April Henderson
6/5/07- First Support Group Meeting
Jun 05, 2007
Well hello! It has been almost 3 weeks since my last entry. Not much has been up, but the last couple of weeks were pretty much a wash. I have been trying to make good choices regarding food and excercise, but honestly, I don't think I made all the choices I should have. I haven't lost like I should have within the last 3 weeks. Tomorrow I am going to do my EKG, Chest X-Ray, and Blood Tests required from the Kaiser Fremont Bariatric Center and get officially weighed so I can call in for my 2nd weigh in. Hopefully I have lost at least 2 or 3 lbs.
Last night my husband and I went to the Memorial Hospital WLS Support Group. .It was an interesting experience to say the least. I didn't know quite what to expect, so I wasn't sure what would happen. So, here was our experience. We walked in to the building, signed in at a table and put on name tags. We then walked into a very cold meeting room that was filled with about 100 people of all shapes and sizes and sat down at a square table with other people. A lot of people were of the older age group, but there were some younger folks as well. Majority of course was women. There was a Pharmacist who spoke about good/bad scrips and answered questions from the group. Then, we broke up into groups of the tables we were sitting at (approx. 6 people per table). There was a sheet that we passed around that had a couple of questions that we had to share out loud with our table regarding where we were in the process, what we feared most, any advice, etc. It was interesting to hear people's processes. What was funny to me was that everyone who had the surgery and the spouses of those people seemed to think they knew EVERYTHING that had to do with the surgery and wanted to make sure that everyone knew they knew what they were talking about. I felt a bit condescended at times because they started sharing information that I have prepared by studying the past year or so. It is always useful to hear others, don't get me wrong, but it was really basic info that I felt like anyone who was considering WLS and was at a support group meeting should have known already. For example, "Eat your protein and take your vitamins EVERY day, you don't want to lose your hair" or "Don't get pregnant for at least 2 years because it could be harmful for the baby." I don't mean to sound like a jerk, but I really felt like they thought that just because I hadn't done the surgery yet that I was inexperienced. I have been preparing for this for awhile, so it was a bit annoying. Anyway, after the table discussion, a Bariatric surgeon in our area, Dr. Corin, came to answer questions. He seemed very nice and also very knowledgable. Next month they will have a plastic surgeon coming to speak, so I would like to attend again. Overall, a very good experience, and I can see how the commroderie is very appealing and very necessary. Well, that's about it for now. Night!
Last night my husband and I went to the Memorial Hospital WLS Support Group. .It was an interesting experience to say the least. I didn't know quite what to expect, so I wasn't sure what would happen. So, here was our experience. We walked in to the building, signed in at a table and put on name tags. We then walked into a very cold meeting room that was filled with about 100 people of all shapes and sizes and sat down at a square table with other people. A lot of people were of the older age group, but there were some younger folks as well. Majority of course was women. There was a Pharmacist who spoke about good/bad scrips and answered questions from the group. Then, we broke up into groups of the tables we were sitting at (approx. 6 people per table). There was a sheet that we passed around that had a couple of questions that we had to share out loud with our table regarding where we were in the process, what we feared most, any advice, etc. It was interesting to hear people's processes. What was funny to me was that everyone who had the surgery and the spouses of those people seemed to think they knew EVERYTHING that had to do with the surgery and wanted to make sure that everyone knew they knew what they were talking about. I felt a bit condescended at times because they started sharing information that I have prepared by studying the past year or so. It is always useful to hear others, don't get me wrong, but it was really basic info that I felt like anyone who was considering WLS and was at a support group meeting should have known already. For example, "Eat your protein and take your vitamins EVERY day, you don't want to lose your hair" or "Don't get pregnant for at least 2 years because it could be harmful for the baby." I don't mean to sound like a jerk, but I really felt like they thought that just because I hadn't done the surgery yet that I was inexperienced. I have been preparing for this for awhile, so it was a bit annoying. Anyway, after the table discussion, a Bariatric surgeon in our area, Dr. Corin, came to answer questions. He seemed very nice and also very knowledgable. Next month they will have a plastic surgeon coming to speak, so I would like to attend again. Overall, a very good experience, and I can see how the commroderie is very appealing and very necessary. Well, that's about it for now. Night!
5/16/07- Weigh IN Date #1
May 16, 2007
WOO HOO! Another 5 lbs. gone! Yeah baby! Today was the day I had to call in on the "Weight Info Line" for Kaiser. I am down to 339. I am feeling like I have more energy all the time. It is really great. And you know, I don't feel weighed down after I eat now. Before I was eating crappy and I would always feel stuffed and miserable after eating. And of course Curves is helping too, I am sure. I love the girls there and the overall atmosphere. I think I am going to make a list of all the things I can't wait to do (big and small) when I am at a normal size. Please excuse the ones that might seem either gross or that you don't want to hear about. I will try to curb my language as much as possible! : )
Things I Can't Wait to Do:
1. Go to an amusement park and not fear not being able to fit on any ride- and actually fitting! (DONE 09/29/08)
2. Shaving my legs without almost killing myself in the tub. (DONE)
3. Taking a bath in my little bitty tub without sticking to the sides and having to pry myself out when I am done. OUCH!(DONE)
4. Comfortably and easily being able to place girly products at the girly "time-of-the-month." (DONE)
5. Have Children (No children yet- but I am having regular periods which means I am ovulating!!! YIPPEE!)
6. Shopping for a dress that costs under $60 because it is made with "extra fabric". (DONE)
7. Dancing with my husband and having his arms all the way around me. (DONE- although the "Husband" is an issue now)
8. Better XES (DONE)(DONE)(DONE)
9. Climbing a flight of stairs without being winded.(DONE)
10. Running a marathon of some sort.
11. Not feeling like everyone is staring at me when I walk into a room. (DONE)
12. Living life to the fullest at every moment.
13. Skydiving!
14. Hot-Air Ballooning
15. Skiing
16. Feeling Confident and Beautiful (DONE: Sometimes)
17. Letting people pass by me in the aisle at the movies without having to stand up or spread eagle my legs.
18. Being able to fit comfortably in a small bathroom stall. (DONE)
I will update this list periodically when I think of new things.
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Things I Can't Wait to Do:
1. Go to an amusement park and not fear not being able to fit on any ride- and actually fitting! (DONE 09/29/08)
2. Shaving my legs without almost killing myself in the tub. (DONE)
3. Taking a bath in my little bitty tub without sticking to the sides and having to pry myself out when I am done. OUCH!(DONE)
4. Comfortably and easily being able to place girly products at the girly "time-of-the-month." (DONE)
5. Have Children (No children yet- but I am having regular periods which means I am ovulating!!! YIPPEE!)
6. Shopping for a dress that costs under $60 because it is made with "extra fabric". (DONE)
7. Dancing with my husband and having his arms all the way around me. (DONE- although the "Husband" is an issue now)
8. Better XES (DONE)(DONE)(DONE)
9. Climbing a flight of stairs without being winded.(DONE)
10. Running a marathon of some sort.
11. Not feeling like everyone is staring at me when I walk into a room. (DONE)
12. Living life to the fullest at every moment.
13. Skydiving!
14. Hot-Air Ballooning
15. Skiing
16. Feeling Confident and Beautiful (DONE: Sometimes)
17. Letting people pass by me in the aisle at the movies without having to stand up or spread eagle my legs.
18. Being able to fit comfortably in a small bathroom stall. (DONE)
I will update this list periodically when I think of new things.
5/15/07
May 15, 2007
Well, today is Tuesday. Work is going by and I decided to blog. I have to call in on the Weight Loss line tomorrow for Kaiser to let them know how much I've lost since my consultation on 5/4/07. I know it won't be a HUGE amount, but every lb. counts, right??? : ) I've been trying to make WAY better choices in my food habits, and I really think that they are looking up. My day pretty much goes- Breakfast- Non-fat Yogurt-- Snack- 100 Cal Granola Bar-- Lunch- Smart One-- Afternoon Snack- String Cheese-- Dinner- Whatever I put on the menu-- And maybe end with a Skinny Cow Ice Cream for dessert. I know they said they want us to eat only 3 meals per day, but I think pre-op, it is pretty important to keep your metabolism burning, right? I sure hope so! I need to eat more fruits and veggies for sure. I've been making sure to drink as much H20 as possible, and believe me, I'm making sure to get AT LEAST the 64 oz. Thank God for Crystal Light On-the Go packets. They are amazing and make it SO easy to get the water in. I've tried to minimalize my soda intake. I am a self-proclaimed Diet-Coke-Aholic. It's difficult, but I'm doing it. I just have to keep speaking the mantra, "Nothing Tastes Better than Being Thin Feels". I of course have heard this before, but I've been reading Susan Maria Leach's book "Before & After- Living and Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery" and she keeps repeating the phrase. What an astounding book it is. I HIGHLY reccomend it and her website, www.bariatriceating.com. It's been a Godsend. Well, I guess I'll stop for now. I'll write tomorrow after the call in for the weight loss!
Oh, By the Way- I've been going to Curves for the last month and had my monthly weigh & measurements done on 5/9/07. I lost 8 inches, 7 lbs. and 4.88 lbs. of body fat! I finally registered on that damn handheld machine thing!!! WOO HOO!!!
My First Blog 5/11/07
May 11, 2007
I've been on OH for a long time, and I am JUST NOW making my profile. Sad, huh? Anyway, I should have started posting earlier, but I will try to catch everything up as of today in this blog.
First off, I have Kaiser Insurance through my employer. A lot of people don't like it, but I have to say that I have been just fine with them.
My WLS journey started in November 2006. I went to a going-away dinner at Chile's for a co-worker and saw a co-worker that I hadn't seen for a few months. She looked great. When I asked what she was doing, she told me that she had WLS. I couldn't believe it. She wasn't someone who I thought even needed it. However, after talking to her more about it, she helped me realize that WLS isn't a cop-out like I had thought, but a tool that could help make permanent weight loss. My mom had the surgery in 01/2006, so I knew it worked, but I thought my mom had copped-out and I wasn't very impressed. But after this conversation, my mind was changed.
I went to my PCP in early Nov 06 to ask if he thought I would be a good candidate. My previous PCP had mentioned WLS before, but I didn't go any further with it at that point. My new PCP said that he thought I would be a great candidate. So, he asked me a few questions, then scheduled me first for a Weight Loss/Nutrition class that Kaiser holds and that is a requirement before you can get approved for WLS. I went later in that month and then saw a Kaiser Nutritionist about a week later. After these appts. I had another visit with my PCP in Dec. 06. He then submitted my information to the Kaiser Board. By January I was approved for surgery given that I go through all the process steps. After approval, I was scheduled for Program Orientation on 3/17/07. This was a very informative seminar that just made sure you understand what has to happen and what happens afterward. We were told that we would be given an Initial Consult with our surgeons and anastheseologists and that they would be scheduled within the next 4 weeks. At right about 4 weeks, I was called and told that I had a Consult appt. on 5/4/07 with Dr. Eric Hahn. So, last week on 5/4/07 I had my consult. Dr. Hahn seemed very cool. He looked like Doogie Howser, but was very intelligent, and also very sarcastic, which I love. My mom and husband who went with me said that they felt very secure after the meeting with Dr. Hahn performing the surgery. I did too, so I guess that helps! : ) After the appt. with Dr. Hahn that same day we saw the Nutritionist who went over pre and post-op food and vitamins with me. It was a good refresher. I then saw the coordinator who basically told me all the rest of the stuff I needed to know- check-ins, follow up tests, etc. Since Kaiser patients have to lose 10% of their weight first, she explained that every 2 weeks you have to call in on this info line and record your new weight, what you are doing (i.e.- Jenny Craig, WW, 1200 Calorie Plan, etc.). When you are within 10 lbs. of your goal, they schedule the psych eval and when you are within 5 lbs. they will start to schedule surgery. So, depending on your motivation level, it could take you a long time or a shorter time. Your choice. So, I am choosing a shorter time. I am aiming for August or September for surgery, so we will see what happens. At orientation, I weighed in at 349.5. At my Consult I went down to 344. I will keep on working at it and keep this posted. I am also reading Susan Maria Leach's wonderful book- "before & after- Living and Eating Well after Weight Loss Surgery". I HIGHLY reccomend it to anyone considering WLS, along with her great website bariatriceating.com. Ok, that's it for now. I'm sure you're bored! : ) Good luck on your own journey, God Bless, and if you have ANY questions, please feel free to ask!!!
First off, I have Kaiser Insurance through my employer. A lot of people don't like it, but I have to say that I have been just fine with them.
My WLS journey started in November 2006. I went to a going-away dinner at Chile's for a co-worker and saw a co-worker that I hadn't seen for a few months. She looked great. When I asked what she was doing, she told me that she had WLS. I couldn't believe it. She wasn't someone who I thought even needed it. However, after talking to her more about it, she helped me realize that WLS isn't a cop-out like I had thought, but a tool that could help make permanent weight loss. My mom had the surgery in 01/2006, so I knew it worked, but I thought my mom had copped-out and I wasn't very impressed. But after this conversation, my mind was changed.
I went to my PCP in early Nov 06 to ask if he thought I would be a good candidate. My previous PCP had mentioned WLS before, but I didn't go any further with it at that point. My new PCP said that he thought I would be a great candidate. So, he asked me a few questions, then scheduled me first for a Weight Loss/Nutrition class that Kaiser holds and that is a requirement before you can get approved for WLS. I went later in that month and then saw a Kaiser Nutritionist about a week later. After these appts. I had another visit with my PCP in Dec. 06. He then submitted my information to the Kaiser Board. By January I was approved for surgery given that I go through all the process steps. After approval, I was scheduled for Program Orientation on 3/17/07. This was a very informative seminar that just made sure you understand what has to happen and what happens afterward. We were told that we would be given an Initial Consult with our surgeons and anastheseologists and that they would be scheduled within the next 4 weeks. At right about 4 weeks, I was called and told that I had a Consult appt. on 5/4/07 with Dr. Eric Hahn. So, last week on 5/4/07 I had my consult. Dr. Hahn seemed very cool. He looked like Doogie Howser, but was very intelligent, and also very sarcastic, which I love. My mom and husband who went with me said that they felt very secure after the meeting with Dr. Hahn performing the surgery. I did too, so I guess that helps! : ) After the appt. with Dr. Hahn that same day we saw the Nutritionist who went over pre and post-op food and vitamins with me. It was a good refresher. I then saw the coordinator who basically told me all the rest of the stuff I needed to know- check-ins, follow up tests, etc. Since Kaiser patients have to lose 10% of their weight first, she explained that every 2 weeks you have to call in on this info line and record your new weight, what you are doing (i.e.- Jenny Craig, WW, 1200 Calorie Plan, etc.). When you are within 10 lbs. of your goal, they schedule the psych eval and when you are within 5 lbs. they will start to schedule surgery. So, depending on your motivation level, it could take you a long time or a shorter time. Your choice. So, I am choosing a shorter time. I am aiming for August or September for surgery, so we will see what happens. At orientation, I weighed in at 349.5. At my Consult I went down to 344. I will keep on working at it and keep this posted. I am also reading Susan Maria Leach's wonderful book- "before & after- Living and Eating Well after Weight Loss Surgery". I HIGHLY reccomend it to anyone considering WLS, along with her great website bariatriceating.com. Ok, that's it for now. I'm sure you're bored! : ) Good luck on your own journey, God Bless, and if you have ANY questions, please feel free to ask!!!
About Me
Modesto, CA
Location
30.1
BMI
Surgery
04/29/2008
Surgery Date
Jul 28, 2002
Member Since
