Tammy H.
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| Date | Weight | Pounds Lost | Total Pounds Lost | BMI |
01/19/05 Pre OP | 291 | 0 | 0 | 49.9 |
03/23/05 Pre Op | 285 | 6 | 6 | 48.9 |
05/11/05 Pre Op | 284 | 1 | 7 | 48.7 |
08/14/05 Pre Op | 284 | 0 | 7 | 48.7 |
08/31/05 Post Op | 269 | 15 | 22 (15 lb loss for Aug) | 46.1 |
09/13/05 | 266 | 3 | 25 | 45.6 |
09/16/05 | 263 | 3 | 28 | 45.1 |
09/19/05 | 260 | 3 | 31 | 44.6 |
09/22/05 | 258 | 2 | 33 | 44.3 |
10/01/05 | 255 | 3 | 36 (14 lb loss for Sept) | 43.8 |
10/04/05 | 252 | 3 | 39 | 43.3 |
10/15/05 | 249 | 3 | 42 | 42.7 |
10/23/05 | 244 | 5 | 47 | 41.9 |
| Date | Weight | Pounds Lost | Total Pounds Lost | BMI |
10/27/05 | 239 (going by my scale now) | 5 | 52 (16 lb loss for Oct) | 41 |
11/16/05 | 236 | 3 | 55 | 40.5 |
11/17/05 | 233 | 3 | 58 | 40.0 |
11/18/05 | 231 | 2 | 60 | 39.7 |
11/19/05 | 230 | 1 | 61 | 39.5 |
11/21/05 | 229 | 1 | 62 | 39.3 |
11/22/05 | 227 | 2 | 64 | 39 |
11/27/05 | 225 | 2 | 66 (14 lb loss for Nov) | 38.6 |
12/07/05 | 223 | 2 | 68 | 38.3 |
12/13/05 | 222 | 1 | 69 | 38.1 |
12/22/05 | 221 | 1 | 70 YEAH | 37.9 |
12/23/05 | 220 | 1 | 71 | 37.8 |
12/27/05 | 219.5 | .5 | 71.5 | 37.6 |
| Date | Weight | Pounds Lost | Total Pounds Lost | BMI |
12/30/05 | 219 | .5 | 72 (6 lb loss for Dec) | 37.6 |
01/04/06 | 218 | 1 | 73 | 37.4 |
01/05/06 | 217.5 | .5 | 73.5 | 37.2 |
01/12/06 | 217 | .5 | 74 | 37.2 |
01/13/06 | 216 | 1 | 75 | 37.1 |
01/15/06 | 214 | 2 | 77 | 36.7 |
01/16/06 | 213.5 | .5 | 77.5 | 36.7 |
01/23/06 | 213 | .5 | 78 | 36.6 |
01/24/06 | 212 | 1 | 79 | 36.4 |
01/25/06 | 211 | 1 | 80 YIPPEE! | 36.2 |
01/26/06 | 210.5 | .5 | 80.5 | 36.2 |
01/31/06 | 210.5 | 0 | 80.5 (8.5 lb loss for Jan) | 36.2 |
02/04/06 | 210 | .5 | 81 | 36 |
| Date | Weight | Pounds Lost | Total Pounds Lost | BMI |
02/10/06 | 208 | 2 | 83 | 35.7 |
02/14/06 | 207.5 | .5 | 83.5 | 35.5 |
02/16/06 | 206.5 | 1 | 84.5 | 35.5 |
02/18/06 | 206 | .5 | 85 | 35.5 |
02/21/06 | 205 | 1 | 86 | 35.2 |
02/28/06 | 205 | 0 | 86 (5.5 lb loss for February) | 35.2 |
03/01/06 | 204.5 | .5 | 86.5 | 35.2 |
03/07/06 | 208 | gain 3.5 | 83 | 35.7 |
03/08/06 | 207.5 | .5 | 83.5 | 35.6 |
03/09/06 | 207 | .5 | 84 | 35.5 |
03/11/06 | 205.5 | 1.5 | 85.5 | 35.2 |
03/12/06 | 204 | 1.5 | 87 | 35 |
03/15/06 | 203 | 1 | 88 | 34.8 |
| Date | Weight | Pounds Lost | Total Pounds Lost | BMI |
03/17/06 | 202 | 1 | 89 | 34.7 |
03/21/06 | 198.5 YIPPEE | 3.5 | 92.5 | 34 |
03/31/06 | 200 | +1.5 | 91 (4.5 lb loss for March) | 34.3 |
04/13/06 | 196.5 | 3.5 | 94.5 | 33.8 |
04/14/06 | 196 | .5 | 95 | 33.6 |
04/17/06 | 194 | 2 | 97 | 33.3 |
04/20/06 | 192.5 | 1.5 | 98.5 | 33.1 |
05/01/06 | 191.5 | 1 | 99.5 (8.5 lb loss for April) | 33 |
05/09/06 | 189.5 | 2 | 101.5 | 32.6 |
05/18/06 | 189 | .5 | 102 | 32.4 |
05/19/06 | 187.5 | 1.5 | 103.5 | 32.2 |
05/31/06 | 189.5 | +2 | 101.5 (2 lb loss for May) | 32.6 |
06/30/06 | 189 | .5L | 102(.5 lb loss for June) | 32.5 |
| Date | Weight | Pounds Lost | Total Pounds Lost | BMI |
07/06/06 | 186.5 | 2.5 | 104.5 | 31.9 |
07/09/06 | 185 | 1.5 | 106 | 31.8 |
07/10/06 | 184 | 1.0 | 107 (100 LBS SINCE SURGERY) | 31.6 |
07/27/06 | 182 | 2.0 | 109 | 31.2 |
08/01/06 | 183.5 | +1.5 | 107.5 (5.5 lb loss for July) | 31.3 |
09/01/06 | 182 | 1.5 | 109 (1.5 lb loss for Aug) | 31.2 |
09/08/06 | 179.5 | 2.5 | 111.5 | 30.7 |
09/11/06 | 178 | 1.5 | 113 | 30.6 |
09/29/06 | 184 | +4 | 107 | BMI |
10/01/06 | 182 | 2 | 109 (0 lb loss for Sept) | 31.2 |
10/03/06 | 180 | 2 | 111 | 30.9 |
10/31/06 | 182 | +2 | 109(0 lb loss for Oct.) | 31.2 |
Date | W | PL | TPL | BMI |
JANUARY
1/25/05 I had my first consult with Dr. Simon on January 19. My scale is WAY off from theirs. Theirs, of course, is above mine which sucks, but at least I have a true number now. I am 5"4' & 291 lbs. Dr. Simon says he wants me to lose 5% of my weight prior to surgery. He also said he feels there should not be a problem doing the surgery laproscopic. Prior to my next appointment I would like to have my information session, psych. eval & letter from my pcp completed. My next appointment is scheduled for March 23rd. My sister & I have the same appointment. She has already had 3 visits so they're submitting her paperwork for approval. I'm guessing she'll have her surgery prior to mine. We're glad it's working out that way so we're able to be there for each other after our surgeries. I'm glad that we're doing this together, it will make our journey that much more exciting.
Will post more after my next appointment.
02/08/05 One down, 2 more to go. Had my information session yesterday. It was very interesting. I'm glad that I had my first appointment prior to the information session because I knew a little more about the process. I did get some more questions answered which was great. My sister came with me and we stayed afterwards and spoke with the new nutritionist. She's wonderful. We actually are working with Marcy from our surgeons office to start up a support group here, in Camden. That will be wonderful seeing we're about an hour from the closest support group right now. I have called and left a message to set up my appointment for the psych. eval. so that should be done prior to my next visit. Now I just need to see my pcp and get my EKG & letter of med necess. done and I'll be all set for my next visit. After the session I am even more sure than I was before that this is the right thing for me to do. I look forward to next year at this time being on the road to a new, healthier, more exciting life. I'll keep you posted on any updates. Until next time. God Bless
03/25/05 Obviously, I'm not a good one to update all the time. Anyway, here's an update. I had my psych eval on the 7th of March. Seems like it went well. I go back to see him on March 28th to follow up. Had my 2nd visit with Dr. Simon on March 23rd. I lost 6 lbs since my last appointment. They're putting my file in the "submit to insurance pile". They're just waiting on my med necess letter & ekg report from my pcp, and my psych eval results. I had my physical with my pcp yesterday the 24th & gave him a list of what he should include in my letter. I also had my ekg done. He told me that he would have the letter dictatated & completed by the beginning of next week. I will call his office on Thursday of next week to see if it was sent yet. I'm also going to talk to Dr. Hayes (psych dr) and have him put a rush on his evaluation results as well. I'd like Dr. Simons office to have everything asap so they can submit it to my insurance by the 2nd week of April. That's the scoop for now. Hope everyone has a Blessed Easter Holiday.
03/28/05 One more step down. I had my follow up visit with Dr. Hayes today regarding my psych evaluation. He said he feels I'm ready for the surgery. I asked him how long it will take for him to submit his letter to Dr. Simon's office and he said they should receive it most likely next week. So, now I wait for everyone to get their letters in, then I'll be waiting on the insurance. I'll keep you all posted.
04/15/05 I called the bariatric center this morning and they just received the last of my paperwork today. So now all they have to do is review it and submit it to my insurance. Hopefully, that will be next week sometime so I will know their decision by the first part of May. I'll write more, once I know more. Happy Spring to Everyone!!!!
04/26/05 Great News... I'm approved for surgery. I called the bariatric center today to see if I have a surgery date and they said they were awaiting a date. They said I would be receiving a letter with my date. Of course, I won't be able to wait for the letter. I'll try calling them again tomorrow. I'm so excited. I've been staying very calm through this entire process because of the fears of being denied & having to appeal. Now that everything flew through fine, I'm so relieved & excited. I can really focus on preparing myself for my new life. I'll write more once I get a date.... Have a wonderful week.
05/02/05 I'VE GOT A DATE.......... August 15th. I'm so excited. I'm sure these 3 months will fly by. I see Dr. Simon on the 11th of this month.
Have a great week
05/15/05 I had another visit with Dr. Simon on 5/11. I lost 1 pound since my last visit for a total of 7 lbs thus far. Not too much, but he said that he was fine with the loss. He said that he doesn't expect me to lose a ton of weight prior to surgery, but anything is better than nothing. I also told him I'd like to be added to the waiting list for an earlier surgery. He said it doesn't happen very often, but if someone does cancel, he'd rather see someone else moved up instead of open surgery time. Heck, it would probably be better for me if they were to call me and told me that they'd like to move me to next week or something. I know I'm going to have alot of anxiety come the end of July. This way, I'd be so busy getting things ready for my hospital stay, I wouldn't have time to think about it....well at least, not as much. That's all for now.... take care everyone...
05/31/05 Look at this, it's the end of May already. Wow time is flying by. Only 2 months & 15 days & I'll be on my way to a healthier me... yeah. I wanted to write my feelings over the past month because I'm sure everyone has them. So, I get my surgery approval & date and am overjoyed that everything is going smoothly. Then all of a sudden all of the "WHAT IF'S" pop in my head. Boy, for about 2 weeks I struggled with alot of uncertainties. What if after the surgery I am one of the unlucky ones & end up in the hospital off & on for the rest of my life with complications?? What if, this is the wrong decision??? etc etc etc.... Then finally I heard a phrase at church which read "THE OTHER SIDE OF FEAR IS FAITH".... It really got me thinking about my decision for this surgery and what has led me to this decision. I thought about all of failed diets I have tried. I thought of the joy I felt with success and the sorrow of when I gained all the weight and then some back. I thought of my health risks and my family history. I thought of my 3 beautiful girls being placed in my position & losing their Mom when they're in their mid 20's. Over those couple of weeks, I felt myself shifting from the "what if's" to placing this journey in God's hands. Knowing he already has a plan for my life and if it does not include me having this surgery, he would place obstacles in my way to prevent me from having it. Of course, I still get a little nervous about everything, but then I think of my faith that I have in Jesus knowing he will carry me through this. I am now very confident that this is the right decision and I am going to do great. I'm now thinking of how this will change my life for the better & look to the future with such excitement... I'm so excited. I was excited before, but now I'm even more excited... (hmmm, can I say excited anymore?? :-) ) EXCITED!!! Having wrote this down, I feel even better about everything.
Ok, more EXCITING news.... My sister is less than 2 weeks from her surgery (June 13th)... How EXCITING (there's that word again) She's going to do great with this. She's so knowledgeable about the entire procedure. If I'm unsure of something, she usually has the answer, or we find out together. I love her so much and am so EXCITED to be going through this journey together with her. I joked around with her & told her that she better not have any complications to make me more nervous about my surgery, but I know that every person is different & I hope she feels comfortable telling me everything she's going through prior to my surgery.
Ok, I have to work now. I think this has been long enough. Until next time...
God Bless
JUNE
June 3, 2005 Ok, I know I posted earlier, but here I go again. More feelings. I recently flew to Maryland on an overnight trip, the airline was awesome. I do have to say that flying on independence's small jets really puts your weight into perspective. THANK GOD I had the good fortune of having an empty seat next to me on both flights because I would have been so darn embarrassed to have to make someone squeeze in the seat beside me. First of all, I couldn't get the seat belt around me so I had to ask the flight attendant for an extender, then when I noticed how much room was left for another person, I kinda got anxiety until they shut the doors & said that everyone had boarded...BIG SIGH OF RELIEF... I tried to put the middle arm rest down...THAT WASN'T HAPPENING... Anyway, I haven't flown on an airplane since 1994 and that wasn't an issue then... I have to say that I kind of thought (or hoped) the selt belt would fit around me without the extender.... Regardless, this girl WILL NOT fly again until after my surgery.
06/30/05 Wow it's the end of the month already. Not alot to report as my next appointment with Dr. Simon isn't until 7/20. My last appointment was in May. It's hard to stay on track with my eating when my appointments are so far apart but I'm doing ok. My sister had her RNY this past Tuesday and is doing great. Hopefully, she'll be home today and on her road to recovery. Until next time. God Bless
07/11/05 Down to 35 days. 5 weeks from today. I'm getting really excited. Think things will start moving fast next week, or should I say faster because this entire year is FLYING. I have my appt on the 20th and then my history & physical & pre-op testing on Aug 3rd. I must say that being here for my sister through her surgery and beginning process of this journey has taught me so much about not only the road ahead, but a good look at our lives growing up. She's done remarkable through this, she's such a great leader. I'm glad I have her and am so happy to be here for her and truly be understandable of what she's going through.
Until next time...GOD BLESS
07/20/05 26 days left. Had my appointment with Dr. Simon today. I stayed the same from my last appointment. Which is both good & bad. Good that I didn't gain anything, but not so good that I didn't lose anything. He said he would like to see me lose some more weight prior to my surgery to help shrink my liver. Other than that, everything else is set for Aug. 15th.
07/31/05 Well it's the last day of July. Time is just a flying. 15 days left until my surgery. Surprisingly enough, I am not nervous yet. I guess watching my sister begin her journey has been a gift. I am so ready to begin this journey. I have a couple busy weeks coming up so I'm sure my date will be hear before you know it. My sister and I have been walking every morning. It's been great. I had to go into work last Friday morning and we didn't get to walk. I really missed it. What a good habit to get into. Well, more to come next month.......
08/04/05 Yesterday was my history & physical at my surgeons office and my pre op testing at the hospital. Everything went well. I've lost 3 pounds since my last visit on 7/20 so they were happy with that. Not too much to report that was done. The nurse practioner did my h&p at the surgeons, then gave me a packet of paperwork that I brought over to the hospital. I met with a Dr. from anesthesia who did my vitals, listened to my heart looked in my mouth and checked the range of motion of my neck to see if there may be any problems with intibation. He then explained the anesthesia procedures for the morning of my surgery. After that, the nurse came in, went over my history with me, and also hospital policies. She then drew some blood, I signed some paperwork and I was done. Very painless. So that's it. No more visits until my surgery date. I told my sister (she is 5 wks post-op) that I am now getting excited. Can't believe how fast this time has gone by. Only 11 more days!! YIIPPPEEEEE
08/11/05 So I just got a call from my surgeons office. My surgery time has been moved from 11 am on 8/15 to 7:30 am on 8/15. Gotta be at the hospital at 6 am. Wow, no time for anxiety. This is a good thing.
8/14/05 (day before my surgery)... went shopping with my sister, she bought me a new night gown for the hospital. she takes such good care of me :-).... spent some time at my nephews with my girls. came home, got the girls stuff together and brought them to their friends for my hospital stay. it's now 8:30 pm...still not packed for the hospital. leave there, drive 40 minutes to my co-workers to drop off all my paperwork for work. visit for a little while, she gives me a beautiful card. i love my friends. get home at 10:30 pm. finally get my stuff together & get in bed by 11:30. not real nervous.
8/15/05 (Day of Surgery)... wake up at 4 am, shower, get my stuff together, take care of my dogs & my sister comes to get me at about 5 am. Still not nervous... Get to the hospital, go through admissions, get to pre-op holding. They give me my beautiful gown & lovely white stockings. The stockings were a riot to put on. took both me & my sister to get them on. HILARIOUS!!!!... The nurse comes in & puts an IV in my hand. We're all set. Dr. Spano (the resident surgeon) comes in...very nice. Dr. Follette (the anesthesiologist) comes in. AWESOME... i felt so at ease. Dr Simon comes in... I ask him how well he slept the night before..hehehehe... Still feeling at ease. The resident anesthesiologist comes in...Awesome as the rest. I'm really feeling confident that everything will go smooth. I was scheduled for 7:30 surgery, however, due to air conditioning problem, I think it was closer to 9 am before I got in to the operator room. I remember them putting this real comfy foam pillow under my head & i told them i wanted one (which i got)... i see the little clear mask with the yellow rim coming from my left..THAT'S ALL SHE WROTE!!!! I'm in the recovery room now. I hear the nurses calling to me telling me to BREATH, TAMMY, BREATH.... 5 deep breaths, in through your nose, out through your mouth. I hear the oxygen monitor next to my bed periodically ding ding dinging..... more of the nurses telling me to BREATH... the nurse asks me if i have sleep apnea, i answer...not that i've ever been diagnosed...i ask why...whats going on??? they tell me I don't seem to want to wake up. i ask her what time it is...2 pm.........WOW, i've been in there for some time. they ask me who's in the waiting room & call my sister. They had called her earlier to ask if i had a c-pap machine. Stay in recovery until 4 pm....start gettin nausau..yuck... they do the alcohol swab under my nose & hey, that works. get to room FINALLY a little after 4 pm, feeling nausau again.... i get sick...some bloody spit, and that's the last of the nausau...THANK GOD.... get my morphine "happy button" and i'm off to lala land for a few hours. 9 pm the nurse gets me up & i sit in chair for little while. Meet the room mate from hell.....uugghhhh ALL SHE DOES IS COMPLAIN, COMPLAIN, COMPLAIN..... anyway, get up at 1 am & ask to go for a walk. walk the halls for a little while. feels pretty good. TUESDAY MORNING.... more of the same walk, walk, get a WONDERFUL SHOWER.... my sister & husband come to visit & bring some beautiful flowers. not much gas pain, just belly pain...but it hurts like a B_ _ _ _!!!! They unhooked me from my IV around 8 am or so to shower & i didn't get hooked back up until later in the day... no pain meds....wasn't feeling too bad. 4 or 5 pm & they hook me back up, I get a couple zaps of pain medicine but my IV sucks so they have to take it out. My veins suck, so they don't even attempt to give me another one. They give me liquid loratab....yuck, tastes nasty...but does the trick. they also bring in this stuff to cut back on the stomach acid...OMG....... it tastes like salty gross fish juice. one sip of that, and UH NO!!!!! so that was out. I start with my drinking or should I say sipping & all is going well. WEDNESDAY.........I GET RELEASED!!!! YEAH!!!! one more day with the room mate i may explode..... I was soooo tired, had a slight fever & was not feeliing well at all. Wednesday & Thursday were the worse days in regard to pain. Friday & today...feeling much better. Started food yesterday...had sf pudding and yogurt last night. Starting cottage cheese today. All & all everthing is going as scheduled.... I'm very happy with my decision. THIS HAS BEEN WAAYYYYY TOOO LONG...
Will post more later... bye
Today I am 2 weeks post-op & doing great. I am so happy to say that I am tolerating everything that I have eaten. The pain is pretty much gone and my energy level is rising. It is a little hard to get in 3 meals, but I think if I was to get up a little earlier I could get it in. Here's what I've been eating.
As soon as I wake up: Extreme Smoothie Protein drink-35g of
protein
wait 30-45 minutes
Breakfast: 1/4 cup eggbeaters or 1 med cup of
regular oatmeal mixed with 1 medicine
of sf applesauce/cinnamon or yogurt
wait 1 hour
Drink, Drink, Drink Crystal lite, Ocean spray lite juice, V8
at least 20-30 oz
Lunch/Dinner Chicken thighs pureed w/ lite mayo to
equal a 1/4 cup also made some white
chili & had some chicken soup (without
the pasta) or cottage cheese
Drink, Drink Drink Same as above
Dinner or evening sf pudding w/ a little natural peanut
butter, watermelon, peaches etc...
That's pretty much it. I think I've lost about 15 lbs. I got a new scale, but not sure how close it is to my Dr's scale. I will find out Wednesday when I see the Dr. I'll post more then.
That's all for now......
Had my 2 week post op check up today. According to my Dr's scale, I've lost 15 lbs. Hey i'll take that. I also told the Dr. that I was having some right leg pain last week so he sent me for a doppler just to make sure. All is fine...Thank God!!! The nutritionist said to stay on the same mooshy food for another couple of weeks. All & All the appointment went real well. Dr. Simon was happy with the weight loss & released me to start more exercise. That's it for this month.....
09/15/05
Well, here I am 1 month post op. Wow, time is just a flying. I've been doing great both physically & mentally. The lifestyle changes have been pretty easy to adapt to. The only problem I've had is feeling very dizzy, sweaty, & nausea if I do not get enough liquids or protein in. Not a good feeling. So I'm really working on that. I got advanced to stage 3 foods this past Monday, however, keeping the amount at 2 oz per meal. I haven't had any problems thus far, thank God. I continue to have my protein shake in the morning & try to get 1 or 2 glasses of skim milk in during the day for the extra protein. Right now, the nutritionist wants to see me at 60 grams of protein per day. I believe I've lost about 19 lbs, but will get the official number when I go to see the Dr. next Thursday. I have lost tons of inches, which I think is just great. This is my 5th week off of work & it's been great. I probably could have gone back to work a couple weeks ago, but I get full pay on disability so why not allow my body to heal before pushing myself.
I will update again after next week.
09/18/05
Ok, not a good evening. Had my first experience down "Puke Lane"... I ate way too fast and that wasn't good. Must remember to CHEW CHEW CHEW & WAIT WAIT WAIT.....
OCTOBER
10/04/05
So, I only posted a couple times last month. Time is going by pretty fast. I went back to work on the 26th of September. I work from home, so it hasn't been that bad. Now between work, soccer games & other activities the days are flying. Christmas will be here before you know it. Weight wise, I've now lost 32 lbs in 7 weeks...wooo hoooo. I'm eating regular foods & all in all it's going good. I've had a few boughts with throwing up but it all goes back to too big of bites, taking another bite too quickly & not chewing well enough. I'm working on it, but sometimes life gets so hectic you start to revert back to old habits. The only good thing now is my body won't allow me to continue with the old habits. I've been walking on my treadmill & am going to start strength training to tighten up my arms. I'm so glad that I have this tool to help along. No regrets at all.
10/18/05
Here I am just past my 2 month mark & feeling great. I've lost 35 lbs since surgery. It does get kind of frustrating on the weeks that the scale doesn't move, but i know the inches are coming off and that's a plus. My scale has been hovering around 247 & 248 for over a week now, but this morning I was 245.5. FINALLY. My scale is about 2 lbs under my surgeons scale so I use that as my official weight. My next appointment is October 26th. Hopefully, I'll drop a couple more pounds before then. I would love to be 244 on his scale. That would make 40lbs in 10 weeks. Wow can't say I've ever done that before. Food wise, I still struggle with eating too fast, but I'm really working hard on that one. Protein has been going ok. I am still having a protein drink in the morning. Vanilla Very Berry is my fav. I've been trying to have a 1/2 of a cup of cottage cheese daily for the protein & calcium. That goes down really well. Exercise...I've started a strength training program that's pretty fun. Hopefully, it will tone up the arms somewhat. Emotionally...doing good. Of course there's times that I wish I could just chow down on a whole sub or some pizza, but then reality hits & I know I can't & am soooo happy that I can't because now I realize that's how I always gained back the weight I lost. I would say...oh I'll have that today & be right back on track tomorrow...WELL. "tomorrow" never would come & the next thing I knew...bam.... the weight was back & then some and I was thinking of my next program I would try...UGHHH....WHAT A VISCIOUS ROLLER COASTER. Well, no more. I thank God for this surgery every day. That's all for now. I'll post more after my appointment next week.
11/02/05
Wow, here we are in November. I'm out of the 240's & into the 230's now. This morning I was 238, that's 7 lbs since my last update. I had to cancel my last appointment to attend a wake and funeral of one of my childhood best friends. It was a sad reason to all come together again, but it was also nice to see everyone again. After the funeral, we went over to Mike's Mom's house. Of course, there was a ton of food. I had a couple bites of my sisters meat ball and then had water. Wasn't really in the mood for food. That sure is different than pre-surgery times. I was always in the mood for food. Just recently I've actually started to feel hungry and have had to fight some mind temptations. Not that I could eat what my mind wanted because I'd be sure to throw up, but just the fact that my mind wants this stuff. I realize now that this about the time in any previous weight loss attempt that I would start to slip into old habits. The weightloss starts to slow down just a little & my mind jumps in to say....pig out on something, it doesn't matter...you're really not losing right now anyway. This darn mind of mine....hehehehe The temptation part of the mind says that, however, the logical mind over rules, kicks in & says....ya whatever.... just try to have that & you'll pay, or you know that it's not worth it. So I drink something or have some peanuts or something like that & the temptation goes away. It really is good to learn these habits. I can say that even with halloween only a couple days ago & my house filled with candy, I haven't even attempted to try a piece. I don't even want to know if I can have sugar. I do have some Hershey's & Reeses low carb, sugar free bars just in case I get the urge. Although, usually, 1 little bite or piece satisfies the urge. My next appointment is November 14th, maybe I can hit the 50lb mark by then. Only 4 more lbs. Wow 50 lbs in 13 weeks.... I'll take that.
11/15/05
Well I'm exactly 3 months out today. Had my visit with my surgeons office yesterday. According to their scale, I was 240, which is 44 lbs since surgery & 51 lbs total. Of course, I decided to go by my scale. Either or the numbers are great. Overall, the appointment was well. I did tell the nutritionist that I was able to eat a 1/2 cup of cottage cheese & she told me that was too much for 3 months out. I personally don't think it is as I am not able to eat that much solid food. I guess I will just continue to listen to my body & move forward. My sister also had her 2nd visit yesterday. To her surprise, she has lost 8 lbs since her last visit & they are going to submit her paperwork to insurance for approval. I'm soooo excited for her. I have to get blood work done & will post results once I find out. Until next time....
11/17/05 Ok the scale is moving again. Got on it this morning & lost 3 lbs from yesterday... YIPPEEE!!!! I am trying to figure out what I did differently yesterday than before. I did have a protein drink (which I haven't been having regularly lately) I also had a 1/2 of a whole grain english muffin w/ breakfast, also had some soytitos with my chili for lunch & just under a 1/4 cup of mashed potato's with my dinner. I also started on new vitamins yesterday. Centrum Carb Assist. Soooo, there's a few things that could contribute OR maybe my body decided to start losing again. Either way, I'm excited. Haven't seen 233 in quite some time.
On the down side... my sister who was getting her paperwork submitted found out that her insurance plan is self funded & they do not cover any type of wls.... THAT BIG TIME SUCKS... I'm keeping the faith that something will come about where she's able to have the surgery.
11/18/05 The scale continues to move...231 this morning. Thank you Woosh Fairy for visiting me...... That's 60 lbs from the begining & 53 since surgery...yeah
11/19/05 Another pound today 230.... I'm so close to the 220's. I hope the woosh isn't done yet. Just 1 more lb & I'll be so excited...
11/20/05 Here's a couple pictures my daughter took of me today. I bought this outfit yesterday. Size 20 mid rise boot cut jeans, & XL (16-18) top -- from the Ladies (NOT WOMENS) department...
11/21/05 Ok, another lb today. That brings me to 229...YEAH!!! I was hoping to be in the 220's coming into December. Man, I'm loving this little woosh fairy. I hope she remembers where I live. I'm updating alot because I really want to track these days where the weight just seems to be dropping off. This is great. I know it won't last much longer so I'm enjoying it while I can. This Thursday is Thanksgiving. We are planning on going up to Massena to spend the holiday with my Dad. Of course, we have some nasty weather coming tomorrow, but the watch is only for tomorrow morning until tomorrow evening. That's where it stands right now, it could change any minute though. Hopefully, we'll make up it up there. I really want to spend as many holiday's I can with my Dad before the alzheimers gets the best of him. Well, that's all for today....
11/22/05 227 this morning... Not sure if I'm doing anything different, but I'm loving this rapid weight loss... My skin may not look that great in the end, but that can be fixed.
11/27/05 ***225*** WOW, 1 more lb to hit the 60lb mark since surgery. I survived my first holiday post op with family and it was great. We traveled 3 hrs north to spend Thanksgiving with my brother, sister, Father & their families. I did very well for dinner. I had a little turkey (dark meat), about a teaspoon of mashed potatoes, dressing & broccoli casserole. It was very yummy. I also got to meet up with some old high school friends on Friday & we went to dinner. I had a salad with grilled chicken. Again Yummy. I must have done everything right because I lost 2 1/2 lbs from Wednesday to this morning. On the down side, I'm starting to get some little spasm like bursts of pain in my right side. I'm hoping it's not my gallbladder already, but if it is, I guess I won't be surprised. Hmmm, disability again???? Wonder how that will go over at work? Not much I can do about it I guess. Not like I didn't know it would probably happen. My sister is getting her's out next Thursday & she's a few weeks ahead of me. That's all for now....
11/29/05 225 and holding. Can't complain. It's that time of the month too, so at least I didn't gain anything. I'm getting excited for Christmas. I love all the decorations & gifts. Most of all remembering the birth of Jesus. What a wonderful time of year.
11/30/05 225...Well, it's the end of November. Look's like I'm entering December in the 220's like I wanted to. YIPPEE.... Not much more to report on today. See you next month!!!!
12/04/05 **225** Wow, it's December already. I can't believe it's almost been 4 months since my surgery. Time sure does fly. I've been holding steady at 225, but that's fine. I can't believe I lost 11 lbs in a little over a week. I'll take that any time. I think I haven't been getting enough protein in. I'm going to add my protein drink back in tomorrow. We'll see how that works. I'll post more later in the week.
12/07/05 ***223*** YEAH...2 lbs gone forever. 61 lbs since surgery & 68 lbs total... YIPPEE.. The last couple of days I've added a protein drink back in & really tried to focus on getting 60 grams of protein a day. Not sure if I met the 60 grams, but, obviously, this helps the weight loss.
Yesterday, my sister, Deb, & I went to University Hospital to visit with our friend, Dawn. She had her wls on Monday. She was doing wonderful. I'm so happy that everything went smoothly with her surgery. I have no doubt that she will be so successful on her journey. We also saw our surgeon, Dr. Simon, while we were there. We told him we had to come to the hospital to see him because we never see him in his office. Tried to make a funny, but it's true. Darn guy is so popular that he runs around like a chicken with his head cut off. Guess that's a good thing. Hopefully, we'll see him at our January appointment. He's just so sweet. He gave us both a big hug & kiss on the cheek & said we both look wonderful. Think he was kind of surprised to see Deb as she just had her gallbladder surgery last Thursday. Men don't realize just how quickly a woman can bounce back from these things. Anyway, that's about it for now. It sure would be awesome to be under 220 by Christmas. FINGERS CROSSED!!!!
12/7/05 ***222*** Another lb gone. I'm getting closer & closer to being under 220 by Christmas. 3 more lbs to go. Not much to report. Just the hustle & bustle of trying to get things done for Christmas. My sister, Deb, & I have made a couple trips recently to Syracuse to visit with wls friends as they begin their journey. It's so nice to be able to support others. I know how important it is. Another one of our support group members will be starting his journey on January 4th. I'm so excited for him. I went to my neighbors house the other day & they said they didn't recognize me because I look so different. What a great feeling that is to hear that. We did measurements the other day & the inches continue to come off. I think I may have to try on a 18 in jeans because it seems I'm always hiking up my 20's. How fun shopping is becoming. I can feel a shop-o-holic sickness coming on. HA HA HA. That's all for now. BRRRRR IT'S SOOO COLD TODAY.
12/21/05 ***222*** Still hanging onto the 222, although it's been teatering 222---223---224---223.5 etc... Yesterday, I was back to 222.5 & this morning 222, so hopefully, it will keep moving down. I've added a snack of smart pop popcorn (100 cal's per bag) when I'm wanting something crunchy. It really tastes yummy too & it's MORE than enough to satisfy the craving. If theres one thing I've realized throughout this process (well there's alot more than one but here's one) is serving size is the key. Before, I could care less what a serving was, I just ate as much as I wanted. Now, I read the label & if a serving is 1/2 cup, that's what I have. What a great tool. Christmas is fast approaching & I still have a few things to get. Guess I'll be one of those Christmas Eve shoppers... Oh well, good things come to those who wait right??? That's all for now. Happy Holidays to All...
12/22/05 ****221.5**** Well, it moved a little. It's nice to see the number 1. Closer and closer to be under 220. Finger's crossed.
I'll keep you posted
12/23/05 ****220**** Down 1 1/2 lb from yesterday. Darn thing is going to keep the anticipation going. Hey, no complaints whatsoever.
12/26/05 Here's a pic of me & my sister, Deb, from Christmas Day. Between the 2 of us, we've lost 145 lbs... HOTTIES!!!!
12/30/05 ****219**** Down 1/2 lb today. Hope it keeps moving. Would love to not see the 220's ever again. It'll happen soon I'm sure. Can't believe it's almost the New Year. WOW.... I'm so looking forward to the New Year and not thinking to myself that my resolution will be to start a new diet. Life is GOOD!!!!
2006
JANUARY
01/01/06 *****219******
It was a year ago, today, that I told my husband "This Year I Resolve to Have Weight Loss Surgery". Wow, thinking back now, it seems like time went by so fast. Boy has there been alot of changes over the past year. All for the good I must say. Here's a few
I eat only a serving (most of the time less) at a meal
I can SQUAT down without falling over
I can bend over to put on my shoes and socks without feeling my heart
beating in my head
I can wear a size 20 in Jeans & 16/18 in dress pants (from 26/28)
I can wear an x-large shirt (from 3x-4x)
I can wear my wedding rings again (size 8 & twisting)
I can keep up with my soon to be teen daughters in the mall without getting tired
I am under 220 for the first time in almost 12 years
the big one*********** I NOW EAT TO LIVE....NOT LIVE TO EAT!!!!
I could go on & on & on, but just to mention a few.
May this year bring all of us Health, Wealth & Happiness
01/04/06 ****218**** YEAH...finally broke 219. It's so exciting to see a different number on the scale. Not sure if I did anything different, maybe it's just my time. Hopefully, I'll get a wooshie like I did in November. It would be nice to be 214 by my Dr's appointment on the 25th. That would put me at a 70lb loss since surgery & 77 lbs overall. I'll take what I have now too 66 lbs since surgery & 73 total.. WOOOHOOOOO.... LIFE IS GOOD....
Deb designed an iron on decal for some shirts we're going to wear to our next appointment. They have a beautiful butterfly photograph on them which she took and it says Thank You Dr. Simon, You Saved My Life. We'll get a picture with them on, hopefully, with Dr Simon & I'll post it on here.
Our good friend, Norm, is having his surgery this morning. Dr. Cunningham is doing the surgery. He is in the same office as my surgeon. I will keep him in my prayers that God guides Dr. Cunninghams hands through a successful surgery. Another one of our girls from support group whose name is Valerie has hit a little bump in the road. She called Deb yesterday & said she had been vomitting for 14 hours & couldn't even hold liquids. She advised her to call the surgeons office immediately. She did & they told her to go directly to the ER. They did a scan and apparently she has a blockage. She just began on solids, so my guess is she didn't chew well enough or something. She was transferred to University Hospital where Dr. Simon will perform an endoscopy to try to remove the blockage. She, too, is in my prayers. I will post more once I hear. I thank the Lord everyday that so far my journey has been a positive one without any problems. I am soooo BLESSED.....
01/05/06 *****217.5**** Another 1/2 lb gone today. Looks like the scale will be nice to me this week. Figured I should count the 1/2 lbs seeing it's taking longer for the scale to move. Another good note, our friend, Norm, came through his surgery with flying colors & Valerie was dilated (due to a stricture) & released to go home last night. Great News all around....
01/08/05 ****217.5**** Ok, so the scale only went down that little bit. I'm trying to focus on my protein & liquid intake. I know I'm not getting enough protein so I'm trying to add a protein drink again. I have to get some other flavors cause even though I love the vanilla very berry, it gets old really quick You really gotta change things up with this surgery.
So I finally opened up to one of my closest friends on how much I weighed when I started this journey. I think it's so hard for people, that haven't had the surgery, to really understand what a person goes through during this process. I sent her my link to this profile. There's not alot of people besides family and other wls or OH members that have access to this site. She's always so interested and willing to listen when I need to talk. I just wanted to let her know how much I value her friendship and trust her with this information. (you're awesome Wendy)..... Anyway, she reminded me of a few of my posts from my pre-op days. Got me thinking that I really should go back and read everything I wrote. Brings back alot of feelings. I'm so glad I wrote it all down because I NEVER want to forget any of it.
01/12/06 ****217**** So down a 1/2 lb. I got my butt on the treadmill this morning. Gonna get this weight loss going again. I just ordered the vista vitamins from bariatric eating. We'll see how good they work. Maybe they'll help with the hair loss. I've been losing it since about the middle of November (which would be 3 mos out). It's normal to lose it, but I can't wait until it stops. I've heard there really isn't too much you can do about it & just let it take it's course. So, I'm really trying not to dwell on it. Hopefully, it will be over before I know it. It seems to be slowing a little, but could be my imagination. When I don't have to clean the drain in the shower to let the water out, I'll believe it's over. This has not influenced me at all. I would do this all over again in a heartbeat. On a good note, I got on a pair of 16 jeans. It's funny because I have like 4 pair of the same brand and only 1 of the 4 fit. Soon enough, the others will. Another good note, my sister, Rose, is starting the ball rolling for wls. How exciting for her. That's ll for now...
01/13/06 *****216**** Down a pound today. Guess the treadmill is helping. YEAH
01/15/06 *****214***** 2 more pounds... YIPPEE.. That makes it 70 lbs since surgery & 77 since this time last year. YEAH.... I went to dinner with a friend last night. We had alot of fun. I ate a little bit of my salad and ordered Filet Mignon and steamed veggies... It was sooo yummy. Of course I ordered the smallest steak on the menu (it was 9oz). I probably brought home about 6 oz of it. But mmmmmmmmmmm it was goooood!!!!!!
Oh, one more thing.... I haven't weighed 214 since my 6 week check up after my youngest daughter was born.... (She'll be 12 in 3 weeks).... Isn't life GREAT?????
01/16/06 *******213.5****** down a 1/2 lb today... yeah
01/23/06 *******213******* 1/2 lb gone. We're moving slowly but surely... I've really been concentrating on getting in closer to 80 grams of protein a day. It doesn't seem that hard when you supplement with a protein drink. I got the Achiev drinks from bariatric eating... YUM YUM YUM. I have been noticing that I'm starting to fit into smaller pants. The 16s that I couldn't think of getting on when I posted January 12'th are starting to fit. I can get them buttoned & zipped now. they're quite snug, but I can get them on. I'll wait a little while longer before wearing them though. I do want to be able to breath. I do notice, too, if something is too tight, it bothers my left side. Hmmm, guess i'll mention that to my surgeon when I see him Wednesday. Wonder what I'll weigh on his scale (get out the light clothes) hehehe. I weigh without clothes on, so add a couple for my clothes would be 215 & I think my scale is like 2 lbs under his ... sooo that would be around 217...that's 23 lbs since my last visit 2 months ago. I'll think he'll be happy with that. I'll post more after Wednesday..
1/24/06 *****212***** 1 more lb today...YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!
1/25/06 *****211***** Had my visit with Dr. Simon today. I've lost 25 lbs since my last visit (215 on his scale). He was very pleased. I also told him about some pain I've been having when lying on my stomach with the left trocar site. He felt it & said it could be a hernia. Although, it's unusual to have a hernia in a trocar site. He is having a CT scheduled to check it out. Below is a picture that was taken today at my appointment. My sister, Deb, made us some shirts & the words speak Volumes.......
01/26/06 *****210.5**** 1/2 LB TODAY...
02/01/06 ****210.5***** Another month has come & gone. Looks like this year is going to go by just as fast as last year. January was a pretty good month. I lost 8 1/2 lbs total. Was shooting for 10, but I'll take anything as long as it's a loss. The weekend was nice. Did alot of visiting. Tomorrow is my baby girls 12th birthday. Seems like I just had her yesterday. This past Monday I let her take the day off of school & her and I spent it together. It was great. We both got our cartiledge pierced on our right ear. I was more afraid than she was. Although, this is her second hole in that cartiledge so she knew what to expect. Then she got an outfit at Limited Too. Very cute... This Friday she is having a sleep over. We're going bowling. Should be fun. March is the twins 13th. I will be doing the same with them to spend the day with them. We will go 2 seperate times so they both get the individual time with me. Then on the 18th we're going to the Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Water Park. Should be fun. I may just put on a bathing suite....HMMMM, we'll see. That's all for now
02/04/06 ****210**** 1/2 lb. Had my daughters sleep over party last night for her 12th birthday. All went well. We went bowling. It was fun. That's the first time I've bowled in quite a while. Didn't break 100, but it was fun.
02/10/06 ****208*** 2 lbs gone forever. Wonder if everyone heard me hoot & hollar when I got on the scale today. How exciting to be under 210........ This has been such an awesome experience. My life has been blessed so much lately. I cannot thank God enough for these blessings.
We had a support group meeting this past Wednesday that was just wonderful. It's been a year since myself, my sister, Deb, and two other wonderful human beings, Margie & Norm, started this support group in our home town. We've had alot of people come & go throughout the year, but even if it was just the 4 of us, it would be worth while. We had a new person come to our meeting this week who was so open and honest with her concerns & struggles that it really made me put myself right back in that place. I'm so thankful that she felt comfortable enough to open up to all of us knowing that we've all walked in her shoes. I believe that support group is vital throughout this process and I will continue to advocate that for years to come. I really feel sorry for the people that go through this process and never attend a support group. Each stage of this journey is a different challenge. Pre-op, early post-op and personally, I think the longer post op you are, the more the support group is needed. That's when the time comes that those demonly old habits can slip right back into place, you start gaining weight again and the next thing you know, you're right back where you started. As God is my witness...."I will do everything in my power to PREVENT that day from haunting me."
Thank You.....I will now step down from my soap box......
My Current Stats
5'4" Initial pre op visit 291
081505 morning of surgery 284 7 lb loss
083105 269 22 total 15 lbs for August
100105 255 36 total 14 lbs for September
110105 239 52 total 16 lbs for October
120105 225 66 total 14 lbs for November
010106 219 72 total 6 lbs for December
020106 210.5 80.5 total 8.5 lbs for January
If you go the 15th to the 15th
Aug 15 - Sept 15 18 lbs
Sept 15 - Oct 15 17 lbs
Oct 15 - Nov 15 13 lbs
Nov 15 - Dec 15 14 lbs
Dec 15 - Jan 15 8 lbs
Jan 15 - today
