annette R.
two years ago today
Oct 30, 2008
Post Date: 10/31/08 3:10 am
Two years ago today, Halloween took on a special meaning to me. I had WLS.
That day I was wearing two hospital gowns; one didn't cover my back side. What a lovely costume.
My emotions went from relief, to anticipation, to terror, to happy and all over the scale of feelings.
Due to other emergencies my surgery time kept getting pushed later in the day. By late afternoon, I lost it and cried for my husband to TAKE ME HOME. At that point, the anesthesiologist walked in the room with happy drugs.
My next memory was waking up in my room, thinking "oh no, they decided not to do the surgery". I expected to be in severe pain, but it wasn't bad at all.
My life has changed far beyond any dreams. Far too many to list on one page.
I have lost almost 2/3 of my entire body weight - that's a whole bunch of change. But I have GAINED a life worth living.
There have been some down times and bumps along the way. Thanks to my supportive OFF family, I made it through the struggles. You held me up when I was fighting to go forward. Without your help, I couldn't have kept trying.
I love you all and thank each person.
Today I see the surgeon for my two year check-up. Instead of two hospital gowns, I will be wearing a big smile and ... hmmm ...not sure what to wear. But it is NOT going to be a very tight size 4X. Those don't fit anymore.
Annette
Annette Cherish yesterday, Dream tomorrow, Live today
Two years ago today, Halloween took on a special meaning to me. I had WLS.That day I was wearing two hospital gowns; one didn't cover my back side. What a lovely costume.
My emotions went from relief, to anticipation, to terror, to happy and all over the scale of feelings.
Due to other emergencies my surgery time kept getting pushed later in the day. By late afternoon, I lost it and cried for my husband to TAKE ME HOME. At that point, the anesthesiologist walked in the room with happy drugs.
My next memory was waking up in my room, thinking "oh no, they decided not to do the surgery". I expected to be in severe pain, but it wasn't bad at all.
My life has changed far beyond any dreams. Far too many to list on one page.
I have lost almost 2/3 of my entire body weight - that's a whole bunch of change. But I have GAINED a life worth living.
There have been some down times and bumps along the way. Thanks to my supportive OFF family, I made it through the struggles. You held me up when I was fighting to go forward. Without your help, I couldn't have kept trying.
I love you all and thank each person.Today I see the surgeon for my two year check-up. Instead of two hospital gowns, I will be wearing a big smile and ... hmmm ...not sure what to wear. But it is NOT going to be a very tight size 4X. Those don't fit anymore.
Annette
Annette Cherish yesterday, Dream tomorrow, Live today 
4 hernias repaired
Oct 05, 2008
I had hernia surgery on Friday. There were 4 of them and the surgeon inserted mesh to keep the belly strong.
Originally he said to expect at least five days in the hospital. I was up, walking and released the next day.
The three tiny incisions don't hurt too much but the gas from being inflated is painful. It is moving around, rumbling and grumbling, but still staying inside. OUCHIES!! Walking helps move it around but so far ... not out.
I can see the mesh outline on my tummy. It doesn't hurt as I thought it might. Just looks strange to see a rectangle under the skin. The surgeon said as the swelling goes down, it won't be visible.
I am glad this is done and over. My nerves were frayed as I anticipated this surgery. Now I can heal and get on with life again.
Originally he said to expect at least five days in the hospital. I was up, walking and released the next day.
The three tiny incisions don't hurt too much but the gas from being inflated is painful. It is moving around, rumbling and grumbling, but still staying inside. OUCHIES!! Walking helps move it around but so far ... not out.
I can see the mesh outline on my tummy. It doesn't hurt as I thought it might. Just looks strange to see a rectangle under the skin. The surgeon said as the swelling goes down, it won't be visible.
I am glad this is done and over. My nerves were frayed as I anticipated this surgery. Now I can heal and get on with life again.
September 9, 2008
Sep 08, 2008
I just realized that I have been a member of OH for 5 years today. Time for an update.
My surgery was almost 2 years ago - how time flies. As you can see, it took me 3 years to decide to have WLS. It was a big, scarey decision. No other decision has been so difficult or as rewarding.
After a life time of yoyo dieting I realized the diets didn't work. Sure, the weight came off but always returned with extra poundage. I needed the tool of WLS and a major life style change.
There have been a few problems along the way. Nothing significant and not nearly as dangerous as weighing 320 pounds.
It feels good to have energy and not always be sweaty and out of breath. No longer do I have to look at a chair and wonder if it will hold my body. My BP is perfect and I am off all 10 meds.
On October 3, 2008, I will have the third hernia surgery. Rats to that. My surgeon is good and I feel confident that he will do his usual good job. Hernias don't happen to everybody - my Dad had 7 of them so we are thinking I may just have a predisposition for them.
That's my update for today.
My surgery was almost 2 years ago - how time flies. As you can see, it took me 3 years to decide to have WLS. It was a big, scarey decision. No other decision has been so difficult or as rewarding.
After a life time of yoyo dieting I realized the diets didn't work. Sure, the weight came off but always returned with extra poundage. I needed the tool of WLS and a major life style change.
There have been a few problems along the way. Nothing significant and not nearly as dangerous as weighing 320 pounds.
It feels good to have energy and not always be sweaty and out of breath. No longer do I have to look at a chair and wonder if it will hold my body. My BP is perfect and I am off all 10 meds.
On October 3, 2008, I will have the third hernia surgery. Rats to that. My surgeon is good and I feel confident that he will do his usual good job. Hernias don't happen to everybody - my Dad had 7 of them so we are thinking I may just have a predisposition for them.
That's my update for today.
Anniversary dress- 21 months
Aug 10, 2008
measurements
Jul 13, 2008
9/3/06 9/3/07 7/14/08
weight 320 137 113
upper arm 17 10.5 9
bust 54 37.5 35.5
waist 47.5 30 28
hips 53.5 37 35
thigh 30 19.5 17
calf 19 14.5 13
neck 16 13 12
My Journey in Pictures
May 04, 2008
My dear hubby put this together to show my progress over the past 18 months. Even I can see the changes now. Amazing!!
http://gallery.mac.com/trobb1224/100047 <---- Quite a journey.
PS - I have yet ANOTHER hernia! This is getting old.
http://gallery.mac.com/trobb1224/100047 <---- Quite a journey.
PS - I have yet ANOTHER hernia! This is getting old.
feeling better
Mar 01, 2008
They DID give me one of my known allergy antibiotics through an IV. The surgeon said the RN forgot to write that one on my ID band. I distinctly remember asking the anethesiologist to re-check the list before giving me anything. My skin is still peeling, 3 weeks later.
With all the itching I discovered some lumps on my body - strange ones. One on my neck is prominent so my surgeron did an immediate biopsy. That hurt like an SOB. Now I have to see an ENT to have it removed. Enough already!!
The surgeon wants to have an Allergist test me for drug allergies. The list of known allergens is so long that he doesn't know what to give me if I get sick. More needles, more poking, more doctor appointments.
It feels like I lost weight, turned 60 and fell apart.
On the plus side - I'm feeling better and the hernias are gone.
With all the itching I discovered some lumps on my body - strange ones. One on my neck is prominent so my surgeron did an immediate biopsy. That hurt like an SOB. Now I have to see an ENT to have it removed. Enough already!!
The surgeon wants to have an Allergist test me for drug allergies. The list of known allergens is so long that he doesn't know what to give me if I get sick. More needles, more poking, more doctor appointments.
It feels like I lost weight, turned 60 and fell apart.
On the plus side - I'm feeling better and the hernias are gone.
2/15/08 on the mend
Feb 15, 2008
I look like a lobster and itch from head to toe. It is an allergic reaction to either the IV antibiotics or the Vicodin. I'm thinking an electric sander might relieve this itching because Benadryl sure isn't helping.
Moving around is harder than when I had the RNY. Each day is better but this has been one big ouchie. This makes me MORE cetain I will never go for plastics. Nope, no way.
Time for another nap. Naps are good.
Moving around is harder than when I had the RNY. Each day is better but this has been one big ouchie. This makes me MORE cetain I will never go for plastics. Nope, no way.
Time for another nap. Naps are good.
home from surgery #3
Feb 13, 2008
That one was a BITCH!! He repaired 2 more hernias and removed scar tissue. I only had to spend one day in the hospital.
the nurses were absolutely wonderful. Word quickly spread that I had RNY and had a positive experince. Usually they just see patients who are not doing well. They couldn't believe that I have lost over 200 pounds and don't have a bunch of droopy skin. No, it's not perfectly tight but not bad enough for plastics.
One nurse asked if I would talk to her about my experience, which I was more than happy to do. I wouldn't be surprised to see her at a support meeting to find out more about WLS.
I am hoping that this is the last of the hernias and surgeries. I am taking it easy, drinking, walking every hour and eating protein. Sleeping too.
the nurses were absolutely wonderful. Word quickly spread that I had RNY and had a positive experince. Usually they just see patients who are not doing well. They couldn't believe that I have lost over 200 pounds and don't have a bunch of droopy skin. No, it's not perfectly tight but not bad enough for plastics.
One nurse asked if I would talk to her about my experience, which I was more than happy to do. I wouldn't be surprised to see her at a support meeting to find out more about WLS.
I am hoping that this is the last of the hernias and surgeries. I am taking it easy, drinking, walking every hour and eating protein. Sleeping too.
Another surgery
Feb 08, 2008
On 1/16/08 I was admitted to the hospital for severe tummy pains. The surgeon was all prepared to do surgery after the results of the CT Scan were read. He was quite positive I had a kink and blockage.
Just before wheeling me into the OR the pains subsided. Because we were supposed to leave town the next day for my grandson's birthday I called a halt to everything. My surgeon wasn't too pleased and thought I was making a mistake. He still kept me another day for observation and IV fluids. We enjoyed the birthday celebration. Man am I STUPID or what?
that came back to bite me in the ass ... the pain returned in full force. I am scheduled for a hernia repair and exploritory next Tuesday. there will be no backing out this time, the pain is constant.
My weight continues to drop even though I am eating well. The portions are still kind of small but all I can manage. All my labs are good and I never miss a supplement. It should level off soon.
I am getting boney. Other than the tummy pain I continue to feel pretty good. Hmmm ... the last time I said that I ended up in the hospital 2 days later. Better keep my big mouth closed.
Just before wheeling me into the OR the pains subsided. Because we were supposed to leave town the next day for my grandson's birthday I called a halt to everything. My surgeon wasn't too pleased and thought I was making a mistake. He still kept me another day for observation and IV fluids. We enjoyed the birthday celebration. Man am I STUPID or what?
that came back to bite me in the ass ... the pain returned in full force. I am scheduled for a hernia repair and exploritory next Tuesday. there will be no backing out this time, the pain is constant.
My weight continues to drop even though I am eating well. The portions are still kind of small but all I can manage. All my labs are good and I never miss a supplement. It should level off soon.
I am getting boney. Other than the tummy pain I continue to feel pretty good. Hmmm ... the last time I said that I ended up in the hospital 2 days later. Better keep my big mouth closed.
About Me
ithaca, NY
Location
20.7
BMI
Surgery
10/31/2006
Surgery Date
Sep 09, 2003
Member Since
