rebeccaford
Pre-Op 03/21/2003 - 261
Post-Op 7/05/2004 - 181.5
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After years and years of yo-yo dieting, I have decided that WLS is going to be the tool that helps me keep this weight off forever.
I have a consult with my PCM 10/29/02 hopefully to get a referral to a surgeon. So I'm on my way!
10/29/2002 Hello everyone ! Well, all my fears came true. I came very prepared with pictures, complete diet and exercise history (I'm a journaler by nature) and spent a lot of time on it. I figured since 1986 I have lost over 425 lbs!!! Of course gained at least that much back . She didn't even want to look at it. She said didn't want to look @ the pics or my log. She just said eat better and exercise more. Plus she said I had high blood pressure and could die of a stroke. Hmm...and obesity won't cause any problems. She said walk 5 mi./day and eat between 1200-1500 cal. Sheesh...why didnt' I think of that??? (sarcastic). She said do more research. Like 2yr of research on WLS surgery isn't enough. I was totally humiliated. So basically the doc wants me to see a dietician and get the blood work done. Which I have no problem doing at all. But the 5 mi/day...hello can't walk that far without joints getting sore...must do five miles to lose weight. I'm 244. My EKG was normal. Must lower blood pressure...lose weight...walk 5 mi...can't walk that far...won't lose weight...will die of a stroke with the high blood pressure...then lose weight...it's a vicious cycle. So I'm not confident that she'll give me a referral at all. So I'm going to talk to the patient advocate at the hospital. If any of you know of a more WLS friendly PCM (Tricare) at Madigan Hospital @ Ft. Lewis, WA, please let me know. I came home today so terribly depressed. Thanks for listening. I'm not giving up though. I admire all of your stories of struggle and success!!! Hopefully I'll have some good news soon. I will be going to a seminar with a local dr. on November 11. Hopefully they can give me some pointers.
11/6/02 - Finally after a bunch of phone calls and a secret "angel", I got a "group" consult with a surgeon. Woo hoo! It's Nov 22. I was told the wait was 2 years. That's fine with me. I just want to talk to the surgeon and network with people. I was told I could get a referral to the "outside" and there would be a 20% copay which would be about $7000. No thanks. But who knows. I'm just so excited to be in the door at least.
11/8/02 - Yesterday I decided to finally go through my closet and drawers and sort out clothes by sizes. Clothes were in huge piles in my closet because they were too small. I bought several rubbermaid containers and sorted clothes sizes 12, 14, 16, 18, 20. I'm currently a 22 and have only like 3 pr pants and a handful of shirts. Luckily with my job, I can wear anything pretty much, so jeans & t-shirts are the norm. It was something I've put off for so long because it makes me so sad to see that I used to be a 12 only 2 years or so ago. But I'll make it there again and stay there this time. The clothes sorting has been very therapeutic. It will be nice just to wear my size 20 levis. I can fit into them, but they are so tight it makes me want to throw up because they are cutting off blood supply to major organs!!
On Monday 11/11/02, I am going to Dr. Weber's seminar in Seattle. I think for me it's a good idea to get 2 dr opinions. Even though Dr. Weber is not @ Madigan, I still want to go to his seminar. I'll update on Tues when I have the consult. I'm excited.
11/25/02 - Well, I did attend Dr. Weber's seminar. I would love to have him as my surgeon. I was also scheduled for a consult with Dr. Carter, but the day before it was cancelled. BUMMER! I was really sad. Well, I had an appt with a new PCM to go over my blood work, and brought up the need for a referral to Dr. Weber. I'll know tomorrow if Tricare approved the referral. Otherwise, I'll wait for Dr. Carter to reschedule. Emotionally I'm doing better. Just gotta keep positive!
11/27/02 - I was lucky and finally got the world's best PCM!!! She was so great when I "presented" my case for a referral to the bariatric clinic. She almost told me to shut-it because I had her convinced that I knew what I was doing and this was something I've researched for sometime. She sent the referral over to the general surgeon clinic and I tried calling over there on Wed but only got voicemail. So I'll check back.
I cannot believe the wonderful people on this site. It's amazing how many people are willing to help you out. People you don't know...makes you start to believe in humanity again :) Okay, enough of the philosophical stuff! You know I emailed about 20 people for info on certain things and every single one wrote back. That is so amazing. Thanks for everything!!
Okay, gotta get on the ball now...abdominal ultrasound/nutrition counsel/pysch eval and I think that's it....then I'm off to make my appt for the consult! Dr. Weber wants all the tests, etc. done before making your first apt. Woo hoo!!!! I can't wait to get the ball really rolling.
11/29/02 - Called Tricare to see if I offically had the referral to see Dr. Weber. Yup!!! She said to call back on Tues for the auth #...things are kinda slow because of the holiday. Woo hoo!
12/09/02 - Okay...here's the latest. My consult date is scheduled for 1/21/03. That's perfect. My dr. put in the referral for the ultrasound...keep playing phone-tag with the shrink...nutrition consult for Dec 17. I am so excited I can hardly stand it. I've really been working out, but have to be careful, because I don't want to dip below 40 BMI. I'm sure I won't get there in a month, but you know. Yippee!!!
12/13/02 - I got my ultrasound scheduled for 1/17/03. Things are moving right along. Just wrapping up my presents and dreaming of next year and what my body will be like :)
12/17/02 - Had my nutritional consult today and it went well. I'm SO READY to make this committment to eating only for nutrition. Got my appt for my psych eval. It will be on 1/14/03. Woo hoo! Things are falling into place.
12/31/02 - Well, here it is...New Year's Eve. I don't know how many resolutions I've made to lose weight. Well, this year will be different! I just finished reading ""Weight Loss Surgery" by Michelle Boasten. It's a really good book.
1/14/03 - Happy New Year Everyone! I had my psych consult today. I actually enjoyed it. 1 week until my consult with Dr. Weber. Woo hoo!
1/18/03 - Consult done! It was scheduled for the 22nd, but they called a few days ago to bump it up to Friday the 17th. No problem there! I loved Dr. Weber. He convinced me to go with the VBG instead of the RNY. Apparently 50% of the people that get the RNY DO NOT dump. Well, that's the main reason why I wanted to get the RNY. But the more I thought about it, the more I thought that this is less invasive and my recovery time may not be as long. Also had my ultrasound earlier in the day @ Madigan. I woke up this morning with a HUGE bruise on my side. Apprarently my kidney is very camera shy and the technician pressed so hard on my rib cage over and over again to capture the image. Yikes. It's very tender. I can't wait to feel my bones again :)
Got the prescription for the serum cortisol test. Decided not to get it filled on post. I hate the wait in the pharmacy. I know the lab must be closed on Monday for MLK Jr. Day but I'll take the pill on Monday night and get my blood drawn on Tues. Hopefully it won't take long to get the results. So by Friday ALL my stuff will be in to Dr. Weber and then off to Tricare for approval. I've been slaving away cleaning the house, just in case, GOD FORBID, something should happen to me, I don't want people to be going through my house thinking what a horrible housekeeper I am. Anyway, I'm just so excited to have had my consult. Getting closer. Now all I have to do is harass the lab and shrink. Shouldn't be a problem.
1/20/03 (2:24am)- VBG or RNY????? I'm so confused. I've heard a lot of people put down the VBG saying you won't lose all your weight and the regain is in upwards of 30-50%?? I don't know what to do? Someone told me to go with my "gut" :) Hee hee...I have a couple of days to decide. Dr. Weber is still suggesting the VBG, but has no problem doing the RNY on me. It's 2:58 a.m. I should be sleeping but instead I'm going through profiles and reading. I need sleep. I'll update again soon!
1/28/03 - Confirmed with Pam that the information was received via fax: serum cortisol test, ultrasound (I have mass gall stones!), and psych eval. So she said it's on Dr. Weber's desk. I'm hoping for a quick turnaround. Pam said I'll get a letter saying it's been submitted to Tricare for approval. So it might actually happen! :) I'm excited and scared all at the same time. I want to say thanks to Melanie for everything! You are a great friend. And to my new friend Rhonda. You're the best :)
2/19/03 - APPROVED!!! Tricare was SUPER FAST! It was received on 2/18/03 and got approved today. I had gone back and forth between the VBG and RNY and decided on the RNY but for some reason approval was sent over for the VBG. I know this is God's way of saying do what Dr. Weber suggested which is the VBG. So tomorrow (2/20) I need to call and schedule my date. I can't believe it.
Last week, I also met Rhonda in person. We had a hoot of a time. I hope we can get scheduled for surgery at the same time...it would be nice to have a friend in the hospital. Anyway, I'll update tomorrow.
2/20/03 - Okay, a bit miffed today. I was supposed to call back after 11:30am and get my date. Well, 11:30am, the answering service is still on. Same thing @ noon and 12:15pm. Call back @ 1:15 and one of the receptionists says everyone is gone for the day. WHAT???? So she said call back after 10am tomorrow. Okay. Plus, I am back on the RNY wagon. After reading lots of profiles and joining a VBG list, it just seems like a majority of the VBG patients still get hungry and can eat anything including junk. I just don't want that. So when I talk to Dr. Weber's office tomorow, I will insist on the RNY...even if they need to resubmit everything again. So...I will update again tomorrow and see what is up :) I'm so drained with work, tests, and surgery. I need some much needed rest! Ahhh...I'm feeling stressed.
2/21/03 - Alrighty then! Got my date! March 21. I think that is the first day of spring and the first day of my new life :) Rhonda is on the 19th, so we will be surgery buddies. I don't think it's really sunk in yet. I keep laughing, though. I'm so excited!!!
2/26/03 - Okay, y'all may think I'm totally psycho, but I'm getting the VBG. Pam called me and said no problem on switching to the RNY, but I'd have to start the whole process over again. She spent about 15+ mintues on the phone talking to me. I know Pam isn't the most popular person around here, but she seemed like she really cared and totally understood my confusion. She didn't try to change my mind or anything, but offered a lot of good insight...I mean she sees patients all the time, plus she read me Dr. Weber's notes he made on me. I'm 100% the best candidate for a VBG. She also helped me to realize that the surgery, no matter what type can only work if I'm prepared to make it work. I have really been mulling everything over all the time. The VBG is/will be the best for me because of this reason: I WILL MAKE IT WORK FOR ME!!! I'm so prepared to make the changes in my life. I know it won't be easy, but what worth having in life is? Okay, I feel better now. Onwards and upwards...well, downwards scale-wise :)
3/2/03 - I'm not sleepy!! I had a dream about the surgery. It was rather fuzzy, but I was skinny. I went to Haunama Bay in Hawaii and I was sunning myself on the beach. I have done this before in real life @ 160lbs or so a few years ago. But it was different this time. I was actually thin and happy! I was thinner before but not happy. I'm a dream freak. Countdown continues. Less than 3 weeks now!!!
3/11/03 - Pre-Op Appt done. Met Rhonda and her hubby at Dr. Weber's office. We chatted with an 8-week post-op VBG patient. Incision looked awesome and she was very informative...about what not to do. She was on blended lean cuisines, bananas and peanut butter. I was thinking that wasn't right and then we were told by Lisa that is not was not right at all. So we know what NOT to do :) Dr. Weber told us what to expect during the surgery. I felt like I was very informed and that the staff genuinely cares about you. Went over to Swedish to pre-register and then spoke with a pre-op nurse and she asked a zillion questions about medical history. Then headed to the lab for bloodwork. So things are all set. Just gotta show up on the 21st!
3/19/03 - Lots of news going on today. Rhonda my angel came through a very uneventful surgery and is pretty much doped up. I finished up my first full liquid day. It was pretty rough, but I just kept telling myself that it was just a measly day out of my life and that I could do it. I'm headed to bed now and will wake up to a clear liquid day. I'm leaving work early for a hair cut and some wild color and then maybe a pedicure. I'll stop off and see Rhonda and then head to mom and dad's house. Dr. Weber requires that someone stay with you overnight the first night. So luckily my mom has graciously volunteered...or did I volunteer her?? :) I have a caffeine withdrawl headache, but other than fatigue I'm doing well. My stomach is turning of course due to the start of the war. My prayers go out to all of our troops and their families. GOD BLESS AMERICA!
3/21/03 - Surgery day! I checked in and changed into my very comfy gown. You will be wearing it the whole time you are there, so don't even worry about bringing your own nighty. I did all the preop stuff and then was brought into the pre-surgery area where I hopped up on the gurney and the anesthesiologist gave me my IV. I was so deydrated from lack of fluids that I just sucked down the IV. Then Dr. Weber showed up, I remember flopping onto the surgery table and the dr. saying to find my happy place and next thing I knew I was waking up in my room. I don't recall being in much pain. Just being very very incomfortable. Even though I knew about the nose tube, it was still shocking. I believe I walked 2 times that night and even peed! The staff gets so excited when you pee. Actually I was too because I knew things were starting to work again. We couldn't have liquids for 2 days and it was HORRIBLE! My mouth was so dry and my throat sounded like I had been lost in the desert for years. Rhonda (my surgery buddy) was there just across the hall, and she was 2 days ahead of me, so she was doing well. It was so nice to have her there. I don't think I saw her but once or twice...mostly a wave as I walked on by. Beings it's so hard to sit at the computer, so I'll update Day 2 later. It feels so good to be on the other side. The losing side. Woohoo!
4/03/2003 - Okay, I decided to scrap my whole hospital experience. Too much to write :) But all in all, I'm doing wonderfully! I'm down 16 lbs. I feel stuffed all the time. I am very thirsty, and water tastes just horrible to me. So I'm into the watered down gatorade scene right now. I've been on the treadmill trying to build up my stamina. I did 20 min yesterday plus running errands with my parents. I got a nasty staph infection in my arm post-op which I am nursing right now. That has been my biggest complaint. My staples are long-gone out and I can sleep in the bed with very little discomfort. So it can only get better from here. I'm so glad I did this!!!
4/18/2003 - 1 month down!!! I've had such a great month! I'm down 23.5 lbs. I looked at one of my old Weight Watchers books and saw that it took me 8 months to lose 23 pounds. So I'm pleased as punch! I'm battling "HEAD HUNGER" really bad. I'm so used to just eating whenever and whatever there was in the house. I did throw up for the first time earlier in the week. I just ate too much.
Hardest things:
*Not eating while drinking
*Sipping my fluids and not gulping like I'm used to
*Not over-eating and head hunger
*Not comparing my progress to others
Coolest things:
*Forgetting to eat!!!
*Having 2 oz of mashed potatoes and being STUFFED!
*Getting on the scale and seeing it move DOWN instead of UP!
*Wearing new clothes...well, new old clothes that I haven't
fit into for months!
*Hearing compliments on how much weight I'm losing
Most helpful things:
*Good friends like my surgery buddy Rhonda
*This web-site
*Exercising
*Diluted gatorade
*Lots of rest
*Mom and Dad!!!
4/20/2003 - Happy Easter! I think this is the first Easter that I have had no desire whatsoever for candy. In fact, that just sounds horrible to me.
My surgery buddy Rhonda and I met for lunch at Red Robin yesterday. This was my first restaurant experience since surgery. We both order a cup of potato soup. Of course 4 or 5 bites later we are full and ask for a to-go cup. Here are 2 overweight women...nibbling on their soup and cannot finish it all. It just have been quite a site. Maybe you had to be there, but it was fun. Also picked up some highly recommended protein powder and some liquid calcium citrate. At the GNC we went to, if you were a WLS patient you got 25% off. What a deal, eh? Tomorrow will be my first taste of the protein powder. Hope I like it.
Anyway, down 24.5 lbs so far. Lately it seems like I've been dropping a 1/2 lb each day. Still need to exercise more. I got my period this week and I'm losing weight still. Woo hoo!
Until next time...
4/27/03 - Liquids are driving me crazy! I hope I can make it to May 16 which will be the end of my 8 weeks of full liquids. I am craving a meat ball! Man, that sounds so good to me.
Work can be a very dangerous place for me. We have a lot of food around the office and on Friday they had strawberry shortcake and I was thinking I could puree that up, but I didn't. I did drop a couple of strawberries in some ice cold water and it was really good.
Doing my best to drink water, take in my protein, and exercise, exercise, exercise!
The weight is coming off at a good rate, I think. Down 28 pounds. I'm now just obese...Not morbidly obese. Woo hoo! Things are going in the right direction and I couldn't be happier.
I have been reading a lot about when we lose fat fast, all of our hormones go wacky and I'll tell you that is happening to me. I hope that it will pass soon or at least calm down.
Tomorrow is my followup with my surgeon. Hope he's pleased with my progress, I know I am!
5/7/2003 - Well I'm saying goodbye to the 230's FOREVER! I've been hovering @ 229lb for a few days and this morning popped on the scale and it said 228.5. I am so pleased.
Last weekend, I bought an elliptical trainer and Sunday did 20 min, Monday did 30 min, and Tuesday did 40 min. Of course every 30 seconds or so I have to give my legs a rest for a couple and then right back on it. I'm sweating like a pig, so I know I'm getting a good workout. Even better than walking. I'm doing the Sound to Narrows 5K walk next month and it's a very hilly walk. So I really need to get my cardio and muscles in good working order for that!
Funny story about the elliptical trainer: When I went to the PX to check them out, I found the one I really liked and asked the salesman what the weight limit was...he said "Ah, you don't have to worry about that!" Granted I know I've only lost 30 lbs or so, but that made my day. Keep an eye out for those compliments and be gracious and accept them. It's hard for me, because I feel sometimes like people are just trying to be nice, etc. maybe because they feel sorry for me because I'm fat or whatever. But I found that most people aren't like that and are geniunely giving you compliments. Say thanks and be on your way. It feels so good!
I'm doing well with food, but a couple of days, I felt like I had eaten too much. Like maybe 600 calories. I know that is not too much, but I still thought it was too much. Does that make sense?
When I went for my 5 week checkup with Dr. Weber last week, he said he wanted me down 45-50 lbs by my next appt which is 6/17/2003. I'm going to work hard to make it happen! Plus I got the pleasure of Edie (his nurse/nutritionist) and gave me all sorts of pointers, but also motivated me to really get exercising and making it a regular part of my day...NO EXCUSES! I know it will be a struggle, but I gotta do it. I didn't go through this surgery for nothing. My hubby hasn't seen me since the surgery, so I really want to WOW him with my results. No telling when he'll be home, but the soonest would be Sept. and if I do what Edie and Dr. Weber tell me, then I should be down 92 lbs (approx) by September they said. Here's how that breaks down:
1 mo. = 23.5 lbs
2 mo. = 15 lbs
3 mo. = 15 lbs
4 mo. = 14 lbs
5 mo. = 12 lbs
6 mo. = 12 lbs
If I'm able to accomplish that, then I'd be around 170 lbs. Does that just sound so incredible??? Hubby is not going to recognize me. I'm just so excited about this whole surgery and the way it's changed my life already. Yesterday I was so busy that again I forgot to have lunch. It's happened to me a couple of times and it amazes me.
Yes, I do get hungry, though. Dr. W said 1/2 of his patients do and 1/2 don't. So I'm normal. But I found that if I think I'm hungry, then up my fluids and wait. If I'm still hungry, then I'll have some food. Of course I'm still on liquids. I was telling Edie how bored I was with my limited food choices right now. She said ditch the flavored yogurts and get plain yogurt and whip it up with some fresh or frozen fruit instead. It tasted so good. I tried it yesterday with 1/2 c. plain yogurt, frozen strawberries and some splenda. It made about 6 oz. I drank the whole thing over an hour period or so and felt so energized! Try it and you'll be surprised at how refreshing it is!
Well, I've rambled on enough. My surgery buddy Rhonda is also a walking/talking success story! World watch out, because here we come!
5/09/2003 - Happy 7th Week Anniversary to me! Now only 1 week until I can have solids. It's been tough, I won't lie to you, but I'm almost there. I'm down 34 pounds and plugging right along. I'm faithfully exercising and hating almost every minute of it. But I'm doing it. I know it will get better, so I just need to stay faithful. I'm down 2 pants sizes: from a 24 to a 20. I'm wearing size 20 Levis today and feeling pretty darn good about it. It's time for new bras, too. Yikes. I need to start saving my pennies for a boob lift, that is for sure. I knew our breasts were mostly fat, but c'mon now...save some for later!
5/18/2003 - 60 full minutes on the elliptical! I was actually headed for bed, but the elliptical kept calling my name. I couldn't hold back anymore. I said I was only going to do 5 minutes. Then 5 turned into 10 and well the rest is history. I felt SO GOOD!!
5/20/2003 - Well, Friday was the best day of my life: SOLID FOOD! I can't believe I lasted 2 months on liquids! So officially I am on solids and doing fine. Nothing has bothered me yet, but I am being pretty conservative. Here was my menu:
Friday: breakfast - 1/4 egg
lunch - 3/4 egg
snack - 1 oz of cheddar cheese
dinner - 1 oz of tuna w/dab of miracle whip
I've tried salmon, shrimp, tuna, egg, cheese, refried beans, and a few cashews. Nothing has come back up and I'm so surprised at how full I am after an ounce. I still measure, because I cannot "spot" one or 2 ounces yet.
I am not craving carbs AT ALL! It's so strange because before surgery, I was carb queen...pasta, rice, bread...you name it. Now my body physically craves the protein foods.
Elliptical trainer: my best friend/my mortal enemy. Why you ask? It's my best friend because it's been helping me get fit and help increase my weight loss...not to mention just a good old idea plain and simple. Mortal enemy..why? Because I hate all but 1 minute that I'm on the thing. But it's a great workout and I have "jell-o" legs when I am done. Dr. Weber and Edie want 1 1/2 hr of exercise per day. I'll tell you right now, I'm not doing an hour and a half on that machine. So I've started walking at the mall on my lunch break for 45 minutes and then coming home and doing the elliptical for the remainder.
So my weigh in has me at 39 pounds down. 1 more for the big 4-0! That means I'm a third of the way there. I can't believe it! I'm wearing size 18 jeans today with a 1x t-shirt (still big chested of course) and an XL sweater vest. Not bad at all. I can wear my size 20 Levis. They are really big in the butt and thighs, but my waist isn't budging much. Just gotta keep working out. Aerobic activity is the only way it's gonna come off.
As much as I hate exercising, I must stay true to the course. Usually around the 40 pound mark is where I lose interest and start reverting to old behaviors. So I'm in the "danger" zone, but I want this so bad that I have to really focus.
My surgery buddy Rhonda is doing awesome, too! She is looking so great! I'm looking great, too.
No doubt in my mind that I will reach Dr. Weber's goal for me for my next appointment. That would be only 6 more pounds. I'm totally going to WOW him :)
5/30/2003 – Hit a milestone today – Size 18 Levis!!! I can fit into them…zip them up…even walk around and sit down. I was so glad that I tried them on again. Just a couple of weeks ago I felt like my size 20s were still a little snug in the waist. So I’m almost into the “normal” sizes!!!
On the other hand, fatigue has reared it’s ugly head. For the last 2 weeks I am noticing more and more fatigue. I eat around 500 calories per day…mostly protein foods like tuna, salmon, eggs, cheese, etc. I am taking my vitamins and B12. Plus I’ve had what I call a “low-grade” headache for going on several days now and I can’t seem to get rid of it. So I am terribly run down and my exercise has really suffered. I have an appt with my surgeon on 6/17/2003 and my PCM on 6/18/2003. So if I need something extra like iron or whatever, that can get taken care of.
I’m down about 42.5 lbs, but I know I’ve put on a bit of muscle which is why the scale isn’t moving much, but the pant sizes are dropping!! Only 2.5 lbs for Dr. Weber's goal by 6/17/2003 and 6.5 lbs until I hit the big 5-0!!!
6/1/2003 - Decided to update my measurements here:
***Pre-Op***
Waist: 42"
Hips: 50"
Bust: 50"
Thigh: 25"
Calf: 15.5"
Arm: 14"
***10 Weeks***
Waist: 38.5" Total Lost: 3.5"
Hips: 46" Total Lost: 4"
Bust: 45" Total Lost: 5"
Thigh: 22" Total Lost: 3"
Calf: 14.5" Total Lost: 1"
Arm: 13" Total Lost: 1"
6/05/2003 - Broke my plateau! Hopped on the scale today and down 3 pounds since yesterday. What a relief! It really motivated me to workout and keep focused today. Office bbq was happening today. I had 1/3 of a veggie burger, 1/2 tsp mac salad, 1/2 tsp of potato sala, 1 bite of watermelon. Felt completely satisfied and comfortably full. Another milestone today! And a step closer to realization that I am in control of my food.
6/13/2003 - My goal for my 3 month Anniversary was 50 pounds down. Well, I woke up yesterday (3 months to the date!) and was so grateful to see 211!!!!!!!!!! I did it! Next goal is 199. I cannot wait to be under 200.
Today I woke up early and did the Sound to Narrows 5K Walk. Miles 1 & 2 are hilly, but you get a reprieve. The last mile is uphill the entire way. My time was 52 min. I was so excited! I finished and I'm sore, but I did it! Updated my inches too:
12 Weeks:
Waist: 37.5 total inches lost: -4.5"
Hips: 44.5 total inches lost: -5.5"
Bust: 44.5 total inches lost: -5.5"
Torso: 37.5 total inches lost: -4.5"
Thigh: 21.5 total inches lost: -3.5"
Calf: 14.5 (same as week 10) total inches lost: -1"
Arm: 13.00 (same as week 10) total inches lost: -1"
7/01/03 - I'm on a rather long road trip right now and being "trapped" in the car for long periods of time would get me upset. Mostly because I'm so uncomfortable. Well these are the things so far I have been able to do that were a BIG surprise:
** My seatbelt isn't tight anymore!
** I put a bottle of snapple in between my legs (there is actually room now!)
** I can haul all my luggage up the stairs of the hotel instead of using the elevator and I'm doing it on purpose!
** I only stay at hotels with an exercise room!
7/17/2003 - Well, I'm settled in my new home here in Tennessee. I had the period from hell! Guess all this fat loss is causing my hormones to go wacko!
I'm having major hair-loss, but oh well. I'm still rather fatigued at times.
I've thrown up more mostly because I'm experimenting with new food and not sure of when to stop eating still.
I'm finally out of the 200's!!! Yee ha!!!!!!!!!!!! 199 lbs.
Went to the community pool and laid out in all my glory...bathing suit with no cover up. Yep, I'm still flabby and white as a ghost, but I'm out there!
7/26/03 - Well, the scale is moving again. I've had my period now for going on 3 weeks. My hormones are going CRAZY so I think that is my body's reaction to the weight loss.
Here's a story that happened a few weeks ago. It's called:
"Do I belong here?"
Oh hell yeah...at Banana Republic, people!!! I always walked by this store in the mall and never ventured in...even @ 160 pounds a few years ago. It was the "skinny" people store. Even the doorways seemed so skinny. Everything in there looked pristine and not one fat person inside of course.
Well, there is this great mall in Nashville called Opry Mills. I had my 5 year old niece with me and I told her that I can't wait to be able to go into Banana Republic to look around because they looked like they had such cute clothes. She said why don't we go in now? I said no, because fat people don't belong in there. She looked at me like I was psycho and she said we should just try it and she would hold my hand. She must have sensed my fear or something. Kids :) Thank god for Khari because I never would have been able to muster up my courage. I don't know if I'm the only one who feels somewhat less than human because I am not a size 4 you know? Well, a sales gal walked up to me and wanted to know if I needed any help finding my size. Then I started wondering if maybe there was something inside this store for me. I thought she was coming over to tell me that they had nothing in the store that would fit me and to get the heck out.
Well, I walked out of there with a size 14 pair of khakis (can't button them up yet, but it's close) and 3 shirts that are snug, but wearable in about 10 pounds.
When I was paying I had tears streaming down my face. The clerk was concerned and asked if I was okay. My niece chimed in and I had a surgery that made me lose weight and had lost 60 pounds and that I was just so glad to be able to shop in a regular store. The girl looked back and said congratulations and came around the register and gave me a big hug and said to keep up the good work and she hoped that I would come back in a few months and show her how well I was doing.
Then Khari saw how excited I was and we went to the GAP. Hello! Size 18 jeans were too big!! Size 16 fit perfect. Gap shirts fit me and I'm not talking about the XXL men's t-shirts either. I was on the woman's side!! My niece I swear was getting such a kick out of me. She was telling anyone who would listen about the surgery while I danced around in my size 16 jeans and XL top.
GAP and Banana Republic. 2 stores that no longer scare the bejeezus out of me.
All of you new post-ops: What a wonderful world awaits you here in the "regular" sized world. If I could have given you a taste of what I experienced today, all those days of liquid/puree/jello/and longing for your big meals and driving yourself crazy over it...well, it is all worth it. I still have 60 pounds to go to my goal, but the journey just keeps getting sweeter...Thanks for listening.
8/8/03 - This entry finds me at 5 months post-op. I'm doing wonderful. Down 68.5 lbs. Still losing hair, but hey, it's a small price to pay for such incredible weight loss. I'm no longer in any plus-size clothing. Whenever I go to the mall to pay my Avenue bill, I don't even look at anything and I grin because everything in there is too big! I'm wearing 16's almost every day now. Shorts that I bought last month are too big. I've started Pilates and kick-boxing and love it! I'm still using my elliptical trainer, too. Food right now pretty much grosses me out, but I'm taking my protein shakes and my vitamins religiously. I tried a hamburger patty yesterday @ Burger King. I ate exactly 1/2 of the patty and 1/2 a slice of tomato. It was incredible. My 4 year old nephew was surprised I ate so much. He loves his auntie's new tummy :) I'm still not chewing well enough...mostly because I'm so busy talking or whatever and then I hurt! I keep those small cans of coke in my fridge just in case I need to dissolve some food. Food is losing it's control over me and it's such a wonderful feeling. My favorite foods now are:
* sugar-free popsicles
* skippy peanut butter in those to-go sticks
* refried beans
* sugar-free popsicles
* crispy, crispy bacon
* canned chicken w/miracle whip and chopped up JUICY tomatoes
8/14/2003 - Hit the 70 POUND MARK today!! It's almost goodbye to the 190's.
10/12/2003 - Today I'm down 86 pounds. I'm wearing 12's and 14's. I'm eating between 600-800 calories/day. Mostly protein and I'm loving steamed carrots right now. I have an occasional piece of chocolate and that satisfies my cravings. I've still not tried bread and not going to. Pasta and rice do not go down at all, but I don't miss them in the least.
I've been doing Pilates and loving it. It's still hard even at 175 to do some of the moves because of my weight, but I'm out there doing it! With the weather cooling off, it's easier to get out there and walk.
11/29/03 - Well, it's been 9 months yesterday that I had my surgery. Boy, what a whirlwind. I'm close to 100 pounds down now and I cannot believe it. I'm wearing 10's and some 12's still. I cannot believe I would be able to say that I was a 10!! I've been working out extra hard and being very careful about what I'm putting into my mouth and it has paid off with a good loss..consistant, too. I'm eating very little still and doing protein shakes. I still baby my pouch, although I've been doing soda. Life continues to get better.
2/18/04 - Doing awesome! I'm still wearing 10's and am dreaming about an 8. People sure do treat me differently and that really irks me. I am the same person. You know what? I take that back. I'm not the same person. I'm healthy, more confident, and exited about life again. I run almost everyday for 3-5 miles. On the weekends, more. I do like my occasional sweets and soda. But everything in moderation. My husband is back from Iraq and is loving my new body. He said it feels so good to see less of me :) I love feeling new bones and being able to do things that I couldn't do before. I love my new body!!
3/26/04 - Well my one year anniversary has just passed. What a year it has been. I feel awesome, energized, proud, self-confident, and misc. other emotions. I'm working out like a mad woman. Running almost everyday. Cardio EVERY DAY...no excuses. Doing 3x/week weight training and 3 or 4 days/week of pilates. Plastic surgery? I doubt I'll have it. I have a little sag at the lowest part of my tummy. Sometimes I look at my naked body and think "wow...I'm so flabby"...then I put some clothes on and I look damn hot. I have solid legs and strong arms and shoulders. Just need to shed a few more pound of fat. Everyone thinks I look great and have lost enough. I think my body will tell me when it's comfortable. I eat mostly protein and green veggies. I have a protein shake w/ 1/2 banana after my workouts. I'm doing great and will keep driving on!!
7/4/2004 - Happy Independence Day! It's pouring down rain here in Virginia, so I'm trapped inside :-) We are moving to Virginia and I'm really excited about it. My weight has pretty much stayed constant for several months. I have gone up as much as 7 pounds, but each time getting back to 151.5 in a week or so. I really need to up my work outs, but I feel way too stressed out right now. Moving, working, my dad in the hospital. Everything is ganging up on me. Today I went for a run in the pouring rain and it was refreshing. Only 2 mi but at least it was something. When you are living in a one room temporary quarters you would think it would be easier to get out more. Nope. Anyway, I'm eating decent. I need to do way more vitamins as I know I can't possibly be getting what I need from food. I still must remain vigiliant about my food and exercise. Just bought a pair of low rise size 10 gap jeans. Perfect fit. Have some hanging skin, but don't really care. For those of you on your journey. It is so worth it!!!
7/18/2005 - Can't believe it's been a year since I've updated!! Well, I've gained 30 pounds. Dairy Queen and lots of cookies. Like I heard a million times before, we are getting stomach surgery, not brain surgery. I have a lot of food issues from childhood and I'm working with a therapist and trying to get better.
I also started NutriSystem today. I have all my food and I am relieved to have the food prepared for me. I can't eat the whole entree, so my 1 mo. supply of food, might last longer than that for me. I want to learn how to eat and not be obsessed with food 24/7.
I'll check in again soon.
Photos
 155 One Year Anniversary |
 |
 Pre-Op: 261 lbs. ** 5 Months Post Op: 192.5 lbs |
Hospital Reviews
Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: James K. Weber M.D.
1/17/03 - He is so cool! One thing that I love about Seattle is the casual nature of people in this area. He came in wearing his running suit...didn't have time to finish his run. Makes me trust him even more because he's just as committed to physical fitness and he expects us to be. Overall I'd rate him a 10 so far. Lisa, his nurse was so AWESOME! She really knew her stuff and we chatted like we've known each other for years. Pam wasn't there, so I dealt with Summer who is just as wonderful. He took the time to answer all my questions (39 questions!). Also was impressed with my exercise log...if you don't want to exercise, then don't bother going to see Dr. Weber! 2/26/03 - I have to put in big kudos for Pam today. She really helped me out today...just talking to me like a friend and not a patient. Thanks for your advice, Pam!!!
Insurer Info:
Tricare Prime
You just have to be 200% of over your ideal weight or over 40 BMI, so I should get approved....fingers crossed! Only bad thing is that the waiting list is about 24 mo. :( **Update 12/09/02** - Got a referral from my new PCM for a consult @ Madigan. They went ahead and referred me out to Dr. Weber per my request. Very little trouble doing that...it was just a matter of finding the right PCM. Got my auth# just a few days afterwards. Woo hoo! Thanks Dr. G! 2/21/03 - So easy to work with. They approved in 24 hours or so from receiving the paperwork. I only called twice to check on the status and always got a return phone call. AWESOME!
