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I havent updated in a while. I am very happy with my results.....I currently weigh 132lbs......and I am 9 and a half months post op. I still have a problem eating meats but I am ok with my new diet. I feel so much healthier and have a lot more energy. I find creative ways to get my protein without meat. I do eat eggs and dairy....can eat some fish and seafood....but no red meat, pork, chicken, or turkey. I am no longer on blood pressure meds and all lab tests have come back good. i am very thankful for having the surgery and regaining confidence in myself. I was questioning if I would do it again months ago when I was having major complications but I am so glad I did have the surgery now. It is great to hear the good compliments from people.....although I do still get some idiotic responses from people when they find out how I lost the weight. Since I had my surgery....two other women I work with had it done and both are doing great.

It has been a long hard road for me but one that has been worth it so far. I started my journey at 259 lbs the day I had surgery. I had many complications along the way. I initially went home two days after laproscopic surgery but felt terrible. I thought it was the normal aches and pains of having surgery but found out a week later that I had a leak which infected my body and caused pneumonia. I ended up having another surgery where they fully opened me up to try to fix the leak. The leak didnt get fixed and my hospital stay quickly turned into well over a month long journey. It has now been about 2 and a half months since the second surgery and I am feeling much better. I am back at work now and life is good. I am still trying to adapt to my new style of eating. I have had the dumping syndrome many times....and have had food get stuck from not chewing it enough.  Even with all the problems I have had.....I would do it all again. I no longer need blood pressure meds......and I am down about 52 lbs. I feel a lot better and look better. I know I still have a lot of weight to lose but one day at a time.

I had my pre-op testing yesterday........I guess everything must be ok since I haven't heard anything back. They did bloodwork, an EKG, and chest x-rays. I also met with the anesthesiologist. It seemed like it took forever to get everything done but I guess it wasn't that long (about 4 hours).  I guess I am getting a little anxious. I am so glad I don't have to follow any pre-op diet like some people do. The only thing the Dr. told me was to start replacing one meal a day with a protein shake about two weeks before surgery. I have never been much of a breakfast person so thats the meal I picked to replace. So far so good......the protein shakes aren't that bad but I've only been drinking them for about 1.5 weeks. When I am post -op and been drinking them more regularly I may change my mind about the protein shakes. I have to be at the hospital at 5:30am and surgery is set for 7:30am. I am not looking forward to the bowel prep I have to do the day before....the Dr. said to drink the magnesium citrate early in the afternoon the day before and then only clear liquids to eat or drink after that....and to be prepared to spend some time on the toilet. LUCKY ME!!!

Well....my surgery is a week away and I have so many different emotions going on right now. I am mostly excited....but a little nervous and even a little scared. I anticipate being uncomfortable after the surgery.....and I expect that I will ask myself why I did this at least a few times. I know the changes are going to be drastic and difficult to accept at times but they will all be worth it in the end.  I can't wait to be on the losing side of the game.......this is one thing I will ba happy to lose.

I went to my first support group meeting last night. It was a great experience.....everyone was so friendly....a lot of great information and recipes were passed. I enjoyed listening to the journeys others have gone through. I got a lot of great advice. I would highly recommend someone considering this surgery to go and listen to what others have to say. It was nice to get some support and encouragement as well......most  of the people I have told about me getting the surgery have been very negative.....so I stopped telling and when co-workers ask I just say I am  going to have a personal and private procedure done......I dont like to lie but I am also getting tired of negative comments. This is something I am doing for me and to be completely honest I am so excited. I never thought I would say I am excited about having surgery but I am.

I am so very excited......I went to see Dr. Davidson yesterday and my date is scheduled for September 4, 2007. I can't wait to start my new life. I have pre-ops scheduled for August 30, 2007. YIPPPEEEEE!!!!! I feel like I am finally on my way.

Well, I found out my insurance company approved me as of today. Village Surgical sent the paperwork off to blue cross/ blue shield federal last week on Monday and I found out today that it is approved. What a blessing finding out only a week later.  I was expecting to wait the whole 30 days that the insurance company can take to give an answer. I was sitting here on pins and needles wondering what was going to happen each day. I am soooooo excited. YIPEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!! I keep thinking and dreaming about not being fat anymore. I tell my family that by this time next year I wont be fat anymore. I called Village Surgical today to let them know about the approval and to go ahead with the next step in the process. I got the machine so I left a message and I am waiting for a return call. I'm not sure if they even know its been approved yet. I am wanting this done ASAP. Thanks for everyone that has been supporting me in this process.

I had my first visit with Dr Davidson a couple weeks ago. I did the nutrition class last week....and the bloodwork. I have the psychological assessment....ultrasound of my gallbladder.... and blood gas testing next week. After that all my testing will be complete and I will be waiting for an answer from my insurance company. Wish me luck.

I went to the bariatric surgery seminar on May 16, 2007. It took me this long to get all my paperwork in order since I moved around alot. I have my first appt tomorrow with Dr. Davidson and I hope all goes well. I have been overweight for about 12 years now. Started off very thin until had high risk pregnancies which involved bedrest and steroids. I gained alot of weight and never lost it despite numerous falied attempts between dieting and exercise. I now have high blood pressure and back problems due to the excess weight. I am praying for a fast approval and a new start in life. I know this would help me become a healthier happier person.