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American Obesity Association





FitDay.com is a free web site designed to help you track and analyze the important aspects of your diet and fitness





Obesity Research




LINKS THAT DEAL WITH COMORBIDITIES



SLEEP APNEA:


What is sleep apnea?




Who gets sleep apnea?




Obesity and sleep apnea




DIABETES:


Diabetes/Obesity Connection




Diabetes: Understanding Blood tests




HYPERTENSION


High Blood Pressure (hypertension)




DEPRESSION


Childhood Obesity Linked to Depression



Obesity and Depression




ACID REFLUX


Acid Reflux and Obesity




What are the symptoms of GERD?





MISC INFO:
What is average weight loss?


Avg. wt. loss 1st month:
20-30#

Avg. wt. loss each month after:
7-14#

Avg. total loss at 5 months post-op is:
60#



Im 5' 9" Here is a chart of what my bmi would be at a certain weight.
210 -  31
203 -  30
197 -  29
190 -  28
183 -  27
177 -  26
170 -  25


Why The Scale Lies:
Click Here















How tall are you? feet, inches.
(Note: don't put " or ' marks in the spaces above.)

How much do you weigh?pounds?

www.obesityhelp.com





Since Im 1 year post op, this next chart will keep track of my next 6 months

DateWeightLbs LostTotal Lbs LostBMI
1-24-05192+512128.4
1-31-05193+111928.5
2-07-05189412327.9
2-14-05188112427.8
2-28-05189+112327.9
3-07-05187212527.6
3-14-05183412927.0
3-21-05183012927.0
3-28-05183012927.0
4-4-05182113026.9
4-11-05182013026.9
4-17-05180213226.6
4-25-05178213426.3
5-02-05175313725.8
6-6-05172314025.4
7-19-05171114125.3





      
Month123456
Wt. Loss284253647586
BMI41.939.938.236.63533.4



Month789101112
Wt. Loss96101108114121125
BMI31.931.230.129.228.227.6



Month131415161718
Wt. Loss124129132137140141
BMI27.927.026.625.825.425.3




"I eat to live, not live to eat!"
by:unknown














Type2-26-044-30-047-29-0410-21-043/22/05Normal
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
Glucose707887848765-99
Bun15151412117-25
Creatinine0.90.80.90.90.90.5-1.2
Cal. Bun/Creat17191413126-25
Sodium142142141141141135-146
Potassium3.73.83.94.04.83.5-5.3
Chloride10910710610910698-110
Carbon Dioxide212324222421-33
Calcium8.99.19.09.09.38.5-10.4
Protein-6.86.8--6.0-8.3
Albumin-3.84.0-4.33.7-5.1
Calc. Globulin-3.02.8--2.2-4.2
Calc.A/G Ratio-1.31.4--0.8-2.0
Billrubin,Total-0.50.4--0.2-1.3
Alkaline Phosphatase-8267--20-125
SGOT(AST)-1313--2-35
SGPT(ALT)-1413--2-40
CBC
WBC6.06.14.85.34.93.8-10.8
RBC4.524.314.064.194.483.8-5.1
Hemoglobin13.112.412.212.913.811.75-15.5
Hemotocrit39.837.736.938.041.335.0-45.0
MCV87.987.490.990.792.380.0-100.0
MCH28.928.830.330.830.827.0-33.0
MCHC32.932.933.034.033.432.0-36.0
RDW15.314.815.014.013.611.0-15.0
Neutrophils (Abso.)411639832726311130181500-7800
Monocytes (Abso.)366348283382363200-950
Eosinophils (Abso.)15617125588315-500
Basophils (Abso.)48312437290-200
Platelet Count226239233236249140-400
Magnesium2.01.92.22.12.21.5-2.5
Phosphorus2.82.73.3-3.52.5-4.5
Iron,Serum726164627435-175
TSH3.58---5.320.40-5.50
Vitamin B-12604618516862484200-1100
Transferrin260257197275250188-341
Cholesterol--144--<200
HDL--44-->or =40
LDL--86--<130








November 2003

11-29-03

Im glad I finally started to do something about this weight problem. I look forward to my surgery which should take place the first week of January. I have already talked to my insurance company and was told that I will be approved for the surgery. I'm currently waiting for the formalities of the paperwork from insurance to Doctors office to finish up so the surgery date can be scheduled.



December 2003


12-06-03

I still have not heard anything out of the insurance company. That's a good thing I guess. My husband has gotten very adamant about me seeing a doctor that does the Lap band. I called my PCP, and she gave me the referral, but this doctor requires you to attend a seminar about RNY/Lap band surgery before you can even make an appointment with him. The first available seminar isn't until Jan 12th. I plan on calling up my insurance company and finding out if they will even cover the Lap Band procedure. I've been told that some insurance companies will cover the RNY, but not the Lap Band.


12-13-03

Well, I finally gave up waiting on the insurance company to call me, so I called them.  They said that they had not gotten any paper work requesting the approval (they all say that).  They also said that all they needed was a call from the doctor's office with certain information to get the ball rolling for the approval.  Now that is all taken care of, and the status is now pending.  I hope they don't take their time on approval.

My husband still doesn't like the idea of the RNY, but I think he is slowly coming around.  I took him to an obesity surgery seminar a few nights back in hopes that it would answer a few questions for him, but rather it just opened up more.  The seminar was a bit bias though.  It covered mostly the RNY and not much else.  I was hoping that they would talk more about the Lap Band so that he might understand how much I need the RNY.

I have made a pro's and con's list for both RNY and Lap Band.  He really hasn't said much about it, but I plan on discussing it with him today.  The choice for either surgery is ultimately mine, but I would like my husband by my side with the understanding of why I need and want the RNY.


12-31-03
Just thought I would slip one more update in here before the New Year. I have a tentative date for February 1st, but the insurance should be approved before that, so the date should be moved closer. I'm sure if I called up the insurance company and hassled them daily, that it would be approved a lot sooner, but I find myself keeping busy and letting it run its course.

I have signed up to work with the HTML OHvolunteers. I've really enjoyed being able to work with HTML and photoshop again. Two of my most favorite hobbies. Anyway, I'm out until next year. everyone have a good one!


2004



January

1-06-04
Well I called up my insurance company on Friday (1-2-04) and they told me that there was some missing information and that they spoke with Courtney at my surgeon's office and that they are just waiting on a pre-certification.   Well I called up my surgeon's office on Friday to ask Courtney what's going on with everything, but she didn't return my call until Monday and she said she hadn't spoken to Humana since mid December.  So I called up my Insurance Company again today, and FINALLY someone who could actually tell me exactly what is needed to get the authorization.  All I have to do is call up my PCP and have her call Humana and give them the pre-certification over the phone. They even give me the phone number for her to call. Now I sit here at 8:30am waiting until 9:00am so I can call up my Doctors office and hope to speak with my doctor.  I doubt I will get through to her, but I will at least leave the message of what needs to be done, and then I will call the doctors office again tonight if I don't hear anything back.

If there is anyone out there just sitting around waiting on the insurance company to get things done, please don't just sit there, call up EVERYDAY.  Had I done that, I probably would have already had my surgery by now.  Don't leave the gathering of information up to the doctors office OR the insurance company, because it will not get done unless you do it yourself.

1-09-04
Nothing is as easy as it seams, after talking to my doctors office I found out that it takes a few days to get "APPROVED" for the pre-certification. BUT, yesterday I got the call from my PCP office and they were happy to tell me that I was APPROVED!! I was so excited when I found out!

Now here I sit with a copy of the last piece of information my insurance company needs to approve my surgery.  I'll be talking to Courtney today (surgeons office) to set up the surgery date.  I hope she will set the date now that I finally have the last part of the approval done!!
-----
I just got off the phone with Humana, they said its all APPROVED!!!!!
That information from the doctors was all they needed!!!!
Now to hound Cortney for a DATE!!!!!!!

I've Got a Surgery Date!!!
January 19th!!!!!


1-15-04
I really don't know what to say, I'm scared and nervous, and excited all at the same time.  Talk about having mood swings.  I'm trying really hard to keep myself busy without driving everyone else around me nuts. I really can't concentrate on anything; my mind keeps wandering back to this upcoming Monday.  Tomorrow is my last day at work for a while well for the next two weeks anyway.  I also have a few tests being done tomorrow, and again on Saturday.  Well I'm to nervous to keep writing, so I'm gonna go work on a profile and keep myself busy.

1-16-04
I just wanted to say thank you to each and everyone of you who has posted to me with such kind and encoraging words. It means the world to me. I honestly belive God lead me to this site knowing that everyone of you would be there to say the right thing. THANK YOU!!

1-19-04
Wow, today is my day! I leave here in two hours to head out to the hospital. At the moment, I'm not as nervous as I thought I would be, but then again, Im not sitting at the hospital yet either heh. Although, I know I have several people out there praying for me, so I guess there isnt much to really worry about. =)
I got my hair cut really short yesterday; I didnt want to have to deal with it after surgery.  My husband actually liked it.  =)  I think its gonna shock my sister when she gets here to pick me up. Ive never had it cut THIS short before. The more I look at it in the mirror, the more I like it.

Anyway, time to get things going around here. Ill be back in a few days!!

1-22-04


Hello all, I made it home from the hospital.  So far all is going just fine.  Im just happy to be home, something about hospital beds that i just don't care for to much.  I was able to take a nap today, in my own bed, without other patients making noise, or nurses walking in to take vitals. I look forward to going to sleep tonight too heh.
It was odd watching everyone else eat a regular dinner tonight, and i got to sip on my applewater juice and jello.  Tomorrow I will try out my protein drinks for the first time. Hopefully I will find a few that i like. I have 30 different samples to go through.

1-26-04
Today was my one-week post-op doctors appointment.  As the doctor was walking in the room first thing I asked him was if it was ok to get back to work.  He gave me the green light just so long as I dont lift anything heavier than the Sunday paper heh.  I am sooooo happy to be going back to work, Sitting at home just isnt my thing. 

Btw, Im down 14 lbs  =)

1-30-04
Well I finally couldnt take it anymore, and I had some macaroni and cheese for dinner last night, to hell with the pureed stuff.  Ill puree with my tongue from now on.  Tonight I had a scrambled egg with cheeeeeese on it.  Hmmm, can ya tell Im craving cheese really really bad????  Well its certainly hitting the spot and keeping me happy.  Whats with everyone saying that they dont even get hungry, that certainly isnt the case with me?  I get hungry every 3 hours or so, depending on what I have eaten before. My head keeps telling me how nice it would be to have something I shouldnt, but for some reason, its not to hard to fight it off. 


Everyone at work keeps telling me how thinner my face is getting and its only been 11 days now.  It certainly makes ya feel good.


2-12-04
Well its been a few weeks since I have written anything here, so I though I should get on the ball and write in something.  Between trying to catch up on all the work I got behind in from work, and these profiles, I hardly have a chance to breathe heh.  I can not believe how much work can pile up in one week.  Its been two weeks now(back at work), and Im JUST starting to catch up.

Anyway, Im down 27 pounds now! Im one week away from my one month anniversary.  I was hoping for at least 30 pounds in my first month, and it looks like I will make it.  I would like to see another 30 pounds drop off for my second month, but I dont see how that will happen, although I will not give up trying =) 

My mother is hoping to have this surgery also, but the problem with that is, she doesnt have any health insurance.  My sister and I have been trying really hard to locate an insurance company that will accept her, but with all her medical conditions, it isnt an easy task.  She is 60 years old with diabetes and other health conditions on top of that.  Im not certain as to what age when they stop doing this surgery for someone.  I do believe she is right on the borderline though.   If anyone out there is reading this, please say a prayer for my mother.
Until next time, take care!


3-11-04
Well here I am again. My second month anniversary for my surgery is next week. Currently Im down 40 pounds, not bad I guess, but I was hoping for more. Im sure thats a bad thing to do (wish for more) but it sure gets discouraging loosing only 3 or 4 pounds a week.  My clothes are sure feeling a lot baggier these days.  I bought a pair of pants just a few weeks ago, and they are already getting the baggy look to them. 
I got sick for the first time last week.  Fried potatoeshmm, NOT a good choice on my part, Ill certainly make better choices next time.  Currently, my favorite foods are scallops, and shrimp.  I am still trying to find a good protein powder that I like a lotseems I like the fruity ones over the others.  My lease favorite protein drink is the Optisource strawberryYUK! Tastes like Pepto-Bismol. I would not recommend them to anyone.  Their chewable vitamins are the best though!!
Anyway, my mother was denied her insurance, so it looks like she will be paying for this surgery out of her own pocket. I have been checking into the doctor in Spain that does weight loss surgery. Although he does the DS rather than the RNY which is what my mother wanted. Also I woke up this morning to hear they have had a terrible terrorist attack in Madrid.  I feel bad for all the people there who have to deal with all that.  Anyway, I will just have to keep up the search and try to find a GOOD doctor who can do the RNY outside of the states.
Well I had better cut this update short.  I have been having a lot of trouble with my shoulder this last week.  The doctor thinks its just tendonitis, but it sure hurts like a son of a gun. I have to lift my left arm to the table with my right arm to get it to the key board to type.
Take care!


3-20-04
Today was a good day. I began cleaning out my closet of all the clothes that are already to big for me. What a wonderful feeling that was. Then I got to go through clothes that have been way too small for me for sooooooooooo long.  It was sure awesome to be able to put them on once again. 
I was two months post-op yesterday and I am now down a total of 42 pounds. Everything seems to be going very smoothly, except the feeling of being tired all the time.  I wish I had more energy, but from what I understand, it will come with time.  I had started walking on the treadmill, until my shoulder started hurting me.  Found out that I have arthritis and tendonitis in my shoulder.  I was in a great deal of pain for about a week.  The doctor prescribed some vioxx for me and its working great! Now I just need to get my tail end back on the treadmill again. 
Im still trying to find the perfect protein drink, every time I buy something; I find out that I dont care for it to much. I do have two flavors arriving in a few days, and I think I will be happy with them.  I have tried the samples and they seemed to work out just fine. 
I havent had any problems with any foods lately.  I even tried a few crackers which gave me problems a few weeks back.  I think I might try out some toast again. Its been getting pretty old not being able to eat any bread with anything.  Ill keep my fingers crossed that it will go down fine without any problems. 

As for my mother, I believe we have found a doctor for her.  Ill update more on that once we are certain.



4-20-04
Well yesterday was my 3-month mark, and I had lost a total of 53lbs.  Its not as good as I had expected, but Im certainly not complaining.  I think it would have been a lot better had I gotten my exercise done.  Im just now getting to the point where Im getting some energy back.  So maybe now I will get going on the exercise issue.  Walking on the treadmill is just soooooooooooo boring, I have a hard time even looking at the machine.  I would dearly love to be able to roller blade though, but I fear falling.  I still might give it a shot anyway.  When I was younger I dearly loved roller-skating, but its been years and my balance is not the same. 

As for tolerable foods, I can pretty much handle anything I try.  I have not had any problems with anything.



6-18-04
Ok, I havent posted anything in a while; I guess Im one of very few words.  Anyway, things seem to be going very well for me.   Although last week I did end up going home early from work one day due to feeling really ill.  The night before I was up trying to throw up but just couldnt.  I believe it was just a bug of some sort, but Im certainly glad it went away.  

I finally decided to try out that fitday.com site, its pretty cool if you are really trying to watch every calorie you take in.  My problem with it was once I saw what I was eating; I started to stop eating as much as my body NEEDED.  Needless to say, I give up on posting my food on the site and now am will just play it by ear.  My weight loss seems to be more study without keeping track.

As for my mother, she still hasnt gotten any set plans on a date for surgery.  Although,  I believe she has decided to do the lap-band rather than the RNY.   I will back her up no matter which way she decides to go with the weight loss.  It really scares me seeing her as over weight as she is, along with all the health problems, which seems to really be taking its toll on her.  I know she suffers from sleep apnea, but she has not been tested for it.  My mother was the main reason I decided to have this surgery done for myself.  Watching her health go downhill hurts me something terrible, and I did not EVER want to put my kids though this.   Just the other day my youngest sister told me that another sister of ours (who Im not speaking to) said she doesnt think that our mother will live too much longer.   That angers me so much to hear that.  I wanted to fly out to Washington and just slap my sister for saying such a thing.  If she thinks this, why in the hell is she just sitting back watching our mother slowly die?  Why in the hell doesnt she get off her selfish ass and try and help my youngest sister and I try and find a way to help our mother get this surgery done as soon as possible?  If there is anyone reading this, please keep my mother in your prayers.  I adore her and I want her around for many more years to come.


7-07-04
I have been working out on my treadmill for 3+ weeks now, and I must admit that its the best thing that I could have done.  The first week on the treadmill I could only handle walking for 10 minutes (1/4 of a mile) and I was done, and believe me, it was a workout. After the first week and a half, I decided to add some jogging.  As of today, I did 20mins on the treadmill (little over a mile) and 13.5 minutes of that was jogging.  To some people, they might look at that and think its nothing, but for me its a miracle.  5 months ago, I would get winded just walking up a flight of stairs.  Now here I am actually able to jog!!  The joy in my heart as Im jogging on that silly machine has me in tears at times.  To think of how often my body hurt just to walk, and now I can move like this is just so unreal.  I look forward to getting on my treadmill now, and seeing how far I can push myself closer to my goal.  Thank you Lord for giving me this tool and bringing me to where I am today.


7-20-04
Well as of yesterday, I was 6 months post-op.  Wow, time sure has just flown by.  I must say that I am thrilled to have had this surgery; as of yesterday Im down 86lbs!  I have been keeping track of my body measurements for the last 5 weeks, and I honestly cant say that they are going down because of my workout, or just the surgery.  One thing I do know is that the workout on the treadmill has made a world of difference in how I feel about myself.  Today was my first day to actually jog a FULL MILE!  Iv been working towards that for a while now, and this morning I saw someone post on the message board that they had ran a mile.  I was so happy for them cause I know how I have been wanting to do the same.  Anyway, that give me the incentive I needed, so when I was on the treadmill this morning, I didnt let myself stop until I had reach my goal! I dont recall a time in my life when I have EVER jogged a mile.  Even in high school I couldnt jog a mile. I was lucky if I could jog a block, and then I was would be terribly out of breath.

Ok, short update on my mother. FINALLY she agreed to talk to the doctor about having a sleep apnea test done!! WOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOO!! Im sooooooo happy, this has scared me so much, knowing she needs to have it taken care of, and now it looks like she will finally get it under control. We are just waiting to see if her (new) insurance will cover it or not.  Even if they do not cover it, I have a cousin in Texas who works for a company that does this type of tests, and my mother will fly out there to have it done if the cost is going to be more than the ticket would be. 
Until next time!!  Take care everyone!!



8-02-04
Well I went out last week for my first real try at rollerblading, and found out that I cant stop myself while going downhill.  I ended up wiping out 3 times trying to learn.  Now I have a bruise on my butt the size of a softball, but I still had a great time.  BUT  yesterday I didnt have enough time to do a workout before going to work, so I asked my husband if he wanted to go out rollerblading after work.  Big mistake on my part, Im still trying to learn to rollerblade and we got no further than 50 feet from the car and I took one heck of a spill and twisted my knee pretty bad.  Now Im limping all over the place and unable to do any type of workout.  Anyone out there have any hints on how to keep your balance on those silly things? 


8-25-04

Well my knee is feeling much better, I just gotta get my butt back on that treadmill. This last week I havent had the time for it due to many reasons, but starting next week, I wont have any excuses. 

My youngest son got married on the 14th, I so happy for him.  His new wife is such a sweetheart; Im lucky to have such a wonderful daughter-in-law.  I had such a WONDERFUL time at the wedding.  I got to shock so many people with my weight loss; it sure made me feel like a million bucks. 

OHHHHhh, I forgot to mention, (Im not sure I mentioned it before, but im going to be a grandma! Actually, Im going to be a farmor (grandma in Swedish, actually it means the fathers mother hence farmor) Anyway.before I went out there for the wedding, my daughter-in-law set up an ultrasound appointment for when I would be out there, and we got to find out that she is having a BOY!  I HAVE A GRANDSON ON THE WAY!! The baby is due Dec. 10th.  (Jeremy Shane) I cant wait for my new grandbaby!!

Ok, now about my mother. she FINALLY got everything taken care of for her sleep apnea test.  She will have it in about two weeks. That really makes me happy, its one less thing I have to worry about now.  =)



9-19-04

Well today marks my 8-month anniversary and I am down 101 lbs.  Wow, that is just so amazing. If I were to lose nothing more, I would still be thrilled.  Not to say I want to stop here, heh, but I would still be happy.  My personal goal is to lose another 20 to 30lbs before I have plastic surgery.   Which I HOPE happens in January.  I will be requesting a referral from my PCP next month sometime.  I figure its better to get in to see the plastic surgeon before I need the surgery, that way I can get his advise on what and when it should be done.

I have been pretty lucky for the most part on this surgery.  In my first month post op, I got sick once due to not chewing thoroughly enough, and for 7 months after that, I have really watched how I chew.  EXCEPT for last nightoh boy!  8 months out, and I found out how important it is to STILL chew chew chew!  Needless to say, I got sick from not chewing like I should be. Hopefully that is reminder enough to keep me going another 7 months OR MORE! Heh

As for my mother. SHE GOT HER SLEEP APNEA TEST DONE!!!!  WOOOOHOOO. Im so tickled pink!  Unfortunately, she does have sever sleep apnea, but at least its being treated now.  For the first time in YEARS, she is able to sleep throughout the night.  Im soooooo happy for her, she is getting her rest she has needed for soooo long, and now she isnt falling asleep in her chair in the middle of the afternoon either.  She says it feels weird not being as tired as she used to be.  Im so happy happy happy!! 

Anyway, until the next updatetake care everyone!!



10-18-04

Well tomorrow it will be 9 months for me.  Wow, how time flies.  Im down 107lbs and feeling really good about it.  My PCP gave me my referral to a plastic surgeon in the area.  I was thrilled when she referred me to Dr. Peter Johnson, who I was hoping to see.  My appointment is November 15th.  I am so excited about seeing him, I cant wait to find out approximately how much this excess skin weights.  Its hard to know how close I am to my goal when I dont know how much of this is just excess skin.  If I have around 30lbs of excess skin, then I am at goal, and I need to figure out how to stop losing the weight, then again, if its only 10lbs of skin, then I have 20lbs to go to reach goal.  I dont want to end up to thin. Although, I do have to say, I would love to lose 5 more pounds, just so I can see the scale read below the 200 mark.  =)  I think we all strive to see that and it has been well over 23 years since I have seen it. 

Anyway, my mother has a date its December 10th!  She begins her new life the day my grandson is due to be born!  
Take care everyone!









11-18-04

Well Im 10 months out tomorrow.  The weight is going off really slow now, but I still feel like I have reached my goal weight if all this excess skin was gone.  OH, I FINALLY made it below 200 this week!  I reached my second goal and Im thrilled about it.  I went to see a plastic surgeon yesterday, and frankly I was a little disappointed by the staff there.  As soon as I handed over my referral from my doctors office, the receptionist had the nerve to tell me that my insurance would not cover it because its COSMETIC surgery.  I looked her right in the eye and said oh yea? They told me that they would probably cover it because its medically necessary.  Not that it was any of her business to begin with, but she really ticked me off.  My visit to the office was NONE of her business and she had no right to even say one word about it.  I felt like I was pushed through the office just to appease me so that they could move on to the next cash paying customer.  The doctor did say that I would most certainly benefit from the surgery, and that he would submit a letter to my insurance company.  I guess we will soon see if anything will come of it. 

I had a visit from my daughter and my brother this last week, they both think Im looking really goodwell except my brother did tell my mother that he thinks Im getting to thinhmmm, I didnt think I would ever hear those words. I had my hair colored, and boy do I get the compliments now.  Between the weight loss and the hair, the new me is coming out in full force.  If I could drop the excess skin, it would be perfect, but I honestly can live with it if I get stuck with it.

My mother is getting real excited about her surgery coming up next month! I really look forward to her getting her health back.

Until next timetake care everyone!




12-10-04
Good news everyonemy mother has crossed over to the losing side!!  She had her surgery today, and came out with no complications and is doing very well.  Its such a relief knowing she will be getting her health back.  THANK YOU LORD!!

I have even MORE good newsIm a grandma!!  My grandson was born December 2 and weighed in at 8lbs 4oz.  I got to be in the birthing room when he came into this world. 

I have been so blessed!


2005



1-13-05
Well I finally heard what was going on with the Plastic Surgeon. I went into my doctors office to find out, and he had sent a letter stating that at this time the procedure was not medically necessary, so my doctors hands are tied and she can not refer me for surgery.  I was sooo upset; the only reason the doctor did that was because at the time of the appointment I did not have a rash under my belly.  What kind of doctor is this man?  He didnt even bother to ask me how often I get them.  As it turns out, I am requesting a second opinion when I go into my next doctors appointment, which will be in a few weeks.  This time, I will make sure that I do have a rash to show the plastic surgeon.  Im also going to search for different doctors that my insurance company accepts, and I will make a few phone calls to find out what that doctors opinion is on insurance companies.  Like I mentioned in an earlier post, when I went into the plastic surgeons office for the first time, everyone there was really nice UNTIL I handed over my referral.  From that moment on, I felt like I was a second class patient.  So, if anyone plans on using Dr. Peter Johnson as their plastic surgeon, you had better plan on paying cash, they dont seem to want to deal with anyone that doesnt.

Anyway, my mother is doing really well, she lost 45lbs in her first month.  Im really happy for her! She has a profile set up here, and I will be spoofing it up for her real soon.  I look forward to doing that for her.

My new grandson is doing great, he is growing so fast.  My son and daughter-in-law send me pictures very frequently so that I can watch him grow. It really hurts not being there to watch it with my own eyes, but God willing, I will be there in a few months.

 I have less than a week for my one year anniversary; Ill post more on the 19th!

Until next time, take care everyone!


1-19-05
One year today, wow!  Its been interesting.  This weight loss surgery has changed my life so much; I cant believe that I didnt do this a long time ago. 

I feared this surgery from the beginning, and today, I believe its one of the best things that have ever happened to me.  I never dreamed it would change things so drastically. I have lost weight before, but just like most people in my situation, it ALWAYS went back on plus more.   There was a time that I just told myself, that I was going to be over weight for the rest of my life, and at some point, I will have to deal with those insulin needles right along with my mom.  I finally feel good about myself and those insulin needles I feared so much will never touch my skin. Although I was looking into this surgery prior to my mother being on insulin, watching my mother give herself those insulin shots is what pushed me into this.  Not only did my mother (and father) give me life, but she also gave it back to me without even knowing it. 

I have already done things that I didnt think I would ever be able to do again.  This summer, I went to six flags with my husband and road rides that I havent been on since I was young.  It was so nice to sit in one of those seats and be buckled in without fear of not fitting.  I flew on an airplane and I didnt feel like I was taking over the other persons seat as well as my own. I ran a mile + on my treadmill, and actually felt good after words. (That actually made me cry when I accomplished it) I walk up a flight of stairs and I dont feel out of breath once I reach the top.  I have energy like I have never had before, and its all because of this surgery.

As of today, I have lost a total of 125lbs down from 312lbs to 187lbs.  If I dont lose another pound, I would be happy the way I am now. I have so many people to be thankful to, but most of all I have the good Lord to thank for bringing me where I am today.  He is the one that brought me here, and Lord I do thank you!  Now I have my whole life in front of me, I can just pray that he will continue to guide me through this and to help me keep going in the right direction. 

Ive been asked, would I do it again, and my answer is: IN A HEARTBEAT!

Until next tim

About Me
Chicago Suburb, IL
Location
24.1
BMI
RNY
Surgery
01/19/2004
Surgery Date
Nov 28, 2003
Member Since

Before & After
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