Marilyn J.
Hey all,
I am Marilyn and am 50 years old. I have been trying to have a gastric bypass done for about 2 years now. I found a clinic in the states that will help, but my family Dr. refuses to send me to the States. Here in Sudbury, there are no Drs taking new patients right now, so I will be looking for a Dr. in Ontario who will do the procedure under OHIP.
Will keep you updated
15 Jun 06
Finally got my doctor to agree to send me to a specialist. I will be seeing Dr. Star in Toronto as soon as I get an appointment. I know it will be a long wait, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do!!
29 Jun 06
Still waiting, called my doc to see if he made the referral. The office is closed till 18 Jul 06. What a pain in the butt! It's been 2 weeks since my doc said he would make the referral. Haven't heard a word yet. Getting a little ansy. I know there is an 18 month wait, but that's from the time of referral I beleive, in any case, that's going to make it 3 weeks longer if he hasn't called... What a drag. I feel like just crying right now. I know that it will happen, but only hope I live long enough to get the surgery done. I'm not in any immediate danger, if you don't count the diabetes, the high blood pressure, the high cholesteral, or the sleep apnea.
Don't mind me, I'm just venting. Better in this forum than on my family.
This morning I had my grand daughter over for a visit, when I called my doc's office. Needless to say, I wasn't in a very good mood when I got off the phone. She said something to me, and I snapped on her. She was very surprised and asked me what was wrong. I apologized promptly, and told her that I was angry with the doc and not her. She understood, and we made up immediately. Don't want her to think that Gramma is losing it. She is at a right age to think that all people my age are crazy anyway!!
31July2006
Nothing to report today really, went to the docs on 16Jul and he said that he would make my referral to Dr. Starr,, but when I called to see if it was done, his secretary (wife) told me it wasn't and that the doc would get to it when he got to it. I am so upset, don't know what to do next. Been looking for a new doctor, but there are no doctors taking patients in Sudbury. I am not beat yet, I feel that I am not beat until I give up. But there's still some fight left in these old bones. So onward and upward we go!!
>
August 7,2006
Success at last, referral was made by doc's wife today. Got my appointment on Nov3,2006 at 11 a.m. Can't wait.
Kind of a sad day, just read about a member who died following her surgery. Am kind of rethinking the whole wls surgery thing. Tammy had a hubby an two young boys (6 and 8)However Tammy had so many conditions prior to her surgery, that something was bound to give. She had DVT, and lung problems, and quite a few other things...
Just the same, makes a person think twice.
I don't have as many problems as Tammy had, but still, I wonder. But, I guess I will count of God to make the decision for me. I trust Him and am totally surrendered to Him, so he will lead me in the right way. God is in control and I like it that way!! So I will trust that He will lead me and that all will go according to His plan.
September 12,2006
Hello all,
Not much to add. Just waiting for my appointment on Nov 3rd. Had a bad day yesterday. Had to put my dog Grover down. He was just too aggressive. He kept on biting, or trying to bite everyone. When he decided that my grandson was fair game also, I felt like I had no choice. I went with him to the vet's office and sat with him through the whole procedure. It was heart breaking. I never want to go through that again. I feel like such a traitor to him. I have had him and loved him for 7 years, but, the last 4-5 years, it just has not been any fun having him. Grover was about 20 pounds, and as I said, very aggresive. I also have a little yorkie that he thought was his personal chew toy also. I have not been able to have any visitors in the house either for the last few years, as he did not like anyone but the immediate family. Even when we went on walks with him, any bike rider or passerby was a target. I just couldn't do it anymore! If only there would have been a way to reason with him, but of course there was not. I did try to hire a dog whisperer, and this did not help either. You see Grover was given to me when he was just under 5 weeks old, and I was told that this is part of the reason for his behaviour. His mother did not have time to teach him how to play, so he only knew how to react. Please people, if you are adopting a dog, always make sure that he is at least 6-8 weeks old when he is taken away from his mother! You may not have to deal with the heartbreak that I have had to.
On another note, I have been having so much pain lately, not the usual, but some new stuff. I have always, and still do have lower back pain, but now, it seems to be in my upper back. I am having spasms almost daily. Some days are just not worth getting out of bed before taking my T3s. And even then, I am still in pain, though not as bad. Dear God, hear me,please, I need this surgery, and need it now!!
I am reading all the posts on the ON site, but lately, I am having a lot of envy issues going on. Not that I am not happy for these people, but just that I wish I could post my own good news stories. But with the grace of God, my turn will come, and it will be twice as sweet because I waited until God's time. Always have to remember that things are done in HIS time, and not ours.
Well, that is about it for tonight, cause I am tired and need my sleep, though lately haven't been getting too much.
So good night, and God Bless All,
Marilyn
Oct 13,2006
Well I am officially 51 as of yesterday. Doesn't feel a lot different than 50 felt really, but the real difference is that I have now outlived my mom. She died at 50, of cancer. I was all of 16, and didn't really understand what that was all about. Seems like Mom had felt the lump in her breast, and figured that if she didn't see a doctor about it, that it would just go away. Long story short, she died within a year of feeling the first lump.
So I guess that I am quite happy to have outlived her. And to have learned from her mistake in this area. I have regular testing done, and make sure that all is well with my body where I can. The only place that I wish I was more like my mom, is that she was all of 100 lbs soaken wet. Even after 10 kids, still 100 lbs. Mind you just before she died, she was 56 lbs. She was only 5'3" tall though. But that is just so tiny.
Well, I want to live, and am hoping not to have to wait too long for this surgery. I intend to self pay for the dietician and the psych consult as I hear that this speeds up the process. I am also going to ask to be put on a cancellation list, so that, if someone changes their mind, I can take their place if I'm next on the list. Here's hoping and praying anyway.
Well, that's about it for now, getting tired, happens when you get older you know!!
So night all, and God Bless!!
28Oct2006
Hey all, first snowfall here. Sure is cooling off. Summer is definitely gone.
Well, got about a week before I meet Dr. Starr. Put up a post on the message board, and got a lot of positive feedback about him (Dr. Starr) Talked to one girl, Kim, who had surgery with him and is so pleased with his work. Has lost 75lbs in less than 3 months. I only hope that I can do that well.
Tried to get a support group going in Sudbury, but only heard from 2 people, one living in Elliot Lake and one in North Bay. I imagine that Kim would want to take part also if we were having a meeting, but I feel that there should be a few more to make it a functional group. As it is, all those interested have already had the surgery but me. Would love to have more of a mix of pre ops and post ops to round out the group. I will wait a while and make another post asking for more joiners to the group. Time will tell.
Well, I have almost 2 full weeks under my belt for not smoking. I am really surprised how easy it is when you are properly motivated. I know that I am gaining a few pounds, but hopefully with the surgery, I can reverse that. Right now, I want to quit smoking because I understand that this is not an option with Dr. Starr, and I don''t want to give him more ammo to use against me and not do the surgery. I just hope and pray that he understands the weight gain associated with quitting smoking.
Oh Lord, give me strength, to continue this voyage and have good results so that I can bring glory to Your sweet name. In Jesus' name I pray!!
Nov 6,2006
Hey all, just went to see Dr. Starr. He is really a nice man, and Tracey, his secretary is amazing. You ought to see her run. Someday, God willing, I will be able to move like that again. Well the Doc is a no-nonsense kind of man. He told me straight that if I gained an ounce, I would not be having surgery. No excuses, no exceptions!!
Doesn't matter that I just quit smoking (by the way, the doc said that he prefers it that way, but it is not a requirement for surgery)he will not do the surgery if I gain any weight. The weight I was, 276.2 lbs, had better be what I am on surgery day. Well if I could quit smoking without any problem, I am praying that I will do the same for the weight. And dr. did say that I will be on the opti-fast for at least 2 weeks before surgery, so that should help also. But I am not taking any chances, I am going to stick to the Adkins diet till surgery.
Well, that does it for now, I'll write again later.
Night all,
God Bless
December 1,2006
Hello again,
What a snow storm we had today, left home for shopping and it was 5 above, went it to Costco for about an hour, and came out to a snowstorm, and boy oh boy was it cold.
Anyway, no much happening now. Last week went to see the dietician and the social worker as well as attended the diet classes at Humber River Regional Hospital. I have gained weight again. I know, I have no one to blame but myself. I am almost consumed with this "last meal" syndrome. I know, it's crazy!!! I don't even have a surgery date yet, and I am already feeling the pinch. I posted on the message board that I would like to buy some Opti=fast if anyone had some left, but no luck so far. One person did say she had some left, but, I wrote back to her, and nothing back so far. I was trying the Adkins diet, but it just doesn't want to take this time. I can't seem to focus on it. Boy, do I need help!! Oh God! do You hear me, I know You do. Please give me some self control so that I can get this surgery done.
I guess I am getting pretty down on myself these days. Up 7 pounds since I saw Dr. Starr, and there is no sign of it letting up, especially since Christmas is just around the corner. I am on the social committee at the church, and as such, many of the cooking tasks fall on me and the other members of the committtee. Unfortunately, I make wonderful pies, and that is always my job. This involves testing, to ensure that all is good. I am trying to get out of the baking this year. God willing, we will buy pies for the Christmas meal this year.
I have just been feeling so crappy lately. Could be the weight gain, or just my nerves acting up, not sure. Mind you, I took two trips to Toronto (400km one way) in the past month, so it may just be that I am tired.
I have been keeping up with my walking as Dr. Starr requested, but, the energy level is about at a 2 out of 10.
Okay, I will stop whining now, and get back to life. That is what this is all about. I am working so hard to get a better life, and still I let things get me down. Well, enough is enough and now is the time for action. Keep watching, same bat time, same bat channel. Things will improve.......
God Bless you all,
Marilyn
04Jan2006
Evening all,
Can't seem to get to sleep tonight. Not sure why. Went over all the posts, and put in my 2cents where I felt I should, and now kind of at a loss. Feeling a little left behind these days. So many people who joined after me on this site, are done having surgery and well on their way in the weight loss department.
I know, I have to wait my turn, and that all things happen in God's time, not mine, but .....................
Christmas was quite good this year. No fighting at all. And for our family to get together all under the same roof without a few mean words said, is almost a miracle. I got some really neat gifts this year! Bob got me some "bling" that is so precious. It is a white gold cross on a chain. He is so good to me, but, I would give almost anything to have him join me in my faith. Well, I just have to believe that God isn't done with him yet. Nor me for that matter.
I lost all the weight that I had gained through Christmas. Was quite worried that I wouldn't. It is amazing how those protein shakes work. Just had 2 a day, and a regular meal, and have been losing like crazy. I buy my shakes from Costco. It's called 100% whey protein. It is really the best tasting protein shake I have ever tasted. Mind you, I add some frozen fruit (also from Costco) to it, and I can honestly say that it is Yummy.
Well now, I am tired, so I will say Night Night for now, and God Bless you all,
Marilyn
January 20th, 2007
Hello again all. Not much happening here. Still waiting for my appt on Feb 7,at 9. Wrote to Andrea B. yesterday and she told me that she had to contact Dr. Glazer herself, as Dr. Starr's secretary may not have done it. So, I decided to fax both Tracey (dr. Starr's secretary) and Dr. Glazer's office as well. Hoping to get some results this way. Tracey had told me that she made the referral in November, but, haven't heard a word from her yet!!!
A few more people on the site have had their surgery in the last little while. I'm still waiting. But, I'M NOT BITTER!! Just frustrated and angry and jealous, and peed off etc etc etc. But, honestly, I do wish them the best, but do wish it was me and my turn. Been at this awhile, and am tired of the wait. I know, I know, it is coming, (in the future) and I wish it was yesterday (as in the past). But wishing don't make it so. I just have to wait.
On a positive note though, I have lost all the weight that I gained through Christmas, and even 2-3 more just in case. I know that is not a whole lot, but given that the doctor said that I could not gain any weight, I feel that I am safe here. I feel pretty good about this since I quit smoking and managed to be 2 pounds less now. (3 months later) Beats having gained I tell you!!
Well, that's it for now I guess, gonna say goodnight, and feel sorry for myself for awhile. God bless you all with the greatness of his love.
Night night
Marilyn
Feb 13,2007
Hey all,
Hope all are having a great night. Tomorrow is Valentine's Day, but hubby decided to surprise me today with the most beautiful roses I have ever seen. He is such a wonderful man. I am so blessed with him. God really knows his stuff. Sometimes it takes a while to realize it, but all works out in the end.
Went to see Dr. Starr last week. and got a big surprise. He really does keep his scale five pounds under weight, at least in comparison to mine. I thought I had only lost about three pounds, but when I weighed myself there, my weight was down 8 pounds from my last visit in November. Doc was real pleased also. Said I showed that I was interested in losing weight. (duh, do you think I want to get cup up for fun!!!)
Another thing he told me was that the province of On was committed to improving wait times for wls, so Dr. Starr will now be doing 3 times the surgeries he did previously. The Humber River hospital is going to become the leading centre for wls in ON now. I was really stoked. The doc believes this should cut down wait times from years to months. I also got my appointment to see the internist, Dr. Glazer, and a follow up with Dr. Starr. Given the recent news about the wait times, it shouldn't be too long now till I have my surgery. Praise the Lord, this is really going to happen. I am so happy, yet sane enough to be scared also. As I said, I leave it to the Father, and only pray that His will be done.
Well, that's about it for now, so again I say, Till Later, God Bless All
Mar 24,2007
Hey there, me again!
Well trecked to Toronto again day before yesterday. Turned out to be a 2 day trip instead of 1, but got more stuff done, so there you go. Saw Dr. Glazer, again a nice doctor, though very busy. Had the cardiogram done, but he wasn't satisfied with that, wanted me to have a echogram and a stress test done on my heart. Also something with radioactive stuff put in me???
Therein lies the problem. The stress test was very stressful. If I had had my druthers, I believe I would have opted for the treadmill test.. That medication they give you to make your heart race sure makes you feel like your head will blow up. And to boot, the tech doing the test said that the med was supposed to make my heart rate rise, but mine almost bottomed out. At one point, I was sure my head was going to blow up!! My blood pressure went down to 48/44 or something close to that. I just Know that it has never been so low. The tech said not to worry, but silly me, I did anyway. OH, by the way, I did live to tell the story LOL. So next week I go to see Dr. Starr again, and hopefully, he will then give me a surgery date.
So till then, God Bless you all
Marilyn
May 16,2007
Hey all, been to Toronto again, had my Patts done yesterday. What a nice bunch of people at Humber River Hospital. So friendly, couldn't believe it. They all worked so hard and there seemed to be no end to the number of people who constantly entered the office, but it seemed to me that each person I spoke to was friendlier than the last. It was amazing to me.
I also saw Dr. Starr, and he confirmed my date of surgery. I will be having it on 14jun2007. I havent posted it on the site yet, because others who have been waiting longer still don't have a date yet. I know how I felt when everyone else was getting dates, and I wasn't.
So, I guess that's about it for now. Got my Optifast, and will be starting that in a few weeks in preperation for the surgery. Everyone complains about that stuff, but, I actually like it. mix it with some ice and a crystal light flavoring, and it tastes darn good to me. The only problem will be the hunger that will be felt as the shake is the only nourishment for the day. That is, 4 of them, and I guess it is time to pay for all the other days that lead up to where I am now.
OH YA, my weight is now down to 260.0. Not bad since I started at 286 I believe.
Well, gotta go for now so "night night" all, see you later!!
God Bless,
Marilyn
O7 July 2006
Hello folks, ya, I have been negligent in filling in my profile page. Had surgery on 14Jun07, and it was no fun!!!! Here I am 3 weeks later and still questioning my decision to have surgery.
Sure, I am down 35 lbs in 3 weeks, but, I feel like POOP. Things are starting to improve, but still not feeling up to par! Now if I'm to be honest here, I don't regret having the roux n y surgery, but, did have to have a hernia repair so the surgery could be done lap, and that is where my anger comes from. When you go in for the stomach surgery, you expect that certain things may happen, involving this surgery. However, that part of the surgery went off fine.
The problem occured with the hernia repair, or not, not quite sure where the infection came from. Dr. Starr was a little mystified too from what I could understand. Anyway, about a week after the surgery, I got this major infection in my stomach. When I was rushed back to emergency, the doc on call (handsome devil- young enough to be my son) started working on me immediately. He cut and snipped, and snipped and cut, and cleaned out the evil boo boo. The problem was, that he froze the area and then cut, but sometimes the freezing wasn't exactly where he cut. BIG HURT And then, because there was no room in the hospital, I was left in emergency for 2 days, then got a ward room (4 beds) by myself????? They did bring in another woman, but, because I had diarhea from the antibiotics, they were afraid that I had MSAR (or whatever it was - infection caught in hospital) and they moved her out. So I had a very large lonely room for 3 days. Luckily though, when I was there, I ran into a few friends from this site, and did manage a few conversations with them between hits of morphine. Good Stuff.
So here I am, back at home, finally, having nursing care on a daily basis, just to keep me going. Not much fun since the nurse comes in about noon each day, which doesn't give me the time to get out much!! Morning is shot, and that is my best time.
But, given all this, I still believe that the surgery was meant to be done, and that God will continue to give me the strength to go on in all this. Don't know if I said this before, but, "If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it" So, I am going to continue the way I have too, knowing that there is a better day ahead.
God Bless you all
Marilyn
Hey all my friends,
Well, it has been over 4 months since my surgery and believe it or not, I am down 99 lbs. I am totally dumbfounded! When I catch a reflection of myself, I am blown away.
Anyway, I was at church last week and they were showing pictures of some of the church people, when they came upon one, I thought I knew, but wasn't sure. So, my daughter said," hey mom, that's you"!! I didn't believe it at all, till I looked real close and seen the person was wearing my clothes and my hair bangles. This person did not have 2 chins (or more) or a gut that did not stop. Holy Moly it was me. I almost started crying. (I do that a lot lately at my milestones)
So, hubby and I are going to Las Vegas for our anniversary, so I decided to get some clothes that actually fit me. I tried on a size 14 jeans and went out to show my hubby. In passing this woman, she whispered, "doesn't she know that they are too big for her"!! Again the water works when I tried on the size 12 and they fit. You see, I weigh 190 lbs, and shouldn't fit into a 14 let alone a 12. I guess the 5 miles a day (now) is paying off.
Well, hopefully tomorrow I will be at 100 lbs gone forever, at least I hope so. If I can do it, anyone can.
Thanks for the ear friends,
God bless you all,
Marilyn
December 1,2007
Hey all,
Hope everyone is doing well! Just been so busy lately, blah blah, so I haven't written in a while. Everything is going well. I am now down 110 lbs. Can you believe it???? I am still having a hard time wrapping my head around it. I am now wearing a size 12, and it is getting a little lose on me. (little bragging here) I am so unsorry I had the surgery. It is the best thing I have ever done. The confidence level is so high as well as the self image thing. My husband is so proud of me, and has actually said that it is almost time to stop losing!!!!! Imagine that. We just got back from Las Vegas where we celebrated our 25th anniversary, and come to think of it, that was one of my best moments too (marriage to this man) Everyone is telling me how much better I look, and I know it, not to be immodest, but, yah! I do look a lot better.
I know that none of this would have happened without the help of God, and I am truly grateful for that!!
Well hubby wants me to watch t.v. with him, so I will write again soon.
Good night and God bless,
Marilyn
