October 2,2007
My name is Sarita and I'm 55 years young. I had the gastric vertical ban in 98 and lost 80 lbs.  Well, I gained it all back and it's so depressing.  I swore I would never get big again, well, I failed.
Failure to oneself is so humiliating. Ok, enough of my self pity.  I'm an xray tech and about 3 years ago I met a PA who had also had the same surgery and his failed to. Now, you see I said his failed too. Found out it wasn't me it was the surgery, so glad I can blame the surgery and not me,lol.
Well, this is were I found out about Dr Robert Davis, of Houston,TX and his specialty of revision. It took me 3 years to go see him.
The day I went to his office I took my Dad and we were both impressed with him. I knew I wanted this and now all I had to do was the insurance dance and I would be having this life changing surgery in 6 months. Well, in less than 48 hrs I was told the bariatric surgery was excluded from our policy. Aetna had dashed all my dreams and hopes to the wind. I've never been so  depressed.
Now, a year later, my left knee has went bellyup, back has given out and I feel like an old person. I don't feel like shopping and going anywhere I need to walk.  I go to work and not much esle. The doctors I have seen have all said I need to loose weight and excersise. My back and left leg hurt too much to do that.  the last straw was the trip to the back dr and he said I was too heavy and I have to get it off.  I cried all the way home. Hopelessness and despair set in.
Well, my husband, has decided we are going to pay cash,30 thousand dollars. I'm happy but feel guilty spending that kind of money. I'm now comparing that to buying a car for that much. Doesn't sound that bad now.
Have called Joan with Dr Davis and made appointment for Dieatian and phych evauluation Oct 22,2007.
Made appointment to see Dr Davis November 5, 2007. I'm so excited. 
I know this is not a simple operation and there are lots of risks, but I'm willing to do anything to feel better and live longer. Wish me luck.I'm ready.  Will, write again when I see Dr Davis.
10-8-07
Well, I've told all the important people in my life. All are ok with it except my very best friend is very worried about the risk cause she is a nurse and has seen alot of bad problems with people who have had it.  I'm pretty depressed about this.  I don't have a death wish just want to feel better and be able to go and do things again.  I just wish all this was easier.  She thinks if I would just go a liquid diet for a couple of weeks my vertical band would work again.  I would then feel like exercising. This whole thing has got me doubting myself and what to do. I must keep looking ahead. I must BELIEVE.
Oct 22,07
I had  my date with dietician and physc dr. I was told I had a healthy outlook and feel very excited about talking with both of them. I learned I need 85 to 105 grams of protien a day. and vitamin supplements the rest of my life. Doesn't sound too bad but I'm wondering just how to get it all in when the pouch is only the size of a walnut. The other thing is I work nites and I think things coulkd get slippery.  Right now, I'm not sleeping well  dueing the day. If I take meds I do but I don't want to get hooked on them. So, I take them one day a week and  the rest of the time, I'm tossing and waking up.  Maybe I have too much on my mind,lol
Oct.23,07
Went to a support group at Debra O house. I really enjoyed it. Met some really nice people and hope to cultivate new friendships. It's nice to have other people to chat with about WLS and all it intells.
Next big date is Nov.5. I see the DR. hopefully I will get set my date. Pray all goes well.
NOV 5,2007
Well, went and sat at Dr.Robert Davis's office from 2pm to after 5:30pm. My husband was not a happy camper. He's not much on sitting and waiting on anything. Well, we saw Dr.Davis and he was realllly sorry for the delay but things happen. He is thinking he might be able to do a lap scope instead of a open. No guarante but hopefully. I have to lose 20lbs by Nov.26 to have surgery that week. If not it will be the next. So, tomorrow I start a liquid diet. God, I pray my will power stands the test. I'm gonna really try hard. Surgery will be so much better lap than open. I'm so excited. Ok I weighed in at 276,yikes, I feel like that had to be someone esles weight. I WISH. Met some really interesting people in waiting room.
MY son's baby shower is Sat. the 10th. I hope I don't  screw up. Say a prayer. I can do this.
Nov 8,2007
Well, this liquid diet stuff is soooooooo hard. I went yesterday and talk with my friends at Thompson's  Out patiet Clinic. Getting my last letter for surgery. GOT LOTS OF INCOURAGEMENT.
I'm  really excited about my new journey. I'm ready to feel better. Ok, gonna keep reminding myself about loosing weight and staying on liquids. Wish me luck.
NOV 13,2007
This weekend was so hard to stick to a liquid diet,but I did. I weighed tonite at work and OH BOY I lost 4lbs. I wanted more. It really made me depressed. At this rate I'll never make 20ls. I talked with Keri,a WLS lady whom has had a revison by Dr. Davis last month. She really helped me alot. I beleive she and I will become good friends. I have another friend who lives in LA and he also is a BIG help. I'm excited but a little scared. My best friend Lisa is now concedering WLS too. I pray she can come up with the money. Oh well, the count down to surgery. 17 more days.
NOV 14,2007
I applied for Care Credit Card that Keri told me about and was accepted. At least now I feel like I can help pay for this surgery if need be.  This OH site has really been a God send for me and I know for others. Liquid diet sucks. I'm still doing it. LOL
Nov 20th
MY DAD'S 82ND BIRHTDAY. I TOOK HIM AND HIS LADY FRIEND TO LUNCH AT LANDRY'S IN GLAVESTON. IT WAS REALLY NICE. I LOVE MY DAD SO VERY MUCH. HE HAS BEEN MY ROCK. COULDN'T HAVE MADE IT WITHOUT HIM

NOV21,2007
Well, I saw Dr.Davis Nov 19 for my pre op and weighed in at 268.6. I was so depressed and then He wasn't to happy either.  Well, I will try much harder, not sure except may just get some liquid advantage and just clear broth. I have to loose at least 10lbs by surgery. I don't like feeling like a failure. I felt kinda like Dr. Davis didn't like me. I haven't said that to anyone, but I felt it. Maybe he was having bad day. At this moment I'm worried. Maybe I'm just tired been up all nite and no sleep. Ready to go home and rest. Probably just emotional my self. My favorite quote "I'll think about that tomorrow,".

Nov 22, Thanksgiving Nite
I'm at work and I have completely failed. I ate some fruit and some ham and a piece of coconut cake.
I tried not to go down to the nurses station but I gave in. Ok,now I really have to do better  and get back on the wagon. I can do this. BACK ON LIQUIDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Surgery in 8 more days.

Nov 27,207
I can't believe in 4 days I'm going to have surgery. I'm really excited. I needed to put up my Christmas tree, but didn't. Husband went hunting and I don't do attics. I quess I'll wait till after surgery. Liquid diet  still sucks but I'm doing it. I believe it will be easier after surgery. My best friend Lisa is going to stay with Sat after my surgery, she would stay with Friday nite but husband wants that privilege,lol. I know I'm not a good patient. I'm so ready for my new journey. Yep, I've had all the what ifs and man I hope I don't die cause thing.All I know is this if something does happen I wanted this and none could talk me out of it. I have so much to do. I've decided to take off Wed and Thurse from work.
Just a little note to all my family I love you so much and you all mean more to me than any words can say. Too my Dad, my rock, my bestest buddy thanks for being there couldn't have done my life without you. To my two beautiful boys, God gave the best gift in the world when He blessed me with you two. These aren't good byes this is to let you all know how much I love you. Well, I will write more after surgery.
 
DEC 16th 2007

well, I'm alive but I can say this hasn't been easy. I spent 3 days in ICU andanother 3 days on the floor. Icu was a blurr,but I was taken very well of. Now the floor was horrible. No bath and sheets cleaned once. Too many angency nurses and they didn't know what or how to deal with my problems. My problem was rapid heart beat and blood preasure going up. My surgery was very intense. I had a mess band from previous surgery that had adhered to my liver and pancreas which had to be carved and cut out. I lost a third of old stomach and was  left with 2 drains after surgery.I know everyday I get better but its so slow. I saw the dr on the 11th and he took out drains and staples. OMG the pain. OH Yea I was sent home with NO pain meds.cold turkey. Got smashed tylenol fixed in warm tea. Nasty but it did the trick. I'm telling you all this I've been hit by a car and had lots of surgery but this has been the worst and hardest to get over. Ok, I've gripped enough everything is getting better.
Beginning weight                 284

My weight when I got to hospital 260
My weight when I left hospital   273.5
my weight at Dr office 12-11-07  256.5
my weight 12-16-07               249 
   weight 01-03-08               241.5
          01-14-08               238
          02-05-08               231
          02-22-08               227
          03-04-08               221
          03-13-08               219
          05-09-08               208
          05-13-08               206
          07-17-08               198
          09-24-08               194
          12-03-08               185
           6-09-09               175
My weight isn't coming off as much as I wished, but I haven't got my entergy back yet. I'm getting it back slowly everyday. I will say today 1-3-08 is the best since surgery. I need to start walking.
I'm so thankful for feeling better and I know I will start loosing soon. I go back to Dr. Davis on the 9th and hopefully will be release to go back to work.
Jan 9,08
I saw Dr davis and he was very pleased with my recovery and weight lose. I also got to meet Jean Hitchcok. she has been a really good supporter thru all this. She had her surgery a week after me and seems to be doing really well.  We shared a plate of fish that night and had such a wonderful time.
I believe we will become very good friends.
Jan 12,08
My husband and went to go the show and out to eat. Not sure if I ate too fast or what but had to come home. Didn't feel good. Got dry heaves but nothing came up and heart was racing. I'm not sure if it was dumping or what. I had boiled shrimp and ceasar salad. All I know is it SUCKED big time. I pray that never happens again. My husband was very understanding and worried. 
Jan 14,08
Went back to work on nites. Kinda scared but all seems well so far.
Feb 5,08
Well, went back to work and it has kicked my butt. I don't think I'm getting as much rest as I should. My eating and taking vitamins are all messed up.  I haven't lost as much as I wish but I'm sticking to protien,water and low carbs. Haven't started exercising just don't have the entergery yet. Well, I will keep plugging and want give up.
FEB 22,08
Well, I've been working nights for 4  straight and will be off 3. Thats my schedule. I hate it,but see no end to it cause really its best for me.  I struggling with loosing the same 4lbs for 3 weeks. I'm thinking of going back on liquids to see what does. I'm probably just over reacting but I really want to be under 220 by end of March. Hope thats realistic. I will say my prayers.

MARCH13,2008
WENT TO SEE DR DAVIS FOR REGULAR APPOINTMENT.  HE WAS VERY HAPPY WITH MY RESULTS OF WEIGHT LOST. Said I looked like a babe and soo complimentary of me, made me feel very good about myself and weight loss.
I was really scared he wouldn't have been real happy with my loss cause I didn't think it was very much, but like he said since surgery 3months and 13 days I've loss48lbs, not bad. I'm going to start going to the gym next week after work, it will help the weight to come off too. Do some eliptical machines better for my knees and hips, a pool would be better,but can't do that right now. I can't wait to get under 200lbs. only 20lbs to that goal. I BELIEVE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MAY 9,08
WELL,IT'S BEEN VERY SLOW!!!! It has been so worth it. I think if I exercised I'd loose quicker, I just don't have the entergy after working 42 hr nites.  know it's an excuse but it's the truth. I'm so blessed to have had this surgery. My gaol is to be under 200 at end of month.

May 12-08
Went to my support group meeting and Mark made my pic and posted it. I really thank him for that. I belong to really great group and it helps me alot. What would we do without each other???? I think we would fail and I know this by not having it the first time..  We all strugle with the same food demons.

July 17-08
Well, it's been over 2 month and I'm below 200lbs.  Been 33 years since I was below that. What a GREAT FEELING.  I'm really satisfied with my progress. I'm hoping to get to 180, which I think would be a good weight for me.  I really didn't think this was ever going to happen. WOW, can't hardly believe it. My only trouble is when I get the diarhea I have no entergy. I usually get it when I'm loosing.  I'm still not exercising like I should. Need to get back to my food diary also.
Will start that tonight.

Sept 24-08
Just went thru the hurricane IKE. OMG it was horrible. We are so lucky to be alive and still have a roof. i haven't lost much weight. tooo much stress thru this. no excuse but the truth.

OCT 22-08
HAD A BOWEL OBSTRUCTION SURGERY BY DR. DAVIS AT METHODIST HOSPITAL, HOUSTON. I thought I was dying.
thank God for Dr.Davis. Was off work for 6 weeks. This has kicked my butt. They say this could happen again. OMG I HOPE NOT.
DEC 3-08 
I SEE DR DAVIS TOMORROW. I'M AT WORK AND I FEEL PRETTY GOOD. STILL HAVE A LOT OF PULLING WHERE SCAR IS. I HOPE NOTHING GOING WRONG LIKE MORE SCAR TISSUE. 

JUNE 9-09
WELL I haven't posted in awhile. I'm doing great. i know this is a tool and I still have to work at eating the right things. I've found out I'm a carb aholic BIG TIME. Could careless about sweets but carbs, oh yea so I'm working on that. I thank God everyday for my surgery.
Going top try to lose another 10lbs.



 

About Me
Winnie, TX
Location
26.6
BMI
Surgery
11/30/2007
Surgery Date
Oct 01, 2007
Member Since

Friends 27

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