Kimberly Ten Kate

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June 09/2008   My how things can change in just a few months. I always thought I was nauseous after eating because of WLS but it turns out it was my kidney poisoning me. All the Doctors and Radiologist love working on me as I am so thin they can see everything perfectly. Several have told me so. I am still amazed I am thin. I wouldn't trade it for anything. I quit smoking now and I am recovering from major surgery. But I am now cancer free. I just have to watch my diet and watch my health. Thanks to MD Anderson Cancer Center and Dr. Matin in Houston Texas. They are making cancer history! I am a survivor.

Feb 16, 2008 HAPPY RE BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!  4 years since my life changed. I am 128 LBS. Size 4 a big difference from the 247 lbs I was 4 years ago today. My life has changed so much for the better. It is annoying though how it was so hard to find clothes in size 22 now that I am a size 4 I have the same problem. Wally World (Walmart) size 4 or small is to big. I am taking GNC Women's Ultra Mega Menopause Vitapak. I was having Hot Flashes all day and Migraines. Once I have been 30 days on these vitamins all symptoms of menopause are gone. I forget what it was like to be obese. I still don't recognize myself in the mirror. Comments made about how tiny I am are still amazing to me. I still have my Gall Bladder but that could change as I have a lot of problems with bloating, Gas and nausea. My acupuncturist told me to see a Doctor about it but I am stubborn and hoping it won't get worse as I don't like pain and surgery's.  I am so fortunate that I opted for the surgery before I gained anymore weight as I was gaining 10 lbs a year and by now I could have weighed 290 lbs then I would have been diabetic and had serious skin issues. As it is my skin is a little loose but nothing I can't live with. My life is definitely better. I would do it all over again in a heart beat. I love being thin and small. My husband loves it to as he picks me up all the time where he couldn't before. I still take Vita Ladys Poly Iron 150 once a day and Calcium plus 800 from GNC along with my menopause vita pak and I still work out 3 times a week with Mom.. Life is definitely Better without the weight. 

Sept 1 2007  Where did this year go? I have been working out 3 times a week for an hour with my mother. I have built muscle mass and feel better. I am still lacking in the nutrition department but I am working with a nutritionist now and hopefully I will have that figured out. I am to thin according to my hubby and mother. I am 117 Lbs and a size 4. I love being small.

January 2, 2007 Happy New Year! I had a bad 2006. With my Dad passing I was very depressed, hardly worked and didn't eat much. I really let my health go. My muscle mass is gone. I let myself get malnourished. The good news is Mom and I have joined the gym and have been working out 3 times a week. I even had a personal trainer for 6 sessions. I am back on track, feeling better. Still a bit to skinny but If I build muscle I will feel and look better.  This is going to be a prosperous year and a healthy year those are my resolutions.

February 20, 2006 . My Dad died Jan 27, 06 1 week before his 76th Birthday. I am devasted. Life is so short. I am glad he was able to know me as a thin person before he passed away. I had completely given up my routine of vitamins and eating right during the 3 weeks he was in the hospital. I hardly ate. I have been staying steady at 135 lbs but I went down to 128 lbs. I have since quickly gained it back. I fluctuate 5 lbs give or take. I ordered polysaccharide Iron from Vitalady.com and it seems to be working after only 60 days. It is a gentle iron I am not having any problems with it and my family physician said it was ok to take 300 mg 1x day. I am also back to my routine of calcium 2x a day, B!2 tabs 1x day, Multi 2x a day, Dryvit E and DryVit A & D from vitalady 1x day ea. Vit B once a day, Fish oil 1 x day, 2000 mg VIt C with the iron 1 x day. Not counting Paxil, Synthroid, Zyrtec and nasonex. Ugh so many pills to remember and taken at different times a day. I have pill sorters I use for a week. What a pain and how costly everything is. But I want to stay healthy. I love being thin! My attitude on life is so much better and people are starting to recognize that. Life is short and its for the living. So Live it to the fullest we can't take it with us.

Nov 04, 2005 I changed my vitamin routine and bought a good mega vitamin at GNC and Multi Enzyme Formula. Since taking the Enzymes I no longer get the bloating, gas and nausea after eating. It really aids in my digestion and I noticed a huge difference in only 3 days. I also found the Carbonyl Iron so I am hoping after a month on this my anemia will be gone. I feel better already, more energy.

Oct, 11, 2005 I guess as we get farther out we forget about updating and how important it is for newbies doing research to get feedback. I am 22 Months out now. I weigh 135 lbs. I am now a size 5. I do have hanging skin but its not anything I can't live with. My biggest problem to this day is slowing down and chewing my food. When I don't do that I get over filled and bloated and gassy and nauseous. Which is practically every day. I am perimenopausal and my periods are totally out of whack. As it is though we lost our insurance due to Hubby changing jobs so I have to wait until January to get insurance and get checked out. I eat whatever I want and I eat small meals frequently. I lost a lot of muscle mass as I have not been working out and getting in enough protein. I have finally found a protein drink I can tolerate without to much sugar and that's Slim Fasts new Optima High Protein. 15 grams Protein and only 13 grams of sugar. I have lost a total of 112 Lbs. I have been losing right up until a few months ago. My weight came off slowly which I am lucky because my skin is catching up. I have kept my clothes up to a size 10 in case I put weight on later. But I donated all the larger sizes to the hurricane relief. Still haven't had any of the requested tests because of insurance issues. But I feel fine as long as I slow down and chew chew chew.

June 14, 05 I am losing weight again. I am down to 146 Officially 100 LBS Gone! The cause is back. Jack changed jobs and I guess I was stressing. Not sure if that has anything to do with it or not but it happens when I stress.my PCP wants me to do a colonoscopy (I have cancelled twice) My surgeon wants me to do an ultra sound (I cancelled once) and he wants to scope me. I haven't scheduled that. With the jumping of insurance I need to wait to see which one will cover all these tests. That's not the only reason. I guess I am scared. I hate tests. I hate the results worse. I know I am bad.

April 19, 05 I am down to 150 lbs. I am almost in a size 6, the 8's are getting big on me but I can still wear them. so I am still losing weight. The nausea and bloating have pretty much gone away. I believe it may have been nerves from planning a vacation back home in California. Most of our family is there and it was very emotionally draining seeing everyone after 6 years. I cancelled my Gall Bladder scope until I have further problems. Would like to keep my body parts as long as I can. haha

March 23, 05 I went for my 1 year check up even though I am 13 months out. My Labs were perfect. But the dumping I thought I was experiencing isn't dumping after all. I am having symptoms of my Gall Bladder going bad. I have to schedule an Ultra Sound. If it turns out It's not my Gall Bladder then he wants to scope my stomach to see if the opening is big enough. I get nauseous and very bloated and gassy after I eat. Dr Ferrari said I should be living a normal life not getting sick every time I eat. I didn't know, I just figured it was normal dumping. I have lost a total of 91 LBS. I started at 146 and I am now 155. I am a size 8-10 from a size 22. I am happy at this weight but Dr Ferrari said I will lose even more weight. I will post again when I find out what the problem is.

Nov. 14, 04 I am still on a plateau, Maybe I am done losing weight. I feel good at this weight so If I am finished I would be happy where I am. I had a $4,000 Dentist bill my teeth are really causing problems. I believe it's because I am not taking my Calcium Citrate like I should be. So I have stepped it up and am taking Citracal 630 MG 3 times a day instead of just once a day. So important to make sure to take supplements. I am finding out the hard way. I am good about my multivitamins but the calcium was difficult to get in 3 times a day. No more excuses!!!

Nov, 3, 04 A great day for America....Go Bush Go! ...I am still losing but very slowly now, I am 165. I took out my old size 22 women's jeans and was able to get both feet and legs into one side of the jeans....so weird I am half the women I used to be. I cannot believe I was ever that big...Having chronic constipation, but other then that no problems....

Sept 23,04 I am still having thyroid problems it's still to high. My Doctor will adjust my meds after my blood test Monday. I am down to 167 lbs. I have saggy arms and thighs. My stomach is sagging too. But I would rather be loose and saggy then obese any day. I have a new Email address [email protected].

Sept 1, 04 I am no longer in the Obese Category. I crossed over this morning to being overweight. I was a BMI of 42.2 Morbidly Obese to a BMI of 29.7 Overweight.

Yippee, I can now wear size 12 Misses and size 14 Juniors (By the
way Walmart is clearing out all there summer clothes at $5.00 each right now) I had a field day buying clothes yesterday.

I was told by my hubby that his Captain at the Fire Station said I was looking Hot! Oh my it has been many years since I heard that.

I am one who has hit a plateau every couple weeks. Never thought I would see this day where I am Normal and not obese any longer. When I hit plateaus I would increase my Protein and my body would shrink while the scale didn't move. But then all of a sudden 5 - 7 lbs would melt away. I weigh 173, down 73 lbs and still going.


Aug 18, 04 I have not updated for a while and my 6 month check up is due. I need to make my appointment to go see my surgeon and get a blood test. I weighed in at 176.5 this morning so I am 70 lbs lighter then I was 6 months ago. hooray. I still feel good the only problems I have had are with my thyroid because I failed to have it checked 3 months after my surgery. I was over medicating because my prescription for Synthroid was to strong since the weight loss. I am now being tested every 6 weeks until my thyroid gets back on track. I am in a size 14 misses and they are starting to get baggy on me. Sagging isn't to bad except for my wings under my arms and in between my thighs. Nothing I can't live with. I would rather be thin and feel good and have more energy and a bit saggy then to be severely obese. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

July 2, 04 Dang, when I start losing again it's all at once, now I am down to 186....yahhooooo 60 lb loss.

June 30, 04 Down to 189Lbs today.....Still haven't walked or exercised in over 3 weeks. I am going to start swimming as soon as the weather allows it.

June 12, 04 I usually only update when I have had some weight loss and today I lost another 2 lbs since yesterday! This is such a wild ride! I am 194 LBS. I look in the mirror and I don't even recognize myself. I can't wait to get to Goal!

June 11, 04 I like everyone else I am sure watched the Reagan Funeral. It touched me deeply. God Speed Mr Reagan!

I lost 2 more Lbs. I am at 196 lbs. I have been having back problems for 3 weeks now. I seen a Chiropractor and he adjusted me 4 times but the last time he tweaked my muscle and I had spasms for a week. I finally decided to see an Acupuncturist and am I glad I did. The first treatment relieved my muscle spasms completely. My Chiropractor told me the rapid weight loss had weakened my muscles and therefore I am having back pain. The Acupuncturist is now treating me for my original complaint of low back pain and it is helping tremendously!

I have not walked or exercised for 3 weeks now as my back has been hurting so bad and the weather has been either raining or to HOT to walk. I have noticed that I have cut down on my eating as when I was walking every day I was hungry all the time. Now that I am not exercising my appetite is nill.I have to be sure to get in my protein though and enough calories so my body doesn't go into starvation mode and hang on to my fat. I have 68 pounds to go to Goal of 130LB. I bought size 18 Junior shorts May 18 and today I bought size 16 Junior shorts. It Is so exciting to lose this weight and see my figure reamerging. Is that a word??? ..LOL

May 25, 04 I had a milestone last Sunday. I am below 200, I weighed in at 198. My BMI went from 40 Severely obese to a 34 obese. I am still walking every day and I can eat just about anything. No dumping. I do stay away from sugar though, haven't had sugar since before surgery. I am scared of it as I don't want to dump.

May 15, 04 I have lost another 4 lbs since last posting. I am now at 202. None of my clothes fit me anymore so I gathered them all up and put them in a tub for others going through the Journey. I gave a stack of clothes to my Angel whom I finally got to meet last Saturday. I bought 2 pair of new shorts at Walmart 2 weeks ago and already they are so loose on me. The tough part at this stage is eating enough to keep my body burning calories. My Doctor told me this surgery works best when you eat every few hours.It is most tough to get in my required protein. The only beverages I drink are 1 cup decaf coffee before breakfast then water the rest of the day until bedtime and then I have 1 cup of decaf Hot Tea.

Oh, and my Insurance company is denying my claims. I have an approval verbally and in writing before the surgery. I called and they told me just because its approved doesn't mean they will pay for it. They said it is not a covered expense. It is on it's 3rd appeal at this point and I am waiting to hear if they will approve it. So if approved doesn't mean they are paying for it what does APPROVED mean?

May 3, 04 - Finally! Finally! I broke my plateau exactly 3 weeks without losing a pd. although I did lose inches. I lost 5 lb as of this morning. I am at 206 so a total loss of 40 lb. Last Saturday I had a milestone or as my group likes to say a Smilestone, I was at an Anniversary Party for some friends and the lady's were sitting on the couch with their legs crossed so I tried crossing my legs and I was able to do it comfortably. 1st time in 16 years. I kept telling myself even if I don't lose any more weight I feel better already and I am comfortable at this weight. NOT! Who am I kidding? I want to get out of the plus sizes once and for all. All of my clothes are so big on me. But I can still wear them (hey, the baggy look is still in right?) haha I don't want to be buying clothes until I absolutely have to and I am a clothes hound. Ahhh this is tough. My 45TH Birthday is May 9, next Sunday I was hoping to be under 200 lbs by then but I don't think it will happen, I am so close.

April 23,04 I am on a plateau for 9 days now, stuck at 37 lbs gone. Still walking every day and still trying to drink a lot of water. I am also stuck in a size 18, almost a 16 but their a little snug. I am running out of clothes, I did buy one outfit for work but nothing else. I just wear a belt with everything.

April 1, 04 - 30 lbs gone today...yippee..I guess the extra walking is paying off. I walk every day for a mile and a quarter and twice a week I walk two times a day for a mile and a quarter. This is getting so exciting to see the weight loss. If you asked me my first 4 weeks if I would do this again the answer would of been no way but now that the pain is gone I would definitely do it again. I can't wait to be thin again and it will be here soon I am sure.

March 26, 04 I had my 6 week checkup today with Dr Ferrari, I have lost 27 lbs. I was told I have no restrictions on food or exercise. I was told to eat all day, This surgery works much better if I eat all the time. Weird since eating is what got me in trouble. But the way I ate was key to my weight problem. I would go all day with nothing and then eat dinner, My body always thought it was starving and would hang onto the fat.I feel so much better, I am walking every day and my energy level is higher.

March 19, 04 I had my first milestone last Sunday. I was able to take off my shorts without unbuttoning or unzipping them. Yeah! I took before and after pictures and I can really see a difference. I now have a neck and my waist is getting smaller. I quit weighing every day. It drives me nuts. I am walking every day and I have been gardening. The pain is finally gone and last night I was actually able to lay on my tummy without it hurting. Funny thing is I am used to sleeping on my back now.Instead of my tummy. I downloaded The fitday software @ FITDAY.COM and I love it. I track everything I eat and the software tells me how many calories and fat and protein I have with each Item. It also tracks your measurements and weight and a whole lot of things. Keeps me on track and keeps me honest. It will be 5 weeks on Monday since my surgery. Now that the pain is a distant memory If I had to do it again I think I would. Knowing someday I will be thin again is worth it. My energy level is increasing. Although I still have trouble getting motivated to walk, I know when I do I feel 100% better.

March 13, 04 I went walking in the park with Mom yesterday and we walk a mile and a quarter track. Mom is 73 and she is a swift walker. I tried to keep up but at the end I started having severe muscle spasms. I had to stop and sit in my car. I sat an hour and the spasms didn't subside so I bit my lip and drove home where I sat 4 hours on the couch with a heating pad. Finally the spasms subsided but I still had pain in my left side like someone was punching me every time I move. This morning it is better. I don't know what caused it unless the fast walking is to soon and I am not completely healed inside yet.

March 09.04 I broke my week long plateu, I went for a 1 1/4 mile walk in the park with Mom yesterday and today I am down 4 more lbs. 20 lbs total so far. The only way to break the plateau's is to do something different. So now it's 3 times a week in the park. The rest of the week walking around my home. The pain is still their but it feels more like a muscle pulling then actual pain now.

March 3, 04 I awoke at 4:30 AM I was having quite a bit of pain. I did as my Doctor told me and walked around the house for 10 minutes. The pain seemed to ease up. I guess it is muscular pain because when I walk it seems to loosen up.I am going to sit here with a heating pad for a few then walk some more.

March 02,04 I did some research on obesityhelp.com and its not gas. Its pain from cutting the muscle during surgery. Gas irritates it but I guess the anesthesia wore off inside and the pain of having the muscle cut and stitched is what is so painful. Sitting around makes it worse. I have to force myself to get up and walk and then it eases up. This pain suckssss.it could last anywhere from 3 weeks to 6 weeks. I hope it goes away sooner because I can't hardly stand it.

March 1, 04 Hmmm, I think I finally figured out my excruciating pain in the mornings. The pain that put me in the hospital on Thursday looking for a blockage? I got up this morning and had it again. So bad..This is embarrassing is my pain tolerance so low? I swear I just wanted to die it hurts so bad. But anyway, I believe it's Gas. I got up this morning and I can't burp or Toot my tummy hurts like crazy....so bad I can barely walk....This morning I made it to the Pepcid and chewed one and soon I am tooting out both ends, the pain and pressure is starting to relieve itself. My Surgeon did say the X Rays showed I had a lot of gas in my upper GI. But he didn't mention
that could be the reason for my extreme pain or suggest I take
anything for it. Although his nurse Blanca told me to take Pepcid twice a day when I was released from the hospital the first time. I did for awhile and then thought I didn't need it. Again...I guess I am not listening.I didn't realize Gas could be sooooo Painful......Now it has my attention...Pepcid twice a day for me.......geeezzz

Feb 29, 04 I went into the hospital Friday for sever pain on my side that went through to my back. It felt like someone took a knife and was stabbing me and it burned like crazy. I was admitted overnight for observation, took X Rays and did blood work looking for an obstruction but everything was OK. DR Ferrari said I was having wound pain. It was so intense I was crying whenever I moved. I was given more pain killers and released on Saturday. I went to Cypress Fairbanks Hospital. Every time they brought me a meal it was things I am not allowed, like dairy and high sugar juices, Thick grits and high sodium soups. You would think a hospital that does this kind of surgery would know how to feed us. I didn't eat or drink anything their except water and hot tea that I asked for and even that had caffeine. I slept through the night upon returning home but the next morning (today) was horrible. I was in so much pain I couldn't sit down. I walked around my house in tears and pain. I thought maybe I should try and get something down so I made a vanilla protein shake and drank it down but then after I really suffered. I got really Hot and dizzy, I got the shakes and thought I was going to pass out. I guess I was dumping on the protein shake. I had to go lay down for a half hour and then I felt better. I should be healed by now and not be having these kind of problems. But My hubby says I didn't listen to my surgeons Post-Op instructions, I was supposed to stay on liquids only for 3 weeks and at 8 days post op I started on soft solids. Also my 51 pound black Labrador jumped on my side twice when I was 7 days post-op and I think he may have set me back too. Of course I am back on all liquids and staying that way for another week. I have been so miserable I am wondering why I ever did this to myself. I have lost 12 pounds so far though so that's a pound a day. Sure can't lose that fast on a normal diet. I just can't wait to start feeling better and eating real food again.

FEB 22, 04 7 days post-op, I miss food, I have cravings for my deli sandwiches. I am tired of liquids. I didn't feel so hot today, I awoke dehydrated and have had a belly ache all day, slept this afternoon and didn't take a walk. I did walk in Sams Club and Walmart though so I guess I can count that. My first Loss was today 4 LBS...woopee DOOOO....I went in the hospital at 246, came out at 256 and am now 242...The 10 lb gain was from IV fluids. I can't wait to really start losing this weight and I can't wait until I am healed and my stomach doesn't hurt so much. I am still taking pain Meds as needed. Still have Gas, still wondering why the heck I did this to myself. Bought a new smoothie maker blender today, I finally figured out how to make the protein shakes and man they are good. About time since I need them twice a day. Until Next time.....

Feb 19, 04 I am home from the hospital as of yesterday. I wasn't feeling so hot though, Have a lot of pain from the gas and stomach bruising. Back pain was horrific yesterday but better today. My fluids are going down no problem and I have tried several different ones and no dumping yet..I am walking and taking pepcid for gas. I am able to sleep in my bed tonight. Last night was rough because I couldn't get up once I was down and the recliner was uncomfortable. But each day will get better I am sure. Thank you to everyone for your prayers and kind thoughts. I am now on the other side...If only I could start losing now...LOL

Feb 15, 04 I had a great valentines day, My Hubby gave me a key to my heart wind chime. It has crystal hearts and cameo hearts hanging on it as well as the old fashioned type keys hanging from it. It is to pretty to hang outside in the severe TX weather so I hung it over my computer so I can look at it every day. I am so lucky to have found a man like Jack, he also has the only key to my heart. This will be my last post until after surgery. I lied, I am scared. Scared silly. A Lot of doubts keep creeping in my mind. Luckily I am working today, Meeting a client to show my listing. Maybe they will write an offer so I don't have to think about tomorrow. I am worried that after surgery I won't be able to get in 64 oz of water every day for the rest of my life or eating every 3 hours for the rest of my life. I am going to miss my coffee in the morning and eating Shrimp Fettuccini on occassion. ,It Is going to be difficult to cook for my hubby and not be able to eat. I can't drive for 10 days (pain meds).I have to walk every hour for 6 weeks so I don't get blood clots that could be fatal. There is a risk of dying up to a year after surgery from complications. Will my skin sag and make me look old? Am I going to die? No dying isn't an option because only the good die young and so I will live to a ripe old age. (deep Breath) I will post again when I get home from the hospital, I will be in 3 days, longer if there are complications...Wish me luck and Pray for me....

Feb 13.04 I met with Dr Ferrari today with Mom after getting lost in Houston for what seemed like hours in the rain and traffic. I was a wreck when we finally made it to his office. Anyway we waited for an hour but met some nice lady's looking into the journey. One is having surgery the same day and same hospital as I am but my surgery is first. Dr Ferrari said the only complication he can forsee would be my lungs because I didn't quit smoking long enough ago. He didn't test me for nicotine either. It's a scare tackit he uses to get you to quit by saying he will test you for nicotine but then doesn't. He said I was an easy patient because I am a lightweight compared to most of his patient's who weigh a lot more. He said complications shouldn't be a problem (besides lungs). He also said he doesn't use a tube in your nose anymore or a drain tube in your stomach...hurray! He gave me instructions for post op and shook my hand, I told him I have complete confidence in him. Mom told him to take care of me as I am her only daughter, he said he would. I have to be at the hospital at 5:15 AM for a 7:30 AM surgery. We are picking Mom up and taking her with us as Pop can't go because he has his last radiation treatment that day. I hate getting Mom up so early but she insists she wants to be their. Jack will be their too he got the week off work to take care of me. I am not scared. I can't wait.


Feb 13, 04 Happy Valentines Day.....I didn't sleep a wink last night nor did my hubby (and he gets up at 4AM for work) I found a horrible article abot WLS that scared me silly http://www.size-acceptance.org/more_wls_comments.html My hubby got upset with me last night and said to quit researching, he said I have been doing it for 6 months now and it is only freaking me out since I am so near surgery. But it still was in our psych and it kept the sand man away last night. I got to Twelve Oaks Hospital by 7AM this morning (had to leave at 6AM) and had my Pre_op done, Filled out the usual forms, then had a pee test and blood drawn. The lady drawing my blood missed my veins twice..Man that hurts, its a stinging burning
pain. So she sent me to the Lab to have them draw my blood and they got it first try. My arm is a mess, looks like I have been shooting up. Then in for a chest x-ray, EKG and then the respiratory therapist gave me that fun toy to blow in and I talked to the anesthesiologist. The respiratory Therapist her name is Betty had the surgery done 5 years ago, she was 350 lbs and dropped 200 and has kept it off. She looks great. She reassured me that I am doing the right thing and if she had it to do over again she would. I have already paid my $2,300. so their is no turning back now. I meet with Dr Ferrari
today at 2PM and I am taking Mom.

FEB 7, 04 - 9 days until surgery, I did my shopping for my liquid diet. I was told to pick up a variety and not to much of any one thing as your taste buds change every day. So I have different Juices and broths and cream soups. I have lost 5 lbs. I am doing slim fast during the day and a normal dinner and trying to walk every day. I want my liver and internal organs to shrink so he has plenty of room to work in there.
I was upset that my surgery has been changed to Twelve Oaks Hospital instead of Cypress Fairbanks. I guess there was miscommunication between Blanca and I. I wanted my father to be there when I have surgery but now he can't as he has his last radiation treatment that day and he would get lost driving all the way downtown by himself after radiation. I am so bummed. But I researched Twelve Oaks and they specialize in Bariatrics so that is comforting. My Mom and Hubby will be there with me and Pop can visit the next day with Mom. I have 4 days of Real Estate Marketing classes to go to M-T from 8-5pm so that will make the week go by fast and Friday I have to be at Twelve Oaks Hospital by 7:30 AM for pre-op tests and then to Memorial Hospital at 2PM w/ my Mom to talk to Dr Ferrari one last time before surgery. The Sunday before I am going to the support group at Cypress Fairbanks and then Monday Surgery. Busy week ahead. I am excited but it still dosen't seem real, I guess it will once I wake up and ask myself why the heck did I do this to myself...LOL


Feb 3,04 - My surgery date has been rescheduled. Dr Ferrari is going out of town on the 29th of feb so he wants to do the surgery sooner in case of complications he can be here for me. I am now scheduled for Feb 16, 04.

Jan 23,04 - I have a date. Feb 23,04 at Cypress Fairbanks Hospital. I am still in shock. I am scared, happy, elated that finally I will be a normal size again.

Jan 22,04 I basically gave up and decided I am going to try the South Beach Diet instead. I also gave up on being approved. I was getting scared as I was reading so many having complications. My physician seemed to be dragging her heels about getting my letter of recommendation together for me. I figured I wouldn't be approved any way. Well, As I was doing research today on the computer DR Ferrari's nurse called me and told me I am approved. I was floored as I didn't know she sent it to the insurance without my recommendation letter. I had gave her a letter that I was going to have my physician sign but she knew it had not been signed yet and as it was my physician couldn't verify most of what I put on it. She told me not to worry about it now because I am APPROVED! I told her I haven't quit smoking yet. She told me I had a 90 day approval and that to try and quit in the next 30 days and think about it if I want the surgery or not, no pressure.
Now I am at a crossroads. Should I or Shouldn't I? I really want to be thin again. I know I can't stay on a diet. But I am scared. What If? Complications? I don't know what to do. I left it to the universe If I got approved I would figure out what to do but I am confused. I only know I am going to try and quit smoking again tomorrow. ACCCCCKKK HELP!!

Jan 12, 04 - Still waiting for my PCP to send the letter of reccomendation to Dr Ferrari. My PCP is waiting on records from the hypnotherapist I seen for weight loss in 2001.I am having a change of heart. I am very scared as I have been on the support yahoo groups and there are a lot of people with complications. I haven't told Dr Ferrari or my PCP yet. I am waiting to see If I get approved and see how I feel then. In the mean time I am trying the South Beach Diet. I still have not quit smoking either.

NOV 26, O3 - I am having a very hard time quitting smoking. My Surgeon told me If I don't quit he won't do the surgery and he will do a nicotine test on me to make sure. I am not allowed to use the patch either. So I called my PCP and she prescribed Wellbutrin for me. Hopefully that will help to calm me down because I tend to freak out all of a sudden. Happy Thanksgiving to all...

Nov 25, 03 - Waiting on clearance from my cardiologist. I have had an Echo Gram on my heart, X Rays of my heart, sonogram on my gall bladder, talked to a psychatrist, Had a blood test, have letters of recommendation from my PCP and My Endocrinologist, have my diet history and copied diet book covers that I had, Included pictures of me for Dr Ferrari's file. So all I am waiting on is clearance then they can submit it all to my insurance for approval....or not?