I'm 5'1" and 240. This was shocking news to me last week at my yearly 'ick' appt. Dr. Bush (yes, my gyne's name is really Dr. Bush, and believe me, any joke you're thinking about, I've already heard it:) said that is considered'morbidly' obese and I just wanted to melt into the floor. I never had a weight problem til I was 6 mos. pg with my 1st and developed pneumonia. I was put on cortico-steroids and my weight zoomed up to over 200 lbs from @165-170 in 4 weeks. I never lost any. Even when the 7lb 11 oz baby came out..I didn't lose any of it!!
Can anyone explain that!??! (rhetorical question:) Proceeded to have 2 more kids and continue to gain weight. Tried the gym thing (yuk) Atkins (sorry..no dice) Carb Addicts Diet (I love carbs..no secret..can I stop eating them because I read a book? Answer: NO!) Quit drinking pop. Nothing. Loaded up on water, walked the dog around town. Nothing. I talked myself out of this surgery last year. Now I'm wishing I had been sensible and realistic and realized that giving Atkins ONE MORE CHANCE was not the trick here. I would have to cut out carbs for about 20 YEARS to lose this weight:( So a friend who was recently surgeried(!?) upon by Dr. Alverdy (DS) and lost 40 lbs in     the 1st 4 weeks sat me down and gave me the 'SKINNY' (HAR HAR) on the whole deal. Long and short of it..I just hung up the phone with Dr. Alverdy's office and have an appt. for my initial consult...OCT. 8TH. However, I'm also on the cancellation list...so the secretary said I'll most likely get in much sooner (My post-op friend did this and scored an appt. 2 weeks from her initial call date!!!) I wanted to thank those of you who have gone before me and had the guts to share your stories and pics. You have both inspired me in my quest for information, and made me face the fact that I'm not healthy in my current body. Thank you for that. You are all heroes!!! I will continue to keep you posted on my progress complete with before/after pics (ARGH!). Thank you all for being so brave!!
April 13, 2003

Someone asked me yesterday, "Isn't this drastic? Aren't you afraid to have elective, unnecessary surgery???" My reply was "I'm more afraid to live the rest of my life at 240 lbs!" When I called the Union Hall (Local 130 plumbers, Chicago) and asked the Benefits Dept. if Bariatric Surgery was covered, she kept yelling "GERIATRIC SURGERY?? WHATS THAT???" into the phone. I guess I'll let Dr. Alverdy's office handle the insurance!!! LOL

   May 8, 2003

Well, there's been a bit of a change:) I talked to a friend who had surgery with Dr. Alverdy recently. She said it was a year from her initial surgery consult when she finally had her surgery. I don't think I can wait that long. I dont have to quit smoking or anything like that ...so waiting so long just doesnt make sense to me. So I did some more research here this morning, and called Dr. Frantzides office. My initial consult is JUNE 5TH!! OF THIS YEAR!!:) Happy dance!! Then I called our union hall and spoke with the director of benefits, and he said it will be no problem getting approved. We'll see!! This surgeon seems to run about 4 months from initial consult to surgery date. Hip Hip Hooray!!! (ps..no one asked me today what
GERIATRIC SURGERY is!! )
May 19th 2003

Well I saw my PCP today. Thought he'd try to talk me out of surgery, or at least convince me to try Meridia or something 'one last time'. Luckily, he didn't. He was supportive and offered to dicate a letter of recommendation to my surgeon and insurance company. My bp was great, but since both my grandmothers were diabetic, along with all my aunts except 2 and an older sister are all diabetic as well as my blood sugar being 'borderline' my pcp thinks that, combined with my bmi is enough for approval. However he said he'd also mention my back pain, asthma, etc:) Yippee for me! Now only a couple weeks to wait..then I get to meet Dr. Frantzides! I'm very excited. I hope I can have surgery scheduled before the end of summer...probably wishful thinking...but I don't have anything standing in my way....ins. said I'd be approved, I don't have to quit smoking (I don't smoke:)and I will be able to get my sleep study and mmpi done here near home instead of venturing all the way downtown for it. So really the only thing I'm waiting for is a surgery date:)

 


   JUNE 5TH 2003.......I HAVE A DATE!!! I HAVE A DATE!!!!! August 18th!!!! I ADORE Drs. Frantzides AND Moore!!! Kathleen is an ANGEL!!!! Everyone in that office is working FOR and WITH you to make your surgery a success. I was SO nervous when I arrived at     the office. Dr. Moore's easy smile and confident manner REALLy put me instantly at ease. I had done my homework on this surgery and I think it showed. Dr. Frantzides came in quickly and went over my expectations as well as what my part is in making this surgery succeed. He says I will drop 80# with little effort, and the rest is up to me. He also said to eat whatever I want...til 2 days before surgery..then I belong to him:) Clear liquids, antibiotics and the Go Lightly. (WHY did they name it 'go lightly'?? it sounds like YOGURT! but I guess that sounds more appealing than 'crap your brains out':) He said if you want to order a family dinner and eat it yourself, do it:) Which I'm not planning on. I was worried that since my weight is all truncal he wouldn't be able to do me lap. He actually said "you make me laugh...yesterday we did a 700# person lap" My recommendation to ANYONE from ANYWHERE is this: If you want lap rny done...you OWE it to yourself to meet Drs Frantzides and Moore. Don't let ANYONE tell you that you can't be done lap til you see these doctors. Dr. Frantzides is the Chief of Minimally Invasive surgery at Rush. Dr. said I won't have any trouble with my BCBS covering this surgery. I feel confident they will take care of everything including ME:) I waited less than 20 minutes in the waiting room. First I was kind of freaked out because there were lots of people there waiting. That was before I realized that there are several doctors practicing from this office. I give both Doctors a full 10+++ and a double thumbs up....WAAAAAAAAAAAY UP!!! I am no longer nervous or anxious. Things may change as surgery approaches. But I doubt it. I feel very confident in my decision to us these Doctors. Can't wait to get the formal approval from my insurance!!! This is the first day of the rest of my life:) I truly feel that!
And to the Union Benefits Administrator that helped me get approved...if you ever read this...God bless you..really.  You are saving my life..I dont think you have any idea what you have done for me.  Words arent enough, and I can never thank you enough. 


GOALS AFTER SURGERY:)

1) Buy a bra from Victoria's Secret

2) Shop in regular-size stores

3) Wear a bathing suit without the t-shirt over top!

4) Get a short, sassy haircut!

5) Have husband actually pick me up!

6) Take a yoga class

7) Go to Disneyworld and not be worried about fitting on the rides
June 15th

I went to Hooters last night and ate Buffalo Shrimp. Is that not nature's perfect food!?!! I was thinking about all the things I'll miss after surgery. You know how once people find out you're having surgery they say "Can you have this after surgery??" Well, I was thinking I'll miss good French bread...baked potatoes...french fries..Then I thought..WAIT A MINUTE. How about instead of being so negative and thinking about everything I'll MISS after surgery, I'm going to think about everything I WON'T miss after surgery:) So here it is...in short form:) Trying to get comfortable in a movie theater...fitting in a restaurant booth...turning sideways to get down an aisle...the PLUS SIZES...fat feet...heavy periods....acid reflux....tight wedding ring.....'You have such a cute face!'....the t-shirt over my bathing suit...achey back....shame about my size....the dread that comes with getting on the dr's scale!....plus size bras and underwear....wearing my seat belt across my neck...the steering wheel rubbing my belly.....fear of folding chairs....See?? It's all in how you look at it.
I am starting to dream about surgery. I dreamt that I had forgotten to do my Golytely before surgery and Dr. F got in there and closed me back up and I had to re-schedule. That's it so far..but I still have 2 months to go. I'm supposing there will be more where that came from. I'm going to call my ins co. tomorrow and check on the status of my claim. We're enjoying the finally decent weather here in Illinois and taking advantage of the pool:) I'd like to come out of surgery already tanned:) At least I'll LOOK healthy:)  I'm SO looking forward to being able to shop again. Its no fun to shop when you're looking in the Plus Size.. I haven't really thought about what size I'd like to be at the end of all this. I don't think it's really about what size clothes you wear. But what the heck..I'll go out on a limb and say I'd like to be a 7 again. I don't know if I'll get there or not. I don't want to have a body like a boy..I like being a woman and having curves:) Although I'd like to have less in the boob-al area! I was always a B in HS and zoomed into a C/D after the 3rd baby. I'd like to be a B again. Not sure the girls will ever be as PERKY as they were then...but that's why God invented Victoria's Secret and the Mircale Bra..I'm sure of it! This site is so great...it's nice to know that there are other people out there who have already done the things you're afraid of doing. I've got a GREAT, supportive husband. Just the nicest, best guy in the world. Even my skinny friends think he's just the cutest thing they've ever seen. Of course he can eat like an animal and remain the same 5'7" 180 lbs he's been for the 14 years we've been married!! I can WATCH him eat and gain weight. He married the thin me and still loves the 'fluffy' me. He has never made me feel anything less than fabulous and I really owe my life to him in many ways. He's excited about having the skinny ME back again, of course. But it's nice to know that lots of people here have already taken this journey before me and understand my fears and can really relate:)
My only fear..really there's only one, but it's a biggie..is leaving my wonderful husband, John and my 3 fantastic kids alone. I know in my head that's not going to happen..but my heart has a mind of her own:) Anyway..that's it for now. I'm glad you're still reading!!
June 23rd

My Mom had a stroke on Saturday the 21st. They think it's just a small stroke or maybe a TIA. She is 58 and in good health. She had colon cancer @7 years ago and has been cancer-free since then. Thank God. My Mom and Dad and I are very close. They live in Tennessee and took my 12 year old son and @7 year old daughter back with them to Tenn. on 5/30. They've been having a great time. Then Sat. eve. they went to dinner and Mom started choking on a piece of peppermint candy from Cracker Barrel. Not even the candy, really, just the SALIVA from having the candy in her mouth. This choking business has been a problem since I can remember. She chokes on honey, water, everything. My @7 year old seems to be hit with the same stick. Anyway, my kids were in the car with Mom and Dad and Mom started choking. Dad pulled over and when he saw she was limp he took her to the er. The er doc said he was almost sure it was a food allergy. Remind me to get his name. I'd like to have a talk with him. Anyway, he sent her home. My husband and I made the panicked 9 hour drive when we got the call at 8am Sunday. All I knew was that she couldn't walk by herself and she had numbness in her left arm/fingers. When we got there last night she was beginning to get better. But this morning she was in terrible pain in her back. She went to see her dr. and the dr. said it was definitely a stroke. She saw it right there in the same bloodwork or the cat scan that the er doc had. We came home this morning with the kids. I thought some quiet would help her. She has a lot of testing ahead of her. Possibly physical therapy. Depending on if there is lasting damage. Hope not. Anyway, now we're faced with the problem of the distance between us. Their house is on the market and hopefully they'll be here soon. They have to realize that there will come a time when they need help. They have an acre to mow and it's just getting to be too much.
ANYWAY, just another reason for me to get healthy:) If I can just not stress too much and then get sick !! I came home from TN and there was a voicemail from Mr. Scruggs. He didn't give any hints as to what he wanted to tell me, just said I should call him back at my earliest convenience. I'll write more tomorrow. ALSO, Jasmine Donovan had her surgery with Dr. F on 6/16. She's doing well. WAY TO GO, JASMINE!
June 24th

I'M APPROVED!!!! The letter went out to my surgeon's office today. YIPPEE!!!!!!! Now I can get serious about buying my post op needs. I'm so happy I could SCREAM!!!

   
July 9th 2003

One month 8 days away from surgery. Sometimes it feels like time is just creeping by..then others it seems like this summer is flying. Guess it depends on my mood:) It has rained almost 40 days and 40 nights here. Ok..slight exaggeration, but it's rained the past 6 days:( My yard looks like a jungle.

 


    July 19th 2003

 

We went to Six Flags Great America today. I was SO scared I wasn't going to fit on the rides my kids wanted to go on.  I was worried the bar wouldn't come down far enough to hold me in securely on the coasters.  All my fears were unnecessary, I'm happy to report!  Only on The Demon, my butt was REALLY wedged in there tight!  I don't think I even needed the shoulder safety thing. Dis-lodging this butt was not easy:)  But I did it.  And we got there at 11am and walked til 8pm.  We stopped to eat once (buffet none the less:)My little ones rode the coasters.  My first coaster was The Eagle, so was my husband's.  Now it has been my son and oldest daughters as well.  The baby was a bit too short to fit, so her first coaster was The Demon.  If it hadn't been for the HOUR LONG WAIT for the best rides, we would have done the coasters again. We had so much fun.  Next year, my weight won't hold me back from doing the Superman Rollercoaster!!!! Yay!!  My sister also told me tonight that she'd NEVER have this surgery.  She says she's 170, but I think she's closer to 185ish.  Maybe a bit more. She used to be VERY thin, and since getting married has gained a lot of weight.  Her husband is a really tall, big guy, and it really doesn't seem to matter to either of them.  However my sister's cholesterol is SKY HIGH and she's only 29, and hasn't had kids yet.  I think when she has kids she might have a weight issue.  We'll see.  She's joined a gym and is going 3x a week, and seems to really love it, so that's great.  Of course if you can lose the weight and continue to manage it without surgery, that is always your best option.  I just kind of felt like she was judging me, and in fact she's said several times that I should try another diet, and that the BMI calculator is bull#$^& because at her weight she would be considered MO.  I know that sometimes the truth is hard to face though.  I hope she continues to do well with the gym and can manage her weight the natural way:)  I'm not saying this in any bad way about my sister..she's a great girl:)
   

 


   


   
   

 


   

July 23, 2003
Argh!!I'm about <--this close--> to crying.  I'm SO FRUSTRATED.  Here's the deal..I'm having Lap RNY 8/18/03 at Rush Pres. in Chicago.  I live 1.5 hours (@) south of the hospital, so my surgeon's office gave me the option of having my pre op blood work/cardiac clearance at my local hospital.  Fine.  They want it done 2 weeks prior to surgery.  Fine.  I called the local hospital (Riverside Comm.) 2 weeks ago to schedule my tests (ABG, CBC, CMP, LFT, UA, PT/PTT, HIV, CXR, THYROID, PREG., PFT'S WITH ABG'S AND CARDIAC CLEARANCE WITH EKG)  the girl in scheduling tells me that I only have to schedule the ABGs, and to call closer to the 2 wks prior to surgery.  Fine.  Last week I call back and I'm told, no I don't have to schedule the ABG, only the cardiac clearance with ekg.  The rest they can just do while I'm there.  Okey dokey.  She says they want me to call during the week when I want the appt. as they're not really backed up.  Fine.  I call today, and I'm told, "No, we can't do your pre op bloodwork here if you're having your surgery at Rush." WHAT??!!!??!!! I said, "That doesn't make any sense!"  To top it all off, the last time I called, the scheduler called my surgeon's office to find out exactly how he wanted the cardiac clearance done.  She called me back and said she got it all straightened out with surgeon's office.  Fine.  Now this.  So I told the girl today, I'll just call my PCP, who is local and deals with that hosp. and have him speak with you as he's totally on board with this whole surgery thing.  I call his office and the girl who answers the phone says, of course you can have your bw done there! but let me double check...She puts me on with the OFFICE MANAGER who says 'Nope..they will only do your bw if your surgery is scheduled there"  Even though I have the written orders?!  I can hear the first girl saying "But we always send patients over there for pre op work!" Ok.  So I call the surgeon..the office mgr says to have the hosp call her if they have any problems...  Okey dokey.   Call the hosp., get another scheduller who says, Of COURSE we can do your bw! Who told you we couldn't!?  I give her the last girls name and tell this one that the last one even said she checked with the nurse manager and the nm says I have to have pre op bw done at Rush if my surgery is at Rush.  This new girl says "please..that doesnt make any sense, does it!??!"  Right.  So she says again, just walk in to have the work done and they'll do it and fax to my surgeon.  All happy right!??!  Nope..as we're hanging up she says 'DONT FORGET TO FAST FOR YOUR CMP!!" Huh?? You don't fast for a complete metabolic profile!!!!!  I'M IN HELL!!!  Yep..some kind of pre surgical holding pattern PURGATORY or something.  Thats ok though...you know, I could USE a little more stress!!!!
Had a dream last night that I was awake while they slid the ng tube in..I was kind of twilight-y..and kept going 'UHHH!! AHHHH!!' til they finally realized I'm not under all the way..then they gave me something else and when I woke up I was happy and only in moderate pain:)  Hopefully this is just my stress showing up!!!  I've heard from others who are posties that bad dreams leading up to surgery are normal.  Thank goodness!
I went to Riverside Health and Fitness Center in Bourbonnais and took the 5 cent tour.  WOW.  The locker rooms are like a country club...a wall of mirrors with chairs and a vanity for fixing your hair..blowdriers, they provide shaving cream, lotion, q tips, deoderant, towels and everything.  In the locker room there is a big screen tv with comfy chairs..a steam room..a sauna...jacuzzi...centrifuge for drying your bathing suit..then out in the gym there's a rock climbing wall, indoor padded track, basketball, volleyball, racquetball, free weight area, machine area, cardio area and upstairs are the CLASSROOMS!!  You can take yoga, spinning, pilates, stability ball, step, toning, aqua kicbox, water aerobics..and it's all included in your membership!  I've never been excited about a gym before.  Also, this does not have the 'meat market' feeling about it.  It's mostly people at or above my age, and was VERY VERY VERY CLEAN!!  Anyone who knows me knows I have a 'public bathroom issue' lol...that I'm sure stems from my germophobe mother!! LOL We actually had to stand on public toilets to pee.  Not easy to do.  We often ended up with pee on our socks!! LOL  On family trips, when we went to Tennessee to visit family, we learned to HOLD IT for 10 hours...LOL  Anyway, I digress...I'm not afraid to use these facilities at all..and may be adventurous and take off my shoes in the locker room:) 
Also forgot to mention about our Great America trip...I'm surprised my thighs rubbing together didnt start a fire, after all that walking.


   

 


   


   


   

 


   

August 4, 2003
Well, we're getting down to the wire now, aren't we!?!  13 days and a wake up.  Whew.  I can't imagine what people who have to wait MONTHS to GET a surgery date do to keep from driving themselves crazy!
Last week The Girlfriends had our first annual garage sale.  We had so much fun, and made easy money.  Unfortunately it also involved many doughnuts for breakfast, and fast food for lunch.  Those days will SOON be histoyr. 
A girl in town that I know from my kids' school started a conversation about my surgery while I was pumping gas a month ago.  She says her husband is very interested in having id done.  She called again a couple days ago and asked for my surgeon's number, and could I answer questions or talk to her hubby about the surgery.  I told her sure, and they're more than welcome to call after surgery and find out what I think THEN;) about having it done.   I also told her about this website and that her husband has to do tons of research and reading here, so he knows that it's a serious thing.  This is a life-altering decision, and a permanant committment.  This is not something to be entered into lightly, and can not be undone.  Once he reads about all the changes it makes in your life I wonder if he'll decide to do it.  I told her this took me a YEAR to just commit to having a consult.  I didnt wake up one morning and look in the mirror and say "you know what? I'm tired of being fat.  i think Ill have rny"  I know this surgery involves risk, pain, and I'm sure lots of frustration for a while.  And I'm ok with that. I hope he is too:)
I am feeling very calm.  I have given this to God and asked for His blessings.  I truly feel like He put this in front of me and gave me the courage and resources to do it.  I am not afraid of dying during surgery anymore.  I know I'll be fine. 
On a lighter note, school starts 3 days post op.  I have 3 kids, 2nd, 3rd and 6th grades.  We went school shopping yesterday and lets just say Target will be sending me a 'Thank You' card!!  It was a very expensive day.  I bought sugar-free applesauce, s/f popsicles, water, fruit20 (orange..hated it!).  I also picked up Viactiv (which I now think is the wrong calcium for post op!!), gummy vitamins, liquid tylenol, baby wipes and a nightie for the hospital.  I still need sublingual b12 and a protein powder.  Will it never end!?!!? LOL  I keep thinking I'm done and then I'll remember something else.  John (aka hubby) is going to pick up wonton soup for me by the quart for the 2 weeks post op.  I think I will freeze it in little baggies, just a couple tbls at a time. 
We went out for bkfst yesterday am and my kids kept asking "Can you have THIS after surgery?!!?"  My middle girl is upset that my bday is a couple weeks after surgery and I can't have a bday cake.  LOL  I said "I can have a s/f ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins!" (hint hint)

  My kids dont think anyone can live without hashbrowns and toast.  My oldest keeps breaking off tiny bites of egg and saying "THIS is how much Mom can eat, then shes full!" They don't realize I oculd probably live off my fat stores for A YEAR!!!
I woke up this morning and said "Well EXACTLY 14 days from right now...my bowels will have been throughly cleansed(!) I will be STARVING, and I will be at Rush, waiting for my re-birthday!  I am SO EXCITED!!  When we were in Target yesterday I kept peeking in at the cute women's clothes (you know we're not allowed to TOUCH them:)and pining over those cute little hippie jeans.  You know, the low riders.  I don't know if I'll be able to stand them.  I'll probably feel like my pants are falling down, but I WILL try them!!! With some cute clunky sandals and a cute top that is NOT shaped like a BELL!!  I just can't wait. 
I guess this is as good a time as any to say that I have a mental goal for myself.  I want to be 135#.  I still want boobs and curves, and don't want to look like Calista Flockhart:)  Doesn't she look like a lollipop?? That stick body and a big ole head?!!?  Ok..quit verbally abusing the skinny chick.  I guess that isnt kind, just like fat jokes.  But come on.  Eat something!
Ok...enough rambling for now....I'm glad you're still reading!
   

 


   


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Thursday, August 14, 2003
Wow..did my time come up fast:)One more day of regular solids and then Saturday it's clear liquids.   I've actually been thinking about starting clear liquids today.  I'm not really hungry and maybe it will make the Golytely Goeasier!  I have to do that fun-ness on Sunday.  I hope I can choke it all down.  Even if I have to hold my nose and chug I'm determined that I will drink every drop.
I am not scared, nervous or worried. I am excited.  Whenver I start to get scared (which is not often:) I just think about how all the little gross things (ie golytely) are such SHORT, TINY things and how my weightloss will be forever if I'm dedicated.  I have researched this surgery, and know what to expect.  I'm not afraid of portion size.  If you're realistic, by the time you're done losing weight you're eating @a cup of food.  Maybe a cup and a 1/2.  THAT is a normal portion size!  Yes, we've learned (hopefully) to make wise choices.  But it is still a normal portion size.  We're so conditioned by all-you-can-eat-burffets, super-size meals that we don't KNOW what  a normal portion size is.  Hopefully this surgery will help my family eat normal sized portions.  I am torturing my kids with the fact that when the family eats pasta, I'm going to pull some frozen shrimp out and eat a few of those for dinner.  Who's envious of who's food choices:)  My kids love seafood.  I know they will miss the all you can eat crab legs from RL.  But A)is all you can eat really good for you?? and b) if they're determined to go, I can go to the mall while they pig out:)  I'm trying to keep really positive about this.  Like I said, I've done all my homework.  I know what to expect.  I realize that I might be mad at myself after surgery because of the pain, and wonder if I did the right thing.  But that's normal.  So is the depression that might come in a couple weeks.  So is the hair loss.  None of these scare me.  I know they're coming, and they won't surprise me.  If they don't come, great...butI was forewarned and forearmed.  That is what this site does for you.  It takes away (hopefully!) the surprises.  Even if you have the most skilled surgeon in the world, it's your duty to do the research and know what you're getting yourself into before you do it.  I've had several people call me and ask if I'd talk to their husband/brother/cousin about this surgery.  Ive never kept it a secret that I'm doing it.  I live in a town of @1000 people, adn I'd say everyone knows:) Even people who don't know me.  I've been getting calls all week to find out how my surgery went.  People are disappointed when they find out it's not til NEXT Monday:)  Last night was Jr. High orientation for my oldest and literally everyone was coming up and either asking if I'm scared or wishing me luck.  After they realized I haven't done it yet:)  However, to the people who have asked me to talk to thier family members re: this surgery, I have referred them to this website, and told them to check with me 2 weeks after surgery and I will be completely honest with them.  I feel like I have to get through it first, before I can counsel someone else.  And, people have the attitude, 'Well you're doing it and you're going to lose a lot of weight really fast, and thats what I want too....so I'm going to do what you're doing!"  I tell them that this is not a decision to make lightly.  This is a life-altering decision and a commitment to better health.   This is not magic.  Although you may lose weight quickly at first, after the 2nd/3rd month its going to take work to stick with it, and to tone your body.  I told all 3 people who asked me that I will help them where I can, but that it's their responsibliity to do their homework and discover everything they can before they make this decision.   Information is power.
With that said, off to do the laundry.  Don't want to come home to a wreck:)
Hubby is staying with me at Rush Monday night. I won't know my surgery time til Friday.  Wow that's tomorrow:)  If I don't get a chance to post again pre op, I'll see you on the losing side:)  Thank you to everyone who's encouraged me even a little bit along this (albeit short:) journey.  I hope my words acn impact someone who is deciding whether or not to do this, the way your words have impacted me.
God bless every one of you.!!! Say a prayer for me if you think about it.  I'm a computer addict so you know I'll post from the hospital if at all possible!!!
Love,
Kathy


   

 


   


   


   

 


   
   


   


   

 


   

August 21st 2003
Well I made it home! Today was my first full day but I actually came home yesterday after being released at 12:30.   My hospital stay was great, especially my nurse Nina.   She was fantabulous.  Kind, gentle and knowledgable..the whole ball of wax. 
My check in was a breeze, we got there at 8:30am..and didnt have to be there til 10:30:)  The anesthesiologists were great..no problems.  Although one did talk to me about doing an 'awake look' which means youre twilight-y while they scope and intubate you.  I was kind of freaking out but was already sedated.  I'm glad though, or I might have chickened out.  I have a very sensitive gag reflex and told them so..so they put an aerosol spray on my throat which was gross..but it was better than feeling them tube me, so I asked for extra! LOL  I also asked for extra sleep juice to make sure I was all the way under.  I had fear of feeling something while I was sleeping.  Didnt feel a thing, and the anesthesia does really give you amnesia, so I dont remember anything after getting my iv in and the spray in my throat.  Afterwards I remember telling a nurse that I couldnt breathe because it hurt so much to take a breath.  She said she'd give me something in  a second.  Maybe I repeated it a lot because she said 'You know we're not going to be able to take the pain away right?" and I remember thinking 'Huh??"  But rught then my hero Dr. Frantzides came in and said "Give her something NOW" and he also held my hand up and scolded her for leaving blood on my hand and told her to clean me up better than this before sending me to my room.  This might not be totally accurate, but its how I remember things.  Luckily I didnt see that nurse again.  I do remember someone sneezing a lot on my way to the or...and I remember saying 'Bless You' a bunch...and I think someone was playing with me to see if I'd keep saying it:)  Dr. Frantzides is the most gentle, caring Dr. I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.  He truly CARES that your pain is managed and that your ok.  He never rushed me in all the times I saw him while I was in.  He has got to be the best Dr. in the world:)  I wouldn't recommend anyone else but him.  The hospital stay was good, but after my leak test I did only get one tray.  Nothing on the day I was released and I was there til 12:30.
I walked at 8:30 the evening after surgery and when I walked past the nurses station they said "Show-off" and "We're going to make a video of you walking 4 hours after getting up here to show to all the other patients"  I was trying not to laugh, because I was afraid it would hurt.  I had my first bowel movement Tues after the leak test and everything came out fine:) albeit green (which I found out was bile and normal) 
I'm home and sleeping on the couch on my right side.  Have more discomfort on the left side than the right which is expected because thats where the camera goes in.  I'm a little stooped over but I guess thats my body's way of protecting my tummy.  My kids cried when they saw me..because I couldnt get up off the couch easily and they couldnt come running up and hug me.  I'm better today and took a shower by myself with no problems.  I get tired really really easy, like just sitting here typing but I guess thats normal.  I weighed in at 232 the am of surgery, and gained 3 lbs in the hospital...and have lost 5 since coming home yesterday. Yay for me!!
More tomorrow:) And thanks to everyone who left messages on my surgery page, or emailed or called my room.  This website is a Godsend:)


   

 


   


   


   

 


    August 25th, 2003
Well I'm 5 days out and down to 216. I"m doing great, no nausea, vomiting or anything else.  My friend, Anne, saw me for the first time today since I came home Wed. and said 'YOUR FACE!!  YOUR EYES LOOK SO BIG AND I CAN SEE YOUR CHEEKBONES!!'  I dont know about that...but I do feel very very good.  I found out I have bones in my feet.  Who knew?  I also have a yeast infection and raging thrush.  Dr. F, or Dr. John, if you read this...Diflucan should be part of our discharge (no pun intended:) package!!  And yes, Dr. John...I really had no pain.  If you don't count GAS:) 
   

 


   


    


    September 5, 2003
Well Happy Birthday to me:)  I'm 33 today!  I don't feel like celebrating....I have a MISERABLE head cold.  It's trying really hard to settle into my chest.  But I'm using everything I have to prevent it.  I'm taking Guiatuss with codeine (yay) and using my nebulizer to keep my bronchioles from spasming or whatever!   I'm ok til I lay down..then I sound like a 100 year old woman...all wheezy and creaky.  But I'll live.  I'm too mean to let this get me down:) Ha ha!  Everything else is going well. I"m down to 214 today.  It seems to have slowed down somewhat.  But today I met someone who had this done in Oct. of last year and she's down 160lbs.  She lost the same amt. I did in the first month..so she says I'm doing just fine.  I did have guacamole for lunch today.  I used one tortilla chip and spooned the guac onto it...and just licked it off...lol..how desperate is that!?!  But I think avocados have protein, dont they?!?  I had John hide the scale yesterday and that lasted @12 hours.  I finally found a protein shake I (mostly)like.  Its pro blend 55 from gnc.  55g o' protein in each 6oz glass.  Give you horrible farts though.  Is that normal???  I'm so girly and HATE burping and farting.  Boy, has this surgery changed my outlook on that!!  But all these body noises will be worth it when I am healthier!!  Anyway, I went to a yard sale today, at the house of the girl who lost 160lbs in less than a year.  She bought new clothes every size she lost.  Great for me!  Not so great for her.  I bought them ALL. LOL..and she shopped at LB and the Avenue..so the stuff is really good.   I bought some 2x and 3x which I HOPE I will shrink out of before I get to wear!  Then I can pass them on to the clothing exchange:)  It's weird though....I have a totally distorted body image.  I feel bigger now than I did before surgery.  I don't see any difference yet, which can get discouraging.  I know it will come...in time.  I just hope I dont turn into one of those girls who looks in the mirror at 145 and sees a fat girl still!!  Till later...I'm glad you're still reading:)
   

 


   


   


   

 


   

SEPT 6, 2003....I AM NO LONGER MORBIDLY OBESE!!! YIPPEE!! ONLY SEVERELY OBESE!!! 211 THIS MORNING!


   

 


   


   


   

 


    Sept. 12th
Well I'm 207 now:)  I've had SO MUCH PAIN this past week, I realy felt like I was DYING.  Dr. John thought pulled muscle, popped stitch, hematoma, etc...which I agreed with....TILL I REALIZED I WAS CONSTIPATED!!!! AND HAD HORRENDUS GAS PAIN!!!!  Yesterday took some MYLANTA MAX and voila...GONE.  I've taken 2 today and feel like I have my life back.  Went garage saleing this morning and the girlfriends are going to a movie tonight.  All is well in Whoville:) 
By the way...Dr. JohnZ and Dr. F if you read this...man you guys really need a referral program.  Or is that unethical??  I have already given your names and number to about 10 people.  I know one of them has already called you and he has an appt for Oct 15th I believe!!  Man...send me to Greece or something!!!! It's really great for you guys to have an ECSTATIC patient with a BIG MOUTH:)  Love you guys!!!
   

 


   


   


   

 


    Sept. 22nd, 2003
Well I'm a month out and down @33lbs.  Its time for my period, so I guess I'm stuck at 205 til thats over with.  I made grilled salmon last night and it was SO good..even though I could only eat about 5 small bites.  We've decided to go to the Covered Bridge Festival in Indiana next month, which means LOTS of walking:) I"m hoping Dr. F clears me for exercise this week at my 1month checkup so I can join the health club! It will feel SO GOOD to swim and sit in the sauna!!  I'm really looking forward to it.  I got my hair cut pretty short.  It's funny..when you're heavy you tend to feel masculine.  I would have never gotten my hair cut this short 33lbs ago because I was afraid of looking like a boy:(  Now I feel like most of my CHINS are gone and I look ok with this hair.  Who knows... I might even highlight it blonde;)  Wouldnt John be surprised!!  Anyway, check one objective off my list!  Now since I'm taking so much calcium every day my nails are the longest they've been since high school! They say we cant really absorb calcium carbonate, but I"m taking 2000mg a day and must be absorbing SOMETHING because since surgery my nails are AWESOME!!  Had to remove my Grams wedding ring from my right hand as it's gotten too loose.  I seem to be shrinking, because clothes are fitting differently...but I can still wear some of the shorts/pants from pre op.  HOWEVER, I can get into a 20 as well..not comfortably, mind you..but they do zip:)  Thats where I'm heaviest, right at my waist..or where your waist is supposed to be!
   

 


   


   


   

 


    Hey everyone:)  Well today was my 1mo checkup with Dr. F and Dr. John.  They said I look great...and that my face looks so thin!! I told them it was just an optical illusion;)  Ok...so I DID get a totally sassy butt kicking haircut.  And I have to admit, for the first time in 12 years I feel C-U-T-E!!!  However, I dont really SEE any weight loss yet.  I told the Drs that I feel fatter now than before surgery.  I also told them I'll get over it! LOL  The girl at the desk said "OH MY GOSH youre looking so THIN!"  Ok, maybe she's just being nice ... but it made me feel good.  I met Karen Shomer (my AMOS sister:) today at the office as well.  She looks great and is doing very well.  She's a HOOT and a 1/2!   Looking forward to seeing her again. 
I wonder if anyone else who's a postie feels this way....Before surgery I was never critical of myself.  I never took time to let my nails grow, have them done, shop for myself, etc.   Now, as a new postie, I am my own worst critic.  However I've had my hair done and highlited, paint my nails all the time and wory about how I look.  Personally for me, I think that as a preop, before I decided to do this, I HAD to like myself as I was, because I thought I had to be like that for the rest of my life.  Now, I can criticize myself and be honest because I know that my fatness is temporary.  Anyone else feel this way?  If we were honest with ourselves about our weight and appearance pre op I dont think we could live with ourselves.  Had a 3"square piece of pizza for dinner (hey cheese and sausage have protein;) and felt naughty and great.  Dont make a habit of it...but my parents are visiting and they're a bit hesitant to eat in front of me...like they're torturing me.  When really, I just dont care about food anymore.  A couple bites and I'm done..and I dont CARE.  I'm just fuelling my body with food..not my psyche or my emotions anymore.  Food has no control over me.  (ask me if I feel that way when its time for my period!)
Hope youre doing well too! 
   

 


   


   


   


    


   
    Sept. 26th Ok I know I just updated last night...but this morning I'm 201.  I cant believe it!!!  Thanks to Dr.F and Dr. Zografakis for giving me the tool that has helped me reclaim my life.  People, this is your second chance!! Don't blow it!!!! 

 


    Wow! I think this is the longest I've gone between updates so far!  I've actually been down as low as 197.  I have my period (from h-e-double-hockey-sticks) right now.  It ruined my weekend.  We went to Spoon River for the festival, and drove 3.5 hours to get there!!  Then we ended up leaving about an hour after we got there...because I bled through my tampon, pad and jeans!  I had to sit on newspaper the whole way home.  I was miserable.  On the bright side, I had no cramps, breast tenderness or bitchiness.  Sounds good right?  Well yesterday, Tuesday, my period seemed to be over.  Crazy.  This am I got in the shower and clot city.  I dont mean to be gross, but this is  a little worrisome.  I mean I stepped into the shower, turned on the water and when i stood up, BAM...i thought my uterus fell out.  It didnt hurt...but was kind of crampy.  Someone said when you pass a clot, your cervix has to dilate.  Wonder if thats true?  Anyway, I dont FEEL bad..no dizziness or anything.  Now the bleeding has completely stopped.  I hope this is just because I didnt have a period in Sept. and surgery and everything.  This sucks.  AND to make it WORSE, I was down as far as 197, but am now 199.  Is it because of my period???  I dont think I'm getting enough protein OR calories in.  I'm just not hungry.  But today I had salmon, shrimp, 1/2 a protein bar and I'm drinking an atkins shake from hell right now.  GOSH I hate protein drinks.  Why cant they taste like a milkshake??? Screw this atkins thing.  I'm going to do a double protein milk. 
I know it might sound like I'm down, but I'm not.  It's just my period thing.. AND I'm having a bad hair day. Time for a cut already.  The only drawback to short hair!  I actually feel VERY good, and feel 10 years younger.  I can breathe, and I can finally see the weight loss in my face.  Its really weird, but I can still wear some of the shorts that I wore before surgery.  My belly is going to be the last to go.  I can tell a huge difference between now and pre op though as far as the steering wheel in the car, etc.  LOTS more room:)  And I feel CUTE.   FINALLY.  I bought 3 VS bras, which I'm really excited about.  What I'm NOT excited about is the fact that my left girl is WAY smaller than the right one.  AND I weigh myself about a million times a day.  Sometimes the scale will bounce back up to 200-201.  That pisses me off.  I know, I know...dont weigh myself so much:)
   

 


   


  


   

 


 


    .10/13  Scale finally friggin moved.  196 this am.  I know its only a lb and a 1/2..but thats something.  Its strange...but whenever I eat a handfull of popcorn, the next am I wake up thinner:)  Yay popcorn!
   

 


   


   


   

 


 

IF I can walk tomorrow, which is a possibility!, I will go back to RHC.  There is a gentle yoga class at 12:30-1:30.  Wonder if I could do it???
   

   

 


   


   


   

 


 


   
   

 


   


   


   

 


 


  align="left"> Well I'm 189.5 today!! And I KNOW my period is coming again.  Oh well.  Can't have everything!!
Later 10/26th....Had to add..we went shopping tonight and my youngest girl was looking at Polly Pockets (you have to have kids to know that one I guess!)  and said "All the Pollys in this package look chubby.  Maybe they should have surgery to make them be thin!!!"   LOL

 


   

 


   


    


 


    I'm sick...and strep is going around our kids school.  GREAT.  We have a girlfriends getaway weekend planned for this weekend.  So I'll have a sore throat AND be hemmorhaging!!
   

 


   


   


   

 

 


    Today I rocked the scale at 183!!!!  Less hips, less hips, HOORAY!!!  I went shopping at a resale shop here locally and bought 5 tops and 2 pairs of pants...and 2 pairs of funky shoes.  Get THIS...I fit in a size XL from LIMITED!! Well, tops, anyway.  I am so happy, I could scream.  It was strange not knowing what sizes to look for.  I automatically went to the plus section.  But when I held up the 20s I KNEW they looked too big for me.  On bottom I'm still 1x.  Not really all over, just my abdomen.  The shelf is virtually gone from above my butt.   The 'girls' are evening up to my satisfaction, my arms are ok..and I have tiny chicken legs.  Someone actually told me that at the gym the other day.  Looking at a pic from our summer trip to Great America where I'm SCREAMING in terror on the EAGLE (rollercoaster) my mouth is wide open and my neck is a big as my thigh!! Bigger, I think!! I cried.  I am SO SAD I wasted 12 years of my life FAT.  What was I THINKING???  What did I DO to myself??? My solace is that I HAD to be fat to get to where I am today.  I had to go through all that to become the Kathy I am now, who I LOVE.  (mostly:)   I will NEVER forget that poor fat girl, and I will never let it happen again.  I will teach my children the easy way to stay healthy...DON'T OVEREAT, AND EXERCISE FREQUENTLY!!  I dont want them to make the same mistakes I have made.  Although I am THANKFUL for my experience (especially my fantabulous surgeons!!) because it is now part of me as well, and I am a better person for it. 
Also had to add...I just raked the entire front yard of leaves (2 gi-normous maples!) and burned them all:)  Last year there was NO WAY I could have had the energy or the breath to get this done!
   

 


   


   


   

 

 


    DECEMBER 11, 2003  WOW WOW WOW I cant believe its been a month since my last update!! I'm down to 171 and wearing a 14/16 bottom and petite large on top.  Yay for me!!  I feel GREAT, and have been told numerous times that I look 10-15 years younger.  I'm running a 5K in February.  I am taking aerobics at the gym..I was there for 2 hours today because I can't go tomorrow and I'm committed to going 3x a week.  Christmas is coming SO FAST!! My shopping is done:)  We went to the jewelers and tried on diamond rings...(my wedding band, anniversary band and all other jewelry I was wearing no longer fits and I feel nekkid!) Anyhoo...when my husband bought my anniversary band 2 years ago for Christmas, we had to have it sized up to a 9:(  When we were trying on rings last Sunday, I put one on 1/2 way and the clerk said "oh put it all the way on and see how it looks'.  I said "oh it wont go on there.." (you know I still see myself at 242!)  but I tried it anyway, and it's LOOSE!!! I said WHAT SIZE ARE ALL YOUR RINGS???? She said 7'S!!!!! OMG!! I cant believe it.  Hopefully one will find its way under my Christmas tree this year:)  (Hint, Santa!!) OH!! I got measured at the gym today, and I'm 5'3!!!!!
   

 


   


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    Dec. 22, 2003
Merry Christmas to all my Christian friends:)  To all my Jewish friends, Happy Channukah:)  This is my first Christmas as an adult and not being obese.  Yes, you read that right...I'm merely OVERWEIGHT now!!  I LOVE shopping...I cant get enough clothes.  I love VICTORIAS SECRET bras...(I dont know if I ever mentioned this, but my right girl is WAY bigger than my left girl...and I'm talking the right one is a full C and the left is only a small-medium b!!...So anyhoo, if anyone else has this issue, Vicky's has these little boob lifter thingys that go under your smaller boob, so at least your cups look even if you wear a low cut shirt!!
I had a cookie exchange at my house last weekend and ended up with about 14 dozen cookies.  I only ate a few crescents between last weekend and this weekend.  One every other day or so.  I did pretty well, I'd say!  We went downtown to American Girl and Navy Pier yesterday with friends.  We walked MILES and had so much fun.  It was almost 50 degrees!! 
So anyway, where as before surgery, I felt masculine, now I'm all GIRLY!!!  I wear makeup (thank you, Clinique!) and jewelry and my nails are painted...etc.  My husband is ecstatic.   So am I. 
I hope you all have a great Holiday!!  My shopping is D-O-N-E!!!  and wrapped, to boot!!! I have energy to spare...I could get by on 5 hours sleep...I don't want to waste my time sleeping!! LOL 
   

 


   


   


   

 

 


   

Jan 8, 2004
Ok kids...I'm trying to break another plateau.  I don't THINK I'm done losing.  I'll be 10 kinds of disappointed if I am.  I know at 4.5 mos out it's still possible to be losing at a decent rate.  However I've been gaining and losing the same 3-4lbs for about 10 days now.  I've upped my water intake and changed my workout.  I know more lbs will come off.  Who can complain about being 167 after hitting a high of 242??!! Well..me.  BUT I think I'm getting the flu.  Not sure.  I'm achey and hot.  We'll see.  I still get a kick out of people not recognizing me or doing the double take.  I feel like a teenager again. I truly do.  I am bound and determined to run that 5K in February, and tomorrow start lifting freeweights for the first time. 
I'm also starting to think about having a TT and implants.  My girls are so uneven, I know I'm going to need something to make them look normal.  As for my tummy, unless something absolutely miraculous happens over the next 40lbs...it ain't going away on its own!  It's just like a square of fat all around my belly button.  Now, maybe over the next 40 that will diminish a bit...but I dont think the skin will go away on its own.  As for the rest of me, I dont need any work done on my chin, butt or legs.  Well..I have a bulge at the very top of my thighs, but Im still working on that myself.  My butt I think I can lift by doing squats and the leg press.  My upper arms are flabby but is just right underneath by where my arm touches my armpit.  Make sense?  I can live with that. Im working my bi and triceps for that too and doing rotary shoulder and chest along with lat pulldowns.  My upper body looks great and if it wasn't for having to have my tummy done I would probably not have implants done.  Figured I'd kill 2 birds with one stone.  All in all I'm pretty happy with how I look:)


   

 


   


   


   

 

 


   

January 14, 2004
Well I think I've finally broken that nasty plateau!! Whew! Thats the longest one so far!!  How'd i do it? A combination of heart pounding, aerobic shopping...lol.  Not really.  I think my body was just slow catching up to the quick weight loss.  I haven't changed my eating, but have upped water a bit.  My hair, skin and nails look GREAT.  Usually I'd have dry skin at this time of year..but not now! Its AWESOME!!!  My periods are getting better too. YIPPEE!!  Next month is my 6mo checkup with Dr. F and Dr. Johnzee.  They won't even RECOGNIZE me!! I'll have to take in the pic that hubby John took of me in my hospital gown in the holding area on the day of surgeryBe the first to leave a comment.



About Me
Grant Park, IL
Location
23.0
BMI
RNY
Surgery
08/18/2003
Surgery Date
Apr 07, 2003
Member Since

Friends 2

Latest Blog 2
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