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Jamie’s OLD OH PROFILE Journal

Let me introduce myself.... My name is Jamie Ellis, I am 30 years old, married, I have no children, but I am the proud mother of 5 beautiful cats (Jasmine, Ginger, Tommy, Taffy & Sundae). I have been overweight all of my life (since 8 yrs old). I have struggled with diets (WW, TOPS, Richard Simmons, any fad diet, xenical.....etc), losing 100# 3x in my life, only to regain the lost weight and more. I started my weight loss surgery journey in late May 2002 after graduating Graduate school as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I have been a psychiatric RN for 10 years and wanted a new beginning for my new career. The stress of graduate school helped my weight skyrocket to an all-time high of 320 lbs. I started by doing tons of research on this surgery via the internet, talking with two fellow nurses who have had surgery, reading medical journals and reading 2 great books on the subject (Barbara Thompson's: "Weight loss surgery: Finding the thin person hiding inside of you" 2nd edition & Louis Flancbuam MD's: "The doctor's guide to weight loss surgery: How to make the decision that could save your life" both I ordered from Amazon.com) I found out through colleagues who was the premiere surgeons in the area, which led me to Albany Medical Center and Dr. Singh. I knew based on my research I wanted to have this RNY done laprascopically (quicker healing, less pain, less complication rate, smaller scars etc). I attended many support groups at Albany med before surgery also. These groups were by far the most helpful in my decision and journey and I know I learned a tremendous amount on those Thursday eves. I brought my mother with me on many occasions to help educate her on my decision and it really helped her anxieties. The Albany Med program requires at least a 10% wt. loss pre-op, along with a psychiatric evaluation (they wouldn't let me do my own! LOL), an upper GI endoscopy, and an ultrasound of your gallbladder. I lost my 10% (30#) in 30 days, I was motivated, and nothing was going to stop me! The last supper syndrome was difficult I must admit, thinking about will I ever eat this or that again, but the idea of not losing the wt and not having surgery helped me know what I needed to do. I stayed focused and by following the food pyramid from this site: http://www.xenical.com/hcp/1400_Am_Beye.pdf , writing down my food and exercising 30 minutes/walking 2miles a day.  I lost 45 lbs. before surgery. So I was well on my way at 275 when I had surgery on 10/9/02! I have a wonderfully supportive network of friends/coworkers, family and husband. My 5 cats may disagree, as they were a little mad a "mom" when she returned home 4 days after being missing in action and then she wouldn't even pick us up!!! ~J...

11-10-2002 I had a minor setback, I needed a 2nd surgery (laprascopically) to repair a stricture at my Y connection related to scarring and adhesions, but all seems well now! I was fine for 4 weeks eating and drinking and all of a sudden I couldn't hold down fluid, pills or food. Everything that went down came up! So Off tot he ER I went, after a CT scan, Upper GI with barium they felt I had a stricture. So I needed the surgery to cut the adhesions that were cutting off my small intestines. I was out of the hospital in a few days and back on liquids for 2 weeks, then to restart food again. This actually helped me lose more weight (the only positive I can think of in this negative situation!) But I'd do it all again...even with knowing I had to have a second surgery! I have been enjoying shopping and more shopping! Clothes have never looked so good!

Well life is great. I am currently 228 lbs (11/26/02) and it is almost 2 months out! No complications from the second surgery.

December 2002, 225# I just started as a NP in private practice, applying to VA for a fulltime job also! Life is great, eating is no problem, exercising and drinking my fluids!

January 15th, 2003 3-month check up with my nutritionist Dr. Denning, my labs are all improving, and it is time to get off my BP med all together! Yeah! No more Altace!

January 16th 2003, 3 month check up with Dr. Singh surgeon WT: 203# He said all is well and I don't need to worry about any more complications from the adhesions at this point.

February 6th 2003, Had my yearly H&P with my PCP Dr. Muller, she didn’t even recognize me! All is well and I don't need to see her for a year! YIPPEE!

February 9th 2003, Started a new Full-time job as a psych NP with the federal government in an outpt VA clinic. Thank god for this surgery I now have the energy to work Fulltime! Wt 196# (down 124#!)

March 14th 2003, check up with clinical nutritionist Dr. Denning. Labs are looking great. Wt 186#.

April 10th 2003 6 month check up with Dr Singh WT: 181#, Cholesterol and triglycerides which were elevated preop and I was heading for meds! Are now normal 100%! Dr. Singh feels I have lost all I will. I want to lose 5 more and am motivated to do so. He feels many lose over a year but some like me lose it all in 6 months. We’ll see! He is very pleased with my progress, no hernias, and no food intolerances. I must admit my hunger has returned, I have rethought how I eat/do fluids. I find following the pouch rules helps. I drink in am, then eat breakfast and wait 2 hours after meals to drink again. I thin drink vigorously until the next meal and this has helped stave off that hunger. I continue to exercise 1 hr a day.

Update 5-18-03 I have lost a total of 145#, 100# since my surgery in October of 2002. I have transformed my life and body. I now exercise daily, getting out-of-bed to walk 2 miles a day (30 minutes) because I WANT TO! I also joined curves last month to try and tone some of the jigglies! I go about 3-4x a week and love it. My first month I lost 6.5 inches and 4 #.  My body fat dropped also from 30.3 to 29.7% in one month! This is a new habit/lifestyle as I have been walking daily now for a year! I have gone from a size 26-28/3-4X to a medium and size 10......WOW! I work very hard at this, trying to use my gift/tool. It isn't easy, but looking in the mirror helps, the rewards far outweigh the drawbacks and restrictions. I still have cravings and look to food for comfort, but I now have the ability to control these things better. I focus on health and nutrition to fuel my body that I so harshly abused all these years. I love fruit; it is my new cookie or dessert. How sweet it tastes! Berries, melons, I love it all! How amazing it is to feel full after such a modest amount! How good it feels to be healthy! The high blood pressure is gone! I am off that pill! People look at me in disbelief when I tell them and show them my picture 1 year ago at 320#! (I too sometimes disbelieve it was this bad!)...I am enjoying the journey, following the pouch rules the best I can to maximize my outcome. I attend weekly support meetings in my area also and I believe these add to my success. Below is an update on my wt loss progression!

July 1, 2002 320# Food pyramid/exercise 2 miles a day/7 days week

August 1, 2002            290#    (-30# month 1)

September 1, 2002 280# (-10# month 2/ total down -40#)

October 1, 2002 275#(SURGERY 10/9/02)(-5# month 3/total down-45#)

August 21, 2003, just emailed obesity help.com my photos before, at xmas with a 100# loss and recent at 175# (last month)..so look for them soon. I am also starting my own website at: http://www.geocities.com/jamiecatlady5/photopagefloral.html so take a look! Feeling great! Jamie~

9/19/03 Curves weight/measures: I am at 27.50% body fat and that is a total down from April of 3% (not bad!) My goal was to firm and tone; I have also lost 13# and 11 inches! WHOO HOO!

10-9-03 1-year postop and still feeling awesome! Met with Dr. Singh all is well, no plastic surgery is needed (*HUMM Looking back I changed my mind!)!The water, protein and exercise have done the trick (and a little spandex in the undergarment dept. helps too!).

1-1-04 Just updated my profile, hanging around 166-170 most of the time; the holidays were a challenge more this year. I got out of some of my good/new habits of eating protein first. I found I was noshing on more carbs/ snacking a little which made me crave more carbs...The scale easily moves when I do this. I have still avoided all sugar, I am scared of dumping (Nausea/vomiting/chestpain/diarrhea/palapataions/sweating) does not sound fun BUT worse yet I am afraid of NOT dumping and eating these things (cake, cookies, donuts, ice cream, fried foods) again! I am still exercising 1 hr a day (30 min on the treadmill and 30 minutes at curves)...I love my exercise really! I need to remember the pouch rules and this is only a tool, it is very effective though if I abide by them!  I don't expect to lose any more weight, I am just hoping to maintain between 165-170#, and I am in a size 10/small/medium and seem to be very comfortable here.

If anyone needs support or has questions feel free to ask! [email protected] .....I have not needed plastic surgery as I was fortunate to have some collagen/elasticity left in my skin being 30 and not having any children....But the exercise and water and protein really help also. I drink 16 glasses a day of non-car-non-caffeinated fluid a day and eat 65-100+ grams of protein a day (either in food or usually with the help of a protein shake a day, I like the nectar proteins and champion whey stack varieties, I get them at: www.wlssuccess.com) My BMI is now: 24.5 (normal! Better than 47.3 preop!)body fat 25%.

My recommendation is to educate yourself and attend support meetings preop and postop to ensure success and if you can't find a local group join one online! I belong to 2 local ones the first I moderate for those people in Saratoga:

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/SaratogaSprings-NY-WLS-support/ and this is the one for Albany Med patients: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/upstatenywlssupport/ I also am on a more nation wide group called bypass buddies at: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Bypass_Buddies/

Feel free to join any and all! Take care and Happy New Year!!!

1-7-04 Getting back on track from the Holiday season...So many carbs (stuffing and potatoes and bread!) I ate more than I normally do. The few pounds that found me have almost gone with just doing what has become natural....Thank Goodness I never let the exercise go! It is so important especially the farther out you are to refocus your priorities and follow the pouch rules! The tool works if you do! Take care for now!

1/29/04

Just checking in, still wrestling with the few extra pounds from the holidays...Clothes just a little snug, still exercising! Hope all is well. Jamie

2/4/04 Struggling with about 5-10# on any given day, although I am still near an ideal bodyweight I do not want to let this get away form me. I still exercise 1 hr a day, haven't given that up but I find it easier to have a snack here or there or eat a little more (usually bread is my downfall) Wt is around 166-176....I do well for a few days an drop then up...A 10# range isn't bad I suppose...I haven’t gotten weighed or measured at curves in 2-3 months and I resolve to do this Friday am...Then decide what to do next. Been thinking more along the lines of the south beach framework...I need to cut out the bread and add more protein. Still very happy I did this each and everyday! ~J

2/6/04 Well I did it, stopped the denial and went to curves to get measured and weighed.... Not as bad as I thought. Up only 4.5# since October. (still down 8# from April when I joined) Body fat is still down 2% (28.5%)...BMI is 25.8 (better than 47 preop!)..I am using this as a jumpstart to continue eating less carbs (boy the holidays sure are loaded with them...stuffing and more stuffing!:*)I need the accountability to the scale to keep up with this lifestyle change! Take care.J~

3/6/04 Weight stable (not down but at least NOT UP!) All inches and BMI/Body fat the same this month.....Keep reframing my mind on all the positive changes as not to backslide....Oh I have another addition to the family, hubby and I took in a beautiful stray cat "Sammy" he is a huge tomcat but mostly a snow-shoe Siamese...What a talker! So I guess I need to someday change my email, I am not catlady5 anymore (ahh guess I will leave it!)

3/27/04 decided I need to get rid of these 7# I have kept on for a while. Started the South Beach diet phase one (wow it I tough clearing the house out of bread! I love it soo!) But I am determined to rid my body of these nasty carbs and reintroduce the healthier ones....WT 174#....I am also on a great group called OSG_OFF_TRACK, check it out if you are postop greater than one year or if not check it out and lurk (you can not post until 1 yr, but you can learn from reading what not to do and the struggles of others!)  http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/OSSG_Off_track/

4/17/04 Checking in...Still on South Beach diet. DOING AWESOME! Not hungry, carb detoxed and lost all but 2# (at 168# now). Going to plastic Surgeon Dr. King Tuesday. I do not really have much extra but the insurance will cover visit and I want to see my options. Take care all! J~

4/20/04 Had my appointment with Dr. King (*very happy and impressed). I am looking to have a belt lipectomy (lower body lift procedure which involves an abdominoplasty, thigh and butt lift all in one), and breast augmentation to fill out and proportion myself. They say insurance will not cover even an abdominoplasty (*I do not have enough skin, or any medical necessity rashes, back pain, hygiene issues etc)…So I will wait for the quote for the procedures and hospital stay and anesthesia (1-2 days and 6 OR hours).

4/23/04~Received quote, have to discuss with hubby. Is manageable and not as bad as I thought! Some people buy fancy cars or motorcycles or go on expensive vacations, so I guess my priorities are just to feel/look better myself! This is a huge leap as I am tight with money and to spend it on myself I would of NEVER done before losing 154#!!! OK time to do some research!

4/26/04 Called Dr.King's office to schedule surgery and accept quote. They have to get back to me to coincide his schedule and mine! I am hoping for first part of JUNE!

5/3/04 I have my date! June 9th! At Child’s hospital (Albany Meds South Campus)…Still researching! Here are some good sites FYI:

A good yahoo group for help old files and pictures!

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ossg-plasticsurgery/

http://www.plasticsurgery.org/

http://www.justbreastimplants.com/implants/

http://www.lookingyourbest.com/inamodel/index.php

http://www.breastimplants.com/breast_implants.htm

http://www.breastimplants4you.com/

http://www.cosmeticplasticsurgerystatistics.com/basics.html

http://www.implantinfo.com/faqs/1.19.html

http://www.plasticsurgeryandcosmeticsurgery.com/abdom.html

http://www.abplsurg.org/

http://www.tuckthattummy.com/

http://www.abms.org/login.asp

http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=belt+lipectomy&ei=UTF-8&fr=fp-tab-web-t&cop=mss&tab=

May 8th, 2004 ~ So excited on the upcoming surgery. Have my follow up preop consult on May 18th w/ Dr. King to ask my final questions. Pre anesthesia testing is May 28th! It’s so far yet so close! Wt has been at 166-168, on south beach lifestyle still some of phase 2 mostly phase one (*I added strawberries and some Atkins crunchers)…….Still exercising my 1hr a day at curves/on treadmill at home! Trying to get as low wt preop as possible and as healthy as possible doing 3 protein shakes a day…

~May 18th~

Had my second consult with Dr. King to firm up things (*OOPS SORRY BAD PUN!)~ Got to try on sizers to see the size of the implants I am looking for....Also asked some more details and felt really good. He answered all honestly and we really spent a good deal of time to make sure I had every? answered. I cannot wait until June 9th! I am soo excited..... Maintaining my wt at 166-169....Doing well limiting carbs I haven’t had any demon bread either! (*pat on back!~) I bought a sports bra that hooks in the front for postop (required)..Guess that is it! Night!~J

~May 28th~

Went to Albany Meds South Clinical campus for pre-op testing (and to pay the bill!) Just a H&P and some labs. It is getting close! I am excited!......I called Dr. Kings office as I have been thinking about the implant sizes we decided on and on further research and discussion with hubby I felt I really wanted the larger size (390 cc vs 350 cc)WELLLLLL~ I thought that was all I'd have to do, but they want me to come in again to the office to try and make sure as they want me 100% sure/satisfied. I didn't think it would be a big thing, now I wish I hadn't called on one hand (*I don’t want to be labeled a problem patient) but I guess on the other hand I agree this is a one shot deal and it has to be right the first time! So hubby & I are going Thursday June 3rd to do this!~

FOOD: Well things have been going fairly well, I have been getting into the nuts again too much, they have to go, the scale fluctuates 3# or so, staying below 170# which is good. I am so excited about the surgery but I may be a little anxious so maybe the nuts are the fix! LOL...Will get them out of the house today! I want to get those 3# off before surgery if possible! OK will write more post-op!J~

JUNE 9th: Had Lower Body Lift (Belt Lipectomy) and Breast augmentation. All went well. Stayed in hospital 2 nights, D/C today (6/11) and am home and cozy. 4 drains in that will be taken out Tuesday at postop visit #1! Only problem was when Foley catheter came out I couldn't pee! Took 2 more straight caths to loosen up my bladder! And a nice warm sitz bath. (AHH the small things we take for granted in life!) Well tired and going to nap now! Write later!J~

June 14th 2004~ Starting to move more fluidly and with less bend in my back (the muscles are soo tight in my stomach it is hard to straighten up!). Finding it hard not to exercise! I am so bored sitting around reading and relaxing and watching TV! (abnormal for my usually hectic life!) Should be able to start walking next week, per Dr. King. I am walking around the outside of the house several times a day to keep limber...and watching my food intake, bumped up the protein to 3 shakes a day to help with healing! So far so good!!! I am soo happy with the results of the LBL and breast augmentation! (hubby is too!) Tried on a bikini bathing suit top this am and his eyes bulged!....It is so nice to feel sexy after a lifelong struggle with obesity! Well will write more later. Can't wait to get these drains out tomorrow!

June 16 2004~

All went well at Dr. Kings. The 2 back drains were removed a brief pull and sting for a second not bad at all. He left the front 2 drains in because they still had 50-75cc of drainage a day (don’t want to get a seroma or go back for a needle aspiration OUCH!)...I go back Friday and may bet the 2 front ones out...Went out to dinner last night with mom to Weathervane, got stuffed sole and veggies, ate 1/2 meal and have 1/2 for lunch today! I wish I could exercise I am still walking only spurts as the swelling in the tummy increases with a lot of walking...This girl really needs to learn to slow down and enjoy the roses! My support group in Saratoga and Caroline the dietician (great friend) sent me flowers the other day it was soo special they smell great (Had to put them away from the cats as the balloon attached was a sure toy for them and I knew the vase would be history if left to their devices!) LOL

Will keep in touch! No pain today back is a little sore from not being able to stand up straight but ok! J~

June 25th, 2004~

Went to see Dr. King, he removed all my stitches from the BA and LBL...I medicated with 2 lortab first and 1/2 way there I was dizzy and nauseated! I haven’t taken pain meds in almost 2 weeks so on an empty stomach it wasn’t a great idea! DH and I were going to shop at Crossgates but that didn't happen! Came home needed a compazine badly and slept a few hrs. Stitches burned a little coming out not too bad...Everything looks great. I go back to work Tuesday and curves 7-12. I see Dr. king again 7-9 in 2 weeks to see what to put on the scar and how to massage it for healing etc....Great thing is wt is down to 163# most days! Walking 30 min (2 miles) twice a day so getting my 1 hr in a day again! Take care all!

June 29th, 2004!~ Almost 3 weeks post-PS feeling great! Returned to work early today, it went well, got my walking in also 2 miles in a and tonight! Doing the 3 shakes a day to promote healing! Not much else new! Will update soon and try and get new picture on board!!!~*J

July 4th~ 2004...Went to a wedding reception at the Glenn Sanders Mansion. It was nice, had 2 ladies at the table ask me if I was a model! LOL! What an ego booster that was! I wore my new size 8 sundress w/ spaghetti straps! Felt like a million bucks after those comments! Take care all!J~

July 9th~

1-month ps check-up with Dr. King He and I are both VERY happy with the results. My scar is great from the LBL and my augment is also good. He told me to massage the scar 10 min 2x a day to promote decreased appearance/fading (*it isn’t so much what u put on it but the pressure). So back to work and curves starting Monday 12th! Wt is still 163#~ Talk soon! J~

July 16th, 2004....Saw Clinical Nutritionist Dr. Denning today (She is awesome) I am a little anemic (Probably related to surgery) Iron is down, TBC is up, H&H is a little low. B12 is ok in mid 600's...Upped Ferrous Gluconate to 300mg tabs 2x a day vs 3x week. Will recheck in 3 months. Also an elevated LFT still (not too bad) probably resolving the Fatty liver issue slowly. IF still up in 3 mo will repeat ultrasound....Still doing daily MVI, calcium 2,000mg (CITRATE!)a day split in 500mg doses, fish oil, colace one a day, flax seed 1 TBSP 2-3x day in shakes or on salad, Metamucil caps 3 a day (PRN) and B12 SL 1x day..... Maintaining the south beach lifestyle and exercising 1 hr a day still for health and stress relief!

Dexascan was normal (thank goodness!)That’s it for now! J~

7/14/04, Went to the Saratoga County fair! Had as great time with DH! Went to Truck and tractor pulls.....Sat in grandstand for hours BOY DO I HAVE LESS CUSHION! OUCHIE! LOL! felt great walking around. Didn’t do any rides as I am only 5 weeks out of plastics, but knowing I could go on ANY was neat!:-)J~

July 24th 2004~ Well life is pretty much returned to normal. I am sooo happy with the PS results. My tummy swelling has decreased a lot. I can get into size 8 pants and exercise is going well. Wt is stable at 163-4#. Maintaining the South Beach Lifestyle and exercising 1 hr a day. I feel this is the key to my success! Massaging the incisions 10 min 2x a day just like Dr.King recommended! It is fading!J~

7/29/04 WOW July is almost over! I am approaching 2 mo out of plastics, very happy! Scar continues to fade! Continuing to exercise, use my vitamins and protein shakes to stay on track!!!J~

PS got a new counter on my website and the new virtual model pre/post is coming soon!~J

August 7th, 2004~On vacation! BUT still working my program/tool! This is a lifelong commitment and I am taking each day at a time....Had pizza last night watching movies and well let me tell u! I still get ANGRY that I can only eat one piece! (BUT I am also grateful I can only eat one slice! Ya KNOW!)...keeping up with the exercise daily, the PS scar is coming along great and swelling is subsiding also!!~J

August6-22 on vacation, first week went off normal routine, carbed out and found 5# wow! So back to basics, got a great online buddy Karen and within a week of phase 1 south beach with 3-4 shakes a day wt off! WHEW back to 163#!!!!Geez no one said it is easy or that we wouldn’t have to always be aware! For now nothing new, back to work tomorrow 8/23!!!~J

HI all its September already and almost 2 yrs postop for me! It has been a great journey one of a lot of personal discovery and immense change and hard work...but it’s all worth it! Holding at 163# enjoying the freedom from MO and being healthy! Take care all~ Jamie~

9/22/04 Coming up on my 2 yrs anniversary have many apts this month (Plastics, Dr. Singh and clinical nutrition) Wt has stayed in 5# range with diligence on diet/exercise...This 2 yr 3 yr 5 yr wall regain scares the living bejesus out of me! I am keeping strong and watching carbs! Take care!~J

October 3rd 2004~ Well getting ready for my 2 year re-birthday. Have my 2 yr check up w/ D Singh Thursday, gong to go to support group after. I am so thankful for so many things esp. my health. This has been an awesome journey of personal self-discovery and strength. I am still at 163-165# And living the south beach lifestyle. Exercise 1 hr a day is my mainstay and key to success long-term I believe. We always worry about regain, doing my part to avoid that! Well here’s to another great year!~J

Had my 2 yr appointment 10-7 w/ Dr Singh all went well. Sad wont need to see him unless I have issues! Saw Dr. King 10-9 for 4 mo post plastics all is well there too. Have decided for now not to have thighplasty done.~ J

11/12, 2004 Quick update, all is well. Managing wt, food issues still here but this tool helps me battle them easier! Keeping with fluids, exercise & positive mindset are the keys for me!!!!

~J

Thanksgiving 2004.~ Sitting here getting ready for tomorrow (*cooking for 12+) I sit back and recall my first post WLS thanksgiving! I was 1 1/2 months out of surgery, actually had

a second surgery to cut adhesions that had caused a stricture 2 weeks prior just off liquids from 2nd surgery able to eat one bite turkey, one bite of stuffing, one bite of squash, a tsp of gravy! I tell you it was the BEST thanksgiving ever! I really realize and BELIEVE now the Holidays are NOT about the food! They

are about family, friends, traditions and quality things. It has taken time to really be aware of what a role food played in my life for so many years. I know I will always fight this disease & my food issues, but the gift WLS has given me goes far far beyond just the lost pounds! Enjoy your day!~J~

12/11/04....Time is a flying by, doing the 5# wt loss challenge on the Grads list from Turkey day to Christmas, week one down 1.5# so on my way!

12/20...Don’t know what’s up wt up again? To 172# YIKES Well maybe fluid, maybe hormonal? Maybe constipation? (*irons a killer!) So will be extra diligent and track on fitday.com and get this now 9# off NOT acceptable!!!!J~

1/17/05~OK Long time since update. I decided to get the crap outta the house! YUP wt was up to a 172-3# YIKES Over a month I got things under control again and with the support of my ossg off track crew I am down to 166 or so only 2-3# up from lowest! This is an awesome tool as I say but diligence is necessary! Got labs drawn today over 10 vials will be going to Dr Denning (clinical nutrition MD) 1/28 will keep u posted!~Jamie

1/28/2005~ Went well labs almost perfect, BUN still a little high, so will cut back on protein from 100g day to 80g. (cutting out a shake I suppose). Wt is down 164# (1# up from lowest!) Exercising still daily 1 hr, needing something more than treadmill and curves, thinking about joining a real gyn in April when membership up. DONT get me wrong curves is great but IT is not challenging me anymore I have gotten all I can out of it!, also may do a 7 week Pilates class through Adult ed! Constipation still a killer, and trying MOM daily and 2 prunes, we'll see in addition to the flax seed 2-3T and colace 2xday!

Life is busy and I love it!!!! J~

2/21/2005~On vacation this week. Taking it easy. Wt stable at 163-5#. Constipation under control with 2 prunes a day, MOM 2T a day and flax 2-3T a day and 1-2 colace a day! GEE WIZ! Anyways Palates starts 2/28 can't wait. Looking into the Y and the Saratoga wellness center for more intense exercise. Life keeps speeding ion by! Thinking about going back to school 2006, Sage is starting a DNS program (Doctor of Nursing Science) It will be a new adventure! Only thing about school I don’t miss is the bills! LOL~J

2/27/05~ Ok in 1 week wt up 171#~ This is because ONE I am on vacation and lack of routine and excess time is not my friend! TWO I brought back the foods I had junked as an experiment to see if I can have peanuts, lo carb ceral/protein bars, peanutbutter, lo carb muffin mixes (atkins and krusteaz) and david rio sf chai in the house. Well u guessed it I could repeat what I said in Jan 17th blurb...So they are outta the house..I will say for good now! *Reminding self of this!!! I returned $50 with of stuff to stores. Gave mom some PB and stuff opened and chai tea gonna give away. These are not necessarily BAD things but they are my TRIGGERS I can’t have one I eat daily out of habit not hunger. So detoxed today and well back on the protein train! It isn’t so bad!~ Start Pilates MONDAY! WHOO HOO! TTFN J~

3/11/05 survived 2 WEEKS OF PILATES, WENT TO THE ymca WITH A FRIEND 2 HRS WORKED OUT HOT TUB AND SAUNA! nice I MAY JOIN NEXT MONTH!~

3/19~ Wt 168#, doing well, did Pilates easier this week! LOL~ Also planning on joining GYM next month and giving up curves! Went to support group in Albany last week nice to see everyone and Dr.. Rosati spoke about Albany Meds Bariatric Center....

4/4/2005 Support group meeting in person. I put together a PowerPoint presentation on: SUCCESSFUL WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY IS A LIFESTYLE. Received positive feedback. Will look to do more on the psychological end of WLS in future (as I get time!).I have a presentation I am compiling to do for the local VISN 2 Nurse Practitioner teaching day in Syracuse May 25th 2005 called: BARIATRIC SURGERY FOR THE TREATMENT OF MORBID OBESITY, PHYSICAL, NUTRITIONAL & PSYCHOLOGICAL CONCERNS.

4/7/2005 Appointment to join new GYM. My husband’s place of employment (QUAD GRAPHICS) has a full service Gym available for FREE for employees and family! (he just told me! grrr) Well we went together and enjoyed it!!!YEah no more boredom with my treadmill and curves!

4/9/05 finally got RX for Miralax www.miralax.com an osmotic laxative. MOM just isn’t cutting it anymore. The painful bloating is killing me some days; I feel 5 months pregnant (whatever that feels/looks like!) LOL...We will see!

4/15/2005~Went to Sage Graduate school met with my old prof Linda Peterson regarding getting more NP students to precept (I love it) and returning to school. Sage is supposed to get a DNS program (Doctor of Nursing Science) approved by state hopefully 2006 Fall. There are 2 prereqs I need to take. So I am applying for tuition assistance from work, spoke with my bosses and hubby and have an application to fill out. I am planning on closing my private practice to facilitate needed time for school. A very hard decision for me. By Fall I will be done I think. Its sad to end that but exciting to have a new beginning. I love school! REALLY I know I am sick huh! (loving exercise and school!)

4/30/05 Went for a pedicure with friend Kelly. had a great time. TRYING to learn to pamper and soothe self with non-food rewards! Going to the spa for a massage monthly too helps! I have an appointment May 6th with Dr. King follow up on my plastics and talking about a thigh lift again. We will see (hubby just shakes his head! LOL)....

5/1/2005 It has almost been a whole month since I have been going to the QUAD gym! Loving the challenge and diversity. WT is the same but I feel better, more energized, less bored and motivated! Oh and toner! The elliptical machine and I have been good friends! I can get 907 calories in an hr on that baby! WHOO HOO! Hubby is going with me too on days off and I love that! It’s good for him also! He actually feels better and looks forward to it! Hey I can convert anyone into an Exercise junkie huh! Constipation continues to bother me. using MOM or miralax almost daily! Besides prunes 3-4 day, flax seed 2-3T day and colace (stool softener 1-2 day) UGH!

5/6/2005~ Went to see Dr. King my Plastic Surgeon www.albanyplasticsurgeons.com

My scar (LBL) is looking good; my breasts are good too, dropped to normal shape/size. We discussed at length my dissatisfaction with my inner thighs (skin/bulk/fat) and ideas to correct he was even less encouraging about my thighs (I must say they not as bad as when I saw him in September! (the gym has firmed them up, still loose skin excess fat) BUT he did say that he would do it if I was SURE I wanted to proceed, but the same caution on taking the next step, possibly being sorry I did, the scarring, concern with cosmetics, pulling labia apart in unnatural shape/position unflattering/comfort & out of exercise 4 weeks AT LEAST (*Y*I*K*E*S*), compression garments, drains, poor area to heal etc...Newer techniques popping up....he just doesn’t think the scar is worth it. Migrates, thick scar etc I'm rambling but he said think about it summer is NOT the time to have this done and be wrapped he said time to enjoy beach, pool outdoors and come back late August. What we did talk about was some lipo again in that area, different effect lessen bulk, skin would still be there.., maybe even under local in office...so there u have it no change! He didn’t want me thinking he WOULDNT do it but I appreciated his frankness etc. So for now we may do lipo in fall and even on my back a little the excess that hangs over the bra! LOL~Wt is staying around 168#. LIFE IS GOOD!~J

5/21/2005~ Just got back from the gym, did 60 min on the elliptical burned my all time high 995.7 cal! WHOO HOOO!

Definitely toning more in my thighs/legs and arms too! Just popping in to say I am still here, MAINTAINING!~J

5/25/2005~I gave a 1 hr professional Presentation at the VISN 2 VA Nurse Practitioner Teaching Day in Syracuse on: BARIATRIC SURGERY FOR THE TREATMENT OF MORBID OBESITY: PHYSICAL, NUTRITIONAL & PSYCHOLOGICAL CONCERNS. Received MANY questions, and positive feedback.

These were my Learning Objectives:

1 Review definition, prevalence, impact, classification of obesity.

2 Review guidelines for the surgical management of obesity.

3 Review different surgical procedures available with focus on RNY Gastric Bypass surgery.

4 Review pre/post-operative screening, education, risks and concerns associated with bariatric surgery in the short & long-term.

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6/5/2005~I cannot believe it is June already and I have been working out 2 months now at the NEW GYM at DH work. It has really defined muscles and helped me tone. I have conquered the ELLIPTICAL and flipped the calories to 1003 in 60 min time! (a small personal goal!)....Weight stays around 168-170, which is 5-7# up from lowest BUT my muscles have grown, I feel/look leaner clothes fit JUST as well So I am good with it! Carbs continue to try and creep back in my life DONT GET ME wrong this is IN NO WAY SHAPE OR FORM EASY! BUT it is such a challenge and MY MINDSET has really changed over the 2.5 yrs since my surgery. I see so many wlsers struggle, fail, regain (sometimes a surgical failure) but mainly old habits creep back into their lives, or they never realized the full scope of work they have to do or didn’t realize the magnitude of food issues they really had. It is very sad and scary too, I WANT everyone to know WLS is awesome BUT is only as AWESOME as you make it! The HONEYMOON can suck you into a false sense of security, one that leads u down a path of NO CHANGES and whammo zappo at 6, 12, 18, 24 months out REALITY HITS and its hard work then to try and change again without the help of a very swollen pouch, a newly adjusting small intestine that has maximum malabsorption and a mind that is a little scared and in the highest mode for success. IT can be done, it is done I see it on my OSSG OFF TRACK group but its not as common as the regain....So I am babling again. JUST keeping current, real.....On a professional note, Doctoral studies are on hold a year, sage decided that the 2 classes that were going to be PREREQs are now going to be PART of the program so I can't take them now. SO I move forward with that goal, just a little farther in the distance. I was bummed a little, had my application and references and Essay all complete when I had the news! BUT timing is everything and timing must not be right yet! J~

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

6/16/2005

Went to ACN support group at St. Peters with Kel & Michele 2 WLS friends. It was a great group and nice change of pace. Just a quick note, I am doing well. Going to the gym daily still weight hovers 168#, toning more so not worried @this being 5# up from lowest. I actually look better in clothes if u know what I mean! Life is such a wonderful gift, this tool is a wonderful gift and I hope to always use it to its potential! HUGS!~J

~6/23/2005~Well sick today N/V/D and HA from hell. I haven't been sick formwork ever at this job and in yrs! I slept almost all day and night! Felt better by Friday am! This is one HOT w/e. Got a call from Grad school I am back on with going to school in fall so I have to get ppwk together YEAH/SIGH! :-)

Still exercising daily and loving it!~J

7/6/2005~ Well went away to NH  with DH for long weekend, ate a little TOO WELL! LOL~ Seafood and fried food! HUMM didn’t want to know I could eat that! Not much formal exercise (walks on beach, shopping kinda counts?) DID do treadmill one day 30 min (it was a junky one!) So all in all UP 5# WOW in 4 days SCARY! I am home and back to basics, south beach phase 1 for me up the shakes as I can, 2 at least a day and well gym 60 min daily! did 2 hrs out of GUILT when we came back Monday! :-) Hope everyone had a great HOLIDAY 4th of July!~J

It is almost 8/1 time to weigh again! Will keep u all posted. Doing a presentation tomorrow eve for the Saratoga Support group on body image....J~

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9/2/2005 Up to my highest again 174# wasn’t this since 2/2005! But ok, I knew couldn’t eat english muffins and pb forever! LOL~ I am on track once again, working hard at gym, keep food in check, vits ok, water ok and 1-2 protein shakes a day. Doing another p