emg73
3/3/07 - 320/175/140. Okay - it's been a while. I am working on my last 20 to 25 pounds. I've been too tight and had to go to get unfilled and then got filled to 1.4 and that was too tight, and now I'm at 1.0 and losing weight again. I just don't know what is up with my band these days. Even at 1.0 I feel tight, but I had a fluoro and there's no slippage. I got denied in November for plastic surgery, so I'll send an appeal later this year. I want to get to my goal weight BEFORE plastic surgery (note to everyone - do not, as much as you want to, have plastic surgery to get to goal; get to goal first!) I'm starting nursing school this summer. I didn't want to go back into teaching and now that I'm thin and have the energy, I'm going back to school. Only have 2 classes to take before clinicals. Maybe I'll be able to get a job where I can take care of postop WLS patients (but labor & delivery is my first choice!) I'll try to be better about updating, but I'm busy with life - something I couldn't really say 2 years ago. This is the year I reach my goal.
9/22/06 - 320/180/125-ish. So the last fill took me to my sweet spot. I can't eat much and if I eat the slightest bit too much - my band lets me know one way or the other. I've had a couple of medical issues that have gotten in the way of me exercising the way I want to, but hopefully I'll be getting clearance soon. I met with the plastic surgeon last week, and he's already sent off a letter to see if insurance will cover any part of it. I'm going to have a total lower body lift and a breast lift/augmentation, and I'm so excited about both. I've been so lucky that my arms don't need any work; they've toned up nicely. I'm wearing stuff now that I did when I was a freshman in college - almost 15 years ago! Will keep you posted on the plastic surgery issue - I'm back in the waiting game like a was a little over a year ago. It'll be worth the wait!
5/30/06 - 320/183/125-ish. The weight is coming off slower, but I was prepared for that. I joined a gym and am doing 30 minutes of cardio at least 5 times a week and am lifting weights 3 times a week. I'm not sure if I need a fill or not. I'm not hungry in between meals and I can't eat much at a time, but I've only had 2 fills. I'll see him on June 19th, maybe I'll have a better idea by then. I went back and read over my profile, which is really cool. I like seeing how far I've come. I've lost 91 pounds since surgery and 137 pounds overall. If anyone's considering the surgery, let me just say - I would do it again in a minute!
4/8/06 - 320/187/125-ish - I can't believe it has been a year since I started this whole process. Four years ago this month, I had my son at 320 pounds, and today, I'm 133 pounds lighter. Wow. It is coming off a lot slower these days. I haven't changed my eating habits at all (not cheating!) and I've been lifting weights faithfully, but I've got to step up the cardio. That's my goal starting this week - I want to be at my goal weight on my birthday in December.
2/1/06 - 320/199/125-ish - I'M IN ONE-DER-LAND...HOORAY FOR ME! I haven't been under 200 lbs in over 10 years, and I am SO happy this morning!
1/19/06 - 320/205/125-ish Happy New Year! I'm so close to ONE-der-land I can't stand it! Dr. Clark had to cancel my appt (he was overbooked), so my 2nd fill isn't until the 30th. I'm trying to keep in mind that any weight lost before proper restriction is bonus. So 59 pounds ain't too shabby! Will keep everyone updated - best wishes in 2006.
12/28/05 - 320/214/125 I've only lost 6 pounds in a month, which disappoints me, but I have to remember that I don't have proper restriction yet. I'm going for my 2nd fill in another week. I've gone back to measuring my food. I did cheat a wee bit over the holidays (if you call a mini Reese's cup here and there a cheat). I'm excited, though, about the New Year - I think the New Year will bring my goal weight! Happy Holidays!
11/4/05 - 320/220/125 I'm stuck in a rut and frustrated. I think I need to start measuring my food again to make sure my "cup" has grown. I'm at the gym 7 days a week and have been lifting weights 3 times a week and doing pilates too...and the scale won't budge. I had a fill last month, and I've only lost 2 pounds since then. I have found, though, that chicken is just a no-go for me. It gets stuck every time, and it hurts! I haven't had a PB, but if that is worse than what I've felt, I don't want to go through that! I'm eating 60-70 gm of protein per day, drinking 65-75 oz per day and exercising like a fiend. Maybe I just need to re-measure my food and the losing will start back up. I want to be in ONE-der-land by New Years!
10/01/05 - 320/223/125-ish. Funny how I told myself preop that I would update regularly and here it is almost two months out! I feel great - have already lost 41 pounds. I went for my first fill two days ago, but he wasn't able to find my port so I'm going to do it my fluroscopy next week. Looking forward to feeling restriction again! I can already tell a big difference in myself in that I don't get so out of breath. I've gone from a 26/28 to a 20. My first mini-goal is to hit a size 18 - a size I haven't worn for 10 years and then my next mini-goal is to be in ONE-derland! It WILL happen before Christmas (and my 32nd birthday, which is Christmas Eve). Can you think of a better birthday present to myself?
08/14/05 - I was banded four days ago! I'm still really sore, and it would probably be relieved if I took the Lortab prescribed to me, but I just hate the way that stuff makes me feel, so I'm just using Tylenol. The surgery went very smoothly; the hospital stay was enjoyable, and I've lost 10 pounds already! Stay tuned - I'll be posting my progress regularly!
*****08/11/05 - 320/249/125-ish. DAY OF SURGERY*****
08/08/05 - It's almost here! I will be on clear liquids tomorrow and then will be headed to surgery on Wednesday the 10th! I'm really nervous and excited at the same time. I will post more from the other side!
07/21/05 - Preop class today. Informative and a bit overwhelming. I met with the surgery scheduler, nurse, dietitian, and exercise physiologist. They gave me a 3-ring binder of information so I at least feel prepared. I will have my preop testing next week (07/28/05): Blood work at 6:00 a.m., upper GI at 7:30 a.m., gallbladder ultrasound at 8:30 a.m., followed by chest x-ray and EKG and then a consultation with an independent surgeon to clear me for surgery. My preop diet consists of 2 protein supplements a day and one meal that is 4-6 oz of lean meat and unlimited non-starchy vegetables. Sounds doable - at least it's not an all liquid diet! Goal pre- and postop is 65 gm protein and 65 oz of protein a day minimum. For anyone reading this profile, as far as protein supplements go, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Sugar-Free Carnation Instant Breakfast in Carb Control Vanilla 2% milk (16 gm), Atkins Chocolate Royale shakes (20 gm), and Protidiet Orange or Old-Fashioned Lemonade (my favorite- YUM!) with 2 pouches in 8 oz = 30 gm. Will update more after my preop tests.
07/08/05 - I have a surgery date of 8/10/05 at 8:00 a.m.!!! Very excited and relieved. I have to go to the 7/21 preop class, have my preop tests and then on to the preop diet!
07/01/05 - I'M APPROVED! I'm going to the 7/21/05 preop class and then will have to have all my tests (upper GI, CT, etc). I'm hoping for surgery by the end of the month!!
06/27/05 - Still pending...
06/20/05 - Ugh - will the waiting ever end? My insurance medical reviewer called me today to say she has everything she needs (FINALLY!) and it will take up to 15 days to review and I will receive either an approval or denial letter after that. So much for surgery in June - let's shoot for July, shall we?
06/01/05 - According to Nancy, my case is officially in medical review - everyone say a prayer!
5/26/05 - Okay, I'm getting frustrated! Nancy at Dr. Clark's has done everything she is supposed to do and has even called my insurance company to verify what they need. My insurance company can't seem to get their stories straight. They told Nancy to make sure if I call in to ask about my "predetermination". When I called in and asked them,the girl told me "There is no such thing as a predetermination, only precertification, and your doctor's office needs to initiate a precert." I just want a surgery date!
5/03/05 - Nancy e-mailed me today and she has sent the papers! I should know soon. Let's all pray for a smooth and uncomplicated approval!
4/29/05 - Talked to Dr. Clark's office this morning and am getting very frustrated because they haven't even filed to my insurance yet. I've had all of the prerequisites completed for nearly three weeks, and I thought I'd be getting a call anyday about insurance approval. The girl said she hopes to "file within the next week or so". errr...I've done my part! C'mon! I wonder if that means a June surgery is out of the question?
4/11/05 - Had my psych consult this morning. Went just fine. The psychologist was very nice and easy to talk to. I took the MMPI (a prerequisite) last week. Some of those questions cracked me up! Now, Nancy is going to submit to my insurance and after approval, we'll schedule the two pre-op classes. I also have to go to one more support meeting next week. Last month's was hokey, so I hope this month's is better. I've gained a couple of pounds, and my blood sugars are up again. I am so looking forward to gaining some control! Let's say a prayer for easy insurance approval...
3/28/05 - 320/265/125-ish. Went for my surgeon consult today. Dr. Clark is very nice and explained everything very thoroughly - he's not sore on the eyes either ;-). Took my before picture (ugh). Maybe I'll get a copy of it to post on here. My office BMI is 43.9 and come to find out, I'm an inch and a half shorter than I thought I was. Talked to Nancy, the lady who handles the insurance, and she is so nice and it's my hope that she'll be able to handle all things insurance and I won't have to get involved. Here's to hoping for approval on the first go around...Now I have to get my psych consult completed (MMPI scheduled on 4/4 and psych consult on 4/11) and then I will do the 2 pre-op classes - the second of which includes the upper GI, gallbladder ultrasound, blood work, and EKG. I will jump through whatever hoops they need me to. If everything goes according to plan, I'm looking at being banded in late May/early June. Another great thing was that I got to talk to people in the waiting room who have already been banded. The first gal I talked to was in for her six-week appointment and had lost 42 pounds! What an encouragement she was. AND, her husband is in the process of getting approved for the band as well.
3/17/05 - 320/274/125-ish. Went to my first of two surgical support meetings. The topic was exercise. Redundant for me but necessary, I'm sure, for people who have never formally exercised before. One of the motivational speakers wanted us to sing and clap "It's My Life" by Bon Jovi, so that was pretty cheesy.
03/15/05: 320/274/125-ish. I'm 31 years old and the mother of three kids: 5, 3, and 1 (girl/boy/girl). I work from home as a medical transcriptionist. I was thin and fit and healthy (115-120 lb) until I went to college. I put on 80 lbs in college. When I married, I was 200 lb. My peak weight was 320. After three children and years of ups and downs, I'm now 274. I've filled out all of my paperwork and the surgeon's office has applied for the insurance. My consult is on 03/28/05. I have to attend 2 surgical support group meetings prior to surgery, as well as the usual psych consult, blood work, etc. If everything goes according to schedule, I should have my band by June.
