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I've had the surgery approved by my insurance (UHC POS). I've done just about all of my pre-op. The last thing I have to do is the CPAP machine for 6 weeks, and then I get my surgery date. I was having problems at the begining due to words of my PCP saying that it's usually hard to get things covered. I did not have a problem at all. After letting my PCP know that it was approved she has been very supportive with referrals and getting all the information in.

August 1, 2003 ~ Well, I'm still waiting on things to happen. I hit a huge bump in the road. I had the 6 weeks left for the CPAP, in those 6 weeks my employer decided to switch insurance companies. They went from United Healthcare POS to Blue Cross Blue shield of Rhode Island. I've done everything from my psych eval to now being on CPAP. I found out that BCBSRI considered the Bariatrc Treatment Center out of network. SO, the search for a new surgeon had begun. I had done some extensive reading on surgeons as well as finding one that wasn't booked until a year sometimes two years from now. I met with two surgeons, and the one I ended up deciding upon is Dr. Hugh Babineau out of Tyler, TX. The Doc and his staff are just wonderful. The most polite as ever. I went to my consult on 7/30 with Dr. B, and the insurance process is all in the works again. Waiting time again, hopefully it won't be too long !

~~~In the midst of trying to find a new surgeon I found out that I had diabetes. My weight now is 265. I've had to go to a nutritionist, and many diabetes classes. My primary care physician has put me on Amaryl 2mg. I'm not on a diabetic diet. The weeks that I've been on the diabetic diet I have lost 21 lbs.

August 5, 2003 ~ I got the wonderful news today that my insurance approved my sugery (which none of my previous medical records were needed surprisingly), and I got a date as well. October 1st, YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY !!!! :) I'm so ecstatic and very happy. Can't wait !!

August 12, 2003 ~ I thought I would just pop in.. my pic was just added and such. Could the days go by any slower ??!!?? I've been told that it eventually just creeps up on you, but I dunno. I'm just excited and so ready. I do thank God so much for making it possible for me to get this tool !!

August 19, 2003 ~ Hellos :) In the midst of my wait I thought I would check out a support group last night. I must say I need to work on my social skills. I've never been one of the outspoken ones that's for sure. Instead of staying around and chatting, what'd I do ? I get up and walk out, what's up with that ? Blah, LOL... It was great to go to the support group last night (I was pooped after that long drive back to home though). Well, there's 43 more days to go !!! I'm so ready. I started doing some exercising already. I've read that exercising some before the surgery can make a world of difference. I guess we'll see what it does eh ? :)

August 27, 2003 ~ Hi Hi five more weeks to go. Have any of you ever had the ding bat moments for the same thing over and over and didn't really realize what a ding bat you were until later (hmm am I making sense here). Well I must say you'd think I knew my address and know where I live. Dr B's office has been trying to mail me stuff, and it seems like I totally forgot that I live in this huge apartment complex. I forgot to give them my apartment number more than once. I'm actually a bit frustrated today I'm waiting on the FMLA papers to be sent over, but it's coming to the work fax. Just like the sock monster in the dryer. I think we have a fax monster here. Grrrrr

August 28, 2003 ~ Well, I received my pre-op letter today from Dr. B's office. I go in on September 18th for my pre-op appointment. I have some concerns about this in net work and out of network stuff on my insurance. I called BCBSRI after I got the letter, cause in the letter it told me that my surgery deductible was due then. They informed me that everything is going to be paid at 100% except for the deductible of $250 for in network Dr's and facilities only. I've already checked on Dr. B he is in network, but they said the facility had to be as well. Of course, insurance insurance, can they be any more aggrivating ? I asked the guy if ETMC was in network he tells me to go to a website, why couldn't he look it up. I went to the website and hmmmm no ETMC listed in Tyler under hospitals so I'm kinda starting to freak out. I emailed BCBSRI for them to check it out, but I guess good thing is the guy told me that if they were out of network, prior authorization can be done for coverage. So.......... I guess we'll see eh ?

September 9, 2003 ~ .. It's 3 weeks tomorrow. Starting to get butterflies in my stomach. Well I heard from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island about ETMC being network, which they are thank goodness. I was sooooooo very relieved.

September 11, 2003 ~ wow, without a doubt this day I think will always have an effect on me emotionally as well as many others. Today I'd like to say thank you to our Service Men, Firemen, Police Officers, Emergency Workers, and everyone who is an American Citizen. And never forget those who perished on this day. If you haven't done it already, find those in your community, your homes, your neighborhoods, hospitals, around the corner, who serve you every day and tell them Thank You. May God Bless You and Your Families Always. And God Bless the United States of America.

September 24, 2003 ~ It is now 6 more days until I'm a loser !! I went last week to ETMC (East Texas Medical Center) as well as my pre-op appointment with Dr. B. I found out on my long way drive back home that I won't be going to ETMC for my surgery due to my Insurance company, they are not in network. Soooooo, I have now been scheduled same day and time at Mother Frances. Anyone know about that hospital ?? The people I work with are so wonderful, they are throwing me a little party thing with mexican food (cause that's my favorite food). I just think that is so sweet.

September 27, 2003 ~ The mexican food was just yum yesterday. The company I work for is a really swell place. Not many places have such a great group of individuals that you work with. My manager has supported me from the very beginning and has helped me any way that she has. I'm so appreciative for that. It was good to know that I had some type of backbone from management. Well not long and I'll be a loser.

October 7, 2003(one week post op) ~ wooooohoooooooooooooo on the losing side I am now. I've not weighed yet, will probably be doing that tomorrow. I just don't trust normal weight scales. Surgery went well, and I'm home got released on Saturday. I just now have been able to get online (staying with my parents and they had no clue their phone was disconnected since they always use the cell phones). I'm a little tender, not too sore been walking as much as I can. Wow the food intake I can't believe it and I'm not hungry. I'm a loser babyyyyyyyyyyyyyy !! :-D

Well since I didn't make note of my measurements pre-op and a week has gone by, I'm not sure what they were to now of course. Soooo, I'm just going to go ahead and start with today, better than nothin right ? hehe :)

November 9, 2003 (five weeks four days post op) ~ I am just so jumping, silly, happy right now :) Just a little bit ago, I went to my cousins room (she lives with me). I was curious to know if maybe I could fit in a size 18 cause 24's fall off of me now, 22's really loose, never tried the 20's on. Soooo, I grabbed a pair of her size 18 khaki pants, held them up and was like nah these won't fit. Well I went ahead and put one leg in and then the other, pulled up the pants, was able to button them and zip them without feeling all tight. I was able to sit down like a normal pair of pants fit. Tell me that not rocks :)

oh wait it gets better, heh heh There is this lady that we work with that gave her and I some clothes when I was 2 weeks post op. They are all size 16 and 18's. I went ahead and grabbed the bags full of clothes, as I was rummaging through the bag I'm noticing a majority of the pants are size 16's. Of course, what's going through my mind these won't fit and was telling myself ewwww yuck. I stuck them back into the bag, but I got that itch just to see how much they didn't fit. Wooooooooohooooooooo, well I surprised myself again.. guess what, geez I just wanna scream LOL.. I got into the size 16's, and yet again they fit, not out of breath, doesn't hurt, don't have to suck it in. So here I am trying all these cute size 16 and large shirts outfits on. I was all modeling for myself got my brown cute bass loafers out (the cute little preppy ones that i don't wear cause my feet were just too wide) to try on with this outfit. Well guess what again, I lost weight in the feet too. and I was even wearing the thick boy socks.

I was a little discouraged a few days ago, cause it seems like I'm a slow loser. I know I know, better to be a loser than not. I'm doing my measurements, but I'm going to only do those once a month. I guess I have nothing discouraged about anymore though, I'm just losing those inches apparently. So... so far, I've gone down from a size 24 to glorious fitting 16's in a little over 5 weeks. Geez that so rocks !!

November 13, 2003 (six weeks one day post op)~ Today I had my 6 week appointment with Dr. B. As of late, I've had some not so good days. I've just been feeling horrible. Everything I mean EVERYTHING makes me nauseated. Even water does. Dr. B. put me on some Prilosec to see if I just have a little pissed off stoma, and then I have to go see him on Dec 2nd. Then if it's still bothering me (which is it I just wanna cry cause of this nauseated feeling) he's going to check out to see if I have a stricture. Anything, just to be able to feel normal again. Soon I know I will soon, but good this is though I can start exploring with all my foods besides being restricted to just soft foods and such.

November 17, 2003 ~ What a tiring day today was... this was my 'official' day back at work today. It was a long 7 to 330 today. It kinda felt good to be back, but at the same time since I'm having those complications it made things longer. I'll get better in time... :)

November 26, 2003 ~ Two months it is today, wow and I've lost 39 lbs forever. I'm a little disappointed I didn't meet my personal goal of 40, but I will meet my other goal to be at 199 or under by the first of December. :)

December 3, 2003 ~ Grrrrrrrrrrr, well I didn't reach the 199 mark. I'm still at 201, oh well.. just going to have to try harder.

December 16, 2003 ~ I finally got to 199, woooohooooo :) As of late things have been a little strange. Everyone, I mean EVERYONE at work does not recognize me. I know that is a good thing, but it is just a tad bit strange LOL.

December 25, 2003 ~ Merry Christmas too all. Well yesterday was my 12 week post op. I'm weighing in at 193, kinda seems like things may be slowing down.

December 29, 2003 ~ wooohoooo, guess what I found last night. I found some bones, my own collar bones are starting to surface. This is sooooo exciting. :)

January 11, 2004 ~ I just had to go shopping this weekend for some clothes. I was not wanting to buy many clothes cause it will soon be a waste. Anyways, I went shopping cause I have to have some work clothes. My clothes are literally falling off of me now. The greatest thing though that I'm able to do, is I can easily fit in a size 12 now :). How exciting is that ??? I think it's really exciting.

January 14, 2004 ~ Ok Ok Ok, LOL... 15 weeks have gone by and I'm down 60 lbs now weighing in at 184. :) I love my tool. I did calculate also, from my highest weight when I started the diabetic diet before surgery. I have lost a total of 81 lbs all together. :)

March 3, 2004 ~ I have not updated here in awhile. I've just been carried away with life. Good things of course. My bestest friend came in from New York a couple weeks ago. We had such a good time. I've got pics that he needs to post on my website. We went clubbin, and all kinds of stuff. I miss him so much. It was hard to see him go at the airport the morning I took him back. Ya know, we were out at this club one night and we were dancing. I was wearing this really cute revealing dress that showed off the girls (by the way they HAVE NOT shrunk). He says to me, "do you ever get the feeling people are just staring at you" I said to him, "No", He then tells me "Look around". Needless to say I did, and all eyes were on me. It felt really wierd. It was nice at the same time though. Today is official weigh day, and I'm trying not to get bummed cause it's just been one week but.......... I've hit a plateau. No loss for last week. I know I know, my body has to catch up with the weight loss. I guess it's just getting to that six month time and I'm getting scared. I do go see a plastic surgeon this Saturday in Houston, Dr. LoMonaco. I'm excited to see what the plastics man has to say. So reporting in I'm on my first plateau, down 75 lbs since surgery, but down 96 since my journey. And I'm complaining about plateau, what's wrong with me LOL. Oh Oh, I forgot to say, I did go shopping the other night only cause I had to. I don't have ANY clothes for the spring/summer months. I bought a pair of jeans that are a size 10 tha I CAN pull them up zip and button. They are a little tight and I won't be wearing them in public, but hey I was able to button them without a struggle. Hmph how wonderful is that ? Ok, I've got to get to work now. Tootles =)

March 10, 2004 ~ well damn skippy, my plateau didn't last long =)I weighed in today, and it budged 2 lbs. I'm so happy for that, my body just needed to shift around for a week. Last weekend I joined some of the OH members down in Houston/Galveston area, had a really great time ! I also had a consult with Dr. LoMonaco the plastics man. I can't go on enough about him. I so think he's the greatest and I have such a high confidence level in him. The consultation was lots of fun. We looked into me having an arm lift, thigh lift, tummy tuck, butt lift, and lipo on the abdomen hips and back. I'm excited :) he said the apron weighed about 12 lbs. I was like wow, so in that case I'm not that far from my goal, ya know ?

April 6, 2004 ~ It's been awhile since I updated. Things are going well with the weight loss. I really don't have very much further to go. Jill, the patient coordinator from Dr. LoMonaco's office gave me the bad news that my insurance will not cover my plastics :( oh well. I guess there are other options. I'm waiting on my lawsuit money or just might try and finance it. I'm not too terribly upset, but I WILL have my plastics done one of these days LOL...

June 3, 2004 ~ Time flies when you're losing weight that's for sure. Well my 9 months is creeping around the corner. I'm battling these last 17 lbs. I've decided to track my food on fitday.com. I'm not sure if I need to intake more calories or what, but nothing is budging. Me, yes me... I've upped my water. I'm getting my 64 oz. of water in a day. I didn't yesterday, but the last week I have done extremely well. I have also gotten in exercise at least 3 times a week. I've been doing Pilates and walking on the treadmill. My eating habits. I found myself grazing like a freakin chipmunk yesterday, WHAT IS UP WITH THAT. I quickly stopped that today !! I put myself back on track to nothing but proteins and hardly no carbs. Today I've done well with food. I've had cottage cheese and peaches for breakfast, morning snack was half of a protein bar (can only eat half), lunch I had a boiled egg some cheese and a small portion of beef steak, for my afternoon snack I had some yogurt. I'm doing good today. I'm so wanting to lose this weight and make goal. I still can't believe 9 months is around the corner. This time last year I was waiting for all this to happen. I'm going to say WOW one more time LOL... I gotta get
to work..

June 17, 2004 ~ I went for blood work at Dr. Ihde's office last week, and got results found out that my Iron is low. He told me to take some Iron supplements. Also as well as my iron, I've got an elevated white blood cell count soooooooo he had me come in for more blood work and some chest x-rays. I'm waiting on the results of that now. Hopefully I'll hear something tomorrow. I'm still having a hard time getting my water in. I've made myself get back on my vitamins and my tums (been taking them pretty religiously). Something I was happy about today was I got dressed up for work and decided to wear my cute pink outfit. It is a size 11 Juniors. I haven't been able to button it in the front, but this morning was able to do so. My body must be doing some major adjusting. My weight is kinda trickeling now, but things are getting looser darn plateau's. OH, I also got a letter in the mail from my wonderful plastic surgeon Dr. LoMonaco (I just love this man). What it was was my quote for my plastics, it's not a pretty amount BUT it could be worse. The quote I got was for a full body lift (which includes abdominoplasty, butt lift, thigh lift, and liposuction in all areas) and my arm lift. The total cost with surgeon fees to O.R. fees the damage comes to $17,380.00. NICE HUH ?? LOL.. It could be worse. I'm glad for my mother helping me finance and pay for some of it though. Next weekend is the get-together in Houston at Clearlake for a picnic. Ray and I are flying down Friday night and staying at the Hyatt downtown Houston. I'm so excited, I'm sooooooooooo ready for a road trip. Anyways, I'm getting off here for now gotta get ready for bed.

August 25, 2004 ~ Ok, a lot has gone on since I've last written. My Iron level is all back up and I'm no longer tired as can be anymore. However, I've come across some blood pressure problems unfortunately which has all risen from emotional stress from Ray, which I will get into in just a sec. As far as my financing for surgery, I didn't get approved for any of the loans. Good news though :) my Daddy talked to my Uncle and told him about my horrible skin, and my Uncle said that once my car is paid off (October 17 of this year) he's going to take me to get a loan for the plastics. I've come across something with my body that just makes me so unhappy. I HAVE SHRIVELED UP GRAPE LOOKING TUBE SOCKS.. I emailed Dr. LoMonaco (have i said lately how much I just love this man ?)today about the whole situation and he said definately have to give the girls a lift with some implants. I used to be all leary about it before, but I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO for it now. I can't tell you how disgusted and gross my girls are now. YUCK is all I can say. So, needless to say the price is going to go up just a tad bit, but I'm ready for perky girls !

OK, back to my high blood pressure. After the great weekend I had in Houston with my so called sweetie (I thought that's what he was, for those of you don't know who he is he's in my pics i believe in the 9 month and Clearlake picnic photos, we looked good together) things shortly began to go down hill from there. I really cared a lot for Ray, still do. My emotional stress has elevated my blood pressure which I am back on some blood pressure pills again. I'm hoping the numbers will go back to normal once I get myself all back in tact again. Things for sure ended on Monday, with a couple of exchanged emails he basically said he was done and couldn't offer me anything I wanted besides friends. I'm very distraught over this, and wish things could be different, but what can I do. Tell myself he's missing out and that I deserve better. Gosh but the sex was so good, that I will miss so freakin much LOL...and of course I will miss the time we spent together. Oh well, there's more men out there, but darnit he's what I wanted. Ok Ok Ok enough about Ray, can't you tell I miss him ?

I'm going to get me some NEW GIRLSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS !!

October 16, 2004 ~ I've not updated in so long. In this time so much has happened. First of all my rebirth has passed me. I can't begin to say how fast this first year went by and man do I feel great ! I've gone down from a size 22/24 at 265 to 6/8's at 143 lbs. How great is that ? Pretty freakin awesome if you tell me. Secondly, I've had my second consultation with Dr. L and man do I think the world of that man. I can't reccommend enough to anyone that is seeking plastics. He's so personable and just absolutely wonderful. I went for my second consult last weekend for the girls. I'm going to be getting the breast lift with silicone gel implants. I'm so excited Dr. L can do all of my stuff that I need to get done all in one surgery. Isn't that awesome. And last, well things with Ray and I are completely over. I'm having a hard time with things, mainly cause I have no outlet and I don't know how to cope. It was so much easier coping with things you'd just run to the food, the ciggerette or the alcohol. Granted yes I could go back to smoking, but come on now it's been over a year and a half since I've done that and I just don't want to stink. YUCK, it smells so bad (sorry smokers, but it really does) that is the only reason that I will not go back to smoking. I'm going to go to a counsilor to talk about what's going on, cause I'm severely depressed right now cause things with Ray have ended very bitterly and the things he said to me just really hurt. He called me a selfish, stuck up, B*****. It's all cause I have confidence now, and he can't control me. Amongst other things, in his eyes I did everything wrong. If I was to breath in some way he didn't like it I'm sure it would have been wrong to him as well. I know I deserve better, someone that more or less doesn't know what I was like as a big girl. OH OH OH, that was another thing he said he said he wished I was still fat that he liked me better that way. Talk about crush me into pieces. I even doubted having surgery. I questioned myself thinking did I do the right thing. I do have more confidence in myself now, but at times I think to myself should I really be this way. It's really hard to deal with these emotional problems when you have no outlet. I'm trying to get better, but it is so difficult. I've never once in my life been told by someone they don't like everything I do. I know I am better off. It just hurts that's all.

December 1, 2004 ~ I've not updated in awhile. I've buried myself in work. I started counseling, which I have my second session next week. So far I'm doing ok. I don't know if this is the right thing to do but I have made friends with Ray and actually took him out to dinner for his birthday the other night. All is better in that part of my life, well somewhat. My weightloss seems to be leveled off. I'm not sure if I'm done losing or not. I have been so bad. I need to get more water in my diet. It's like what the heck is water. I just have never liked water. I've been trying my hardest, but I guess not hard enough.

January 13, 2005 ~ HAPPY NEW YEARS !!!!! I hope everyone's New Years was great and wishes that we stick to our healthy ways of eating, lots of exercise, and taking vitamins. I've started off quite well with my resolutions, my main one is the drinking of water for me which is still going. I'm at least getting in my 64 oz of water a day, taking my chewable flinstones, and most of all woohooo I have been getting my butt in the gym at least 3 days a week. I had a WLS moment the first time I worked out. I decided to get on the treadmill. Instead of walking, I ran and ya know what ?!?.... I ran 1.4 miles. Never ever in my life have I ran for more than around the corner or just some sudden impulse like a spider was chasing me or something. But yes I RAN 1.4 miles. Doesn't that just rock ? In the midst of working out I thought that my water weight would start to go down, well unfortunately it hasn't. Wow, I have so much to update on. I've got some wonderful news I have a date for my plastic surgery. I will be having my arm lift, breast lift with implants, full body lift (tummy tuck, butt lift, thigh lift, and lipo) in Houston with that wonderful body sculpting artist, DR. John LoMonaco on February 25th. I'm so very excited I can't stand it. I'm about to get rid of this excess skin that is just causing me such depression, bad enough that I can't even stand looking at myself naked. That's just so bad. Me no likey. Well the final damage for my body sculpting is $24,815.00 . Ouch yes I know, but hey I won't have the body of that Gremlin anymore that's for sure. Give me that body of a Benz, HA !! LOL...

February 15, 2005 ~ 10 more days and boy oh boy am I counting WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO !!!!!!! Tomorrow I go in for my pre-op appointment to go see Dr. L. I finally get to meet Jill, my patient coordinator that I have been working with. She has been so patient with me and all the questions and emails. I appreciate his office staff very much.

February 22, 2005 ~ Hi you guys, a lot has happened in the last week. I went down to Houston on the 16th for my pre-op appointment. I was given my binder to wear and signed the countless number of forms for my surgery. I finally got to meet my patient coordinator Jill, she is such a sweetheart and just awesome I'm glad she's there to help with my needs with my questions and such. We were going over my paperwork and the cost and we got to my implants. Goofy me didn't pay attention when the fax came over to me for a price quote. I had been quoted for saline and not silicone. The silicone is a little bit more in price which is another 865.00 more. Unfortunately, at the time the loan I had was for 24,815.00. Dr. L and I talked about it, but I was just so set on the silicone and the naturalness of the implants. He said for me that it would not be that much of a big deal since I do have lots of breast tissue but he said that there IS a difference between the saline and the silicone. I was so puzzeled what to do with my situation. On the way back from Houston I was thinking out loud and to my mom. See my arms aren't that bad, they actually can wait but wow it would be nice just to get everything done. The conclusion and decision that I came up to was to not have my arms done and to wait on them and go with the Silicone. I didn't want something in my body that will be there for a long long time and not be happy with it. I really really wanted the naturalness of the silicone. The next morning I called Dr. L's office and he answered the phone. I had to call to speak to Jill about my decision and also get a diagnosis code for the lab work they wanted from me. Jill was not there so I talked to Dr. L, what Dr do you know answers his phone. He's just awesome I love that man. I'm not sure if he calls his other patients Princess but that's what he calls me and absolutely love it. The next day I got some horrible news, my Daddy calls me and asks me if I'm sitting down. The first thing I could think of was something was wrong with him health wise. He said he had some bad news and that the lender from my loan that had been approved had cancelled the loan. I was so silent I did not know what to do. You know you get your hopes up for something and expect things to happen and all of a sudden it's just taken from you. Of course, when my Dad calls me I'm at work. I start kinda freakin out. I couldn't stop crying it was horrible. My boss came to my desk and couldn't believe what was happening. She suggested my Uncle doing a second mortgage, but he owns his home she rattled all kinds of things off. I was so bad with the tears, and working at a call center I couldn't get back on the phone. So she sent me home, I went home and applied for several loans some ok'd amounts of 5k and 9k but not the full amount. Dr L offered me financing of 5k with 16 month repayment. I was so stressed out beyond belief. However, a solution has arrived and all is SO much better now. My Uncle was able to to contact his financial advisor and was able to get me some funds through his Annuity. However the thing is that, I had to delay my surgery cause he won't be able to get the funds for another 10 days. Soooooooooooooooooooo, my sugery has been bumped up to March 18th. So that's where I stand now, relieved but anxious for the days to go by now.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~And the Plastics begin ;)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

April 10, 2005 ~ Hi you all, It's a long over due update, but here I am. It is 4:24 in the middle of the night and I SO can NOT sleep. I'm having pouch rumble problems he's talking a lot right now and bothering me. So here I am, no one is posting cause what normal person is usually up. Well we know I'm using chunking papers as this time of night LOL. Ok Ok Ok, update on the plastics. YES I had them done. I got to Houston on Good Ol' St Pattie's day went to my Pre Op appointment with Dr. L and got all my markings done. I also gave my money to Dr. L, his portion was $19,400.00. And the last thing I had to do was sign some paperwork for Jill for the silicone breasticles :). I after that went to the hospital to give them the remaining share of the $26,000.00 that I had. The hospital preadmitting was so kind. I tell you what though when anyone found out who my plastic surgeon was. ALL of them said stuff like "Oh my gosh you chose the right Doctor" or "Oh my gosh you are going to have the perfect body he's such a body sculptor" hearing those things I could NOT wait to have his hands cut me up and start his art work. During my preadmissions I did have to meet with a nurse so she could get my health history from me, and she was a Filipina nurse (I am 1/4th Filipina). She was curious to sk me why at such a young age I was choosing to do the body lift if I didn't mind answering. Of course I didn't mind answering cause it was due to WLS. I told her I had lost 124 pounds to WLS. She was in shock and said "REALLY"?????? She could not believe it, I showed her my before and after drivers licenses that I had. She had to pull in another Filipina nurse in and show her. They were very proud of my accomplishments and that also made me feel so good. I like to hear things like that, ya know?

The evening, my PS Angel, Mrs. Linda J. came and picked my Momma and I up at our Hotel downtown Houston. We met up with Cheryl N. at the Spaghetti Wharehouse and had some Yummy Italian. They have some good Italian food I like their wedding soup. That actually sounds very good right now, I'm hungry. Anyways, after dinner Linda brought us back to the hotel. I was ready to go to sleep and get my morning going. I had to be at the hospital at 6:30 in the morning.

... 6:30 in the morning. I was at the hospital, with a back pack with some goods (Doo rag, chap stick, toothbrush, toothpaste, that kinda stuff) and with my Momma. I couldn't have done this without my Mom. She's the best !! Thanks Mom !! Dr. L came in while I was in the bed waiting to be rolled into the OR room. He finished my markings on my arms. I had a funny as hell Anesthesiologist. I can't remember his name at the moment, he was an older Hispanic man. He was so funny. I was told that Dr. L likes this particular spot in this area of the hospital. Even if there were spots available for me to be in a bed up front they said I would be all the way in the back by myself. The lady didn't know why either. It was time for me to be rolled back. All I can remember was it being so freakin cold in there and wondering how they work in those conditions cause It was like blizzard cold in there. I'm so not kidding. They had me stopped there and put the monitor stickers on me (i think) LOL, kinda vague with me at this point I mean it is after surgery now. And the very last thing I remember is that funny Anesthesiologist of mine telling me he was giving me my Margarita. Margarita all right, it knocked me out for over 8 hours LOL. When I awoke, of course when you come out of the anesthesia you start to hear voices before you actually open your eyes. Well I do, I don't know about anyone else. I heard the nurses in ICU talking about how pretty I was and how pretty and VERY YOUNG my mom looks. I'm not gonna expose my Mom's age here cause I sure did in the ICU LOL.. that was the first thing I had said when I was able to. After they said, have you seen her Mom she looks so young.. I belted out and just yelled, "I bet you can believe shes &$@@!**&^" They were like, you're kidding and sounding drunk of course off of that damn good Margarita I was like "NOPE" LOL... I got wheeled to my room (which I don't remember) I actually don't remember waking up in my room. I do remember pushing the button and saying I hurt I need some pain medication. I want you to know the nurses at Twelve Oaks hospital on Twelve Oaks drive in Houston are just wonderful. My favorite Nurse I had was Phyllis everytime she came and checked on me when she was there in the mornings, she would tell me what a beautiful hour glass figure I would have. That I had THE BEST surgeon for body contouring. Even though I had already loved Dr. L already and had total confidence in him cause of his personal level and beside manner. He just topped it off even more. Dr. L if you are reading this, I absolutely think the world of you and can't tell you how much I appreciate the body you have given me. I'm so glad that I chose you for my plastic surgeon. I love you man ! LOL Ok, back on track....... The nurses and nurses aids at Twelve oaks were awesome and even the people that brought the meals. When I paged for pain medication, they were there in less than 5 minutes I never had to wait and they were NEVER rude about it either. Even if I had like 20 minutes to go before my every 4 hours for medicaitons was up. They would be back in 20 minutes to give me pain meds without a problem. I had a catheter in the first night. It was ended up taken out. I tried to get up and walk the first night, but it was so impossible I took like 3 steps sat in the chair and said oh hell no. I got back into the bed, and early in the morning they put my catheter back in cause I mean come on now, he did cut me in half. I was glad to have Mr. Foley back in me. I sure needed that catheter. As for all of my procedures I didn't get to have one, which at this point in the hospital I was glad. I didn't get my arms done, cause he had run out of time. He also told me I gave him a good workout anyways. Like I said I was very glad, there was this trapeze type overhead set on my bed that had this handle for me to maneuver myself when I had to change positions. I was glad of that, I so needed my arms. As for pain, YES I'm not going to lie it was painful. I have a very high tolerance to pain and being cut in half and nipped and tucked like I did. WOW did I hurt. I was given morphine at first, but the morphine wasn't cutting it. Dr. L called me the first evening to check up on me surprisingly I was up and able to chit chat for about 20 minutes with him. See, he called to check up on me how great of a Dr. is that. He ended up changing the pain meds to Demerol. Wow, Demerol is nice sure liked the feeling of that stuff. However, we did figure out that the IV injected medications were wearing off on me too fast so we switched me to Vicodin. The Vicodin every 4 hours helped, but it got to the point where it was 2 tabs of the Vicodin every 3 hours. I was highly dosed up on antibiotics too. I'm sure you're wondering "has she looked at her body yet?" LOL, why yes dear's I have LOL... When the nurse came in to check my incisions and to check to see if my girdle was too tight I was able to take a gander at my oh so flat tummy and cute new belly button, and guess what my poofy coochie was GONE. It is flat, I mean flat and actually rather cute if you ask me LOL.. yes I know I am crazy, but as Cheryl N. says that's why she loves me. My breasticles, wow... oh so pretty, the silicone rocks I'm telling you. It's completely natural looking. And I absolutely positively love the shape I do I do I do. I love my big boobies LOL... I was so happy that he did do me with 350cc's. And the girls are lifted they be perky. I have me some perky titties, or as some of the men that I know call them.. fun bags LOL. You know, off the subject here with men and the fun bags. I have had so many people ask me about touching and seeing my breasts after surgery. My cousin asked me the other day about if I was going to have a boob showing party. I said as a joke that I should have a boob, wine, and cheese party. I'm seriously thinking about it now with as many people that want to see them. I'm going to have to make so many bathroom trips with people that I might as well get it over all at one time, seriously. It's amazing, and I'm getting asked also, can I see your body naked, and the reasoning... I've never seen someone that has had plastic surgery done. It's not just men asking me this either, strange huh?!? Ok, back on track. I should have updated this a long time ago cause this is a hell of an update. I'm glad I can remember this. Ok, so I stayed 3 nights and 4 days in the hospital. Dr. L came and checked up on me everyday while I was there. My wonderful Angel, Linda came and saw me on Sunday cause Obesity survivors website hosted by Michelle Pense had a seminar held by Dr. L talking about skin removal and such. While that was going on Linda came up and saw me, and you know she brought me the cutes gift. She got me this gold butterfly type ornament thing where the butterfly is in a heart. Thanks Linda I am looking at it now, am so glad to have a friend like you in my life. Love ya !! I got to go home on Tuesday. I checked into my hotel. I had a funny little experience showing up at the hotel. I got there kinda early, cause I was realeased from the hospital around noon. My mom and I went to Randall's and got some stuff for the hotel and for dinner since I got one of those suites so she could cook some dinner. Anyways, got to the hotel around 1ish. Check in was at 3, and the earliest was 2 the desk clerk said. I said ok I'll wait right here in the chairs cause I was in no shape to go anywhere. The manager of the hotel was there in the lobby and asked him why I was just sitting there she just had surgery cause that's what I told the desk clerk. The manager came up to me and said he apologized and that the room will be ready for me shortly. The man kept staring at me though. He came up to me to get my credit card and such to run through the computer, and he was being nosey and asked what kind of surgery I had. I told him the whole story of the WLS, and I tell you if I wasn't in pain I bet that man would have asked me out to dinner that evening. He catered to me like you wouldn't believe. I honestly feel that he wouldn't have been the same way if I was a big girl. I also needed a late check out cause I had to wait for my Dad to come fromt the airport we didn't leave until after 3pm. You know he did not charge me any extra fees for staying that late. I stayed at the Extended Stay right by the Galleria off of 59. For any of you traveling, it's actually a good place to stay. It worked perfect for my mother and I. It was less than a mile away from the hospital which was good for my mother cause she doesn't do well with driving in unfamiliar territory.

*****************Ok, time for a break in update it is 5:36 in the morning and I haven't slept yet************ will update again later, I promise :)

Ok, break is up.. ha ha ha it is now 9:58 Sunday evening, long break huh? My dad flew in the next morning on Southwest to drive us back up to Fort Worth. He got to the airport, and instead of taking a cab over due to the traffic the fee would have been over $50. So he found an airport shuttle that would take him to the hotel for $24. Do not take a Taxi if you are going to the Montrose area/Galleria and don't feel like paying $50 and not doing the rental car thing. He got to the hotel, I was glad to see my Daddy. He's been so supportive of me with both of my surgeries, well as well as my Mom of course. He was amazed at looking at my stomach how flat it was. He however had to make my sore ass laugh by calling me the old lady since I was all crouched over like I had osteoporosis or something LOL... The drive back was ULTIMATE HELL. I love my Daddy, but he's no NASCAR driver that's for sure. Normally it takes me almost 4 hours- like 3 hours and some minutes to get to Houston. It took us 6 freakin hours. We did have to stop and get some food for him, and my Momma and Daddy had to stop at Walmart to get me like 6 more pillows. I was rackin up a feaver from the movin around, AC fluctuating. My Daddy is a smoker and well we had to make stops for him to smoke, since he does not smoke in the car with me cause I have formed this breathing allergic problem to smoke now. It's wierd. Anyways, it took 6 hours to get home. I was so excited to see the Dallas/Fort Worth City horizon in the distance. I knew when I saw Downtown Dallas I had like 35 minutes to go and I was home free ready for the couch. As soon as we got home, I checked my temperature cause I just knew that I had a fever. I was right, it was like 101. I popped some tylenol to see if that would budge it. The cause of the fever was because of the temperature change from Houston to Dallas, as well as the air condition in the car was nonstop polar. I was bundeled up in the back of the explorer of my moms.

***another break time, gotta lay down pouch problems*** sorry you guys, it's getting updated slowly but surely :)

HA, weeks later LOL... Today is Cinco De Mayo, Ok.. so gonna begin where I left off...................

The rest of the weeks went good, well with the exception of my pain issues. I still hurt to this day. I went and had an appointment with Dr. L and he's happy with the results of my healing. Which Jill my patient coordinator came down to see my results since the other girl (at this moment I can't remember her name :( )) mentioned to her that I didn't have any bruises or redness. I'm happy with my healing as well. The only problems I've had is the dark pigment on my skin where he did the tummy tuck. Since I had that allergic reaction, it turned my skin real dark. My most recent appointment he gave me some skin lightening cream which is doing very well.

November 16, 2005 ~

Hi you guys, what can you say you get a hot body and a fine ass boyfriend and you fall of the face of the earth right? Not supposed to happen I know. However, that's what happened. I met my boyfriend now of soon to be 8 months back in May. He means the world to me and I love him so much. He's a lot younger than I, 10 years younger that is. I absolutely love it though, he's so hot and just so yummy. The sex is never dull, and just about daily. OH YES just about Daily, and does he love the twins :) I met Nathan from a yahoo chat room, after the first time we met we were pretty much inseperable. We now live together, and have two furbabies LOL...(which are just darling :) ok ok, so update on me besides the man. Can't help it when you are in love you're in love right? I am now at goal weight at 135 lbs, and also 8 months post op plastics. I can wear size 3's but I put those size 3 jeans on a few weeks ago and well having to wear a belt to keep them on. YES, size 3's are too big. I must say that I have not been exercising like I should. Which that is about to change. As some of you know I lost my long time job of 5 1/2 years back in July and really haven't found a steady job yet. Today I started working with FedEx but honestly it doesn't feel like it's my calling to work with the company. Needless to say I'm a bit bored with it already just on the first day of orientation. I have a couple of job leads that I am very interested in that I have a couple of second interviews with on Friday. I'm praying for sure. I mean don't get me wrong FedEx has awesome bene's but I dunno it's wierd I don't feel like I belong there. Anyways, back to the excercise thing. I am about to start working hard on getting all in shape and such. One day my boyfriend looked up the qualifications for becoming a Fort Worth Cop, yes ladies and gents a cop. I'm so physically fit, and I could qualify for that academy like you wouldn't believe. YES, I have signed up to get my but in line for the police adademy. I haven't told my boyfriend yet, I know he was supposed to sign up but I just kinda did it. I also applied for firefigher school. Cool huh? Well, I just wanted to drop in and add a few into what is going on with me. I miss you guys unbelievable. I NEED to go to a support group or two just to see everyone and such. I hope everyone is well and congrats to all the new losers out there ! Love you mean it to all, miss you all !!

November 21, 2005~ Hi you all, well had a moment a little bit ago which I hadn't had in a long time. It wasn't a good "moment" unfortunately it was one of those going back to the fat days feelings. My boyfriend was chatting with one of the girls I guess you can say that he dated and he showed me a picture of her. She is really pretty, and I sat there and for some reason that whole mental thing came out again where I felt that I wasn't good enough. Once you think the fat thinking is basically gone, it's there to haunt you all over again. I had to think to myself and was like I'm not the fatty anymore, I AM not that ugly person I used to think I was. Anyways, I guess that is about it had to let something out. I had no one to really talk to at the moment that would understand but well, this will do for now :)

March 04, 2006~ Hellos! I've been lurking a lot lately. I have had access to a computer. Just really haven't posted though. An update on me, well I am still maintaining fluctuating from 135 to 140. I am having some issues with eating that I need to get under control again. I am actually glad that lent is here. I gave up beef for lent so I've been eating chicken and fish. I've so gone to just eating normally with portion control. I'm not sure if I changed back to the other if I'll start losing again. I really don't want to though, losing weight that is. I'm happy where I'm at. I need more plastics, actually want more than anything. Ok, well I am of here have just a few minutes left here at the internet cafe. I miss you guys and hopefully I'll be at the gtg on the 18th.

About Me

Before & After
rollover to see after photo

October 2002 ~ me at my highest weight, that poor poor indian thank goodness he's not real.

265lbs

3 1/2 years post-op, 2 years post-op reconstructive surgery, size 0-3

129lbs

Friends 46