Alison M.
RNY revision after medical emergency 8/13/10
Sep 13, 2010
I actually had a perforated bowel. No idea how it happened or what caused it, but I was on vacation when it happened. Cape cod hospital thought it was only an abcess in my small intestine so they inserted a drain in my back to seep out the infection, and gave me a blood transfusion due to beingseverly anemic. When my fever of 104. wasnt going down after 3 days, they contacted my original gastric dr.s in NY and explained to them what was happening. My dr.s ordered i b sent home so they can perform emergency surgery on me because there was no barriatric center in that hospital. Despite the cape cod dr.'s efforts to allow him to do exploratory laprosocpy, i would not allow the cape cod dr.'s to touch me any further, god forbid there was something wrong with my bypass. They rushed me in ambulance back home to westchester medical ctr in NY. My team of 7 surgeons performed a 10 hour surgery to save my life. They began the surgery laparoscopically, but by that time theinfection had started to spread all over and my body was becoming septic. They converted to open procedure giving me a 13" incision from below belly button to the top of chest bone. I lost lots of fluids and bloods so they performed more blood transfusions on me. They removed 24" of my small intestine and cleaned and flushed out the organs in my body. TURNED OUT they DID have to revise my original gastric bypass (7-23-07) because the portion of small intestine that was originally used was infected as well. I am not fully out of the woods yet so therefore I am still on a liquid diet so they can make sure there are no leakages in my digestive system. I also had a feeding tube placed in my UNUSED portion of my old stomach where they may have to inject nutrional supplements if I cannot get enough from my liquid protein shakes and vitamins that I am taking in by mouth! This was completely unexpected and a very scary ordeal for myself and loved ones. My dr.'s say I am one really lucky lady to b alive, and i am forever greatful. I am convinced that God was on my side that day in the OR. I no longer look at friday the 13th (8-13-10) as a supersticious day, instead it was the day my life was saved!! HOWEVER, after being a 3 yr post op, i am now just 1 month old again. I am finding it EXTREMELY hard and challenging to being an infant again... obviously this was not a choice i was able to make, it was what had to be done. As a result of being on liquids for the past month, for the 1st time in my life i am actually at a NORMAL weight for my height. I lost 30 lbs in 3 1/2 weeks. Now they just want me to be able to maintain this weight and not lose anymore... i am thankful, scared and frustrated all at once... 
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3 Year Surgiversary!!
Jul 23, 2010
Today is my 3 year RE-birthday!! I @ currently @ my lowest weight of 160lbs. Today my goal is to still lose an add'tl 20lbs and have a tummy tuck and breast lift. Keeping my fingers crossed..... 
1 comment
gaining
Mar 08, 2010
gained 20lbs from lowest weight of 160lbs i am desperatly trying to loose it and 20lbs addtl. It is soooo hard nowa adays. i am finally back in gym and walking about 4 miles a day so i hope it helps!!
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1 YEAR SURGIVERSARY 7-23-08
Jul 22, 2008
My RE-Birthday photos!
down 140lbs!!
Apr 07, 2008
LISTEN TO THE LIFE OF THE MORBIDLY OBESE:
Apr 07, 2008
LISTEN TO THE LIFE OF THE MORBIDLY OBESE:
LISTEN to the embarrassment we encounter in our every day life. The name-calling, stares, rude comments and looks of disgust we endure battling the last acceptable form of discrimination. People we meet that give us a far wider berth than we need when passing us on the street, in the hall; in life. Afraid that somehow our disease of obesity might be contagious.
LISTEN to our apprehension as we expertly eye the chair. Will we break it, or will we fit. Will we ever fit into life, as "normal" people know it?
LISTEN to our agony as we just walk and perform the simple activities of daily living on joints screaming in pain from incredible burden they were never meant to carry.
LISTEN to the pain of our humiliation when ridiculed by a doctor for
"allowing" ourselves to get so fat. Realizing even the doctor's office
is not a "safe" place; we tend to neglect our heath even more. Hey
doctor, didn't you take an oath to help?
LISTEN to our hopelessness after being turned down over and over for a job or promotion because we don't "match the corporate image" of the person they envision for this position.
LISTEN to our guilt. Because of our size, we feel we've cheated those we love out of the parent, spouse, child or friend we feel we should've been. Our embarrassment has now become theirs as well.
LISTEN to our anticipation as we eagerly embark on yet another diet. THIS will be the one. This time I WILL SUCCEED!
LISTEN to our frustration as once again we fail at another attempt to lose weight, reinforcing once again our feelings of worthlessness,
failure and defeat.
LISTEN to our fear for what life holds if we don't have this surgery.
We try to ignore it, to stuff it down, but when we are brutally honest with ourselves, we realize an early death is an almost certainty.
LISTEN to our indecision as we do extensive research, trying to
outweigh the risk of complications (up to and including death) versus the chance of a new life. A chance to improve our health, move without pain, play with our children, the opportunity to just "fit in" to society.
LISTEN to our indecision as we second-guess our decision to have
surgery. As we ask ourselves, "Should I try just one more diet?" And tell ourselves, "If I only had more willpower."
LISTEN to us as we eagerly meet with the surgeon, with our five-page, single-spaced, list of questions in hand. Let down by the medical profession in the past, can I really trust this person who looks at me with compassion, as he assures me I'm a "good candidate" and he can help? Please God, I want to believe him, tell me I'm not setting myself up for failure once again.
LISTEN to our feelings of helplessness as we place our future in the
hands of an insurance company. Fully aware that with a simple denial letter, all the work we have done to this point, may be pointless. This surgery is not without cost, physical, emotional and monetary.
LISTEN to our joy as we open the long awaited "approval letter" or obtain financing to make this dream a reality.
LISTEN to us as we grasp for a chance at improved health, of moving with ease and just living life as a "normal" person.
LISTEN to our renewed hope of living long enough to see our children grow up, get married, play with grandchildren and grow old alongside our mate.
LISTEN to our fear as we roll into the surgical suite. The sights, the
smells, the needles, the faceless people behind the masks. Do you care? Do you understand, or will you too make cracks about my weight once I'm asleep? My life is now in your hands, please take care of me. I have a brand new life ahead of me, and so much to live for.
LISTEN to the sigh of relief as we wake up in pain but alive! Stand up, walk a few steps, cough and deep breathe. Sure nurse, whatever you say, I can handle it because I'm alive!
LISTEN to our delight as the weight starts to drop off, realizing this is for real. We are actually on the loosing side.
LISTEN our misery as the body we once knew so well, now betrays us with nausea and vomiting when we attempt to eat.
LISTEN to our frustration as we attempt to do something as simple as drinking a glass of water.
LISTEN to our panic at the first plateau or weight gain. As that little voice inside tells us, "Once again I'm a failure."
LISTEN to us relax and let out our breath as we watch the numbers on the scale edge down once again. Plateau over. Renewed hope. Maybe I will make it after all.
LISTEN to our efforts to move as we slowly and painfully attempt to exercise in a body that is still morbidly obese.
LISTEN to our confusion as our emotions wreck havoc with us. Why am I crying? Why do I feel depressed? Why am I mean and snapping at the ones I love? I don't like this person that has taken over my emotions.
LISTEN to our sense of accomplishment the first time we walk a mile. It rivals the high of any runner completing their first marathon.
LISTEN to our depression when we realize we can no longer soothe our emotions with food. We now have to learn to feel and deal with these emotions.
LISTEN to our tears as we mourn the loss of that brief but satisfying sensation of gratification we once obtained from the "comfort foods" we can no longer have.
LISTEN to our obsession surrounding the scale, vitamins, protein drinks and carb counts, determined not to fail "this time".
LISTEN to our sense of accomplishment as we pass up that calorie laden, high carbohydrate treat, telling ourselves, "My new life is sweeter than any dessert."
LISTEN to our elation as we reach that "century mark" that once seemed so distant, but now is a reality.
LISTEN to our resolve to reach our goals. Moving the weight on the
scale down another notch, reaching a new "century" of numbers, wearing the dream outfit and attaining our "goal" weight.
LISTEN to the gratefulness in our hearts as we thank our surgeon for not only their technical skills, but equally important, their
understanding and compassion for the morbidly obese. Thank you doctor for the opportunity to rejoin society and live life.
LISTEN to our amazement as we come to the realization that "reaching goal" wasn't the most important thing in life. It was the lessons we learned, the friends we made and the sense of accomplishment we gained along the way.
LISTEN, don't talk, don't give advice, don't judge, just listen. And
then, maybe then, you will start to understand the life of a morbidly
obese person.
~Author Unknown~
LISTEN to the embarrassment we encounter in our every day life. The name-calling, stares, rude comments and looks of disgust we endure battling the last acceptable form of discrimination. People we meet that give us a far wider berth than we need when passing us on the street, in the hall; in life. Afraid that somehow our disease of obesity might be contagious.
LISTEN to our apprehension as we expertly eye the chair. Will we break it, or will we fit. Will we ever fit into life, as "normal" people know it?
LISTEN to our agony as we just walk and perform the simple activities of daily living on joints screaming in pain from incredible burden they were never meant to carry.
LISTEN to the pain of our humiliation when ridiculed by a doctor for
"allowing" ourselves to get so fat. Realizing even the doctor's office
is not a "safe" place; we tend to neglect our heath even more. Hey
doctor, didn't you take an oath to help?
LISTEN to our hopelessness after being turned down over and over for a job or promotion because we don't "match the corporate image" of the person they envision for this position.
LISTEN to our guilt. Because of our size, we feel we've cheated those we love out of the parent, spouse, child or friend we feel we should've been. Our embarrassment has now become theirs as well.
LISTEN to our anticipation as we eagerly embark on yet another diet. THIS will be the one. This time I WILL SUCCEED!
LISTEN to our frustration as once again we fail at another attempt to lose weight, reinforcing once again our feelings of worthlessness,
failure and defeat.
LISTEN to our fear for what life holds if we don't have this surgery.
We try to ignore it, to stuff it down, but when we are brutally honest with ourselves, we realize an early death is an almost certainty.
LISTEN to our indecision as we do extensive research, trying to
outweigh the risk of complications (up to and including death) versus the chance of a new life. A chance to improve our health, move without pain, play with our children, the opportunity to just "fit in" to society.
LISTEN to our indecision as we second-guess our decision to have
surgery. As we ask ourselves, "Should I try just one more diet?" And tell ourselves, "If I only had more willpower."
LISTEN to us as we eagerly meet with the surgeon, with our five-page, single-spaced, list of questions in hand. Let down by the medical profession in the past, can I really trust this person who looks at me with compassion, as he assures me I'm a "good candidate" and he can help? Please God, I want to believe him, tell me I'm not setting myself up for failure once again.
LISTEN to our feelings of helplessness as we place our future in the
hands of an insurance company. Fully aware that with a simple denial letter, all the work we have done to this point, may be pointless. This surgery is not without cost, physical, emotional and monetary.
LISTEN to our joy as we open the long awaited "approval letter" or obtain financing to make this dream a reality.
LISTEN to us as we grasp for a chance at improved health, of moving with ease and just living life as a "normal" person.
LISTEN to our renewed hope of living long enough to see our children grow up, get married, play with grandchildren and grow old alongside our mate.
LISTEN to our fear as we roll into the surgical suite. The sights, the
smells, the needles, the faceless people behind the masks. Do you care? Do you understand, or will you too make cracks about my weight once I'm asleep? My life is now in your hands, please take care of me. I have a brand new life ahead of me, and so much to live for.
LISTEN to the sigh of relief as we wake up in pain but alive! Stand up, walk a few steps, cough and deep breathe. Sure nurse, whatever you say, I can handle it because I'm alive!
LISTEN to our delight as the weight starts to drop off, realizing this is for real. We are actually on the loosing side.
LISTEN our misery as the body we once knew so well, now betrays us with nausea and vomiting when we attempt to eat.
LISTEN to our frustration as we attempt to do something as simple as drinking a glass of water.
LISTEN to our panic at the first plateau or weight gain. As that little voice inside tells us, "Once again I'm a failure."
LISTEN to us relax and let out our breath as we watch the numbers on the scale edge down once again. Plateau over. Renewed hope. Maybe I will make it after all.
LISTEN to our efforts to move as we slowly and painfully attempt to exercise in a body that is still morbidly obese.
LISTEN to our confusion as our emotions wreck havoc with us. Why am I crying? Why do I feel depressed? Why am I mean and snapping at the ones I love? I don't like this person that has taken over my emotions.
LISTEN to our sense of accomplishment the first time we walk a mile. It rivals the high of any runner completing their first marathon.
LISTEN to our depression when we realize we can no longer soothe our emotions with food. We now have to learn to feel and deal with these emotions.
LISTEN to our tears as we mourn the loss of that brief but satisfying sensation of gratification we once obtained from the "comfort foods" we can no longer have.
LISTEN to our obsession surrounding the scale, vitamins, protein drinks and carb counts, determined not to fail "this time".
LISTEN to our sense of accomplishment as we pass up that calorie laden, high carbohydrate treat, telling ourselves, "My new life is sweeter than any dessert."
LISTEN to our elation as we reach that "century mark" that once seemed so distant, but now is a reality.
LISTEN to our resolve to reach our goals. Moving the weight on the
scale down another notch, reaching a new "century" of numbers, wearing the dream outfit and attaining our "goal" weight.
LISTEN to the gratefulness in our hearts as we thank our surgeon for not only their technical skills, but equally important, their
understanding and compassion for the morbidly obese. Thank you doctor for the opportunity to rejoin society and live life.
LISTEN to our amazement as we come to the realization that "reaching goal" wasn't the most important thing in life. It was the lessons we learned, the friends we made and the sense of accomplishment we gained along the way.
LISTEN, don't talk, don't give advice, don't judge, just listen. And
then, maybe then, you will start to understand the life of a morbidly
obese person.
~Author Unknown~
holy crapola!!!
Mar 15, 2008
i have so much to type about but have no real time to fill in all the craziness thats been going on in my life... i will find a moment eventually, but i just wanted to post that i finally saw a plastic surgeon and i am getting the ball rolling on that situation ASAP!
another WOW moment
Feb 10, 2008
on thursday morning, i got CARDED & QUESTIONED about my ID (still did not believe it was me) trying to purchase a SCRATCH OFF LOTTERY TICKET!! I don't use the store faithfully everyday, but have been using the same store with the same owners for over 10 years now!! SO, i decided to purchase a $1 LUCKY BIRTHDAY ticket, figuring it somewhat signifies what i had just went through (them not even recognizing me! - THE NEW ME ) and won $5 bucks!! YAY I am 28 turning 29 in May, and she did not even think i was 18!!!!! WOOHOOOOO
I'm 6 months old today!!!
Jan 23, 2008
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About Me
NY
Location
25.1
BMI
Surgery
07/23/2007
Surgery Date
Jun 25, 2007
Member Since
