socco58
Since seeing Carnie Wilson on Oprah & seeing how great she did with the surgery, I've been trying to get as much information on it as I can, because I feel this is my only option at this point. I sent an e-mail to The Obesity Treatment Center which is located in Newark, NJ. I got an answer on Friday. I will have to call & make an appointment. At that time they will assess my case to see if I'm a candidate for surgery. Any info would be greatly appreciated! Today I had my Psych evaluation & everything went great. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I Had to fill out quite a bit of forms & a few pages of questions about my life. I spoke to a psychologist named Dana for about an hr. She basically asked me about my childhood to adult years. My weight loss history & my overall physical condition. She also wanted to make sure that I was mentally stable enough to handle this surgery and the changes I will have to make. She told me that she is recommending that I have the surgery. I then spoke to Dr. Ciccone, the psychiatrist for about 15 minutes. He also said he see's no problems with me having surgery. WOOHOO!!! I'm so Happy. It's 1 week since I spoke to Kathy. She told me that my Psych report came in, but they are still waiting for the Endo's report. His report should have been the first one back being that I went to him Jan.18th. The funny thing is all the Drs. are in the same building...NOW I'M GETTING FRUSTRATED! I BELIEVE THAT FRIENDS ARE QUIET ANGELS WHO LIFT US UP TO OUR FEET WHEN OUR WINGS HAVE TROUBLE REMEMBERING HOW TO FLY! Mar.25,2001 Today I'm 6 days post-op. I had surgery the 19th & was home the 22nd. Everything went well with surgery. I did have a little fluid in my bottom right lung & ran a fever after surgery. My surgeon said that was because of the many years of smoking. Thank God I kicked that habit..:-) I had to take antibiotics for 4 days after coming home. I'm moving around pretty good, but can't sit to long & type. Still a little fatigued. I'm on clear liquids till I see the surgeon the 29th. I haven't had to take anything for pain since being home. I will update more when I have more strength.~~~LUV YA ALL! ========================================= CENTURY CLUB!!!!!!!!!!! I've had a rough couple of nights. Starting New Years Eve everything I ate or drank wouldn't stay down. I thought I was just eating or drinking to fast. News years day was no better. Nothing would stay down. After 12 on Tuesday I really started to worry because I was throwing up a dark brown liquid. This continued till about 2 om on wednesday. I called my surgeon up that morning & they advised me to go to University Hospital to get checked. He said he wanted me to have an upper gi. Well low & behold you all know how emergency rooms are. After I checked in at 10:40 am I waited 3 hrs without even being seen. My daughter who works in an imaging center told me to come right in. So Out of there I went. They probably didn't even miss me. My daughter called Dr. Kamelgards nurse for them to fax over a script for my test. Was she pissed when I told her about the 3 hr wait at the hospital & never being seen. Well anyway they decided to give me a pelvic & abdomen cat-scan. Funny thing is I had to drink 3 cups of that wonderful cocktail & I never threw it up. Well good news was everything was still intack. No blockages, no staple line disruptions. Gallbladder ok. Liver ok.They think it probably was a stomach virus. Thank God for that. I was so worried that there was something wrong. So far today I kept everything down (only was on soft foods & liquids ) I just hope it doesn't start up again, because the pass 2 days were horrible. I just wish I knew where all that brown liquid came from. It was like I gave myself a good enema, but it came out the wrong end. Sorry for being so gross. I will update on my condition if there are any changes. TaTa for now! March 18,2002 It's been a while since my last update, but I've been so busy with my new energy...:-) The weight has been harder to take off. I'm 14 months post-op & down to 154 which is a total of 116# gone. I have 4 more to go to reach my goal. My daughter Jami will be getting married on Sept.21st. I'm so happy for her. I can't wait to go looking for my gown. I want to say THANK YOU to all that e-mailed me with congrats on my 1 year anniversary!! TaTa for now. Hope to update soon. Hi all~~ Well I think the weight has started to stall now. Only loss 2 more lbs. since my last update which puts me at 152 with a BMI of 26.1, but thats ok because it's 118# gone forever. My daughters wedding plans are moving along smoothly, only two more months. I bought a beautiful sky blue gown with silver through it. A size 12 :-) with long sleeves! Oh well I guess there are worse things then having batwings. I want to give Vickie a big Hug & Thank you for the great job she did on my profile page. It's just beautiful. Vickie your the best. Thought I'd update my page a bit. Last week I went to Atlantic City for 3 days. We had a good time,but I didn't win as usuall. Got home last Thursday & I had to go to the emergency room Fri. morning. From pulling the slot handle I aggrivated my Bursitis in my shoulder. Wow talk about pain! I knew I needed a cortisone shot but they said they don't give it there. They did give me a shot of morphine which put me in LALA land..:-) Low & behold that only helped for a few hrs. They gave me a script for some muscle relaxers & told me to put ice packs on & off for the next 3 days. Well by this pass Monday as fast as it came it was gone. THANK GOD. Next time it's button pushing for me on those slots. My weight loss has been at a stand still the pass few months. I can't seem to loss my last 7# to put me at goal weight.I go for my 18 month check-up Sept 3. Hope I can loose it by then. My daughters wedding is less then a month away & were all getting the jitters. It's gonna feel great showing off the new me to family & friends I haven't seen since having surgery. Well got to run now. Will update again soon! TaTa Today would have been my Dad's 85th birthday. He passed away May of last year. Going for my 18 month post-op check up tomorrow. Still on this darn plateau. Geezzzzzzzzz when will it end??? At my visit Kathy his office manager presented me with a pin from the American Society For Bariatric Surgery. It was for my 1 yr. weight loss surgery anniversary. They didn't have them 6 months ago so they gave it to me today. I felt so happy & proud! Well got to run now. Going to see the show *The Producers* tonight. I will update soon. 1 year ago today that so many lives were taken. My prayers to all the people that lost thier lives that day & to all the families that lost a loved one I pray that you find the strength & peace to go on. Do you believe I think I'm starting to get sick. Feel like I have a fever. This can't be happening when there's so much left to do. Have to start taking some antibiotics. I also got on the scale this morning & I gained 2 lbs. Talk about bad luck. Well gonna go pop some pills. Nite SEPTEMBER 21,2002 The wedding was beautiful. My baby girl looked like a princess. The weather turned out good. The reception was great. I danced all night. I felt like the energizer bunny *winks*. With my new body & energy I could have gone on for days. There were a few friends of my daughter who asked her where is your mom. They didn't even recognize me. They couldn't believe how good I looked. My daughter & her husband (wow that seems funny to say that)left yesterday for thier honeymoon in Aruba. They will be back next Monday. I sure do miss her already. She called last night when they arrived & said it is beautiful there. I felt better knowing they arrived safely. I sure was worried with her going on a plane. With all the bullcrap going on these days. I told her to have fun & to make a baby...lol. Well, I heard from Jami. She is having a great time in Aruba. The weather is beautiful. She went to a honeymooners only dinner on the beach & she said it was beautiful. The food was delicious. They went jetskiing, rented a car & went around the island. They were going horsebackriding on the beach & around the island. I'm glad they are enjoying themselves. This is the first time they have gone out of Jersey. First time to an island. She has only gone down to the Jersey shore. I think she will be hooked on the islands after this. *Like her mom* It's been a while since my last update.I feel that I can eat more now then before. I did put on 3 lbs. but my surgeon said that can be expected. When I eat my meals I still can't eat to much. If I do, I get sick & up it comes, but I feel like I'm hungary an hr. after eating. I still haven't gotten under the 150 mark. Been in the 150's for months now.If this is all I'm going to loose I'm not gonna complain because it's better then being 270. All & all I feel great. TTFN HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! Thanksgiving is a day to be thankful for many things. I am thankful for my family & friends,my surgeon,weight loss,& health.I hope all of you have a blessed day. Thanksgiving Blessing I thank You Lord for my wonderful family and friends. They are my greatest blessing. Thank You Lord for the creatures you have put on earth for us all. They teach us so much, unconditional love, loyalty, and understanding. I ask You Lord that all who suffer with illness have this day free from pain. Thank You Lord for all who have tables filled with food and someone to share it with. And for those that have no family or food. Lord, I ask that You comfort them. I thank You Lord for the time I had with my loved ones that have gone on to be with You. They shall always be loved and greatly missed. Thank You Lord for allowing me to have love Thank You Lord…..Amen May your Thanksgiving Were gettting our first snowfall today. Were expecting up to 8in. I won't be going outside though. I'm sitting here in much pain. I went to the emergency room yesterday morning. Having a lot of pain near lower side back. Urine test was free of blood, so they don't think it's a kidney stone.They said it may be sciatica which hasen't bothered me in yrs. They sent me home after 4 hrs with a muscle relaxer & pain pills. Sitting here now with a heating on. I know as much now whats wrong as I did yesterday.:-( I'm really depressed today. I have put on 6# & I don't know why. I can eat a little more then I did a yr ago but I really am not overdoing it. Can anybody tell me how I can start losing again? I have 11# to goal & I'm almost 21 months post-op. HAVE A GREAT DAY!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!! Today I turned 55. It was a pretty nice day. Had dinner at my Daughter Theresa's house. She surprised me with my favorite a Carvel ice cream cake. I only had a sliver which went down well & stood down..LOL. My daughter Jami gave me a gift certificate to get my nails done, a Mom keychain & a beautiful Angel pin. I also got some money. I still haven't loss the 6# I gained, but thank God the pain I had in my back is gone. Still don't know what it was but glad it's gone. Will update again soon. TATA!! DECEMBER 25,2002 MERRY CHRISTMAS!! Another Christmas is here & gone. I hope Santa got everybody everything they wanted. Santa was good to me again this year. I loss 4# of the few lbs. I gained. This year I'm wearing a size 10 jeans. Down 1 size from last Xmas. Was together with family & friends & heathwise I'm feeling good. JAN.1,2003 HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! WISHING YOU ALL A HAPPY, HEALTHY & THINNER NEW YEAR!!! Hi All~~ Just wanted to thank everyone for all the e-mails regarding my husbands cancer diagnosis. As most of you know he has it on the back of his tongue. He will be going to the operating room tomorrow because they see two more tumors on the back wall of the throat & near the vocal cord. They are going in to see if there are any more & to see if they are cancerous. I am so much dreading tomorrow.:-( So far he is holding up pretty good. As far as me & my daughters, were like a dam ready to burst. Please keep us in your thoughts & prayers. I just hope my next update will be good news, because I can't take anymore bad news. Thank you all for your support & for listening. {{{HUGS SUSAN}}} This pass Monday me , my husband & our 3 daughters went to get the results of the biopsies & ct scans that my husband had last week. He has 3 primary cancer spots (1) in the larnyx,(1)near the sinus in the neck,(1)on the tongue. Also (1) primary has spread to a node also. We are devastated. We have 2 options,either surgery which the DR. said will be major. They will have to take out the voice box & tongue & the Dr. said he can't guarantee that the cancer won't spread also there are a lot of complications with this kind of surgery. So we won't even consider surgery. Today we had a consult with the radiation oncology Dr.& on Monday we will be going to see the Chemo Dr. He will have radiation 5x's a week & chemo 1 x a week for 71/2 weeks. They will be putting a feeding tube in him this week because they said with this kind of treatment to the neck it will be hard for him to swallow so if he has to he can always be fed through the tube.He will also have to follow a special diet. The Dr said being that the tumors are in the 1st & second stage's there is a good chance the radiation/chemo treatments will work. I hope so!! This weekend were gonna go to Atlantic City to get our minds off of things for a while anyway. I'm really not in the mood to go ,but the girls told me he wants to go so let him enjoy himself before he has to go through all this & make sure he eats everything his heart desires. Again I want to say THANK YOU to all of you who have been praying & sending your support. I can't tell you how much it has helped Hugs Susan & Family We had a great time in Atlantic City. We stayed one extra night because we got snowed in. The roads were closed in & out of the city till we left on Tuesday morning. What a shame..lol Jimmy is doing ok for now. He is scheduled for March 5th to have the feeding tube inserted. Just in case he has problems swallowing while having radiation/chemo treatments. He has seen the radiation DR this week & going for the chemo consult this coming Monday. He will be starting his treatments a week from Monday. Radiation 5x's a week & chemo 1x a week for 8 weeks. We are all praying that the treaments will work, because at this point surgery is no option. I will keep you all updated as we go along. Hugs Susan Today is my 2 yr WLS ANNIVERSARY....I'm so sorry I haven't been updating my profile as I should, but with all that's been going on with my husband I really haven't had the time. I have put on 8# the pass couple of months. Dr. K said don't stress so much over it. That it's not unusual after 2 yrs post-op. I know I haven't been eating like I should & I sometimes don't make the right food choices. It seems I sometimes feel hungary an hr after eating. I guess I better snap out of it & get back on track. I still say having this surgery was the best thing I ever did & would do it again. I want to thank all those who sent me anniversary wishes today & your support & prayers for my Hubby. I will try and update more often. Thank you Eric for this site!!! Hugs Susan As far as me I'm doing ok. I still haven't loss the 8# I've gained, but all & all I'm feeling good. I will update soon. Thank you all for the support & the e-mails. Good luck to those who are starting their wls journies. You won't be sorry!! Hugs Susan I want to thank you all for all the support & prayers. I can't tell you how much it means to all of us. My daughters & their families are taking us to South Carolina next month for a little R&R because they feel the last few months were hell & we need to get away. I have put on 12#. I know I haven't been eating right & making some poor food choices along the way. Maybe now I can start concentrating on myself & getting back on track. Anyway I think I took up enough of your time with my rambling. Thank you for listening. Congrats to all you big losers, keep up the good work. To all going for surgery my prayers to you all & to all the new post-ops a speedy recovery. Hugs Susan My husbands cancer has been in remission since April. He went for what is called a P.E.T SCAN...That is a test that checks all the cells in the body to see if there is any cancer. He has loss a total of 50# since being diagnosed with throat cancer this yr. We go back to the throat Dr. Nov.3rd for the results. Please keep him in your prayers. It was a great summer. We went to Myrtle Beach for a week in July & then to Florida 2 weeks in Aug. We also went to Atlantic City a couple of weekends ago. We had a great time (but didn't need the BRINKS TRUCK to haul our winnings home).We are going again Nov.9&10 to celebrate our 35th Wedding Anniversary & his 55th Birthday. I just feel I have to do this for him because he really likes AC & you never know what next year will hold. On a brighter note I have some good news. My Daughter Jami & her hubby Vin are going to have thier first child. She is due 4/19/04. I can't wait~~OMG MY BABY HAVING A BABY..Where have all the years gone. Little Vince Jr. or Gabriella will be my 8th Grandchild. GTG now....Will update again soon!! Jami I know your reading my update Hunny so I want to tell you GET WELL SOON & DRINK THOSE FLUIDS~~I LUV YA!! Hugs Susan My husbands cancer is still in remission. It's been a year since his diagnosis. My daughter Jami has started her 7th month & IT'S A BOY!!. Looking out window now waiting for yet another snowstorm (anywhere from 6 to 12 in)I'm so tired of all this cold weather.Who would have thought (me who was always hot even in the winter)now I can't seem to put on enough to stay warm.Going to get a nice HOT CUP OF COFFEE..:-) TTFN Hugs Susan Hi AllMy name is Susan Sokoloski. I will be 53 on Dec. 14th. I'm married with 3 daughters & 7 grandchildren. I live in Belleville, NJ which is in Essex County. I'm 5'4 & I weigh 270 lbs. I started putting on the weight when I got pregnant with my first daughter which was 33 yrs ago. Since then I've been on many diets. The most I lost while dieting was 70 lbs. That was 9 yrs ago. Since then I put it all back on plus some. I had an ankle fusion on Jan. 7th of this year & have been out of work since Dec. of 99. It has taken this long for my ankle to heal. I was 225lbs. at the time of surgery. I've gained 45 lbs the pass year. I really never felt the weight as much as I do now. I can't stand or walk for to long without getting tired & getting back pains. I am talking medication for hypertension, arthritis, cholesterol & depression.
Feb.2,2001
THANK YOU TO ALL THAT ANSWERED MY POSTING ABOUT HAVING MY PSYCH. EVALUATION. YOU ALL WERE RIGHT, NOTHING TO IT :-)
~~~TODAY IS 6 DAYS SMOKE FREE~~~
Feb.7,2001
Today I spoke with Kathy from Dr K'S office. She said she was waiting for written reports from the endocrinologist & the psychiatrist. She was gonna give them a call sometime today & get back to me. After she gets the reports she will have me come in so we can set up a date for surgery. She asked if there was any special time I wanted to have it done. All I could say was ASAP. As far as my insurance she said that they don't need pre-approval.
TODAY WAS A GREAT DAY!!!!!!!!
Feb.8,2001
Today I went for my second visit with Gloria my dietition. I will see her in a week for my last visit. She told me that she will give me her beeper # so I can get in touch with her if I have any problems or if I have any questions for her after surgery. I also lost 6lbs since I was there last. WEIGHT TODAY 263
~~~ SMOKE FREE 12 DAYS ~~~
Feb.14,2001
#2 CALL TO KATHY!
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!!!!
Feb.19,2001
Today I went for my 3rd & final visit with the dietitian. She will send in her report to Dr.K. I've been practicing my eating, chewing & drinking. She told me if I have any problems after surgery with my eating she will always be there to help me. She really was a nice person. I also put back on 5 lbs of the six I loss since I saw her last. I'm back up to 268. I think my new name should be YOYO!
~~~SMOKE FREE 24 DAYS~~~
Feb.28,2001
YIPPPPPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!GOT MY DATE. IT WILL BE MARCH 26TH. I'M SO EXCITED I DON'T KNOW IF I WANT TO SCREAM, CRY OR THROW UP.
THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR ALL YOUR HELP!
~~~ TODAY 1 MONTH SMOKE FREE ~~~
Mar.9,2001
Kathy from DR.Kamelgard's office called me today & told me because of a scheduling mix up if I wouldn't mind changeing my surgery date. So now I'm pushed up 1 week. My new date is March 19th. I have a lump in my throat & I can't stop crying. I'm so nervous. OMG I have so much to do in a week. :-(
Mar.14,2001
Today I went for my pre-op testing. Everything is a go for Monday 3/19. I have to be at the hospital at 6am. No special preparations the night before. Just the normal fasting after midnight.
I want to say Thank You to Donna Powers who I met here at the Amos site. She has given me many nights of support & encouragement. Now she has volunteered to put on her wings & be my Angel. Donna you are an Angel with or without the wings.{{{HUGS}}}
Mar.16,2001
Today is Friday 3 more days till surgery. I woke up this morning with post nasil drip & a scratchy throat. I just hope being that it's been in the 50's the pass few days that my allergies are starting to kick in & that I'm not getting a cold. I can't remember when the last time was that I had a cold. Has to be well over a year. This can't be happening, not when I'm so ready for this. I just hope this is not the sign I asked for. Going to take some extra vitamin C right now. Will post more tomorrow.
Mar.17,2001
Today I'm off to get my haircut. Still haven't decided how short I want to go. Right now my hair is down below my shoulders. I will do any last minute chores today, because tomorrow I will relax all day.
2 DAYS TILL SURGERY!
HAPPY ST. PATTY'S DAY!
Mar.18,2001
WELL TOMORROW IS THE BIG DAY. THANK YOU ALL MY CYBER BUDDIES. I DON'T KNOW WHAT I WOULD HAVE DONE WITHOUT YOUR SUPPORT & ENCOURAGEMENT. I WILL UPDATE AS SOON AS I'M ABLE TO SIT AT THE COMPUTER. LUV YA ALL!
Mar.28,2001
~~~~2 MONTHS SMOKE FREE~~~~
Mar.29,2001
Today I went to see the surgeon. I'm 10 days post-op & down 17#. YIPPPPPPEEEEEEE I'm on my way. I started soft foods today & so far so good everything stood down. I still feel somewhat tired & can't type to long, but everyday it gets better. GOD IS GOOD!
Jan 11,01= Starting weight= 274 BMI=47
Mar 19,01= Day of surgery = 270 BMI=46.3
Mar 29,01= 10 Days post-op= 253 BMI=43.4-17#
Apr 09,01= 3weeks post-op = 245 BMI=42.1-25#
Apr 19,01= 1 month post-op= 240 BMI=41.2-30#
May 19,01= 2months post-op= 220 BMI=37.8-50#
June19,01= 3months post-op= 216 BMI=37.1-54#
July19,01= 4months post-op= 205 BMI=35.2-65#
July29,01= 19wks post-op= 199 BMI=34.2-71#
Aug 19,01= 5months post-op= 190 BMI=32.6-80#
Dec 16,01= 9 months post-op=168 BMI =28.8-102#
Feb 21,02= 11 months post-op=158 BMI =27.1-112#
May 20,02= 14 months post-op=154 BMI =26.4-116#
July 24,02=16 months post-op=152 BMI =26.1-118#
Aug 23,02 =17 months post-op=152 BMI =26.1-118#
Dec 17,02 =21 months post-op=158 BMI =27.1+6# :-(
MARCH 19,2003...2YR.WLS ANNIVERSARY 160.....BMI=27.5
MARCH 19,2008...
Apr.11,2001
It's been a while since I updated so hear goes. I've been having some food issues. My surgeon told me at 2 weeks post-op to start a soft diet,but he never gave me any kind of diet to follow. I mainly have been doing that till I had a slice of pizza last weekend. I ate 3/4 of it which I chewed to mush. I had no problem it stood down & no dumping. Actually I haven't thrown up once since having the surgery. So I must be doing something right. I did post a question on the message boards about some kind of meal plan for 3 weeks post-op & I want to thank all those who sent me an e-mail with their help. Even the person who condemned me for eating the pizza. :-) Anyway I'm down 25# & all & all I feel pretty good except for feeling tired quickly. I will update as soon as I have any more news. Take care all reading this & God Bless!
PS. TO TODD W. I LOVED READING YOUR PROFILE & I'M GOING TO TRY SOME OF YOUR MEAL PLANS!
Apr.15,2001
HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!
Apr.19,2001
Today I'm 1 month post-op & down 30#. I've had no problems this past month except for being very constipated. My energy is picking up & I've had no dumping. Having wls has been the best decision I've ever made.
Apr.28,2001
~~~~ 3 MONTHS SMOKE FREE ~~~~
May 7,2001
Well today it finaly happened. I had my first vomiting experience since having surgery. I don't know if there is a problem, but for the pass few days after eating or drinking I feel like everything is stuck in my throat. I also burp a lot. Today I ate some Ruffles WOW Potato Chips. They are fat free. About an hr. after having them I drank a few sips of lemonade no sugar & I had to run & throw up. Well I can tell you I didn't like that much. As far as the chips are concerned, no more for me they are in the trash for the morning pick-up. I think for the next couple of days I will only have my protein drinks & soft foods to settle my insides. I just hope that feeling in my throat goes away. BTW I'm 7 weeks post-op today & down 40#. God is Good. TaTa for now!
May 13,2001
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!
Today I went to my daughter Jami's house for a BBQ. I didn't eat much, but I had a great time. My daughter's bought me a Mother's ring which is beautiful. Thank you. I love you!
P.S. I also want to send out a very special HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to my dear friend Birgit. Sweetie thank you for always being there & for always supporting me. I want you to know you have been my backbone. Without your encouragement I may never have had this surgery. You know I will always be here for you. (just a click away) :-) I luv ya my west coast Angel.{{{HUGS}}}Sue
May 14,2001
8 weeks post-op today & down 45#. Only 5# more to get to my first goal. I feel great!!
May 18,2001
Today is my Daughter Carrieann's 33rd birthday. Which was supposed to be a happy day turned out to be very sad. My Dad at the age of 83 passed away. Dad had a massive stroke in 94. Up until that day he was very healthy. He left my Mom of 54 yrs. 4 children, 15 grandchildren & 13 great grandchildren.
May 19,2001
Today I'm 2 months post-op. I did hit my first goal. 50# GONE FOREVER.
May 22,2001
Today we buried Dad & I said goodbye for the last time. Dad I LOVE YOU & I WILL MISS YOU! THANK YOU FOR ALL THE GOOD YEARS YOU GAVE US.
May 28,2001
HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!!
10 Weeks post-op & down 54#. I really have to get my act together & get back on track with the eating & drinking. I haven't been doing much of either since Dad died. Also I've been vomiting a lot lately. I don't know if it's because I'm eating to fast or not. I can't even seem to get in enough water. It feels like I have something stuck in my throat. This happened a few weeks ago too. I will just have to get back on schedule.
~~~~ 4 MONTHS SMOKE FREE ~~~~
May 31,2001
Yesterday me & my daughter Jami went shopping for clothes. I'm happy to say that now I'm in a size 18w jeans from a tight 24w. Now I'm starting to believe that the surgery is working. I'm also considering going to buy a bicycle ( hope I still remember how to ride one it's been years ). I think I'll have to look for one that has a bigger seat though, because those little seats to me would be like wearing a thong.....LOL
PS. I would like to thank all those who sent me e-mails & cards on the passing of my Dad. It sure was comforting knowing so many people were thinking of me. {{{HUGS TO ALL}}}
June 8,2001
I thought the weight loss would help the pain in my ankle & knee, but I guess the arthritis is taking it's toll. I would love to walk but with the pain it's hard. So I'm not getting in to much excersize. I will go for a bike this weekend & see if I can ride it without the pain. TaTa for now!
June 11,2001
12 Weeks Post-op & 60# gone forever. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat.
June 14,2001
Well the dreaded hairloss syndrome has begun. I didn't want to face reality that I was starting to loose some hair, but thanks to a friend of mine I guess it hit home. She said to me and I quote "wow your hair is getting thin on top". Like I needed her to tell me. Oh well off I went to super cuts yesterday & picked up Nioxin shampoo & scalp treatment. It cost $10 each for an 8 ounce bottle. Then it was off to GNC for biotin vitamins. I hope this helps. TaTa for now!
June 19,2001
Today I'm 3 months post-op. Can't give an up date on my weight loss today, because my scale finally kicked the bucket. I will be going for my follow up visit this Thurs. so I will up date then. All & all I'm feeling pretty good. Have more energy since I've been using Pro-blend 55. Have 2 glasses a day for an extra 54 grams of protein a day. I also bought Frosted Escapes by Crystal Lite. Comes in Pina Colada & Strawberry Daquiri. Wow are they good. Helps me to get my water in which I'm still having a problem with. I also started to ride my bike & let me tell you there are parts of my body that I never new I had. OUCH! TATA for now.
June 21.2001
Went for my 3 month follow up visit today. By Dr's scale I'm 216# which is a loss of 54#. I will do all my up-dates by Dr's scale from now on. By my scale I was down 60#, but I guess it wasn't accurate. Surgeon said I'm doing great & the weight loss is where it's supposed to be at 3 months post-op. TATA for now.
June 28,2001
I think I've hit a plateau. I wasn't going to weigh myself, but I don't go back until Sept. for my 6 mon. post-op visit. The scale is not moving. Now if that didn't depress me I held up my arms & they look like wings. I was reading on the q&a boards about excersizing the arms but a few people have stated that once the skin stretches there is nothing you can do but have it surgically removed. Now what to do, my insurance will never cover that. I know I loss weight & have gone down 3 sizes but when I look in the mirror I still see my old self. I guess I'm having a bad day because everything is going wrong. I hope tomorrow is better. Well one good think I have to say is.........
~~~~5 MONTHS SMOKE FREE~~~~
July 2,2001
Tonight I finally met Ronit Kalmanor after being e-mail buddies for months. She had her surgery 8 months ago by Dr Andrei at St. Peters Hospital in NJ. She has lost something like 160# & she looks great. She invited me to attend the support group meeting at St Peter's. DRS. Brolin & Andrei where there to answer many questions from pre & post-ops. The people I met there were really nice. I also got to meet Darcie Donlon & Angela Stella-Randall. Between the 2 of them they have lost over 200#. WAY TO GO GIRLS! It was great to finally meet people in person that have had surgery & have lost so much weight. I can't wait to attend next months meeting. TTFN
July 4,2001
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!
Off to my Daughters for a BBQ. I just hope the rain holds out for a while. They are calling for thunderstorms in the northeast this afternoon. TTFN
July 18,2001
Sorry it took so long for an update, but I think I've hit a plateau because the scale hasn't moved in weeks. I'm 205 which is s 65# loss since surgery. Also have gone down to a size 16 in Jeans from a tight 24.Tops have gone from a 2x to a 38. All & all I feel pretty good. Just wish I could go under the 200# mark which is my second goal. TTFN
July 24,2001
DOING THE HAPPY DANCE. WEIGHT 203 DOWN 2# MORE & OFFICIALLY NO LONGER MORBIDLY OBEASE.
Went to visit Cathy in the hospital today. She had her Lap rny yesterday with Dr. Kamelgard. She was a little uncomfortable, but understandable after just having major surgery. It was really nice to meet her.
I also met Melissa who was Cathy's roomy. She is from Delaware & had an open rny yesterday also with Dr. K. TTFN
July 26,2001
Put on my "Angel Wings" today for Donna Powers. Went to see her this afternoon. She had an open rny with Dr. Brolin today. All went well. She was resting comfortably. TTFN
July 28,2001
~~~~ 6 MONTHS SMOKE FREE ~~~~
July 29,2001
Hit my second goal today. Down 71#= 199. Haven't been under 200# in 9 yrs. I guess my plateau has finally broken. TTFN
Aug.6,2001
20 weeks post-op.-75#. I'm feeling pretty good. Energy level getting better each day. Still having a lot of hair loss. Still using Nioxin shampoo & scalp treatment. Also taking Biotin vitamins. How long is this hair thing going to last? TTFN
Aug.20,2001
Been on vacation & haven't had access to a computer. I was 5 months post-op yesterday. Weight 190 which is 80# gone forever. Down to a size 14 pants from a size 24. Energy level gets better everyday. Been fighting an upper respiratory infection since last Friday. Am on antibiotics & a strong cough syrup. Going to visit my sister down the shore for a few days. Suppose to leave tomorrow night if I'm feeling better. Will update more when I get back. TTFN
AUG. 28,2001
~~~~7 MONTHS SMOKE FREE~~~~
The hair loss is starting to ease up. THANK GOD!
Sept.11,2001
TWIN TOWERS HIT BY ATTACKERS!!!!
THOUSANDS DEAD AND MISSING!!!!
THIS WILL BE A DAY WE WILL REMEMBER FOR EVER!!!!
MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO ALL!!!!
GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oct. 25,2001
It's been a while since I've updated. My puter has been giving me problems. I'm 7 months post-op & down 92#. I'm wearing a size 14/16 & I feel great. I can eat mostly anything but in very small portions. I stay away from fried foods. So far all has been going smoothly. I do get sick once in a while but I know it's because I eat to fast. Always have. When will I ever learn to go slowwwwww! Century Club here I come! TATA for now.
Nov.22.2001
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Dec. 11,2001
Went for my 9th month check up today. The weight loss is starting to slow up a little. I have loss 98# & wearing a size 14. It sure is hard hitting that 100 mark. Have more energy then I know what to do with. My surgeon Dr. K is the best. I can't thank him enough. Hopefully after the new year he will be starting a support group. TATA for now.
Dec. 14,2001
****HAPPY BIRTHDAY****
Today is my 54th birthday. If my dearest friend Birgit from California is reading this I want to say Thank You again sweetie for the jewelery. I can't tell you enough how special you are.
Dec.16,2001
DRUM ROLL......... I did it!. I finally made it to the Century Club. Weight 168. 102# gone forever. I think this is the best Christmas present of all.
Dec.25,2001
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!
Christmas was great. Spent it with family & friends & got a bunch of new clothes. I was so excited getting all size 12 jeans. Just to think last Christmas I was in a size 24.
HAPPY 2002 TO ALL!
Wishing you all a Thinner, Healthier & Happy New Year!
Jan.3,2002
Jan.4,2002
Well today I'm feeling much better. Started back on solid foods & everything stayed down. I guess it was a bad virus, but I'm glad I had the ct-scan because now I can rest better knowing that everything is ok in my new tummy. Btw as of this morning I'm down to 162# which is a total of 108# gone forever (I HOPE). TaTa for now.
Feb.6,2002
Been a while since my last update, but that's because I've been stuck on a darn plateau the pass month. Loss 2 more lbs. Down to 160 & a size 12. Total 110# gone. Haven't loss anything the pass 3 weeks. When will this break? Been having some back problems & not able to sit on puter for to long. Had an mri done & it showed some spuring that may be hitting a nerve. I will be seeing the orthopedic the 28th of this month. I just hope that some physical therapy is all I will need to correct it.
I can't believe that next month will be my 1 year wls anniversary. It seems like only yesterday that I had the surgery. I can't thank Dr. Kamelgard enough. I thank God every day for this blessing. TaTa for now.
Feb.14,2002
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!
Feb.21,2002
I just found out that Dr, Kamelgard will be starting a support group meeting starting in March. I can't wait to meet all my wls friends. I've also been asked to be guest speaker at the April meeting. I've always been a little shy, but I'll give it my best.
I've really been busy the pass month. Dr.K had his first support group meeting the first week of March. It turned out really nice. Only thing was when they asked me to stand up & announce my 100# weight loss, Dr. K was motioning for me to tell everybody about my quitting smoking. I felt really bad that I had to say that I started smoking again. I felt like I let him down, but I'm going to try & stop again. Looking forward to next months meeting.
I had a bad scare after going to my back Dr. He noticed a few enlarged lymph nodes in my neck & groin. I had to go for a complete body bone scan & a few cat scans. Thank God all turned out negative. No cancer. Now didn't I tell you I was busy..:-)
Anyway tomorrow is my one year wls anniversary. It seems like it was yesterday. I've loss 112# 270 to 158. I've been on a plateau the pass couple of months,but that's ok. I go for my 1 yr check up on Friday
I want to say THANK YOU to all that e-mailed me & gave their support & concern this pass month. It sure eased my mind.
DR.K IF YOUR READING THIS, I KNOW I'VE SAID THIS BEFORE,BUT THANK YOU. WE DID IT!
MARCH 19,2002
{{{{{{HAPPY 1 YR WLS ANNIVERSARY TO ME}}}}}}
It seems like only yesterday that I had the surgery. Boy the pass year has gone by so fast.
Would I do it all over????? YES..YES..YES In a heartbeat.
May 20,2002
July 24,02
I do have alot of loose skin that is depressing me (Tummy,upper legs & a bad case of batwings). With my insurace I don't think they will cover reconstructive surgery. If anybody can give me any info on this I would sure appreciate it. With my husband being disabled & not working money is limited to even think about it. Well theres a chance that maybe I could hit the lottery..lol!
All & all I've been feeling pretty good except for some osteo in my knee.
I still have some problems with certain foods like meats & pasta (just don't seem to stay down) but I guess we all have our downfalls. I also eat to fast sometimes & I have the feeling of the food stuck in my throat.When will I learn to chew slowly. Well gtg for now. Will update again soon. TaTa!
Aug.9 2002
Aug.23 2002
Sept.2,2002
I LOVE & MISS YOU!
I just got home from my 18 month check-up. I weighed in at 154 which is 2 lbs. more then my scale. I got a clean bill of health. I will have to go & have all my labs done to see if my levels are all up to par. Dr.K checked my tummy & there are no hernias. He said at this point I may see a few lbs weight gain now & then, but to him this is normal. He told me to stay on the 2 Flintstones,iron, b12 & calcium pills daily. He also said to keep up with what I'm doing. I could see he was a little upset when I told him I was still smoking because I quit for 8 months & started smoking again. Oh well when I feel the time is right I will try to stop again. It sure is hard as you smokers out there know.
9-11-02
WE WILL NEVER FORGET**
Sept.16,2002
Sept.28,2002
I just can't wait till Monday when they come home, because I sure do miss them. TTFN
Nov.23,2002
Nov.28,2002
Lord, today I am so truly thankful for so many things.
You have blessed me in so many ways. I thank You for the wonderful country I live in...and for all its many heroes.
and understanding in my heart. It is these many blessings that make my humble life happy and fulfilled.
be blessed with love and peace.
DEC.5,2002
Jan.29,2002
Really been down in the dumps the pass week. My husband was complaining about what he thought was a blister on the back side of his tongue from his partial. Well, after taking him to the dentist for a checkup he wanted him to have a biopsy done ASAP. He had it done last Tuesday.
Last Friday my daughter Jami took her father to check the stitches from the biopsy. We didn't think the results would be in till this Friday. Well, they hit Jami with the results of the biopsy & the news wasn't good.They told them it is cancerous. Poor Jami cried all the way home. On Monday we took him to the throat specialist to see if & how far into the throat the cancer has spread. They see 2 more tumors. 1 on the back wall of the throat & the other one near the vocal cord.
He will be going into the operating room on Feb.4th. They want to check the chest & see if & where the cancer has spread. This is just a nightmare. I'm trying to be strong for my husband & my daughters, but inside I feel like I'm falling apart. I just keep asking myself WHY??? :-(
Please remember us in your thoughts & prayers. I will update as soon as I can.
Feb.3,2003
Feb.12,2003
Feb.23,2003
MARCH 19,2002
May 1,2003
Sorry I haven't updated in a while. It's been a long 8 weeks since my husband started his chemo/radiation treatments. Today he finished his last treatment. The Dr. said it will be about a month before they will send him for his cat-scan to see if the tumors have shrunk. They said they want to give him time to heal from the radiation treatments first. I just pray to God that we will get a good report.
June 18,2003
Hi All,
Just wanted to let you all know that after being diagnosed with
tongue & throat cancer in January & going through 2 months of
chemo/radiation treatments my husband was scoped this pass Monday & the tumors have all shrunk. There is some swelling yet from the treatments but they said in time everything should go back to normal. The DRs. were really amazed at his progress. He will be going back in every month for a while because they want to keep a close eye on him. I'm still giving him most of his boost feedings through the feeding tube because they said it will take some time before his appetite returns. They have put him on a medication to help him with the appetite issue & I've noticed the pass few days he is eating a little more. He has loss 35# but that has put him were his weight should be.
Oct.23,2003
Hi All,
It's been a while since my last update. I'm maintaining between 164 & 167. All & all I've been feeling pretty good. Last night I was having some really bad pains where my new pouch is. It lasted for about 2 minutes & it did have me doubled over. It went away & I haven't felt it since. I would call Dr.K but he has gone into private practice I'm told & I don't think he accepts my ins. anymore.
Jan.27,2003
Hi all,
Just thought I'd stop in to give a little update on what's been going on with me. I'm still at 167 & maintaining. I want to loose about 10 more lbs.but right now it's just not happening. Geeze on March 19th I will be celebrating 3 yrs post-op. It seems like only yesterday that I was going through the weight loss surgery process. I never for one moment regret having the surgery.
March 18,2004
Just wanted to give a litt
HAPPY 10 YR WLS TO ME!
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Susan Sokoloski
Belleville, NJ, USA
Already had Weight Loss Surger - BMI: 23.0
Surgery Type: RNY - proximal
Member ID: Sokoloski975100635
Contact: Click here to send a Personal Message
Surgeon: Joseph Kamelgard, M.D. FACS
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