Jandell

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Just as we were leaving the house to attend an info seminar at The New Program, a nurse from Pacificare grievance board called the house to talk to me about my appeals letter, amazing, she felt I had a very good chance of getting a consult based on my BMI, they'd be in touch.
Off we went to Newport Beach (about 45mins-1 hour away) loved meeting the staff ( Heather is so sweet!) and Dr Q seemed very nice, and very knowledgeable. Loved the fact that they have a ZERO mortality rate and a very low percentage of problems after surgery! Also was very happy with the fact that Dr Q is an expert in lap surgery. Sounds like the Dr I've been looking for.

April 26, 2006
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We were just informed that hubbies insurance was changing as of May 1st. They would cover any employee 100% for PPO, and to add me would be less than $50.00 a month!  Guess what?  Screw Pacificare, I dropping my insurance and changing to hubbies!

May 1, 2006
~~~~~~~~

Insurance changed today to Blue Cross PPO, they cover bariatric surgery 100% depending on your BMI and I'm up there for sure!

May 30, 2006
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Attended an education seminar, which is required by Dr. Q, learned all about the different types of surgeries and asked all sorts of questions.  Picked RNY as the surgery of choice for me, since I have such a sweet tooth, and I'll be more likely to stop eating sweets because of the dumping. Also got orders for the tests they wanted before surgery.  I have to have an EKG, Echocardiogram, bone density test and ultra sound of my abdomen and liver, not to mention all the blood tests.

May 31, 2006
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Went first thing this morning to have my blood tests done.  They took 8 vials of blood, they seemed a bit confused about some of the tests they wanted run, and had to go look them up as how to mark the vials.  Took about 45 min. all together.

June 6, 2006
~~~~~~~~

Decided to take the day off and get all my tests done at once.  My first test was the ultrasound, not bad, in fact it went very fast.  Luckily the hospital I was having all the tests done at is just down the street from our house, so in between tests I could go home and do things around the house.  Next was the bone density test.  I had no idea what to expect, but basically you lie down on a table, they prop your legs up and then a machine runs over your bottom half. Then you sit up and they scan one arm. That's it, very easy. Last tests of the day were the EKG and Eco. I had a female tech that was very little and she had to push very hard to get through my fat layers. At the very end she ripped off one of the heart monitors and gave me a nice bruise on my chest!  OUCH! Other than that it was fine.

June 14, 2006
~~~~~~~~~

Had my psych and Dr appointment, hubby went with me, neither were bad.  The psych made me cry a bit, but then I seem to cry at just about anything these days. All he asked me was if I had a good support group ... I started bawling!  Everyone is so excited and so supportive of this, I'm so lucky.  Hubby is of course the most excited, he'll be sleeping with a new woman!
I was weighed for the first time in ages today, I weighed in at 374, highest I've ever been.  It wasn't really a shock a few months before my Mom had been in the hospital and I snuck on a scale when no one was looking, I was 370 then, and that's when I was shocked! They also took my before picture ... ouch!
Had to drink some really sour stuff to test for a kind of parasite that causes ulcers.  I asked what would happen if they found any, and was told they make you take something like 5 different antibiotics to get rid of it.  Hubby and I both later laughed about it because when the nurse told us that we both that "Wow, nasty yeast infection time!"
Met with Dr Quebbemann or Dr Q as everyone seems to call him. Really liked him a lot.  He answered all our questions, and took lots of time with us.  He told me I really had to make sure to follow the 2 week pre-op liquid diet because he was sure I'd have a large liver.
Met with the surgery coordinator and got my surgery date!  July 17, 2006!  Wow that's not long at all.

June 26, 2006
~~~~~~~~~

Three weeks until surgery!

Decided to start a modified liquid diet, so next Monday won't be such a shock.  I'm drinking protein drinks for breakfast and lunch and eating dinner with hubby. The drinks really aren't that bad, and they fill me up.  I'm snacking on carrots and drinking tons of water and diet non-carbonated drinks, no more soda.  Love Lipton diet Green Tea in bottles.  Crystal light Fruit punch is another favorite of mine.

Got a call from Nicole at The New Program ... everything is a go!  Then when I got home from work I saw an approval letter in the mail from Bluecross for the hospital stay and surgery!  It's really happening!

July 3, 2006
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2 weeks until surgery!
Started my liquid diet today, I'm really excited about all of this and feel so positive. I've found the ISOpure premade drinks to taste pretty good, So I'm planning to drink at least one a day instead of the protein shakes.  I've had a bit harder time drinking those down, don't know what it is about them, think it's more my mind set than anything.

I completed my pre-admit over the phone this morning with the nurse.  Looks as though my surgery time was changed a bit. So now we have to be there at 10:30 AM on the 17th.

July 5, 2006
~~~~~~~~

Wow, I made it through the 4th!  I can't believe it but I actually heard my stomach grumble and growl last night, then again this morning ... it's been years since I've heard that!  I tried to keep very busy yesterday cleaning the junk room (our extra bedroom) and getting it ready for the arrival of my new treadmill!  It's being delivered on Saturday!  I also bought a scale, something I haven't had around in years. We went swimming in the afternoon, and then hubby's Mom cooked dinner for him. She was really sweet and fixed some veggies for me, so I could eat something.  My FIL was very incouraging too, said lots of nice things. I'll get through this, I keep telling myself I've lived to eat for 45 years, now it's time for a big change!

July 6, 2006
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I had a major meltdown last night, I cried and cried and cried. I guess in a way I'm mourning.  I can't believe I am so addicted to food! This liquid diet is kicking my butt.  Hubby was wonderful hugged me and listened to everything I had to say, then told me no matter what he would always love me.

Feeling much better today!  Had my pre-op appointment with Dr. Siegfried who is a Bariatric Internist, she was very sweet, went over everything with me. She told me that not only do I have osteoporosis but they found gallstones too.  During surgery they will take a look and see if my gallbladder needs to come out, if so out it comes.

Was able to meet Dee in person from this site, she's having surgery a week from today, and we've been emailing encouragement back and forth.  She was also very sweet and brought me all sorts of protein samples!  Thanks a bunch Dee, your always in my prayers!

Oh, and I've lost 6lb this week!

July 21, 2006
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Here I am 4 days post-op, amazing it's all over!  I had the worst night ever last night with terrible gas pains right under my rib cage. It hurt like hell everytime I tried to breath.  I walked and walked and finally got rid of enough gas that I could lie down for a couple hours.

I guess I could explain all about surgery -   Monday we got to the hospital about 11:00 AM, surgery was scheduled for 1:00PM. They took me in and got me all ready, Boy do I hate IV's, they always hurt!  Then DR Q and his assistant came in and told me it would still be a couple hours there was an emergency that delayed them.
They would only let my family back one at a time until the room finally cleared out (HEPA laws). Then they said everyone needed to say good bye it was close to time, of course I still waited another hour and my family thought I was in surgery! 

The anesthesiologist was the best, he was the chief of staff actually, he had called me Sunday night to go over everything with me, and we talked about how I always get sick in the recovery room.  He made sure that didn't happen, in fact I can honestly say I never have even felt sick since having surgery. I did have an allergic reaction to an antibiotic they gave me before surgery, turned beet red, got a rash everywhere and was hot as could be. They gave me Benadryl, wet washcloths and ice packs it went away slowly.

After surgery I remember waking up in recovery, then next thing I know I was in my room and my family was waiting. Within 30 minutes of getting back to my room I told my husband I needed to go to the bathroom. The nurse came and helped me, then hubby and I started walking the halls. I hate the feeling of anesthesia, and knew the quicker I got moving the faster it would go away. I ended up walking off and on until about 9:30PM when they finally settled me in bed and went home.

Around midnight a nurse came in and we walked some more, I kept getting the morphine shots whenever they'd give them to me, but they never made me sleepy.

Tuesday morning I had to go have an upper GI, wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be.  I was so darn thirsty I didn't mind drinking that stuff ... LOL!  More walking and waiting for the DR to show up. About 2:00 they gave me a morphine shot for the 50 mile ride home and I was released!  Boy, did it feel good to go home.

July 26, 2006
~~~~~~~~~

Had my one week post-op appointment today, saw the PA.  He took out all my staples YEA! Told me I was doing very well, down 21lbs. The very best news is I no longer have any knee pain!  I can walk around like a normal person, and it's wonderful!
I was also giving the OK to come back to work starting today for half days. He reminded me I'd just had major abdominal surgery and needed to take it easy, but 4 hours a day would be a good start.
I saw a few people that had surgery the same day I did yesterday, it was fun seeing them. One of the ladies and I talked about how obsessed we are with food!  I watched food network all last week, and then Monday when I felt good I started cooking and baking, boy did I have fun!  Everyone was very surprised but very happy to eat once again. She told me she's constantly trying to feed people, and have them eat in front of her ... me too!

August 1, 2006
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Today is the first day I'm supposed to eat pureed and soft foods, but after 4 weeks on a liquid diet I just couldn't help myself and started eating things this past weekend, a few days early!  I started off with a spoonful of cottage cheese and it was fine.  Last night we went out to dinner and I wanted fish, so I ordered a baked white fish, it came with mashed potatoes and gravy and green beans. I ate some tiny bites of the fish and had no problems, then I decided to try a bite of mashed potatoes ... what a mistake!  They must have stuck because the pain across my chest was so uncomfortable! It finally went away, and stupid me tries it again! Once isn't enough? No, I wanted to make sure, and then the pain hit again!  I now know mashed potatoes aren't for me! I had some very tiny bites of fish and a couple green beans and chewed very well and had no more pains. Live and learn!
I am happy to say that I'm now down 31lbs!  That's just amazing to me!

August 14, 2006
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Today I'm 4 weeks post-op and I got on the scale this morning and am down 40lb!

Decided at the very last minute on Friday to go visit friends at the river in Parker, Arizona. Hubby and his friend were going and as I was getting ready for work he said he wished I was going, I did too, so I stuffed some things in his bag grabbed my protein drinks, some string cheese and vitamins, and off we went. It was totally fun because I told them I wouldn't be coming out until October when it started cooling off, so boy were they surprised to see me.  Turned out to be a very relaxing weekend for me, and I loved it.  Had two bouts of getting sick ... first time I actually threw up too, but that was my own damn fault! I totally forgot to chew and swallowed what was a normal sized bite (before), the second I swallowed I knew it was too big a bite and boy did I suffer for the next 20 minutes, finally after walking and walking I threw up, and instantly felt much better.

Saturday night everyone decided they wanted to go to the local casino for the buffet dinner, I'm thinking that didn't make any sense for me to spend the money and not eat but a couple bites, but hubby and I talked and I didn't want to stop everyone from going for prime rib because of me, so we went and I picked (our friends ended up paying for everyone) ... not much at all to pick from but I had some minestrone soup, a couple small bites of crab salad, some veggies and then hubby and I shared a SF chocolate ice cream cup.  I couldn't resist the yummy looking prime rib, so took one bite and chewed and chewed, then spit it out, then later I had one more little one and did the same but swallowed it instead, boy was it tender, juicy and yummy!

Sunday morning I was drinking my Unjury, and everyone else was eating eggs, sausage, hash browns and toast.  It didn't bother me to watch, but I did decide to try a bite of hubbies sausage ... what a mistake!  I started getting very sweaty, and feeling sick, not throw-up sick, but I was achy and my stomach hurt, it was miserable.  Someone asked if I felt OK and I asked why?  They said I was very pale, I finally admitted to everyone I didn't feel good and went to the bedroom to lie down. Luckily I fell asleep, and when hubby came in about 30 min. later I felt much better.  So I know now that mashed potatoes and sausage are two things I no longer foods I want to eat!

August 18, 2006
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Haven't been feeling very good all week, when I called the DR's office they gave me an appointment for today, we all suspect my gallbladder (in pre-op tests they found I have many stones).

Met with the PA and he didn't think it was my gallbladder, in fact he had the office staff call and get me in with the Gastroenterologist. They could see me in an hour so we went to have my bloods drawn then off to meet the new Doc.  He was wonderful!  A very patient man that at one point told me to slow down ( I talk very fast).  He examined me and then grabbed my hand and said lets go to my office.  Off we all went (hubby and my Mom were both there with me), he had us sit down and he called the hospital and said he needed time schedule to do a procedure that day.  Turns out I have a stricture, and that's what was making me feel so sick!

We went across the street to the hospital and I got to watch Mom and hubby eat lunch ... I wasn't hungry but I would have loved to have something to drink! Right after lunch I went and checked in, and was taking up to my room.  It took what seemed forever for this very sweet, caring nurse to get through all my paperwork, but after about an hour my family was brought in, and we chatted until they came to take me to the OR.  Once in there I about had a mini fit, they had the blood pressure cuff so tight on my arm I wanted to rip it off, and they kept telling me to breath through it, it would get better ... Bull Shit!   I finally screamed and the Anatheiologist came over and moved it to my forearm ... My upper arm three days later is almost all black and blue! 

I remember the Doctor walking in and someone putting something in my mouth to hold it open and then him asking if I was feeling anything, after that I was out!  30 minutes later I was back in the room and hubby and Mom were talking to me waking me up. The Doctor came in, gave us pictures and said the opening was 4mm and he dialated it to be about 10mm.  I will also have to go back in two weeks to have it done again.  After that I was able to potty, got dressed and go home, it was amazing how fast  it all happened.

August 21, 2006
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I feel like a new person, yesterday was the very best day since surgery!  I was able to get my protein in through food, and didn't have any problems eating, boy was that nice!  We went to breakfast for a sister-in-laws birthday and I ate a little cottage cheese and fresh fruit, of course everyone else was eating omelets and pancakes ... but it didn't bother me.

I'm waiting for the Doctor to call me back today (he's in the office this afternoon), since I'm so far away he said he'd call and talk to me instead of making me come back in if everything was going OK.

I'm so very glad we've found the problem and I just pray my gallbladder doesn't start acting up - I could use a break from more anethesia!

August 28, 2006
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Had a great week last week, felt like my old self just lighter! Saturday I wanted to be outside in the beautiful weather so we went down to the harbor with the In-laws, took an hour long cruise then had lunch in the fish market. Then we went home and swam. Nice day!

Went in for my 1 month post-op checkup today (it's actually been 6 weeks but the Doc was on vacation).  She has everything is looking very good, was very sorry to hear about my stricture and hopes Friday will be my last time in the hospital.

She said I'm doing very well, I've lost 16% of my excess body weight and 48lb. She OK'd me to eat anything I can tolerate, so Mom and I went to lunch before I went back to work and I got my first two bites of salad today, and boy did it taste good! We also shared a "light lunch" of roasted turkey and steamed broccoli, I brought the other half of my half to work for tomorrow's lunch.

One thing that surprised me was The Doctor doesn't want me to drink anymore protein drinks, wants me to get it all from food now. She said they've found that after 4 weeks your body starts to get lazy and it doesn't have to work to break down liquids so this slows your metabolism and you don't loose as fast. She said she'd much rather I eat a protein bar for a meal on the go, and she also said no peanut butter or nuts unless I'm totally craving them, way too much fat. She told us 2 tablespoons of PB a day will cause you to gain 5lb in a week!

I still have to go back to the hospital Friday for another endoscopy to see about my stricture, but this time it'll be a breeze sine I know what's going to happen.  Then we have a nice long weekend to look forward too!

September 5, 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back to work today, after a long Labor Day weekend, and I just wish I was back in bed!

Friday I had a endoscopy, the Dr dialated the stricture again, and says he thinks this will be the last time he has to do it. I felt wrecked afterward this time, I was sore under my chin, they said I coughed a lot during the procedure and I continued to cough that day.I had a different annathesiologist this time, and he was very sweet, I explained about my black arm and he said it wasn't a problem to put the BP cuff on my lower arm.  He did insist I have a pregnancy test before he would give me anesthesia, so we waited and waited for the results to come back from the lab ... negative of course, so the procedure went on.  I hadn't had anything to eat or drink since the night before and hubby promised to get me an ice tea before we left the hospital.  While I was getting dressed he went and got it, and made my day!  We left the hospital about 2:30 and it took nearly 3 hours to get home ... traffic was rotten, it had only taken us 40 mins to get there!

Saturday we got up and fixed a nice breakfast that I was able to keep down. Then basically I sat around all day becasue I had no energy. Sunday we took the dogs for a walk, came home fixed breakfast, then went to visit friends, we stopped over at the In-laws and went swimming and they took us out to dinner. I was in bed by 8:00 and out like a light I was so tired. Monday morning I got up and made breakfast then shortly after I was asleep again on the couch while my wonderful hubby did all the laundry. We did go swimming again that afternoon, but I think I used up all my energy in the pool, because once again when we came home I was drained.

The Dr told me having anesthesia 3 times in less than 7 weeks was going to make me feel tired. Yuck!

Great news is at 7 weeks post-op I'm down 56lb! Who would have ever thought? Certainly not me!

September 11, 2006
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I'm 8 weeks post-op today and down 60 pounds!  I just can't believe it. 

Last week I went through some major depression, I'm not sure why, I do know I was very tired of feeling sick after eating anything and everything, but that has gone away now.  I'm eating much slower and making sure I stop and put down my fork between bites. that seems to really help me slow down.

I don't want to jinx myself but everyone talks of how they are going through stalls and not loosing weight.  I haven't had those as of yet, the weight just seems to be melting away.  Of course I don't weight myself more than 2 times a week, unless I really need some encouragement.

This past weekend I decided I needed to send hubby away.  He's been so worried about me, that he needed a break.  So I called his old bandmates, and they had no plans for the weekend.  After I planned everything I told hubby, and at first he wasn't too thrilled with me.  Then one of the guys called and said they had a "Gig" at some bar Saturday night, so he got excited.  He left Saturday morning with friends for the 3 hour drive to the River to go play. when he got home last night he thanked me, and said he had a great time.  We're going out for a Halloween party in October, and he's excited about how much smaller I should be by then, he thinks everyone will be surprised!

While hubby was away I played!  Went to breakfast with 4 girlfriends Saturday morning. Then got invited to go to dinner with my brother and his family Saturday night.  Sunday my Mom took me shopping and bought a few new things for me, then we went to lunch.  I haven't eaten out that much in ages.  Luckily except for dinner I shared my meals. It was a fun weekend and I'm no longer depressed, Thank Goodness!

September 22, 2006
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I don't understand why I have to be one of the lucky ones with complications?

Wed. we sat at the hospital all day long while my MIL had an aortic aneurysm repaired. She did very well, had a few complications, but was sitting up eating and visiting with us today.

We ate lunch at the hospital, and I made very good choices, protein first then a few bites of veggies. This was about 11:30, then I felt sick all afternoon.

I went to water aerobics at 6:30PM, and really thought I was going to get sick while in the pool, luckily I didn't and my husband was there to drive home. As soon as I got in the house I started vomiting, at least 4 times, and each time there was bright red blood in it.

I called the DR, and he told me to get to the ER, of course we're an hour away from the hospital. We went and they ran some blood tests, told me I was going to be admitted, and that I was a bit dehydrated and low on potassium (most likely from vomiting). I had to take some nasty potassium pills, and finally got to my room about 2:00 AM.

DR came in at 7:00AM and told me I was going to have yet another endoscopy so he could see what was going on. Turns out I have hemorrhagic gastritis, he did a biopsy and we should find out what's causing it sometime next week.

I looked it up on the web and they say it's caused from NSAID's, motrin, advil and such or alcohol. I've had none of these since well before surgery two months ago. It's so darn frustrating. I'm doing everything I should be according to my DR, but still getting sick.

Even worse was the fact that I gained 3lbs while in the hospital eating nothing at all! I know it's from all the fluids, but darn it all!

September 25,2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Don't know if my Ice Tea addiction was the cause of my pouch irritation last week or not, but I have given it up and had no more pains.  I was drinking it all day long, in a weak state, but none the less it's almost all I drank during work.

I'm feeling better today, haven't gotten sick since last Wed. thank goodness.

I did manage to loose the 3 lbs. I gained during my hospital stay along with 2 more.  So that makes it a total of 67lb gone and today is 10 weeks post-op.

October 9, 2006
~~~~~~~~~~

I'm one of the happiest people on earth today!  I did it, I made it to twoterville!  I'm down 75lbs, and now weigh 299.  It's so exciting, I haven't been here in years!

Since my last hospital visit, I've been doing very well.  I stopped drinking ice tea, and I'm back to mostly water now.  I feel good and I haven't thrown up since before going in the hospital!  Now that's good news!

I've dropped 3 (almost 4) blouse sizes, and a couple pant sizes. It's been fun buying a few new things in smaller sizes. I had a nightshirt my MIL gave me a couple years ago for Christmas that was way too small, and this weekend I was able to wear it comfortably!  I'm so glad I saved some smaller clothes.

October 19, 2006
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I had my 3 month checkup today and hit the 80lb loss mark. My Dr said it's not as much the weight as it is the percentage of body fat you lose. I've now lost 28% of my excess body fat the normal range is anywhere between 22%-32%.

So for those of you thinking you haven't lost much weight, how much excess body fat have you lost? since we all start off at different weights that the only true comparison.

Also on a bad note, my blood work wasn't the greatest. The bad things have gotten much better, like bad cholesterol and such. I'm extremely low on calcium, and low on potassium and protein and I'm dehydrated.

So she wants me eating a whole banana or an orange every day, and I'm not to forget my vitamins (oops). Up the protein but again she said no more protein drinks. I told her it was impossible to get 60 grams of protein a day without drinking a shake and she said the amount of grams isn't important just eat more protein. Oh, and she wants me aiming for 100oz of fluid a day!

She also told me to aim for another 80lbs before my 6 month visit in January.


November 6, 2006
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Well here I am 3 1/2 months post op and down 91lbs as of today!  I would have never believed it could happen to me!  

When I was first reading profiles here I was amazed at the amount people lost, and now it's my turn!

I met with the surgeon on Friday and we've scheduled a date for surgery to remove my gall bladder.  They found that I had many stones before my WLS surgery but wouldn't do it at the same time.  Strange how every DR is different.

I will be taking a full two weeks off after this surgery, as the owner of the company I work for has granted me extra vacation time this year, because of the surgeries. Funny thing is the surgeon told me if the owner made me go on disability he'd put me out even longer. I think two weeks will be more than enough time.

Looks like this gets me out of hosting Thanksgiving dinner, I've handed that over to my MIL and SIL, they did request that I make the Pumpkin Pies thought ... so I'll do that the night before surgery. Little do they know they will be low fat and sugar free this year!  Everyone will be eating healthier!

November 17, 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I can't believe it but surgery was 4 months ago today.  I weighed this morning and am now down 96 lbs. That just amazes me, who would have ever guessed it would come off this fast?  Not me that's for sure.
This has been one of the roughest roads I've ever traveled, the first 3 months were pure hell, and I never thought I'd get better and move past the sick feelings I had.  I wondered almost daily why I had ever done this to myself, not the surgery, but why did I let myself go the way I did?  I thank God everyday for giving me wonderful surgeons to perform this surgery and give me the tool to start taking control of my life once again.
No matter how hard these last 4 months were I'd do it all over again to get to were I am today!
I'm once again loving life, and all the things it has to offer!

December 1, 2006
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OK, where do I start?  I had my gallbladder removed last week.  No biggy really, except for the fact I gained 8 pounds while in the hospital!  That combined with the pain meds. made me feel awful.  It took some time but it finally came off plus more, and the best news is ...

As of yesterday I have now lost 101 pounds!

It amazes me how the weight just seems to fall off.  This morning I got on the scale and am down another 2 pounds. 103 pounds gone forever, and in less than 5 months!  Wow!

I still don't do well with carbs, and figure that's all for the better. they sit like a lump in my little pouch when I do eat them, so for me it's much more comfortable not to even bother.  As of yet I have eaten little or no sugar either. I've decided that I don't want to push the limits and find that I can once again fall back into my old habits. I'm training myself to eat healthy, and I'm cooking so much better for everyone. My whole family has jumped on the weight loss bandwagon now!  It's nice not to be doing this alone, and they all seem to be enjoying the new recipes I fix, who cares if they are healthier, as long as they taste good is everyones reaction. 

December 26, 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I do believe this is the very first Holiday season in my life where I lost weight instead of gaining.  Amazing!

December is always a busy month in our household, we have 13 birthdays, and that means lots of dinners out, but this year was so much different from the rest, I wasn't consumed by the thoughts of food or what I was going to eat.  It was more like, oh gosh, I guess I have to eat don't I?

I'm 5 months out (as of the 17th) and as of today have now lost 112 lb. that means I'm half way to my goal.  I've dropped from a size 32-34 blouse to a 26 which is starting to get big.  Pants, I have no clue as to my current size, I just keep taking my favorite slacks to the tailor to take in. I was in a tight 28 before surgery.  I actually have some stretchy jeans in a size 30, that I continue to wear, only because I don't want to go buy any, but they are so big I'm constantly pulling them up and rolling the waist down.

I had a few moments of not feeling well this past week. Thursday we went to dinner for my Mom's birthday and DH and I shared a tri-tip dinner.  I knew before we left the restaurant that it wasn't going to stay down.  Then Christmas Eve I fixed a pork roast, which everyone loved ... except my pouch!  A few bites in and I stopped because I wasn't feeling well.  Everyone got worried because I turned white as a ghost, but it passed after about 20 min. and I started eating veggies, and felt much better.
 I don't understand what makes my pouch so picky? I can eat some really spicy chili, I do almost everyday for lunch, and I'm fine, then I try something else and get sick? That's the only part of all this I don't like.

I am thrilled to have lost as much as I have, and I can say I don't mind having to buy clothes in smaller sizes at all! In fact for Christmas my Mom gave me an IOU for a  clothes shopping spree with her, whenever I want!  I'm thinking just before vacation in April will be a good time!

January 8, 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~
Can't believe it's almost time for my 6 month checkup!  I went this morning to do all the blood tests, and they ended up taking 10 vials of blood.  Good thing it has never bothered me and I have good veins!

It was a rough weekend, I came down with what the DR called a nasty sinus infection, and he gave me antibiotics on Friday.  That night I felt like a bag of poo, I couldn't stop shivering, my temp was 101, and my back was killing me from all the shivering.  To top it off my Mom had been in the hospital with double pneumonia, and had had a bad reaction to the antibiotic they were giving her. She was now considered in critical care and I wasn't allowed to go visit because I was sick!

As of today I'm starting to feel better, Mom is doing better but they still say about another week until she comes home. 

I'm now down 119 pounds, this weekend while sick I pushed the fluids, also forced myself to eat more protein. Since my gallbladder surgery I've been averaging about 2-3 LB loss per week but this week it was 6 LB!  Just show's me everyone is right when they say up the water and protein and loose more!

January 17, 2007
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Six months ago today, WOW! It's so hard to believe that it's been six months. I'm now down 123 lb. and thrilled to have lost so much in such a short time.
My best friend and her family are hosting their annual Super Bowl Bash and when we were talking about it she told me, "Don't wear anything baggy, wear something tight fitting so everyone can see all the hard work you've done."  I thought that was so sweet, sorta like she wanted to show me off.
Last year I took tons of different desserts to the party, this year I asked if it was ok to bring chili (my favorite post-op food)... what a difference a year makes!

January 22, 2007
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Just got back from my 6 month checkup, and boy was the DR happy with me!  I got a glowing report. She told me almost everything is in the perfect range, except a couple of my "B's" so I have to start taking a B Complex vitamin.

I've now lost 49% of my excess weight and she says I'm loosing at the rate most men loose. My cholesterol was 158 and fasting blood sugar was 93, much lower than ever before. She even said to me "You aren't eating starches are you?"  Wow, did that surprise me. She could tell by one of my blood counts. She told me to keep doing what I'm doing because I'm doing a fine job.

I can honestly say I've never been happier in my life. Besides marrying my husband this was the very best thing I've ever done in my life, complications and all!!!

February 6, 2007
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As of today I've lost 129 pounds!

Had a very busy weekend, and learned some new things about myself in the process.

Saturday 3 of my girlfriends and I went to a baby shower for another friend, it's always fun when we get together, laughs all the time, and just generally fun. They served a brunch, and I wasn't sure what was in the casseroles, so skipped over them and just ate fruit. Than goodness for my emergency stash of jerky, I had to hit it on the long drive home.

Sunday we went to my best friends house for a huge Super Bowl Party. They had between 65-70 people there, and it was a bit stressful. We went early so I could help get things ready. We spent the night before cooking, hubby made a double pot of my favorite chili, and I baked lemon bars and cookies.

As I'm helping set things up my girlfriend got mad about something her hubby did, but instead of getting mad at him she took it out on me. I walked away without saying anything but I instantly wanted to eat something. This was the very first time since surgery I had felt like this, in a way I was glad it happened, it help me to pin point a trigger.

This was also my very first time with cravings, or what I think were cravings. I wanted some of the sweets all day long, but never had them. That night when we got home I had a SF popsicle and the want for sweet was gone.

All in all it was a good weekend and a learning experience for me!

February 17, 2007
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Today is my 7 month surgiversary, and our 16th wedding anniversary!

Unfortunately I have had a nasty intestinal bug for a few days and we had planned to go visit friends at the river this weekend. Hubbies band is also playing at the local bar out there tonight, but here I sit home alone with the dogs! Happy Anniversary to me.

Hubby has called a few times to check on me, and he was really sweet and went grocery shopping for me (something he hates doing) last night.

This morning I weighed in at 239, that's 135 pounds gone forever!!!  Hubby told be that he remembers when we were dating 19 years ago and he hugged me for the first time he that I was squishy, but he says when he hugs me now the squish just isn't there.  That's a very good thing!

My biggest wow of the week was that on Valentines Day I was able to wear a new red sweater in size 18!!  I swear I haven't wore an 18 since I was 18, if even then.  Hubby has never known me this size, now that's an amazing thing to be able to say.

Last weekend we had to go to LAX to pick up his Aunt and Uncle coming in from Canada. I was sorta surprised that they didn't say anything about my weight until we dropped them off at my In-laws and we were heading home.  They were saying good-bye and suddenly his Uncle asked and just how much have you lost?  I told them and it turns out they didn't say anything because they thought maybe I was loosing because I was very sick!

March 19, 2007
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Eighth months post-op and now down 145 pounds!  It's so freaking amazing to me.
I'm wearing a size 16 in pants and an 18 in tops. I swear I haven't been this size since Jr. High!

We spend this past weekend visiting my best friends husband and kids in Seattle (she passed away last year). They have a beautiful new home that they are settling in to, and we were given the Seattle power tour, this weekend. 

We surprised the kids and took them to have lunch at the Space Needle, we all had a great time, and loved it. For the first time in years I was able to buy myself a souvenir T-shirt, and it fit! After lunch we went to Pikes Market place and walked and sampled fresh fruit, and salmon. I just couldn't resist bringing some smoked salmon home with me.

This was my first flight since WLS, and I was great!  The last time I flew was in 2005 when we went to Hawaii with hubbies family. I was humiliated, we had emergency aisle seats and the stewardess made me sit in the seat and try to put the seat belt on, I didn't fit, and the seat belt didn't either, she said I was afraid of that, so we changed seats with hubbies brother and his wife. I remember crying when they brought me an extender, and thinking I will never let myself feel this way again! I so happy that I will never have to deal with something like that again. 

I actually was told by someone last week, "Please don't take this wrong, but you're normal now" I was never so thrilled in my life to hear someone say that, I'm normal! To me that's a very exciting thing to hear.

One month until we leave for Ireland and Holland!!!  Now that's something to be excited about. I still have to get a few things before we go, this weekend showed me I need some warmer clothes, and the jeans I wore this weekend, I had to keep pulling up, so I know they need to be smaller, so darn guess I'll have to finally make Mom pay-up up on my Christmas present of a shopping spree.

April 5, 2007
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I've been so bad about updating, so sorry.

I'm two pounds away from my goal to lose 150 pounds before we leave for Europe!  These have been the hardest pounds to get off, I've hit a plateau, but every time I do this I drop sizes, so no complaints, no grumbles from me!

I have an entire closet filled with new clothes. Mom took me on my shopping spree and I know have jeans in size 18 and 16!  OMG size 16? ME?
My tops are still 18/20's but the boob factor lends a hand there. Hard to imagine that just 8 months ago I was having trouble finding shirts large enough, some 5X's were too small and I'd cry when I tried on clothes.

My good freind Sheila had her RNY this past Monday. We meet at WW online, and I wish her nothing but the very best! She's in my thoughts and prayers daily, as I know what a tough time this can be.

April 6, 2007
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OH HAPPY DAY!!!!

As of this morning I'm now down 150 pounds!!  Gone Forever!!!

I'm so darn excited, I've met the goal I set. I wanted to loose 150 pounds before we leave for Europe on the 18th of April and I've done it!!!

Less than 9 months ago I would have never thought this was possible, but I'm living, walking (thank God) proof that it is!

April 11, 2007
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Emergency Surgery!

For the past few days I'd had some weird stomach pains, right above my belly button. Sorta felt like a gas pain/pressure.
After dinner on Tuesday it just got worse and worse, by 3:00AM I was waking up hubby and telling me I thought I needed to go to the hospital. I called my surgeon and he said it sounded like an Internal Hernia ... I started crying and told him we were leaving for Ireland on the 18th.
He was very sweet and said go to the ER he'd meet us, so off we went.

Ran tests in the ER did a Cat scan and it was negative, DR showed up and said most hernias won't show up on the scan. Hubby left to make a call, and the DR came back in to talk to me. Said he would hate to send me home and then have me in a foreign country needing surgery, he wanted to admit me and do exploratory LAP surgery that day.

Turns out it was an internal hernia, and a very large one. He said he could have put two or more golf balls in it. He also found a really weird piece of scar tissue floating around in my abdomen and removed it.

I was back in my room by 7:30 PM and wanting to go potty and walk. The nurses laughed at me all night because I couldn't sleep, and kept walking around.
Finally I was feeling sore about 2:00AM and one of the nurses helped me get in bed. That's the only time I pushed the button on the morphine pump, I slept a good 2 hours, before the vampires came in to get my blood, followed by the guy that makes you suck in the air in that silly little thing.

DR came in at 7:30 AM and was amazed at how well I was doing, he asked if I wanted pain pills at home and I said no, no pain really just a bit sore. I'd take tylenol if I needed anything. He went and signed my discharge papers. I was home in less than 20 hours after surgery.

He gave us the thumbs up on the Ireland trip, and said I'll be fine. That was the best news of all!

Staples in the 4 little insisions come out on Monday. I feel so much better now, and am so glad this is done and over!

Only 2% of bypass patients get internal hernias ... lucky me!

May 3, 2007
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We're back!  What a wonderful vacation!
I'm felt so blessed to have had this surgery, I felt normal on vacation, no stares at the fat lady. I was able to move with ease, walked all over the place, and climbed steep/small stairs to kiss the Blarney stone, something I know I would have never been able to do this time last year.

While we were visiting with family in Holland I felt the old bad habits coming back, and I didn't like it. Everywhere we'd go to visit family they all offer you coffee or tea, and then bring out the snacks. I passed the sweets up no problem, but it was the crackers and chips that got me, and I would eat and eat all the while drinking along with it.  Hubby was a bit worried but didn't bug me, he'd tell me in private which I appreciated.

I managed to get a nasty little sinus infection in Ireland and flying after that wasn't so nice. Two days later and my ear is still plugged up. I did go get antibotics yesterday so I know all will soon be better.

When we got home I was very surprised to see I'd lost weight, 5 more pounds, so as of now I've lost 157 pounds in 9 1/2 months ... something that has changed my life for the better!

My most exciting moment of the trip was when we arrived in Holland, one of my husbands cousins was picking us up at the train station and he walked right past me! He saw my husband and then did a double take at me ... he was so shocked, said he was looking for the "Big girl" and said that wasn't me anymore!

I left my new jacket and some clothes with the cousins, they are already too big and I knew I wouldn't wear them once I got home, so I was very happy that they fit the girls. 

I love to travel, but it sure is nice to be home!

May 17, 2007
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10 months post-op today, what an amazing journey this has been!

As of today I've now lost 164 pounds  ... it's gone forever!  That's the same amount that our youngest Great Dane weighs!

Don't ever tell me fat people are lazy, I can't imagine picking Coal up, but yet I used to carry him around 24/7.

Never in a million years would I have ever thought it possible to lose this much weight in such a short time. My closet  now containers size 16's and 18's. One year ago It was size 32's and 5X's and even then they were tight.

I'm still pushing to lose 175 pounds before my one year date, July 17th, so I have two more months to get this done!

May 21, 2007
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It's only been a few days since my last post, but I've lost another pound and only have 10 more to go until I hit the 175 lb. gone mark! 

We went shopping this weekend and I bought two new shirts, a pretty light blue sweater in an XL (size 16-18) and a tee shirt in a L (size 12-14), I was first surprised when we got to the register and they were each $4.00?  Wow! Then the next surprise was when we got home, I tried them on and they both fit!
A size 12-14 really, me?  I'm just amazed almost daily at how my life has changed in less than a year!

Wed. the 23rd is my 46th birthday, this time last year when both sides of the family went out to celebrate my birthday, I announced that I was having the surgery in July. They where shocked, but I think happy, maybe even a few jealous (but of course they wouldn't admit it).

May 24, 2007
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You don't need cake to make it a Happy Birthday!

Even though it seemed to be harder for my family to realize, I had a very nice birthday and enjoyed watching them eat my birthday ice cream cake while I ate a sugar free fudgecicle. Never once did I feel deprived, or even want any cake.

My gift to myself - another 2 pounds gone forever! 167 pounds now gone.

I had a nice day filled with flowers and Starbucks giftcards. The girls that work for me even bought me clothes! Now that's something I haven't had anyone do in years. Cute blouses (with jewlery to match) and a nightgown in size 12-14. It was a great day, and I was very thankful all day long to be alive and healthy!

June 8, 2007
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Well, it took a while but as of today I'm down 170 pounds! I now weigh 204, hard to believe that 11 months ago I was weighing in at 374!  Only five more pounds and I'll have reached my surgiversary goal of 175 pounds gone and I'll be in Onderland!

I'm amazed at how much healthier I now am, and it comes naturally to me. I reach for the Greek style yogurt, and don't give donuts a second thought. I make sure to eat protein first, and then veggies and fruit. Carbs don't even enter my mind, but then I've been blessed with a pouch that won't tolerate them either.

I started back at water aerobics last week, and can really feel the difference. My calfs were aching the first couple of nights, but it felt good!

We're leaving at noon today to go the river (Colorado river, in Parker, AZ) to visit friends. I'm excited I haven't been back out since January. I'm even looking forward to it being 100 degrees ... what me? I always hated the heat, but now I don't mind it at all. Hubby loves it becasue he'll get to play with his old bandmates.

June 17, 2007
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I'm 11 months post-op today and it happened! I got on the scale this morning and I weighed in at 199!!  Onderland and 175 pounds gone forever.

I had set myself a goal to lose 175 pounds before my one year surgiversary, and was so surprised that it happened a month early. I can't stop smiling.

My next WOW moment came Saturday night when I ran to Walmart for a few things. I saw an old co-worker of my husbands and mine, and stopped by to say hi. He said I'm sorry I don't remember you, and when I told him who I was he was amazed. He said "My goodness but your small" wasn't that the best thing anyone could have ever said? I wanted to give him a big ole kiss, but I didn't.

I bought a pair of size 12/14 shorts thinking they might fit soon ... they fit as soon as I got home!  What a great day!

I would have never in a million years thought I'd lose 175 pounds in 11 months, let alone ever, but I have and I still think I'm dreaming!

July 10, 2007
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Today is going to be a good day!
I stepped on the scale this morning and thought I was dreaming, it said 194, so I got off and then got back on and it still said 194! That's one hundred eighty pounds gone forever! 180? Wow I would have never believed it.

One more week and I'll be celebrating my first surgiversary. I have my one year check up on Monday the 16th, and am actually looking forward to it.

I did all my blood work last week, and couldn't believe they took 15 vials of blood. The tech didn't want me to leave, she was afraid I would pass out, but I felt fine. Glad that I have such a thorough DR.

Life has been very busy this past month, guess that means I'm on the move since I can move! I love it. More next week after my checkup!