Jane W.
July 2006, 3-Months Post-OP
Jun 30, 2006
JULY 2006
7-3-06 Well today is 3 MONTH's since my surgery! I am doing very well and I am very happy with my WLS decision. I thank God everyday for giving me this blessing, and I really appreciate all the support my family and friends have given me.
Below are my 3 month photos, in my size 16-18 shirt!!!!!
Before Surgery vs Current!
7-4-06 HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!! I weighed myself today and I am down 75 LBS!!! I was soo excited. Went to my Father's house to have a cookout with him and my two brothers and their wives! I was great visiting with them all again!
7-5-06 I had 2 nice "WOW" moments today at work, 1 co-worker said my hair looked "thicker". I was like GREAT, because I know it might start to fall out any minute now! Then, another co-worker stopped by my office just to tell me how wonderful I looked and that he was so proud of all I have accomplished so far! I am blessed to work with some great, supportive people!
....AND....Stephanie called me from the Hospital today to tell me that my lab work from last week at my 3-month check-up came back NORMAL!!!
ALSO....A Special HELLO and CONGRATULATIONS to Ruth, my Weightwise Member Specialist. She had surgery today and I want to wish her the best of luck and a speedy recovery!
Welcome to the losing side!
7-7-06 Went to my 3rd Support Group meeting tonight. My surgeon, Dr. Walton was the guest speaker. He was wonderful, as usual, and answered a lot of great questions. Then, after he was done, we had open discussion. I love this time, because we have both pre & post op people and I always learn a lot, especially from those people that are 2-3 years out! I also met a fellow OH member, named Jane also. She had her surgery April 18th, shortly after mine and it was great to talk to someone who was going through EXACTLY what I was going through!
It was great talking to you Jane!
I also got a chance to visit Ruth in the hosptial, the day after her surgery and she was looking and doing great.!
.......and on a final note.....
I just wanted to say THANKS to the nursing staff at the Hospital. I really appreciate them and I am flattered that they like to keep tabs on my profile to see how I am doing! I have never met a greater nursing staff then the ones that work at this hospital!
7-17-06 It's been a tough couple of weeks, but I am doing better. My daughter has been baking on the weekends, and I did good the first week, but the next week, she baked a Strawberry Cake with vanilla frosting (frosting being my weakness), which the smell made me want some, although I also didn't want to get sick, so I just enjoyed the smell. Then she cooked 2 batches of brownies, didn't look at the directions and they didn't come out right, cooked 2 more batches of brownies, while my husband cooked 2 bags of extra buttered popcorn for him and my son. Well, needless to say, that got my "head hunger" going and I have been struggling a bit with it since. I am doing better and when she cooked another cake this last weekend, it didn't even bother me!
I also think, that the last couple of days, my hair has started to come out. I have been watching for it, and I am now noticing more hair on my clothes and brush.
I knew this could happen, and I am ready for it!
On a good note, I started bowling with my husband and my daughter. I'm not very good, but I am proud that I can do it now, before it was just too hard on my knees. Well, last night when I bowled,
I got 3 STRIKES in a ROW in my first game (My first Turkey)!!!!!
Then I went on to get 4 spares in my second game, and 5 spares IN A ROW my last game!!!
I averaged 113 on a 90 average.
I was real proud of myself!!!
7-22-06
I have lost
pounds!
7-3-06 Well today is 3 MONTH's since my surgery! I am doing very well and I am very happy with my WLS decision. I thank God everyday for giving me this blessing, and I really appreciate all the support my family and friends have given me.
Below are my 3 month photos, in my size 16-18 shirt!!!!!
Before Surgery vs Current!
7-4-06 HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!! I weighed myself today and I am down 75 LBS!!! I was soo excited. Went to my Father's house to have a cookout with him and my two brothers and their wives! I was great visiting with them all again!
7-5-06 I had 2 nice "WOW" moments today at work, 1 co-worker said my hair looked "thicker". I was like GREAT, because I know it might start to fall out any minute now! Then, another co-worker stopped by my office just to tell me how wonderful I looked and that he was so proud of all I have accomplished so far! I am blessed to work with some great, supportive people!
....AND....Stephanie called me from the Hospital today to tell me that my lab work from last week at my 3-month check-up came back NORMAL!!!
ALSO....A Special HELLO and CONGRATULATIONS to Ruth, my Weightwise Member Specialist. She had surgery today and I want to wish her the best of luck and a speedy recovery!
Welcome to the losing side!
7-7-06 Went to my 3rd Support Group meeting tonight. My surgeon, Dr. Walton was the guest speaker. He was wonderful, as usual, and answered a lot of great questions. Then, after he was done, we had open discussion. I love this time, because we have both pre & post op people and I always learn a lot, especially from those people that are 2-3 years out! I also met a fellow OH member, named Jane also. She had her surgery April 18th, shortly after mine and it was great to talk to someone who was going through EXACTLY what I was going through!
It was great talking to you Jane!
I also got a chance to visit Ruth in the hosptial, the day after her surgery and she was looking and doing great.!
.......and on a final note.....
I just wanted to say THANKS to the nursing staff at the Hospital. I really appreciate them and I am flattered that they like to keep tabs on my profile to see how I am doing! I have never met a greater nursing staff then the ones that work at this hospital!
7-17-06 It's been a tough couple of weeks, but I am doing better. My daughter has been baking on the weekends, and I did good the first week, but the next week, she baked a Strawberry Cake with vanilla frosting (frosting being my weakness), which the smell made me want some, although I also didn't want to get sick, so I just enjoyed the smell. Then she cooked 2 batches of brownies, didn't look at the directions and they didn't come out right, cooked 2 more batches of brownies, while my husband cooked 2 bags of extra buttered popcorn for him and my son. Well, needless to say, that got my "head hunger" going and I have been struggling a bit with it since. I am doing better and when she cooked another cake this last weekend, it didn't even bother me!
I also think, that the last couple of days, my hair has started to come out. I have been watching for it, and I am now noticing more hair on my clothes and brush.
I knew this could happen, and I am ready for it!
On a good note, I started bowling with my husband and my daughter. I'm not very good, but I am proud that I can do it now, before it was just too hard on my knees. Well, last night when I bowled,
I got 3 STRIKES in a ROW in my first game (My first Turkey)!!!!!
Then I went on to get 4 spares in my second game, and 5 spares IN A ROW my last game!!!
I averaged 113 on a 90 average.
I was real proud of myself!!!
7-22-06
I have lost
pounds!June 2006, 2-Months Post-OP
May 31, 2006
JUNE 2006
6-1-06 - Went to my second support group tonight and it was really great. Chris, my Nutritionst spoke on the importance of making the right food choices and getting all your liquid in. I really enjoy these support groups and am determined to do better on my fluids!
6-3-06 Well, today is two months since my surgery! I am down to 266 pounds, that is 54 pounds lost so far! I am doing much better with my fluids these past 2 days!
Here are my 2 month photos!
6-7-06
6-10-06 I have been swimming everyday this week and I love it! I feel I am getting double the work-out. I work-out 20-30 minutes in my "zone" and I feel GREAT! I have been using noodles to help with some resistance to work on toneing my arms and legs also! I go to see Somer on Wednesday and she will teach me some weight resistance excersises.
6-13-06 Shhhhh….don’t tell anyone, but after swimming tonight, I was getting ready to take a shower and stepped on the scale, (which I usually only do once a week, on the weekend) and guess what…..It showed I lost 3 more pounds, putting me at 260!!! WOW. Of course, I won’t OFFICIALLY count it until I can weigh myself on Sunday, but I just couldn’t resist! You won’t tell on me, will you?????
6-14-06 I went to see Somer today, she is my Exercise Physiologist. I had told her about all the swimming I had been doing and she was really happy for me. She even gave me a sheet that has pool exercises that I can do while I am in the pool if I want. We then worked on some weight resistant exercises to do either while swimming or with a band to start toning my body. We practiced them a couple of different ways, and made them more custom to me and what I have available to exercise with at home. This is another thing I really like about Somer, instead of just handing me a sheet with photos and telling me to do this, she takes her time to go through all the steps she wants me to do, by showing me and then having me do it too. She makes sure I understand exactly what I need to do and customizes the exercise to ME! After our session, I walked on the treadmill for 30 minutes. I also took some photo of the gym to show how awesome this place is. All the equipment is brand new, (they were even getting more in as I was working out) and as you can probably tell in the photos; it is all made for bariatric people.
Notice the T.V.'s on the equipment!!!
6-18-06 Happy Father's Day to my Husband Don, My Father Jim and My Father-in-Law Don, they are all wonderful Fathers and I am glad they are a part of my life!
I weighed myself this morning, and I am down to 259 lbs, that 60 pounds lost forever!
POUNDS LOST!
6-23-06 Went to a family reunion in West Frankford Il. We had a great time. It was the first time a lot of my relatives had seen me with my recent weight loss. Everyone was very supportive and couldn't get over how different I looked. I found a photo of me from the reunion in 6-2004 and I CAN see a difference in how I look.
I want to send a special Hello to my new friend and cousion TRACY!
The photo on top is from 2004, the one on the bottom is current!
6-25-06 Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband Don!
6-28-06 Had my 3 month appointments today. I saw Tara, Dr. Waltons PA, because Dr. Walton was unable to be there today. She is great, and told me I was doing a great job. She even said I was a "Poster Child for WLS", which made my day!!! I also saw Chris, my nut, and she said I was doing well also. She suggested some slight changes to my meal plans and to continue drinking lots of fluids. I also had some blood work done to see where my levels are to make sure I am taking all the right amounts of my supplements!....and the best news is...........
I am down to 248 lbs!!!!!!
That is
lbs from my highest of 319!
6-1-06 - Went to my second support group tonight and it was really great. Chris, my Nutritionst spoke on the importance of making the right food choices and getting all your liquid in. I really enjoy these support groups and am determined to do better on my fluids!
6-3-06 Well, today is two months since my surgery! I am down to 266 pounds, that is 54 pounds lost so far! I am doing much better with my fluids these past 2 days!
Here are my 2 month photos!
6-7-06
6-10-06 I have been swimming everyday this week and I love it! I feel I am getting double the work-out. I work-out 20-30 minutes in my "zone" and I feel GREAT! I have been using noodles to help with some resistance to work on toneing my arms and legs also! I go to see Somer on Wednesday and she will teach me some weight resistance excersises.
6-11-06 Well, last night was bad....I got sick again after eating dinner. I had baked cod and cauliflower with cheese, things I have basically had before, and for some reason, I got sick. The only thing I can think of is that I either ate it too fast, or I took too big of bites and I didn't chew it up enough. Regardless, it was a miserable and painful experience, that I don't wish to repeat. I will focus on eating slower and chew, chew and chew more!
On a good note, I dropped 3 more pounds and am at !!
6-13-06 Shhhhh….don’t tell anyone, but after swimming tonight, I was getting ready to take a shower and stepped on the scale, (which I usually only do once a week, on the weekend) and guess what…..It showed I lost 3 more pounds, putting me at 260!!! WOW. Of course, I won’t OFFICIALLY count it until I can weigh myself on Sunday, but I just couldn’t resist! You won’t tell on me, will you?????
6-14-06 I went to see Somer today, she is my Exercise Physiologist. I had told her about all the swimming I had been doing and she was really happy for me. She even gave me a sheet that has pool exercises that I can do while I am in the pool if I want. We then worked on some weight resistant exercises to do either while swimming or with a band to start toning my body. We practiced them a couple of different ways, and made them more custom to me and what I have available to exercise with at home. This is another thing I really like about Somer, instead of just handing me a sheet with photos and telling me to do this, she takes her time to go through all the steps she wants me to do, by showing me and then having me do it too. She makes sure I understand exactly what I need to do and customizes the exercise to ME! After our session, I walked on the treadmill for 30 minutes. I also took some photo of the gym to show how awesome this place is. All the equipment is brand new, (they were even getting more in as I was working out) and as you can probably tell in the photos; it is all made for bariatric people.
Notice the T.V.'s on the equipment!!!
6-18-06 Happy Father's Day to my Husband Don, My Father Jim and My Father-in-Law Don, they are all wonderful Fathers and I am glad they are a part of my life!
I weighed myself this morning, and I am down to 259 lbs, that 60 pounds lost forever!
POUNDS LOST!6-23-06 Went to a family reunion in West Frankford Il. We had a great time. It was the first time a lot of my relatives had seen me with my recent weight loss. Everyone was very supportive and couldn't get over how different I looked. I found a photo of me from the reunion in 6-2004 and I CAN see a difference in how I look.
I want to send a special Hello to my new friend and cousion TRACY!
The photo on top is from 2004, the one on the bottom is current!
6-25-06 Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband Don!
6-28-06 Had my 3 month appointments today. I saw Tara, Dr. Waltons PA, because Dr. Walton was unable to be there today. She is great, and told me I was doing a great job. She even said I was a "Poster Child for WLS", which made my day!!! I also saw Chris, my nut, and she said I was doing well also. She suggested some slight changes to my meal plans and to continue drinking lots of fluids. I also had some blood work done to see where my levels are to make sure I am taking all the right amounts of my supplements!....and the best news is...........
I am down to 248 lbs!!!!!!
That is
lbs from my highest of 319!May 2006, 1-Month Post-OP
Apr 30, 2006
MAY 2006
My 1 month anniversary photos, compared to my before surgery photos!
5-4-06 – Today was a very busy day for me. First of all, I saw Chris and Somer for my 1-month checkup. I am off soft foods now and I am on my Healthful food for life “diet” now. I am real excited about having more healthy choices to eat. I am going to start taking my calcium citrate and B-12 now, and continue with my chewable vitamins. Somer showed me how to do my stretching correctly, since I haven’t been doing them because I felt pretty awkward. I also made another commitment to her to exercise 20 minutes 3-times a week. I stayed up in town so I could attend the support group that evening. I went to Wal-Mart and got my supplements. I then dinner, I had ½ a hamburger and about 2 ozs of cottage cheese. It was great! The support group at 7:00 pm was great and I look forward to attending more of them. Somer had a presentation and she was great. There was about 30 people there, including Dr. Keller, the Psychologist who evaluated me, and Ruth, my Weight-Wise contact. It was great meeting Ruth for the first time in person, as I had only spoken to her by phone and e-mail.
5-6-06 – Well….today was the first day I got SICK…..It happened when I ate some bbq sauce with my brisket. Apparently is was SWEET HONEY bbq sauce, and my pouch did not appreciate it at all. I had some bbq sauce from Arby’s before, and did just fine, so I thought this would be okay also! WRONG. After a few bites, It felt like I was eating the brisket without chewing it. It didn’t seem stuck, but it just hurt. I tried a few more bites and then just stopped, because I started to hurt pretty good. All of the sudden, I felt like I was actually going to be sick, so I headed to the bathroom. After some really miserable minutes, I threw-up for the 1st time. I tried to lay down after that, but I guess there was still enough left in my pouch, and it needed to come up. I threw-up 1 more time and was okay after that. It was kinda a good lessen, because I think I was feeling that I could tolerate anything, so this was a real good wake-up call to me! NO SUGAR!
5-9-06 – Saw Somer today so she could do a RMR Assessment on me. This is a great tool that will help her to teach me how to exercise smarter, not harder. When I see everyone on the 16th, she will do an EMR Assessment to complete my testing.
5-12-06 – Something seems to have changed with me. I have been having trouble eating much, usually only an ounce or two, which is really not so bad. But, I have also been having trouble getting all my liquids in. I had been doing really well, getting in about 50 oz a day, but the last couple of days, it has been harder. I have even skipped lunch, not really feeling like I want to eat.
5-16-06 - Well, I saw everyone today for my 6-week checkup! I saw Somer, my Excercise Physiologist to complete my testing, then saw Dr. Walton and Chris, my Nutritionist and they all said I was doing GREAT! I am down to 270 lbs! WOW! That's 50 lbs I have lost! I also bought a heart/watch moniter so now that I know how to exercise smarter, not harder, and the moniter will tell me if I go out of my "zone"!
5-29-06
FINALLY..... I lost 2 more pounds!!! I seem to be losing very slow, which is not exactly a bad thing, I just am glad to see the scale move a bit. I am also struggling a bit with being tired of eating! Can you believe it? I am pretty much tired of eating basically the same items and would probably skip eating some, if my husband wasn't cooking for me. It's not like I am wanting things I can't eat, it's just I am tired of the same ol, same ol. I am trying to do better, and trying to change up the same ol, same ol stuff a bit. I am also having alot of trouble getting in my 64ozs in per day. I am lucky if I can get 32 ozs in. I am working on that problem also.
On a good note....Today, while my family was getting ready to have a cookout for Memorial Day, I called my older brother to see when he was coming. He hasn't seen me since my surgery in April, and the first thing he said to me was "You sound thin"! That just made my day! I know he was teasing me, but it was soo sweet!
My 1 month anniversary photos, compared to my before surgery photos!
5-4-06 – Today was a very busy day for me. First of all, I saw Chris and Somer for my 1-month checkup. I am off soft foods now and I am on my Healthful food for life “diet” now. I am real excited about having more healthy choices to eat. I am going to start taking my calcium citrate and B-12 now, and continue with my chewable vitamins. Somer showed me how to do my stretching correctly, since I haven’t been doing them because I felt pretty awkward. I also made another commitment to her to exercise 20 minutes 3-times a week. I stayed up in town so I could attend the support group that evening. I went to Wal-Mart and got my supplements. I then dinner, I had ½ a hamburger and about 2 ozs of cottage cheese. It was great! The support group at 7:00 pm was great and I look forward to attending more of them. Somer had a presentation and she was great. There was about 30 people there, including Dr. Keller, the Psychologist who evaluated me, and Ruth, my Weight-Wise contact. It was great meeting Ruth for the first time in person, as I had only spoken to her by phone and e-mail.
5-6-06 – Well….today was the first day I got SICK…..It happened when I ate some bbq sauce with my brisket. Apparently is was SWEET HONEY bbq sauce, and my pouch did not appreciate it at all. I had some bbq sauce from Arby’s before, and did just fine, so I thought this would be okay also! WRONG. After a few bites, It felt like I was eating the brisket without chewing it. It didn’t seem stuck, but it just hurt. I tried a few more bites and then just stopped, because I started to hurt pretty good. All of the sudden, I felt like I was actually going to be sick, so I headed to the bathroom. After some really miserable minutes, I threw-up for the 1st time. I tried to lay down after that, but I guess there was still enough left in my pouch, and it needed to come up. I threw-up 1 more time and was okay after that. It was kinda a good lessen, because I think I was feeling that I could tolerate anything, so this was a real good wake-up call to me! NO SUGAR!
5-9-06 – Saw Somer today so she could do a RMR Assessment on me. This is a great tool that will help her to teach me how to exercise smarter, not harder. When I see everyone on the 16th, she will do an EMR Assessment to complete my testing.
5-12-06 – Something seems to have changed with me. I have been having trouble eating much, usually only an ounce or two, which is really not so bad. But, I have also been having trouble getting all my liquids in. I had been doing really well, getting in about 50 oz a day, but the last couple of days, it has been harder. I have even skipped lunch, not really feeling like I want to eat.
5-16-06 - Well, I saw everyone today for my 6-week checkup! I saw Somer, my Excercise Physiologist to complete my testing, then saw Dr. Walton and Chris, my Nutritionist and they all said I was doing GREAT! I am down to 270 lbs! WOW! That's 50 lbs I have lost! I also bought a heart/watch moniter so now that I know how to exercise smarter, not harder, and the moniter will tell me if I go out of my "zone"!
5-29-06
FINALLY..... I lost 2 more pounds!!! I seem to be losing very slow, which is not exactly a bad thing, I just am glad to see the scale move a bit. I am also struggling a bit with being tired of eating! Can you believe it? I am pretty much tired of eating basically the same items and would probably skip eating some, if my husband wasn't cooking for me. It's not like I am wanting things I can't eat, it's just I am tired of the same ol, same ol. I am trying to do better, and trying to change up the same ol, same ol stuff a bit. I am also having alot of trouble getting in my 64ozs in per day. I am lucky if I can get 32 ozs in. I am working on that problem also.
On a good note....Today, while my family was getting ready to have a cookout for Memorial Day, I called my older brother to see when he was coming. He hasn't seen me since my surgery in April, and the first thing he said to me was "You sound thin"! That just made my day! I know he was teasing me, but it was soo sweet!
April 3rd, 2006-My Surgery Experience!
Apr 02, 2006
APRIL 2006
4-2-06 I was on the liquid Diet today. Had Sugar Free Jell-O, Sugar Free Popsicles and Chicken Broth
4-3-06 HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME, HAPPY RE-BIRTH DAY TO ME TO! Got up early so we could be at the hospital at 6:00 am. When we arrived at 5:45 am, the front desk had me sign some papers again, even though I was just here on Friday. Once I did that, they took me back so I could pee in a cup to confirm that I was not pregnant. I did that and went to the pre-opt area.
My husband Don and me before leaving for surgery!
>
My surgery nurses, Freda, Amy, and Michelle pose with me in my decorated bed with Happy Birthday signs and we all wore Happy Birthday Party hats.
It was really great! I got dressed in my gown and got into my bed. They had me sign a few other papers and then hooked up my IV and put these special leggings that pumped air throughout my legs to keep them massaged to prevent blood clots. After a bit, some pictures and a kiss to my husband, the nurses rolled me down to the operating room. They told me it would be cold and it WAS! The last thing I remember is Freda asking me if I wanted a blanket and I said yes. After almost 3 hours of surgery, I woke up in the recovery room. I felt pretty good and not in a lot of pain. After an hour or more, they rolled me into my room, #1, and that is where I stayed until I left!
The nurses getting me set up in the room after my surgery.
Note the Happy Birthday streamers the nurses hung over my bed!
I was pretty tired the first day and pretty much slept the rest of the day.
This is me giving the "Thumbs Up" signal that I was Okay!
My respiratory nurses would come in every couple of hours and have me do my breathing exercises. I was given Morphine all day and night whenever I asked for it. I was able to get up after a few hours and go to the restroom. By the second time I was in the restroom, Dr. Walton came in to check on me and was very pleased this was the second time getting up that day! Don stayed with me until real late.
4-4-06 - I did not get much rest last night. I had a little fever and they checked me all night. I had 2 nurses assigned to me. The one in the morning was Mary and my night nurse was Becky. They were both wonderful! In the morning, they stopped my IV and took out my oxygen unless I was sleeping. So I was pretty much off everything by the second day. They started giving me liquid Lortab for my pain. Pain was still pretty manageable; the worst was when I had to get up to go to the restroom. I had to go to radiology in the morning to drink some barium liquid so they could check to see if I had any leaks in my pouch. I choose to walk to radiology and did real well walking. Olissa was the radiology nurse that worked with me and set everything up. It was pretty neat because I got to see what they were seeing, the barium liquid going down my throat and into my pouch. It was great! I got to see my pouch working! I had NO leaks! After a while, I got to take a shower and boy did that feel great. I also took 2 more walks today! I still did all my respiratory breathing about every 2 hours while I was awake, my day nurse was Tammy and my night nurse was Leanne.
4-05-06 I slept much better last night. I was feeling pretty good and was able to get up and go to the restroom with no assistance. I got to take another shower and get dressed in my street clothes.
Here is a photo of my 6 incisions!
I had to walk 4 times before they would release me, so I walked as much as I could around the hallways.
I also got to eat today-1 oz of green jell-o!
It was so cute! I ate it and did okay!
About 1:00 pm, they took my IV out and released me to go home. The hospital staff was absolutely wonderful and I want to thank everyone who made my surgery so successful. Thanks to:
Dr. Walton – My Surgeon
Tara – Dr. Walton’s PA
Amy- Surgery Nurse
Freda- Surgery Nurse
Michelle – Surgery Nurse
Mary- My Day Nurse
Becky – My Night Nurse
Tammy – My Day Respiratory Nurse
Leanna – My Night Respiratory Nurse
Olissa – My Upper GI Radiologist
Ci Ci – My Blood work Nurse
I hope I did not leave anyone out. You guys were the best!
4-8-06
I weighed myself today and I was at 290! Wow! Feeling good, and will update my surgery and hospital experiences soon...hubby won't let me sit at the computer for very long!
4-9-06 – Today is the first day I actually felt hunger….. This liquid diet is pretty boring and I am ready to eat some food!
4-17-06- Today is 2 weeks since I have had my surgery. I actually got to EAT today! It was just 2 oz of Egg Beaters, but it was wonderful! This last week I was VERY MISERABLE. The liquid diet was pretty tough, and I feel the hunger I had and not being able to do anything about it was worse than the actual surgery. I am happier and more satisfied now that I am able to eat. Tomorrow I see Dr. Walton my Surgeon, Chris my Nutritionist and Somer my Exercise Physiologist tomorrow for my 2-week checkup.
4-18-06 – Saw everyone today and everyone said I was doing GREAT!
4-20-06 – I went back to work today. Only worked from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. I was pretty tired, but I did okay. Bill, my co-worker had some roses on my desk to welcome me back. I really appreciated that!
4-21-06 – Worked a full day today. I was tired, but did well!
4-26-06 – Today is the first day I actually feel more like myself. I feel like I have more energy.
4-2-06 I was on the liquid Diet today. Had Sugar Free Jell-O, Sugar Free Popsicles and Chicken Broth
4-3-06 HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME, HAPPY RE-BIRTH DAY TO ME TO! Got up early so we could be at the hospital at 6:00 am. When we arrived at 5:45 am, the front desk had me sign some papers again, even though I was just here on Friday. Once I did that, they took me back so I could pee in a cup to confirm that I was not pregnant. I did that and went to the pre-opt area.
My husband Don and me before leaving for surgery!
>My surgery nurses, Freda, Amy, and Michelle pose with me in my decorated bed with Happy Birthday signs and we all wore Happy Birthday Party hats.
It was really great! I got dressed in my gown and got into my bed. They had me sign a few other papers and then hooked up my IV and put these special leggings that pumped air throughout my legs to keep them massaged to prevent blood clots. After a bit, some pictures and a kiss to my husband, the nurses rolled me down to the operating room. They told me it would be cold and it WAS! The last thing I remember is Freda asking me if I wanted a blanket and I said yes. After almost 3 hours of surgery, I woke up in the recovery room. I felt pretty good and not in a lot of pain. After an hour or more, they rolled me into my room, #1, and that is where I stayed until I left!
The nurses getting me set up in the room after my surgery.
Note the Happy Birthday streamers the nurses hung over my bed!
I was pretty tired the first day and pretty much slept the rest of the day.
This is me giving the "Thumbs Up" signal that I was Okay!
My respiratory nurses would come in every couple of hours and have me do my breathing exercises. I was given Morphine all day and night whenever I asked for it. I was able to get up after a few hours and go to the restroom. By the second time I was in the restroom, Dr. Walton came in to check on me and was very pleased this was the second time getting up that day! Don stayed with me until real late.
4-4-06 - I did not get much rest last night. I had a little fever and they checked me all night. I had 2 nurses assigned to me. The one in the morning was Mary and my night nurse was Becky. They were both wonderful! In the morning, they stopped my IV and took out my oxygen unless I was sleeping. So I was pretty much off everything by the second day. They started giving me liquid Lortab for my pain. Pain was still pretty manageable; the worst was when I had to get up to go to the restroom. I had to go to radiology in the morning to drink some barium liquid so they could check to see if I had any leaks in my pouch. I choose to walk to radiology and did real well walking. Olissa was the radiology nurse that worked with me and set everything up. It was pretty neat because I got to see what they were seeing, the barium liquid going down my throat and into my pouch. It was great! I got to see my pouch working! I had NO leaks! After a while, I got to take a shower and boy did that feel great. I also took 2 more walks today! I still did all my respiratory breathing about every 2 hours while I was awake, my day nurse was Tammy and my night nurse was Leanne.
4-05-06 I slept much better last night. I was feeling pretty good and was able to get up and go to the restroom with no assistance. I got to take another shower and get dressed in my street clothes.
Here is a photo of my 6 incisions!
I had to walk 4 times before they would release me, so I walked as much as I could around the hallways.
I also got to eat today-1 oz of green jell-o!
It was so cute! I ate it and did okay!
About 1:00 pm, they took my IV out and released me to go home. The hospital staff was absolutely wonderful and I want to thank everyone who made my surgery so successful. Thanks to:
Dr. Walton – My Surgeon
Tara – Dr. Walton’s PA
Amy- Surgery Nurse
Freda- Surgery Nurse
Michelle – Surgery Nurse
Mary- My Day Nurse
Becky – My Night Nurse
Tammy – My Day Respiratory Nurse
Leanna – My Night Respiratory Nurse
Olissa – My Upper GI Radiologist
Ci Ci – My Blood work Nurse
I hope I did not leave anyone out. You guys were the best!
4-8-06
I weighed myself today and I was at 290! Wow! Feeling good, and will update my surgery and hospital experiences soon...hubby won't let me sit at the computer for very long!
4-9-06 – Today is the first day I actually felt hunger….. This liquid diet is pretty boring and I am ready to eat some food!
4-17-06- Today is 2 weeks since I have had my surgery. I actually got to EAT today! It was just 2 oz of Egg Beaters, but it was wonderful! This last week I was VERY MISERABLE. The liquid diet was pretty tough, and I feel the hunger I had and not being able to do anything about it was worse than the actual surgery. I am happier and more satisfied now that I am able to eat. Tomorrow I see Dr. Walton my Surgeon, Chris my Nutritionist and Somer my Exercise Physiologist tomorrow for my 2-week checkup.
4-18-06 – Saw everyone today and everyone said I was doing GREAT!
4-20-06 – I went back to work today. Only worked from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. I was pretty tired, but I did okay. Bill, my co-worker had some roses on my desk to welcome me back. I really appreciated that!
4-21-06 – Worked a full day today. I was tired, but did well!
4-26-06 – Today is the first day I actually feel more like myself. I feel like I have more energy.
My Journey Before Surgery!
Jan 31, 2006
FEBRUARY 2006
2-7-06 Went to a seminar at WeightWise tonight to learn more about WLS. My husband checked out several WL places around town, and they were the nicest and most informative of all the ones he checked out. It was very great and the staff were very friendly. I like Dr. Walton; he seemed very knowledgeable and answered some good questions. His staff provided us with a nice tote bag with a nice folder full of information. I will have to read more.
2-9-06 Talked to a friend who had WLS done and asked her some questions, the 1st being would she do it again...she said yes!
2-21-06 Still waiting to hear back from the Dr's office for a consultation. They assign you a contact to talk to and she said that when they get all my medical records and talk to the insurance company, they would give me a call to talk to the Dr.
2-24-06 Got a call from the Dr’s office; My Insurance won't cover my WLS, AT ALL! This may be the end of my WLS journey!
2-26-06 My Dad was over for dinner and just told me that no matter what, I need this surgery and he will pay whatever it takes!!! WOW!
2-27-06 Well, a lot has happened today! I called the Dr.s office to say that my dad is going to pay for the surgery. They pulled my file and the Doctors asst called me and I have a consultation with Dr. Walton on Friday, March 3rd. I also have scheduled on Monday, March 6th a tour of the Brand New Hospital as well as some preliminary nutrition and exercise expectations. Then, on Friday, March 10th, I meet with the Nutritionist and Exercise Therapist for 1 hour each.!!!!!! I am sooooo excited! I may get my surgery scheduled for end of March, Beginning of April!!!!!!!
MARCH 2006
3-3-06 My husband and I went to meet with Dr. Walton today. He was very nice and answered all of our questions and concerns. He was very informative and friendly. I was soo excited when we left, because he said that the first week of April is definitely open to have my surgery. All I am really waiting on is the sleep test. I have a appt. with my Primary Dr. to let him know what is going on and to talk to him about sending me to a sleep study! :)
3-6-06 Two things have happened to me today! I got a call from a sleep center and was able to set up going there next Monday!!!!! I can't wait!!!!! I also went to a pre-nut and pre-exercise "what to expect" short seminar, as well as got to tour the new hospital! It was beautiful. I will add photos when I go in for my surgery! I see the nut and exercise people on Friday! I am so excited!
3-7-06 The Psychologists office called me today to set up my appointment with him. :) I will see him on Thursday this week.......did I mention that I CAN NOT WAIT FOR THIS SURGERY!!!!
3-8-06 Went to my PCP to let him know about my WLS plans....and he was VERY SUPPORTIVE! I was very happy because I was not sure what he would think. I should have known better, he has always been supportive of me and my family and he tells me all the time that I need to take care of me, so that I can continue to take care of my family.
3-9-06 Met with my Psychologist today and he was wonderful. He was very nice and made me real comfortable. I had to do about an hours worth of tests before seeing him, but he told me what things they were looking for in a WLS person. He listened very well and told me what he would be putting in his report to the surgeon, and I really appreciated his openness and honesty. He is given me thumbs up, with notes to work on some areas! YEA!!!!!
3-10-06 My husband and I met with my Nutritionist and Exercise Therapist today. They were both great! I met the Nut first and she asked a few questions and then explained what I would expect after surgery. She told us what I would basically be on a liquid diet for 2 weeks, then soft solids for 2 weeks, then slowing introducing regular solids after that. Then she gave me a diet to start following to lose weight before surgery. She gave me her phone number and e-mail address to ask questions at any time and said she would be coming by to see me in the hospital after my surgery to check up with me. Then I saw my Exercise Therapist. She also asked me some questions, and explained the importance of doing exercises before and after surgery. She gave me a sheet showing me how to stretch before doing my exercises, as well as a goal of exercising everyday, and how to check that my heart rate is in the correct range. She said I would see her again 2 weeks after the surgery, then 4 weeks and 6 weeks to teach me the best exercises for me.
UPDATE!!!!! I HAVE A DATE....IT'S APRIL 3RD, 2006 (my birthday, but how better to celebrate my birthday with a new me!)
3-14-06 Did the sleep study thing last night. I didn’t get much sleep and have a stiff neck this morning, but the best thing is......I don't have sleep apnea!!!!!!!!! I called my contact at the WeightWise center to let her know about the sleep study and that I had my blood work done yesterday and the Dr. should have the results today! The date is getting closer.................
3-20-06 I have been doing my pre-op diet for a little over a week...started last Saturday on 3-11-06. I weighed myself the next Saturday, 3-18-06 and I was at 307!!!!WOW I was sooo excited! I e-mailed my Nut my food journal and she said I was doing great! She also told me that I would be doing this diet until surgery....no LIQUID DIET!!!! Yippee!!!!!!! I was surprised but VERY happy!
3-21-06 My surgeon's PA called me today. She called yesterday about my labs...the office hadn't received the results yet, which was weird because my PCP got the results last week and I saw him last Friday to discuss them. My husband suggested that she call my PCP and get them from him instead of call the lab to see why they didn't fax the information to my surgeon's office. She also wanted to know if I wanted to MOVE MY SURGERY UP!!!! Boy if I could have, I would have, but I told here I had already made these arrangements with my work and really couldn't change them. She said it was okay, they just had some openings. She also told me that the hospital should be contacting me about instructions before going in, but basically, I would be on clear liquids only the day before surgery....no cleaning out my plumbing or nothing!!!! I LOVE this guy!
3-22-06 I got up this morning and had to see if I lost any more weight! I DID...I am down 2 more pounds!!!!! Happy Birthday to my son, David, who turns 15 today!!!
3-25-06
2 More pounds gone....
I thought I would list some of my goals I am trying to reach after having WLS.....
Lose 25 lbs-**DONE** 4-8-06-LOST 29 LBS
Lose 50 lbs-**DONE**5-16-06-LOST 50 LBS 6-WEEK CHECKUP!
2-7-06 Went to a seminar at WeightWise tonight to learn more about WLS. My husband checked out several WL places around town, and they were the nicest and most informative of all the ones he checked out. It was very great and the staff were very friendly. I like Dr. Walton; he seemed very knowledgeable and answered some good questions. His staff provided us with a nice tote bag with a nice folder full of information. I will have to read more.
2-9-06 Talked to a friend who had WLS done and asked her some questions, the 1st being would she do it again...she said yes!
2-21-06 Still waiting to hear back from the Dr's office for a consultation. They assign you a contact to talk to and she said that when they get all my medical records and talk to the insurance company, they would give me a call to talk to the Dr.
2-24-06 Got a call from the Dr’s office; My Insurance won't cover my WLS, AT ALL! This may be the end of my WLS journey!
2-26-06 My Dad was over for dinner and just told me that no matter what, I need this surgery and he will pay whatever it takes!!! WOW!
2-27-06 Well, a lot has happened today! I called the Dr.s office to say that my dad is going to pay for the surgery. They pulled my file and the Doctors asst called me and I have a consultation with Dr. Walton on Friday, March 3rd. I also have scheduled on Monday, March 6th a tour of the Brand New Hospital as well as some preliminary nutrition and exercise expectations. Then, on Friday, March 10th, I meet with the Nutritionist and Exercise Therapist for 1 hour each.!!!!!! I am sooooo excited! I may get my surgery scheduled for end of March, Beginning of April!!!!!!!
MARCH 2006
3-3-06 My husband and I went to meet with Dr. Walton today. He was very nice and answered all of our questions and concerns. He was very informative and friendly. I was soo excited when we left, because he said that the first week of April is definitely open to have my surgery. All I am really waiting on is the sleep test. I have a appt. with my Primary Dr. to let him know what is going on and to talk to him about sending me to a sleep study! :)
3-6-06 Two things have happened to me today! I got a call from a sleep center and was able to set up going there next Monday!!!!! I can't wait!!!!! I also went to a pre-nut and pre-exercise "what to expect" short seminar, as well as got to tour the new hospital! It was beautiful. I will add photos when I go in for my surgery! I see the nut and exercise people on Friday! I am so excited!
3-7-06 The Psychologists office called me today to set up my appointment with him. :) I will see him on Thursday this week.......did I mention that I CAN NOT WAIT FOR THIS SURGERY!!!!
3-8-06 Went to my PCP to let him know about my WLS plans....and he was VERY SUPPORTIVE! I was very happy because I was not sure what he would think. I should have known better, he has always been supportive of me and my family and he tells me all the time that I need to take care of me, so that I can continue to take care of my family.
3-9-06 Met with my Psychologist today and he was wonderful. He was very nice and made me real comfortable. I had to do about an hours worth of tests before seeing him, but he told me what things they were looking for in a WLS person. He listened very well and told me what he would be putting in his report to the surgeon, and I really appreciated his openness and honesty. He is given me thumbs up, with notes to work on some areas! YEA!!!!!
3-10-06 My husband and I met with my Nutritionist and Exercise Therapist today. They were both great! I met the Nut first and she asked a few questions and then explained what I would expect after surgery. She told us what I would basically be on a liquid diet for 2 weeks, then soft solids for 2 weeks, then slowing introducing regular solids after that. Then she gave me a diet to start following to lose weight before surgery. She gave me her phone number and e-mail address to ask questions at any time and said she would be coming by to see me in the hospital after my surgery to check up with me. Then I saw my Exercise Therapist. She also asked me some questions, and explained the importance of doing exercises before and after surgery. She gave me a sheet showing me how to stretch before doing my exercises, as well as a goal of exercising everyday, and how to check that my heart rate is in the correct range. She said I would see her again 2 weeks after the surgery, then 4 weeks and 6 weeks to teach me the best exercises for me.
UPDATE!!!!! I HAVE A DATE....IT'S APRIL 3RD, 2006 (my birthday, but how better to celebrate my birthday with a new me!)
3-14-06 Did the sleep study thing last night. I didn’t get much sleep and have a stiff neck this morning, but the best thing is......I don't have sleep apnea!!!!!!!!! I called my contact at the WeightWise center to let her know about the sleep study and that I had my blood work done yesterday and the Dr. should have the results today! The date is getting closer.................
3-20-06 I have been doing my pre-op diet for a little over a week...started last Saturday on 3-11-06. I weighed myself the next Saturday, 3-18-06 and I was at 307!!!!WOW I was sooo excited! I e-mailed my Nut my food journal and she said I was doing great! She also told me that I would be doing this diet until surgery....no LIQUID DIET!!!! Yippee!!!!!!! I was surprised but VERY happy!
3-21-06 My surgeon's PA called me today. She called yesterday about my labs...the office hadn't received the results yet, which was weird because my PCP got the results last week and I saw him last Friday to discuss them. My husband suggested that she call my PCP and get them from him instead of call the lab to see why they didn't fax the information to my surgeon's office. She also wanted to know if I wanted to MOVE MY SURGERY UP!!!! Boy if I could have, I would have, but I told here I had already made these arrangements with my work and really couldn't change them. She said it was okay, they just had some openings. She also told me that the hospital should be contacting me about instructions before going in, but basically, I would be on clear liquids only the day before surgery....no cleaning out my plumbing or nothing!!!! I LOVE this guy!
3-22-06 I got up this morning and had to see if I lost any more weight! I DID...I am down 2 more pounds!!!!! Happy Birthday to my son, David, who turns 15 today!!!
3-25-06
2 More pounds gone....
I thought I would list some of my goals I am trying to reach after having WLS.....
Lose 25 lbs-**DONE** 4-8-06-LOST 29 LBS
Lose 50 lbs-**DONE**5-16-06-LOST 50 LBS 6-WEEK CHECKUP!
Lose 75 lbs**DONE**7-4-06
Lose 100 lbs and be a member of the century club**DONE**9-13-06
Lose159 lb-Goal
Weigh less than my husband
Clothes size 18/20**DONE**
Clothes size 16/18
Clothes size 13/14
Clothes size 11/12
Buy clothes at ANY store
Cross my legs and it be comfortable to me**DONE**
To walk without my legs rubbing**DONE**
Be in more pictures than I take
To like myself in pictures and look how I feel inside
Feel good about myself again to wear makeup
Fit comfortably in chairs with arms-**DONE** 5-14-06
Not worry about how close the table is to the booth (the ones that don't move)**DONE**
Go to a Redhawks Baseball game and sit in regular seats**DONE** 8-25-06
Have my husband buy me bracelets and necklaces again
Walk without my knees hurting me)**DONE**
3-29-06 Only 4 more days to go......
3-31-06
This is me, 2 days before my surgery. I am at 304 pounds!
I can't wait until I like pictures of myself again!
Went to the hospital today to do my EKG, some more Blood work and do a Breathing instrument that I will be doing every 2 hours after surgery. All the staff at the hospital were wonderful!
They were very friendly and helpful. I met my surgery nurse, as well as my nurses that will be with me while I am in the hospital. They seemed just as excited as I was! I can't wait!
Here are some photos of what the hospital rooms look like!
About Me
Moore, OK
Location
30.3
BMI
Surgery
04/03/2006
Surgery Date
Feb 09, 2006
Member Since
