MoabMama
Year 7
Jan 25, 2013
Wow, it's been 7 years since my surgery! Hard to imagine, but it's true.
I've had a rough couple of years lately, I had a nervous breakdown a couple of years ago and I've had to quit working. Well, I still work (I tend my youngest 3 grandchildren, age 4, 3, and 9 mos) I just don't get paid. I've also developed agoraphobia. So it's been very hard to leave my home. Sometimes I think it's getting better and then I realize that it's been over 2 weeks since I left the house.
We lost my 98 year old grandmother at the beginning of December 2012. Expected but still hard to deal with. Without my income, we've had to combine our household with our son and his family. It's working but it is very hard.
Good news is that through all of that, I haven't gained the weight back. Oh, I'm up from my lowest point, but for the past two years my weight had been quite constant. I'm hoping to get out of the house and walk again. That should help both my depression and my weight loss.
I don't have any big insights, but if you want to ask me a question about my experiences, I'll be glad to answer. Good luck, hang in there. For me at least, this process as been worth it!
6 years old!
Oct 17, 2011
Well, here we are again. Almost my re-birthday. 6 years old. So much has happened in my life, some good and some not so good.
Last post, I told about expecting our 2nd grandson. Thankfully, we will be celebrating his 2nd birthday on Christmas Day. We thank God every day that he is in our lives. When my daughter-in-law went into labor, things progressed nicely until her water broke. The baby became distressed and they performed an emergency C-section. Baby was born with the cord around his neck twice and an actual knot tied in the cord. Her doctor said in his 12 years of practice, this was only the second time he had seen a knot in the cord. If she had not already been at the hospital when her water broke, the baby would not have survived.
Our youngest daughter has moved on in her life. She is planning her wedding for next fall to a wonderful man she has been with for a couple of years already. He has two daughters, and they both love our daughter to pieces and she loves them.
Our oldest daughter and her 3 children, who had been living in our basement for 3 years, found her own place about a year ago. It's small and older but she can afford it. She has grown up so much in the past 3 years. She works full time and still volunteers at the schools. She doesn't wait for anyone to give her things, she is able to take care of her family by herself. The kids are all growing as well, doing well in school, and are generally all-around good kids.
Our son and his family recently moved back into our house. They are wanting to same some money for a down-payment, so they asked if they could move back and of course we said yes. It is challenging to blend two households but we are managing. They are having to help us with our expenses, as I am not able to work right now.
I have suffered with migraine headaches for most of my life, and this year has been awful. Earlier this year, I suffered a total nervous breakdown. I can't go to work at this time, but maybe someday. It is really hard but it will get better, soon I hope. I have gained almost 50 pounds and I am so discouraged by that. Hopefully, as I begin to get better, I'll be able to lose it again. I'm going to try to see my surgeon soon and see what he things I should do. I wish there was a support group close to where I live. But this site helps.
The up-side to all this is that I'm home now to enjoy taking care of the grandkids. And getting better every day.
Thanks for listening.
0 comments
Last post, I told about expecting our 2nd grandson. Thankfully, we will be celebrating his 2nd birthday on Christmas Day. We thank God every day that he is in our lives. When my daughter-in-law went into labor, things progressed nicely until her water broke. The baby became distressed and they performed an emergency C-section. Baby was born with the cord around his neck twice and an actual knot tied in the cord. Her doctor said in his 12 years of practice, this was only the second time he had seen a knot in the cord. If she had not already been at the hospital when her water broke, the baby would not have survived.
Our youngest daughter has moved on in her life. She is planning her wedding for next fall to a wonderful man she has been with for a couple of years already. He has two daughters, and they both love our daughter to pieces and she loves them.
Our oldest daughter and her 3 children, who had been living in our basement for 3 years, found her own place about a year ago. It's small and older but she can afford it. She has grown up so much in the past 3 years. She works full time and still volunteers at the schools. She doesn't wait for anyone to give her things, she is able to take care of her family by herself. The kids are all growing as well, doing well in school, and are generally all-around good kids.
Our son and his family recently moved back into our house. They are wanting to same some money for a down-payment, so they asked if they could move back and of course we said yes. It is challenging to blend two households but we are managing. They are having to help us with our expenses, as I am not able to work right now.
I have suffered with migraine headaches for most of my life, and this year has been awful. Earlier this year, I suffered a total nervous breakdown. I can't go to work at this time, but maybe someday. It is really hard but it will get better, soon I hope. I have gained almost 50 pounds and I am so discouraged by that. Hopefully, as I begin to get better, I'll be able to lose it again. I'm going to try to see my surgeon soon and see what he things I should do. I wish there was a support group close to where I live. But this site helps.
The up-side to all this is that I'm home now to enjoy taking care of the grandkids. And getting better every day.
Thanks for listening.
Re-Birthday #4!!! ;)
Nov 15, 2009
Wow, another re-birthday is here already. I can't hardly believe it's been 4 years since I took that wonderful step into better health.
This has been a very difficult year for my family and me. One of my step-sons passed away suddenly due to complications of diabetes. He was only 35 years old, the father of 3, and already a grandfather once. After weathering that tragedy, my daughter and her husband of only 2 years, divorced. My former son-in-law has not handled things well and now that relationship has been torn away from us as well.
But on a happier note, while I have gained a few pounds, my eating habits have not taken control of my life. I (with the help of God) am in control, not food.
We are expecting our second grandson in December. Daughter-in-law and baby are doing well, and the one-year old is a treasure.
I truly don't think I would be here enjoying my family if I had not had the surgery. It saved my life.
0 comments
This has been a very difficult year for my family and me. One of my step-sons passed away suddenly due to complications of diabetes. He was only 35 years old, the father of 3, and already a grandfather once. After weathering that tragedy, my daughter and her husband of only 2 years, divorced. My former son-in-law has not handled things well and now that relationship has been torn away from us as well.
But on a happier note, while I have gained a few pounds, my eating habits have not taken control of my life. I (with the help of God) am in control, not food.
We are expecting our second grandson in December. Daughter-in-law and baby are doing well, and the one-year old is a treasure.
I truly don't think I would be here enjoying my family if I had not had the surgery. It saved my life.
2008 Update
Nov 18, 2008
Wow, I was just looking at my old 'posts'. It's been along time since I posted anything. So let's see. I've been at the same basic weight now for about a year. Right around 158-160. So I've lost a total of about 130 lbs since my surgery! That is the equivalent of my 22 year old daughter! No wonder I was so tired all the time!
The past 18 months have flown by. My daughter was married in a beautiful ceremony at our mountain cabin during the summer of 2007. A month later, my son and his wife decided to move back home. So they moved into our basement, 'just until they can find something affordable'.
So now our family is all home again. Our daughter lives about 50 yards away from our house, and our son in the basement. Then he and his wife decide to start their family. So now we fast forward to 2008. Baby is expected in about 2 months and my husband's oldest daughter calls and wants to know if we will help her move. Of course we will. Where are you moving to? 'Well, your house if you have room' So we went from being empty nesters to have a household of 8 in the space of 6 months. Soon there will be a new baby.
But life is good. I feel good and I'm so grateful for the 'new' life I've been given since my surgery. Sure I still have some days when the protein wants to stick and not go all the way down (usually cause I'm in a hurry and don't chew right), but I think about how awful I felt before and I'm sure I couldn't have survived if I hadn't had the surgery. (Sorry for the long run-on sentence)
My co-morbidities have all basically disappeared. I no longer have High Blood Pressure or high cholestrol. I don't have sleep apnea. My arthritis is so much better that all I take now is Advil. I'm no longer considered pre-diabetic. Thank God for this surgery.
The past 18 months have flown by. My daughter was married in a beautiful ceremony at our mountain cabin during the summer of 2007. A month later, my son and his wife decided to move back home. So they moved into our basement, 'just until they can find something affordable'.
So now our family is all home again. Our daughter lives about 50 yards away from our house, and our son in the basement. Then he and his wife decide to start their family. So now we fast forward to 2008. Baby is expected in about 2 months and my husband's oldest daughter calls and wants to know if we will help her move. Of course we will. Where are you moving to? 'Well, your house if you have room' So we went from being empty nesters to have a household of 8 in the space of 6 months. Soon there will be a new baby.
But life is good. I feel good and I'm so grateful for the 'new' life I've been given since my surgery. Sure I still have some days when the protein wants to stick and not go all the way down (usually cause I'm in a hurry and don't chew right), but I think about how awful I felt before and I'm sure I couldn't have survived if I hadn't had the surgery. (Sorry for the long run-on sentence)
My co-morbidities have all basically disappeared. I no longer have High Blood Pressure or high cholestrol. I don't have sleep apnea. My arthritis is so much better that all I take now is Advil. I'm no longer considered pre-diabetic. Thank God for this surgery.
Back again
Apr 23, 2007
Once again, I can't believe it's been so long since I updated my profile. Here it is April 2007 - So I'm 17 months out and down a total of 135 lbs to 163 from a high weight of 288.
Last summer, our son was married (to a really nice girl) and this summer, our daughter is getting married. Her intended has been like part of our family for about 5 years - now he will be in the family.
I was so excited last year to be wearing a size 16 dress - this year, I'm in a 12-14.
I have been having problems with fatigue, but I'm going to my PCP in a couple of days to have my labs done. Maybe that will tell me something.
Thanks so much for this site and all of your support. I don't have a support group here in my area, so this site has been a lifeline for me.
Happy Re-Birthday to me!
Nov 17, 2006
Well, actually 11/14 was my first re-birthday but this is close enough. I haven't been able to use my internet for a couple of weeks so I'll catch up now.
By the Dr's scales, I've lost 110 lbs since my all time high. I'm wearing a size 16 now and really should be looking at some 14's. I've even gone down one shoe size!
My 20 year old daughter even asked to borrow my new boots! That hasn't ever happened before. I couldn't seem to wear anything that was even close to being stylish or cute, but watch out now!
Happy Re-Birthday to all the November 2005 WLS'ers
My first year after WLS
Nov 17, 2006
Sept 12, 2006 - Well it's been an interesting summer. Weddings, Birthdays, mountain trips, work, etc and best of all, a NEW me. Well not really, I'm still me, but now I look and feel more like the me I always knew was in there. My weight loss has slowed down a lot but I'm sure it's because I haven't been able to walk much when the temps are over 100 every day and not cooling off much at night. But now that fall is on the way, I'll be able to start walking everyday again. f I have lost 105 lbs according to the scale at my Dr's office. Yeah!!! Had some disheartening news yesterday, my dad has tested positive for prostate cancer. In the past, I would have headed for my favorite foods, but yesterday I didn't. Thank God for this tool and how much I have learned about myself in the past 10 months.
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July 27, 2006 - Down 100 lbs*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*- (just had to do that!)
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July 14, 2006 - Down 97 lbs. - I can't believe it's been 3 months since I last posted here. Oh well, time flies when you're having fun! And boy am I having fun! Let's see, in May, my husband, daughter and I accompanied by 91 year-young grandmother on a two-week vacation thru Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Before the surgery, there is no way I would have been able to ride that far, much less walk and sightsee and do all of the tourist-y things we did. Of course I still get tired, but I could do everything we wanted to do and walk everywhere we wanted to walk. Then in June, we went to my parent's mountain cabin for the first time in a couple of years. And the elevation didn't even bother me! I even took my granddaughters for a hike, and didn't have any problems breathing at all. Next Tuesday, my son is getting married and I bought the most beautiful dress to wear. And it's not a tent! It's a size 16!!!!!!!! I haven't been able to wear a size 16 for almost 25 years. Thank you God for the blessing of this surgery.
==================================================
April 8, 2006 - Almost 5 months out now. down 75 lbs - I've been stuck on 75 for 2 weeks now, but I haven't been able to walk much lately. But the weather is improving and I'm getting started again. It is so wonderful to be able to go outside with my family for walks and hikes and not feel like I'm going to die! I can't wait till we can go camping on the mountain this year. Oh, yeah and my son is getting married this summer and I won't have to wear a tent to the wedding! Yea!
====================================================
Mar 17, 2006 - Happy St Patrick's Day to all! I'm 4 months out now, down 70 lbs from my all time high. This is the most wonderful thing I've ever done for myself, I don't get hungry, I don't get the munchies or nibbles, I don't have cravings anymore. I feel great, even though my back has been hurting. I finally saw my PCP and she sent me to physical therapy. They think it's a combination of the surgery aftereffects and a slight strain/sprain from bad posture. But it's getting better! Now if it will just warm up a little bit so I can walk every day, (but not too hot).
=======================================================
Feb 23, 2006 - Well, I'm three months out now, down 62 lbs from my all time high. I didn't get to see my Dr. for my three month appt, he is a transplant surgeon as well, and the day of my appt, he had a transplant to do instead. Guess that is more important. I can see him anytime. But I did talk to his nurse and she was so excited about my progress. But not as excited as me!
====================================================
Feb. 11, 2006 - I'm almost 3 months Post-Op and I'm down 50+ pounds. (Don't know exactly cause I only weight myself on Mondays) I still haven't had many problems. I had to get some IV fluid about 6 weeks ago, but I'm doing ok on the fluid intake now. I do have to be careful about not eating too quickly, but usually that's not a problem. My family helps me remember what to do. I'm on regular foods now of course and lots of protein. Chicken, eggs, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, tuna, salmon, pork, skim milk. I walk 1-3 miles 5 days a week and do some free weight workouts 5 days a week (for toning) I take a mulit vitamin, calcium, B-12, and two Rx drugs every day. I hope to be able to start taking glucosamine/chondroitin soon, but so far it hurts my pouch. I'm so glad I had the surgery. I thank God for helping me make the decision and helping me recover. I'm so glad for my family's support and help and love. I believe now that I'll be around for my children's weddings and to see my grandchildren.
===================================================
Background - I've been heavy (moving toward fat) all of my adult life. Following several miscarriages and two successful pregnancies, my weight climbed quickly. I think I've tried every weight loss system around. I was successful using Nutrisystem, (lost 68 lbs and kept it off for 2 years), but again the weight came back. I tried Weight Watchers, Herbalife, Atkins, E-diets, and Phen-fen. Nothing lasted, I would loose some weight and then put more back on. My depression worsened with each attempt and as my depression deepened, I gained more weight. Finally I began researching WLS and decided this was the answer for me. I made an appointment with the Wish Center in Salt Lake City, then the week before my appointment, the Wish Center closed. I traveled to Scottsdale to see the Mayo Clinic about the surgery there. So, I did some more research into doctors, and made an appointment with Dr. Belnap in SLC. My PCP doctor was very supportive and anxious for me to have the surgery. I saw Dr. Belnap, and his staff filed the paperwork, and even before I could wish, I had my insurance approval. My surgery was Nov. 14, 2005 and I'm so glad. I think my progress has been good, and I'm glad I didn't wait. The holidays were not hard, I don't have cravings much anymore. I just concentrated on getting my protein and nothing else looked good.
=========================================================
July 27, 2006 - Down 100 lbs*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*- (just had to do that!)
=========================================================
July 14, 2006 - Down 97 lbs. - I can't believe it's been 3 months since I last posted here. Oh well, time flies when you're having fun! And boy am I having fun! Let's see, in May, my husband, daughter and I accompanied by 91 year-young grandmother on a two-week vacation thru Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Before the surgery, there is no way I would have been able to ride that far, much less walk and sightsee and do all of the tourist-y things we did. Of course I still get tired, but I could do everything we wanted to do and walk everywhere we wanted to walk. Then in June, we went to my parent's mountain cabin for the first time in a couple of years. And the elevation didn't even bother me! I even took my granddaughters for a hike, and didn't have any problems breathing at all. Next Tuesday, my son is getting married and I bought the most beautiful dress to wear. And it's not a tent! It's a size 16!!!!!!!! I haven't been able to wear a size 16 for almost 25 years. Thank you God for the blessing of this surgery.
==================================================
April 8, 2006 - Almost 5 months out now. down 75 lbs - I've been stuck on 75 for 2 weeks now, but I haven't been able to walk much lately. But the weather is improving and I'm getting started again. It is so wonderful to be able to go outside with my family for walks and hikes and not feel like I'm going to die! I can't wait till we can go camping on the mountain this year. Oh, yeah and my son is getting married this summer and I won't have to wear a tent to the wedding! Yea!
====================================================
Mar 17, 2006 - Happy St Patrick's Day to all! I'm 4 months out now, down 70 lbs from my all time high. This is the most wonderful thing I've ever done for myself, I don't get hungry, I don't get the munchies or nibbles, I don't have cravings anymore. I feel great, even though my back has been hurting. I finally saw my PCP and she sent me to physical therapy. They think it's a combination of the surgery aftereffects and a slight strain/sprain from bad posture. But it's getting better! Now if it will just warm up a little bit so I can walk every day, (but not too hot).
=======================================================
Feb 23, 2006 - Well, I'm three months out now, down 62 lbs from my all time high. I didn't get to see my Dr. for my three month appt, he is a transplant surgeon as well, and the day of my appt, he had a transplant to do instead. Guess that is more important. I can see him anytime. But I did talk to his nurse and she was so excited about my progress. But not as excited as me!
====================================================
Feb. 11, 2006 - I'm almost 3 months Post-Op and I'm down 50+ pounds. (Don't know exactly cause I only weight myself on Mondays) I still haven't had many problems. I had to get some IV fluid about 6 weeks ago, but I'm doing ok on the fluid intake now. I do have to be careful about not eating too quickly, but usually that's not a problem. My family helps me remember what to do. I'm on regular foods now of course and lots of protein. Chicken, eggs, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, tuna, salmon, pork, skim milk. I walk 1-3 miles 5 days a week and do some free weight workouts 5 days a week (for toning) I take a mulit vitamin, calcium, B-12, and two Rx drugs every day. I hope to be able to start taking glucosamine/chondroitin soon, but so far it hurts my pouch. I'm so glad I had the surgery. I thank God for helping me make the decision and helping me recover. I'm so glad for my family's support and help and love. I believe now that I'll be around for my children's weddings and to see my grandchildren.
===================================================
Background - I've been heavy (moving toward fat) all of my adult life. Following several miscarriages and two successful pregnancies, my weight climbed quickly. I think I've tried every weight loss system around. I was successful using Nutrisystem, (lost 68 lbs and kept it off for 2 years), but again the weight came back. I tried Weight Watchers, Herbalife, Atkins, E-diets, and Phen-fen. Nothing lasted, I would loose some weight and then put more back on. My depression worsened with each attempt and as my depression deepened, I gained more weight. Finally I began researching WLS and decided this was the answer for me. I made an appointment with the Wish Center in Salt Lake City, then the week before my appointment, the Wish Center closed. I traveled to Scottsdale to see the Mayo Clinic about the surgery there. So, I did some more research into doctors, and made an appointment with Dr. Belnap in SLC. My PCP doctor was very supportive and anxious for me to have the surgery. I saw Dr. Belnap, and his staff filed the paperwork, and even before I could wish, I had my insurance approval. My surgery was Nov. 14, 2005 and I'm so glad. I think my progress has been good, and I'm glad I didn't wait. The holidays were not hard, I don't have cravings much anymore. I just concentrated on getting my protein and nothing else looked good.
