7/21/03
Well I woke up early today not knowing what to expect. They first did the Ultra Sound which hurt when he pressed on my belly soo hard. But I guess bearable compared to other procedures I have gone through in the past. They then took me to the x-ray room. I was met by two ladies who made me feel very comfortable, of course at first it was normal x-rays. They then explained to me that I had to drink a liquid ( Barium ) the presentation of the Barium was actually nice. As I drank and started gagging they helped me keep it down, by motivating me of the outcome of the surgery. Although difficult I drank it all. It eventually didn't taste as bad as the 2nd bottle I had to drink. This one tasted really bad and had a consistency that reminded me of Elmer's glue. I had alot of difficulty getting this one down. I think they saw it and said that they would try to take the x-rays w/ the what I already had drank and that hopefully it would be enough. Thank God it was.

7/21/03
To make the most of my visit to NY, I also made my behavioral consult appt for today. I went to Willo Wisotsky, she was very nice and understanding. She was very knowledgeable about Bariatric Surgery. Unfortunately she was out of network, but Dr. Geiss referred her to me so I didn't think about it too much.

8/04/03
I flew in from Florida yesterday so that I could make my pre-op Pulmonary Consult w/ Dr. Weil & Dr. Baktidy. Dr Weil performed the PFT test. And Dr Baktidy examined me. He said I have Fibromyalgia and that from the answers I gave him about my sleeping habits that it would be best to perform a sleep study. Thats something that has always fascinated me. Never thought I would need one. I also had an appt for my Pre-op Cardiac Consult where they performed an ECHO. The tech was really nice and explained everything she was going to do. I loved the fact that I could look at the screen while she performed the tests. It was very interesting.

8/05/03
As soon as I got the chance yesterday I called to make my appt for my sleep study. This appt was a difficult one to make. No one could schedule me in until a few weeks from now. But after being persistent enough they were able to give me an appt for next week. So today I flew back to Florida, to go to work. Until next week..

8/9/03
I flew in from Florida tonight. Tomorrow I will have my sleep study. Can't Wait.

8/11/03
Had my sleep study done. It wasn't bad at all. Just the glue that attached the electrodes on your head is really tough to get out. But it was painless. The tech at the Sleep Study Center was very nice and made you feel comfortable. She wishes she could have WLS too. After the sleep study I was off to the Cardiolgist for the result of the Echo and to have an EKG done. My Dr. was Dr Moulinie, he was soo friendly and nice, he said that the tests looked good and that he thinks that I will do great. Now
the worst will be waiting for results of the sleep study which could take up to 3 weeks.

8/13/03
Well my employer told me today that in 2 weeks I will have to go on Workers Comp for a back injury I sustained in April. I guess it was God Sent because my Surgery was scheduled for 9/24/03. How exciting! My new life starts next month..

9/05/03
Well I am officially on Workers Comp and flew up from FL on 9/03/03 I will be staying in NY until after the surgery. Only flying to FL for my Workers Comp Dr. Can you imagine in the middle of all the the flying back and forth I also moved from one city in Florida to another one just about 3 mi away. I still have things in boxes. Lots to do next week. Today I also hade my Nutritional Consult w/ Christine Santori. She was very informative and explained how my eating habits had to change especially since I am an emotional eater. She was out of network but since she was also referred to me by Dr Geiss, I did not want to go through the hassle of looking for another. I was also supposed to see Dr Baktidy for my my results of my sleep study. But in NY they have been fixing the LIE forever and the Northern State wasn't any better. I left an hour and a half early thinking I would get there on time. Should of known better I made it 30 minutes late. They were leaving they did however give me the results and I have Sleep Apnea and will need another sleep study. They also ordered for a CPAP Tritation whatever that is. I guess I will find out soon.

9/19/03

I got my 2nd Sleep Study last week. I am still waiting for the homecare company to contact me regarding the delivery or pick up of my machine. Yesterday I went to my presurgical testing, the staff was very pleasant. And as I was writing this, I got a phonecall from the Surgeons office and I was told "I WAS APPROVED" I can't tell you how emotional I got as I heard the news. I can't beleive it, it seems like a dream. I have been approved.

9/23/03

Well its the day before my new rebirth and oddly I am not as nervous as I thought I would. Finally today the homecare co contacted me re: my cpap machine. It was about time thought I wouldn't never hear from them. I have received so many nice e-mails from other members its been great to know I am not alone.

9/28/03

I had my Surgery on the 24th. I was in the hospital for 1 day. Doc operated on 2 others the same day and said we all did so well that it was not necessary for us to stay longer. I was amazed at how the staff at the hospital were great. They were all so pleasant, supportive and attentative. Best hospital experience I have had. As for the pain, pain wasn't as bad as I thought. Especially since I have a very low pain tolerance. Only bad experience was everytime I would get out of bed to walk I was extremely nauseous and would start retching, which was very uncomfortable and painful. I definitely recommend walking in the hospital. It helps clear out your lungs and breath better. I am now on liquids again for 2 weeks. And on the losing side.

10/05/03

Well I am still experiencing some discomfort especially if I try laying on my side. Also the stitches seem to feel like their pulling my skin. Although I am a bit concerned because one of the incisions doesn't look to pretty. It looks sunk into my skin almost as if I had another belly button. I was feeling really good today so I decided to go shopping its starting to get cold here in NY for me and most of the clothes I brought from FL are not quite warm. I was also very daring and decided to weigh myself today I am down 15lbs. I am sooo excited...

10/10/03

Today I had my first post-op visit and I am weighing 220lbs., which puts me down 18 lbs.

11/09/03

Today I weighed myself and I am only down 7lbs in a month total weight loss of 25lbs. I am now walking 2mi on a regular basis. Just a bit disappointed that I have not lost more weight.


04/06/04

Well its been awhile since I have updated my profile mostly because I am now so much more active outdoors that I hardly spend my time online. I have been adjusted since my last update. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be just a slight discomfort. Today I weighed myself and I have finally broken the platau I am 198lbs now. Looking and feeling great. My new life is wonderful. I am still a little disapointed that I have not lost alot more weight. But slowly but surely is fine w/ me.

08/07/04

Well about a month ago I reached 192#. Its going soo slow for me its frustrating, but I know I am going down in inches becuase I finally fit into a 14/16 which is improvement, I havn't been this size since high school. Speaking of which my 10th yr HS reunion is on Oct 16th, hopefully by then I will have lost some more weight. I can honestly say I look great on the outside but lately have been soo stressed w/ work that I am experiencing the pain in my joints and legs like I used to prior to surgery not to mention back pain. I know its the way my body reacts to stress. So I know that I just have to relax..

9/24/04

Today I flew to NY to get my 2nd fill.. I have to admit that this time it was done in the office and not as painful as the first one..

11/16/04

Today I start training as Flight attendant.. I weigh 183lbs (but look about 160) and wearing a 12/14 on the bottom and range from a Large - XL on top.. I feel wonderful, full of energy... 3 weeks to go until my graduation..

02/17/05

I have since graduated as a flight attendant, I am down to 170lbs.. still losing very slow but no less still on the losing side..For the 1st time in my life I am wearing a size 12 jeans and there not stretch.. People don't even recognize me anymore and the ones that do can't beleive it's me..It's sooo amazing how different people treat you..I am soo pleased that I decided on this procedure... It has completely opened up doors and boosted my confidence level I truly don't have any words to thank Dr. Geiss and his staff..

09/07/05

Today I went in for a Routine fill and I guess although I already knew something wasn't right ( I haven't lost any significant weight in a long time)... I also started noticing that I tend to wake up throughout the night with acid reflux.. Well today I was told that my stomach is out of place..They had to empty my band out completely for a month... put me on liquids for about a month and hope that the band goes back into place...I had to have a video taken with barium and an x-ray which confirmed...I was one of those in the VERY Low percentage that experience complications.. And would most likely have to go back to the OR to rectify.. well tomorrow I will find out if this is what will happen or if they will make me wait the month...I will keep u guys posted...

10/04/05

As expected video esophagram showed that my stomach is prolapsed ( out of position ) and the band out of place.. SO Guys guess what I have a new Surgery date of NOV 14th.. to try and fix my band.. I'm a little nervous not sure what to expect..On soft foods til surgery... but since I only have about 50lbs more to go I guess its not soo bad..I'll keep u posted..

11/14/05

It's only a few hours away.. its about 2:38AM and I can't sleep.. I know I will be in good hands but the anxiety has gotten to me.. I am more scared this time than the 1st time.. Hopefully this will get fixed and I will be on the losing side again.. Talk to you soon...

07/09/06

WOW its been a long time since I have written... Unfortunately I have no good news to say.. I was in the hospital for 2 days this time BY now I was sure I would of reached goal unfortunately after the 2nd surgery I went up 30 lbs or so have not lost weight just keep going up... my reflux us back again and on Wednesday I have yet another video esophogram to see if I have prolapsed AGAIN.. But I know that something is definitely wrong.. I will keep you guys posted I already know that if something went wrong with my band this time it would have to be removed and I would have to get a Gastric Bypass..

07/12/06

I have PROLAPSED once again.. but I knew that already by the way i was feeling.. this one is even bigger than the first.. Unfortunately Dr. Geiss does not perform any other type of WLS other than LapBand but he has referred me to someone he says is one of the best Dr. Raul Rosenthal in Florida, which is great because this will allow for me to be home during recup.. After my visit with Dr. Geiss I immediately made my appointment w/ Dr Rosenthal I was given one for Aug 15 but was told to please call and see if I may be able to schedule one sooner due to cancellations. As luck would have it i called and got one for the 15th which allows me just enough time to be able to find out more about Dr. Rosenthal..

7/15/06

Today was my appointment with Dr. Rosenthal at the Cleveland Clinic Florida, I attended the orientation.. followed by my visit with the doctor. I 1st spoke with his fellow who suggested I look into the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy.. After speaking w/ the Dr Rosenthal he also suggested the same.. Next week I go for my psych and nutritional evaluation and my EKG and primary physician appointment for clearance..

12/22/06

Well although its been a long battle and insurance has made me gain weight in order for me to be able to be approved for surgery after about 5 mths finally an approval... pre-op testing is next on the 28th... procedure will be roux-en-y...


1/09/07

I finally got approved surgery date scheduled for 1/29/07 pre-op visits done... Starting to get a lil ansy a lil scared this is alot more permanent than the LapBand.. A lil more risky.. but long awaitted..

1/22/07

Today I had my pre-op visit w/ my Primary for Clearance.. and my gallbladder ultrasound.. just one week away... sooo excited...

2/11/07

Well had my surgery on the 29th of January.. Great Hospital and staff.. only thing is that I had some slight complications after surgery my heart got tachichardic and my blood pressure skyrocketted... so had to stay in the hospital for 5 days instead of 2-3... my experience overall was been great.. opted for no pain meds (they would only  make me nauseous) wretching only makes it worse.. I start my pureed diet tomorrow.. having a hard time with my protein shakes but I am trying the best I can..  also glad to have my drains removed on 2/9/07... the pain was excruciating for me.. DON"T ever want to go through that EVER..Again..but finally at the pre-op visit it and the staples were removed... and have lost 21 lbs yay..

03/03/07

I'm a month out and at my PCP says that my heart is double beating had some bloodwork done waiting on the results.. also one of the IV sites still hurts and so she had me get an ultrasound where of course they found a Bloodclot but they said it was superficial so no need to worry at least not for now...I'm 205 lbs I can tolerate most foods just had a few episodes of throwing up.... still very very tired at times and hate taking my vitamins but I know its a way of life so I do..

03/14/07

Today I found out that my Ex-Boyfriend passed away from Cancer... sooo I have to make arrangements to fly out to NY and go to his services... He is no longer suffering or in pain and that gives me releif..

03/19/07

Well I'm back from NY and I havn't been able to really eat anything just dont feel like eating.. I'm now down to 199lbs.. I lost 6 lbs through this ordeal...

04/14/07

Yesterday was my 3 mth post-op  check-up and I came in weighing in at 188 lbs... hadn't realized but i Lost about 11 lbs in a mth don't know if this is good or bad.. but I know I'm starting to feel great again...and Feeling Pretty... 

04/31/07

I'm now down to 183 so not a significance weight loss in about 2 weeks.. I have started going to the gym and swimming.. but that darn protein is sooo hard to get in... 

05/08/07

I started working today and it was such a great feeling to fit into about 4 sizes smaller in my uniform.. and to be able to harness myself in my seat and make it tighter.. being a flight attendant being able to fit into your seat is essential.. lots of compliments feeling great and check out the new man...  I posted our pic up..

 09/26/12

It's been a few years since I have posted and sooo much has changed since Moved back to FL in May 2011... Due to my miracle pregnancy... Had a beautiful baby girl in August of 2011 and enjoying my P/T status as a flight attendant and ofcourse enjoying MOMMYHOOD!  Its absolutely been the greatest experience Ever! But now finding myself wanted to lose some weight (even though I only gained 12 lbs the whole pregnancy) and need some support and info on how to get back on track!

 

About Me
Aventura, FL
Location
30.9
BMI
RNY
Surgery
01/29/2007
Surgery Date
May 17, 2003
Member Since

Friends 29

Latest Blog 1
R.I.P Christopher "Kam" Vientos

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