Even though the call from the hospital was not for something "positive", it really felt good to get that call. It made me feel like, wow, surgery is actually coming to fruition. I'm like, thank YOU Jesus! Having looked through "faithless" eyes at one point, it seemed as though my "rebirthday" would never come to pass. Anyway, yesterday was a very hectic day for me with the Hubby starting his job and all. Things just felt different. I've gotten so used to him being around me that I feel lost. In the midst of my "chaos", I managed to drop off my scripts for Lovenox and Prevacid, plus 3 other meds, to the pharmacy. Good news again! Only $15.50 for all five scripts! I will pick them up on Wednesday, especially since a couple of the meds are not in stock. More good news: I took my PULMONARY FUNCTION TEST today and I believe all was well (except for getting caught by a train that sat on the track for 30 minutes while on my way to my appointment -- I was 15 mins late!). For some reason, though, I had a problem keeping my lips properly fitted on the mouthpiece and one of the tests was repeated more times than the law allowed. EXTRA SPECIAL GOOD NEWS: I weighed in at 296.5 lbs today!!!!(EDIT: THIS WAS NOT ON MY SURGEONS SCALE) Yayyyyy! I tell ya', this journey is truly a JOURNEY. With all the testing and all, it wears you down. Running back and forth to these appointments is more excercise than I've had in a long time! Oh, one more good thing, I reaallllly enjoyed my lunch today with my mentor, Mrs. Lee!!! She is so supportive of my decision to have surgery. We talked about how one needs to eat after surgery, you know, down the road and she said, "Well I could eat with you". It's like she basically eats like a "normal" person and when eating out, she knows that people put too much emphasis on the food and not on the company! Well alright, Mrs. Lee. BTW, she is very petite!

4/19/2007

Okay, I'm feeling a case of the nerves. My "date" is almost here. I finally broke down and went to Wal-Mart to buy "food" for my liquid diet which begins Monday. I'm trying to think of my final meal. Okay, I shouldn't make it sound so final, but it is what it is. Bought some protein powder, water, low sodium chicken noodle & veggie soups (for the broth), crystal lite, juicy juice, vitamins, sugar free popsicles, Tostitos and spinach dip, microwave popcorn and white cheddar seasoning, Eggo Maple Syrup flavored cereal & milk--okay, some of this is for the weekend and not for my liquid diet! lol And why, oh why, did I have to stop at Beggars pizza yesterday for a family size sausage, extra cheese, green peppers, onion and 'shroom pizza? I had totally forgotten how delish it was! Now, I never would've stopped there had not my buddy "bunnysbrown" mentioned Beggars to me (I'm gonna get her!). I'm thinking about ordering another one before entering my liquid diet phase. OMG, a friend of mine just called to say that she went to the hospital today looking for me -- I feel so bad 'cause I forgot to tell her and her wonderful daughter that my date had been changed! I will be sure to keep in touch with them for my upcoming date. Anyhoo, gotta go now.

4/25/2007

Wow, time is flying! I thought it would slow down, considering that I just started my high-protein-liver-shrinking diet this past Monday (the 23rd) and cannot eat what I want to eat. Oh, it's been RUFF! But as of today, I'm feeling a little better. Shoots, I can't complain, though, because on Sunday (the 22nd) I ate "OLD COUNTRY BUFFET" right out of business!! LOL They put up "Wanted" posters in their windows with a picture of me on them--the way I ate HAD to be illegal!!! LOL That was my "farewell to overeating" meal. Well, I had my FINAL pre-op "test" (so to speak) today: my blood draw for blood-typing. I was given two red wristbands to bring back with me on the day of my surgery. I'm assuming the information on the bands is used to match up with the bloodbank information for the blood-typing results. If I don't bring them back, I was told that they'll have to draw me again. No thanks! I'm sure I'll be poked and prodded enuff next week. Anyway...I'm ready. I'm ready to be a LOSER!!!

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/amos/a,messageboard/action,replies/board_id,4856/cat_id,4456/topic_id,3277905/page,1/#25327752
http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/black_american/a,messageboard/action,replies/board_id,4990/cat_id,4590/topic_id,3278930/page,1/#25334101

"NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS ABLE TO DO EXCEEDING ABUNDANTLY ABOVE ALL THAT WE ASK OR THINK, ACCORDING TO THE POWER THAT WORKETH IN US, UNTO HIM BE GLORY IN THE CHURCH BY CHRIST JESUS THROUGHOUT ALL AGES, WORLD WITHOUT END. AMEN." Ephesians 3:20-21

April 29, 2007

Update: I received my phone call from LCOM Hospital with my instructions for Monday -- report to the hospital between 5:45 and 6:00AM, take Meds Monday AM, nothing by mouth after midnite Sunday. My previous instructions from the surgeon was to do my high protein diet beginning one week prior to surgery, switching to clear liquids the day before surgery. I've failed big time! I've had Popeye's chicken today and ate some catfish, fries, coleslaw, dinner rolls on yesterday. Now what? I'm feeling really blue right now and it's not just because I've eaten things that I shouldn't have. I just can't believe I'm actually going through with this, a procedure that may not even be the solution to my obesity. Well, it isn't a solution -- it's a tool and I know this. It's just that I already know that I will miss my best friend -- FOOD! And I'm scared. I'm scared that, if I don't turn this thing around mentally, I'll end up having this surgery for nothing -- I'll end up right back to this place from whence I start. I need to think, now...so next time I write, it'll be after the surgery. That is, if I don't cancel.

May 9, 2007

Surgery was last Monday and I am just getting to the point where I even feel like making an update. I have gone thru a little mental anguish over this whole thing. I've felt like, who am I to play God with my body? Who am I to allow a doctor to play God with my body?? What, I'm too good for "me"???? I can't accept me for me?? My husband had to remind me that, while the world will see my "cosmetic" changes, they don't realize that there are many enhancements going on in terms of my overall health. He reminded me that I'm not like some kind of movie star getting a face lift for vanity reasons. What I've done could very well add years to my life!! He reminded me of my co-morbidities and my lack of energy -- the very thing that is required for me to "do". Without energy, there is no motion. My husband is a wonderful support. Also, there are others in my life, even those that I've encountered here on OH, that are very supportive.

All I have to say is that this is a very serious decision--to have surgery--, one NOT to be taken lightly. As far as my stay in the hospital was concerned, everyone was wonderful--the Nurses, the Assistants -- everyone! And they had the BOMB sugarfree banana popsicles!! I'm still searching. My chief complaint in the pain department was that gosh-darn BINDER that I was wearing!! Once that came off, I immediately felt better!!! After the doc tried to do my surgery laparoscopically, he ended up opening me due to adhesions. He also found a ventral hernia which he repaired. I had a total of 60 staples (including the eight from the four small lap incisions). My hubby took pics of my process and did a little video. He even did a little personal video for me that is so funny!! I will try to upload the video and pics later. My potassium was still low, so I had to receive an IV bag of potassium on the day I left the hospital (Wednesday, May 2). After it finished dripping, I was free to go home. My sister picked me up because she got off work before my husband, and we left the hospital around 5pm.

Yesterday was my one week check up. My official weight is 294.5, according to the doctor's scale. I will continue to use his scale as my official weight-determiner. So, if time permits, I will edit a previous entry made on the date I had my Pulmonary Function test -- the scale used was not the surgeon's scale. What I've done, though, was compared the weight at my surgeons office to the weight on my scale. When I calculate my weight change, I will be able to guestimate my true "surgeon's office weight". I discovered in my nutrition class the reason why I was not weighed prior to surgery: they don't want us to freak out with the weight gain that's due to the IV fluids given while in the hospital. When I got home, my scale read approximately 10 lbs more than it did before I left!! Egads!! Anyway, I'm doing okay. However, I recently started draining -- I didn't have a drain tube. After the doc removed some of my staples, he took two of those long q-tips and, "whoosh", plunged them right thru my incision!! OMG!!!!!!!! Why did I bother to look? I told him, it looks worse than it felt -- I shouldn't have looked. Well, he pushed and pushed and the "stuff" (drainage/fat necrosis) just ran all over my belly. He coolly and confidently (that's Dr. Cahill!) pulled paper towels and wiped and wiped and wiped. Hecks, the wiping and the pushing hurt more than the q-tips. Anyway, he said that we WANT this to drain and see him in a week. I bet we DO want that stuff to drain! LOL

Anyway, I'm just trying to get settled emotionally on this end and thank God for this blessing (which I have to be reminded now that this surgery IS a blessing)...later.

May 15, 2007

Another followup appointment today and more staples removed. Hubby says he can see the difference already! I'll return in two weeks. Today's weight: 286.8. Thank you Lord!

May 18, 2007

Uh Oh! I've developed an opening in my incision. From talking to others that I know who've had the open RNY, this is a somewhat common occurrence. I will call the doc on Monday.

May 19, 2007

Another UH OH!...Another hole! What is REALLY going on?? I am going to snap a pic of this and email it to Dr. Cahill's Nurse for a little advice.

May 20, 2007

Helpppp!!! Is this a third itty-bitty hole??? Anyway, I got an email response from the Nurse (Tony) and he said that he can't assess via internet--I should call the emergency number. Well, since today is Sunday, I'll just wait til' tomorrow and call the doctor's office directly. After all, Dr. Cahill did say that we want the incision to drain and it is draining, draining, draining!

May 21, 2007

Tony called me early this morning to see how I felt. After asking a few questions, he wasn't alarmed. He said this happens in about 30% of the open RNY's, but I still needed to call the office after 9:30am to speak with Donna (receptionist). Donna asked if I could come in today at 5pm, but Hubby won't be home by then. She'll call me back this afternoon to see what we can do about me seeing Dr. Cahill tomorrow. Also, I talked to my friend/therapist today BUNNYSBROWN and she was very encouraging to me about my entire situation-- both weightloss related and non weightloss related issues.

May 22, 2007

Well, I went to see Doc cahill today at 1:30pm. He removed the last of my staples and said I was healing just fine. However, it's time for me to start "drying up". So he rubbed this caustic agent over my incision and into the holes. By the way, once he removed my staples, one of my holes became bigger! I am SO tripping! I feel like people can see into me, like I shouldn't even be outside. I feel so exposed. That's one of my psychological issues and it would take up WAAAYYY too much time to explain the dept of my feeling of exposure. Anyway, by the time I got home, I was oozing even more than ever. Yuukk!! My weight today was 280.9--I at least thought I would be in the 270's, but some weightloss is better than none, right??

June 1, 2007

Today's weight (Friday): 271 !! Just a quick update here. I went for my second post-op nutrition class on this past Wednesday (May 30). We went over the eating strategy that is outlined in our binder and I was pleased to know that I'm on the right track. I stopped by to see Bunnysbrown after my class. She had her filter placed today in preparation for surgery, which took place yesterday. I spoke with her mom last night and mom said she was in so much pain, but the surgery was successful. I am truly happy for her. Anyway, I'm feeling better and moving more and more. I bought a digital scale last Friday (May 25th). OH, by the way, I tried on a pair of pants that I'd outgrown and I was able to fit them with EXTRA ROOM on yesterday!!! My fav pair of black jeans! Yessss!!!! I actually danced around the house in them. Hubby was tickled pink and so was I. On a sad note, our friend's daughter was murdered on Tuesday, May 29, 2007. It was all on the news. She was 16 years old. Desiree Smith. We are praying for her family.

June 5, 2007

It seems like everyday I wake up, I feel just a little bit lighter, like I'm losing weight overnight! Every night! Even if I'm just losing ounces, those ounces will eventually add up to pounds! Anyway, today's weight is 268.5 !

"NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS ABLE TO DO EXCEEDING ABUNDANTLY ABOVE ALL THAT WE ASK OR THINK, ACCORDING TO THE POWER THAT WORKETH IN US, UNTO HIM BE GLORY IN THE CHURCH BY CHRIST JESUS THROUGHOUT ALL AGES, WORLD WITHOUT END. AMEN." Ephesians 3:20-21

June 20, 2007

Amazing how you go to bed weighing one thing and wake up weighing something else. Today's weight: 259 ! Of course I haven't been writing every little weight change in my profile here, but I'm usually pretty good about changing my "ticker". Anyway, I had an appointment with Dr. Cahill yesterday. For the past 3 weeks, I have been PLAGUED with nausea and vomiting, well, let's just call it horrible, HORRIBLE wretching. Frothing, to be exact--one of the possible side effects of the surgery. Well, I spoke with Tony (Bariatric Nurse/Program Coordinator) about 2 weeks ago. He said my body could be telling me that I'm hungry or thirsty via the nausea. I tried to eat and I tried to drink, but things got worse! I ended up calling the doctor's answering service over the weekend. The doc called me back, but needless to say, he thinks I'm "normal"! I've gotten to the point now where I'm only able to tolerate fruit and PORK RINDS!! Eeek! I've been reading about pork rinds on BAF and checking out the nutritional info. They have protein, no carbs, and not too much fat per serving. HOWEVER, I had no intention of speaking to my surgeon about the porkers on my appointment yesterday, but my Hubby had his own agenda? After Doc C told me that I had to get my protein in somehow (and suggested Carnation Instant Breakfast), Hubby shouts, "Pork Rinds! What about Pork Rinds??!!" I could've melted on the spot! At least he didn't tell on me when the doc said that they were too hard and "You'll never get them down." Well, I thought, they sure went down easy this morning! Anyhoo, today, I wasn't so smug because I overate the porkers!!! OMG, why oh why didn't I take some out of the bag and put 'em on a saucer? My Bariatric team discourages snacking, so I was going to treat the porkers like a "meal", but I didn't. Old habits die hard and as I sat there with a LARGE bag of pork rinds, watching a
good movie ("Derailed") with my baby girl (Miss Queenie) at my feet--no doubt feeding her pork rinds even tho' she has  hefty bag of Purina-Fit-N-Trim to eat--I darn near ate the wholllle bag!! O-M-G!! A sista was suddenly hit in the gut with this AWESOME wave of nausea as I rocked and reeled my way to the toilet. Assume the position, I told myself, as I bent over facing my new best friend (Mr. Toilet). I gagged and I choked. I heaved and I hoed. I must've lost 20 lbs with all the exercising I did over that toilet. And you know what?? Nothing but FROTH!! Aw come on!!!! I just ate almost a whole bag of pork rinds, can a sista get a decent load of vomitus (gross, I know)??? That's ALL I needed but there would be no relief in site for another hour. I had to lay down and turn off the TV cause as Red Lobster started announcing another new dish on the commercial, I was off to visit my friend once again for another frothing session. There is a lesson here: watch what you eat, how you eat and how MUCH you eat! AND don't feed your dog from the "table because, like me & Hubby, the next thing you know the Vet will be telling you, "PFIZER has a weightloss pill for dogs. She'll lose 30% of her body weight in 30 days." I didn't hear them say, "...or your money back." lol Anyway, I told Bunny that I was going to leave those skins alone, but nooooo...anyway, I'm hurting no one but myself. Bunny tries to help me out so much and she had surgery after me! She's a real trooper. She's on my case about those vitamins, too, and rightfully so. Non compliance with the Vitamins can lead to SERIOUS and sometimes FATAL consequences.

"NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS ABLE TO DO EXCEEDING ABUNDANTLY ABOVE ALL THAT WE ASK OR THINK, ACCORDING TO THE POWER THAT WORKETH IN US, UNTO HIM BE GLORY IN THE CHURCH BY CHRIST JESUS THROUGHOUT ALL AGES, WORLD WITHOUT END. AMEN." Ephesians 3:20-21

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About Me

University Park, IL

Location

18.0

BMI

RNY

Surgery

04/30/2007

Surgery Date

Oct 07, 2003

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Doranna S.
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Doranna S. Send Message Block Add Friend

About Me

Friends 140

Latest Blog 38

A quick update...over 5 years post op...

Up 10 lbs!!???

LIQUID VITAMINS THAT TASTE GOOOODD!!

Back from Vacation!

Still on the move!

A "NORMAL" BMI!!

Happy Surgiversary to me!

It really IS just a tool!

"Just Fine"

Happy New Year!

Doranna S.
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