MaryShowie
10/01/08 - Up to 155 lbs again, I guess it is time to actually start the 5 Day Pouch Test like I SAID I was going to do 1 year ago.........I will keep y'all posted.
10/4/07 - Down to 140 again so my butt doesn't look so big. 
Going to try the 5 day pouch test because I do feel like I can eat more than before. Need to get back to the basic's again.......
8/15/07 - Pretty Stable at 145. Went as far down as 130, but started to look anorexic. Wish they had some support groups in my area for Gastric Bypass because I sure could use one :-)
9/2/05 - Weighed in at 170 this morning. ALMOST AT THE 100 LB MARK. Still having a hard time with Bread, Pasta & Meat. Hopefully some day I will be able to eat small amounts. I have been following Weight Watchers which is really helping me keep track of my portion sizes. Oh, by the way - I FEEL & LOOK AMAZING!!!!
8/22/05 - Down 90 lbs..........Wearing a size 12 now and my weight loss is starting to slow down a bit. Started working out hard core 5 times a week including weights and joining Weight Watchers tonight to try to lost those last 30 lbs. Weighed in at 179 this morning. Still having lots of issues with food but I am still glad I did it.
5/11/05 - Down 70 lbs........Now wearing a size 14. Finally broke the 200 lb mark a few days ago and let me tell you - It was tough. People see me and can't believe it's me. I will never get enough of people telling me how beautiful I look now, and I hate to be full of myself, but it is so true. This surgery has changed my life and I am so glad I did it. Hopefully someone reading my profile will make the same decision. DO IT - you will be so glad that you did :) Even the Doc couldn't stop telling me how good I looked when I saw him last week. I wanted to hug him - It is all because of him. I feel confidence I have not felt in YEARS..........I asked him about the problems I am having with meat and he explained that it will probably be 1 year before I can eat meat. So I definitely have awhile to go before my 1 year anniversary. Just wanted to update my profile and let everyone know how I was doing.
{{{HUGS}}}
4/25/05 - Down 65 lbs......Working out regularly. Almost down to a size 14. I am now able to eat a little meat, but nervous about it cause I don't want to puke. I am so happy I had this surgery - it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Have a checkup with my surgeon next week and I will ask him if I need to take an iron supplement because I am hearing that most patients who have Gastric-Bypass become anemic sooner or later and I want to see what my doc says about it......that's all for now :)
4/4/05 - Down 55 lbs!!! Currently wearing a size 16. I work out about 4 times a week. I am still not able to eat any kind of meat - sticking to yogurt smoothies, cheese, protein drinks, nuts, etc. I feel SO much better physically. I can get down and play with my daughter and do so many things that used to put me out of breath. I am now able to eat eggs, but I really miss my meat. Hopefully that will come with time.
3/8/05 - Officially 2 months post-op. Down 45 Lbs!!!! I am working out 5 times a week and have not had any of the infamous "sagging skin" yet. I hope with exercise I keep this to a minimum. The bad news is that I still am unable to eat any meat or eggs. But the good news is that I can eat anything soft which includes chocolate and ice cream. I treat myself to a little sugar every night and the great thing is, that I only need a fraction of what I used to have to feel satisfied. I still miss bread, pasta & rice but because I am able to have a little sweets each night it is ok by me. I am sooo glad I had this surgery. I have so much more energy than before and I can walk and carry my daughter without feeling out of breath all the time.
2/1/05 - Haven't posted since my surgery. I am down 25 lbs in a little over 3 weeks. The surgery hurt much more than I thought it would. I am glad I didn't know that or I would have been more of a basket case than I already was. The hospital stay was a nightmare, couldn't wait to get home. Really missing food, I hope that gets better. I am so sick of soft foods I can't see straight. But, would do it again in a heartbeat :) I am glad it is over though, and look forward to getting back to work in 2 weeks and to start working out again.
I feel like I have been given a new lease on life. I filed for divorce this past Thursday, got a new position at work, and I have a feeling that this year is going to be my year!!
1/5/05 - Haven't posted in a bit. Can't believe my wait is almost over......I am starting to get nervous again...but that is to be expected. Took all of my pre-op tests the last 2 weeks and all were a breeze except the Arterial Blood Gas. Hurt a little more than a regular blook draw, but I was glad when it was over. Starting to have trouble sleeping cause all I do is think about it. Will I survive?? Will I have complications?? I sure hope not, but the not knowing is killing me.....
12/29/04 - Had my final pre-op visit with the Doc and my appointment with the nutritionist. I can't believe that my surgery is in only 8 days.......YIPPEE!!! Not nervous any longer, just anxious for it to be over with. Scheduled for 7:30am on Fri 1/7/05. In on Friday and out on Sunday if all goes well.........and all will go well :) Keep you posted.....
12/17/04 - Well - the ultrasound is over. It was painless of course. I am worried about that darn arterial blood gas test. I wish it was over. I am going thru so many mixed emotions right now......I'm excited, but afraid of losing my life having this operation. My family thinks it is too drastic.....But even though I have not been this heavy for most of my life, I have struggled with my weight for all of it. I hope I am doing the right thing....
12/16/04 - Well, I had some tests this past Weds which were not too bad. Tomorrow I have my ultrasound of my gallbladder. Next Tues I an scheduled at the hospital for my Pulminary tests which include lung capacity, spirometry, and an arterial blood gas . I have read on this site that the arterial blood gas is painful, so I am dreading it. I really an glad I am having this surgery butI am SOOO scared. I am trying my hardest to be positive. Keep you posted.........
12/13/04 - I received all the scripts from the surgeon's office for all of the pre-op testing that needs to be done. It has to to be done at least 2 weeks before surgery so I better get a move on it. Going to my PCP for some of the tests this Weds. I can not believe that my surgery is in a little over 3 weeks!!! I hope all of the tests come out ok cause if they don't - I am sure it will postpone my surgery........wish me luck :)
12/10/04 - The wait is OVER!!! I can't believe I already have approval and a surgery date!!!! 1/7/05. Less than a month!! I am soooo excited I have to pinch myself. After reading about all the problems people have had getting approval - I never expected to have it approved 2 days after the paperwork was submitted. Next week I will call to set up all the pre-op testing that the Doc wants me to have. A BIG THANKS TO MY MEDICAL GROUP - ADVOCATE FOR BEING SO QUICK AT APPROVING ME :)
12/7/04 - That wait is on.........my surgeon faxed the paperwork to my PCP. I got a call from my PCP (they are great!) this afternoon telling me that they got the paperwork and are faxing to the medical group for review. I will have an answer in about 48 hours. CROSS YOUR FINGERS!!! These are going to be the longest 2 days of my LIFE!!
12/6/04 Had my consult with the Surgeon....Dr Hoeltgen out of Good Shephard in Barrington, IL. It went great!! He said I was a perfect candidate for surgery because I do not have any comorbities.......Let's hope my insurance company feels the same way :) So now the wait begins.........this is going to eat away at me until I know either way. He said that I could get a response in 2 days.........or several weeks. I will be on the phone pushing this through as fast as I can. Wish me luck!!!
Hospital Reviews
Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: Daniel Hoeltgen, M.D.
My Consult was yesterday 12/6/05. He was very nice, extremely knowledgeable and made me feel very comfortable. He took his time to answer all my questions. He has done over 250 of hand assisted Lap Surgeries and I would highly recommend him :)
Insurer Info:
HMO Illinois, HMO
BMI was 41.8 I saw the Surgeon on Monday and was approved by that Friday. B/C Blue Shield HMO (AKA HMO Illinois) was my insurer and I couldn't be happier. It was really up to my Medical Group to approve or deny. The insurance company said they would go along with whatever they decided. So for me it was my Medical Group Advocate Lutheran General who got me through the process so quickly. Kudos to them!!!!
