MissCarol

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I am finally taking the time to update my profile to not only let you know how I'm doing but to keep me informed of how I did.  This way when I look back I can get an idea about what I have gone through and what I've accomplished.

At 11 weeks out I am 50 lbs down and seem to be in a holding pattern for the past week or so.  I can live with that as long as I know it's only temporary but also realize I am not doing my part where exercise is concerned.  I am, right this minute, making a committment to myself to find some kind of low impact exercise program to get myself moving.  I really need to start getting more limber so will concentrate initially on that.  

I am feeling terrific and the compliments I am receiving are really boosting my ego.  What I don't want to happen is that I get too complacent or comfortable with where I am right now and forget about my goals.  I still need to loose 35 more lbs.  However, I am so happy about the phenominal improvement with my health issues that I can't begin to tell you how excited I am.  I'm down from 320 units of insulin a day to NONE.  I'm down from 5 BP pills to ONE.  I'm down from 15 pills for diabetes to TWO a day.  Life is good! 

I am adding new foods to my diet and have had a few issues (fish & eggs which I love) but have at least identified things I can and cannot tolerate.  I have to make an effort to keep myself limited to 3 meals and not snack.  I have to work very hard to get the water in and I have to MAKE myself get all the required protein.  I guess those problems affect all of us.

All in all I am delighted with where I am right now and will continue to work on myself.  This has been the best decision I have ever made for me !!!

Well gang, my surgery went very smoothly for me with the only glitch a day and a half of nausea and headache, probably a bad reaction to the anethesic.  As far as discomfort or pain, it was minimal and each day it was easier and easier.  I feel like a million bucks now!  My out-of-control diabetes is now controlled with 1 pill a day versus nearly 300 units of insulin and 8 pills a day just 3 weeks ago.  No that's what I call success!  I've lost 30 lbs and feel as if I'm melting before my very eyes.  I have no desire for food and have to remind myself to eat 3 times a day and do have trouble getting enough water in but I force myself.  I am so happy I had the surgery and know it was a life saving step for me.  I'll keep posting to let you know how I'm doing.

WOW!   I think this may really be happening.  Yesterday I had my hair color done, tomorrow I am having a manicure and pedicure,  so I think I'm ready.  My dear friend Becky will spend part of the day with me tomorrow so I'm thinking my mind won't be spinning out of control as it would be if I were just alone with myself.  I am so grateful for my little support group consisting primarily of Becky, Jolene and Janan but extended by the other wonderful friends from my Kaiser class.  They, along with the friends I've made on OH keep me from worrying so much and remind me how happy I will be as I join the LOOSERSs I've met.  Thanks for all the kind words and inspirational thoughts.  I am ever so grateful.  I hope to be on this computer very soon after I return home to let you know how great I'm doing.  Hugs to you all!!

OMG!  May 9th is the date!  I am going through every emotion imaginable including fear that I won't know how to take care of myself after surgery.  All information has migrated out of my head and I can't remember a thing about what to do.  I am trying to calm myself down and THINK.  Okay, just breath in and out and keep telling myself I'll do just fine.  I'm making a list and chceking it twice.  What to bring to the hospital.  What to have in the house when I get home.  How much, what flavors, etc. etc. etc.  WOW!  I have just 2 Saturdays, 2 Sundays and 7 weekdays to go. Just 11 days to go.  Just 11 days!  I'm the first in my Kaiser graduation class to have surgery and I don't know if I like that or not.  My friends are not far behind so we will all be recooperating together and can help each other even if it's over the phone.  That makes me feel confident since I know they won't forget what to do.  I am so excited and nervous at the same time but will be keeping you up to date on my emotional state preceeding this new adventure in my life.  Thanks for being my friends.

I am overwhelmed!  I had my three visits yesterday and they went quite well.  I was very impressed with the Internist as he checked over my entire chart with me and made me feel comfortable about how careful they are.  They do an EKG and check your BP also.  He gave me a "pass with flying colors" and will send his report to PB. 

Next was the Phychiatric evaluation - nothing earth shattering there.  The office was in a large older house on Front St. and we mostly talked about how prepared I was to  take care of myself before, and after the surgery.  

Last was the visit to Dr. Zorn who I instantly took a liking to.  He was personable, interesting and informative.  He feels that with my diabetes, high BP, sleep apnea and arthritis the surgery will add at least 10 years to my life expectancy.  How could I not be happy about that?????  

They will call me next week with date choices and it looks as if it will be within the next 2-4 weeks.  I'm nervous, anxious, apprehensive, you name it - but also very ready to have this done.  

Wish me luck and I'll be pulling for each of my friends to follow soon after me.  Thanks for all of your encouragement

WOW!  Already April 1.  How time flies when you're having fun, huh?  Finally, everything is finished, even the fitness test.  That treadmill was a doosey but I passed with flying colors (thank you God).  Now it's just a waiting game and things will happen when they happen.  I have been having a terrible struggle with my weight over the past month or two and seem to be obsessed with food, even more than usual.  I have asked for help through the forum and the responses have been so encouraging and filled with suggestions and explainations that make a whole lot of sense.  Now I just have to make an effort to put them to work for me and I feel willing for the first time in a while to actually do that.  Time will tell how successful I can be but I feel different about it now and I think that may allow me to succeed.  I'll be posting again when I am lucky enough to get an appointment with Pacific Bariatric followed by a surgery date.  Wish me luck.

Hi All ~

Well all  tests are complete except the exercise portion and I don't think I'll have a problem with that one.  I understand that after I see the Kaiser Dr., and do the exercise test  it will just be a matter of time until I have an appointment with the surgeon.  At first I was over anxious and wanted things to move along at warp speed but now I've settled down and will be patient and leave it in God's hands.  I'm really looking forward to having my blood sugar, blood pressure and painful joints feeling better.  If I'm anxious to have the surgery, that's why.  It will be a blessing, won't it?     Until next time . . .

Well, where to begin?  I have just completed 24 weeks of classes through Kaiser intended to educate prospective candidates for gastric bypass surgery.  Additionally, I have been attending the Kaiser support group which is primarily for post-surgery individuals.   I have found that the support group provided more useful information since we were with many people in various stages of post surgery, anywhere from 4 weeks to 10 years to 20 years.  It has been inlightening. 

Along the way I have been blessed to meet and become friends with 3 other women who have been both inspirational and supportive.  They have been invaluable as we anticipate our upcoming surgeries, not knowing how long we have to wait.  We have a committment to attend the formal support group and to build a strong relationship of support between each other.  I am so lucky to be a part of that select group.

My husband and friends are supportive and I know I will have their help too, but I think the experience I will share with my 3 amigos will form a different kind of bond - one that will endure.  I am going to try to add my picture but I am not too sure I can do it.  I plan to update this story once a month at least just to have a little record of my journey.  I am so excited!!!

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