Hello My Family

Apr 14, 2008

I don't know what to say....I can't believe it's been 3 months since I've posted!!!! Yes, I've been a bad girl and should be put in time out! It's not that I don't love you guys, but so much has been happening in the last 3 months.  Of course, I still get the 'negative' responses about my surgery, but I can't control the actions or thoughts of others.  But I will say this, I can't help it if people are afraid of the surgery or are misinformed about the facts.  I encounter people who would benefit from the surgery but for some reason or another, they refuse to have it.  I just wish that they wouldn't judge me because I chose to try to live a healthier life, (without prescriptions, excess pain and WITh a loving relationship) to the fullest.  I can only hope that one day they will seek the benefits as I have and realize how wrong they were for being judgemental.  Don't get me wrong, they are entitled to their opinion, but so am I.  N-E way, on to more positive things....I am officially back into the dating scene!  I never thought I would receive so much attention from the opposite sex so soon after my surgery.  I am truly enjoying it, but am cautious as well.  At one time, I hoped for just one good man to share things with, but now I am the recipient of attention from several men.  Don't get me wrong, I did say I was back in the dating scene- there's nothing wrong with meeting for an occasional cup of coffee.  I am just overwhelmed with the new phase of my life and am taking things one day at a time.  I can't thank God enough for allowing me this opportunity, now I am seeking His guidance for His chosen mate for me.  I was wondering if anyone else was going through the same thing-being 'new' at this dating thing. It's wonderful to be the shrinking woman instead of the gaining woman.  Here's to us, family....we are grateful for this site as well as for all the love being shown.  Continue to strive to be the best you can be and always, always give thanks and be blessed...
Take care


I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW TIME FLIES..............

Jan 16, 2008

Hello OH Family,
    Yes, it's me once again.  I still can't believe it - where does the time go??!?!?  It's been a month since I've posted - I guess that since the surgery, I've been having fun! I hope that all are well, be it if you are pre or post-op, I pray that your 'fun' will come soon. Let's see, what have I been doing?  Just enjoying my tool and this renewed lease on life.  My surgery was 11-15-07 and I told my family (only my daughter knew of my surgery),a couple of weeks ago.  To say they were shocked is an understatement.  My niece who is a nurse at the hospital where I had my surgery was just too through!Her reply was..."you kept that from everybody".  I told her my reason for doing so...my opinion/research was the only important thing that mattered.  I cared not to hear the uninformed, unknowledgeable opinions of others.  I've always been one to keep to myself anyway..so what difference did it make? I also didn't want my family to worry and I wanted to 'rest' while I was in the hospital.  They would have been at the hospital watching me look helpless. (lol)  Sooooooooo...the tongues are busy now, but it doesn't bother me at all. I feel so much better since the surgery.  Some of my meds are gone forever and the way my clothes are bagging is so unreal!  Good thing I am one of those who maintained several sizes, with the hope of one day being able to wear them.  I have no idea that day would come so soon.I read profile of pre-op family who think they can't continue to go through the waiting game....just keep the faith.  I too, had the same feeling and look at me now!  2 months since surgery and feeling wonderful!  Just wanted you guys to know how much I am so blessed and I thank God for allowing me to endure on this journey.  Let's keep on the road to success and to becoming the best we can be.  Take care, my family and know that I love all of you.  Praise him!!


SO MUCH HAS BEEN GOING ON ....

Dec 19, 2007

Hello everyone and again I ask for forgiveness for not keeping in touch.  My days consist of watching tv, reading and being concerned about a constant pain in my left side.  One that I had before my surgery.  I can't believe that it has been almost a month since I've posted anything.  I have been really enjoying being off from work even though I am guilty of not exercising as I should.  That nagging left side pain prevents me from doing so on a regular basis but I hope with time, it'll get better.  I have had a birthday (12/17) recently and I thank God for allowing me to see the big 5-0!!!  I celebrated with family and a few friends last weekend.  It was so refreshing not having to clean up after a house full of people! Now about my post experience...I haven't weighed in about 2 weeks.  I got tired of the scales going up one day and down the next. (lol)  I really feel that I am losing slowing even though I am still mainly on protein shakes and drinks.  I would have thought that all things considered, I would have lost more but perhaps it's a good thing to lose slowly.  Maybe the skin might not be as loose.  Wonder if anyone shares my sentiments.  But I am not complaining...I am so very grateful to have been blessed to partake of this beautiful journey.  I give God all the glory and hope others will be blessed as I was....keep smiling.  Until next time.


Forgive Me, Family

Nov 21, 2007

For just getting back to you, but today is the first day that I've felt well enough to get online and touch bases.  I arrived at the hospital at 5:45 am on Nov. 15.  I might have been a little nervous because my bp was rather high and it caused me concern.  I thought my surgery might be postponed because of it but was relieved when I made it from the pre-op stage to outside the operating room.  The anesthesiologist had diffuculty find a willing vein.  I joked about my bp being so high and they couldn't find a vein-what kind of stuff was that??!?!? (lol)  I had to joke to keep the level of anxiety low.  I remember mentioning to her about the movie..."Awake" where the patient wasn't fully unconscious and heard of the surgeon's plot to kill hilm. (lol)  Yesssss, I know...here I was getting ready to undergo a life-altering procedure and my mind was on something like that!  Hey, family, just keeping it real...I wanted them to know that I had my eyes on them.  (lol)  I remember being the that cold room, sliding onto the small operating table, my arms being strapped into plastic covered cushions-the next thing I remember being in a room and someone telling me they were a little concerned with me not waking up properly.  I went out again and then woke up that night in my room.  My daughter (bless her heart) was sitting in the lounger and her eyes lit up when she saw my eyes open.  I felt like I had been run over by a Mack truck, (not that I've ever had the experience, but I know it was close).  One of my friends had the surgery the day before and did very well.  He didn't even use pain medication and came to see me the day after my surgery looking like a million bucks.  I was so nauseous that day...all I could do was lay there in pain, nauseau and grunting while sliding my legs up and down in bed.  Family it was not a good feeling.  The pain med was wonderful but the pain for nausea didn't help at all.  Every second felt like 10 seconds and I couldn't wait until I got home.....I knew when I got there, I would be doing a lot better than I was doing at that moment!  I hate to rush time but in that case, I had no other choice. (smile)  I stayed in the hospital after the barium swallow didn't show any  problems other than my pouch being swollen therefore causing the liquids to sit longer causing nauseau.  the next day, i had a slight problem with throwing up after taking meds.  I was  trying to get in my liquids then they would come in and give me meds causing me to 'overflood' my pouch and the liquids came back up-strange the meds didn't.(smile)  So I came home on monday and am doing well.  I want to thank everyone for their prayers and well wishes.  We are truly blessed to be allowed this second chance at a healthy life-God is so Good and awesome.  I thank him for blessing me, guiding the hands of my surgeon and allowind me to make it through this life-altering procedure.  To the ones who are waiting, I anxiously await you on the loser's bench.  To my family who are post-op,I thank you for welcoming me to the loser's bench!  We are on this wonderful, beautiful journey together.  I thank God everyday for this site and interaction with you.  May we continue to grow in God and love.  Happy Thanksgiving and count your blessings.  I am so happy for this first Thanksgiving where I won't let food control me.  It's going to be interesting to see my family's reaction to me not eating.  I can't wait to share it with you!!   God is an awesome God and I thank Him everyday for my life.  Love to all of the ones who kept me in their prayers and thoughts.  I thank God for you too.  Love Ya!!!!!! Take care


1 More Day.....until I am on the loser's bench!!

Nov 13, 2007

Good Morning my fair family and friends. I trust that everyone is doing well and just enjoying life. Tomorrow is my big day and I must admit that I am feeling a little nervous-at least I 'think" I am.  I have this uncomfortable pain on the left side of my chest.  I've been to the Dr. before about it but they can't find anything wrong.  We all know that with pain, bp will rise.  and this scenario is no exception.  I wonder has anyone else ever had something like this just before surgery.  Could it be a little anxiety going on or a little surgery stress related mode in the works? Hmmmm.......... It does make one wonder...if anyone has any thoughts and suggestions, please share. But as I mentioned earlier, I am having surgery tomorrow and I am so happy that I am finally able to have this life-saving procedure with His guidance and blessing.  Who knows, perhaps with the surgery, the 'strange' left-side pain might disappear.  Lets' hope so and I'll definitely be able to forget it and the pre-op jitters. One day I'll be able to write about how the surgery is the best thing that I've ever done!  I have to call the hospital today between 3-5 for the time to arrive at the hospital.  Just think, I was informed of my date over a month ago and I thought...Nov. 15 is so far away and lo and behold....the time is here!  God is so good all the time, isn't he, family?Giving Him all the praise!  I pray that he will bless the surgeon and guide his hands as he performs my surgery.  I want to again thanks all of you who have encouraged me and sent your prayers.  I can't begin to stress how wonderful this site has been for me.  So informative and enlightening, but family, this is only the beginning....we know we can always be better than we are.....so here's to uson becoming the best that we can be! 

Until next time, take care, smile, be blessed and do have a wonderful day.

2 Days...and still counting.........

Nov 13, 2007

Hello Again, Family....Hope all are doing well and having a wonderful day. Well I'm almost there...thanks to all of you for your blessings and well wishes.Your encouragement really means a lot to me as I get ready to have this second chance at life.  But then again on the other hand, I might have to say...my first chance at life.  Having being overweight all of my life hasn't been an easy.  I know that many, many things will change with this surgery and it's always comforting to know that I can come here for advice and support.  2 more days before I officially become a loser and I pray that He'll bless me to have a successful surgery and journey.  I'll go 'under' with the pleasant thought of being referred to as "having the perfect body for the lap band' by the anesthesiologist. I'm not one to question 'knowledge', so I'll take that compliment and run with it!!!  I'm doing the liquid diet even though my surgeon told me that I didn't have to...No Sugar Added Carnation Instant Breakfast and Atkins shakes have  been my friend. (smile)
So guys, I wanted to touch bases with you before I start biting my nails and before I partake of the delicious Magnesium Citrate tomorrow. I'll post tomorrow so you guys can hold my hand.
 Take care, smile and stay blessed.

Sharon

4 Days.......and counting

Nov 11, 2007

Hello Family, Hope everyone is doing well.  If someone hasn't been reading my profile, Thursday is my sugery date and I haven't decided if I've gotten nervous just yet.  I do know that I am excited and am ready to begin my journey on the loser's side.  I have read the registration procedure several times a day..maybe for it to really sink in that by this time next week, I will be joining some of my family members on this life-altering journey.  For the ones who are pre-op, I am keeping you in my prayers and thoughts-hoping that you will be enlightened with having access to this website.  I can't begin to tell you how much it has encouraged me.  I read profiles and learn from the experiences, some experiences not as good as others, but all in all, it is a lesson to behold.  True, everyone will have different  experiences with the same procedure, but to read about others, should give us a little knowledge of what to expect.  Family, we are in this together and I want to show some love to all of you.  Take care ....

5 Days......and counting

Nov 10, 2007

Hello Family.....I hope everyone is truly enjoying the beautiful, crisp fall weather and feeling well.  5 more days.....hmmm wonder if I've gotten nervous yet?  Does wanting to eat everything that's not tied down in the kitchen mean anything?  (lol)  I wonder....
One of my co-workers stares at me like she's trying to analyze me.  I asked her what was wrong and she said she feels bad for herself because I won't be there for her.  I am the only one who treats her nicely-then she asked what was she going to do?  My reply, "Work like everyone else".I wasn't trying to be funny, but she actually thinks that I am 'there' for her.  When I take sick leave or vacation, she tells me when I return that I didn't tell her that I was going to be out.  Mind you, she isn't 'my' supervisor, and I stated.."I didn't think I had to let you know when I take time off"..She tried to laugh it off, but I know she was serious.  Oh well, such is life. Now back to me...my surgeon didn't require a special pre-op diet, just that the day before I do liquids.  He informed me to do whatever had worked for me in the past.  Can we say Atkins shakes and chicken?  It's on and poppin".  Now if I can just stop trying to eat everything that's not tied down in the kitchen!I'm going to do better, guys, I promise.  So until next time.....take care, smile, and stay blessed.  Love you guys.....

6.....Days and counting

Nov 09, 2007

Hello..Just wanted to say hello.....6 days.....I'm still blessed and hope that you are too.  take care, until next time...


Nov. 5, 2007

Nov 06, 2007

My appointment started at 7:30 on Nov. 5, 2007 and my daughter and I were there before the doors opened.  I had my trusty Atkins shake and I sensed that the group might have thought...'hey, she is really doing the dang thang'. (lol) There were 6 other people in my group-I shared a surgery date with one other person.  Her name is Mary and she lives about 30 mintures from me.  She requested that I be her buddy during our journey.  I was the first one to volunteer the 'sharing of information about youself'.  Of course the comic was in the house and the whole table laughed when I shared my thoughts about not making it to my surgery date.  I also joked with the Psych about not calling me in for more sessions because of my 'feelings of doom'.   I stated that it has been soooooo long since I started this journey, I can't believe that it's finally going to happen!I even had more visual aids, the 24 AND 42 protein gram bullets!  Everyone wanted to know more about them and yes, I took over the group-like I knew what I was talking about. After talking to the Doctor, the NUT and the Psychologist, we had to meet at Durham Regional Hospital for lanother round table with the nurse, lab work, an EKG, chest x-ray and consultation with the anesthesiologist.  How about Ms. Fasty Pants gave up the urine sample before they were ready for her.  I thought lab work was blood only! (lol)  Imagine having to drink a lot of water to 'produce' another sample. Bet you I'll hold it next time. (lol) The nurse was very nice and even after hearing our dates, informed us who would be fortunate enough to get her as their nurse. (I thought that was cute.) My visit with the anesthesioligist was the last thing on my agenda, seems as if it took forever for her to call me.  Mind you, I had been up since 6;00 and it was now 2:00 and still waiting.  Yes, I am complaining (lol) but I'm still happy to have gotten this far. (smile) After talking with her, she also informed me if she would be there when I had my surgery.  (smile)  Such nice people!  But needless to say, I made 4 new friends during my post-op experience.  We exchanged information  and one of them had surgery today! I've called to check on her twice and hopefully the next time I call, she will be in her room.  I plan to keep up with as many friends as I can, it's so comforting and encouraging to share this journey with someone who truly understands your heart.  Family, we are so fortunate to be in this time and age where we can be blessed with another (He gave His life for us once), chance to have a new life.  I pray that all is well and until next time, be blessed.  Take care, keep smiling and just enjoy life-a healthier one is just around the corner.  Is there still room on the loser's bench........?  Take care and save my seat. (smile) Love Yall.........

About Me
NC
Location
38.6
BMI
RNY
Surgery
11/15/2007
Surgery Date
Feb 19, 2007
Member Since

Friends 650

Latest Blog 23
Hello My Family
I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW TIME FLIES..............
SO MUCH HAS BEEN GOING ON ....
Forgive Me, Family
1 More Day.....until I am on the loser's bench!!
2 Days...and still counting.........
4 Days.......and counting
5 Days......and counting
6.....Days and counting
Nov. 5, 2007

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