Marsha C.
beginning - 2/28/03
Apr 27, 2009
04/27/09
Six years - unbelevable. Can't hardly believe it has been that long and yet so short...I have regained 30 lbs and am re-committing to my health and forget the scale marks!
03/01/05
ALmost to my 2-yr mark! Have lost a total of 130lbs and still see big person in mirror. Can't quite get that out of my mind. I can now eat anything and have no side effects from surgery other than portion size. I'm one of the "lucky" (???) ones who can tolerate sugar and fatty foods and I do eat too much of junk food - which explains why I've leveled off on my weight loss for 6 months. I am cutting back again on sugar - I tried every sweetener for my sweet tea and nothing tasted right except real sugar. Must be in my head. Anyway, I'm now using half sugar and half Splenda and will gradually decrease sugar amount.
Arthritis pain level had become reasonable but now have major pain in knees and have scheduled appt with orthopedic surgeon to look into replacement. Not looking forward to that! Can honestly say I would do the Bariatric surgery again in a heartbeat - best thing I ever did! Followed doctor's orders to the letter and had NO problems. Am so blessed and very happy with my decision. Moved to Virginia in Aug 2004 and commute to Wash DC daily. I never could've done the Metro and walking without the weight loss!
10/22/03
WOW! Six months ago on April 22, 2003 I changed my life forever. I have lost 105 lbs. with very little problems and am amazed at how I feel. More than anything, I decided to have the surgery to help stop my pain from severe arthritis (almost wheelchair candidate). Yes, I still have arthritis and yes I still need to have my knees replaced. But boy can I walk farther than I could and I have more stamina and strength! My problems are mainly bowel related and it isn't unusual for me to go 4-5 days between bowel movements. Normal? Maybe not but it is normal for me now. I don't like the taste/feel of water so I have trouble getting all my water in everyday, which probably explains the irregularity. My hair is coming out, has been for about 3 weeks. I colored it and use Simply Blonde products for fine hair. I have faith that it'll grow back after the one year mark. Weight loss has slowed down but I lost so much up front I expected it to. I still am not sure of how I feel, I know my clothes are too big-I went form 26-28s to 18-20s and can fit into some 16s. I keep waiting for something to happen and all the weight to come back. Emotionally, it's been good! It's worth being constipated to have less pain!
06/22/03
Nine weeks post-op...I've lost 60 lbs and feel good. My main goal for having surgery was to lower my pain level in my legs and this has been accomplished. I still have pain, but I'm not using a walker anymore and only use my cane when I travel.
Eating has sometimes become a chore and I don't enjoy it like I used to. I'm finally over the guilt of not eating everything I order (I travel alot) but I still have a hard time with $ wasted. I'm working on it. Clothes are fitting and I'm enjoying wearing outfits I haven't been able to for years.
Protein intake isn't a problem. I am using canned Utra Protein from www.wlssuccess.com, but you can buy at GNC. It has 35g of protein. I do get sick of it though and ususally drink only 5 days a week. Spicy foods don't agree with me but I've been okay with everything else. Common sense rules what I eat and try, and when I don't follow common sense, I pay for it with being very uncomfortable and sick feeling, sometimes for hours after eating. To avoid this, I purge as soon as I know I ate the wrong thing. This is new for me and I never would have done it pre-surgery and I don't like doing it now.
Still glad I had surgery and though I do miss enjoying eating, I'll be ok.
05/06/03
Wow! Two weeks post-op! Tomorrow the stitches come out and I graduate to baby food! I am very sick of liquids protein drinks and have to gag them down. I've tried every combination and flavors. I did get hungry for the first time last Friday. Beef broth helped tremendously! Still thinking positive and not regretting having surgery. My knees have quit hurting so much, partly because I've stayed off of them as much as possible and partly becasue of initial weight loss. I'm excied to see what official loss is at Dr. B's tomorrow.
04/28/03
Hard to believe only 2 weeks has gone by since I got my surgery date and now tomorrow is one week post-op! Today is first day back on computer...since it's my work, I didn't feel up to even reading emails. I haven't vomited any. I did real well in hospital except for slight temp. Dr. B sent me home at 2 days and I have been fortunate to have my mom here to make my shakes. She and I have tried every recipe in the books and handout or are plannning to.
I have felt a little nausea twice and both were after a sweeter shake and I am surprised to know I can definitiely tell when I can't drink anymore! Right now, I'm using the carnation IB and double strenth milk and then adding flavorings and bananas to it. I also like Swanson's Beef Broth (no-fat). I know there's little protein but it tastes great! We even took the sugar free jello (already made) and dropped about 1/4 cup into the vanilla shake and I hade cherry.
Down side - My knee went out the week befroe surgery and I saw my ortho doctor the day before surgery. Both knees need full replacements. So I've actually had more pain from my left knee then the surgery. I think all the gas pockets are about gone...they were killers. But I'm using a walker to get around the house so I can keep moving some till next week. After stitches are out, I'm joining YMCA and doing water aerobics. I've done them before and love it!
My post-op is next Wed and then I'm graduating from Thomas University on Sat May 10th! So those will be my first two big outings! No regrets at this point though I did wonder what I had done on 1st day post-op!
04/14/03
Phoned office and received surgery date! I kind of wonder if they were going to call me this week or not. Anyway, pre-op tomorrow and nutritionist on Wed. Getting a little more apprehensive now that surgery is more a reality. I pray I can do this!
04/12/03
Phoned insurance and procedure is listed as approved for Apr 29...waiting for Dr. B's office to call with news.
04/07/03
Phoned Dr. Balliro's office after checking with insurance to see if they had received packet. Insurance says no...Carol at Dr. B's says there is a tentative date for last week in Apr but may be May or Jun! Gads I hope not!
03/15/03
Met Dr. Balliro today...I liked him. He explained everything and answered all my questions and concerns. Doesn't think there will be an hold ups, he says Tricare approves all. All in all, I am feeling good about surgery. Not as nervous as I was. He assures me that sweet cravings will not be an issue.
Oops, got home and received copy of psychologist's letter and she has mixed my info with someone elses...guess I'll call Monday.
02/28/03
The thought of surgery scares me but the idea of not losing this weight scares me more. My concerns are about the risks...leakage, infection etc. and how I will do with the new eating habit.//
Love computer graphics and turned hobby into career in web design. I also love to read and cross stitch. Have new grandbaby...7 mos old.
0 comments
Six years - unbelevable. Can't hardly believe it has been that long and yet so short...I have regained 30 lbs and am re-committing to my health and forget the scale marks!
03/01/05
ALmost to my 2-yr mark! Have lost a total of 130lbs and still see big person in mirror. Can't quite get that out of my mind. I can now eat anything and have no side effects from surgery other than portion size. I'm one of the "lucky" (???) ones who can tolerate sugar and fatty foods and I do eat too much of junk food - which explains why I've leveled off on my weight loss for 6 months. I am cutting back again on sugar - I tried every sweetener for my sweet tea and nothing tasted right except real sugar. Must be in my head. Anyway, I'm now using half sugar and half Splenda and will gradually decrease sugar amount.
Arthritis pain level had become reasonable but now have major pain in knees and have scheduled appt with orthopedic surgeon to look into replacement. Not looking forward to that! Can honestly say I would do the Bariatric surgery again in a heartbeat - best thing I ever did! Followed doctor's orders to the letter and had NO problems. Am so blessed and very happy with my decision. Moved to Virginia in Aug 2004 and commute to Wash DC daily. I never could've done the Metro and walking without the weight loss!
10/22/03
WOW! Six months ago on April 22, 2003 I changed my life forever. I have lost 105 lbs. with very little problems and am amazed at how I feel. More than anything, I decided to have the surgery to help stop my pain from severe arthritis (almost wheelchair candidate). Yes, I still have arthritis and yes I still need to have my knees replaced. But boy can I walk farther than I could and I have more stamina and strength! My problems are mainly bowel related and it isn't unusual for me to go 4-5 days between bowel movements. Normal? Maybe not but it is normal for me now. I don't like the taste/feel of water so I have trouble getting all my water in everyday, which probably explains the irregularity. My hair is coming out, has been for about 3 weeks. I colored it and use Simply Blonde products for fine hair. I have faith that it'll grow back after the one year mark. Weight loss has slowed down but I lost so much up front I expected it to. I still am not sure of how I feel, I know my clothes are too big-I went form 26-28s to 18-20s and can fit into some 16s. I keep waiting for something to happen and all the weight to come back. Emotionally, it's been good! It's worth being constipated to have less pain!
06/22/03
Nine weeks post-op...I've lost 60 lbs and feel good. My main goal for having surgery was to lower my pain level in my legs and this has been accomplished. I still have pain, but I'm not using a walker anymore and only use my cane when I travel.
Eating has sometimes become a chore and I don't enjoy it like I used to. I'm finally over the guilt of not eating everything I order (I travel alot) but I still have a hard time with $ wasted. I'm working on it. Clothes are fitting and I'm enjoying wearing outfits I haven't been able to for years.
Protein intake isn't a problem. I am using canned Utra Protein from www.wlssuccess.com, but you can buy at GNC. It has 35g of protein. I do get sick of it though and ususally drink only 5 days a week. Spicy foods don't agree with me but I've been okay with everything else. Common sense rules what I eat and try, and when I don't follow common sense, I pay for it with being very uncomfortable and sick feeling, sometimes for hours after eating. To avoid this, I purge as soon as I know I ate the wrong thing. This is new for me and I never would have done it pre-surgery and I don't like doing it now.
Still glad I had surgery and though I do miss enjoying eating, I'll be ok.
05/06/03
Wow! Two weeks post-op! Tomorrow the stitches come out and I graduate to baby food! I am very sick of liquids protein drinks and have to gag them down. I've tried every combination and flavors. I did get hungry for the first time last Friday. Beef broth helped tremendously! Still thinking positive and not regretting having surgery. My knees have quit hurting so much, partly because I've stayed off of them as much as possible and partly becasue of initial weight loss. I'm excied to see what official loss is at Dr. B's tomorrow.
04/28/03
Hard to believe only 2 weeks has gone by since I got my surgery date and now tomorrow is one week post-op! Today is first day back on computer...since it's my work, I didn't feel up to even reading emails. I haven't vomited any. I did real well in hospital except for slight temp. Dr. B sent me home at 2 days and I have been fortunate to have my mom here to make my shakes. She and I have tried every recipe in the books and handout or are plannning to.
I have felt a little nausea twice and both were after a sweeter shake and I am surprised to know I can definitiely tell when I can't drink anymore! Right now, I'm using the carnation IB and double strenth milk and then adding flavorings and bananas to it. I also like Swanson's Beef Broth (no-fat). I know there's little protein but it tastes great! We even took the sugar free jello (already made) and dropped about 1/4 cup into the vanilla shake and I hade cherry.
Down side - My knee went out the week befroe surgery and I saw my ortho doctor the day before surgery. Both knees need full replacements. So I've actually had more pain from my left knee then the surgery. I think all the gas pockets are about gone...they were killers. But I'm using a walker to get around the house so I can keep moving some till next week. After stitches are out, I'm joining YMCA and doing water aerobics. I've done them before and love it!
My post-op is next Wed and then I'm graduating from Thomas University on Sat May 10th! So those will be my first two big outings! No regrets at this point though I did wonder what I had done on 1st day post-op!
04/14/03
Phoned office and received surgery date! I kind of wonder if they were going to call me this week or not. Anyway, pre-op tomorrow and nutritionist on Wed. Getting a little more apprehensive now that surgery is more a reality. I pray I can do this!
04/12/03
Phoned insurance and procedure is listed as approved for Apr 29...waiting for Dr. B's office to call with news.
04/07/03
Phoned Dr. Balliro's office after checking with insurance to see if they had received packet. Insurance says no...Carol at Dr. B's says there is a tentative date for last week in Apr but may be May or Jun! Gads I hope not!
03/15/03
Met Dr. Balliro today...I liked him. He explained everything and answered all my questions and concerns. Doesn't think there will be an hold ups, he says Tricare approves all. All in all, I am feeling good about surgery. Not as nervous as I was. He assures me that sweet cravings will not be an issue.
Oops, got home and received copy of psychologist's letter and she has mixed my info with someone elses...guess I'll call Monday.
02/28/03
The thought of surgery scares me but the idea of not losing this weight scares me more. My concerns are about the risks...leakage, infection etc. and how I will do with the new eating habit.//
Love computer graphics and turned hobby into career in web design. I also love to read and cross stitch. Have new grandbaby...7 mos old.
