redstormy
10/10/05
Oct 09, 2005
10/10/05
Well, my 2 year anniversary is here and not a lot has changed. From a pre-op weight of 330, I lost at one point down to 253 (77 lbs). I am now back up to 276. I haven't seen a surgeon in about a year. Myrie that did mine, isn't doing them anymore and isn't even doing the follow ups. My Rheumatologist and PCP are awesome and make sure I have the labs I need done.
I am 2 months out from Arthriscopic knee surgery and a lateral release. Probably be having the other knee done in the next 6 months and hopefully, the hips will not deteriorate any farther and not have to be worked on.
I will not be posting anymore, either here on my profile or on the message boards.(Iowa or Main) I don't feel I have anything else to offer people. Just read back in the post on the Iowa board and you will see that I couldn't even do a simple Roll Call the right way. Just remember, it is a tool and even if you use it correctly, you CAN still fail at this, just like any other diet. I am tired of failing and tired of working so hard to have no results. SO, instead of failing any more, I am choosing to give up. Now I am just a quitter, not a failure. Maybe I should try this in other areas of my life too.
I hope everyone achieves the results they wish and has an easy journey.
Elizabeth
Well, my 2 year anniversary is here and not a lot has changed. From a pre-op weight of 330, I lost at one point down to 253 (77 lbs). I am now back up to 276. I haven't seen a surgeon in about a year. Myrie that did mine, isn't doing them anymore and isn't even doing the follow ups. My Rheumatologist and PCP are awesome and make sure I have the labs I need done.
I am 2 months out from Arthriscopic knee surgery and a lateral release. Probably be having the other knee done in the next 6 months and hopefully, the hips will not deteriorate any farther and not have to be worked on.
I will not be posting anymore, either here on my profile or on the message boards.(Iowa or Main) I don't feel I have anything else to offer people. Just read back in the post on the Iowa board and you will see that I couldn't even do a simple Roll Call the right way. Just remember, it is a tool and even if you use it correctly, you CAN still fail at this, just like any other diet. I am tired of failing and tired of working so hard to have no results. SO, instead of failing any more, I am choosing to give up. Now I am just a quitter, not a failure. Maybe I should try this in other areas of my life too.
I hope everyone achieves the results they wish and has an easy journey.
Elizabeth
January 1, 2004
Dec 31, 2003
January 1, 2004
Happy New Year to All!!! I have been very bad at updating my profile the last couple of months. I haven't bee to the Dr.s office since I was 6 1/2 weeks out. I am now almost 12 weeks out and am not sure how much I have lost. At 6 1/2 weeks I was down by 46 lbs. I go for a check up on Jan. 20th (about 15 weeks out) then I will have a new loss total to post. I can feel the difference in many things I do each day. I don't rub the steering wheel anymore and my clothes are starting to fall off of me. I really need to figure out what size I really wear now! Things have been so busy during the holidays here that I haven't had time to do much but run like a crazy person! I will update again after my Dr. appt. later this month. Elizabeth
1/20/04
Had appt with surgeon today. Officially down 63 lbs. Everything else is good. had blood drawn today so won't know results for a few days. I knew I was a slow looser, just didn't realize i was this slow. Oh well, as long as I keep losing, i don't care.
9/19/04
*COPIED FROM POST ON IOWA MESSAGE BOARD*
Hi All!
I know it has been a long time since I have posted. I am still reading and checking on everyone everyday.
Things have been busy/stressful around here. We have had to put my 93 y/o Grandma in a nursing home. She was living on her own, but just can't take care of herself anymore. her mind is sharp as ever, but her body is not able to keep up. She will tell you that I am her favorite of 13 grandchildren and she has always been my favorite grandparent. (only one I have left now) So I have been with her alot lately. The only good thing is that now she is here in Nevada where I live not 25 miles away.
I have been babysitting my niece a lot lately too. She is almost 9 months old now. SOOOOOO cute!!
Jeff (DBF) got laid off after contract negotiations at the first of the month. He starts his new job tomorrow morning (Mon.) but he will be gone a lot more than he was.
Our neighbors are moving soon (next six weeks or so) and that house is owned by the same people that own the one we live in now. I am pretty sure we are going to be moving next door. Not a long move, but with a waterbed and everything, it will still take time. Best thing...it is a LOT bigger so hopefully we will be able to quit storing stuff in Mom's basement. It will be like Christmas when I go to unpack all the stuff there now. Some of it has been packed since we moved back from Florida almost 3 years ago.
I haven't heard anything more from my surgeon. (except that they are discontinuing ther program at Methodist) I really want to know if I have an enlarged stoma. The pouch looked fine on the Upper GI I had. Not sure, but I think I am gaining weight again. Hard to tell with the female bloating. I have upped the water, protein, and walking. I am going to talk to my Rheumatologist at my next appt. about some PT to see what kind of exercizes I can do besides walking. That way I would be supervised at least to start. I have really been fighting the depression thru all of this though. I am almost at my 1 year anniversary and have only lost about 70 lbs. I am greatful about that, but was really hoping for more by now.
Not much else I can think of right now. I need to apologise to a few people that have e-mailed me and I haven't had time to reply. Or have been to down in the dumps to do it. Sue, Diane, Jill, and Tiffany I am so sorry. I will work really hard to do better. Trying to bend over far enough to pull myself up by the boot straps!
Take care and keep up the great work. I think this is one of the best state boards on the site and a lot of people come to lurk from other states.
(((HUGS)))
Elizabeth
You have an animal soul! Arent you lucky! You are
very interactive with animals and can
understand them even if you dont speak their
tongue. The birds arent afraid of you, deer can
eat out of your palm, and every dog will roll
over for you. As an Animal Soul, you follow
your instinct, sometimes making rash decisions,
and not thinking properly. If you dont
understand something, you reject and push it
away, and can get very disastrous when angry.
At the same time, youre a very kind person who
can make people feel better, and are
understanding and compassionate. One of the
great things about you is that your rarely
jealous, and know that you have to share and
help other people if you want to survive this
world. You are very loyal and optimistic, and
can make it through the toughest times.
What Kind of SOUL do you posses? (For Girls only) Incredible Anime Pictures!
brought to you by Quizilla
Happy New Year to All!!! I have been very bad at updating my profile the last couple of months. I haven't bee to the Dr.s office since I was 6 1/2 weeks out. I am now almost 12 weeks out and am not sure how much I have lost. At 6 1/2 weeks I was down by 46 lbs. I go for a check up on Jan. 20th (about 15 weeks out) then I will have a new loss total to post. I can feel the difference in many things I do each day. I don't rub the steering wheel anymore and my clothes are starting to fall off of me. I really need to figure out what size I really wear now! Things have been so busy during the holidays here that I haven't had time to do much but run like a crazy person! I will update again after my Dr. appt. later this month. Elizabeth
1/20/04
Had appt with surgeon today. Officially down 63 lbs. Everything else is good. had blood drawn today so won't know results for a few days. I knew I was a slow looser, just didn't realize i was this slow. Oh well, as long as I keep losing, i don't care.
9/19/04
*COPIED FROM POST ON IOWA MESSAGE BOARD*
Hi All!
I know it has been a long time since I have posted. I am still reading and checking on everyone everyday.
Things have been busy/stressful around here. We have had to put my 93 y/o Grandma in a nursing home. She was living on her own, but just can't take care of herself anymore. her mind is sharp as ever, but her body is not able to keep up. She will tell you that I am her favorite of 13 grandchildren and she has always been my favorite grandparent. (only one I have left now) So I have been with her alot lately. The only good thing is that now she is here in Nevada where I live not 25 miles away.
I have been babysitting my niece a lot lately too. She is almost 9 months old now. SOOOOOO cute!!
Jeff (DBF) got laid off after contract negotiations at the first of the month. He starts his new job tomorrow morning (Mon.) but he will be gone a lot more than he was.
Our neighbors are moving soon (next six weeks or so) and that house is owned by the same people that own the one we live in now. I am pretty sure we are going to be moving next door. Not a long move, but with a waterbed and everything, it will still take time. Best thing...it is a LOT bigger so hopefully we will be able to quit storing stuff in Mom's basement. It will be like Christmas when I go to unpack all the stuff there now. Some of it has been packed since we moved back from Florida almost 3 years ago.
I haven't heard anything more from my surgeon. (except that they are discontinuing ther program at Methodist) I really want to know if I have an enlarged stoma. The pouch looked fine on the Upper GI I had. Not sure, but I think I am gaining weight again. Hard to tell with the female bloating. I have upped the water, protein, and walking. I am going to talk to my Rheumatologist at my next appt. about some PT to see what kind of exercizes I can do besides walking. That way I would be supervised at least to start. I have really been fighting the depression thru all of this though. I am almost at my 1 year anniversary and have only lost about 70 lbs. I am greatful about that, but was really hoping for more by now.
Not much else I can think of right now. I need to apologise to a few people that have e-mailed me and I haven't had time to reply. Or have been to down in the dumps to do it. Sue, Diane, Jill, and Tiffany I am so sorry. I will work really hard to do better. Trying to bend over far enough to pull myself up by the boot straps!
Take care and keep up the great work. I think this is one of the best state boards on the site and a lot of people come to lurk from other states.
(((HUGS)))
Elizabeth
You have an animal soul! Arent you lucky! You are
very interactive with animals and can
understand them even if you dont speak their
tongue. The birds arent afraid of you, deer can
eat out of your palm, and every dog will roll
over for you. As an Animal Soul, you follow
your instinct, sometimes making rash decisions,
and not thinking properly. If you dont
understand something, you reject and push it
away, and can get very disastrous when angry.
At the same time, youre a very kind person who
can make people feel better, and are
understanding and compassionate. One of the
great things about you is that your rarely
jealous, and know that you have to share and
help other people if you want to survive this
world. You are very loyal and optimistic, and
can make it through the toughest times.
What Kind of SOUL do you posses? (For Girls only) Incredible Anime Pictures!
brought to you by Quizilla
July 9, 2003
Jul 08, 2003
July 9, 2003
I am a 34 y/o female with an awesome boyfriend and a great support team in the rest of my family. I have a BMI of 60.4 and have been obese for as long as I can remember.
I am on disability due to fibromyalgia and Osteo-arthritis so this computer is my main link to the outside world much of the time.
I received my ins. approval on 6/27/03 after an appeal letter and have my second consult with the surgeon scheduled for Aug. 19, 2003 (he is gone for the month of July) I had to have my psych. eval. and nutritionist consult before submitting info for pre-approval so those steps are already done. Now it is just a waitting game. (again!!)
I try to be supportive of my fellow Iowa WLS people and have been accepted by 3 to be their angels. I am excited and nervous. I have really enjoyed talking (on line) with others since I have been out of "the loop" for about 5 years now. Hopefully, after we are all losers, we will be able to get together for a hen party. I might actually be able to stand the heat then and be able to walk farther than 1 block without pain.
I sent in my pics to be put on here so soon every one will be able to see the real me! (OMG!!! LOL) I will add more later, but have been getting some flack since I didn't have anything here yet. :P
July 15, 2003
Well, as you can see, I now have my pics up here. If anyone needs rodent control, feel free to print them and hang up where ever you need to get rid of the mice, etc.! :)
I keep calling my surgeons office, even though he is out of town, hoping that someone has cancelled their appt. They don't have a waiting list for sooner appts. so I have to keep calling. Bet they are tired of me already!! lol But hey! It just might get me a sooner appt. just so I quit bugging them! Elizabeth
July 20, 2003
Nothing new to report on me. Just waiting and waiting and waiting.... I am so ready for this step in my life. I am not affraid of the surgery, I am just anxious to get that part done so I can start feeling better and being more active. The weight along withthe fibromyalgia is really zapping any energy I would happen to have. OK, pity party is over. Post again soon. Elizabeth
August 19, 2003
Had my second consult with the surgeon today. I am scheduled for open RNY on October 3, 2003. Second surgery of the morning. 45 days and counting. Lots to do now that I have a date to aim for. So excited can't hardly sit still long enough to type this!
August 25, 2003
Another bump in the road. Back on 8/4/03, myself and 2 of my sisters did a follow up on a heart study from Mayo Clinic that we participated in back in 1999. I received my test results in the mail and, after reading them I faxed them to my PCP and surgeon. It seems, from a Heart CT that was part of the study, that I have "extensive coronary artery calcification" for someone of my age. So now I have to see a cardiologist on 9/5/03 to have this checked out. Hopefully it won't be anything serious enough to postpone surgery, but I guess if it is that serious, I would rather wait anyway. I want to be able to enjoy being a loser, not have major problems before I get "out of the gate". I will add more when I know more. Elizabeth
Sept. 5, 2003
Had my cardio appt. today. Have to go back next week for a chemical stress test. Dr. told me I have arteriosclrosis (sp?) or hardening of the arteries. Not too extensive, but more than most my age and gender. So not a set back YET. I will know more after next Friday. Dr. also told me that the rate I was going and without wls, I was right that I probably wouldn't live for another 10 years. Something to look forward to and ponder huh?? Post again when I know more. Elizabeth
Sept 12, 2003
Well, I survived my Dobutamine Stress ECHO. It wasn't as bad as I thought it might be. Still wasn't fun. I won't have the results for a few days at least. I figure, since I didn't have a heart attack or any chest pain when they pumped my heartrate up to 158 using atropine. It did make me a little nausiated though. I will post more when I have the report. Elizabeth
Sept 19, 2003
Heard back on the stress test. Everything is a go for surgery. Cardio. Dr. said ECHO looked good and should be helped by WLS. (not adding much more calcification to arteries) I am back on the countdown! 2 weeks and counting. I have never wanted to be a loser so bad in my life! Back pain and knee pain are really getting to me, even with the darvocet I take every 4 hours! I forgot to mention that the cardio Dr. also ordered compression stockings for me. These must have been designed by the same man that invented the bra! But I will wear them if they help my journey in ANY way at all. I really don't want a battle with blood clots and thrombophelbitis runs in my family. Called Factor Five Lieden Mutation. It is a mutation of the cells that clot the blood and it makes us VERY susceptable to Pulminary Embolism. I am sure the surgeon will be keeping my blood thin for a while after surgery so I will probably be black and blue. Oh well. I will post more as time gets closer. Actually 13 days and counting now! Elizabeth
Sept 24, 2003
Single digit countdown now. 9 days and counting. Still not nervous. My family is nervous enough for me. Pretty bad when the dogs are the only ones that don't seem to be acting different. LOL BF has been crabby, but is to "macho" to admit he is worried. MEN! :) My nesting instincts are starting to kick in. Getting everything straightened out and put away. Shopping for the rest of my immediate post-op stuff. My family being so nervous has got me to thinking that I need to write letters "just in case" My health isn't the best (if it was I wouldn't need this surgery!) and bad things can happen. I just am refusing to allow them to happen to me! I have had abdominal surgery before, (appy) so i kinda know what to expect. That was 17 years ago and I don't remember everything, but I know how to use the pillow and about sleeping problems. And about walking ASAP. Ihave had all the pre-op appts. Cardio said is ok, pulminology gave me a letter of support before applying for pre-approval, Rheumatology gave a letter of reccommendation for surgery too. I have an excellent surgeon, and I am sure he has an excellent team. So everything is a go except that little devil that keeps slowing down time!!! I am sure I will be here to ramble again before the big day. Elizabeth
Sept 26, 2003
ONE WEEK TO GO! I am nesting big time. And I have been keeping busy trying to take care of those around me. That is what I usually do anyway, so for me to have the attention of others is a little disconcerting. I am trying to get everything ready for Jeff (bf) to take care of himself while I am in the hospital like having stuff he likes that are easy to cook on hand and making lists of the things I put in his lunchbox each day. Kinda the same type of thing for the rest of the family too. I think I pretty much have things ready to go to the hospital with me. Robe, slippers, chapstick, etc. I have my shopping done for immediatly post-op, broth, SF jello, etc. If I could just get my desk cleared of all the paperwork, I would be in good shape! ROFL That is a Mountain-ess task! I even have the dog's bag packed since she will be staying with my sister while I am out of commission. I am so glad my friend Sue Outland is home and doing OK at least. We have never met, but I feel she is truly a new best friend. Sue, if you are reading this, congrats and hang in there. I am a little disappointed in my other fellow IA message boarders. I haven't heard from hardly any of them. But, as Grandma always says, you have to pick your friends wisely cause you are stuck with your relatives. I will continue to offer the support that I have in the past, even as a post-op. I can never forget those of you here that have taught me so much and I am sure will continue to do so. Better go for now, I can hear the kitchen cupboards calling my name, needing "nested" LOL Best of luck to all on their journeys, Elizabeth
Sept 27,2003
I am having major computer problems. We bought a used system from a reputalble (?) place and are having some difficulties. We piggy backed the old (from our other computer) hard drive to the new one (from the new to us computer) and no problems there, but we can't get the USB and modems to work on the sister board. I don't know if it is because the new is a DELL and the old is just an IBM compatable or what. We have taken everything off and started over a few times. Still nothing. Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated. I am using my bf's laptop which works great, but KILLS my hands and I cannot print anything. Also don't have any of my favorites or bookmarks or anything! lol Thanks in advance, Elizabeth
October 1, 2003
Well, 2 days from now I will be on my way to the hospital. I really don't feel that nervous YET. Partly because I have had abdominal surgery before (not wls though), and I believe partly because I know this surgery is the right thing for me. Also because I have been trying to keep busy. I think everything is ready, even the dog's bag is packed! I am so ready to be "re-born" and start living the life I have never had as I have been MO for about 28 of my 34 years. So many things to do and try. This will probably be my last post until I am post-op and back home again. I want to be sure to say THANKS to all that have helped me learn and persist even if you do not realize you have done so. Just by putting your trials and tribulations and triumphs on the board for others to read, can teach volumes to others. So Thank You to all, and I hope I am able to pass on the favor soon.
See ya on the other side,
Elizabeth
October 2, 2003
After a call from the surgeon's office cancelling my surgery for tomorrow. I get another one from them saying the partner of my surgeon will do it for me NEXT friday (10/10/03) IF I WANT. DUH, of course I said yes. I have been a rollercoaster of emotions this morning. Need to get moving and clear my head a little. Elizabeth
October 9, 2003
You will probably all hear me scream if they cancel my surgery again this week!!! I do not have a definite time yet, will get thtat today, somewhere around noon. The wonderful Ms. Tina Rainey will be posting updates for me and I am sure I will be in contact with the great Ms Outland also. Anyone inthe DesMoines area (or anywhere else) please feel free to visit Methodist this weekend-probably Saturday afternoon or later. But please pardon my appearance. I really am not that nervous, yet. I did kinda have a small melt down about midnight last night. I got up and wrote a letter to my family and one to the love of my life, Jeff. Then I was fine. Today will be finishing up those little tasks, laundry, groceries for the non-liquid people here, (I have all my stuff), and making sure my bag has what I need. Then, going to Mom's house for a bit to try to calm her down. I am not nervous because she is bad enough for both of us! LOL Yesterday was her birthday and she said the only thing she wanted was for me to come home and start getting healthier. Now does that sound like a Mom thing or what?? LOL Keep your fingers crossed for me and God willing, I will be back here posting middle of next week. Thanks for all the support, I will work on "paying it forward" when I get home. (((HUGS))) Elizabeth
October 16, 2003
Well, here it is the middle of the week and I am back to posting. I had surgery on Friday (10/10/03) and came home on Monday (10/13/03) No problems, and now I am just trying to get all my fluids in. Not hungry at all, but my ribs still are tender so it is a little rough trying to take deep breaths and stand up straight. My family won't let me stay by myself during the day yet so every morning after Jeff leaves for work, Mom comes and gets me and takes me to her house. I have been going along with this since I know Mom is still a nervous wreck, worrying about me, but I am hoping that next week, they will just let me stay in my OWN home and do what I want. LOL I love 'em, but they can drive ya nuts after a while. I still can't sit at the computer for a real long time, so I will update more later, hopefully an impressive weight loss after my first Dr. appt, on Tues (10/21/03)
I want to take a minute to say a BIG thank you to Ms. Tina Rainey for being a true angel to me, she did an awesome job! And thanks to Sue Outland for driving all that way to visit me. Sorry it couldn't have been quieter so we could visit more, but I have a feeling it isn't our last meeting! LOL (((HUGS))) to both of you WONDERFUL women! I will post more later, gotta get some more water! Elizabeth
October 21, 2003
First post-op Dr visit today. Got those aweful stitches removed, I was having to take Benadryl liquid due to a metal allergy. They itched really badly. I have been cleared to drive again, now I don't have to ride with Mom anymore and that should keep my blood pressure down! I get to step up to pureed foods, so that should add a few new things to eat. And....I have lost 14 lbs. in 11 days. It is all starting to feel really "real" now that the weight loss has started. That makes a total of 26 lbs with the 12 I lost pre-op. WOOOHOOO!! The journey continues! and the real fun begins! Elizabeth
I am a 34 y/o female with an awesome boyfriend and a great support team in the rest of my family. I have a BMI of 60.4 and have been obese for as long as I can remember.
I am on disability due to fibromyalgia and Osteo-arthritis so this computer is my main link to the outside world much of the time.
I received my ins. approval on 6/27/03 after an appeal letter and have my second consult with the surgeon scheduled for Aug. 19, 2003 (he is gone for the month of July) I had to have my psych. eval. and nutritionist consult before submitting info for pre-approval so those steps are already done. Now it is just a waitting game. (again!!)
I try to be supportive of my fellow Iowa WLS people and have been accepted by 3 to be their angels. I am excited and nervous. I have really enjoyed talking (on line) with others since I have been out of "the loop" for about 5 years now. Hopefully, after we are all losers, we will be able to get together for a hen party. I might actually be able to stand the heat then and be able to walk farther than 1 block without pain.
I sent in my pics to be put on here so soon every one will be able to see the real me! (OMG!!! LOL) I will add more later, but have been getting some flack since I didn't have anything here yet. :P
July 15, 2003
Well, as you can see, I now have my pics up here. If anyone needs rodent control, feel free to print them and hang up where ever you need to get rid of the mice, etc.! :)
I keep calling my surgeons office, even though he is out of town, hoping that someone has cancelled their appt. They don't have a waiting list for sooner appts. so I have to keep calling. Bet they are tired of me already!! lol But hey! It just might get me a sooner appt. just so I quit bugging them! Elizabeth
July 20, 2003
Nothing new to report on me. Just waiting and waiting and waiting.... I am so ready for this step in my life. I am not affraid of the surgery, I am just anxious to get that part done so I can start feeling better and being more active. The weight along withthe fibromyalgia is really zapping any energy I would happen to have. OK, pity party is over. Post again soon. Elizabeth
August 19, 2003
Had my second consult with the surgeon today. I am scheduled for open RNY on October 3, 2003. Second surgery of the morning. 45 days and counting. Lots to do now that I have a date to aim for. So excited can't hardly sit still long enough to type this!
August 25, 2003
Another bump in the road. Back on 8/4/03, myself and 2 of my sisters did a follow up on a heart study from Mayo Clinic that we participated in back in 1999. I received my test results in the mail and, after reading them I faxed them to my PCP and surgeon. It seems, from a Heart CT that was part of the study, that I have "extensive coronary artery calcification" for someone of my age. So now I have to see a cardiologist on 9/5/03 to have this checked out. Hopefully it won't be anything serious enough to postpone surgery, but I guess if it is that serious, I would rather wait anyway. I want to be able to enjoy being a loser, not have major problems before I get "out of the gate". I will add more when I know more. Elizabeth
Sept. 5, 2003
Had my cardio appt. today. Have to go back next week for a chemical stress test. Dr. told me I have arteriosclrosis (sp?) or hardening of the arteries. Not too extensive, but more than most my age and gender. So not a set back YET. I will know more after next Friday. Dr. also told me that the rate I was going and without wls, I was right that I probably wouldn't live for another 10 years. Something to look forward to and ponder huh?? Post again when I know more. Elizabeth
Sept 12, 2003
Well, I survived my Dobutamine Stress ECHO. It wasn't as bad as I thought it might be. Still wasn't fun. I won't have the results for a few days at least. I figure, since I didn't have a heart attack or any chest pain when they pumped my heartrate up to 158 using atropine. It did make me a little nausiated though. I will post more when I have the report. Elizabeth
Sept 19, 2003
Heard back on the stress test. Everything is a go for surgery. Cardio. Dr. said ECHO looked good and should be helped by WLS. (not adding much more calcification to arteries) I am back on the countdown! 2 weeks and counting. I have never wanted to be a loser so bad in my life! Back pain and knee pain are really getting to me, even with the darvocet I take every 4 hours! I forgot to mention that the cardio Dr. also ordered compression stockings for me. These must have been designed by the same man that invented the bra! But I will wear them if they help my journey in ANY way at all. I really don't want a battle with blood clots and thrombophelbitis runs in my family. Called Factor Five Lieden Mutation. It is a mutation of the cells that clot the blood and it makes us VERY susceptable to Pulminary Embolism. I am sure the surgeon will be keeping my blood thin for a while after surgery so I will probably be black and blue. Oh well. I will post more as time gets closer. Actually 13 days and counting now! Elizabeth
Sept 24, 2003
Single digit countdown now. 9 days and counting. Still not nervous. My family is nervous enough for me. Pretty bad when the dogs are the only ones that don't seem to be acting different. LOL BF has been crabby, but is to "macho" to admit he is worried. MEN! :) My nesting instincts are starting to kick in. Getting everything straightened out and put away. Shopping for the rest of my immediate post-op stuff. My family being so nervous has got me to thinking that I need to write letters "just in case" My health isn't the best (if it was I wouldn't need this surgery!) and bad things can happen. I just am refusing to allow them to happen to me! I have had abdominal surgery before, (appy) so i kinda know what to expect. That was 17 years ago and I don't remember everything, but I know how to use the pillow and about sleeping problems. And about walking ASAP. Ihave had all the pre-op appts. Cardio said is ok, pulminology gave me a letter of support before applying for pre-approval, Rheumatology gave a letter of reccommendation for surgery too. I have an excellent surgeon, and I am sure he has an excellent team. So everything is a go except that little devil that keeps slowing down time!!! I am sure I will be here to ramble again before the big day. Elizabeth
Sept 26, 2003
ONE WEEK TO GO! I am nesting big time. And I have been keeping busy trying to take care of those around me. That is what I usually do anyway, so for me to have the attention of others is a little disconcerting. I am trying to get everything ready for Jeff (bf) to take care of himself while I am in the hospital like having stuff he likes that are easy to cook on hand and making lists of the things I put in his lunchbox each day. Kinda the same type of thing for the rest of the family too. I think I pretty much have things ready to go to the hospital with me. Robe, slippers, chapstick, etc. I have my shopping done for immediatly post-op, broth, SF jello, etc. If I could just get my desk cleared of all the paperwork, I would be in good shape! ROFL That is a Mountain-ess task! I even have the dog's bag packed since she will be staying with my sister while I am out of commission. I am so glad my friend Sue Outland is home and doing OK at least. We have never met, but I feel she is truly a new best friend. Sue, if you are reading this, congrats and hang in there. I am a little disappointed in my other fellow IA message boarders. I haven't heard from hardly any of them. But, as Grandma always says, you have to pick your friends wisely cause you are stuck with your relatives. I will continue to offer the support that I have in the past, even as a post-op. I can never forget those of you here that have taught me so much and I am sure will continue to do so. Better go for now, I can hear the kitchen cupboards calling my name, needing "nested" LOL Best of luck to all on their journeys, Elizabeth
Sept 27,2003
I am having major computer problems. We bought a used system from a reputalble (?) place and are having some difficulties. We piggy backed the old (from our other computer) hard drive to the new one (from the new to us computer) and no problems there, but we can't get the USB and modems to work on the sister board. I don't know if it is because the new is a DELL and the old is just an IBM compatable or what. We have taken everything off and started over a few times. Still nothing. Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated. I am using my bf's laptop which works great, but KILLS my hands and I cannot print anything. Also don't have any of my favorites or bookmarks or anything! lol Thanks in advance, Elizabeth
October 1, 2003
Well, 2 days from now I will be on my way to the hospital. I really don't feel that nervous YET. Partly because I have had abdominal surgery before (not wls though), and I believe partly because I know this surgery is the right thing for me. Also because I have been trying to keep busy. I think everything is ready, even the dog's bag is packed! I am so ready to be "re-born" and start living the life I have never had as I have been MO for about 28 of my 34 years. So many things to do and try. This will probably be my last post until I am post-op and back home again. I want to be sure to say THANKS to all that have helped me learn and persist even if you do not realize you have done so. Just by putting your trials and tribulations and triumphs on the board for others to read, can teach volumes to others. So Thank You to all, and I hope I am able to pass on the favor soon.
See ya on the other side,
Elizabeth
October 2, 2003
After a call from the surgeon's office cancelling my surgery for tomorrow. I get another one from them saying the partner of my surgeon will do it for me NEXT friday (10/10/03) IF I WANT. DUH, of course I said yes. I have been a rollercoaster of emotions this morning. Need to get moving and clear my head a little. Elizabeth
October 9, 2003
You will probably all hear me scream if they cancel my surgery again this week!!! I do not have a definite time yet, will get thtat today, somewhere around noon. The wonderful Ms. Tina Rainey will be posting updates for me and I am sure I will be in contact with the great Ms Outland also. Anyone inthe DesMoines area (or anywhere else) please feel free to visit Methodist this weekend-probably Saturday afternoon or later. But please pardon my appearance. I really am not that nervous, yet. I did kinda have a small melt down about midnight last night. I got up and wrote a letter to my family and one to the love of my life, Jeff. Then I was fine. Today will be finishing up those little tasks, laundry, groceries for the non-liquid people here, (I have all my stuff), and making sure my bag has what I need. Then, going to Mom's house for a bit to try to calm her down. I am not nervous because she is bad enough for both of us! LOL Yesterday was her birthday and she said the only thing she wanted was for me to come home and start getting healthier. Now does that sound like a Mom thing or what?? LOL Keep your fingers crossed for me and God willing, I will be back here posting middle of next week. Thanks for all the support, I will work on "paying it forward" when I get home. (((HUGS))) Elizabeth
October 16, 2003
Well, here it is the middle of the week and I am back to posting. I had surgery on Friday (10/10/03) and came home on Monday (10/13/03) No problems, and now I am just trying to get all my fluids in. Not hungry at all, but my ribs still are tender so it is a little rough trying to take deep breaths and stand up straight. My family won't let me stay by myself during the day yet so every morning after Jeff leaves for work, Mom comes and gets me and takes me to her house. I have been going along with this since I know Mom is still a nervous wreck, worrying about me, but I am hoping that next week, they will just let me stay in my OWN home and do what I want. LOL I love 'em, but they can drive ya nuts after a while. I still can't sit at the computer for a real long time, so I will update more later, hopefully an impressive weight loss after my first Dr. appt, on Tues (10/21/03)
I want to take a minute to say a BIG thank you to Ms. Tina Rainey for being a true angel to me, she did an awesome job! And thanks to Sue Outland for driving all that way to visit me. Sorry it couldn't have been quieter so we could visit more, but I have a feeling it isn't our last meeting! LOL (((HUGS))) to both of you WONDERFUL women! I will post more later, gotta get some more water! Elizabeth
October 21, 2003
First post-op Dr visit today. Got those aweful stitches removed, I was having to take Benadryl liquid due to a metal allergy. They itched really badly. I have been cleared to drive again, now I don't have to ride with Mom anymore and that should keep my blood pressure down! I get to step up to pureed foods, so that should add a few new things to eat. And....I have lost 14 lbs. in 11 days. It is all starting to feel really "real" now that the weight loss has started. That makes a total of 26 lbs with the 12 I lost pre-op. WOOOHOOO!! The journey continues! and the real fun begins! Elizabeth
