mzhope2u
Hello OH family. I'm a single 40 yr old women (looks like I'm in my early 30's lol). I've been overweight all my life. For the most part I was always healthy. Then BOOM ...in my late 30's I developed Diabetes and High Blood Pressure. I knew then, it was time to get my weight under control. That's when I started researching WLS. Well that's not exactly what happended lol ...
One day last year I was chatting with my sister and mother. We were discussing WLS ..I don't remember how we got on the subject. Anyway, I told my sister, I would never consider WLS because of stories I've heard about it. So, I asked her ..would you ever consider WLS? She just gave me this look (OO). I said "Why you look at me like that". Come to find out, my sister was in her pre-op stages ....taking all the pre-op testing. I was shocked and upset that my mother and my sister keep this news from me. My sister was only months away from having the surgery. That's when I started researching WLS. 
May, 2004
I had a consultation with the same doctor my sister and her co-workers used. I liked Dr. Bilof from the start. He answered all my questions. Explained the procedure; its pros and cons. Overall, I was satisfied and convinced that WLS was the best for me. So why did it take a year to get my surgery? What can I say, I'm a procasinator lol! First off, I hate doctors. So when I was told I had to see all these doctors; I was like OH BOY! LOL!
June, 2005
Almost a year later I got serious and started going to the pre-op doctors. Once I was determined, things went by quickly and smoothly. I was cleared in all areas and had no problems with insurance approval.
July 13, 2005
My girlfriend and I (Tisha) was going to the BABS Summer Jam. So while waiting for her, I decided to call Dr. Bilof's office to see if all my paperwork was straight. I spoke with Theresa (Dr. Bilof's assistant) and she did the follow up on my paperwork. My paperwork was together and looking good. She said you "Ready" ...your surgery date is July 27, 2005". Whooooppppeeee!!! I was on cloud nine throughtout the weekend. BTW ...Summer Jam was "off the hook" lol!
Theresa has been a gem throughout this ordeal. Shout out to Theresa, she was an angel.
As I got closer to my surgery day, I was amped up. I wanted to get this going and over with. I wasn't nervous.. I was more excited. All I could do was leave it in God's hand. Well, I had to get my date changed from July 27th to August 1st.
August 1, 2005
I arrived at St Barnabas around 7:30. My mother and beau came with me. I got to the outpatient area around 8:00. I didn't wait long before I was called in to prep for surgery. My beau Walter came inside the prep room with me. I was relaxed, excited and ready to go. Walter really made me at ease because he's so silly. He had me cracking up in that room.
After Walter left, my mother came in. My BP was checked, my records was updated. A Nurse came in and put in my IV. Oh my goodness ...THAT DAMN CATHETER (wrong spelling) WTH!! They could have put that in me while I was knocked out. I was pissed after that was inserted.
Well the transporter arrived and off I went to the operating room. I still wasn't nervous (still mad as hell about that damn catheter). Plus, I had the upmost confidence in my surgeon. Next thing I know I was waking up in the recovery room. I remember my mother being there. I think she left around 8:00. I'm not sure how long the surgery was but it was a breeze. Thank God for that. Surprisely, there was no serious pain. Just a lil discomfort. On a scale from 1-10, my pain level was about 2 1/2 - 3. I think I pushed the morphine button once. I dont know why, I wasn't in pain.
For the most part I slept through the night. I sucked on some ice chips. Nurses in and out checking on my vitals. Did the breathing device a few times. I was able to turn on my side without no pain. Around 5:00, that damn catheter was taking out. Whoooppee!!
Aug 2, 2005
One whole day in the hospital. I got up and walked around. Watched the tube. Had a few visitors. Dr. Bilof stopped by and checked on me. Everything AOK. Dr. Bendezeus stopped by also (primary doctor), I was surprised to see him. He took me of my diabetes meds. I was glad for that. The nutritionalist stopped by.
My meals consist of Sugar free jello, broth and tea. The broth was good, didnt like the jello. Still no pain. I vomit a few times, dont know if it was the aesthea wearing off or the morphine. But other then that, no drama.
Aug. 3, 2005
Dr. Bilof came by, checked on me again, then released me. Actually I could have stayed another day. Call me crazy, but I liked my stay in the hospital. It was relaxing, restful, peaceful and I like being waited on hand and foot lol!! Overall I have to say my WLS experience on a scale from 1-10 was a 8. I'd do it over again in a heartbeat.
Now comes the hard part. I know it's not going to be easy. I didn't do this thinking that this was an easy way to lose weight. This is a lifetime committment.
August 12, 2005
Today is my first post op visit to the Dr's. office. I Lost 14lbs in one week. WHOOOPPEEE!! My incisions are healing good with the exception of the one under my right breast. The Dr. said that one always heal slower then the rest. I'm put on puree foods. I told my Dr. my family reunion is next week so, I plan to eat a lil something here and there. He OKed it, just be careful cuz my pouch is still healing. While at Dr.'s office, a thief tried to break in my Dr.'s car. He didnt succeed but he managed to drive away with another car. DRAMA DRAMA!
August 18, 2005
Well this is the weekend of my family reunion in Baltimore. It was very nice. Weather was perfect. It was a little difficult for me because I couldn't eat solid foods. And wouldn't you know it, that night was our family dinner at a buffet. OH THE TEMPTATION! But in reality, it wasn't that bad. I only ate soft food. Food that I did sample, was nasty. So I really didn''t miss out on anthing. Only thing I missed was eating the crab legs. My nieces and nephews really ripped into those crab legs. They was hammering the heck out those legs (they supply hammers to crack open the crabs). I think they just like the fact of hammering something. It was really funny. My nieces and nephews can really eat. They better watch it cuz they dont want to be like auntie lol!
November 24, 2005
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
Ok, I know its been a while since I've posted. My life is not complicated so basically there's nothing to report. I get up in the morning, go to work, eat, go home and sleep. BORING RIGHT LOL!!
I don't get on the scale so I don't know how much I've lost. But I know I'm losing because I went from a size 26 to a 20. WHOOOPPEEE!! My next Dr's appointment is next month, so I'll weight in there.
Later my family and I are going to my sister's house for TG dinner. I'm bringing the chocolate cheesecake which I will not be tasting. DON'T WANNA DUMP! I haven't dumped in sugars as of yet, I don't want to take any chances. I plan to eAt very light, lil stuffing, mac & cheese, veggies and maybe some turkey. I'm not really a turkey fan.
MANY BLESSINGS TO ALL!!
Me @ 255. A work in progress
December 5, 2005
I know it's been a while since I updated, but as I stated in an earlier post; "it's not much to report". So far WLS has been a blessing. I'm losing weight at a nice pace. I don't know how much I've lost because I don't weight myself. I'll weight in at my Dr's office this month. So far, I haven't dumped on anything yet. I try to say away from foods that are high in sugars and high in fat. But I'm no angel. I have had regular soda; I know I know, that's a NO NO! I only take a small sip here and there lol! Once in a while, I may have a small piece of hard candy.
A FEW WOW MOMENTS SINCE WLS:
1. I can walk from one end of the mall to the other end.
2. Walking without stopping to catch my breath.
3. I can wear heels now and wear them all day ... 2 1/2 inches is my limit. But I'm working my way up to 3 inches lol.
4. Shopping at other stores other then Lane Bryant.
December 25, 2005
Well I survived another holiday ...wheeeewww!! What a relief. This xmas kinda had me stressing because my money was not right. I wasn't able to get anything for my family :( I apologized to them and they all understood. I'll get them all something after the holidays.
I went over my sister's house to celebrate the holiday. Santa was good to my lil nieces and my mother lol! I couldn't eat much xmas dinner. I got full really fast and I only had a lil bite here and there. I guess two good eating days was too much to ask. The other day I went to Applebee's and ate darn good. I had shrimp skewers, steak skewers, potato soup, broccoli. I had a good protein day lol! I think I might have eaten too much that day, that's probably why I wasn't able to eat good xmas day. Oh well, at least I didn't damage my pouch. Well that's all for now ...I hope you all had a blessed and safe holiday.
Here are a few pics of me and my niece on xmas. I'm down to a size 18 now. I don't know how much I lost. I'm too scared ot get on the scale lol! I'll get weighted when I see my Dr. the end of the month. ENJOY!
December 30, 2005
Sorry it took so long to update. Well actually it hasn't been that long.
We had a tradegy in the family ...my oldest brother Jesse died yesterday. I'm so DEVASTIATED! My brother Jesse met his maker on 12/29/05 @ 7:55. He was 53 yrs old.
It came as a shock because one minute he's walking around and the next minute he's gone. I didn't know my brother was that sick ...he looked fine to me. I know he was a diabetic and he was having slight heart problems. But he was going to the Dr.s and taking meds for his ailments. I think he just gave up on life. He knew he was very ill, but didn't tell in anyone. On xmas day he made a comment to my mother. He stated "he probably won't live to see next xmas" (i'm weeping as I type this).
The Dr.s did all they could do to save him. He died with family around him @ Rahway Hospital. I'm so sorry I wasnt there for his final moment. He left behind 2 adult children ...Jesse II and Yakima. Five grands ...One in SC, I forgot his name, he's the oldest grand, Altece, Asia, Jesse III and Aljaque. Also a lot of other family members.
It's going to be so strange not hearing him scurrying about downstairs. No more hearing him making a late night run to the corner 7 11 to play pickits, no more hearing him start the car @ 6:30 am for work, no more tapping on the walls because my music is too loud, no more of him saying "go upstairs, u dont live here" when I come down for Sunday dinner, no more hearing him laugh when he's watching TV, no more him picking me up from work when my regular ride wasn't available. But most of all, no more hearing him and my mother argue.
BIG BROTHER ..MAY YOU REST IN PEACE! LOVE YOU ALWAYS!
My brother Jesse ...RIP!
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January 1, 2006
I rang in the New Year over my niece's house. This party was already pre-planned but due to my brother's passing we thought that the party was a rap. But my niece (my brother's daughter) said she was OK with the party, so we had it. My big brother would have wanted us to have the party. It was a small crowd, mostly family. This party was nothing like the ones my niece's usually have. Her parties get kinda of wild lol! But this one was quiet, just the girls and family, drinking, reflecting on my brother's life and just having a good time. My beau spinned the 1 and 2's.
OK enough family time for me, on to my friend's party. Around 1ish I went over to my friend's house Tisha. She had one heck of a party. Whooooaaaa ...lots of men lol!! Just what I needed to unwind. I got a little crazy lol! NO my beau wasnt there, remember he's @ my nieces spinning the CD's lol! If he was there I would not have been able to let loose. Don't get me wrong, I aint talking dancing with a lampshade on my head lmao! Just a little flirty with the stripper that was there lol! He stripped down to his undies for me and gave me a lap dance.
I left around 4 because I had to bring the truck back so my beau could load his equipment. I got home around 4:30. Overall, I had a good time. Just what I needed for the days ahead.
January 8, 2006
Well it's Sunday and I'm here typing away on my computer. My brother was laid to rest January 5, 2006. The funeral was nice. He received a proclamation from the Mayor of Newark, Sharpe James. He declared January 5, 2006 Jesse Taylor Eatman Day in Newark. That was a nice honor, my mother was so proud.
January 10, 2006
Well today I finally decided to get on a scale. I was kind of disappointed. I weighted in @ 225. The last time i weighted in @ 268 which was in September. That's only 43lbs difference. I started out @ 294. I guess I'm a slow loser. I know I should be proud because that's a total lost of 71lbs. I went to a size 26 to some 16s. I guess I'm comparing my weight lost to others. Some folks lost a lot more than 70lbs in five months. I dont see me in the century club @ 6 months out. But I guess it's my fault. I could do better. Getting in more exercise, drinking more water and uping my protein. That's going to be my New Year's resolution to get serious about exercising.
I just wanted to vent a little. I'll try to keep you posted. God Bless
340/294 before WLS
294/268/225
January 30, 2006
I'm here at work doing nothing so I decided to update my journal. I had a good weekend. I went to a weekend party in Princeton. I had a blast. But first my WOW moment...
Friday I went to get a pedicure. I was always uncomfortable getting pedicure. I'm always thinking that folks are looking at me because I'm fat. "Oh look at the fat lady getting a pedicure". But that wasn't the case this time, I'm no longer that fat lady. I actually felt like regular folks. I didn't have problems getting in the chair, I fit in the chair comfortable, and I was able to lift my legs better. While I was in the chair, one of the young operators in the shop noticed me and asked "you lost weight ....u look nice". That made me feel so good.
As I stated earlier, I went to a weekend party. It was nice, I had a good time. Let me start off by saying this ...I still go to BBW parties. Even thought I'm losing weight, I still consider myself a BBW. A lot of women there were much bigger then me ...but they have a lot of confidence in them. I admire that about them. I had a lil confidence in me when I was bigger, but I held back a lot. Not these women. They were big, proud, sexy and wasn't no shame in there game. They really put their sexuality out there. I have to give them their props for that.
That being said, Friday night I got pissy drunk. I will never do that again. I've drank since WLS and it never effected me like that. The room was actually spinning and I couldnt focus. All I had was two shoot of something Erica gave me (damn you Erica lol!!). I was done. I couldn't do anything but sit there and try to get my composure together. If I stood up, I would have fallen flat on my butt lol! So finally, I drank two glasses of water and was able to walk to my room. I laid down for a bit ...about twenty minutes later I was fine so I went back to the party. NEVER AGAIN LOL!
June 15, 2006
Wow it has been awhile since I posted. I feel kind of guility because I have not been on this site in a while. I like the new changes on this site. I had a hard time trying to find my profile. I have to familarize myself with the new changes and all.
There's not much to update except I'm closing in on my 1 year anniversity. Wow... it's been almost year since I had surgery. I'm still losing weight but slowly. That's to be expected. I'm down to a 14 now and probably can fit some 12 depending on the cut. Avenue's 14 are to big for me. I've been enjoying shopping at other stores; Target, Conway, Old Navy, etc. It feels so good not having to shop in the plus size department.
I still can't eat a lot, which is good. I only dumped once and it wasn't on sweets. Oh my, what an episode lol! I meant to log that in my journal a few months ago, but never got around to doing it. So here it goes....
About three months ago, I was eating Wendy's chili while tapping away at my computer. I washed it down with some water, then I had a few hands of popcorn. Well a few minutes later my stomach cramped up. I brushed it off thinking it was just gas or something or maybe I ate too much. I went to bed, woke up, my stomach was still cramping but worst. Oh no, I think I'm dumping. My heart beat was racing, I was sweating and nausea. It was the worst thing I experienced since WLS lol! My question; what did I dump on? Was it the chili that I've eaten since WLS with no avail. Was it the popcorn, did a kernel get stuck? Or maybe I drank my water to close after eating. Needless to say, I have not touched Wendy's chili ever since lol!
Here's a recent pic of me @ 210lbs. I have to say, I'm looking kinda good there lol! I don't have a problem tootiing my own horn. My mind has caught up to my new body. I have more confidence in myself and it's a good feeling. Now I have to get my ass in the gym to tone up. Next week I'm going to check out Curves. There one around the corner from my job which is convenient for me.