Robin Holmes
Oh Life's continuous roller coaster
Nov 14, 2007
Hi All,
Well lets see, some things have changed since the last time I posted. My friend Hellen had her surgery and is doing great, she is already experiencing all the wonderful Wow moments we all go through after weight loss surgery. My sister decided not to move back to Charleston but she has to do what she feels is best for herself and her family. I do miss her but I guess it's for the best. I've lost 110lbs now and I'm officially in a size 8 (I can still fit some 10s though). My relationships with family members seem to be changing. I was in fear of that the most after the surgery. I heard about so many friendships and relationships crumbling after surgery but never wanted it to happen to me. It's so strange how we can feel so alone when overweight then still feel so alone after weight loss. I'm very lucky to have a hand full of people in my life who truly understand what I'm going through and love me no matter what. They know who they are and I thank you!! I guess overall life if pretty good. I've got a great job, my kids are growing up happy and healthy and doing great in school and I'm living a pretty happy life right now. I'm holding on to see where this crazy journey called life is going to take me next. Thank you GOD for loving me enough to keep me here to continue doing YOUR work.
Well lets see, some things have changed since the last time I posted. My friend Hellen had her surgery and is doing great, she is already experiencing all the wonderful Wow moments we all go through after weight loss surgery. My sister decided not to move back to Charleston but she has to do what she feels is best for herself and her family. I do miss her but I guess it's for the best. I've lost 110lbs now and I'm officially in a size 8 (I can still fit some 10s though). My relationships with family members seem to be changing. I was in fear of that the most after the surgery. I heard about so many friendships and relationships crumbling after surgery but never wanted it to happen to me. It's so strange how we can feel so alone when overweight then still feel so alone after weight loss. I'm very lucky to have a hand full of people in my life who truly understand what I'm going through and love me no matter what. They know who they are and I thank you!! I guess overall life if pretty good. I've got a great job, my kids are growing up happy and healthy and doing great in school and I'm living a pretty happy life right now. I'm holding on to see where this crazy journey called life is going to take me next. Thank you GOD for loving me enough to keep me here to continue doing YOUR work.
Ok just a quick post
Sep 16, 2007
Hi all,
Just wanted to drop a quick line about what's going on with me for those who are keeping track. Hee hee!
As of today I have lost 100lbs! I'm 8 mths out. I went from a size 24 to a size 10. From a 42 inch waist to a size 30. I feel great! I have lots of energy and can do so much more. Thank GOD and Dr.Bryne for my new life.
I'm so full right now, not of food but of GOD's love...
Aug 11, 2007
Hello all,
I just had to drop a quick line to say that my friend Hellen got approved for surgery after about a year of battling the insurance company. I'm so happy for her and wanted to share it with all my friends. I'm doing well, a little trouble with stomach ulcers but nothing that prilosec is not clearing up for me. I'm down 90 lbs and feeling great. I'm down to a size 12 (almost a 10) was a size 24. Life is good, I just got a promotion on my job and everything in life seems to be falling in place now. My sister called me and said she is moving back to Charleston from Virginia and is moving in the same area as me. I'm super excited to have my sister back and my nieces and nephew. Life is truly good right now and I give GOD all the glory and praise. Hope all is well with all of you and thanks for listening.
I just had to drop a quick line to say that my friend Hellen got approved for surgery after about a year of battling the insurance company. I'm so happy for her and wanted to share it with all my friends. I'm doing well, a little trouble with stomach ulcers but nothing that prilosec is not clearing up for me. I'm down 90 lbs and feeling great. I'm down to a size 12 (almost a 10) was a size 24. Life is good, I just got a promotion on my job and everything in life seems to be falling in place now. My sister called me and said she is moving back to Charleston from Virginia and is moving in the same area as me. I'm super excited to have my sister back and my nieces and nephew. Life is truly good right now and I give GOD all the glory and praise. Hope all is well with all of you and thanks for listening.
Hello OH family,
Jul 12, 2007
Sorry I don't get to update my blog much. Once I started feeling better, I hit the ground running and don't want to look back. I feel so much better and have so much more energy now. I'm back to work and enjoying life so much more. My health has improved so much and I can really see the benefits of having the surgery now. I still turn red and blush when people call me skinny now. It's hard to believe they are talking about me! I truly thought I'd never hear anyone refer to me that way again for the rest of my life. I noticed that some people tend to look me up and down a bit longer than I'd like now. I enjoy so many new things that I can do, it's almost like GOD has given me a new body and I just try new things to see what this smaller body can do. I love crossing my legs and hoping up on counter tops now just because I can do it. I like the way I look in most clothes and feel like people are finally seeing me instead of my weight. It's so much easier to get out of the bathtub now and I can wrap the bath towel around me like they do on TV and it fits! I can actually feel the bones in my hips when I lay down and feel my collar bone when I'm sitting up straight. OK so I lost all my butt, my thighs have saggy skin, my boobs are like deflated balloons and I have bat wings hanging from my upper arm but hell I'll still take that over what I had before. Thanks for listening and I hope to see some of you at the conference in Atlanta in September.
I know, I know, long time no post...
Apr 30, 2007
Well, it's been a long difficult 4 months filled with many ups and downs, tons of tears and fears but once again our FATHER GOD has pulled me through. I had my feeding tube removed today after 1 month of TPN bags and needles and nurses coming to my home. I appreciate what having the feeding tube did for me. I truly believe that without it I may have starved myself to death and not even have recognized it. I was unable to eat or drink and was trying to survive on things like 1 grape in 24 hrs or 3 sips of water in 48 hrs. That is all behind me now. I feel great, I'm able to eat just about anything I choose (in very, very small quantities) and I'm ready to begin my new life. I'm down 59 lbs today in just under 4 mths so I think that's great. I will still tell anyone who is planning to have this surgery to really think about and weigh all the risk because complications can happen to you too. Make sure you are prepared for the what if? Thank GOD I have a job that was willing to let me be off the entire 4 mths and I still have a job to go back to. Thank GOD for short-term disability pay as well because I may have depleated my savings or lost everything I own if it were not for that. Those of course were things I did not plan on when I set my surgery date and was approved. My family really pulled together but they suffered during this time as well. I always thought that after the surgery I would feel like I get to start life all over but I can tryly say that I have been given a second chance at life and this time I don't plan on blowing it. Talk at cha soon!
Quick update on how things are going....
Feb 22, 2007
Long time no blog huh?
Well, I'm 1 month 2 weeks out and I'm down 40 lbs today. I had a few complications with stenosis (my hook-up closed) and not being able to eat/drink for about 2 weeks straight but 2 endoscopies later I'm eating and gaining more strength each day. I can see the difference in the way I look already and I'm able to button blouses that I haven't been able to wear in over a year. I have a wonderful support group (my wonderful Mom, husband, children, in-laws, Hellen, and several others). I even have my own personal cheering squad from my sisters. I believe that the difficult times are behind me and I am ready to move forward and figure out things I can/cannot eat and things that I can now do since the weight is coming off. I was actually able to put on a pair of my husbands lounge pants this morning to take the kids to school. I have never been able to fit his pants before so that was huge for me! Well, I'll update later. Talk at cha soon.
Well, I'm 1 month 2 weeks out and I'm down 40 lbs today. I had a few complications with stenosis (my hook-up closed) and not being able to eat/drink for about 2 weeks straight but 2 endoscopies later I'm eating and gaining more strength each day. I can see the difference in the way I look already and I'm able to button blouses that I haven't been able to wear in over a year. I have a wonderful support group (my wonderful Mom, husband, children, in-laws, Hellen, and several others). I even have my own personal cheering squad from my sisters. I believe that the difficult times are behind me and I am ready to move forward and figure out things I can/cannot eat and things that I can now do since the weight is coming off. I was actually able to put on a pair of my husbands lounge pants this morning to take the kids to school. I have never been able to fit his pants before so that was huge for me! Well, I'll update later. Talk at cha soon.
What to expect in the hospital
Jan 15, 2007
Thank you all so much for the encouragement and understanding. I received a personal email from one of our friends here as well who had her surgery in Feb 2006 with Dr.Morgan who had a very similar experience at MUSC. Please make sure you bring a family member or very close friend to the hospital with you and make sure someone can stay almost all day and night. You will need the help and someone who can speak up for you. I don't expect anyone to change their mind about the surgery due to my post but I do want you to be armed with as much helpful information as you can get so that you can be well prepared. I didn't even use my MP3 player the whole time I was there, I didn't put on my pretty robe until the last day because I had 2 IV sites the whole time and couldn't get my robe on over the tubes. My slippers did not come into play until day 3 since they give you the gorgeous slip free socks to wear (they were great though, I kept them on to keep my feet warm and I didn't have to worry about finding my slippers that were often kicked under the bed by accident by the IV pump/nurses/doctors. I didn't wear under garments the whole time so don't bother to bring any more than what you can use to wear home. I loved having my Bath and Body works shower gels/lotions/lip balm. The smell of the fruit helped to make me feel happier and more awake when I was able to "sponge bathe". No immediate showers and you will feel a bit gross especially if your drain leaks as much as mine did! The nurses had to change my gowns 3 times a day. They also are very concerned about you getting diabetes while you are in the hospital and come in every 31/2 to 4 hours to prick your finger. I had to actually be given insulin 3 times while I was in there. That was scary since I don't have diabetes. My poor fingers looked like I had some miniature form of chicken pox on each finger. They also gave me several shots of blood thinner directly into my stomach, I didn't feel the shots since my stomach was already numb. It's actually still numb in some places now and I'm 11 days out. A nice hair net or pretty head scarf will make you feel better since you cant prevent the bed head look. Bring your toothbrush and mouthwash and a good tongue scraper. I couldn't wait to brush my teeth after I passed the swallow test. You'll get to wet your mouth with what looks like a sponge on a toothbrush stick, up until you pass the swallow test and boy does it feel good. The swallow test was not bad at all, it doesn't taste gross it just looks like milk and has a slight strawberry taste. You'll be so happy to get some liquid in your mouth that it will be welcome. The toughest part was standing up straight even though your stomach feels like you've been kicked by a kangaroo! It's cool to see your little pouch on the screen and how cool it looks when you swallow something. It literally looks like a small round egg!! The first thing you are given as a meal is 6 small containers (about the size restaurants give you ketchup or dipping sauce in) of grape, pineapple, and apple juice. The containers are not even half full each but it will seem like too much even to look at. I suffered from terrible nausea so the last thing I wanted to see and smell was something sweet but they forced me to drink one cup and it came right back up!!! That was the most painful thing I've ever gone through. Walking the halls was ok, it was nice to see something other than my room but it feels a bit unpleasant with the drain tube and bulb sticking out. Oh, and don't be afraid to ask for a pillow as you are leaving, the carpet has a few small bumps that you have to go over in the wheel chair which sting a bit when you hit it. The pillow softens the blow alot. I'm getting stronger each day and can't wait to be feeling back to myself and eating solid food. If you haven't had the surgery yet, think about foods you may want to eat and think about how many days you plan to eat it. I'm already tired of all baby food and if I have one more pureed fruit I'm going to scream! Broth is ok but gets boring (I should have brought more flavors and will have to have the hubby go buy more soon). I had my first dumping episode (pureed some ravioli that the kids were eating and forgot to read the ingredients, sugar was number one). I learned my lesson really quickly and sugar is now my worst enemy, it's literally poison to me now! Thanks for letting me continue to vent/express my emotions, I'm sure I'll be back soon to let more out. Thanks also for sticking with me through my journey.
The honest truth...
Jan 15, 2007
Hello all,
I am finally feeling well enough to write since my surgery on January 5th with the wonderful and talented Dr.Byrnes. He was absolutely great and is quite gentle once you really become his patient (I mean after the surgery is over). Now that I've sung his praises, I advise anyone who does not want to hear the truth to click off of this post because I feel it is my duty to tell the truth about what could happen to you. Ok I got the hospital at 5:48am (was due there at 6am, that means I'm first on the books). I checked in and was given my "information code" this is for family members to use when they call to check on your progress. I waited in the waiting room about 20 minutes with my family then was called back with 3 other people who were having different kinds of surgery that morning as well. My family was not allowed to go back with me at that point. They were told to wait in the waiting room and someone would come get them before I am taken back for surgery. Well, I got changed into my pretty hospital gown and was given a blue paper hat to wear as well. The nurse anesthesist came in as well as another nurse. They checked some paperwork and said they were going to start an IV. That's when the nightmare of the day began. I was poked 7 times (she could not find a vein at all) before I finally told her that she needed to call someone else (it hurt like crazy when she tried the wrist, and side of the hand) The actual anesthesiologist came in at that point and start looking for a spot in my FOOT (can you imagine my horror?). Right at that point Dr.Byrne came into the room (it is now about 7:43a) and ask why am I not in the OR yet? Everyone explained they could not start an IV line, being the cool Doc he is, he said, well roll her in and we will find one when she goes to sleep. Then the anesthesiologist said he will not put me to sleep until a IV line is established and kept looking at my FEET! Dr. B and the sleep Dr actually began to argue right there in front of me. Dr. B told him not to put an IV in my foot because I needed the compression bands as was high risk for blood clots. Then another anesthesiologist dude came in and said that he still wont allow me to be put to sleep until the MEDTRONIC rep comes and turns my pacemaker down to 50 beats a minute because he did not want to use the magnet to set my pacemaker to just pacing. Dr.Byrne walked out the room at that point. So the nurse called the MEDTRONIC rep Tammy Barnes but she did not come into the office until 8am!! Needless to say I had to wait until she came (it was 8:23a when she showed up). She turned my pacemaker down to 50 beats a minute (which hurts and makes me feel really terrible like I'm dying to be honest). So I say good-bye to my family (who was escorted back to see me while we waited for the MEDTRONIC rep) and thought I was on my way. Just then the first anesthesiologist tells me "I'm sorry but you will have to wait another 2 1/2 to 3 hours for surgery, Dr.Byrne's took the next case in the OR already". Yes, I was p@#$ed off at this point but feeling too bad to curse them out, well good ole Mom did it for me. She pitched a holy fit in that place and told them to make the MEDTRONIC rep get her @#$ back here and turn the pacemaker back on until it was my turn. So they did and I sent my family home since my son (7yrs old) began to cry because he was scared. I sat from 8:45a until 12:15p in the bed alone waiting to have surgery. I prayed so many times during that time for strength because I started many, many times to just leave and forget my dream of good health. Finally Dr.B came back and asked me if they had everything together and if I was ready for surgery. I told him to ask his staff and that I was ready when I walked in at 6am. I was finally rolled back about 12:30pm. I'm going to write about my hospital stay on my profile a little later explaining the pain, and one terrible nurse I had (SHE WAS THE CA NAMED ANDI, WATCH OUT FOR HER SHE IS A NASTY ONE, SHE WORKS THE NIGHT SHIFT AND HAS NO EMPATHY OR COMPASSION AS A NURSE). Thanks for listening you all, I'll write soon. I'm so tired all the time and really hate how I feel at this point. I know it will get better but this part stinks, I wasn't prepared to feel this way.
I am finally feeling well enough to write since my surgery on January 5th with the wonderful and talented Dr.Byrnes. He was absolutely great and is quite gentle once you really become his patient (I mean after the surgery is over). Now that I've sung his praises, I advise anyone who does not want to hear the truth to click off of this post because I feel it is my duty to tell the truth about what could happen to you. Ok I got the hospital at 5:48am (was due there at 6am, that means I'm first on the books). I checked in and was given my "information code" this is for family members to use when they call to check on your progress. I waited in the waiting room about 20 minutes with my family then was called back with 3 other people who were having different kinds of surgery that morning as well. My family was not allowed to go back with me at that point. They were told to wait in the waiting room and someone would come get them before I am taken back for surgery. Well, I got changed into my pretty hospital gown and was given a blue paper hat to wear as well. The nurse anesthesist came in as well as another nurse. They checked some paperwork and said they were going to start an IV. That's when the nightmare of the day began. I was poked 7 times (she could not find a vein at all) before I finally told her that she needed to call someone else (it hurt like crazy when she tried the wrist, and side of the hand) The actual anesthesiologist came in at that point and start looking for a spot in my FOOT (can you imagine my horror?). Right at that point Dr.Byrne came into the room (it is now about 7:43a) and ask why am I not in the OR yet? Everyone explained they could not start an IV line, being the cool Doc he is, he said, well roll her in and we will find one when she goes to sleep. Then the anesthesiologist said he will not put me to sleep until a IV line is established and kept looking at my FEET! Dr. B and the sleep Dr actually began to argue right there in front of me. Dr. B told him not to put an IV in my foot because I needed the compression bands as was high risk for blood clots. Then another anesthesiologist dude came in and said that he still wont allow me to be put to sleep until the MEDTRONIC rep comes and turns my pacemaker down to 50 beats a minute because he did not want to use the magnet to set my pacemaker to just pacing. Dr.Byrne walked out the room at that point. So the nurse called the MEDTRONIC rep Tammy Barnes but she did not come into the office until 8am!! Needless to say I had to wait until she came (it was 8:23a when she showed up). She turned my pacemaker down to 50 beats a minute (which hurts and makes me feel really terrible like I'm dying to be honest). So I say good-bye to my family (who was escorted back to see me while we waited for the MEDTRONIC rep) and thought I was on my way. Just then the first anesthesiologist tells me "I'm sorry but you will have to wait another 2 1/2 to 3 hours for surgery, Dr.Byrne's took the next case in the OR already". Yes, I was p@#$ed off at this point but feeling too bad to curse them out, well good ole Mom did it for me. She pitched a holy fit in that place and told them to make the MEDTRONIC rep get her @#$ back here and turn the pacemaker back on until it was my turn. So they did and I sent my family home since my son (7yrs old) began to cry because he was scared. I sat from 8:45a until 12:15p in the bed alone waiting to have surgery. I prayed so many times during that time for strength because I started many, many times to just leave and forget my dream of good health. Finally Dr.B came back and asked me if they had everything together and if I was ready for surgery. I told him to ask his staff and that I was ready when I walked in at 6am. I was finally rolled back about 12:30pm. I'm going to write about my hospital stay on my profile a little later explaining the pain, and one terrible nurse I had (SHE WAS THE CA NAMED ANDI, WATCH OUT FOR HER SHE IS A NASTY ONE, SHE WORKS THE NIGHT SHIFT AND HAS NO EMPATHY OR COMPASSION AS A NURSE). Thanks for listening you all, I'll write soon. I'm so tired all the time and really hate how I feel at this point. I know it will get better but this part stinks, I wasn't prepared to feel this way.
OH MY GOSH JUST 2 DAYS TO GO!!!!!!!
Jan 02, 2007
OK on the count of three everyone yell "Thank you JESUS!" One, two, three....
I just have to lift up HIS holy name. Our LORD and SAVIOR has blessed us all so much I just have to praise HIM. To GOD I give the glory. I am so excited that in just 2 days I am going in to have the surgery that will change my life forever. I truly feel like I've been given a 3rd chance at life. The first was birth, the second when I received the pacemaker that saved my life and now I have been blessed to receive a 3rd chance to live a healthier more active life. I feel so blessed and favored by GOD right now. I will continue to do HIS work to show my gratitude. Thanks so much to all of you who have supported me through this journey. I know its not over yet but I just wanted to let you know that your care, concern, and advice were and will always be appreciated. If I don't get a chance to write tomorrow then I'll see you all on the losers bench!
ONLY ONE WEEK LEFT
Dec 29, 2006
Hi all,
Well, one week to go. I can't believe I've come so far. I feel so blessed to have this opportunity to change my life and rewrite my future. I am excited at this point and ready for it to be over all at the same time. My family is supportive of me now and it means the world of difference. I have all the things I need and even shopped for a few baby food items I know I'll like. I'm ready and counting down the days to success.
Well, one week to go. I can't believe I've come so far. I feel so blessed to have this opportunity to change my life and rewrite my future. I am excited at this point and ready for it to be over all at the same time. My family is supportive of me now and it means the world of difference. I have all the things I need and even shopped for a few baby food items I know I'll like. I'm ready and counting down the days to success.
About Me
North Charleston, SC
Location
26.3
BMI
Surgery
01/05/2007
Surgery Date
Oct 24, 2006
Member Since
