pinky0624
January 2007 started my weight loss journey. I saw a program on the Research channel about mini gastric bypass surgery and was hooked. I started researching my options.
May 2007 called my PCP for a referral. Made my appointment and had my blood work done. They referred me to Dr. Roy Cobean in Portland, Maine. He has a huge waiting list so I asked to see a surgeon in Augusta, Maine. After researching a bit I chickened out and withdrew my referral.
June 2007 got my courage back and asked to be re-referred to Dr. Roy Cobean. I hear he's the best in the state from several of his very happy patients. He also comes from a Center of Excellence. So here we go!
July 2007 received my first letter from the Bariatric Group with my initial instructions. I needed to go online and fill out a questionaire and then wait.
July 19, 2007 received my second letter from the Bariatric Group with new instructions for while I wait for my initial appointment. I am to go to WW if I haven't already done so (done that), see a NUT if I haven't already done so (done that too), start an exercise program and work up to 4 days a week for a half hour each (do that), document my food intake for 3 days for the NUT (done that), they think I may have sleep apnea so asked that I look into that (did that), go to 1 mandatory group support session (done several). By the way it takes 6 to 8 months to get the first visit!
September 6, 2007 had my sleep apnea test. I must be ok as they didn't put the mask on me. They said my oxygen levels looked great so am now waiting for my follow up visit to get my actual results.
September 20, 2007 called Dr. Cobean's office because I've done all my chores and was wondering when I would get an appointment. I can't even get an appointment until February or March with a surgery estimate of July or August. The lady I spoke with was very nice and sympathetic but was not able to give me a date that far in advance. I came back here to OH.com and searched the Maine site and found some wonderful references for Dr. Jamie Loggin in Lewiston, Maine. I called his office and spoke with Kim and she was wonderful. She told me to call my PCP and have them send over my information and they probably could see me in a few weeks and not months.
September 21, 2007 I received a phone call from Kim at Dr. Loggin's office and I have my first appointment scheduled for October 12, 2007 at 8:00 am. I am so excited! I can't wait to see them. I'm on my way!
I saw this on hk25carter's site and loved it. I want to lose the world's largest ball of tape or a small horse.
Your weight loss =
1 pound = a Guinea Pig
1.5 pounds = a dozen Krispy Kreme glazed donuts
2 pounds = a rack of baby back ribs
3 pounds = an average human brain
4 pounds = an ostrich egg
5 pounds = a Chihuahua
6 pounds = a human’s skin
7.5 pounds = an average newborn
8 pounds = a human head
10 pounds= chemical additives an American consumes each year
11 pounds = an average housecat
12 pounds = a Bald Eagle
15 pounds = 10 dozen large eggs
16 pounds = a sperm whale’s brain
20 pounds = an automobile tire
23 pounds = amount of pizza an average American eats in a year
24 pounds = a 3-gallon tub of super premium ice cream
25 pounds = an average 2 year old
30 pounds = amount of cheese an average American eats in a year
33 pounds = a cinder block
36 pounds = a mid-size microwave
40 pounds = a 5-gallon bottle of water or an average human leg
44 pounds = an elephant’s heart
50 pounds = a small bale of hay
55 pounds = a 5000 BTU air conditioner
60 pounds = an elephant’s penis (yep, weights more than his heart!)
66 pounds = fats and oils an average American eats in a year
70 pounds = an Irish Setter
77 pounds = a gold brick
80 pounds = the World’s Largest Ball of Tape
90 pounds = a newborn calf
100 pounds = a 2 month old horse
111 pounds = red meat an average American eats in a year
117 pounds = an average fashion model (and she’s 5’11”)
118 pounds = the complete Encyclopedia Britannica
120 pounds = amount of trash you throw away in a month
130 pounds = a newborn giraffe
138 pounds = potatoes an average American eats in a year
140 pounds = refined sugar an average American eats in a year
144 pounds = an average adult woman (and she’s 5’4”)
150 pounds = the complete Oxford English Dictionary
187 pounds = an average adult man
200 pounds = 2 Bloodhounds
235 pounds = Arnold Schwarzenegger
300 pounds = an average football lineman
400 pounds = a Welsh pony
You know you've had WLS when:
-"I have a date" doesn't mean you are going out.
- "I'm a loser" is a good thing.
- "Welcome to the other side" does not mean you have died.
- You love the taste of Chewable Centrum Rug Rats Vitamins or biting the head off of Wilma.
- When the word lap has nothing to do with a strip club!!
- When it's not Vikings vs. Bears but lap vs. open!
- When "No, I couldn't eat another bite" really has a deeper meaning!
- When you have to prove you are you on your license!
- When Saying you're "open" doesn't mean your gay!
- When you run you don't hear a flapping noise.....oh wait you still do.....but at least you are running!
- Vitamins and calcium feel like a meal.
- You've lost 100 pounds, and someone who hasn't seen you in a while says, "Did you change your hair?"
- When you bend over and see daylight through your thighs.
- You can cross your legs!
- When you walk by a mirror and say to yourself "Who is that?"
- When the Sharpei you pass on the street reminds you of someone you know....Yourself!!
- When your hand will fit in the Pringles can again, but you don't want any.
- When the thought of an "all you can eat" buffet makes you want to throw up!
- No more cracked toilet seats!
- When your spandex shorts are used for "jogging," and not merely used as an anti-chaffing device.
- People who know you are concerned that you are working out too much.
- Running into old flames, and saying "Do I know you?"
- You look forward to flirting with the new cute phlebotomist at your doctor's office.
- You turn on the morning show just to see Al Roker!
- You are actually bold enough to not only admit your weight, but post it on the internet!
- When you call Lane Bryant and cancel your credit card.
- You have to start putting your name in your underwear again because you get them mixed up with your kids.
- People stop asking you to bring something to the pot lucks because they know you will only bring a salad.
- When you spend more time reading product labels for protein and carb content than you do reading any books.
October 12, 2007 I had my first appointment with Dr. Jamie Loggins. His staff is wonderful and made me feel very comfortable. I first met with Melissa. She brought me in and weighed me and took my vitals. Then I was off to watch a short video about RNY. After I went back and saw Robin. She asked me a lot of health questions and made sure I was aware of the complications and risks. She was awesome. Great sense of humor. After our visit Dr. Loggins came in and introduced himself and asked if I had any questions for him. I showed him the book I've started with all my notes and important information. After they left Crystal came in to update me on the process and inform me of the upcoming appointments I need to complete. Dr. Loggins was impressed with my initiative and thought I'd get thru the process pretty quickly. I need to complete the following: History and Physical (scheduled for October 23), Mammo which has already been done. Just need to fax it to the office. Nutrition class (scheduled for October 22) and my 15 year old son is going with me so he can understand the process too. Lab/blood work (scheduled for October 17) I hate fasting. Chest x-ray, right upper quadrant ultrasound, EKG, Echocardiogram, Sleep study (already done September 6), Pulmonary Function Test, ABG, New Patient Orientation (already did June 6). They recommend I do another one as the seminar has changed. PHEW I have a lot to do in a short amount of time. I'm up to the challange. I exercise 4 times a week for a 1/2 hour already. I walk at work or do my Leslie Sansone walking DVD's.
October 22, 2007 I went to the three hour nutrition class. There was a lot of information packed into a short amount of time. I learned a tremendous amount about food and nutrition. Corinne showed up samples of food along with test tubes filled with fat or sugar depending on the food. It was an eye opener as to how much crap I consumer. I thought I was eating ok but not really. Corinne gave us each a packet of information. In that information I am to fill out a daily food and exercise diary. We have to list the amount exactly, calories, protein, time of day and hunger level. There is also a section for what we do for exercise and how long. She wants exact measurements and numbers. I'll have to start weighing and measuring everything I put in my mouth. This will take some getting used to. I was told at the office that I have 5 out of 6 appointments scheduled for October 29th. The only thing after that is the psych. appointment, the one on one visit with Corinne and the echocardiogram. It's going very quickly. I also got a weight while I was there. After 10 days I'm down 5 pounds!
October 29, 2007 I went to CMMC for some more appointments. I had my EKG, PFT, ABG (they take blood from the artery - ouch!), chest x-ray and upper quadrant ultrasound. I went over to Dr. Loggins office because I hadn't received a phone call with my nutrition appointment. While I was there I jumped on the scale. I weigh 227. My NUT appointment is scheduled for Tuesday, November 27th. I hope I pass the first time. I'd really like to have my surgery around Christmas. I go Thursday, November 1st for my follow up on my sleep apnea test. I go Wednesday, November 7th for my echocardiogram, psych. evaluation and informational seminar.
Thanks Cruz4dlord for posting this in a reply to a Tylenol question:
DRUGS THAT CAN DAMAGE THE POUCH:
Advil
Aleve
Amigesic
Anacin
Anaprox
Ansald
Anthra-G
Arthropan
Ascriptin
Aspirin
Asproject
Azolid
Bextra
Bufferin
Butazolidin
Celebrex
Clinorial
Darvon compounds
Disalcid
Dolobid
Erythromycin
Equagesic
Feldene
Fiorinal
Ibuprofin
Indocin
Ketoprofen
Lodine
Meclomen
Midol
Motrin
Nalfon
Naprosyn
Nayer
Orudis
Oruval
Pamprin-IB
Percodan
Ponstel
Rexolate
Tandearil
Tetracycline
Tolecin
Uracel
Vioxx (off market...not safe for anyone)
Voltaren
ALL "NSAIDS" (*see below for the Cox 2 Inhibitors)
DRUGS THAT ARE CONSIDERED SAFE:
Bendaryl
Tylenol
Dimetap
Robitussin
Safetussin
Sudafed
Triaminics (All)
Tylenol (cold products)
Tylenol Ex Strength
Gas-X
Phazyme
Imodium Ad
Colace
Dulcolax-Suppositories
Fleet Enema
Glycerin-Suppositories
Milk of Magnesia
Peri-Colace
October 30, 2007 received a phone call from the lab stating they had run the wrong tests for my stool and I have to redo 2 out of the 3 previous samples. So I go back to the lab and pick up more stuff. I hate this part and I felt really embarassed to bring in my you know what to these people and now I have to do it again! I have to say this is the worse part of the whole proceedure. So much for dignity.
November 1, 2007 had follow up visit for my sleep apnea test. The short version is I have very mild sleep apnea that he feels will subside completely after surgery. I do not need further appointments or a cpap machine. That's good news. I won't have to spend anymore money on that! All these appointments are adding up!
November 7, 2007 had my appointment with the psych. Her name is Holly Stewart and she is fabulous. I had a wonderful visit with her and she said there is no doubt I'm ready for this life change. I left there on cloud 9. Beyond the psych. she is a really neat person. I'd love to hang out with her! After I had my echocardiogram. It wasn't what I expected. It was like an ultrasound of my heart. Everything looks good! Had some time to kill so did some shopping before the orientation. I've already been thru the orientation but I didn't sign in so they requested I do it again. I'm glad I did because they have introduced a video to the program. It was very informative and educational. Also, the plastic surgeon was there to so a presentation and answer questions. It was a wicked long day but well worth it. Last thing is my NUT appointment on the 27th. Again, I hope I pass the first time. I've already lost weight so will wait and see. I hear there is a minimum of two appointments but I'm hoping for one.
November 27, 2007 had my one on one with Corinne the nutritionist. She is amazing. She is extremely knowledgeable and I enjoyed our chat. We went over my journals and tweeked where I could improve. She gave me a ton of information to read along with some protein samples. She was impressed with my success so far. I've lost 10 pounds since October 12th. We set some goals: 1200-1400 calories per day (which I mostly do now), up to 85 oz. of fluids (I currently get 64 oz.), exercise 40 minutes 4 to 5 days a week (I do 20 mins. a day 3 or 4 days a week) and make sure I have at least 80 grams of protein a day (that's no problem!). So all in all I'm doing great and she sees no reason not to release me on our next visit which is January 2, 2008 at 8:00 am! So five more weeks of journaling. It's becoming pretty routine now. I feel I still need to work on eating slower. Corinne also feels I should have great success. I'd have to screw up pretty bad to mess things up, which I will not do!
January 2, 2008 had to postpone my nutrition appointment due to the snow. Sort of glad cuz I didn't do so hot over the holidays. I've been rescheduled for January 16, 2008 at 4:00 pm. I'm really hoping to get a February surgery date. If I get my way it will be February 11, 2008.
January 16, 2008 had my follow up with Corinne. I'm down 14 pounds since October 12, 2007 and that is great considering we had Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas in there. She approved me and now I'm moving to the next step. I need to get copies of my mammogram, labs and EKG. I'll have those in by Monday and she will present my case on Tuesday. It will then be sent for insurance approval and hopefully that will be back within a week. I'm still on track for a February surgery. I can't tell you how emotionally high I am right now!
January 21, 2008 found out today I am missing some bloodwork so my case will not be reviewed tomorrow the 22nd. I had the office fax over the bloodwork order.
January 22, 2008 went to have the final bloodwork done. They have to send it out so won't be back for a few days.
January 28, 2008 called Dr. Loggin's office to find out if the bloodwork has come back yet. They are still missing one of the tests.
January 29, 2008 called Dr. Loggin's office again and they did receive the other bloodwork. My case is being reviewed today.
February 1, 2008 called Dr. Loggin's office to see if my case has been sent to insurance. Crystal has been sick all week so am hoping it will be sent on Monday.
February 4, 2008 called Dr. Loggin's office to see if my case has been sent. Crystal was busy so will call me back. Crystal called in the afternoon to say it is being faxed over this afternoon. Anthem usually takes 72 hours to approve but the last couple have taken longer. I hope to have an answer by Friday. She said they are scheduling surgeries 2 weeks out right now.
February 11, 2008 got a call from Dr. Loggin's office I had been approved. Surgery is set for Monday, February 18, 2008. I have a pre-op appointment with Dr. Loggins on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at 2:00 pm and a pre-admission appointment with CMMC at 8:00 am Thursday, February 14, 2008.
February 12, 2008 had my pre-op visit with Dr. Loggins. He went over all the legal stuff about surgery. He wanted to make sure I understood all the risks and such. Crystal came in to go over the meds I will need post op and to go over my bowel prep. ICKY!!! I will need to give myself injections after surgery to prevent blood clots. Shouldn't be too bad.
February 14, 2008 had my preadmission tests done. They did an EKG, Chest X-ray, Bloodwork and had to pee in a cup. They took my vitals and asked lots of questions and went over my rights, etc. It was about an hour and a half visit. The staff was very nice.
February 15, 2008 called CMMC surgery to find out my surgery time. It's at 11:45 am and I have to be there at 9:45 am.
I'm feeling very nervous and excited about this journey and can't wait for it to be over so I can get used to my new self.
February 18, 2008 arrived at the hospital around 8:30 am for my 11:45 am surgery. We got there early as there was a storm, which turned out to be just rain. They were ahead of schedule so they started prepping me and I left the room at 9:30. I don't remember much after that. In recovery I heard them say my name and I remember responding. I was back in my room around 5:30 pm. I had some scar tissue on my pancreas so that took Dr. Loggins about a half hour to take care of. I was very groggy when I woke up. Later that evening I got up to walk. I made it as far as my door and then back to bed. The pain wasn't horrible but it did hurt. I got nauseous and they put something in my IV and it went away. I woke up around 1 am and walked again. This time I made it to the nurses station and back.
February 19, 2008 day after surgery. I was up and about quite a bit. I used my morphine pump after each walk. It took the edge off. Tanya and Kathi came to visit. It was great to see them. The hospital was very noisy. It was very hard to get any rest. Couldn't wait to have something to drink. I was quite thirsty but couldn't drink until I had the leak test on Wednesday.
February 20, 2008 had my leak test first thing in the morning. I had to drink some funky stuff as they watched it go thru me. No leaks so Dr. Loggins gave me the go ahead to have some water. Got back to my room and they gave me 4 1 ounce cups of water and said to drink each one within 15 minutes and to have them all gone in an hour. After 2 cups I was so full. Over the course of the day I drank 16 of the little 1 ounce cups. Rochelle came to pick me up around 6:30 pm to go home. I couldn't wait to sleep in my own bed. We went to Rite Aid to fill my pain med prescription and not a moment too soon. I was in so much pain I took the meds in the Rite Aid. After about 15 minutes I felt great and the ride home was a breeze. I slept pretty good too. I got up during the night for more pain meds.
August 14, 2008 had my six month follow up with Dr. Loggins and his staff. I am down 70 pounds total - 60 since surgery. That equals 73% of my excess body weight and he says success is 60-80% so I am ahead of the game. I am wearing a size 12 pant and large top. My ring size has also gone down. I can now stop taking Previcid, Actigall and my iron. I am to increase my multi-vitamin to twice a day. My hair has stopped falling out so will be able to stop the zinc and biotin when the pills are gone. I feel very lucky as to not have any complications. I feel great. My biggest complaint is I'm cold a lot and he said my body will adjust to that too.
Today is October 2, 2012. I'm 4.5 years out. I did great the first 2 years and now I'm up 45 pounds. I'm still less than my starting weight but I'm having a real struggle getting the weight back off. I'm journeling my food and exercising more. I'm researching a revision. A little over 2 years ago I had some issues at work and stopped walking during my lunch break. That was when the weight gain began. 20 pounds each year since. I've been thru too much to gain it back and am fighting hard to loose it again.
