Beth T.
My story started May of 2002. I saw on the noon news a story about the Lap Band and right away I knew I was ready for WLS. I called my Dr. and saw her that afternoon. We talk about it and she said, "I think you would be a perfect canidate for the Banding". She then ask me if I wanted to go to Omaha or Scottsbluff??? Well, I immediately said, "Omaha".As they had bigger hospitals and I was always afraid to go under the knife, I felt a bigger hospital would be safer. She called and the soonest I could get in for a consult was June of the next year! Gads, I could be dead by that time so I ask her to call Scottsbluff and WOW, the 17th of May. That was only 2 weeks! I was so excited!! After we talked for awhile he ask me when I wanted the surgery?? I quickly replied, "last week"!! I got my date that day, June 25,2002.
My husband and I went on that Sunday as SB is about 3 hours from here. I had to be at the hospital at 8 the morning of the 24th. And at 6 the next morning I was ready to start a new healthy life.
I had been to a support meeting about an hour from NP several times and some of NP people desided to start one. With 6 of us we got rolling and our local TV station had helped by coming to our first meeting and ever since had did coverage every year. We now have out website www.npwlssg.org. we have about 770 people on it . Some have dropped out but new ones keep coming. I love helping other ocese people.
Surgery went well, I did have a hard time waking up, guess thats because I was so obese 265# and 5'3". I didnt have anything for pain after waking up from surgery. About 3 that afternoon I got to hit the road home. They insisted I take 1/2 of a pain pill for the long ride home. I honestly can say," I didnt even feel like I had surgery," I really had to watch myself so I didnt strain anything. I had 4 staples in one and 2 in the other 5. Two weeks I went into get my staples out and that hurt morn than the surgery..haha
I had the smaller band, it holds 5 cc's. I was one of Dr. Holloway's 100 banders, he has now done more than 800. The hsopital in SB is the best! They know how to handle and treat obese prople.
My first visit after surgery was in 4 weeks, I had already lose 15 pounds, he put 1 cc in and said come back in a month. Next visit I was doen 25 pounds. He added another cc and off I went.The next month I had lost a total of 42 pounds. He added .2 and said now we go slow as you will really start to lose! I did just that and in Sept I went with my daughter and grandkids to Denver, we went to the water slides and rides at Alitches. Guess I thought I was a small woman. I rode on my first ride in about 28 years.The kid told me it was going to be tight across my stomach. I told him, it was okey....well the first of Oct when I went for my check-up I hadnt lost anything...come to find out I had broke my port! I went into surgery and it was repaired and the rest is history! I continued to lose at a fast rate. by Christmas I was down 65 pounds. Each month I was amazed at how much I was losing. I really looked forward to the next check-up. I have only had 2.2 cc in all this time. I had lost 100 pounds within my first year. And no more high blood pressure, not a diabetic any longer. Sleep like a baby, the first time I slep allll night I work my husband that morning and scared him, he thought something was wrong. haha. I have no more pain in my knees and back. A totally healthy woman.
I had a tummy tuck in July of 03, removing 10 pounds. That makes me weigh 135. I have never been happy with it so be darn sure you check out his experience before you deside on yours.
In Dec of 04 I had got down to 125, the Dr. told me to gain some weight as I should weight about 135. I have NEVER been told to gain weight!! I have been between 135 and 142 these past years. I freak out when I hit 145 so when that happend I go back to water,water, water, jello, jello...in in about 10 days I get down to where I am happy.
I have been very lucky to attend the National Convention in 04 in Hollywood. Then in 05 I went back. The first one I roomed with 4 CA. girls and we became buds. When I went in 05 I went a few days early because my new friend Darlene invited me to stay with her and then we would go to the convention together. What a fast area of the world!! I loved it!
I have went to the Denver conferance in 05 and Gering/Scottsbluff in 06. Please take in some of the OH conferances as they are so inspiring and informational!
I became a Chapter Leader in 04 and have helped several support groups in NE.
Will write more later..
Beth
My precious grandchildren
Photos
265 At least I can still smile! |
130 And they said. |
Thank you for visiting my Site!!!!!!