luv2fly7781
Well where do I start, I am 25 years old and have been overweight most of my life, it has never been about my eating or physical activity, I was a very active child. I was in gymnastics thru grade school, I played Softball for many years, was in dance class during highschool. etc. My mother didnt believe in having many sweets or fatty foods in the house, so we ate mostly healthy food. I am the only one that is obese in my family, my mother is adopted so Im not sure if it ran in her family or not. My father's side of the family is "hefty" but none of them are more than 30 lbs overweight. Along with being active and my mom doing her best to raise a healthy child, I have tried what seems to be EVERY diet out there: Jenny Craig, Protein shakes, exercise, LA Weight Loss, pills, etc (although I know there are so many more Im not willing to try) I just kept gaining weight over the years which is where it has put me today at 331lbs. I have been at this weight for probably at least the past 4 years. The most recent diet I tried was LA Weight Loss which while I believe they have a really good program, it just doesnt work well with my body. For those of you who dont know about this one, you have to eat 4 fruits, 4 veggies, 2 1/2 proteins...so on and so forth..DAILY! This also requires eating 5-6 times a day, getting on that schedule wasnt a problem. After about 3 weeks of being on the diet my body still hadnt adjusted to the changes, I ended up getting extremely constipated, in return caused me to get a UTI and then turned in to a Kidney infection. It was extremely painful and the Dr that I work for advised me to try a few dietary supplements to help with digestion, after trying these for another month, we both made the decision that it was probably best to stop the diet as it was causing me to be more ill, than it was doing any good. Well after all of that I lost maybe a total of 7 lbs BUT I gained those 7 back plus some. As far as exercising goes, it has gotten more difficult for me and my eating habits have gotten worse in the past few years. I have never been a breakfast person, as far back as I can remember I never ate breakfast. When I started to work in the 9-5 world I started eating breakfast but then not eating lunch or dinner, so basically I have always only eaten once or twice a day, which I do know is where a lot of my weight problems come from.....
I have looked into surgery for at least 5 years but the problem has always been the cost. I have never had insurance that would remotely cover any of the expenses and as you all know its not a cheap surgery. Well one day I was talking to a co-worker about our weddings, she got married in December and I will be getting married April 21, 2007. Anyways, we were discussing wedding cakes and she had mentioned that she wouldnt be able to eat hers so she wasnt going to get anything fancy and of course that made me wonder, so I asked, she stated she had WLS about a year ago. I would have never guessed, she eats regular food and looks amazing! So I guess that puts me along with everyone else in this world, when they hear WLS they automatically think you wont ever eat again, baggy skin, etc. So at this time she had my full attention, as soon as she said our insurance (United Healthcare) covered 90% of hospital costs, I was determined to educate myself on the newest WLS procedures and see what I needed to do start my own journey for WLS.
A little about my life now days, I am engaged to the most wonderful man. As mentioned above we are getting married April 21, 2007, I am getting very excited. We are going to be taking a 12 day cruise to Hawaii for our honeymoon and then heading to Chicago, IL for a few days. He has been very supportive about me having WLS, he had a few worries at first when I brought it up to him, his main worry was about "if I would be able to have kids" but after discussing everything with him, showing him everything I have researched, he said it was my decision but he was there for me either way. My best friend; she's my mom, what a wonderful woman, very supportive and loving. I was kind of scared to bring this idea up to her when I got serious about going forth with WLS, but to my surprise she stated she has thought for years this was probably going to be my only way to get healthy, as she has seen me struggle all of my life with my weight and diets. My fiance is a pilot, he will be taking a week off of work to be with me and my mom will be flying in from out of town, they will both be with me the day of my surgery and the week following. I am currently working two jobs, I work for a local bank and I am also a Medical Assistant at a pediatric urgent care. I absolutely LOVE working with the kids, I have finally found where I belong as far as my career is concerned.
My WLS story:
11/26/06
I attended the required WLS seminar directed by Dr. Villares, it was very informative.
12/18/06
I met with Dr. Cooper to have my psych evaluation completed. She was wonderful and said she believed I was a great candidate for WLS.
12/20/06
Happy Birthday to me! I had a wonderful birthday this year, I met with Dr. Villares for my consulation. I had very few questions because I felt his seminar was very informative plus I have done a lot of research on my own. His only question for me was, "when would you like to have this done?" I told him January if possible due to the fact that I am getting married in April followed by a 3 week honeymoon in Hawaii. He stated January wouldnt be a problem. Nicole (nurse) said she would get my paperwork sent to insurance later today.
1/9/07
APPROVED!!!!!!! Wow that was quick (considering the Holiday season), I had heard that UHC was quick with approvals but you never know with insurance companies. It has all become so real now!
1/11/07
Today I got the call from Nicole at Dr. Villares office stating my surgery date will be January 22nd and my pre-surgery testing will be tomorrow (1/12/07) WOW what short notice, but I find that comforting, this gives me less time to be anxious. I have been very excited about the whole process from the day I attended the seminar until I got the call today then I became a little nervous, but I am still very excited. I cant believe in just 3 weeks (from the day of my consult until today) that I am about a week away from my "NEW BIRTHDAY"
1/12/07
Well it has been a long day, today was pre-surgery testing day. I had to check in at the hospital at 6:45am, I was amazed! I waited about 5 minutes to get registered and it was smooth sailing from there on. First they drew about 7 vials of blood (3 needle sticks later) actually each time they stuck me they were only able to get 2-3 vials of blood, my veins were not willing to work with the nurses today. Only from being a Medical Assistant do I know that I was dehydrated from not eating or drinking after Midnight or enough water over the past few days (tip: any time you have blood drawn its best to drink lots of water 1-2 days before your to have blood drawn as it makes your veins larger) After all of the blood was drawn, I had to get a EKG, then I was taken to get a chest x-ray. Now comes the worse part of the day, the Upper GI, I have had this test done before but it was nothing like what I went through today, first I had to drink something they consider "like alka-seltzer" and they tell you not to burp.....YEAH RIGHT, one of those easier said than done type of situations. Then came the THICK barium, wow, this wouldnt have been such an issue other than I have a HORRIBLE texture issue...on the last sip I about lost it, but luckily I was able to hold it in. THEN came the THIN barium, this checks for reflux problems. Well all in all I found out I dont have reflux (GERD, which I was diagnosed with about a year ago) but she thought I might have a hiatal hernia. After all of that, I had to attend a nutrition/exercise class, I really enjoyed this class and it answered ALL of my questions, and they served us lunch (I think this was the best part of the day, by this time it was 1pm and I was starving!) They also took our "official" pre-surgery stats, my weight was 328.5 After the class I was taken to get my final test completed, the ABG (arterial blood gases) OUCH is all I have to say. I believe I tolerate pain very well, but this was something that was painful. I was done with everything around 2pm....what a long day!
Well I am glad to have all of that done, it has exhausted me, but I am glad I was able to get it all done in 1 day rather than 15 seperate trips to the hospital.
1/18/07
Today was my pre-op appt with Dr. Villares, well he was running late from doing procedures so I just met with the nurse. I didnt feel I really needed to wait for him anyways, I had no questions for him and the few questions I did have she was able to answer. So we went over my test results and I couldnt believe it. EKG: Normal, Chest x-ray: Normal, Upper GI: NORMAL (WOW I was shocked, no GERD, no reflux, AND no hernia, I just couldnt believe it!) Blood tests: All normal except my iron was a bit low but not bad at all so Nicole (the nurse) advised me to start Iron pills before surgery. ABG: Normal. I was so excited to hear my tests were all normal! Then I got my "show time" for the hospital on Monday, I was told to be there at 6:30am for a 9am surgery. I got back to work and got a call from Nicole, well my surgery time has moved from 9am to 8am, that was more wonderful news! I know it sounds crazy for me to want to go earlier but just like all other surgeries I have had, the earlier I get in, the earlier I get out, plus I am just ready for my new beginning. As if all that news wasnt good enough, the best news of the day is since being on the "liquid" diet this week, I have lost 5.5 lbs since Monday putting me at 323. WOOO HOOO! (I think thats the most Ive lost in a LONG time) I am so unbelievably calm, its scary. :) But I was talking to a friend yesterday (who has also been on her own WLS journey) she said the reason I am calm is because I am at peace with the decision I have made to go forth with WLS, and I believe she is right. Well I will try to update again before surgery. 3 days to go and counting!
1/21/07
10 hours to go!!!!! I am still not nervous, I am getting very excited. This will be my last post until Im on the losing side. I will post as soon as I am feeling up to it. Keep me in your prayers!
1/23/07
The day after......Just wanted to update, I am home, I was discharged 29 hours after surgery. I amazed all of the staff at the hospital, I was up and walking 2 hours after surgery (1 hour in recovery and 1 hour in my room), my nurse couldnt believe it. I hit my pain pump once while I was in the recovery room and didnt touch it again. I have 6 small cuts on my tummy, I am a little sore today but a lot is because of my muscles from getting up and down, other than that I am feeling great. I will be returning to work possibly the middle of next week or for sure on February 5th. I will update more later!
1/25/07
3 days along.....I thought I would update again. I have been doing really well, no pain, no sickness, feeling great......UNTIL TODAY. Today has been rough, I havent eaten anything, nothing sounds good and Im feeling a little warn out. I have been having problems getting all of my water/liquids in, I guess from what Ive read its just going to take time. Well so mom and I went to Target today and Starbucks sounded good, so we stopped by. I got a sugar-free vanilla latte iced, and WOW its delicious! I know its probably not the best for me to be having but it is settling great, has milk in it, is sugar free and more importantly tastes great! I have been feeling like Wonder Woman with this whole WLS so far, but today kind of knocked me off my totem pole because Im not feeling so hot. I have decided Im just going to have to eat/drink whatever sounds good to me at the time and not worry about what has worked for everyone else, because everyones body is different. I have been at least getting my vitamins in which is an important part also. Well I will try to update a few days from now, I sure hope it tomorrow will be a better day.
1/26/07
I had to update again because I had a few WOW moments today. WOW moment #1 : when I woke up I decided to look at my tummy and I couldnt believe how much it has shrank already. My stretch marks arent tight anymore, I have officially found all of my scars from my gallbladder surgery a few years ago (I have searched for 3 out of the 5 for awhile now). WOW moment #2: my fiance and I had a eye Dr apt today and my booty fit in the chair with no problems, it was so WONDERFUL! WOW moment #3: My mom, fiance and I went out to eat at the brewery that we will be having our rehearsal dinner at (mom had never eaten there) so I decided I would try something, I had mashed potatos, delicious and havent had any problems. WOW moment #4: We stopped at Target again tonight and bought a scale (yes I know, we didnt own a scale) well after eating/drinking today I decided what the heck I will hop on, so I did....AND WOW Im down to 316lbs so in the past week I have lost another 7 pounds. Well needless to say, I am feeling much better today, and having a wonderful one at that!
1/30/07
I guess I should have updated yesterday, it was 1 week since my NEW birthday. I have been doing great, no pain, no sickness, no issues what-so-ever. I did decide my official weigh in day would be on Mondays so I decided to weigh yesterday again and I was down to 309lbs, I about fell off the scale when I saw that number. To some that seems like so much but compared to 331 that is impressive to me. :) I am doing so much better on my water/liquids but still unable to get in any protein shakes. I have tried 2 seperate types(Carnation Instant Breakfast w/milk and Atkins Protein Shakes) and I just cant gag them down . BUT the good news is, I had gotten on GNC.com over the weekend and founds some pretty decent deals. I decided to switch from chewable vitamins to liquid, the chewables I was having to take 4 times a day and the liquid is only once a day. Its not that I cant remember to take them its that each time I take them it fills me up (and your supposed to take them with food) well considering Im not able to eat much period, I decided to switch (plus I was getting sick of the taste). I have also decided to start taking prenatal vitamins, primarily because my iron is so low but also I was advised by a friend who has gone on the WLS journey herself stated since I am planning on starting a family (at least after a year) that it wouldnt hurt to start them now plus it would be good for my health. I did buy some Muscle Milk (protein shakes) from GNC, I purchased Chocolate Milk, Chocolate Mint and Cookies and Cream. One thing I must explain, Im not much of a chocolate person period but anything I can get my hands on that is Chocolate Mint, I will eat/drink. Well to my surprise I was able to drink 2 oz of the Mint Choc, it tasted great, and wasnt thick at all (since I have a texture issue) so I am very pleased so far, now I just hope the other flavors taste good, and if so I think I have had a short journey in finding protein shakes that just might work.
2/5/07
Well its officially that day again: WEIGH DAY! 302lbs as of today! WOW, it so amazing! I also returned to work today after having the past 2 weeks off, I am so worn out, 5:30am came VERY early this morning. I am actually glad to be back on a schedule (I might not be saying that by the end of the week) but I got very bored being at home all day. I have been doing great so far with foods, liquids and vitamins, yes I said vitamins. Not so well with protein but I will get there, Im afraid the shakes are just not going to happen. I would rather eat my protein than drink it, plus the shakes arent so tasty nor do they settle well with my stomach. I have an update on the vitamins though, well so I tried the liquids for 2 days and I just couldnt bring myself to drink it on the 3rd day. I got very nausous the 2 days I did take it, it was the most disscusting thing I have ever come across. Its supposed to taste like Orange but trust me, I like oranges and there is NO way it tastes like orage. So I plan to take that back, luckily GNC accepts returns. So I decided to give something else a try and I can actually say I am happy with my choice. I decided to buy the Flintstones Gummies, I bought plain and sour and so they arent as tasty as gummy bears but they are unbelievably good for vitamins. I am also taking prenatal vitamins to make up for the rest of the vitamins and minerals I need. WHEW it feels nice to have that issue taken care of. To be honest I cant complain, I havent had any issues so far with this whole journey and for that I am thankful. Well my next update probably wont be until next Tuesday (2/13) since that will be my 3 week post op check up (unless I have an absolute must share WOW moment).
2/13/07
Ok so well a lot has happend since my last update and its only been a week. Everything is going good though. Yesterday I thought I was going to be meeting with the Dr, but I guess I was wrong. It was my Post Op Education Class for nutrition and exercise only. I learned a lot but I also learned I should have had an appt to see the Dr 2 weeks after surgery and well Im on my 4th week.....I guess Im glad Im not having any problems. I then found out the the Dr office was supposed to schedule this appt and let me know the details, I havent heard a word. So I called after my class and made an appt for Feb. 28th but as I see I will be almost 6 weeks out from surgery, a little irritated but I thought it was all my fault, luckily it wasnt. I have officially been moved to the next phase on foods, even though I have been eating some of the things already. I havent been sick once, I have only made 1 mistake so far which was eating and taking a drink at the same time, wow that wasnt fun. I guess its a live and learn type of situation though. Well we weighed at my class yesterday and Im officially 31lbs total/28lbs since surgery less of a person WOOO HOOO 300.5lbs, go me! I also found out I was taking too many vitamins, too much of what I didnt need and not enough of what I need. So now Im going to continue with my 2 pre-natals, iron and will be adding calcium, which means stopping the Flintstones, which is ok with me. Well other than all that I have been doing great, no issues with anything so far, exercising has been good, clothes are getting REALLY big and Im getting lots of compliments, so all in all life has been great. OHHHHHH and I also want to announce that I got a promotion when I returned to work from having surgery! So until next time....
3/1/07
Well so its been awhile since Ive updated, I guess my busy life has resumed. So not a lot has happend, just a few minor changes. Ok well maybe Ive had a few wow moments, but other than that, everything is going great.
So I went to my first Dr appt yesterday since surgery (yeah your reading this right, 5.5 weeks after surgery) but I was rather irritated about it all. First off I waited for 1.5 hours to see the Dr and I promise you he said ok let me see your incisions and then said well everything looks great, so I will see you in 4 weeks (which is when my next class will be, March 29th) So I waited for 1.5 hours to see him for 3 minutes, I guess it would be ok if I didnt have to work for a living. Anyways, the good news, I am officially at 295.0lbs, GO ME! That means I have lost 36lbs since thsi journey began and the nurse told me Ive lost 21% of my body weight. Now on to my wow moment for today, I fit into a pair of 24 Cherokee brand pants (and as most of you know all brands fit differently) last week I was able to wear a size 22 LB pants. I am also in a size 22/24 shirts now, I know to some this doesnt seem like much, but to me its a WONDERFUL thing! As far as my exercising has been going, Ive been doing OK about it, Ive been working out 2-3 times a week for at least 30 minutes, I know I should be doing it more, but with working 2 jobs right now, I just dont have the time on the days that I work both jobs, I figure something is better than nothing. Oh and 1 more thing, I officially tried my first piece of MEAT yesterday (well Ive had fish, shrimp, tuna, etc), I had a cheeseburger pattie from McDonalds (no bread of course) wow it tasted so wonderful and the best part about it all, it stayed down, felt good and well it was something new
3/5/07
So I didnt think I would be updating so soon again, but I just had to share, Im on cloud 9 today. As always, Mondays are my official weigh days, so I got on the scale as normal and I jumped off screaming, another 5lbs lost since last Wednesday. 290.0 is what the scale said today, I couldnt believe it! That leaves me at 41lbs lost so far, and forever! Also I bought a new outfit last week for our bachelor/bachelorette party in Las Vegas this coming weekend, I was so scared because I bought it at LB online and I just ordered smaller sizes, took a chance with that. So I bought a size 24 top and a size 26 capri's, I got it on Saturday in the mail, tried it on and OH MY its beautiful. Although since I took a chance, my pants were too big, I should have bought a 24 or maybe a 22, but either way Im going to wear it and be happy wearing smaller clothes for the first time in FOREVER. I will take plenty of pictures and post updated ones, Ive noticed Ive slacked on that end.
3/22/07
2 MONTHS! Well I thought I would update, today is my 2 month surgery date. I am doing great, eating anything and everything now, taking vitamins regularly, but I need to start working out more. As of 3/19/07 I have lost 50lbs. I have my 2 month check up next week so maybe I will have more news then.
5/15/07
Wow it sure has been a long time since Ive updated, so I guess I should get in gear. Things have been going great for me. I recently got married and went on a 3 week long honeymoon which was a very nice break, but now its back to reality. :)
I have not had any problems to this day. I have gotten sick from eating only 3 times, twice from chicken and once from shrimp cocktail (Im guessing because its not cooked, because since surgery I have eaten grilled shrimp regularly and not had any problems). I have decided to stear clear of chicken for a while, its just the worst feeling in the world. Other than that, I have been able to eat whatever I have felt like eating. I weighed on Monday as usual and I am down to 258lbs, a total of 73lbs lost since 1/22/07. I have been slacking on my vitamins and exercise, we did lots of activities on our honeymoon and it felt great. I was actually able to hike without losing my breath or even breaking a sweat. It is such a great feeling to be able to keep up with people that are in shape. The only problem I had on our cruise was finding things to eat, I hate to admit it but I ate mostly salads and fruit while I was gone, luckily I stocked up on protein bars to take with us, they came in handy. As far as my 2 month check up went, all of my bloodwork was normal, cholesterol went from 197 to 143, all blood levels were good. BUT I have to complain, my Dr really irritated me. At 2 months, I had lost 27% of my body weight and he had the nerve to tell me I was on the slow side....GRRRR I dont think so! Anyways, the NUT told me not to listen to him and that I was doing a great job, and honestly I believe I am doing a great job. (Of course he does tummy tucks so it all makes sense that he would want people to lose fast) My next checkup is in July at my 6 month, so we will see what negative news he has to tell me then. :)
9/11/07
WOW so it looks like it has been a long time since I have updated anything other than pictures. This update would probably be a book so I will make it all as short and sweet as I can. To date I have lost 103lbs, when I read what others have lost by 7.5 months I feel Im on the "slower side" but to be honest I have yet to STOP losing, although I have slowed down to 1-2lbs a week I have only hit 1 stall and that was right around 7 months, it lasted 2 weeks of not losing a lb and then it started right back up. So deep inside I am VERY greatful that I have technically not experienced a stall and I am losing it slow enough that my skin is keeping up. The only real complaint of skin that I have is my arms, but some of it is still fat so Im giving that time too. My tummy actually looks better now than it did 103lbs ago, hard for me to believe at times. So I had my 6 month check up on July 19th and the Dr was very happy with my progress, more importantly my blood work came back perfect. I was very shocked and excited at the same time. I slacked off on eating and vitamins for about 2.5 months in April, May and part of June but trust me my body let me know real quick to knock that habit off. I am wearing a size 14/16, couldnt be happier about that, I LOVE shopping now! Well I will do my best to update again soon but my life is a little hectic right now. My husband recently got a new job with another airline so we are in the progress of moving to Las Vegas. Til' next time.....
7/6/08
WOW, what a slacker! :) Ok so maybe just a slacker when it comes to updating but life hasnt exactly been slow moving for me since my last update. We moved to Las Vegas in October 07, my husband and I both started new jobs, he is still a pilot but for a different airline. I am continuing in the medial field, I am a Medical Assistant for an Orthopaedic Surgeon, keeps me TOO busy. We signed on a new house in February, it just finished it's build within the last week. We have our final walk thru on 07/15/2008 and after all the paperwork is complete, it will be ours! This will be our first home, we are VERY excited about getting settled in. As far as my weight goes, I was doing VERY good on eating and working out. I pretty much stopped at 215lbs even with working out and eating well, but to be honest I am extremely happy with my weight. I know there is still more to lose and in due time it will happen.......but not for another 7 months or so. We found out we were pregnant on 05/15/2008. I stopped my birth control on 04/12/2008, had my LMP on 04/17/2008 and found out I was pregnant less than a month later, so it happend a little quicker than we were prepared for. We are very happy and excited though! My EDD is 01/23/2009 so I am about 11.5 weeks along. It has been a very uneventful pregnancy so far, I havent had any m/s, my only complaint has been working on my feet for 10+ hours a day is getting very uncomfortable. Ive had a few food adversions and I know Im not eating as much as I probably should be and this is what brings me back to why I could never lose weight, I never ate enough prior to surgery so this has been a life long battle and Im not sure it will ever get better. There has been so many more events that have happend since I last updated but I could probably write a book so I will keep this short.
