Finally......

Mar 22, 2008

I haven't updated in a long time; so here goes.

I finally had surgery on February 20th.  I weighed in at 352 lbs.  30 days later I weigh 336 lbs...that's 16lbs lost.  It took me 3 months to lose 16lbs on one of the yo-yo diets I was on before.  So I think that, eventhough not at much as some people have lost, 16lbs is a great number.  Since I can't do any weight baring exercise, per Dr.'s orders, until about 2 more weeks, I have been walking everyday and on the treadmill every other day.  I'm looking into some gyms for trainer assistance because I have no clue as to how to use the equipment.  I can't wait to get started.

I feel so blessed that my surgery was uneventful.  Dr. Weaver said that my surgery went perfectly.  It actually took less time than anticipated.  My recovery was nice and easy.  The only problem I'm having is with constipation every now and then.  MiraLAX and Dulcolax are my friends.  I have only used MiraLAX once to move it and one Dulcolax each night to keep it soft.  Other than that, I really feel that I had nothing done to me...except when I drink to fast, swallow to much food at one time, and look down at my scars.

Last Sunday, I was looking for a shirt to wear to work on Monday.  The shirt usally fits somewhat snug yet comfortable when I wear my girdle.  Just out of curiosity I tried it on without the girdle and it fit like I had the girdle on.  I couldn't believe it!!!!  So of course I tried on other clothes I truely could not fit even with the girdle on.  I could fit every single thing I tried on.  I even got wear this week a pantsuit that I got on clearance for $7.99 from Roaman's about 4 years ago which I never got to wear...the plastic bag with the extra buttons was still on it.  UNBELIEVEABLE!!!!!!!!  I cannot wait to kick things into gear so I can get this fat out of my body.

Being able to do this would not be as easy without the help of my family and friends.  My family is very supportive and my friends keep me in line. They tell me when it's time to eat, as I have found myself not hungry most times, and let's me know when my 30 minutes are up so that I can start drinking.  This has helped many times because I like to talk and tend to forget I'm suppose to sip, sip, sip.

Obviously my iron levels were good otherwise I would still be waiting.  Dr. Somer wants to see me in June to see how I'm doing.  I see the my Nut on April 3rd for my first official weight post-op.  On August 20th I see Dr. Weaver for my 6 month check-up.  I'm doing everything I'm supposed to and getting all my vitamins and meds.  My bloodwork should look good.

Well that's it for now...not much to tell.  I'm off to get on the 'mill for about 45 minutes.  I post lata..............

New Date

Feb 08, 2008

I have a new date...February 20th at 8:30am.  I have to be at the hospital by 6:30am.  My brother-in-law is supposed to take me to the hospital; but I think I'm going to drive myself and let them take my car back home.  I want to do this because I have to be there really early and don't want to risk being late.  I think that plan will work out just fine.  I hope my sister will be there; but I know she is scared for me.  I pray she has peace while I am in the OR.  My mom will be there so I think my sister will be alright.

Dr. Somer (hematologist) cleared me for surgery...says my hematocrit and iron levels are good.  Now I just hope to keep from getting sick again.  God please, only if you see fit, allow me to have an uneventful surgery on Feb 20th.

In other news, my friend has finally obtained the money needed to get started and keep going on the restoration of her house.  We are all so very excited.  She called me today and told me about a great deal she got on a vanity for her bathroom...got over a $100 discount.  She knew go and well I wanted to go shopping to...I love decorating.  That will be my job when the house is ready...of course with her input of what she wants in her house.  It's going to be soooooo much fun.

I was thinking about going to the Goodwill store tomorrow.  My Aunt Edna has told me about some great deals she got there...a pair of Nine West wedged heel mules for $3, a Nine West leather bag for a $1, a really cute Donna Karen three piece outfit for $9...DONNA KAREN for $9...unbelievable.  I thought I would go there and pick up few inspiration pieces since I don't have many clothes at different sizes.  I know I'll have to buy clothes often during my journey.  One thing I have gotten addicted to before the inevitable hair loss is buying wigs.  I have purchased 3 wigs so far and have one on hold until next week.  It's getting bad.  I'll have to work hard not developing shopping as a transfer addiction.

Until next time............

Surgery Canceled for the Fourth Time

Feb 02, 2008

Unlike so many who have had colds or sinus issues, I will not be able to go forward on Monday with my wls.  My PCP says it is bacterial and has to be treated for 10 days before he would clear me for surgery.  It is sinus not chest; he says my lungs sound good.  So he gave me the "cocktail" shot and prescribe an antibiotic and said to get Mucinex and Zyrtec.  They all seem to be working pretty well; I started feeling better shortly after the cocktail (my first time with that; I see it really works).

However, I think the real culprit behind the postponement is my old friend "Anemia"...my God she is soooooooo annoying.  I had to get my 3rd iron infusion on Friday.  My hematologist said he would have postponed surgery anyway.  Those double edged swords seem to always get me.  Though my spirit may be dampened, I do know that the cancellations were for my own good.  I'd rather be in the best health I could possibly be going into something as dangerous as surgery.  Yet I can say that the cancellations and the fear of death on the table have not changed my stance; I'm more determined to have this life saving surgery than ever before.  I'm just waiting on another date; I hope it's soon.

I actually contemplated postponing the wls myself because my mom is still having issues because of the stroke she suffered in November.  She is experiencing a lot of discomfort.  She's being as active a possible like the doctors said but things are not getting any easier.  She went to see the neurologist on Thursday who told her that things will get better as the clot gets smaller.  My mom can't wait for some relief.  She will be my caregiver for a while during my recovery; she wants to do her best for me.  I love her so much.  Moving on.............

I have not had access to the net since last Saturday I think.  So I would like to say Happy belated Birthday to those January babies out there.  I celebrated my 35th birthday on Monday, the 28th.  I hope everyone had great days and wishing you many, many more years of happiness
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Today is the day...

Jan 21, 2008

...I started the liver shrink diet.  Well I have to tell you, I think this wls thing is really going to happen because I have behaved in ways and craved things I didn't think twice about before.  I cried last night because I didn't get to eat macaroni and cheese before surgery.  I CRIED!!!!!!!!!  I can't believe it.  The last time I started the diet, I was all into it like none other.  This time, I'm acting like I'll never get to eat again.  Of course, I know that I will be able to eat again; however, I believe my sorrow is due to fact I am changing.  My life is going to change in significant ways:  the food I eat, how I eat, protein first, sip, sip, sip, walk, walk, walk, losing weight, hit a plateau, left with excess skin, shrinking feet, hanging thighs (they double over now), tits hanging to my doubled over thighs, bald head, head full of long, silky, luxurious hair (I wish), crossing my legs, crossing my fingers that the my tummy will be gracious, wearing my old clothes that are too big, buying new clothes, buying new clothes again cuz what I just bought is now too big.  It's enough to make your head spin but I want to experience it all.  Right now my life is boring with nothing worth even gossiping about (not that I would want that); so to have those things happen would be a welcomed changed.

Anyway...I have a spreadsheet ready to enter my stats.  I started tonight and will update it on Mondays and Thursdays until surgery day.  Post-op I will update weekly on Mondays.  As I posted before, I have a list of accomplishments for my journey.  So I think I'm ready for journeling.  I have a feeling this is going to be an amazing ride.  Just think two weeks from today, I will be on the loser's bench.  I guess I'll see you there.......

LOVE is in the HEART

Jan 13, 2008

My latest ticker...will be using it for Valentine's...may even keep it.





Anyway, things seem to be on track for surgery on the Feb 4th.  FMLA is set up.  I've received a revised approval letter from insurance.  I do need to go ahead and call Met-Life to set up my short-term disability.  On the negative side, I have been financially unable to get some of the things I will need.  I think I'll call my brother up and see if he could send about $100 or 2.  Tomorrow I'm calling my PCP to make an appointment to get my prescription for the B2...I want to give my own shots.  Maybe she could write one for chewable Pre-natal vitamins too, that way I'll have a small co-pay.

By the way, those 7lbs I gained since Thanksgiving have disappeared somehow...didn't know I could get 'em back off so quick.  Hooray for me.  I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing to reach my current goal of 350lbs by surgery day.

Well, it's late.  I'm going to bed..............

It's A New Year

Jan 04, 2008

Well, it's a new year and time to update.

1.  As you know, my original surgery date was November 5th but was postponed to January 14 due to low ferritin and iron levels.  What you don't know is that that date was postponed to February 4th due to my surgeon's absence.  So as it stands, February 4th is the big day.

2.  As of today my levels are normal but Dr. Somer wants them to exceed normal for surgery...so I had another iron infusion today.  I see him again on February 1st to see where my levels are.  Hopefully they are good enough to go forward with surgery.

3.  After Thanksgiving, my mom had a stroke.  She is doing well.  We caught it early.  The only problems she is experiencing is a constant numbness on her left side.  Occassionally the whole left side will freeze up causing minutes of discomfort.  Seeing her this way is very different for me because when potentally fatal things have happened to her (heart attack), I was never around to see the effects (away in college).  This time I am here and the one responsible for making sure she is comfortable.  Atleast I have made it my job as I don't trust that anyone else will see to things as I will.  Needless to say I loooooooove my momma and this experience has been very sobering for me.  My time with her is so important to me.  To not have her in my life is unthinkable..........enough about that.

4.  On top of the stroke, my mom had been having problems with her right leg just above the ankle for about 4 weeks at the time of the stroke.  While in the hospital, they did an ultrasound (not an X-ray) and could not see anything and did not bother about trying anything else to remedy the problem.  Well, I took her to see her PCP for after care who ordered an X-ray.  Guess what??????  For what had been 6 weeks up to that point, my mother (strong, independent, unwavering black woman) had been walking on a FRACTURED leg.  FOR 6 WEEKS!!!!!!!!!!!!  Of course, this makes her physical and occupational therapy difficult enough that the occupational therapy has been postponed until after the Orthopedist gives the go ahead; she sees him on January 15th. 

5.  I work for a high profile tax company for which I have had to take continuing education courses to maintain my ability to work status.  I needed 24 hours of study for that.  In addition, I wanted to move up in position.  To do this, I had to take 36 more hours, all of which are computer based.  It took me about a month to get them all done.  We had up until December 31st to complete them.  I completed my last class at 11:56pm; 4 minutes before New Year's day.  Now it's time to deal with the public and try to get everybody a refund.

Well, as you read, I have been challenged in every way imaginable - emotionally, mentally, and physically.  I hope this new year brings me some of the things I dream about.  I need so many to become reality, especially my Fantastic Voyage.  I am so ready to start THROWING these pounds off me.  Most of the time, I am confident, up-beat, and positive.  However, there are times when the lonliness and depression creeps in...this is that time.  It is at times like this that it doesn't matter how much self-esteem, self-worth, and love you may have for yourself.  When you don't have someone special in your life to share yourself with, lonliness, dispare, and depression can and will creep up on you.  They only suck me in for a few days, then I am back to my old self.  I pray this happens soon.

On January 21st, I start the liver shrink diet...the start of the beginning.  Unlike the preparations I made for November 5th, I am short on preparations for February 4th.  It is time I start getting my food, protein supplements, and vitamin supplements together.  I also need to make an appointment with my PCP to learn how to give myself B12 shots.  I also need to get back to exercising...I gained 7 pounds since Thanksgiving.  Since I have so much to do, I'll update again soon.

Much success and many blessings...............

Fantastic Discoveries: Part I

Nov 17, 2007

To commemorate the many joyful experiences I will have thoughout my journey, I have decided to post them as "Fantastic Discoveries".  Things that I notice through everyday living, especially those things on my list of accomplishments, will be a part of these posts.  Shall we begin..........

1.  As I walked towards the bathroom mirror, I noticed my neck!!!   The fat doesn't hang down and cover my neck anymore.  I thought at first that this was a weird thing to post until I saw on the main boards where a member posted she could see her collar bones.  So I said what the hell, post it!

2.  I get less tired while shopping.  I hardly ever get winded but still somehow was able to notice that I was less tired than usual and didn't mind getting out of the car to go into the store.  For the past year or so I have found going to the Wally World, etc a chore rather than enjoying it as I once had.  It was nice.

3.  Also while shopping, I found that it takes longer for my back to start hurting.  It usually takes about 5 minutes before it starts to hurt; but after walking around for about 30 minutes, I noticed it was hurting.  It wasn't bad but noticeable.

4.  I had enough energy to hang the clothes in the closet at the hotel!!! Usually my mom does this, but I noticed that more and more lately I have been doing it.  Before, I would be so tired and my back would be hurting from lugging luggage and walking down long halls that I she would always end up doing it.  For the longest, I have been letting her do everything because I couldn't (no energy, back hurting, and feet hurting with a heavy heart) because she has issues too.  Could she be in better shape than I to do these things?  Maybe; but I should be doing it, not her.  She should be resting, not me.  She is one of the many reasons why I'm doing this - wls.  I need to be able to take care of her; I don't want anyone else doing it.  However, you should know that she is a nurturer by nature and enjoys doing things for people, especially me.  She believes in all things being equal - I, the breadwinner; she, the housemother.  I think we should be enjoying life together, equally.  Anyway, as usual, I digress................

5.  This week I was able to fit into a size 4x blouse I bought over the summer.  I got sooooo many compliments.  I took pictures; but they didn't turn out so great...very blurry.  During the week of Halloween, I was able to fit another size 4x blouse I bought last year.  It is a very beautiful blouse.  I plan to take pictures...hopefully I'll be able to use one for my avatar.  I would love to get rid of the the hearts. 

Well, that is it for Part I.  I enjoyed doing this.  Until next time.........
I'm going to bed. 


Doctors, Doctors, and More Doctors

Nov 07, 2007

These past few days have been filled with seeing Dr after Dr.  First I went to see Dr. Somer (hemo doc) on Friday.  We discussed that I am scheduled to have wls on January 14th; but I am anemic and need to get my iron levels high as possible.  He prescribed iron infusion as treatment and scheduled it for yesterday.  It was a fairly easy treatment.  Nurse Susan gave me a benedril capsule and 2 Tylenol Extra Strength to help with any side effects/allergies I my experience/have during treatment.  She also gave me a sample bag of the fluid to see how well I would take to it.  The sample went well; so we commenced with the large bag, which took 4 1/2 hours to empty...yes, I was there all day .  Well, it's over; I was instructed to continue to take the oral iron and to come back for a follow-up on November 30th.

The weekend came and I chilled...slept as long as I wanted, played Poker on my favorite site, and completed a couple of computer based classes for the up coming 2007 tax season for HR Block ( a whole other story) .  Sooooo, on Monday I went to Dr. Pasley (GYN) to see if she could change my birth control pill to some other pill that will cause me to bleed less during my cycle.  She said that there is no pill that can absolutely garantee that I would bleed for just 3 days or 2 days or not at all.  So instead she prescribed that I continue taking the Femcon Fe but skip the last row and start a new pack of pills...this should keep me from having a period at all.  I won't be doing this until the end of the month .  I'll post how it went.

Later that afternoon, I went to see Dr. Myers (DDS) to start the second phase of two root canals (30,31).  Before I waited for 45 minutes before he came to numb me,  they took an X-Ray of the roots of both teeth.  It showed that the area was still infected.  I asked to see the x-ray; the assistant said that I would have to wait on the Dr to show it to me.  WTF???   I told her that I need not wait on him and that I wanted to see it  "now".  She was trying to show me but it was angled out of the light for me to see.  So I went for it and said, "I can't see it."  She pulled back from me as though to say I could not touch it.  I wanted to give her my background so bad; but I knew it would embarrass her as well as myself because I let my teeth go for so long...it was money...you know how it is.  Anyway, I took it from her and said, "Trust me; I know what I am looking for and at."  I wanted to tell her so bad that I am NOT a dental assistant grad, I AM a dental hygiene grad...Dental Hygienist, something you would have to go to school for another 4 years to become.  I know all about dentistry.  But I kept my mouth shut.  Dental Hygiene just was not my cup of tea...not something I wanted to do.  Just because you can make a lot of money doing something does not mean you have to do it.  I completed my finals, passed, and graduated (got my bachelors) ; I took the written part of the clinical test and past with 88%.  However, I did not partake in the clinical portion of the test (a patient with specific issues with his/her teeth for me to show my skills) because I would have had to pay; I was poor, could not borrow, and had no family or friends who could loan me the money.  I contemplated and prayed about it.  I became at peace with not taking the clinical part because for the 2 years practicing on real patients of the school's clinic, I grew a dislike for something I chose to do because it could yeild a sizeable bank account that would have been satisfactory for me.  Still today I do not fret.  I found my nitch; and I'm doing it, making just as much money as I would have as a Hygienist.  Getting back to the assistant...she skipped off; and later, another assistant came back and said I was done.  No word as to what was going to go on next; if I would have a prescription for anti-biotics; or what!?!?!?!?!?  It took them 30 minutes to finally get someone to explain the next steps that are in my plan.  Yes, I know what they are, but I would think as a patient, I would be told what was coming up next...not just here, "ok, we are done for today".  I would say that you would be showing some professionalism and good "chairside" manner, should I say.  Sooooooo, I am on a 7 day amoxicillan regime...my next appointment is on Nov 17th...also the day Dr. Myers will be informed of my knowledge, not only as a patient but as a Hygienist.

I have griped long enough.  I'll get back.......................

WLS Postponed :(

Oct 26, 2007

As I suspected, my surgery has been postponed to January 14th, 14 days before my birthday.  Dr. Weaver, the anesthetist, and my PCP all agreed that postponing was best because there would be no way my iron levels would increase within 2 weeks and I could die on the table.  So for the next couple of months I have to see a Hematologist.  My first appointment is on Nov 2nd to discuss and decide which treatment is best.  I was upset about it at first but God was not ready for me to go through with it.  What ever His reason, it is what it is and I have no choice in the matter.  I do have to say that I feel a bit sad  as I go through the boards and read the posts of those sharing their experiences as losers.  I think about how close I got to being a loser and sitting on that losers' bench.  Don't get me wrong, I so support and am very happy for everyone; it's just me acting like the big baby I can quite often act.  Oh well, like I said, there is nothing I can do but comply with the Hemo Dr and prepare for January 14th.

I am still excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I'll still be a loser and in my birthday month at that; a great time to celebrate 2 birthdays ...double the gifts .  It also gives me more time to lose more weight and get in shape for the procedure.  And speaking of losing, I am now down to 369.2LBS; a 32.8LBS loss   That is something to get excited about.  The only places I can tell are in my face and boobs.  I have gone from a 48I to a 44G.  My mom and friends tell me that they see less of me everywhere, not just in those places.   I suppose they're right when they say you're the last person to know; it does take the brain longer to catch up with the body.  

I guess that's it.  Since I'm gonna go thru some things I never thought I would, I'll blog a little more often...just to chroncile my hematological experiences.  Lata..............

Numb!!! I'm anemic :(

Oct 22, 2007

This morning I went to the hospital to get my blood work completed.  I ended up having to do the EKG again because the one I did back in July was too old for surgery.  After leaving the hospital, I went to the mall to check out the GNC there.  I had previously went to the Vitamin Shoppe and found it to be pretty worthwhile; I thought GNC would be too.  After walking around for 30 minutes trying to find it, I went ahead and added that 30 minutes to my scheduled exercise time.  It wasn't worth me walking through the door.  So I went home.  When I got there, I got a call from my surgeon's nurse.  She told me that I am anemic and that my surgery may have to be postponed until my levels reach satisfactory.  Of course I cried like a new born baby.  I really do not want anything to delay my re-birth.  I've waited so long and patiently.  I feel I deserve to be able to sit on the losers' bench on Nov 5th.  However, I do believe that what ever is for you will come to you and that it will come at the time that it suppose to; not a second to soon or too late.  God's work is on time.  So, as I always do, I soldiered on and left it in God's hands.  The nurse said that she would call me back after speaking with my surgeon; but she has yet to call.  If I don't here from her by 12noon tomorrow, I'm gonna give her a call.  Please pray for me; I want this sooooo much.

About Me
Memphis, TN
Location
50.2
BMI
RNY
Surgery
02/20/2008
Surgery Date
May 02, 2007
Member Since

Friends 28

Latest Blog 22
Finally......
New Date
Surgery Canceled for the Fourth Time
Today is the day...
LOVE is in the HEART
It's A New Year
Fantastic Discoveries: Part I
Doctors, Doctors, and More Doctors
WLS Postponed :(
Numb!!! I'm anemic :(

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