MelissaF
12/6/2011 5 Years!
Dec 06, 2011
Hello! Long time NO write on my profile, I do apologize for that!
As of 12/4/2011, I am now 5 years postop! Amazing how time flies and the changes I see occuring as I reflect on my previous entry from 2 years ago (shame on me!).
I have a new job working as the Clinical Leader of a Health Line at my hospital. I started in June of 2010. The department is small and many changes have occured since I have been there and have spent the majority of my team revamping the software and trying to streamline processes. I am excited for 2012 now that many things are in place there to see what is to come!
What other exciting news has occured do you ask? I HAD A BABY! YES - A BABY! :):):) Her name is Brooklyn Elise and she was born on 9/21/2011. My pregnancy and delivery were all HEALTHY and her too HEALTHY! I cannot belive it and I have RNY to thank for that. She is beautiful and she takes my breath away, we are so blessed! I have had 3 months off with her to enjoy getting to know my little pumpkin and and next week I return back to work. I will miss her tremendously but ready to get back to a routine as well. I work Mon-Thurs so the hours are longer to meet my full time status but I have a 3 day weekend with her so that is nice.
I did gain some weight over the first few months I worked there and got up to 182 lbs when I found I was pregnant in January 2011. I then proceeded to gain up to 224 with my pregnacy from 182. I now weight 200 and that is not comfortable to me so I am currently eating very clean and exercising and trying to get back in the groove like I was. I am thankful this surgery has allowed me such opportunities in my life but I also know I have to keep things in check or right back I go up to 328+ pounds. No thanks! I don't want to be that big or that sick every again. I am still free from my diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. So I am thankful and blessed. Had labs drawn last week and I meet with my PCP to discuss tomorrow. Hoping for great results! Still taking my vitamins as I should and drinking my protein daily. I know how integral this is so I don't even slide on it.
My husband and I celebrated 8 years married in Novemeber also so that was a blessing also. He is now 11 years postop and I can't believe how his life has changed also but I still have to keep on him to be compliant! men! :)
Hoping all of you have a very blessed holiday and happy new year! I will try not to be so delinquent on updating my profile from now on!! :) Take care.
1 comment
As of 12/4/2011, I am now 5 years postop! Amazing how time flies and the changes I see occuring as I reflect on my previous entry from 2 years ago (shame on me!).
I have a new job working as the Clinical Leader of a Health Line at my hospital. I started in June of 2010. The department is small and many changes have occured since I have been there and have spent the majority of my team revamping the software and trying to streamline processes. I am excited for 2012 now that many things are in place there to see what is to come!
What other exciting news has occured do you ask? I HAD A BABY! YES - A BABY! :):):) Her name is Brooklyn Elise and she was born on 9/21/2011. My pregnancy and delivery were all HEALTHY and her too HEALTHY! I cannot belive it and I have RNY to thank for that. She is beautiful and she takes my breath away, we are so blessed! I have had 3 months off with her to enjoy getting to know my little pumpkin and and next week I return back to work. I will miss her tremendously but ready to get back to a routine as well. I work Mon-Thurs so the hours are longer to meet my full time status but I have a 3 day weekend with her so that is nice.
I did gain some weight over the first few months I worked there and got up to 182 lbs when I found I was pregnant in January 2011. I then proceeded to gain up to 224 with my pregnacy from 182. I now weight 200 and that is not comfortable to me so I am currently eating very clean and exercising and trying to get back in the groove like I was. I am thankful this surgery has allowed me such opportunities in my life but I also know I have to keep things in check or right back I go up to 328+ pounds. No thanks! I don't want to be that big or that sick every again. I am still free from my diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. So I am thankful and blessed. Had labs drawn last week and I meet with my PCP to discuss tomorrow. Hoping for great results! Still taking my vitamins as I should and drinking my protein daily. I know how integral this is so I don't even slide on it.
My husband and I celebrated 8 years married in Novemeber also so that was a blessing also. He is now 11 years postop and I can't believe how his life has changed also but I still have to keep on him to be compliant! men! :)
Hoping all of you have a very blessed holiday and happy new year! I will try not to be so delinquent on updating my profile from now on!! :) Take care.
1/31/10 Had 3 year follow up with surgeon!
Jan 31, 2010
Hello everyone!
I had my 3 year follow up with my surgeon, a tad late due to weather but got it done! Total bili is a bit high so he wants to look at my gall bladder agian. It has been high since surgery or at least 1 year postop. I have no symptons and last time they worked me up they found nothing. I sorta don't wanna do this b/c my insurance has changed and I might get smacked with a lot of bills but alas, I will do what he asks. I see my PCP next week and see what she says as far as referrals are concerned. My ferritin is down from the 200's to 79ish and that is a significant drop but still normal, so I am going to add some iron. All other iron levels are good. All other labs are good too! So I am greatful. My weight last year was 145.6 and this year was 145.0 with sweater and jeans on so I am pretty happy. I did have LBL this year to remove 7-8 lbs of skin so I guess that does account for a bit of gain but all in all, hey, BMI is healthy still at 24.1 he said and is thrilled for me. I will take it. I am doing good mentally, had some rough times at Christmas that surrounded me at work, won't go into it here. I am past it now. Looking ahead and onward. Still running a back on track, 1 year and beyond support grp and having fun with that. It meets twice a month. I am looking at going back to grad school to finish my masters depending on how many credits will transfer or if any will into this new school near me. It would be an online based program. Waiting to see on that. Also going to help Aaron coach his softball team in our home town more than likely. Kids... well we were going to go forth but guess what. Putting it on hold again. Just feel we need to. So we are. Indecisive much? yes, we are. But we have a lot of reasons to be. We just want to wait right now... at least a bit. I know I am not getting any younger but we are ok with adopting and so ya know, that is fine and is an option later if the window closes on natural before we get the chance to go that route if we decided to do so. It is all good.
Nothing else really going on here. Hope everyone is having a good 2010. It is starting out great for us!!! :-) Busy as always.
Until next time... much love to all!
2 comments
I had my 3 year follow up with my surgeon, a tad late due to weather but got it done! Total bili is a bit high so he wants to look at my gall bladder agian. It has been high since surgery or at least 1 year postop. I have no symptons and last time they worked me up they found nothing. I sorta don't wanna do this b/c my insurance has changed and I might get smacked with a lot of bills but alas, I will do what he asks. I see my PCP next week and see what she says as far as referrals are concerned. My ferritin is down from the 200's to 79ish and that is a significant drop but still normal, so I am going to add some iron. All other iron levels are good. All other labs are good too! So I am greatful. My weight last year was 145.6 and this year was 145.0 with sweater and jeans on so I am pretty happy. I did have LBL this year to remove 7-8 lbs of skin so I guess that does account for a bit of gain but all in all, hey, BMI is healthy still at 24.1 he said and is thrilled for me. I will take it. I am doing good mentally, had some rough times at Christmas that surrounded me at work, won't go into it here. I am past it now. Looking ahead and onward. Still running a back on track, 1 year and beyond support grp and having fun with that. It meets twice a month. I am looking at going back to grad school to finish my masters depending on how many credits will transfer or if any will into this new school near me. It would be an online based program. Waiting to see on that. Also going to help Aaron coach his softball team in our home town more than likely. Kids... well we were going to go forth but guess what. Putting it on hold again. Just feel we need to. So we are. Indecisive much? yes, we are. But we have a lot of reasons to be. We just want to wait right now... at least a bit. I know I am not getting any younger but we are ok with adopting and so ya know, that is fine and is an option later if the window closes on natural before we get the chance to go that route if we decided to do so. It is all good.
Nothing else really going on here. Hope everyone is having a good 2010. It is starting out great for us!!! :-) Busy as always.
Until next time... much love to all!
12/5/09 - Three Years postop!
Dec 05, 2009
Hello Everyone!!!
Long time no post, so sorry about that! Life sure has a way of taking ahold of you after this surgery! A good thing as it keeps you on your toes out there doing things you wouldn't be doing preop! I am so blessed for that! As of yesterday, 12/4/09, I am 3 years postop with my RNY! I am weighing in at 140-143ish and feeling pretty good about that, although it isn't easy maintaining. It is HARD. I never realized how hard it would be mentally but it makes sense. Surgery doesn't operate on your brain, just your stomach as they like to say, and boy is it the truth! I went back to seeing a conselor about every 2-3 weeks and that helps and I really like her, she is a good fit for me. I still run in the gym and still running races. I did my 4th race - a 5k in Salem, Massachusetts when I went to visit Amy Watkins this past October. I had an absolute blast. She showed me an incredible time and I got to meet some of her amazing friends. Her son Z, was an absolute doll as always and I miss them both dearly. I hope to see them again soon and made her promise me this won't be the last time we see each other :)
Recently I have been able to get my running up to 5 miles... which is a huge accomplishment for me. Being that I was hardly able to walk without breathing heavy preop and had intense pain both my feet and lower back, this is big time huge. I am so proud of myself and for taking control of my life. I see my surgeon in January to follow up with my labwork and hopeful it all comes out ok. I try to be dilegent with taking vitamins. I do a pretty good job, I will miss a calcium dose here and there.. hard to remember to get 4 doses in a day sometimes...... but I try hard.
Otherwise, still working at Skilled Nursing at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa on the weekend night shift as a Baylor. I recently started a Back on Track program that meets twice a month for those who have gained weight after surgery and its a great smaller group of gals this first go round. Have a really good time with it and losing lots of inches and pounds and really focusing on the mental aspect of WHY we eat and the emotional ties, etc. We are learning a lot I feel through some personal soul searching. A good thing! Having a lot of fun with that!
Aaron and I seriously considering starting a family now... looking at the spring for biological children and adoption classes... we have been dragging our feet some to make sure its the right time. I will be cleared from my plastics about that time for biolgoial and also want to keep our options open just in case and he has loved the idea of adoption also - so probably start both processes and see what evolves. I am also turning 33 this coming year so not getting any younger!!!
That is about all I have to say in a nutshell....
Hope all is well and doing good!!! Hope everyone has a joyous and blessed holiday season!
2 comments
Long time no post, so sorry about that! Life sure has a way of taking ahold of you after this surgery! A good thing as it keeps you on your toes out there doing things you wouldn't be doing preop! I am so blessed for that! As of yesterday, 12/4/09, I am 3 years postop with my RNY! I am weighing in at 140-143ish and feeling pretty good about that, although it isn't easy maintaining. It is HARD. I never realized how hard it would be mentally but it makes sense. Surgery doesn't operate on your brain, just your stomach as they like to say, and boy is it the truth! I went back to seeing a conselor about every 2-3 weeks and that helps and I really like her, she is a good fit for me. I still run in the gym and still running races. I did my 4th race - a 5k in Salem, Massachusetts when I went to visit Amy Watkins this past October. I had an absolute blast. She showed me an incredible time and I got to meet some of her amazing friends. Her son Z, was an absolute doll as always and I miss them both dearly. I hope to see them again soon and made her promise me this won't be the last time we see each other :)
Recently I have been able to get my running up to 5 miles... which is a huge accomplishment for me. Being that I was hardly able to walk without breathing heavy preop and had intense pain both my feet and lower back, this is big time huge. I am so proud of myself and for taking control of my life. I see my surgeon in January to follow up with my labwork and hopeful it all comes out ok. I try to be dilegent with taking vitamins. I do a pretty good job, I will miss a calcium dose here and there.. hard to remember to get 4 doses in a day sometimes...... but I try hard.
Otherwise, still working at Skilled Nursing at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa on the weekend night shift as a Baylor. I recently started a Back on Track program that meets twice a month for those who have gained weight after surgery and its a great smaller group of gals this first go round. Have a really good time with it and losing lots of inches and pounds and really focusing on the mental aspect of WHY we eat and the emotional ties, etc. We are learning a lot I feel through some personal soul searching. A good thing! Having a lot of fun with that!
Aaron and I seriously considering starting a family now... looking at the spring for biological children and adoption classes... we have been dragging our feet some to make sure its the right time. I will be cleared from my plastics about that time for biolgoial and also want to keep our options open just in case and he has loved the idea of adoption also - so probably start both processes and see what evolves. I am also turning 33 this coming year so not getting any younger!!!
That is about all I have to say in a nutshell....
Hope all is well and doing good!!! Hope everyone has a joyous and blessed holiday season!
9/05/09 - 3rd 5K and 5 Months Postop LBL!
Sep 05, 2009
Hey there everyone!!! Hope everyone has had a terrific summer so far as we are winding down and heading into the fall season once again! My absolute favorite time of the year!!!
Many things have happened since I last posted.
1 - The decision was made that Dee and myself will now do a 1 year + group for Mason City as there was a burning need. So far 18 people have replied with interest. We will be doing some sort of back on track program and our first meeting will be Sept 15th. We are excited about this change! Seems many are also! YEAH!
2 - Amy, my friend from Boston, who I met on the RNY board here on OH came to visit a couple weeks ago with her 8 year old son, Zachary. They were only here a few days but we had a blast even if the weather was cloudy and overcasted the entire time. Darn it! We got to do lots of things and more than anything I remember all the laughs till we almost cried. So much fun!!! I am going to visit her now the end of October and very much looking forward to visiting with her again and meeting her close friend and another OH friend, Martha! We will be running a 5k together, the Witches run in Salem.. HA! Awesome right?!?!?! I think so! I love Halloween, so visiting this time of the year is going to be SOOOO "wicked" cool (as they say in Boston terms! ROFL, sorry Amy had to!)
3 - I am now a little over 4 months postop from my lower body lift and feel great. I have spit out some internal stitches that apparently my body didn't like too much but otherwise feeling ok and now seemed to have stopped rejecting the sutures. I see my doc for a 6month follow up the first week of November. I have some scar tissue still above the pubis line that needs revising possibly and we will talk about that then but overall I am very excited about the results. I need to get more pics up, I know I promised. Might wait till 6 mos postop, not much different honestly. I healed rather nicely.
4 - Ran my 3rd 5K race for cancer awareness and prevention again today in Rockweel, IA with a friend from work named Dustin. He is one of the security officers that works part time at the west campus where I work. This was his first 5k and we both managed to cross the finish line in 29 minutes and 59 seconds! WOOT! That averages out to be 9 minutes and 39 secs a mile, my best time yet! This is incredible to me b/c I was holding back for him in the beginning b/c I wanted to see him to the end of this race and not do it for my own time this time. I didn't train well before this one and to my surprise it is a record for me.. crazy. Last two were in 30 mins. So very close but hey, I will take it, amazing! My goal is to complete the witches run in Salem, MA in October at 9 minutes a mile. So we will see! To run this race with both Amy and Martha - two good OH friends, will be incredible! I think I might just weep LOL. I also may be running with my long time friend from OH that I help administer a small support group with (inspiration) here on OH, Britt. We are begging her to join us, fingers crossed! (come on Britt!!!! No pressure! HA!!) She is a busy mom going back to school so it may be hard but she is still trying to decide.
ETA: Dustin and I are shooting to run a 5k in December called the "jingle bell run" and then a 10k.... YES 10k in April in Clear Lake for Earth Day! I know we can do it!!!!!
I think that is about it for now... had a very unseasonably cool summer and that is ok with me! Hope everyone has had an enjoyable summer! Keep in touch!!!
2 comments
Many things have happened since I last posted.
1 - The decision was made that Dee and myself will now do a 1 year + group for Mason City as there was a burning need. So far 18 people have replied with interest. We will be doing some sort of back on track program and our first meeting will be Sept 15th. We are excited about this change! Seems many are also! YEAH!
2 - Amy, my friend from Boston, who I met on the RNY board here on OH came to visit a couple weeks ago with her 8 year old son, Zachary. They were only here a few days but we had a blast even if the weather was cloudy and overcasted the entire time. Darn it! We got to do lots of things and more than anything I remember all the laughs till we almost cried. So much fun!!! I am going to visit her now the end of October and very much looking forward to visiting with her again and meeting her close friend and another OH friend, Martha! We will be running a 5k together, the Witches run in Salem.. HA! Awesome right?!?!?! I think so! I love Halloween, so visiting this time of the year is going to be SOOOO "wicked" cool (as they say in Boston terms! ROFL, sorry Amy had to!)
3 - I am now a little over 4 months postop from my lower body lift and feel great. I have spit out some internal stitches that apparently my body didn't like too much but otherwise feeling ok and now seemed to have stopped rejecting the sutures. I see my doc for a 6month follow up the first week of November. I have some scar tissue still above the pubis line that needs revising possibly and we will talk about that then but overall I am very excited about the results. I need to get more pics up, I know I promised. Might wait till 6 mos postop, not much different honestly. I healed rather nicely.
4 - Ran my 3rd 5K race for cancer awareness and prevention again today in Rockweel, IA with a friend from work named Dustin. He is one of the security officers that works part time at the west campus where I work. This was his first 5k and we both managed to cross the finish line in 29 minutes and 59 seconds! WOOT! That averages out to be 9 minutes and 39 secs a mile, my best time yet! This is incredible to me b/c I was holding back for him in the beginning b/c I wanted to see him to the end of this race and not do it for my own time this time. I didn't train well before this one and to my surprise it is a record for me.. crazy. Last two were in 30 mins. So very close but hey, I will take it, amazing! My goal is to complete the witches run in Salem, MA in October at 9 minutes a mile. So we will see! To run this race with both Amy and Martha - two good OH friends, will be incredible! I think I might just weep LOL. I also may be running with my long time friend from OH that I help administer a small support group with (inspiration) here on OH, Britt. We are begging her to join us, fingers crossed! (come on Britt!!!! No pressure! HA!!) She is a busy mom going back to school so it may be hard but she is still trying to decide.
ETA: Dustin and I are shooting to run a 5k in December called the "jingle bell run" and then a 10k.... YES 10k in April in Clear Lake for Earth Day! I know we can do it!!!!!
I think that is about it for now... had a very unseasonably cool summer and that is ok with me! Hope everyone has had an enjoyable summer! Keep in touch!!!
8/1/09 - 3 Months Postop LBL
Aug 01, 2009
Hi Everyone! 
Can we say this summer is going FAST? Wow... I cannot believe winter will be here and we will be celebrating the holidays once again, seems crazy how FAST life goes these days. My mom wasn't kidding when she said life goes faster the older you get... really it does!
I am now officially 3 months postop from LBL. I feel good. My energy is 100% and I don't feel anything other than some occiasional soreness surrounding my belly button when I overdo. I guess since that is the "anchor point" it makes sense that I would get sore there. I still have quite a bit of hard scar tissue above my pubis area that can only be felt but its annoying. I am sure I will have a revision in my future as I have spoken to my doc and this was suggested free of charge from his perspective, I would have to cover the OR an anesthesia fees which I am not looking forward too, we will see what time brings with any changes to that. I see him again the first week of November for a my 6 month follow up. I am in a 27 inch waist jeans in juniors fashions and some 5/7's in the really smaller juniors jean styles and 3/4's in womens. I would say I lost a size as 4's were tighter but fit me before now they are comfortable and sometimes loose, depending on the style. Now my issue is more "pear" shaped as my thighs are bigger than my waist and that is what keeps me from fitting properly in some pants. I have no desire to go under the knife anytime soon to fix those, the wings or my breasts. I mean sure I want to but physically no don't care to and finacially it isn't happening right now. I am happy with my results of LBL, thrilled and content for now.
As for my RNY journey, it is hard to believe that I am now over 2.5 years out. I am down from a high weight of 328, surgery weight of 280 to under 140 lbs. I am basically at 135 give or take a few pounds. I am now at a point where I don't dump on sugar if I eat solid foods that contain it but I do get low blood sugar badly. I will dump on liquid forms of sugar (ice cream, cereal with milk, etc) as it hits my intestines too fast. I still don't do well with cow milk as it makes me really gassy. I do much better with soy milk, so I stick with that. I have a harder time controlling my eating and self-control when I have a "craving" but I know that part of me is becoming more lazy as I know the consequences of dumping isn't there. My issue mainly is wanting sugar since it was always so "taboo" as we always want what we can't have right? Well now that I have have it and only deal with a sugar drop (easily fixed with a glucose tab) it is easier to say "ok, I will have a little". I need to stop that behavior before I start gaining weight back.
Other than that not much else going on. We start foster-adoption classes in Ocober and we are excited about that. We wanted to start earlier but there was no room in the class this go round, which is fine, gives us time to continue enjoying the summer! Amy W. is and her son are coming to visit us the end of the month from MA and we are excited about that!! Big time fun for us Iowans :-)
I am breaking away from the Mercy support group and going to start leading a 1 year and beyond support group for our members as it is very much needed. We have lost a lot of our members that are longer out and are needing the support. My friend Dee and I both will be leading it and I am excited about that. I will miss the other group but I cannot do both right now. Connie, the bariatric coordinator for Mercy, will lead the other. I didn't get to go to the picnic on Monday as I needed to get back to KC to see my famiy and my dad wasn't feeling well. Not sure he is feeling any better, he won't tell us much (mom, my brother and I) and it is frustrating. We will wait and see how he is in time.... talk about not feeling "in the loop" with things, esp with me being a nurse. Men... I tell ya.
I will be taking new photos here soon and will post them. Have a good rest of the summer everyone!!!
2 comments
Can we say this summer is going FAST? Wow... I cannot believe winter will be here and we will be celebrating the holidays once again, seems crazy how FAST life goes these days. My mom wasn't kidding when she said life goes faster the older you get... really it does!
I am now officially 3 months postop from LBL. I feel good. My energy is 100% and I don't feel anything other than some occiasional soreness surrounding my belly button when I overdo. I guess since that is the "anchor point" it makes sense that I would get sore there. I still have quite a bit of hard scar tissue above my pubis area that can only be felt but its annoying. I am sure I will have a revision in my future as I have spoken to my doc and this was suggested free of charge from his perspective, I would have to cover the OR an anesthesia fees which I am not looking forward too, we will see what time brings with any changes to that. I see him again the first week of November for a my 6 month follow up. I am in a 27 inch waist jeans in juniors fashions and some 5/7's in the really smaller juniors jean styles and 3/4's in womens. I would say I lost a size as 4's were tighter but fit me before now they are comfortable and sometimes loose, depending on the style. Now my issue is more "pear" shaped as my thighs are bigger than my waist and that is what keeps me from fitting properly in some pants. I have no desire to go under the knife anytime soon to fix those, the wings or my breasts. I mean sure I want to but physically no don't care to and finacially it isn't happening right now. I am happy with my results of LBL, thrilled and content for now.
As for my RNY journey, it is hard to believe that I am now over 2.5 years out. I am down from a high weight of 328, surgery weight of 280 to under 140 lbs. I am basically at 135 give or take a few pounds. I am now at a point where I don't dump on sugar if I eat solid foods that contain it but I do get low blood sugar badly. I will dump on liquid forms of sugar (ice cream, cereal with milk, etc) as it hits my intestines too fast. I still don't do well with cow milk as it makes me really gassy. I do much better with soy milk, so I stick with that. I have a harder time controlling my eating and self-control when I have a "craving" but I know that part of me is becoming more lazy as I know the consequences of dumping isn't there. My issue mainly is wanting sugar since it was always so "taboo" as we always want what we can't have right? Well now that I have have it and only deal with a sugar drop (easily fixed with a glucose tab) it is easier to say "ok, I will have a little". I need to stop that behavior before I start gaining weight back.
Other than that not much else going on. We start foster-adoption classes in Ocober and we are excited about that. We wanted to start earlier but there was no room in the class this go round, which is fine, gives us time to continue enjoying the summer! Amy W. is and her son are coming to visit us the end of the month from MA and we are excited about that!! Big time fun for us Iowans :-)
I am breaking away from the Mercy support group and going to start leading a 1 year and beyond support group for our members as it is very much needed. We have lost a lot of our members that are longer out and are needing the support. My friend Dee and I both will be leading it and I am excited about that. I will miss the other group but I cannot do both right now. Connie, the bariatric coordinator for Mercy, will lead the other. I didn't get to go to the picnic on Monday as I needed to get back to KC to see my famiy and my dad wasn't feeling well. Not sure he is feeling any better, he won't tell us much (mom, my brother and I) and it is frustrating. We will wait and see how he is in time.... talk about not feeling "in the loop" with things, esp with me being a nurse. Men... I tell ya.
I will be taking new photos here soon and will post them. Have a good rest of the summer everyone!!!
6/20/09 - Almost 8 weeks postop LBL
Jun 20, 2009
Hi Everyone!
I do not think I did an official update at 6 weeks postop, so sorry about that. As you an probably guess I am back into the swing of life!!! It feels great, well other than this virus I am battling. I had to call into work this weekend something I have not had to do in years. I feel awful about it. However, I need to get my body to feeling better so I am ok with it.
At almost 8 weeks out I can now plop ... YES PLOP down into bed like I used to do. Never realized how uncareful I was about getting into bed until I had this surgery, I tend to just plop lol.. I am sleeping on my side again since 6 weeks out and it feels great. My incisions are feeling good, back ones on bottom are red still but otherwise healing pretty good. The line above my pubis area looks sorta "blotchy" in appearance and the tissue below is hardened, doc says it is scar tissue and to start massaging it several times a day. He says if that is still there (appears like a ledge) then he will revise for free at one year. I am hoping not. I would still have to come up with the anesthesia and OR costs.. it isn't that bad really.
I am back at the gym running and lifting weights and it feels great. I am also back at work (well I was until this weekend's virus hit!) and it went fine last weekend, just didn't sleep sunday during the day, apparently my body isn't used to this sleeping during the day stuff. I think that is what prompted my illness this week.. lack of sleep/stress last weekend.
What else.. I don't go back to the doc until 6 mos postop, so end of October for that, I am sure he wants to discuss upper body work (which I really do need - see pics for side boobs/rolls) and for implants and lift of breasts but I just cannot afford it. I was quoted 15k total, 7.5k per procedure, lift first then implants at a later date. Nope, no can do! Sigh.. maybe some day. Now I am on the hunt for a bra with WIDE sides like a plus size bra would have and smaller cups, good luck to me... might need to have one tailor made for me.. if you know of good bras like I described or a seamstress that is good in my area, let me know!!!
Nothing really else to report. Aaron is busy with softball. He is coaching varsity at the school again for the girls. This is his second year with that and soon that will be coming to a close. Amy Watkins is coming to visit us in August! YAY! We are excited about that. My mom and I are talking about visiting my Uncle Ed (godfather) in New Jersey possibly in the fall, not sure yet. Would be fun to catch the NY OH conference and if I can do that would love to meet up with Britt. We will see!
Hope everyone is having a good summer!!! I posted some 6 week out pics. I will take 3 month and 6 month pics in the future and post those also!!
Thanks for tuning in!!! Till next time...
3 comments
I do not think I did an official update at 6 weeks postop, so sorry about that. As you an probably guess I am back into the swing of life!!! It feels great, well other than this virus I am battling. I had to call into work this weekend something I have not had to do in years. I feel awful about it. However, I need to get my body to feeling better so I am ok with it.
At almost 8 weeks out I can now plop ... YES PLOP down into bed like I used to do. Never realized how uncareful I was about getting into bed until I had this surgery, I tend to just plop lol.. I am sleeping on my side again since 6 weeks out and it feels great. My incisions are feeling good, back ones on bottom are red still but otherwise healing pretty good. The line above my pubis area looks sorta "blotchy" in appearance and the tissue below is hardened, doc says it is scar tissue and to start massaging it several times a day. He says if that is still there (appears like a ledge) then he will revise for free at one year. I am hoping not. I would still have to come up with the anesthesia and OR costs.. it isn't that bad really.
I am back at the gym running and lifting weights and it feels great. I am also back at work (well I was until this weekend's virus hit!) and it went fine last weekend, just didn't sleep sunday during the day, apparently my body isn't used to this sleeping during the day stuff. I think that is what prompted my illness this week.. lack of sleep/stress last weekend.
What else.. I don't go back to the doc until 6 mos postop, so end of October for that, I am sure he wants to discuss upper body work (which I really do need - see pics for side boobs/rolls) and for implants and lift of breasts but I just cannot afford it. I was quoted 15k total, 7.5k per procedure, lift first then implants at a later date. Nope, no can do! Sigh.. maybe some day. Now I am on the hunt for a bra with WIDE sides like a plus size bra would have and smaller cups, good luck to me... might need to have one tailor made for me.. if you know of good bras like I described or a seamstress that is good in my area, let me know!!!
Nothing really else to report. Aaron is busy with softball. He is coaching varsity at the school again for the girls. This is his second year with that and soon that will be coming to a close. Amy Watkins is coming to visit us in August! YAY! We are excited about that. My mom and I are talking about visiting my Uncle Ed (godfather) in New Jersey possibly in the fall, not sure yet. Would be fun to catch the NY OH conference and if I can do that would love to meet up with Britt. We will see!
Hope everyone is having a good summer!!! I posted some 6 week out pics. I will take 3 month and 6 month pics in the future and post those also!!
Thanks for tuning in!!! Till next time...
6/3/09- I posted about payoffs today on working towards goals.
Jun 03, 2009
I wrote on the boards today about the payoffs of reaching goals... thought I would xpost it here to my blog. Also, I will see my doc on Monday, June 8th for a 6 week follow up and will have pics taken next week too, more updates to come on my PS journey!
Here is what I posted:
This is just a rambling post....hope u do not mind
I just found out today that my short term disability company that is contracted by my job is going to pay for my entire leave of absense with my plastics!!!
They have an exclusion for "cosmetic surgery" so I really felt like I had no chance in heck of ever getting it approved. However, I fought hard and with the words "reconstruction" used in place of plastic surgery and MUCH MUCH documentation from my doctor and phone calls from myself, I found out this morning they are extending it through my entire leave.. wow. 
It all started with gastric bypass.. many hopps with my insurance company. Even tho i was 328 lbs, 5'4" and had diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, foot pain, back pain, stress incontinence etc... I had to fight.. fight hard.
They (the insurance company) put me through hell going through so many tests and also made me see specialists to get clearance. 
See they wanted me to back down. There were a couple times I wanted to, I would cry myself sick over it. My husband who had RNY 8 years ago knew how hard many of his friends had to fight (he did not have to luckily) and said "do not give up.. keep going forth. They want you to give up. Are you a quitter? I know my wife better than that.. " So I kept fighting and after 10 mos was finally approved. It was a joyous day getting that call, I will never forget it. 
Fast forward to plastics... 190 lbs down and lots of skin left over.. I had started the documentation process in september, they requested a lot of specific things.. pictures, montly doc visits, prescriptions being filled and showing that the rash was "refractory" to treatment - meaning not getting better or responding. I was initially denied b/c I didn't have enough t's crossed and I's dotted so I had to basically start over somewhat.
Fight, fight, fight....I kept going forth. I finally got approval for panni removal and went ahead and paid 10.6 k out of pocket for LBL... after all the figthing I still couldn't get a tummy tuck covered which I knew i wouldn't b/c I did not have a hernia. It amazes me how easy ppl can get a full tummy tuck covered (certain plans especially) and they don't fight near as hard... makes me sick. I am sorry I am venting here!
Then the disability thing that I posted above about... fight fight fight....
As much as it is a PAIN IN DA BUTT - I can genuinely say I have worked my arse off literally :P FOR EVERYTHING - it makes me apprecite it that much more and makes me realize how SILLY it would be to ever go back to obesity. I mean really.. after all the blood, sweat and tears... it is crazy to think one would even fathum going back there... so I think that is why I never give up the fight with my addiction too, I have so much to show for how far I have come beyond weight loss. I have to thank my father especially as he taught me u just never give up.. and of course my husband for also instilling that in me. I have good role models that way
.
So I just wanted to toot my horn a bit, hope u don't mind.
Ok, now back to our regular scheduled program.
Thanks for listening. 
0 comments
Here is what I posted:
This is just a rambling post....hope u do not mind
I just found out today that my short term disability company that is contracted by my job is going to pay for my entire leave of absense with my plastics!!!
They have an exclusion for "cosmetic surgery" so I really felt like I had no chance in heck of ever getting it approved. However, I fought hard and with the words "reconstruction" used in place of plastic surgery and MUCH MUCH documentation from my doctor and phone calls from myself, I found out this morning they are extending it through my entire leave.. wow. It all started with gastric bypass.. many hopps with my insurance company. Even tho i was 328 lbs, 5'4" and had diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, foot pain, back pain, stress incontinence etc... I had to fight.. fight hard.
They (the insurance company) put me through hell going through so many tests and also made me see specialists to get clearance. See they wanted me to back down. There were a couple times I wanted to, I would cry myself sick over it. My husband who had RNY 8 years ago knew how hard many of his friends had to fight (he did not have to luckily) and said "do not give up.. keep going forth. They want you to give up. Are you a quitter? I know my wife better than that.. " So I kept fighting and after 10 mos was finally approved. It was a joyous day getting that call, I will never forget it. Fast forward to plastics... 190 lbs down and lots of skin left over.. I had started the documentation process in september, they requested a lot of specific things.. pictures, montly doc visits, prescriptions being filled and showing that the rash was "refractory" to treatment - meaning not getting better or responding. I was initially denied b/c I didn't have enough t's crossed and I's dotted so I had to basically start over somewhat.
Fight, fight, fight....I kept going forth. I finally got approval for panni removal and went ahead and paid 10.6 k out of pocket for LBL... after all the figthing I still couldn't get a tummy tuck covered which I knew i wouldn't b/c I did not have a hernia. It amazes me how easy ppl can get a full tummy tuck covered (certain plans especially) and they don't fight near as hard... makes me sick. I am sorry I am venting here!Then the disability thing that I posted above about... fight fight fight....
As much as it is a PAIN IN DA BUTT - I can genuinely say I have worked my arse off literally :P FOR EVERYTHING - it makes me apprecite it that much more and makes me realize how SILLY it would be to ever go back to obesity. I mean really.. after all the blood, sweat and tears... it is crazy to think one would even fathum going back there... so I think that is why I never give up the fight with my addiction too, I have so much to show for how far I have come beyond weight loss. I have to thank my father especially as he taught me u just never give up.. and of course my husband for also instilling that in me. I have good role models that way
.So I just wanted to toot my horn a bit, hope u don't mind.
Ok, now back to our regular scheduled program.
Thanks for listening. 5/25/09 - 4 weeks postop LBL tomorrow
May 25, 2009
Happy Memorial Day! Hopefully everyone had a great and safe holiday!!!
I just wanted to post an update since I will be officially out 4 weeks/1 month tomorrow.
Pain wise I am doing a lot better. The nerve ending pain is much better, there are still smaller "sizzles" and weird sensations from time to time but nothing to the intensity as it was when they first woke up. Muscle pain.. I get achey as the day progresses and I do feel my abs when I pick things up but it is getting better. I do not see how you transition from a 6 lb weight restriction to no restrictions at all at 6 weeks out. When I see my phyisican on June 8th I will ask about that as I am a floor nurse and pick up some really heavy things at work including lifting patients.
Stanima is getting better but I am still forced to lay down when my body has had enough and it is very frustrating to me at this point in the game b/c I am feeling well enough that I want to just be totally better but it doesn't work that way apparently. Duh, I know this but I just wanna feel better already! Mentally this is the hard part for me.
Healing wise though I have done terrific. No wound infections or seromas so far, knock on wood. I do have swelling in my abdomen especially around the incision line itself and activity does make it worse. By morning I am less swollen. I am taking bromelain and wearing my compression garment at all times except when I shower. I actually love the thing amazingly. I feel so vulnerable still without it but the vulnerability is getting better too, slowly but surely. I am still wearing the newgel silicone strips for healing. So far so good with those, liking them still and no rashes etc.
I am able to stand up pretty darn straight now even with my shoulders almost rolled all the way back which feels good. Still sleeping with pillows behind me and under my knees and mostly on the couch more b/c i like the ceiling fan on but not directly above me like it is in the bedroom. I am however able to lessen the amount of pillows behind me and sleep a lot more flat than before and sitting in chairs is more comfortable but I still prefer a pillow in the small of my back and a bit of lean still. I think it is more mental that I am worried about pulling stitches etc.
Belly button still has a small area of yellow tissue. Probably is slough and it is getting smaller. I am cleaning it with 1/2 strength peroxide and saline. No discharge or odor, no redness or warmth or fever. Just a matter of healing I suspect. If it is still there I will show my surgeon on the 8th of June when I see him again.
I feel blessed so far with my healing. It's more mentally draining than anything just wanting to feel better and also been on the phone a lot for insurance and disability purposes trying to straighten certain things out as well as with my boss with paycheck issues... just one thing after another with that stuff but I think it has finally worked itself out. We will see there. I should know more this week.
Nothing else to report. I will post again after my doc appointment on June 8th... Thanks for keeping up with my journey everyone!!! HUGS!
2 comments
I just wanted to post an update since I will be officially out 4 weeks/1 month tomorrow.
Pain wise I am doing a lot better. The nerve ending pain is much better, there are still smaller "sizzles" and weird sensations from time to time but nothing to the intensity as it was when they first woke up. Muscle pain.. I get achey as the day progresses and I do feel my abs when I pick things up but it is getting better. I do not see how you transition from a 6 lb weight restriction to no restrictions at all at 6 weeks out. When I see my phyisican on June 8th I will ask about that as I am a floor nurse and pick up some really heavy things at work including lifting patients.
Stanima is getting better but I am still forced to lay down when my body has had enough and it is very frustrating to me at this point in the game b/c I am feeling well enough that I want to just be totally better but it doesn't work that way apparently. Duh, I know this but I just wanna feel better already! Mentally this is the hard part for me.
Healing wise though I have done terrific. No wound infections or seromas so far, knock on wood. I do have swelling in my abdomen especially around the incision line itself and activity does make it worse. By morning I am less swollen. I am taking bromelain and wearing my compression garment at all times except when I shower. I actually love the thing amazingly. I feel so vulnerable still without it but the vulnerability is getting better too, slowly but surely. I am still wearing the newgel silicone strips for healing. So far so good with those, liking them still and no rashes etc.
I am able to stand up pretty darn straight now even with my shoulders almost rolled all the way back which feels good. Still sleeping with pillows behind me and under my knees and mostly on the couch more b/c i like the ceiling fan on but not directly above me like it is in the bedroom. I am however able to lessen the amount of pillows behind me and sleep a lot more flat than before and sitting in chairs is more comfortable but I still prefer a pillow in the small of my back and a bit of lean still. I think it is more mental that I am worried about pulling stitches etc.
Belly button still has a small area of yellow tissue. Probably is slough and it is getting smaller. I am cleaning it with 1/2 strength peroxide and saline. No discharge or odor, no redness or warmth or fever. Just a matter of healing I suspect. If it is still there I will show my surgeon on the 8th of June when I see him again.
I feel blessed so far with my healing. It's more mentally draining than anything just wanting to feel better and also been on the phone a lot for insurance and disability purposes trying to straighten certain things out as well as with my boss with paycheck issues... just one thing after another with that stuff but I think it has finally worked itself out. We will see there. I should know more this week.
Nothing else to report. I will post again after my doc appointment on June 8th... Thanks for keeping up with my journey everyone!!! HUGS!
5/17/09 - Almost 3 weeks postop LBL - update
May 17, 2009
Ok so I will be 3 weeks postop on Tuesday.
Pain - As of Thursday a lot of my nerve endings came back to life all at once, weird eh? Everything but my belly button is numb, it just really scared the poo out of me as I didn't have much pain (got over the muscular pain for the most part just dull ache) and then this came on suddenly. Extra strength tylenol was doing me fine during the day with my roxicet at night. Then WHAM.. thursday hit me with a ton of bricks. I posted about it, I got lortab. Does it work? Not so sure it really helps with nerve pain.. my skin is still sensative to the touch but less zingers now for some reason so who knows? I think its more something I am just going to learn to deal with as it will be insconsitent and worse other times than not.
Stanima/Endurance - I am finding that my back is so weak after walking or sitting for very long that the only way it feels good is propped up in bed or on the couch. I am gonna have to get my fanny moving if I wanna get these back muscle strong again - I go back to work in less than a month (june 12th) as a floor nurse, 12 hour shifts. AHHH. I hope I gain a lot of strength between now and then. I still wanna lean back in chairs. I feel this pulling sensation that makes me uncomfortable on the back side. Maybe this is normal?
Swelling - well, I am still swollen for sure esp along the incision lines, some in mons and maybe in thighs? hard to tell. I am still wearing the compression garment. I feel like I can't go without it. I can take a shower but by the time I am dried off and I am running to put that thing on.
Incisions/scarring - Scar sheets (new gel) - still loving them and sticking fine. My incisions are fish line thin and flat - i can't get over it. Belly button still has some scabbing and some slough tissue (yellow) tissue at the bottom of it - not puss, to me looks like tissue healing. Slight redness around the edges of bb, putting single antibiotic ointment on it. Tape burns still look like crap :( Putting mederma on those.
Photos - I have decided to wait and take photos the next time I go to the doctor on June 8th (my 6 week appointment). Other than healing of my incisions some I don't think the change will be that drastic for me. So we will do a 6 week photo shoot (DH will hehe) and then maybe 3 months and so on.. we will see. You must be an OH friend to view as they are graphic and I do want others to learn from my experiences. So please know that upfront.
I plan to update again at 6 weeks unless something changes drastically between now and then. Thanks for keeping up with me!!! Until next time..
0 comments
Pain - As of Thursday a lot of my nerve endings came back to life all at once, weird eh? Everything but my belly button is numb, it just really scared the poo out of me as I didn't have much pain (got over the muscular pain for the most part just dull ache) and then this came on suddenly. Extra strength tylenol was doing me fine during the day with my roxicet at night. Then WHAM.. thursday hit me with a ton of bricks. I posted about it, I got lortab. Does it work? Not so sure it really helps with nerve pain.. my skin is still sensative to the touch but less zingers now for some reason so who knows? I think its more something I am just going to learn to deal with as it will be insconsitent and worse other times than not.
Stanima/Endurance - I am finding that my back is so weak after walking or sitting for very long that the only way it feels good is propped up in bed or on the couch. I am gonna have to get my fanny moving if I wanna get these back muscle strong again - I go back to work in less than a month (june 12th) as a floor nurse, 12 hour shifts. AHHH. I hope I gain a lot of strength between now and then. I still wanna lean back in chairs. I feel this pulling sensation that makes me uncomfortable on the back side. Maybe this is normal?
Swelling - well, I am still swollen for sure esp along the incision lines, some in mons and maybe in thighs? hard to tell. I am still wearing the compression garment. I feel like I can't go without it. I can take a shower but by the time I am dried off and I am running to put that thing on.
Incisions/scarring - Scar sheets (new gel) - still loving them and sticking fine. My incisions are fish line thin and flat - i can't get over it. Belly button still has some scabbing and some slough tissue (yellow) tissue at the bottom of it - not puss, to me looks like tissue healing. Slight redness around the edges of bb, putting single antibiotic ointment on it. Tape burns still look like crap :( Putting mederma on those.
Photos - I have decided to wait and take photos the next time I go to the doctor on June 8th (my 6 week appointment). Other than healing of my incisions some I don't think the change will be that drastic for me. So we will do a 6 week photo shoot (DH will hehe) and then maybe 3 months and so on.. we will see. You must be an OH friend to view as they are graphic and I do want others to learn from my experiences. So please know that upfront.
I plan to update again at 6 weeks unless something changes drastically between now and then. Thanks for keeping up with me!!! Until next time..
5/11/09-2 week follow up appointment today for LBL!
May 11, 2009
Ok, so I went to the doc today and let my surgeon see my incisions for the first time since surgery. The last time I was there, last week, the nurse took out my drains and he was sick but she said I looked great.
I had a lot of dried blood/scabs on my belly button and I was pretty sure this is all it was but wanted to make sure that there wasn't any necrosis (tissue death). He wasn't concerned at all, said it looks good. Tissue inside is fine. Got the stitches out of there today. Then he said that the incision above my mons area (pubic area) that he was a tiny bit concerned about intially postop - referred to as slightly "dusky" (red flag to a nurse!) said it looked great and the tissue bounced back beautifully. So I am thankful. So all sutures, steristrips, drains... ALL GONE! Said I had some fluid on my abdomen but should go down eventually to keep wearing my garment and of course the silicone strips that decreases scaring. Wants me to be faithful to both of these which I will do so of course. I actually like my garment! Never thought I would say that, I feel vulnerable without it.
He also said I can expect to lose weight after this surgery. I told him I was already down a few more pounds than what he took off. He said don't be surprised if I go down even more. Wow.. ok. My brain has issues with going to low etc b/c I have had family tell me since I hit 190 lbs that I look anorexic.. sigh so I have to not worry about what others think of me. I eat plenty, way more than the average postop.
He then showed me how he could do breast work for me and fix the rest of my "rolls" - my side boob and what is left of the roll he couldn't flatten totally with LBL. The incision would be at the side boob itself.. like a U shape sorta.. hard to explain. I was amazed when he showed me. Of course I wanna finish the process now. Amazing how you get one thing done and you are ready to do the rest now.. sigh if only I was made of money. I have brought it up to my husband and he acts supportive yet I know I need to not push it. We need to look at adoption next. I have time, I remind myself of this. However this would not be covered by insurance by any means. A good bra will have to work for now.
He also zeroed in on my inner thighs.. they are a mess of course. I have a lot of extra skin there... i realize this now that the stomach is gone (UGH - why does that happen LOL). Well, I am not interested in the incision that he would have to make.. he can sometimes do it along the inner upper aspect where the leg meets the torso but not mine... id have to have in inner crescent type of cut down the middle to the knee basically - YUCK. I also don't want the scar on the arms either. So anyways.. No wonder women get addicted to this stuff. It can go on and on and on.... regardless I am so amazed by THESE results. Id like some boobs and call it done honestly. Let's just pray i fit into pants when this is all said and done with my thighs the way they are.
I am still waiting to see if short term disability is going to cover my leave for this one since it is medically necessary (the skin removal - panni removal - of abdomen). I should know something soon.
Ok thats all for now... I am stoked with my results so far.. simply and utterly amazed and STOKED!
I plan to take 2 week pics tomorrow. I think the swelling may be more apparent, we will see.
IS THIS REALLY ME?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! WOWWWWWW!!!!!!
0 comments
I had a lot of dried blood/scabs on my belly button and I was pretty sure this is all it was but wanted to make sure that there wasn't any necrosis (tissue death). He wasn't concerned at all, said it looks good. Tissue inside is fine. Got the stitches out of there today. Then he said that the incision above my mons area (pubic area) that he was a tiny bit concerned about intially postop - referred to as slightly "dusky" (red flag to a nurse!) said it looked great and the tissue bounced back beautifully. So I am thankful. So all sutures, steristrips, drains... ALL GONE! Said I had some fluid on my abdomen but should go down eventually to keep wearing my garment and of course the silicone strips that decreases scaring. Wants me to be faithful to both of these which I will do so of course. I actually like my garment! Never thought I would say that, I feel vulnerable without it.
He also said I can expect to lose weight after this surgery. I told him I was already down a few more pounds than what he took off. He said don't be surprised if I go down even more. Wow.. ok. My brain has issues with going to low etc b/c I have had family tell me since I hit 190 lbs that I look anorexic.. sigh so I have to not worry about what others think of me. I eat plenty, way more than the average postop.
He then showed me how he could do breast work for me and fix the rest of my "rolls" - my side boob and what is left of the roll he couldn't flatten totally with LBL. The incision would be at the side boob itself.. like a U shape sorta.. hard to explain. I was amazed when he showed me. Of course I wanna finish the process now. Amazing how you get one thing done and you are ready to do the rest now.. sigh if only I was made of money. I have brought it up to my husband and he acts supportive yet I know I need to not push it. We need to look at adoption next. I have time, I remind myself of this. However this would not be covered by insurance by any means. A good bra will have to work for now.
He also zeroed in on my inner thighs.. they are a mess of course. I have a lot of extra skin there... i realize this now that the stomach is gone (UGH - why does that happen LOL). Well, I am not interested in the incision that he would have to make.. he can sometimes do it along the inner upper aspect where the leg meets the torso but not mine... id have to have in inner crescent type of cut down the middle to the knee basically - YUCK. I also don't want the scar on the arms either. So anyways.. No wonder women get addicted to this stuff. It can go on and on and on.... regardless I am so amazed by THESE results. Id like some boobs and call it done honestly. Let's just pray i fit into pants when this is all said and done with my thighs the way they are.
I am still waiting to see if short term disability is going to cover my leave for this one since it is medically necessary (the skin removal - panni removal - of abdomen). I should know something soon.
Ok thats all for now... I am stoked with my results so far.. simply and utterly amazed and STOKED!
I plan to take 2 week pics tomorrow. I think the swelling may be more apparent, we will see.
IS THIS REALLY ME?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! WOWWWWWW!!!!!!
About Me
Northwood, IA
Location
33.8
BMI
Surgery
12/04/2006
Surgery Date
Mar 09, 2004
Member Since
Before & After
rollover to see after photo
Me before... wow, was that me
328lbs
Below goal and feeling fantastic!
133lbs
