misstee
Happy Holidays!!!
Dec 07, 2008
It's been a while since I've been out here but time flies by so quickly.
It's been 6 months since my surgery and I feel great!!! I have so much more energy that it's scary. I've been super busy with school and super crazy at work. Because of the economy, there are a lot of layoffs at my job. I havent been affected...THANK GOD...but it's still all around me.
I survived Thanksgiving and our massive feast by eating a teaspoon (literally) of 3 of my favorites and I couldn't even eat it all!! I couldnt take sitting there looking at it so I got up and went to my kitchen clean up detail.
I am down 70lbs and in a size 16. I'm happy about that but a little concerned that it should be more. I try not to be a fanatic about the scale and only weigh myself every 2 weeks but I'm not happy about what I'm seeing. Winter is here and my exercising is little to none. I did purchase an eliptical but haven't had time to put it up and get on it. My 2hr eating schedule is non existent and I'm not getting in the protein like I should. I have a lot to be thankful for but I know I should be doing more. In a major slump and need to pull myself out....QUICKLY!!!! I've been blessed with too much to mess it up so I have to get back on track and stay there NO MATTER WHAT!!!
I'm looking forward to my birthday on the 21st and of course my favorite time of year, CHRISTMAS!!!
HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON!!!
Where did the time go??
Oh my, I didn't realize it's been 2 1/2 months already!!! I have so much to update that I don't know where to begin. I'll take some of these updates from my journal. Here goes...
SURGERY DAY 06/09/08
I arrive at the hospital at 5:30 am with my mother & sister in tow to register (what a show of support!!). What's funny is that I was not nervous at all!! I think my mom & sis were nervous for me! After prep, Dr Taylor came and told me what was going to be done (as if I didn't know), what time my surgery was scheduled (730), approx how long surgery would take and he would see me when I woke up. Now, if you've ever seen Dr. Taylor you would know he's someone wonderful to see when you first wake up or any other time of the day....hahahahaha!!! Anyhoo, the next thing I knew I was meeting the anesthesiologist (also handsome), my mom & sis kissed my cheeks and I was getting wheeled off to the OR. I remembered asking the nurse if he could wait to put the oxygen mask on because I was claustrophobic...he said yes and that was lights out for me.
After recovery I was taken to my room and the journey began!
Surgery day cont.
Feeling pretty good preparing myself to start walking down the halls (ironically, my room is at the very end). Family is just as exhausted as I am, so they left to get some rest.
All is cool except for this hot, itchy feeling on my back that is driving me crazy!! I had my cousin rubbing my back for some relief, but it wasn't really working that great. I told my nurse I thought it was the tape that was holding in my epidural, but my nurse took off my support band to check it out and the irritation went away....WHEW...it had nothing to with the tape..it was the stupid band! Walking went ok but feeling a little light headed.
I'm amazed at how good I feel after this surgery. I felt more pain after I had my gallbladder removed.
DAY 2 All good things come to an end.
Was feeling pretty good today. Never thought I would be so happy to eat ice!! Walked the halls 4 times so I wouldn't get in trouble with my nurse. Dr. Taylor came to see me and told me my vitals were good but my oxygen level was low because of my sleep apnea so I have to keep the oxygen cord on.
I called my nurse around 6pm because my iv was leaking down my arm and I needed some pain meds. She came in and removed the iv and was going to get the supplies to start another one. I dozed off and when I woke up it was 730pm and my left side was starting to throb!! I called for the nurse again and I didn't see my nurse until 8pm....BUT IT WAS A DIFFERENT NURSE!!! MY AFTERNOON NURSE LEFT BEFORE RESTARTING MY IV AND GIVING ME MY MEDS!!! The evening rn had no idea that I didn't have an iv and that I didn't get my meds. After 30 minutes of being poked by the rn and an iv tech with no success in finding a vein, I was about to lose it....AND THEY KNEW IT!!! I was doubled over with pain, breathing very hard (damn that oxygen!) and told them if they couldn't get the iv started to bring me something to take by mouth!! My rn called in a great iv tech and he immediately found a vein and got the iv up and running. Then the epidural machine was malfunctioning and the pain meds wasn't flowing..HELP!! This is where I began to question if I made the right decision. The same iv tech replaced my machine and I was on easy street. It was now 930pm and I pumped that pain button twice and went directly to sleep!!!
WEEK 1
My week is going kinda good. My pain is minimal except for my left side...YIKES!! I don't feel it too much b/c the liquid meds knocks it out!!! I'm not one to take pain meds, especially if it makes me kooky, but I'll do what I had to to be comfy. My taste buds are JACKED!! Normally I could drink Crystal Light or water with lemon ALL day, now I gag every time I take a sip. WHAT IS WRONG??? I'm also regretting the decision of getting an epidural because I'm walking with my neck hunched down like I'm a turtle and when I stand up straight I get a pinch in my upper back....WTF!!! I've heard horror stories about epidurals and I was hoping they wouldn't apply to me but I'm just going to write this off as a post op pain and pray for it to go away.
June 16th...I lost what???
My 1st week post op w/Dr. Taylor. I got on the scale and couldn't believe my eyes...293.....that's 15lbs down from surgery date @ 309. Dr. T said that's the normal weight loss for 1 week post op, so I was right on target. I asked him about my neck pain and he said that it was a side effect of the epi but it's hard to say if it's going away or not...gee, thanks. As far as my taste buds going bonkers, that's a side effect from the anesthesia and it could be a few weeks for that to wear off. After another series of questions (with Dr T patiently answering every one), I was off to talk to nut to progress to full liquids....YIPPEE!!
I am loving applesauce..I think. I called the nut on Friday (20th) b/c it's hard to keep full liquids down. Not sure what's going on, but I'm not even getting in enough liquids to stay hydrated. I'm sucking down popsicles like they're the last food on earth. The nut (Darcy) gave me a number of things to try but set appt for a scope so Dr T could see what's going on in case I have an ulcer or a stricture(sp). I have to wait until Wed (25th) unless it gets worse, then I need to go to ER.
What is going on??? After 3 days of forcing liquid down and throwing it back up, I had the worse night ever!! Monday night, I couldn't even lay down on the bed without my stomach cramping like someone is pulling my intestines, I prayed that if God let me get some rest/sleep I would go to ER as soon as I woke up. How awesome is God?? I had a wonderful night of rest/sleep (sitting up) and I woke up and got dressed and had my mom drive me to the ER ASAP!! The nurse said she could look at me and tell I needed liquids....FAST!! My body sucked down an IV bag in 30 minutes...just in enough time to get checked in and have Dr T paged to come check me out. He ordered an x-ray and said since I was scheduled for a scope the next morning, he was admitting me to get fluids and vitamins.
I have a what???? I woke up around 7am to go potty and as soon as I was done the nurse came to get me ready for my scope. Dr Taylor came to tell me that there was a possibility of two things: an ulcer or a stricture. What??? He explained what that could be then reassured me that everything was going to be fine. Afterward, he told me that there was no ulcer but indeed a stricture and ballooned my opening back to the size it should be. He told me to go back to the liquid diet for a couple of days and then progress to pureed. Within 5 hours, I was on my way back home.
1 Month Later...Everything seems to be going fine. I'm back to work on half days (loving that!!!) which is helping me get used to my new eating schedule. I'm getting a lot of looks and great comments about my new 'fresh' look as some have said. I don't think anyone (outside of the few I told) really knows what's different or how to say it, but it's cool. I am down another 20lbs which brings me to 40!! It's mostly noticeable in my chin and neck area but my clothes are starting to sag and fall off!!!
My 6yr old niece RaVen is concerned I'm not eating enough and offered me some of her raisins so I wouldn't die. I told her there was no need for concern and I was just watching what I ate...hahahahaha....gotta love kids!!!!
2 Months.... Everything is going great!! GOD IS AWESOME!!!! I've worked myself up to walking 2 miles everyday (with no pain). I went to my primary Dr and was told my blood pressure was good and no need for meds...YIPEE!!!! I went to Dr Taylor to have my blood work done and told him that I have had a pain in my right side that seems to get worse daily. He asked if I was exercising and I told him I was walking (with that darn wrap around my stomach). He said it was my muscle and to slow my pace down a bit and go every other day until the pain went away. He gave me some flexeril just in case but said I'll be fine.
4 Months...Dumping???? I'm officially a size 18(started at 24)!!! It's hard to give my clothes away but why should I keep them? I packed up some of my summer clothes for next year but the rest is going to charity. Some of my winter clothes are too big too and I'm giving those away as well. Luckily, one of my co workers (she had the lap-band a year ago) started giving me some of her clothes so I haven't had to buy much.
Well the testing is beginning. It's Halloween time and the candy and chocolate is coming at work full force!!!! HELP!!! I'm trying to keep my mind focused but it wasn't working that well so I placed the bowl of candy on the other side of the unit by the window so I couldn't see it... WHEW!!!
I'm so happy to start eating cereal again I think I'm going to burst!! I took a cup of regular Cheerios (My fav!) to work with my fat free Lactaid milk and dug in!! 5 minutes later, I'm lightheaded and my stomach is cramping EXTREMELY bad. I rush to the restroom and up it came. All of my delicious cereal
Was this dumping??? I think so. I've had little episodes of this before when eating certain fruits or something with too much sugar or fat in it but it came in the form of diarrhea... immediate diarrhea!!!
SURGERY DAY 06/09/08
I arrive at the hospital at 5:30 am with my mother & sister in tow to register (what a show of support!!). What's funny is that I was not nervous at all!! I think my mom & sis were nervous for me! After prep, Dr Taylor came and told me what was going to be done (as if I didn't know), what time my surgery was scheduled (730), approx how long surgery would take and he would see me when I woke up. Now, if you've ever seen Dr. Taylor you would know he's someone wonderful to see when you first wake up or any other time of the day....hahahahaha!!! Anyhoo, the next thing I knew I was meeting the anesthesiologist (also handsome), my mom & sis kissed my cheeks and I was getting wheeled off to the OR. I remembered asking the nurse if he could wait to put the oxygen mask on because I was claustrophobic...he said yes and that was lights out for me.
After recovery I was taken to my room and the journey began!
Surgery day cont.
Feeling pretty good preparing myself to start walking down the halls (ironically, my room is at the very end). Family is just as exhausted as I am, so they left to get some rest.
All is cool except for this hot, itchy feeling on my back that is driving me crazy!! I had my cousin rubbing my back for some relief, but it wasn't really working that great. I told my nurse I thought it was the tape that was holding in my epidural, but my nurse took off my support band to check it out and the irritation went away....WHEW...it had nothing to with the tape..it was the stupid band! Walking went ok but feeling a little light headed.
I'm amazed at how good I feel after this surgery. I felt more pain after I had my gallbladder removed.
DAY 2 All good things come to an end.
Was feeling pretty good today. Never thought I would be so happy to eat ice!! Walked the halls 4 times so I wouldn't get in trouble with my nurse. Dr. Taylor came to see me and told me my vitals were good but my oxygen level was low because of my sleep apnea so I have to keep the oxygen cord on.
I called my nurse around 6pm because my iv was leaking down my arm and I needed some pain meds. She came in and removed the iv and was going to get the supplies to start another one. I dozed off and when I woke up it was 730pm and my left side was starting to throb!! I called for the nurse again and I didn't see my nurse until 8pm....BUT IT WAS A DIFFERENT NURSE!!! MY AFTERNOON NURSE LEFT BEFORE RESTARTING MY IV AND GIVING ME MY MEDS!!! The evening rn had no idea that I didn't have an iv and that I didn't get my meds. After 30 minutes of being poked by the rn and an iv tech with no success in finding a vein, I was about to lose it....AND THEY KNEW IT!!! I was doubled over with pain, breathing very hard (damn that oxygen!) and told them if they couldn't get the iv started to bring me something to take by mouth!! My rn called in a great iv tech and he immediately found a vein and got the iv up and running. Then the epidural machine was malfunctioning and the pain meds wasn't flowing..HELP!! This is where I began to question if I made the right decision. The same iv tech replaced my machine and I was on easy street. It was now 930pm and I pumped that pain button twice and went directly to sleep!!!
WEEK 1
My week is going kinda good. My pain is minimal except for my left side...YIKES!! I don't feel it too much b/c the liquid meds knocks it out!!! I'm not one to take pain meds, especially if it makes me kooky, but I'll do what I had to to be comfy. My taste buds are JACKED!! Normally I could drink Crystal Light or water with lemon ALL day, now I gag every time I take a sip. WHAT IS WRONG??? I'm also regretting the decision of getting an epidural because I'm walking with my neck hunched down like I'm a turtle and when I stand up straight I get a pinch in my upper back....WTF!!! I've heard horror stories about epidurals and I was hoping they wouldn't apply to me but I'm just going to write this off as a post op pain and pray for it to go away.
June 16th...I lost what???
My 1st week post op w/Dr. Taylor. I got on the scale and couldn't believe my eyes...293.....that's 15lbs down from surgery date @ 309. Dr. T said that's the normal weight loss for 1 week post op, so I was right on target. I asked him about my neck pain and he said that it was a side effect of the epi but it's hard to say if it's going away or not...gee, thanks. As far as my taste buds going bonkers, that's a side effect from the anesthesia and it could be a few weeks for that to wear off. After another series of questions (with Dr T patiently answering every one), I was off to talk to nut to progress to full liquids....YIPPEE!!
I am loving applesauce..I think. I called the nut on Friday (20th) b/c it's hard to keep full liquids down. Not sure what's going on, but I'm not even getting in enough liquids to stay hydrated. I'm sucking down popsicles like they're the last food on earth. The nut (Darcy) gave me a number of things to try but set appt for a scope so Dr T could see what's going on in case I have an ulcer or a stricture(sp). I have to wait until Wed (25th) unless it gets worse, then I need to go to ER.
What is going on??? After 3 days of forcing liquid down and throwing it back up, I had the worse night ever!! Monday night, I couldn't even lay down on the bed without my stomach cramping like someone is pulling my intestines, I prayed that if God let me get some rest/sleep I would go to ER as soon as I woke up. How awesome is God?? I had a wonderful night of rest/sleep (sitting up) and I woke up and got dressed and had my mom drive me to the ER ASAP!! The nurse said she could look at me and tell I needed liquids....FAST!! My body sucked down an IV bag in 30 minutes...just in enough time to get checked in and have Dr T paged to come check me out. He ordered an x-ray and said since I was scheduled for a scope the next morning, he was admitting me to get fluids and vitamins.
I have a what???? I woke up around 7am to go potty and as soon as I was done the nurse came to get me ready for my scope. Dr Taylor came to tell me that there was a possibility of two things: an ulcer or a stricture. What??? He explained what that could be then reassured me that everything was going to be fine. Afterward, he told me that there was no ulcer but indeed a stricture and ballooned my opening back to the size it should be. He told me to go back to the liquid diet for a couple of days and then progress to pureed. Within 5 hours, I was on my way back home.
1 Month Later...Everything seems to be going fine. I'm back to work on half days (loving that!!!) which is helping me get used to my new eating schedule. I'm getting a lot of looks and great comments about my new 'fresh' look as some have said. I don't think anyone (outside of the few I told) really knows what's different or how to say it, but it's cool. I am down another 20lbs which brings me to 40!! It's mostly noticeable in my chin and neck area but my clothes are starting to sag and fall off!!!
My 6yr old niece RaVen is concerned I'm not eating enough and offered me some of her raisins so I wouldn't die. I told her there was no need for concern and I was just watching what I ate...hahahahaha....gotta love kids!!!!
2 Months.... Everything is going great!! GOD IS AWESOME!!!! I've worked myself up to walking 2 miles everyday (with no pain). I went to my primary Dr and was told my blood pressure was good and no need for meds...YIPEE!!!! I went to Dr Taylor to have my blood work done and told him that I have had a pain in my right side that seems to get worse daily. He asked if I was exercising and I told him I was walking (with that darn wrap around my stomach). He said it was my muscle and to slow my pace down a bit and go every other day until the pain went away. He gave me some flexeril just in case but said I'll be fine.
4 Months...Dumping???? I'm officially a size 18(started at 24)!!! It's hard to give my clothes away but why should I keep them? I packed up some of my summer clothes for next year but the rest is going to charity. Some of my winter clothes are too big too and I'm giving those away as well. Luckily, one of my co workers (she had the lap-band a year ago) started giving me some of her clothes so I haven't had to buy much.
Well the testing is beginning. It's Halloween time and the candy and chocolate is coming at work full force!!!! HELP!!! I'm trying to keep my mind focused but it wasn't working that well so I placed the bowl of candy on the other side of the unit by the window so I couldn't see it... WHEW!!!
I'm so happy to start eating cereal again I think I'm going to burst!! I took a cup of regular Cheerios (My fav!) to work with my fat free Lactaid milk and dug in!! 5 minutes later, I'm lightheaded and my stomach is cramping EXTREMELY bad. I rush to the restroom and up it came. All of my delicious cereal
Was this dumping??? I think so. I've had little episodes of this before when eating certain fruits or something with too much sugar or fat in it but it came in the form of diarrhea... immediate diarrhea!!! 2 day countdown!
Jun 06, 2008
Well, the time is coming near. Surgery day is in 2 days....
. My nerves are flaring up a little, but all is good. I start my 2 day liquid diet tomorrow so I'm going to get my last edible treat for at least 3 weeks....WATERMELON!!! Mmmmmm...just saying the name brings a smile to my taste buds!
I've told all the family/friends that I was going to tell and everyone seems fine with it but I've been so excited about my journey, don't think they would tell me if they weren't. This past week has been SUPER busy so I haven't really had time to sit and realize that SURGERY IS ON MONDAY until a couple of hours ago.
Well, let me finish my treat and get ready for class in the a.m. I'll have another talk with God tonight to ease any worry and again confirm my success during and after surgery.
God Bless!
I'm Approved!!!!!
May 02, 2008
Well it's done!!! I'm finally approved for surgery!!
It's been a while since I've seen my surgeon, so after I sent my papers from my PCP to the surgeon's office I had to schedule an appt to see him. Well, I went to see Dr. Taylor yesterday and he basically went over the same info from my initial appt with him. He told me that it's required to have an endoscopy before surgery so by the time I have the procedure I should have my response from the insurance. WELL....my coordinator called me today and told me that I was approved by the insurance and once I have the endoscopy (and the results), I can schedule my surgery!! YIPPEE!! I cannot wait to begin my successful journey! GOD IS GOOD!!
The Waiting Game
Apr 13, 2008
I'm getting a little frustrated. I've had all pre surgery screening and tests done, psych eval and blood work. I had to get another letter from my PCP and diet documentation submitted. Now I have to wait, and it's DRIVING ME NUTS!!!! I've gotten myself mentally prepared for the surgery and I FINALLY told my sister about it. (P.S. to my surprise she was TOTALLY cool with it. I love and respect her sooo much and even though I would've had the surgery if she didn't like it, it's wonderful to have her support)
So now I'm waiting for a date or some other request for something I may need to get approved.
A New Year...A New Me?
Jan 10, 2008
I have finally finished my semester of school and my other projects, so now I can focus on my surgery.
I have been in constant contact with my surgeon's office (they're wonderful!) and I am taking the letter from my PCP to the surgeon tomorrow.
I still haven't told my family....How do you do that? I was thinking about waiting until I got a date but my friend said if I was her sister and waited until the last minute to tell her she would be pissed. I just don't know how to bring it up in a conversation but I have got to GET IT TOGETHER!!!!
One thing that I am sure of.....I am doing it!! It's for me to have better health and life, and no one can tell me how it is to be me!!! I still have concerns (if you want to call them that), but I think they come from watching too many obesity reality shows. I wonder what I will look like afterwards and loose skin (TMI, I know).
I'll try to keep this page updated as I make progress!
I have been in constant contact with my surgeon's office (they're wonderful!) and I am taking the letter from my PCP to the surgeon tomorrow.
I still haven't told my family....How do you do that? I was thinking about waiting until I got a date but my friend said if I was her sister and waited until the last minute to tell her she would be pissed. I just don't know how to bring it up in a conversation but I have got to GET IT TOGETHER!!!!
One thing that I am sure of.....I am doing it!! It's for me to have better health and life, and no one can tell me how it is to be me!!! I still have concerns (if you want to call them that), but I think they come from watching too many obesity reality shows. I wonder what I will look like afterwards and loose skin (TMI, I know).
I'll try to keep this page updated as I make progress!
Psych Eval and Consultation
Oct 26, 2007
Greetings all!!
It's been a minute since I've posted anything but I'm on the website almost everyday. Well I contacted Dr. Taylor's office and I have my psych eval scheduled for Oct. 30th and my consultation is on Nov. 1st. I am at the stage now where my research is pretty much complete and I am at the point where I just want it done! I have been trying to decide if I want the RNY or the Duodenal Switch...that's the only decision I have left to decide.
The other problem is telling some of my family members. And it's really my fear of the unknown. I don't really know how they will respond, but knowing my family, they WILL HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY!!!! It may not be negative, but they're very vocal.
I will post again after the eval (if not sooner).
I have to try to post on the message boards and the MI forum so I can have some pals to talk to
.
God Bless.
It's been a minute since I've posted anything but I'm on the website almost everyday. Well I contacted Dr. Taylor's office and I have my psych eval scheduled for Oct. 30th and my consultation is on Nov. 1st. I am at the stage now where my research is pretty much complete and I am at the point where I just want it done! I have been trying to decide if I want the RNY or the Duodenal Switch...that's the only decision I have left to decide.
The other problem is telling some of my family members. And it's really my fear of the unknown. I don't really know how they will respond, but knowing my family, they WILL HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY!!!! It may not be negative, but they're very vocal.
I will post again after the eval (if not sooner).
I have to try to post on the message boards and the MI forum so I can have some pals to talk to
.God Bless.
Still researching and weighing my options. (pun intended!)
Sep 27, 2007
First off, let me tell yall that I'm a skeptical person... A POSITIVE skeptic 
(does that make sense??). I have been visiting this web site for at least a year and I FINALLY decided to join. I'm considering having bypass surgery but I am still researching the pros and cons, statistics and looking into which procedure is best for me. That was the excuse that I used 2 years ago, but I never contacted a physician or center to actually meet with them and get the process rolling, so I considered that step 1!
I contacted Drs Wood and Taylor's office and when they called me back, I was too nervous to answer the phone. WHY???? Because that meant I was ....SERIOUSLY considering this.
I want to have the bypass surgery to improve my quality of life. My personality doesn't match my body!!! I am a person that LOVES life!!
I mean laughing until my head feels like exploding and playing with my 'surrogate childeren' (nieces and nephews) until THEY want to stop and go to bed! I love being with my family and spending time with my friends just talking about nothing and EVERYTHING!! My concern is that my health won't permit that as long as I want it to!!
I have several co-workers (some I know personally) that have had bypass surgery and many of them have been and continue to be very successful at keeping a stable weight after their weight loss. Then there are some that have lost and gained at least half of the weight back, and some even more! That is where my 'skepticism' comes into play.
I know everyone's results are different, I get that, but how different am I going to be from them??? How did the weight gain start back to begin with?? How safe is the surgery?? How long will I be recovering??? Will I recover??
Well, I will fill out my paperwork tomorrow and send them in and once I go to the seminar, I'll come back and let you know my decision!
Thanks for reading!!
(does that make sense??). I have been visiting this web site for at least a year and I FINALLY decided to join. I'm considering having bypass surgery but I am still researching the pros and cons, statistics and looking into which procedure is best for me. That was the excuse that I used 2 years ago, but I never contacted a physician or center to actually meet with them and get the process rolling, so I considered that step 1! I contacted Drs Wood and Taylor's office and when they called me back, I was too nervous to answer the phone. WHY???? Because that meant I was ....SERIOUSLY considering this.
I want to have the bypass surgery to improve my quality of life. My personality doesn't match my body!!! I am a person that LOVES life!!
I mean laughing until my head feels like exploding and playing with my 'surrogate childeren' (nieces and nephews) until THEY want to stop and go to bed! I love being with my family and spending time with my friends just talking about nothing and EVERYTHING!! My concern is that my health won't permit that as long as I want it to!!
I have several co-workers (some I know personally) that have had bypass surgery and many of them have been and continue to be very successful at keeping a stable weight after their weight loss. Then there are some that have lost and gained at least half of the weight back, and some even more! That is where my 'skepticism' comes into play.
I know everyone's results are different, I get that, but how different am I going to be from them??? How did the weight gain start back to begin with?? How safe is the surgery?? How long will I be recovering??? Will I recover??
Well, I will fill out my paperwork tomorrow and send them in and once I go to the seminar, I'll come back and let you know my decision!
Thanks for reading!!
About Me
Detroit, MI
Location
37.4
BMI
Surgery
06/09/2008
Surgery Date
Sep 20, 2007
Member Since
