missemo911
PRE-OP JOURNEY
12/07/04 Weighed in at 339#'s. Met with Dr. McKane Monday and after explaining wls and answering questions, he determined that I am a perfect candidate for the wls!!!! I have now scheduled my Intake appointment for 12/21/04. I will see a Nutritionist, Social Worker and Case Worker. If someone fails to show up or cancels sooner, Debbie said she will call me so I can get in sooner. The staff are all wonderful. Well, Debbie called and I went to INTAKE this morning from 8-1. (Need to cancel 12/21 appointment.) Very informative. Met with Sandie, Colleen and Peggy one on one. What wonderful ladies. Since I already had bloodwork done this year, I do not require only two more tests which I already had after my INTAKE. One step closer to surgery. Tonight I am attending a Group Support Meeting to get acquainted with other WLS patients who are post-op and pre-op. Thank God for answering my prayers. The Support Meeting was great. Everyone shares the ups and downs, good and bad. 12/10/04 I just called Debbie to see what the next step in the process is and she scheduled me for my physical on 12/14/04. I am so excited as things seem to be moving rapidly. If all goes well, I hope they schedule my surgery soon. My insurance does not require pre-approval, but the doctor sends a courtesy letter to them. 12/14/04 Had physical today. Lost 3 pounds(336#) since 12/06/04. Before letter can be sent to insurance, I need an endoscopy to see if my ulcer is gone. I pray it is gone. Scheduled for endo on 12/21/04. Only God knows. I also need medical clearance from my PCP whom I see on 12/29/04. Hope all goes well. PA Sarah said that I probably won't get scheduled for surgery until Feb. 2005. I was so hoping to get in before 12/31/04 as our co-pays are met for this year. Oh well, I just waited too long to make this decision. 12/21/04 Dr. Cole performed endoscopy today and my ulcer is GONE!!! So it is a go ahead for the surgery. Next step is medical clearance from PCP. Then courtesy letter to BC/BS for okay. Then schedule surgery!!!!!?????
12/29/04 Went to PCP today and he will not give me medical clearance until I have a sleep apnea test. What a bummer!!! I had to have thyroid tests which will be sent to pulmonary doctor who will then contact me for apnea test. I was so looking forward to getting surgery done soon. God is watching over me.
January 2005
01/03/05 Called pulmonary doctor's office to see if blood work results were received. They were, but cannot get appointment until Feb. for sleep study. Called Dr. McKane's office and spoke with Peggy who called pulmonary office. Peggy is WONDERFUL!!!! If my PCP orders additional tests (PFT, Blood Gas and Chest x-ray), I can see Dr. Jennings on 1/11. HOORAY!!! They have the additional tests scheduled for 1/10. After seeing Dr. on Tuesday, I should have my medical clearance. Dr. McKane will submit courtesy letter to my insurance and schedule my date!!! :-D I am really getting anxious as this gets closer to reality. I would like to have surgery by the end of this month. I will keep my fingers crossed for a wonderful birthday present (Jan. 27th)which takes me to the losing side. Thank God for his guidance.
01/11/05 Saw Dr. Jennings today. My PFT's showed that I have a bit of asthma and possibly very mild sleep apnea. To finish the study, I must stay overnight in the sleep apnea center on 01/17 to see how bad the apnea may be. Dr. Jennings is sending a note to Dr. McKane that he doesn't believe that my breathing problems will cause any problems during or after general anesthesia. I have clearance from PCP, but I need clearance from Dr. Jennings. I do not see Dr. Jennings until 2/3 unless there is a cancellation sooner. I am sooooooo ready to get this surgery so I can start on the journey to a healthier life style. I know God is watching over me and guiding the doctors, but it is so hard to wait. I know, good things come to those who wait!!!!
01/14/05 Spoke with Peggy @ Dr. McKane's office to see if they received note from Dr. Jennings. Not received yet, but she asked if we had sent letter to insurance company for approval, which we haven't so she is going to get one sent out today. Still can't schedule surgery until they get report from Dr. Jennings about the sleep apnea study. Once I have clearance from him, I think I can go ahead with scheduling final appointment with Dr. McKane to setup surgery date. Thanking God for this opportunity to get healthy.
1/18/05 Had sleep apnea study at the Sleep Center overnight. I could not believe all the wires they connect to you!!! I will not get official results until I see Dr. Jennings, but I fear that I have sleep apnea and will need a c-pap machine. The tech came in and woke me up after about an hour and a half of sleeping telling me that I had many "events" and he was going to hook up the machine. It was 12:40 a.m. I went back to sleep and awoke at about 4 a.m. I told tech I was ready to get up and he came in to unhook me from the machine and all the wires as he said they had enough information. As soon as he finished, I got washed and dressed to go home. What an EXPERIENCE!!!! If I have apnea, I need to thank my hubby for telling the doctor about my snoring and unusual sounds when arousing during the night. Praying to get scheduled soon.
01/24/05 Well, I spoke with Debbie at Dr. McKane's office on 01/19/05 to see if letter sent to insurance. Was told it had not come back from transcription, but may be in that mail delivery. If they sent it out Friday, I should hear in about two weeks which will be 2/4/05, the day after I see the pulmonologist about my sleep study results. I also spoke with pulmonologist's office to see if I need the C-Pap machine, would they get pre-authorization for it before I see the doctor so I don't have to wait longer to have the surgery. If I have the machine when I receive approval, then I can get my date scheduled. She also said if they have any cancellations, she will call me so I can see the doctor earlier. Keeping my fingers crossed that someone cancels!!!!!
1/25/05 Called insurance company. They received letter today and said I should hear in about two weeks. The insurance company will send me a letter notifying me of decision. I wonder if they will find the surgery "medically necessary". Or will they make me jump through more hoops??? I was led to believe that I did not need pre-authorization, but I guess that was wrong. I don't know if I can stand the stress of waiting, but I have had a fairly quick journey so far. Praying for God's continued guidance.
1/28/05 Received letter from BC/BS and WOOOOOOOHOOOOOOO; I am approved. What a birthday present(1/27)!!!! Called Dr. McKane's office and Peggy will be calling with a surgery date. I cannot believe I was approved in less than a week. The letter was dated January 25th which is the date I called. The only thing now is that my youngest daughter is expressing her feelings which she has not done over the past 3 months. She is afraid of me dying. I told her if it is my time to go, God will take me no matter where I am at the time. Waiting for a date!!!!!!
1/31/05 (7:30 a.m. EST) Well, I made it through the weekend. Not a patient person!!!!! LOL I am just so excited at the prospect of getting a surgery date. Maybe Peggy will call TODAY!!! I guess most people are apprehensive about surgery, but I do not get very apprehensive because I know everything is in God's Hands and I have no doubts. I am so anxious to get the surgery done because I know it is going to help me get healthy enough to enjoy my nine grandchildren and retirement with my wonderful husband who is more supportive than I ever expected. I am so EXCITED!!!!! and having a hard time waiting for the call from Peggy.
(2:30 p.m. EST) Pulmonologist's office called to have me come in today rather than Thursday for my Sleep Study results. Went @ 1 p.m and I do have mild apnea for which I have been prescribed a C-PAP machine. While at this appointment, Peggy called. She had a date for 3/16, but while speaking with her, she found a cancellation for 2/16 which she is going to try to reschedule the OR for me. She will let me know on Wednesday 2/02. I am praying that she can reschedule the OR for 2/16.
Thank you God for this opportunity. February 2005
2/2/05 I just got "THE CALL" from Peggy. She gave me my surgery date of Wednesday, February 16th and OMG, I can hardly believe it!!! I have PAT's on 2/10 and another meeting with Dr. McKane to which my hubby must go. Thank you God for making this prayer a reality. I am so excited and will be bouncing off the walls for the next two weeks. Lots to do in two weeks - need to prepare for hospital stay and for homecoming!!!!
02/04/05 Well, I got another CALL!!! :-( Peggy called to tell me my surgery for 2/16 has been changed to 3/17. You cannot believe how bummed out I am. Something about a bed not being available in the ICU. Today, I got all the information in the mail about my surgery, PAT's, 1st and 2nd checkup and appointment with Colleen, the nutritionist. Now I have to throw that away and wait for new appointments. I am so disappointed I could cry. My husband says to just roll with the punches like I normally do, but I just don't want to wait any longer. I was so psyched up to get it done so I can start feeling better. I guess God knows what He is doing. After all, He guides us all in the paths we take. So, now St. Patrick's Day it is!!!!
2/07/05 Well, I guess God does know what He is doing as He guides me through this journey. On Sunday, I started getting a headache and by Monday afternoon, I had problem with sinus, chest cold and severe headache. Since I get asthmatic bronchitis with my colds, I believe God knew I would not be 100% for my Pre-admisson tests on 2/10. So, yes, there is a reason for everything. Peggy called today to CONFIRM that there is an OR and ICU bed available for me on 3/17. Reminded me to keep taking my vitamins. Thank God for looking out for me.
2/24/05 Three weeks from today I begin my new, healthier life. Peggy called yesterday to let me know that I have to be at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center at 5:30 a.m. rather 6:30 a.m. as I am the first case. She also confirmed my PAT date and time as well as last pre-op & first 2 post-op appointments with Dr. McKane. I thank God daily for guiding me through this journey. I know He is watching over me. Until next week. March 2005
03/03/05 Here I am only two weeks away from my surgery date and guess what!!!! I find out yesterday that our insurance company changed due to my husband retiring on disability. What more can happen??? The new insurance company, Aetna, is the same coverage as with BC/BS, but I got letter of medical necessity from BC/BS. At least my deductibles, co-pays and out of pocket expenses also transfer. I can only pray that the medical necessity will be approved by Aetna in compliance with the BC/BS ruling. Next step is pre-admission tests on 3/10. I know God is watching over me and will guide me through this bump in the road.
03/08/05 Went to support meeting and met ladies I chat and e-mail with. Terri, Stephanie and her mom, Tara and Sara. Terri, Stepanie and her mom went to Denny's afterwards and had a great chat. It was great meeting them face to face and find out that one of the ladies with whom I have been e-mailing is someone I met at another weight loss program a couple of year ago. The meeting was awesome with Dr. Cole and his wife, Joanne, as guest speakers. Always learn alot at these meetings. May God see me through this to the end.
03/09/05 a.m. Tomorrow is my appointment for pre-admission testing and final appointment with Dr. McKane. Still no good news from the new insurance company. If Peggy doesn't receive an approval number before Monday, she will cancel my surgery for 3/17. Then, the new insurance will make me go through a 6 month supervised program and I will have to start all over again. I am going to continue with the pre-admission tests just in case Ingersoll Rand pulls some strings to get approval through sooner. I have asked God to guide me through this problem and hopefully ensure I can carry on with surgery on 3/17. I know He is watching over me. Praise God!!
03/09/05 p.m. Spoke with Peggy and she has received a pre-certification number. Now we are waiting for a letter from Aetna. Once one of us receives that letter, I will finally be able to relax and not worry. Thank you God and everyone who has prayed for me.
03/10/05 Went for PAT's, saw Dr. McKane for final pre-op visit and everything went well. When I began this journey, I was 348#, today, I am 330#. All tests were good. We are all set to go as soon as Aetna sends letter of approval. Aetna is being a pain in the %!?@. Peggy called to check the status and was treated rudely by the customer service rep(CSR). This CSR told her the file was with the medical director and when Peggy said that time was getting close, the CSR told her they were aware of the date as it is in the computer. If approval not received by Monday, surgery will be postponed. Peggy is calling Aetna again today.
3/14/05 No surgery for me this week. Aetna would not approve surgery as I do not meet their criteria. So my surgery for 3/17 is cancelled. I cried most of the evening. Apparently, Aetna wants documentation that I attended a supervised program for six months during the past two years. If I can't get documentation, then I will have to do six months now and then seek approval again. I am really bummed out. I attended the TOPS program for 1 year and 7 months. I do not know if my doctor documented it or not. I am checking it out
3/17/05 Well, today was supposed to be my day, but thanks to Ingersoll Rand and Aetna, my surgery was cancelled.
3/21/05 Peggy faxed more documentation to Aetna along with a bariatric questionnaire Dr. McKane had to complete. Medical Director told her once they received this information, she would be hearing from him/her. Just in case, I started supervised program with my PCP today. I weighed in at 331#. I meet with nutritionist on Wednesday.
3/23/05 Met with nutritionist today who wants me to keep a food diary. She told me that Aetna DID accept the 3 month Cardiac Risk Reduction Program I attended in 2003. So I need 3 more months. I have to start an exercise program tailored to my abilities as I have neck, back and knee problems. Exercise class will start on 3/29. Well, 1 month down and 2 more to go. May God bless me through this last process and guide me through the surgery.
3/31/05 I received my official denial letter on 3/28/05. I just get so frustrated sometimes I could just scream. I need 3 months supervised nutrition and exercise program prior to surgery. I guess I had a gut feeling that was going to be the outcome as I started the supervised program last week. So, I have one visit down and 2 more to go. I have done 2 days at AOMC exercise lab. They are really great there. Kevin, my trainer, is charting everything I do so I have my exercise documented. I will have him send a copy to my PCP and to my nutritionist. God is really making me work for this. April 2005
04/15/05 Well, it's been a while since I have updated. Went to doctor yesterday and I have strep throat. Weighed in at 328#. I have been exercising for 30 minutes 2x a week at the AOMC Cardiac Rehab exercise room. I also started an hour long aquatic aerobics program 2x a week. I have also been keeping a food diary. Monday is my 2nd appointment with PCP and Thursday, I see the nutritionist for 2nd time. I am going to see if I can get a date scheduled for the end of June. According to the Aetna criteria, I can be pre-certified prior to completion of program as long as the program will be completed prior to surgery. I plan on seeing PCP and nutritionist through middle of June. Aetna promised a quick response after review of new information. May God continue to guide me on this journey.
4/20/05 Went to PCP for 2nd weigh in and I lost 5 pounds. We discussed my exercise programs and my diet. Tomorrow I will see the nutritionist for the 2nd time. I have appointments scheduled for May and June with my PCP. I hope that I can also set appointments with nutritionist. Then, maybe after the May appointment, I can again request pre-certification approval from Aetna. I would like to schedule my surgery date with Peggy tomorrow for the end of June. Maybe God will grant me that request. Tonight, at 6 p.m., I start fasting for 14 hours so I can have blood work done in the a.m. I am so anxious to have this surgery done so I can start losing. I am worried that if I continue to lose weight on my supervised program that Aetna will deny me WLS and tell me to continue as I am. That's all until next time.
04/25/05 PCP's office called and my overall cholesterol dropped from 171 to 156. They said it was good.
04/26/05 Well, I spoke with Peggy and she said she cannot schedule me until I have approval from Aetna so I probably won't have my surgery until July. I am quite bummed out about that as I really don't relish the idea of being laid up during the hottest month of the summer!! I should have had my surgery in February, but it was changed to 3/17. I am just so upset because my surgery should be all over with. I know there are others who waited over a year to get approved, but then there are others who got surgery done within 3 months. It is really depressing when you read about someone who just started this journey in January and have had their surgery already. I WILL HAVE WLS!!!!!!! May 2005
5/13/05 Well, I found out on Wednesday that Peggy resigned from Dr. McKane's office. Peggy was handling matters with Aetna and scheduling surgery dates. Joanne will now be doing the paperwork for both Drs. I have appointments with nutritionist and PCP next week. I also will speak with Joanne after my appt. with nutritionist. It looks as if I may get a mid-July date if the the insurance company answers promptly. I am going to appeal the determination with additional information which will be from my PCP's and Nutritionist's notes as well as exercise info. Well, I will let you know how the appts. go next week. May God watch over all of us.
5/23/05 I had appointments last week with my nutritionist and PCP. I lost 5 more pounds which brings me down to 322#'s. After speaking with insurance company rep, I asked that the appeal be faxed as soon as PCP sends his notes to Dr. McKane's office. PCP's nurse said she will get them typed ASAP and send the office notes to them. They have not done so yet. Maybe they will submit the appeal sometime this week. It is so frustrating having to WAIT constantly. Once Aetna receives the appeal letter and additional information, they have 15 days in which to send notice of determination to me. I hope they let me know when they fax everything. I guess that is all for now. Just in case, I am keeping appointments with PCP and nutritionist in June. God Bless us all.
5/26/05 Last night Dr. McKane called me to make sure that I had completed the Aetna required 6-month program as he had documentation for the past 3 months. I told him that Aetna had accepted the 3 month program I completed in 2003. He said he was preparing a new letter of medical necessity. They also need to fax an "Appeal of Determination with Additional Information" letter along with Dr.'s letter, a copy of the Determination Letter and the additional information. So, maybe the info will be faxed within the next day or so. Or the first of next week??? I am getting very antsy about waiting for the doctor's office and then the insurance company. I have no patience when I have to wait for something I really want!!!! One month from today, my hubby and I will celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. God Bless and keep everyone. June 2005
06/03/05 Well, yesterday they faxed my appeal letter along with the additional information to Aetna. I should have my approval on/or before 06/17/05. I see my PCP on 6/14 and Nutritionist on 6/15 so if Aetna wants another month of nutrition and exercise. At least I have that covered so they should not deny me again. I am more nervous waiting for their determination that I am about having the surgery. Without knowing me personally and my circumstances, how can someone, a total stranger, make a determination about something that will have a major impact on my life regardless of whether or not they approve or deny????? Well, that is all for now, I will return when I get my approval. Positive thoughts get positive results. Thank you God for prayers answered.
06/14/05 Happy Flag Day!! Saw PCP this a.m. and I weighed in at 320#, which is down 4# from last month. I received a letter from Aetna yesterday informing me that my appeal has been sent to Ingersoll-Rand (IR) for final determination. After "RATTLING SOME CHAINS", I also learned that IR should have intervened in March and approved my surgery as long as BC/BS had already approved me for the surgery. I was so angry yesterday that if I had been anywhere near the people who denied being able to override the Aetna decision in March, I probably would have choked them!!!! Anyway, if the woman from IR's Medical Review Dept. in NJ does as she promised, I may have my answer by the end of the week. I am still saying my prayers and keeping my fingers crossed. At this point, I am leery about trusting anyone from IR. This afternoon, I see my nutritionist. The appointments today are just-in-case appointments. Colleen told me she wants me to start making some changes now in preparation for surgery. One of the things I need to start is no drinking for 30 minutes before eating and for 30-45 minutes after eating. I also need to be more conscientious about sodium intake and checking labels for added sugars. As soon as I receive my approval, I am ready to go. All I will need is my pre-admission tests. Dear God, please grant me the approval for the surgery I desperately want and need, in Your Name I ask. Amen. That is all until I hear one way or another about my approval.
06/17/05 I spoke with surgeon's nurse manager yesterday afternoon and she "penciled" me in for the last week in July. Now all I need is for Paula from Ingersoll-Rand to call me with my approval so I can have her fax it to Dr. McKane's office. I am having a hard time being excited until I know the approval is in the doctor's office. Thank you Lord for prayers answered. Amen.
06/25/05 Well, I still have not received the call from Paula, but I did speak with her. She expects to have my approval by Tuesday. I am still on the schedule for the last week of July.
I will post more as soon as I get my approval and exact date. God, please continue to watch over me. Amen! JULY 2005
07/07/05 I haven't updated in awhile. Today has been a fantastic day. My husband of 40 years came home today after being hospitalized since 6/30 with a serious bacterial infection in his blood, which settled in his knee causing him to have knee surgery on 7/2. He is now on the mend since they found the antibiotic combination to clear up this bacteria. When I got home with him, I had a message that my WLS has finally been APPROVED. I am about bouncing off the walls. I have a date of July 28th, 2005. Thank you to all my AMOS family for the words of encouragement and support through this long, bumpy journey. Thank You God for prayers answered. Until next time.
07/15/05 Today I am 13 days away from surgery. I am not nervous at all. I am anxious to get it over with so I can start my new, healtier life. Also, I am worried about who is going to take care of my hubby's IV antibiotics while I am hospitalized. I am sure we will get it resolved before then. Also, the surgeon's office called yesterday to tell me that I needed an updated medical clearance letter from my PCP. I called PCP's office and they said they will have a letter to surgeon by next week. I think I have everything prepared for my needs after I get home. My suitcase is all packed and I am ready to go. Till next week.
7/21/05 Today is ONE WEEK before my surgery. I am not nervous about the surgery, but am anxious about surgery being cancelled or postponed again. I know I will feel much better once I get to the OR!!! Tomorrow morning, I have my pre-admission tests and in the afternoon, I meet with Dr. McKane for my final consultation.
7/24/05 I had pre-admission tests on Friday and also met with Dr. McKane for final consultation. Weighed in at 319.5, which makes a loss of 28.5 pounds since I started looking into WLS. He explained the surgery, the risks, and what to expect at the hospital both before and after surgery. Dr. McKane also said my pre-op tests looked good so we have a "date" in the OR on Thursday. He told Chuck that he would see him in the waiting room after surgery. Today I am 4 days away from my surgery date and I am excited, but not nervous. For my last supper, I wanted KFC and that is what we had last night for dinner. Tomorrow I am meeting Lara Jones for lunch as we are making this journey on the same day. Tomorrow evening, I am meeting my Angel, Sara Seymour, and her Mom for some conversation and a light meal. I plan on eating healthy from now on. Wednesday is clear liquids all day. May God continue watching over me.
07/27/05 Tomorrow is my BIG day. I will be at the hospital at 6:30a.m where they will get me ready for the OR and my date with Dr. McKane. I started my clear liquids today with nothing after midnight. My hubby, Chuck, and daughter, Noelle will be with me tomorrow and my daughter, Andrea, who works at the hospital, will be in and out checking on me. My son, Ed, doesn't do hospitals so his wife, Colleen, will stop by to check on me. Noelle will call my Angels so they can post to the NY message board. I am excited, but not nervous at all. I have everything packed and ready to go.
I guess that is all for now. I thank God for guiding me through this journey to a healthier lifestyle. Next time I am here, I will be a loser. AUGUST 2005
08/03/05 I am 6 days post op and feeling very good. I had my surgery last Thursday and it took only 70 minutes. Spent night in ICU, transferred to 2B floor on Friday, passed leak test on Saturday and came home on Sunday. I received EXCELLENT care in every area of the Arnot Ogden. I have had no pain, just soreness and I cannot wait to get rid of the j-p drain. I have my first post-op appointment with Dr. Cole tomorrow afternoon (Dr. McKane is on vacation) and am looking forward to getting rid of the drain and some staples. I will post tomorrow to record the events of the visit. Thank you God for continuing to watch over me.
08/19/05 Well, it has been awhile since I updated, but I just got my computer back from being repaired. Since I last updated, I have had all staples and the j-p drain removed. At my first post-op visit, I was very upset as I had gained 4 pounds, but at the second visit, I was down 12.8 pounds and when I saw the Nutritionist at 13 days post-op, I had lost 20#'s so I felt much better. Apparently, some people keep the fluid that is pumped into you before, during and after the surgery. I also had to start back on one of my blood pressure medications. Hopefully, as I lose weight, I will be able to discontinue it. I feel wonderful, but these liquid meals are getting boring. I will see Colleen on 8/29 and should be advanced to the soft/pureed food stage. I actually have no appetite whatsoever and my wonderful husband nags me to eat. I am trying to get 30-40 grams of protein per day in to my body so I lose fat and not muscle. I can walk about 10 blocks and am looking forward to returning to my exercise program at Arnot Cardiac Rehab. I also am looking forward to the Bariatric Aqua Aerobics program to begin in September. I guess that is all for now. I will update after my 8/29 appointment. I thank God for giving me this opportunity to improve my health.
8/29/05 Today I met with Colleen and others in our group for our final nutritional meeting. We have been advanced to soft foods for weeks 5 - 8. She stressed our need to consume 1500-2000 mg of calcium per day or take Calcium Citrate pills. Also, we need to consume 50-70 grams of protein per day. This should be accomplished with 3 meals per day and nutrient dense fluids between meals. After week 8, we can start regular foods as tolerated. Weighed in at 291 pounds, which is down 32 pounds in about 4 weeks. I am feeling wonderful and have no regrets about having this surgery. Thank God for guiding me through this phase of my life. SEPTEMBER 2005
9/07/05 Well, tomorrow I am 6 weeks out, but I don't see Dr. McKane until Friday. I purchased a digital scale, which I am going to check with the scale at the office. I did not want a scale, but due to the price of gas, I don't want to have to drive up to the office weekly to get weighed. Especially since we are on a fixed income!!! I will post more after my visit on Friday.
09/09/05 Saw Dr. McKane today and he was pleased with my weight loss. In 6 weeks, I have lost 31 pounds which is a total of 51 pounds since starting this journey. Started me on iron, calcium citrate. I don't return until February 2006. December 2005
12/20/05 Season's Greetings to everyone. It has been quite a while since I have been here to update. At present, I have lost a total of 96 pounds. I am feeling great and even took a bus trip to NYC on 12/17/05. We went to the Radio City Music Hall's 2005 Christmas Spectacular and I thoroughly enjoyed myself as I was able to sit comfortably in the seat and not "crowd" anyone else. I also was able to walk from 34th Street to 54th Street without my back or knee bothering me. How wonderful it was for my first visit to NYC!!!
Well, there is not much more to report so until next time. Thank you God for giving me this wonderful opportunity to get healthier.
2006
January 2006
01/21/06 Well, I haven't been as diligent keeping this updated as I was before surgery. I am 1 week from being 6 months out and am feeling great. I began this journey weighing 348# and today, I weigh 243#. Of course, the day I had surgery, I weighed 319#, so I have lost a total of 76# since surgery.
July 200607/20/06 Well, it is 8 days until my 1 year anniversary. To date, I have lost a total of 135 pounds. I feel wonderful and can hardly believe the things I can do now. I even played a little baseball with my 8 year old grandson. I also went to Knoebel's Family Park and actually rode on the rides for the first time in over 25 years!!!! I do not see Dr. McKane until September so my weight loss is according to my scale. Right now it seems as if I have reached a plateau and am anxious to get started losing again so I can reach my personal goal. I thank God for giving me this second chance at life. I wish I had done it when I was much younger. I am totally off all of my medications except for my allergy med and do not need the C-Pap machine any longer.
I guess that is all for now. I will be updating my picture soon. Until later, God bless you all!!!
February 20, 2008
WoW!!! I can't believe that it has been this long since I have been here. I seem to hover around 210#-215# and am looking forward to getting started on taking off about 50 pounds. I know that I need to exercise more, but it is to cold to walk outside and I cannot afford the gym. Also, my lumbar stenosis is causing me much pain again, which is partially why I had WLS. I guess that my body has adjusted to the weight loss so now the pain is beginning again. That is why I am going to push myself to start losing again!! Hoping that more weight loss will stave off the pain and eventual surgery. God bless you all. I will try to be here updating more often now that I have a new computer that doesn't lock up on me all the time.
