Noelle R.

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Hi all 

I havent been on in a while. I must say things are going well and it is hard to believe it has been 3 1/2 months.  This is a learning experience for sure and just when you think you got it all mastered....... it throws you a curve ball.......

I am down 50 lbs since surgery (June 18th) and 66 lbs since June 1st.  It is hard to believe.  I am down 3 sizes and cannot believe it.  I havent been this size in years.   I feel great, and have so much more energy.  I sleep much better.....walk much better......etc........
I am losing my hair now       and not liking it very much, but I know it will pass.

It is nice to finally be on the losing side.

Thanks for all your support     

 Sunday July 15th

I start Purees tomorrow.  I cannot wait.......woohooo!!!






Wednesday July 4th

Happy "4th" of July everyone!  I am 2 Weeks & 2 days Post Op.....I am doing well .........13lbs down.  It's hard to believe it has been two weeks.  I am getting a little tired of liquids now......lol....cannot wait to start purees......lol



Sunday June 24th

Just wanted to write a quick note to let you know my surgery went well and I am now home getting stronger each day.  Thanks so much for all your prayers and support. Love Noelle

N	Natural
O	Orderly
E	Enjoyable
L	Legendary
L	Lovable
E	Entertaining

My journey began in June 2005. I went to Mass General Hospital Weight Management program. The doctors told me I was a perfect candidate, but I was not ready.   In June 2006 I began to research different hospitals to try and figure out if Gastric Bypass was for me. I went to Mass General, Tufts New England Medical Center, Lawrence Memorial, and Winchester Hospital. I was most impressed with the Surgeon and program at Winchester Hospital. So I began researching the surgeon, Dr. Ameri.  I was really impressed with the results.  I then had my first appointment with Dr. Ameri at Winchester Hospital in November 2006 and decided to go ahead with the surgery. I just love him. Now I had lots of work to do. I had to quit smoking, have all my medical clearance appointments and try to watch my diet. 

All of medical clearance appointments were done by December 2006. Then I had to switch insurance companies in January 2007. I switched from Tufts to Blue Cross, because at the time My company was not allowing Tufts to cover the surgery under my plan. Then in February 2007 is when Tufts announced they would no longer cover Bariatric Surgery unless you went through their plan first.   

On March 20th, My surgeon's office called me to let me know I had been approved and that I could be scheduled for surgery on May 14th.  However Dr. Ameri requests that all patients quit smoking a minumum of two months before and I had been cheating.  So I told the nurse to schedule for the next available date which was not until June 18th.....ugh.....so mad at myself for not quitting, I really didnt want to wait until June.  but I had no choice it was my own fault.  
I then received a confirmation letter from my surgeon's office of my Insurance approval.  Now My Surgeon's office had scheduled me for an upper GI and ultrasound on March 28, 2007.  Those tests went smoothly. Now it was just the waiting.....

On April 16th I officially quit smoking for real.  My Primary care gave me Chantix (a new drug to stop smoking).  So at least it was 9 weeks before the surgery.  I began having trouble with fluid retention and my ankles were swelling on and off.  
On May 1st I started walking on my breaks at work
and then trying some different Protein Shakes.  

By May 3rd,  My ankles were so swollen, it was hard to walk.  I went to the Doctors, they did all blood tests, etc and luckily they found nothing wrong.  I had gained 8 lbs since April 16th.   Only 3 weeks since I quit smoking. My Doctor thinks it is caused from the stop smoking medication. (because that seems to be when the swelling began).  I think it is a combination of the medicine, the heat, and my 8 lb weight gain so quickly.  I believe my body just cannot handle any more weight.

So at this point I was a bit discouraged.  I really dont want Dr. Ameri to cancel my surgery date.  I went to Dr. Ameri's support group on May 8th and explained to him what was going on and how I have gained weight.   I wanted to be as honest as I could with him and tell him that I was definitely having a party..... like it was the last supper.  He suggested I start my liquid now and said the healthier you are going into surgery the better of you will be and you are going to do just fine, He really is so wonderful!  I asked if I could use HMR Health Management program and he said yes.  He referred me to a colleague of his.  So on May 9th I met with a dietician who gave me a plan. I can have fruits & vegetables and one meal if I choose to.  I began today Wednesday June 10th.  I am a bit of an emotional mess but other than that I am fine.....lol......I will begin Stage 1 on June 4th (which is liquid only). which will be 2 weeks prior to my surgery date.

My surgery date is now 5 + weeks away!

I had all my Pre-Opt testing today Tuesday May 29, 2007.  This is finally becoming a reality and I am getting cold feet.  all this preperation up to this point and now I am less than 3 Weeks away.  I am excited, nervous, apprehensive, scared, and very emotional.

Today is Monday June 11th and I am exactly 7 days away from the big day.  I cannot believe it.   I am on my liquid diet and have lost 11 lbs, so I am happy about that.  I cannot believe the day is almost here and finally becoming a reality.   I am still very nervous, apprehensive, and emotional.  I cannot wait until I can put this chapter behind me!

I will continue writing soon.