Let me tell you a little bit about myself... I am 34 years old . I don't have any children but I have a pitbull named Roxy and a cockatiel named Margartia. I have been dieting since approx the age of 19-Wow that sucks. I have done weight watchers, healthy weigh, cabbage soup, you name it-I've tried it. I hate to say this but when I talk with other people that are obese most of them have children. It is like they have a reason for putting on extra weight...I have no children and no excuse! Well anyway here I am starting out on my journey to WLS. I have been thinking of having WLS for years, but never thought I would be approved. I decided to call my insurance provider (United HealthCare) one day and ask if it was covered and it was. They referred me to the Care Cordination Dept. & I asked what requirements I needed to have WLS, they told me after the Doctor submits the paperwork for the surgery they will let the Doctor's office know. That kind of pissed me off. I thought maybe I could try to get ahead of the game, but I guess not. Next was talking with my PCP and getting a referral for a surgeon. I met with my PCP early in June 2005 and he referred me to Dr. Cagle.
I met with Dr. Cagle on June 27th 2005. Wow, what a wonderful Doctor. She answered all my questions before I even had a chance to ask. She was very thorough. Next was my sleep apnea study on June 29th. That was definately an experience. I went for my evaluation of the sleep study July 6th. The sleep center said they would fax over my sleep study results to my surgeons office right away. I have been diagnosed with mild sleep apnea, which Dr. Cagle said will probably help me get approved for weight loss surgery. She said the more problems I have the better the chance to be approved by my insurance. I also have plantar facitis in my right foot, tendonitis in my left foot, GERD & Asthma. I have a family history of diabetes and emphysema.
Dr. Cagle's nurse Ann said they submitted paperwork for approval to my insurance provider-United Healthcare on 7/7/05. On 7/14/05 I called United Healthcare to make sure the paperwork was received. They said they did not have any paperwork. I called Ann back & told her I had followed up with United Healthcare and they said they did not receive anything. Ann told me not to worry, they call it in verbally and she has a refernce number. What a relief. On 7/15/05 I got home from work and checked the mail and noticed a letter from United Healthcare. My heart was beating so hard, my hands were starting to sweat...I was affraid to open it. I AM APPROVED!!!! The letter was dated 7/8/05. It only took United Healthcare a day to approve me. The letter was sort of vague. I called United Healthcare today 7/18/05 to verify this was an approval letter. I talked to Margaret (very nice lady) she said the letter states the benefits are available to you. Margaret stated it depends on what kind of plan my employer has. Margaret looked everything up for me..as long as I am diagnosed as morbidly obese United Healthcare will cover it. Margaret stated that Dr. Cagle is a perferred provider so the doctor's expenses will be covered 100%!! YEAH! I will have a $500 copay for my hospital stay and will have to pay %15 of Anesthia. I can handle that!
7/19/05 Next it is time to schedule my appointment to see the psychiatrist. My surgeon's office reffered me to Dr. Poole's office here in Vancouver. I called and set up an appt for my testing & also set up an appt to meet with the psychiatrist for my review. Well Dr. Poole is not a preferred provider for my insurance company so that will be $340 out of my pocket. Rachael from Dr. Poole's office called to confirm my appt on the 7/25 and asked if I had my insurance arranged. I told her Dr. Poole was not a perferred provider...Rachael asked if I had talked to my insurance about seeing Dr. Ude instead. Dr. Ude was never mentioned to me. I called and my insurance will cover her...yeah!!! I have an appt scheduled to have an EGD done on 8/2/05. Dr. Cagle said since I have GERD(heart burn) for such a long time she would like to have a scope put down my throat to make sure everything is healthy.
8/1/05 The anesthesiologist from Physican's Hospital in Portland called me tonight and left a message in case I had any questions about tomorrow's procedure. He left me his home telephone number...how cool is that!
8/2/05 I was pretty nervous going to the hospital. Well the EGD procedure went well. My surgeon was Dr. Matous. What a great guy. I checked into the hospital at 8am and was out by 10:30 am. I feel fine, just a little tired. I went home and slept for 3 hours. If any of you out there have to get this procedure done...don't sweat it. You will do fine-just make sure you have someone to drive you home. Today I am supposed to start on my skim milk diet. My surgeon puts all of her bariatric patients on it before surgery. I can have skim milk (as much as I can drink) for 10 minutes for breakfast, then for lunch, and for dinner. I can drink as much water and calorie free drinks as I want. Well I feel kind of yucky today after the anesthsia wore off, so I will start tomorrow. Can I survive on liquids only? We will see.
8/4/05 I had my appt at the psychiatrists office today in down town Portland. I allowed myself way to much time to get there. I was 40 minutes early. The receptionist was very nice and went ahead and put me in a room early to start taking my exams. The first one was all about eating habits (it was pretty short). Then came the big one (over 500 questions). Well that was all over after about 2 hours. The evaluation with the psychiatrist is scheduled for 8/15/05.
8/5/05 I am leaving for vacation tomorrow and flying to Sacramento to visit a friend. Then we are taking a little road trip back home to the place we grew up by Susanville CA. I have survived the skim milk so far but I think being on vacation will be a challenge.
8/14/05 Got back from vacation last night and I didn't cheat on my skim milk diet. I am so proud of myself. I lost 8 lbs. on vacation, that's a first. I went walking twice on my vacation. There is only one problem-My face is breaking out pretty bad. Can just drinking skim milk cause that?
8/15/05 Had my appointment with the psychiatrist Dr. Ude today. What a nice lady. She asked me lots of questions and went over both tests that I took. I guess the test is sent somewhere to have a computer analyze all the questions you answer then it gives a proflie of what kind of person you are. Wow the results from my long test fit me to a tee. Dr. Ude said I would be a good canidate for surgery. She said within a week my surgeon will get an approval from her....yeah
Dr. Ude did say I needed to start a regular exercise program. It will help with the flabby skin if my body is toned. I was walking every morning before work until my foot (plantar facitis) starting getting really bad. I do get injections of cortisone in my feet about every 3-4 months to help. My podiatrist said no more shots though. I have had the shots every 3-4 months for over a year and I guess that is bad. It starts deteriating the good fibers in my feet. Hopefully after WLS and I start loosing the pain in my feet will disappear.
8/16/05 Today I met with my dietitian Trish Slade. I told her I have really been looking forward to my appointment. She was surprised, she said most people think it's a hassle. She went over what I could eat and when I could eat it. She gave paperwork with all the details. The paperwork listed different brands of vitamins, calcuim, protein drinks, protein powder, etc. The paperwork gave the website address where to purchase, the manufacturer, the product name, and nutritional info. I went online tonight and ordered some samples of Unjury whey protein. They were about $1.75 a piece so I ordered 3 of them to try out. The chewable vitamins, Calcium citrate and B-12 I can purchase at Walmart, Walgreens, GNC, or the health food store. I looked at the product reviews from this website and wrote down the names of some protein drinks and protein powders then I called GNC and they carry the Nature's Best Isopure Zero Card Protein drinks and powder. From what I read this stuff has the most grams of protein per serving and tastes great. The Isopure zero carb drink has 40 grams of protein per serving! The Isopure zero carb protein powder has 50 grams of protein per 2 scopps which is one serving.
I have been doing a little bit of exercising the last few days. I did some bench press, curls, squats and sit ups. I need to get some cardio in but my feet are killing me. I need to check out doing water areobics.
8/18/05 I went and picked up my CPAP machine today for my sleep apnea. There is so many buttons and tubes hopefully I can figure it out tonight before I get too tired!
I have a confession to make...after 15 days on the skim milk diet I cheated last night. I ate some pizza. It made me feel terrible. I was sick to my stomach and felt very sleepy. I won't do that again. I am back on track again today. Only 15 more days until surgery!! It is getting close. I can't believe how time is flying by. I think I will go to WalMart after work today and check out their selection of vitamins/protein powders.
8/22/05 I had my final appointment with my surgeon Dr. Cagle today, the next time I will see her will be in the hospital. Wow just 10 days away!! My appointment was very interesting. Dr. Cagle gave me some surgery directions. It states the morning before surgery I have to take 1 oz of Milk of Magnesia in the morning then clear liquids all day. That night I have to use a Fleet enema - yuck! I also have to take a shower that night with Hibiclens among other things. I have an afternoon surgery so my check in time is 10am on Friday Sept 2, 2005. My surgery is at 12:30pm. I can't wait to be on the other side:) I am feeling really lousy today. I don't know if it is nerves or just my skim milk diet. I asked my Dr about birth control pills and she said to quit taking them at least 5 days prior to surgery. It has something to do with blod clots. The Dr. told me a story that I thought I would share with you all...it is a shocker. There was a man that was 2 weeks (or maybe 2 months) post op that decided to eat a Big Mac and two ice creams. He held it down with out dumping but then his staple line ruptured from the pressure. I couldn't believe that. What the hell was he thinking?! The Dr. said they had to take him right into surgery and correct the rupture in the staple line. Did he forget his stomach is tiny now?? The Dr.'s nurse Ann was very helpful and went over all the paperwork with me. She told me where I could find Isopure protein powder in Vancouver where I live (instead of ordering it online). Isopure has 50 grams of protein per serving!! My next appointment is on August 30th at the hospital for pre -assesing (what ever that is?).
8/26/05 The last few days has been rough for me. My mother passed away about 4 1/2 years ago (she was only 47). I am missing her really bad right now. I am nervous about my surgery next Friday and I just wish she was here with me! I have never had any contact with my biological father. I am an only child. My mom and I were best friends and I just need her right now. My cousin is coming to look after me during and after surgery. I don't know what I would do with out her. My boyfriend kind of got upset and asked me "what you don't think I can take care of you myself?". My cousin is an only child too so we grew up more like sisters. Goodbye for now...enough with my pouting.
8/30/05 Wow only 3 days to go! Today I had my assesement at the hospital. They drew some blood and did an EKG. I then went to talk to the nurse. She gave me hibiclens soap packets and told me to wash with them the morning of the surgery. She also gave me paperwork on Power of Attorney and Health Care Directive instructions. I am going to complete both and get them notarized. I don't want anyone to wonder what my wishes are if I were to die. I want everyone to know exactly what I want done to and with my body! The nurse also gave me an incentive spirometer. I have to let all the air out of my lungs and then breath in with the spirometer. The nurse told me it helps you focus on getting all the air you can into your lungs which is helpful in the hospital so you don't get phnemonia. The nurse also showed me the leg pumps that I will have on in the hospital. They help the flow of blood in the legs so I won't get blood clots. Wow there is so much going on. I have to take my nose ring out and no make up in the hospital. I think I can live with that. I was told when someone comes to see me they must wash their hands thoroughly before they see me. No chance of germs/infections. Thanks to all the responses from my post today on what to pack for my hospital stay. I know chapstick is a must! Well until next time...see ya later. Maybe I'll be on the other side! :)
9/1/05 Well it's the night before surgery...15 hours and counting. I'm not to affraid at the moment. My cousin is here with me so that makes me feel better. I'LL SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE. :)
9/8/05 Wow, sorry so long since I posted. I went into the hospital at 9am on 9/2/05. They weighed me and I was at 272. That is my lowest in many many years. It put a smile on my face. My surgery was scheduled for 11:30 but I didn't even get into pre-op until 1pm. I saw my surgeon in pre-op and met my anesthesiologist. As they wheeled me away into surgery I was smiling and said goodbye to my boyfriend and my cousin. They asked me if I would like something to relax me before the anesthesia, I said no I am fine. I was in the operating room and was introduced to all the nurses etc. Lots of monitors and instruments all over. I felt like I was captured by aliens and waiting to be probed! They had me scoot over to the operating table and then straped my arms straight out and started my IV. Next thing I know I was in my hospital room and I could barely open my eyes. I could see my boyfriend, my cousin and her husband. I told them I needed some toothpicks to keep my eyes open. We were all laughing. What I didn't know is that it was 7:45 in the evening. There was an emergency surgery and I got bumped to at 3:30 surgery time. It took approx 3 1/2 hours for the surgery and then time for the anesthesia go away. My surgeon Dr. Cagle usually works with Dr. Dalley but I guess he was out of town so Dr. Matous was her co-surgeon. Dr. Cagle explained afterward that her and Dr. Dalley don't even need to speak during surgery they just know automatically what the other one is going to do and so on. She said Dr. Matous is a very good bariatric surgeon but she has not done as many procedures with him so they took their time and it took a little longer. I don't care how long it took just as long as it was done right! :) So any way it was 7:45 so my family could only visit until 8pm. I woke up at about 3am with a bad headache. I rang for the nurse and asked for some type of asprin. She said you already have a morphine pump so the only thing I can give you is a asprin suppository. Ok, that was unpleasent but it worked. The next day I had lots of visitors. It was great. My aunt in California sent me a food processor-boy am I going to but that to use. My cousin bought me some water bottles and little storage cups for food and a scrap book for my surgery. I had her take lots of pictures. The morphine was working great and I felt no pain. But I continued to get headaches every night-ended up with a asprin suppository. I started on water Saturday and progressed to diluted juice that night. It was finally Sunday! I started on my protein drink and it made me sick. The nurses kept giving me anti-nausea medication. I had to start back at diluted juice and progress to the protein drink. I was nauseated again. My morphine ran out and my IV machine was beeping. The CNA came in and said she would tell the RN. Well, the beeping started again and here came the CNA, she said she forgot and would go find the RN. Well over an hour went by before they replace the morphine. By then it was Sunday afternoon. I was suddenly struck by so much pain I thought I would vomit. They decided to keep me again overnight. The nurse tried to switch me to liquid pain medication that evening. My stomach did not tollerate it. Sick again. I never actually threw up the whole time I was there just felt like I was going to. I told the nurse I am fine with no pain medication and went to sleep.
Woke up Monday morning feeling pretty good. Started on my diluted juice again and worked my way up to the protein drink-It was discustingly sweet. I did great though. My cousin came and picked me up and was home by 3pm Monday! It was good to be home but I missed the hospital bed. I weighed myself and gained 10 lbs in the hospital, I am at 283. I was pissed but not too much. I have been reading profiles on this website for so long I know you usually gain a little while in the hospital. I had the worst dirrhea of my life non stop today. I woke up in the middle of the night with the worst heart burn of my life. Got up Tuesday morning and called my surgeons office. They said to take Maalox or Pepcid OTC. So I had my boyfriend run to the store for Maalox. Felt a little better after taking some. Then I went shopping with my cousin. I felt pretty week all day but tried to get as much water and protein drink in as I could. By the end of Tuesday I was exhausted. I think I over did it a little. I am supposed to get 16 grams of protein in and 60 oz of water in a day. I don't even come close. I can't fit it in. My stomach just won't hold that much. I sip, sip, sip all day long. So now it was Wednesday-woke up again with heatburn. I have been trying to sleep with several pillows under my head and back to help with the heart brun. My cousin and I went to the movies and watched Charile and the Chocolate Factory. It was great, Johnny Depp is a freak! :) We went and visited a few freinds of mine and took it easy all day.
Woke up in the middle of the night with heart burn again. I think I slept about 4 hours total. My cousin went back home so I think I am just going to lounge around today. I am expecting a visit from a couple people today but I am going to take it easy. I have my first check up with my surgeon tomorrow. Usually you have a two week visit but my surgeon will be out of town so I get a one week visit. I think I will try and get some Pepcid OTC today. I am sick of sipping on the Maalox! Thanks to all of you that sent me your prayers and well wishes.
I almost forgot to include this little tid bit. While at the hospital I was visited by my primary physician Dr. Valbuena, which I have not seen or talked to in months. It was very nice to see him. What a great guy. I was also visited by my dietian Trish Slade. And was visited by someone whom I had never met named Jackie. She is 18 months post-op and is the head of the local bariatric support group at the hospital. What a nice lady. I am really looking forward to my first meeting. I didn't get a chance to go before my surgery because I was on vacation. I weighed myself this morning and most of my "hospital" weight is gone. I am at 273 today!
9/9/05 I went to my first check up today. You are supposed to have your first check up at two weeks but my surgeon will be out of town. Well, her scale is 3 lbs heavier then mine! Oh well it's a loss right! She said I looked good. One of my sutures doesn't look the greatest. It spread apart a little bit. My surgeon said to keep neosporin and a band aid on it. I asked her suggestions on the liquid diet. She said any kind of soup that has pieces small enough that they would fit through a straw, starbucks lite frapachino, jamba juice suger free smoothie. I went to the store after my appointment and picked up some different types of soup. Wow cream of chicken and herbs tasted wonderful! Talk to you all later. Thanks for the support.
9/13/05 I need some help. I am drinking my protein and water like I am supposed to but I never seem to get full anymore. At first I could feel the "fullness pressure" in my stomach. Now it seems like I can just drink forever. I don't know what to do. I haven't went through all this for nothing. I have been walking daily also. Hopefully something will change. Or am I just over reacting? I have sent an email to the head meeting cordinator for the bariatric surgery group at the hospital. I am anxious to get her returned email.
9/20/05 I went to my first surgery support meeting tonight. It was very cool meeting other people that had surgery. It was amazing to hear how much weight they have lost...what inspirations they are! Wanted to say hi to my new pre-op friend Sammie! What a beautiful girl. I know she will do great. I think we are going to start taking water aerobics together. I can't wait, it sounds like fun.
9/22/05 I received the bill from the hospital today..$32,312.90! After my insurance makes their payment I will only be responsible for $500. Thank God! I had an appt with Ann my surgeon's nurse today. I lost 5 lbs. Not much but anything is good to me. I asked her why I wasn't loosing faster. Ann told me it depends on the individual, how much they weigh, how much you excercise, etc. I made a mistake on my liquid diet though. I was having cream based soups. Ann said they are loaded with fat & calories so that is not the best choice. I also asked about taking birth control pills. Ann checked with Dr. Dally and he said I should switch to the patch for 6 months, that way it would be absorbed through my skin. He said in 6 months my stomach will be able to absorb better and I can start on the pills again. I had so many questions I had been saving up for Ann. I had heard from someone that the surgeon's sew instead of staple. Ann clarified that where the new pouch is made it is stapled and where they re-route the intestines that part is sewed. I started on pureed foods this evening. I had pureed chicken enchilada's and some cottage cheese. Just a tablespoon of each. I was full! I have a problem getting all my water in daily so that is going to be my focus.
9/27/05 I had my first episode of "dumping" last night. I got a sharp pain in my upper chest and started sweating. My mouth began to water and then I knew what was up. I tried eating pureed spagetti. I think the sausage was too much for me. I dumped to day after eating tuna salad. I think I am eating too fast. I have to re-teach myself to eat slowly. You know with only two tablespoons per meal you would think I could enjoy it. I woof it down. I will learn. It sucked getting sick at work today though. I have been trying to get more activity in. I came home from work today and mowed the front and back yard and put the picnic table and chairs away for winter. I feel pretty darn good tonight. I am going to start water aerobics next week. We will see how my weigh in is this Friday!
9/30/05 Well I weighed myself this morning and I am down another 4 lbs. I can live with that! I am truely happy I had the surgery. I know the weight is not comming off as fast as other profiles I have read, but slow and steady is ok for me!
10/7/05 I really enjoy doing water aerobics! I have went 3 times already this week and I think I will try and go tonight! I weighed myself this morning and I am down to 259 lbs. I have lost a total of 44 lbs since the begining of August starting the skim milk pre surgery diet. I don't think I have been this light in 10 years. I feel great except for my foot (plantar facitis) is really hurting. I am going to the podiatrist today to see what else he can do. I can't wait until 10/14 I can move onto regular foods! Pureed/soft foods is ok but I am tired of cottage cheese, yogurs, scrambled eggs, etc. Don't take me wrong..I would do this all over again in a heart beat. I am so greatful I have been given this great opportunity to improve my life. I thank God every day!
10/14/05 Well, I was going to post my new weight today but I ran into a problem. I usually weigh myself 3 times in a row (I have a digital scale). It said I weighed 252.5, so I weighed my self again and it said 255.5, so again I weighed my self...it said 255. I think either the battery is going dead or I am being punished for weighing myself too much :) I will post with my new weight as soon as I get the battery replaced.
10/21/05 I only lost 3.5 lbs this week but at least it's a loss. I have been exercising alot lately so maybe I am putting on a little bit of muscle..I hope. I think I will venture out this weekend for protein bars. I haven't tried them yet. Till next time...Take it easy.
10/29/05 OK I am getting a little bit upset now....I only lost 2 lbs this week. I have to remember I have been working out 3 times a week, but I would still like the scale to move quicker. So I bought a South Beach protein bar. I tried the peanut butter & chocolate one, it was ok. I only eat 1/4 of it at a time. I have been throwing up so much lately. I tried to eat red meat the other night. I chewed, chewed and chewed. It didn't stay down. I don't think I will try red meat for quite a while now.
11/05/05 Well I am really pissed off this morning. I weighed in the same as last week. Zero pounds lost. I have been working out at least 3 times a week. Hopefully this will pass and I will be a big loser next week. I am going to make some homemade stew Sunday with lean beef and lots of barley, they both have a ton of protein. Hope everyone out there in loser land is doing great. :)
11/07/05 I went for my 2 month doctor check up today. I weighed in at 249.6. That is after I had breakfast and had already drank 40 oz of water. When I weigh myself at home I do it first thing in the morning before I eat or drink anything. Anyway the doctor said I was doing great. I really haven't had any problems. I did ask what I could take for a headache and she suggested Tylenol. I also asked her about my heart. Sometimes at work I can feel my heart "fluttering" or double skipping a beat. The doctor listened to my heart and told me she could hear nothing. She told me the next time it happens to take my pulse. She said to keep an eye on it but not to worry about it too much since I am feeling fine and it only has happened a few times at work. I did have an EKG before surgery and it was fine. The doctor also reviewed my blood work today. Everything looks great except I still have a high liver enzyme count. She said it is my fatty liver. She assured me as my weight loss progress and I excercise more my liver enzymes should return back to normal. I am looking forward to my next support meeting on the 15th. It is just so cool to listen and actually see people that have been through it all. Great receipe ideas too! Take care ya'all!
11/14/05 I weighed in Saturday like ususal and I am at 242.5 lbs! I can't remember the last time I weighed that little. I am a happy girl! I went to get my oil changed at WalMart Saturday so just for the heck of it I thought I would try on clothes to see what size I am in. Well I bought two cute tops each on sale for $3 size 16/18 and I was wearing a 3x!! I tried on some jeans and depending on the brand I wear mostly 22's & I was wearing a 26 or 28! I took a few vacation hours this morning and instead of going to work at 8am I went to Value Village (it's a thrift store), it was a one day only 50% off sale. I bought 4 pairs of pants, 1 skirt, 3 shirts, 1 pair of shoes. I was never a thrift store shopper before but there is no way I am going to pay full price for something I will only be able to wear for a month or so. Well I hope you all out there in lala land are doing great too, I am on cloud 9. =)
11/17/05 Have you ever had one of those days you wonder what you are on this earth for? What is there to look forward to? Well I had one of those days today. I woke up, turned on the tv and saw several Christmas advertisements. My mother passed away almost 5 years ago and I don't have a large family, so the holidays are not the best time of the year for me. Money is also an issue this holiday season. I am trying to get my credit card paid down since I put all of my co-pays and medical expenses from surgery on it. I would like to just skip the holidays. I could have just slept the whole day away too but I knew I had to get up and go to work. I got up and hopped in the shower and started to shave my legs and thought "wow my legs are getting smaller". I do not need to focus on the negative aspects of my life, look at me! I am looking good and feeling healthy. I am truely blessed to have had WLS. I had no complications at all. I thanked God today for everything he has given me. No more complianing! I can just look forward to actually loosing weight this holiday season instead of gaining.
11/26/05 I was fearing the scale today because I have been nibbling a lot lately. I stepped on it and it said 238.5. I lost 2.5 lbs this week. I am a happy camper. I don't know when the last time was that I weighed 230anything. I need to step up my workouts next week. I only went to two classes this last week because of Thanksgiving. Happy Holidays! Monica
11/26/05 Ok here I am again. OMG I am no longer morbidly obese!! I am just obese now.
November 2005
Future Updates
12/14/05 Ok so it's been a while since I have posted. I have been super busy with work, holiday parties, and holiday shopping. My scale quit working so I finally bought a new one last week. I haven't weighed myself in a long time. I am going to wait until this weekend to weigh myself. My hair is starting to fall out. When I get out of the shower in the morning and comb out my hair, handfuls come out. I am very good about getting my protein and vitamins in daily. I was hoping it wouldn't happen to me. I am still thankful I was able to have my surgery. I have scheduled a hair appointment for January 7th, if alot more hair has fallen out by then I am just going to cut it short. I can deal with it....I hope! Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas! Monica (This is an example of how much hair I lose just combing it after I get out of the shower.)
12/17/05 Ok, so I finally weighed myself. I am down to 235. I have only lost 3 lbs in a month. I am not going to let myself get down in the dumps about it though. I must just be hitting a plateau. I have been excercising 3 days a week for the past 3 months. I do a muscle conditioning class twice a week so I am hoping I am gaining muscle and that might have something to do with my slow weight loss. I have had a little bit of a problem grazing lately. I baked my annual Christmas cookies and tried to get them all delivered over the weekend but I didn't catch everyone at home. Now the cookies are lingering around telling me to eat them. Believe me I have had a few...they are evil. I want them gone. But I don't want to just throw them out. I put a lot of time and effort into them! I made a big pot of chili last night so I have something on hand to eat. Hopefully I will have a loss the next time a check in. Merry Christmas everyone!
12/28/05 I just got back from an appointment with my surgeon's nurse Ann. I weiged in at 230 today!! Yeah! I had such a great time talking to Ann about my journey. I know I need to get more veggies in my diet. I think I will stop by the grocery store on the way home from work tonight.
1/15/06 Things have been going pretty well. Instead of water aerobics twice a week I am trying to use the eliptical machine twice a week and my muscle conditioning class twice a week also. I feel myself getting healthier. It is a great feeling. I am starting to have lots of those "wow" moments. I had 3 different customers come into my work last week and tell me how great I looked. They all had asked me "wow how did you loose so much weight", I wish I could have just said " Oh, just watching what I eat and exercise". I did let them know I had surgery. I am not ashamed of having it at all but I know a lot of people out there think of it as "the easy way out". I Wish all of you pre-op's out there the best of luck, don't be worried! If I had it all to do again I would do it in a second. :)
1/14/06
1/18/06 I had the day off work Monday so I decided to go shopping at the consignment shops & thrift stores. I made out like a bandit and the best thing is I went from size 28 pre-op to a size 20 now! I went from a 3x shirt to a 1x or Xlarge shirt. It was so much fun buying clothes! I wish I had the $ to buy new ones but I know I woun't be able to wear them for long :) Good luck to all you out there. Thank you for reading my profile. Monica
1/21/06 I am down 80lbs! Oh my gosh! I weighed in at 223 today. I don't remember the last time I weighed this little. Yes, to most normal size people out there 223 is not light, but to me it is! I can't wait to get in the 100's. My weight loss is slow, about 10 lbs a month. So I figure by mid April I will be in onederland!
1/28/06 I am down 2 lbs this week for a total of 82lbs. Sometimes I can't believe it is real. I still see my self in the mirror as the big girl. I know I am shrinking but my mind has not quite caught up with everything yet. I am craving sweets so bad. Maybe because it's that time of the month? I am making a Splenda lime cheescake today. I will post & let you all know how it turns out.
Future Updates
2/13/06 I went shopping and bought me some new pants this weekend in a size 18! I don't remember the last time I wore a size 18. Things are great what else can I say.
2/20/06 -90 lbs today!
2/27/06 I think I have replaced my addiction to food with an addiction for shopping. At size 28 there were not that many options for clothing (that looked good on me anyway). Now at a size 18 pants and X Large tops there are so many things to choose from. I have already spent my entire tax refund on clothes. I went to Portland Saturday to GenX and found a new skirt for $2 and 4 new shirts for $2 each! I felt like I had just won the lottery :) I have been taking my measurements since September. I take them on the same day every month. Well, I really sat down and looked at them yesterday. I have shrunk over 10 inches just in my hips! That was totally amazing! I am truely grateful for having this surgery. I have had no complications and I feel like I have a new life.
Future Updates
3/6/06 Ok now it is confession time. I gained 1 lb this week. I was totally devistated this morning when I stepped on the scale for my weekly weigh in. I was told from the begining this is a tool, but you must use it correctly. Well, I haven't. Yes I have been continuing to excersize as usual but my eating habits are getting bad. I found some sugar-free chocolate chip cookie dough in the store this weekend. I thought -oh it's sugar free, it won't make me sick...so I bought it. Well I have had about 3 cookies a day. I can't do this any more. I need to go back to the basics. Protein, protein and water. I am going to a special group meeting this week called "back on track" maybe I can get some suggestions from people in the meeting. I feel like I am missing out (on food). So if I see something sugar free I automatically think it is ok for me to have. I don't need it though! I am not hungry, I just think I need it. If any of you are out there reading this & have some suggestions please email me! Monica
3/13/06 Ok, I must be doing it right again, I am down 3 lbs this week. I have been really watching what I am putting into my mouth. I need to increase my exercise but I find it hard at the end of the day. I rather just come home from work and relax. I went to the back on track support meeting last Wednesday and thought it was great. I think I might continue to go to that meeting along with my regular post op meeting. I have met some wonderful people through my monthly meetings & I encourage everyone out there to go if they are available.
3/16/06 I had my 6 month post-op check up today. Everything looks good except for my Iron. I am a little low so I have to start taking one Iron pill a day with orange juice (it is better absorbed with vitamin C). But I am down 3 lbs since Monday! I am down a total of 98 lbs. Wooooohoooooo!!! I can't wait until I hit the 100 pound mark.
3/21/06 I really wanted to hit that 100 lb mark today but I guess I will take a one pound loss. It is better then gaining. I'm just so close to the big 100 it is driving me crazy. Hopefully next week I will reach my 100 lb loss mark. :)
3/27/06 I am down 100 lbs !!!!!!! Now I just need to figure out how to get my century card. :)
down 100 lbs
my and the gecko from Geico
4/3/06 Today I weighed in at 201. I can't wait to be in the 100's. I have so much more energy now. My boyfriend & I went to the Easyrider motorcycle show this weekend and I walked around for hours. Last year when we went I would have to take breaks and sit down for a while because I was tired and my feet hurt.
4/10/06 Well I finally made it to onederland. This is such an awesome feeling. I can't rememeber when I weighed one hundred and something pounds!! I'm having a hard time keeping food down this morning. I don't know what the problem is, I am eating the same stuff I usually do. Hopefully I will feel better soon. :)
4/17/06 I was kind of disappointed this morning when I stepped on the scale. I didn't loose anything, but at least I did not gain. The weather looks good this week so I will try and fit in a couple extra walks.
4/18/06 Ok I have to admit I am a little bit obsessed with my scale this week. Since I did not loose anything when I weighed in yesterday I had to get back on the scale this morning. I am down 1 pound. Does that really make everything better? I'm not sure. I guess I got my satisfaction when I saw the 198 on the scale this morning. Some times I think I just need to toss out my scale, but I don't think I could live with out it. The weather looks like it is going to be nice most of the week so I think I will get out and mow the lawn & start some gardening. I can't wait until the rain is gone for summer & I can start walking every day:)
4/24/06 I am down 4 lbs! That's a total loss of 109 lbs. Wow, sometimes I still can't believe it. I actually layed out in the sun yesterday. I wore some shorts and a sports bra and I didn't care if anyone saw me or not. I used to be so affraid someone would see my fat a$$ in the backyard I could never relax in the sun. Yeah I know the sun isn't good for your skin but I love the sun & I will be laying out in it until the day I die. I went out to dinner with my cousin & her husband this past weekend & I wasn't sure what to order. We ate mexican. I decided to just order something off the al a carte menu so I ordered a tostada & I only ate 1/2 of it. My cost in eating out has sure gone done. Before surgery I could have eaten a whole mexican combo meal to myself and still had room for desert! =)
Future Updates
5/2/06 Today is my 8 month post-op anniversary! I gained a half a pound. I think it was all the strawberries and cool whip this last weekend. I did do a 3 mile walk though on Saturday plus my reglar exercising. What gives?
5/5/06 Ok so don't call me obsessed but I had to weigh myself again today. I lost the 1/2 pound I gained plus one more. I am officially down 110 lbs today! Wow that like another person! Saturday I am doing a 5k walk for the animals that will benefit our local humane soceity. I think it will be a blast. I am trying to find ways to exercise while having fun. Happy Friday! Monica =)
5/13/06 Down 1 1/2 lbs this week. I am pleased. The weight loss is really slowing down, but I am still happy with how far I have come. I have been having problems eating meat lately. I had some BBQ steak for dinner last night. It didn't stay down. I was in the bathroom for 15 minutes! I am going to try some chicken or pork chops tonight and see how I do.
5/19/06 Down another 1 1/2 lbs this week...things are good =) I really have been taking a close look to what I have been eating. I think I need to get more protein in daily. I exercise at least 3-4 times a week for an hour each time. I sometimes feel very weak and tired by the end of the day. I think if I add in a protein shake on the days I exercise I will feel a little better. Some times I think I over do it. Yesterday for example I went to work as normal. Came home & mowed the front yard. Went to my muscle conditioning/aerobic class for an hour. Came home mowed the back yard and rearranged the patio furniture, did 2 loads of laundry, cooked dinner etc. I seem like I don't get settled down for the evening until 9:30-10:00 and then it's time for bed (I get up at 5am). Don't take me wrong I love being this active, I just think I need to up my protein or something. I think my body is in shock =) 30 lbs to go to make my goal!!!
Courtney & Me
5/22/06 For some stupid reason I grabbed the scale to weigh myself. I have been not eating that great the past few days & I guess I thought I should punish myself by stepping on the scale. Well it said 188.5! I have lost 1.5 lbs since Friday. I am not going to record this in my weight log on this profile page. I will continue to do my "regular" weigh ins (on Friday now).
5/26/06 I weighed in today at 189 I wonder how I gained a half a pound since monday? I am working out hard 4 days a week now. I wonder if I need to up my protein intake? I some to be eating as much as possible but I still only get about 80 grams of protein in a day. It usually figures out to be about 1000 calories. I have been consistant with drinking about 80 oz of water a day. Well I guess I will see how the next week goes. I have a lot of BBQ's to go to over the long weekend =)
Future Updates
6/2/06 I guess I was expecting great things when I stepped on the scale this morning...I weighed the same as last week. I have been trying to be very good this week after the long weekend of BBQ's. I guess I should be happy I didn't gain any. I think I am at a plateau. I have read the plateau buster diet but I have mixed feelings about it. I can't imagine eating just protein. I like my veggies and fruit. We will see how this next week goes before I attempt any drastic measures =)
6/9/06 Well I finally broke my little stall I was having. I have lost a pound. I am now at 188! Woo Hoo! I am offically down 115 lbs. Wow that is like the size of a skinny person =) Last Sunday my cousin was in town and we went shopping. We were at Target and they had a lot of clothes on clearance so I decided to try a couple dresses on. It looked like they might fit until I read the tag & it said medium. I thought what the hell & tried them on. Well they fit! I bought them both =) What a great feeling that was- a medium! My birthday was 6/6/6 this year. Boy did I get a lot of crap for that. So guess what, I took the day off of work! My aunt sent me some birthday money so I went shopping some more and bought a cute pair of shoes to go with my new dresses =) I need to really stay focused and stay away from those sinful carbs!
6/16/06 I am down 2 lbs this morning....yeah!!! I have been really trying to get back on track and stay focused on getting my protein in first and staying away from carbs. It worked! I also have worked out Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday so far this week. The more I exercise the better I feel....who would have thought!! I had a personal goal of getting down to 180 by my birthday which was 6/6/6, but I didn't make my goal. I am not going to stress about it though. My ultimate goal would be to get down to 160. I think with hard work and dedication I can get there. It make take quite a while but all I have is time =) I went to WalMart at lunch time yesterday to pick up a present for someone and just happen to run across the clearance rack in the womens clothing department. I saw a really cute pair of capris but they were a size 14. I thought to myself what the heck lets see how tight they are and maybe I can buy them and eventually fit into them. They fit! Size 14 OMG!! And guess what else ....they were on clearance for $3, yup $3 down from $17. I felt like I had just won the lottery. OK I get excited easily. Hope all you dad's out there have a great Father's Day weekend. Take Care.
6/23/06 I had my 9 month post op Dr's appointment this past Wednesday and the Dr said she is very pleased with my weight loss & exercise routine. The Dr's scale weighed me in at 185. I weighed myself today on my home scale and I am at 185. I went to the post-op support group meeting Wednesday night & it was great as always. I love going to meetings to hear what everyone has to say. I have learned a lot listening to other peoples challanges. I wish all of them a happy & health life ahead! The clothing exchange is great too except I can not find anything small enough to fit me. I guess that is good though, right? It looks like it will be a hot one hear in this weekend. My boyfriend, our dog Roxy and I plan on going swimming at the Washougal river Saturday and Sunday. I think I will go to Wal Mart durning lunch today and look for a swimming suit. I have not bought one in so long. Maybe I will just by a swimming suit top and a pair of shorts to go with it. Happy losing everyone!
OMG! Ok I am back. I just update my weight on my profile and OMG my BMI is 29.9, I am no longer obese. I am overweight!!!
6/30/06 I weighed in this morning without a loss. I hope I am just at a stall. I am going to try and change my exercise routine and get some more walking in. I haven't been eating the best lately and need to really focus and get back on track with my protein intake. I get my required protein for the day but I think I am eating way too many carbs. Hopefully I will see some kind of loss next week. I have had many people tell me I should measure, I have been since Sept 05 I just have not posted them yet. Hope everyone has a great 4th of July!
Future Updates
7/7/06 Only 1/2 lbs loss this week, but hey it is a loss! I really need to get back to basics. I am going grocery shopping tomorrow and need to focus on buying a lot of good proteins. I can't kick the carbs. They are killing me. I would ideally like to drop another 25 lbs but I need to be proud and happy about how far I have come. A 118.5 loss is great, shit I could never have done this on my own. Why do I feel like everytime I update my profile it's the same think over and over...blah blah blah.
7/14/06 Down 1 lb this week ;) Just 1/2 lb shy of a 120 lb loss. Wow that is a whole person. I have been buying clothes like crazy until now (no more $). I have a problem with buying pants though. If they fit me in the legs and butt the waist is always way too big. I took a pair to the cleaners next door to my work and had them take in the waist for me. Wow what a great job they did. They fit like a glove, the only problem is they charge $17 to take the wasit in (but I did get a 20% discount). I bought the pants for $2 at the consignment shop. They were brand new with the tags still on them & they are a size 14 yeah!!! I guess it was a good investment -pants fit great - bought for $2 - alteration $14.70 w/tax - total investment $16.70...heh I doubt if I could buy a new pair for that price! Looks like I will be struting my stuff in my new pants this weekend ;)
7/19/06 I decided to weigh myself for some reason this morning....I am down 5 lbs since Friday!! I am so happy. I have really been concentrating on protein & exercise. I used the fitday website Monday and logged all my foods into it....I had eaten 115 grams of protein. I didn't eat a bunch of food or anything, I guess I had just made the right choices. Today is me & my boyfriends 9 year anniversary. I can't believe we met 9 years ago today. I am excited about going to post-op support group tonight. I love listening to everyone. I will have to leave early though...it is my anniversary ;)
7/21/06 Holding steady at 178.5. It's going to be a hot weekend here, I am going to do a lot of swimming at the river this weekend.
7/28/06 Down 1/2 lb this week for a grand total of 125 down. Wow!
Future Updates
8/10/06 I was so good at updating my profile once a week. I have been slacking. I was sick last Fri-Sunday and missed work this Monday. I had a really bad cold. It is this first time I have been sick since my surgery. I am down 2 lbs since I last weighed in on 7/28/06. I am down a total of 127 lbs now. Wow! I will be one year post op on Sept 2nd. I can't believe it, time has gone by so fast. I will be leaving for vacation on August 30th and returning on September 6th. I am going back home to NE California. I can't wait for everyone to see me. I have been checking out all the sale racks and trying to pick up some new outfits for my vacation. I can't seem to find any pants that fit me correctly. I am still taking them to have alterations. I guess I should be happy I am having the waist taken in on my pants and not the opposite :) Hope you all are enjoying your summer!
8/18/06 Down 1 lb this week :) I am at 175 lbs now. Wow to think just over a year a go I was over 300 lbs. Life couldn't be better!
My new adpoted dog Rudy
8/27/06 Down 1/2 lb this week. I seem to get all my protein and water in during the week when I am working but on the weekend I don't do as well. I feel a little dehydrated this morning. I leave for vacation back home on Wednesday. I can't wait for everyone to see the new me. My one year post op anniversary will be this coming weekend when I am on vacation also! Some how I messed up on my weekly weight loss tracking log. It shows that I am on week 50 this week. It should be 51. Somewhere I must have gotten off track. Oh well.
Future Updates
9/8/06 Wow how time flies. I celebrated my 1 year post op on 9/2/06. I was on vacation back home in NE California. I am down a total of 130 lbs today. I am very happy with my weight loss in the past year. I took some time today & read my profile from the begining. I can't believe it has been over a year since I had my surgery. If I had to do it again, I would in a heart beat. I wish everyone out there the best of lucky with their wls journeys. I am still working at it myself. I would like to loose another 13 lbs. I have a personal goal of 160 lbs. I know over time I can accomplish it!
vacation picture- me & my two best friends Amanda & Kelli
9/24/06 I went for my 1 year post op appointment last Thursday. My doctor's scale said I was +3 lbs (175). My labs came back not that great. My iron is low. I will have to start having iron infusuions. I hope that it is not that often. I feel fine though. I had a great time last Wednesday at our post op support group meeting. What a great bunch of people! Thursday eveing I went to a meeting that included my surgeon, a plastic surgeon and a girl named Jamie that is about 2 years out and has had several plastic surgery procedures. She looks great. I know I will never have the $ for all that but if I do get one thing done it will be a new set of boobs since mine are deflated now :) I spent Saturday with my friend Susan who is 2 months post op. We went to consignment shops and thrift stores looking for new clothes...it was a blast!
9/29/06 I am down 1.5 lbs from my doctor's appointment last week, but still up 1.5 lbs from my all time low of 172. I weighed in at 173.5 this morning. I have really been trying to focus and get back to basics. I have done step aerobics twice this week and also my firm it up (weights&aerobics) class twice this week. I plan on doing some walking Saturday evening before it gets dark. I still feel like I have such a long way to go. I want to get down to 160 but it is getting very hard at this point to loose. Hopefully I have been gaining a little muscle from all my weight lifting! I feel pretty ill today. Just not myself. I don't know if I have been over doing it or if it is my low iron. I think I will take it easy this weekend.
Future Updates
10/2/06 Ok so I know I am not supposed to weigh myself until Friday. I weighed myself this morning and I am down to 171.5. I am happy I lost the few pounds I had gained minus an extra 1/2 lb. I go to my pcp Tuesday to see about the iron infusions. He wants me to get more lab work done.
10/3/06 So I went to my pcp today about my low iron/iron infusions. He showed me the labs he received from my surgeon. He said my stored iron is ok it is the binding ? iron that is low. I was low in two of the components out of 4 or 5. It was all confusing to me. He said this could be a life long problem. I told him that if I had a chance to do the surgery all over again I would do it in a second! I also talked to him about my problem of my hearing totally going out while I am in my exercise class. It has happened about 6 times total in the last 6 months. I will be lifting weights and then it sounds like my instructor is down a long tunnel and everyone elses voices are muffled. I told him I never saw stars etc, I always think that I am going to pass out but I never do. It takes about one minute and my hearing comes back & I feel fine. He said it could be a number of things. Next time it happens I am supposed to take my pulse and really listen (get a feel) of my heart rythm & document it all. Anyway I will be waiting for a call from my pcp to set up my iron infusion appointment. Oh I did weigh 1/2 heavier today at my doctors office. But then again I usually weigh in the morning naked after I go potty. I was at my doctors at 4:15pm after lots of water & lots of eating.
10/5/06 I got a call from my pcp last night but I was at step aerobics. I called back today and the nurse said that the doctor, my surgeon, and the blood specialist all consulted and they feel like my iron level is ok and I do not need iron infusions! I need to continue with my oral iron though. Sounds good to me !
11/1/06
It has been a while since I have posted anything. I have been gaining and losing the same 1-2 lbs for over a month now. I am doing everything like I am supposed to (protein, water, exercising, etc). I think 171 lbs is where my body wants to be. I would like to get down to 160 lbs though.
I have had a problem lately with my body. I didn't realize how long I was in the bathroom last night until my boyfriend was wondering what happened to me. I was closly examining my face in the mirror. I didn't like what I was seeing. I notice the wrinkles around my mouth and eyes. I notice how thin my hair is and the little that is growing back is coming in grey. I thought to myself my face looked much more youthful when I was obese. The fat must haved filled in the wrinkles. I guess I should just accept the fact that I am getting older. I don't want to age gracefully. :) I have been noticing my loose skin on my body also. My stomach looks like I have had a couple children but I haven't. My breasts have disappeard completely. If I had the money you'd be I would get a tuck here and there and a plump up here and there. I know I have a lot I should be happy about, I have lost over 130 lbs. I am happy but I do miss the old me. The old me that was fat & funny and didn't give a shit what I looked like or what people thought of me. But I guess that is not all true, I did care what people thought of me but I was ashamed of myself, ashamed that I had let myself get so big.
8/02/05 303 start of skim milk diet 8/22/05 291 Dr check up / -12 lbs 9/02/05 273 day of surgery / -18 lbs / Total -30 lbs 9/05/05 283 home from the hospital / +10 lbs / Total -20 lbs 9/09/05 week 1 273 Dr.'s scale / -10 lbs / Total -30 lbs 9/16/05 week 2 270 Home scale / -3 lbs / Total -33 lbs 9/22/05 week 3 268 Dr.'s scale / -2 lbs / Total -35 lbs 9/30/05 week 4 264 Home scale / -4 lbs / Total -39 lbs 10/7/05 week 5 259 Home scale/ -5 lbs / Total -44 lbs 10/15/05 week 6 255 Home scale/ -4 lbs / Total -48 lbs 10/21/05 week 7 251.5 Home scale/ -3.5 / Total -51.5 10/29/05 week 8 249.5 Home scale/ -2 / Total -53.5 11/5/05 249.5 Home scale/ -0 / Total -53.5 11/7/05 week 9 249.6 Dr.'s scale/ +.1 / Total -53.4 11/12/05 week 10 242.5 Home scale/ -7.1 / Total -60.5 11/19/05 week 11 241 Home scale/ -1.5 / Total -62 11/26/05 week 12 238.5 Home scale/ -2.5/ Total -64.5 12/17/05 week 15 235 new home scale/ -3.5/ Total -68 12/28/05 week 16+ 230 Dr.'s scale/-5/Total -73 1/7/06 week 18 228 home scale /-2/Total -75 1/15/06 week 19 224.5 home scale /-3.5/Total -78.5 1/21/06 week 20 223 home scale /-1.5/Total -80 !!!!!!!! 1/28/06 week 21 221 home scale /-2/Total -82 2/4/06 week 22 219 home scale /-2/Total -84 2/13/06 week 23 216 home scale /-3/Total -87 2/20/06 week 24 213 home scale /-3/Total -90!!!! 2/27/06 week 25 210 home scale /-3/Total -93 lbs 3/6/06 week 26 211 home scale /+1/Total -92 not good gained 1lb 3/13/06 week 27 208 home scale /-3/Total -95 3/16/06 week 27.5 205 Dr.'s scale /-3/Total -98!! 3/21/06 week 28 204 home scale /-1/Total -99 3/27/06 week 29 203 home scale /-1/Total -100 !!!!!!!!!!!!!! 4/03/06 week 30 201 home scale /-2/Total -102 4/10/06 week 31 199 home scale /-2/Total -104 I'm in onederland 4/17/06 week 32 199 home scale /-0/Total -104 4/18/06 week 32 198 home scale /-1/Total -105 4/24/06 week 33 194 home scale /-4/Total -109 5/2/05 week 34 194.5 home scale /+.5/Total -108.5 =( 5/5/06 week 34 193 home scale /-1.5/Total -110 =) 5/13/06 week 35 191.5 home scale /-1.5/Total -111.5 5/19/06 week 36 190 home scale /-1.5/Total -113 (30 lbs to goal) 5/26/06 week 37 189 home scale /-1/Total -114 6/2/06 week 38 189 home scale /-0/Total -114 6/9/06 week 39 188 home scale /-1/Total -115 6/16/06 week 40 186 home scale /-2/Total -117 6/23/06 week 41 185 home scale /-1/Total -118 6/30/06 week 42 185 home scale /-0/Total -118 7/7/06 week 43 184.5 home scale /-.5/Total -118.5 7/14/06 week 44 183.5 home scale /-1/Total -119.5 7/21/06 week 45 178.5 home scale /-5/Total -124.5 7/28/06 week 46 178 home scale /-.5/Total -125 !!! 18 lbs to goal 8/10/06 week 48 176 home scale /-2/Total -127 8/18/06 week 49 175 home scale /-1/Total -128 8/27/06 week 50 174.5 home scale /-.5/Total -128.5 9/8/06 1 year + 173 home scale /-1.5/Total -130 9/15/06 172 home scale /-1/Total -131 9/21/06 doctors scale 175 /+3/Total -128 :( 9/29/06 173.5 home scale /-1.5/Total -129.5 up 1.5 from all time low of 172 10/3/06 171.5 home scale /-2/Total -131.5 10/3/06 172 doctor scale /+.5/Total -131 10/18/06 171 home scale /-1/Total -132
