Kelli Ireland
October 3, 2003
I can remember the time period in which I started to have a weight problem. My mom was always home with us when we were young, but when I was in the 3rd grade she took a job for a year which left my older brother and I home alone for a few hours after school. We would come home and eat whatever we wanted without anyone to tell us "no" and there was never a shortage of snacks we loved. That was the first time I remember having a weight problem. When I was in the 5th grade I remember my mom promising me a new bathing suit if I lost 10 pounds. I had no idea what weight problems lie ahead of me. I steadily gained weight throught my school years, but I was never anything more than a little chubby. I met my husband during one of my "thin periods" (I was eating next to nothing) when I was 20. Thankfully, he loved me enough to look for the person inside. When he proposed, I was 182. In the 5 months before my wedding, I got down to 132 and a bikini. I ate plain baked potatos, broccoli, and worked out 3-4 hrs a day 6 days a week. After the wedding, when I was unable to keep that ridiculous routine, I steadily gained weight. When I got pregnant I was once again at 182. After my son was born, I gained a lot of weight until I am now at 245 after multiple attempts at Weight Watchers, Atkins, Slimfast, the Hollywood Juice diet, etc. I have been thinking about this surgery for almost a year.
Once I went to my seminar (Sept 6), it flew by.
Consult-9/10; all tests and consults done in 3 weeks;
pre admit testing 10/9; pre op consult 10/10;
Bariatric boot camp 10/16;
SURGERY 10/22!!!!
I can't wait to start the rest of my life. Its been tough obtaining the support of my family, but they have come around and I will not be deterred. Since the next few weeks should fly by, I will hopefully post when I reach the other side. Best of luck to all of you no matter what leg of the journey you are on!!!
October 15, 2003
I find it hard to believe that this time next week I will be about to start my surgery. The time has flown by since I got my date scheduled (granted I had less than 3 weeks from the date I found out till the surgery date). I keep wondering what my life will be like and how easy or difficult it will be to acclimate to my new lifestyle. I am fortunate that I saved all the clothes I had from my "skinny" days...I just knew I would be back in then someday. I was nervous after my pre-admission testing (they have you sign consents for anything under the sun that might go wrong), but I had my final consult on Monday and I feel much more at ease now. Dr. O is a very comforting person and he has assured me that this should be a piece of cake for both of us. Only 7 days to the start of the rest of my life!!!! Best of luck to all of you who are beginning your journey in the next week!!!!
October 17, 2003
I went to Bariatric Bootcamp yesterday. I didn't bring my husband with me and I was the only one in our group who did not have their support person there. I didn't realize that most people do bring someone with them. I think it would have made me more at ease. I have been very positive about this surgery, but after yesterday, I was feeling very alone. Either I'm dealing with someone who has no idea what its like to be overweight, someone who doesn't "approve" of the surgery or someone who says "You're not nearly big enough to have this surgery". Should I gain another 75 pounds to satisfy them (no way!!!). It's really been hitting me that this surgery is only 5 days away. Everything has happened so quickly that I haven't really had time to let it sink in. I should feel fortunate...I only had to wait 6 weeks from initial seminar to surgery.
On a brighter note, my husband and I are having the "last supper" tonite at Axellson's Blue Claw in Cape May, NJ. It is absolutely gorgeous inside and right on the water. I'm looking forward to having sometime alone together to unwind and talk about the journey ahead of us.
My best wishes to anyone having their surgery soon. To the rest of you still waiting for a date...hang in there...I think it will be worth the wait. God Bless.
October 21, 2003
I'm getting a little nervous...tomorrow is the big day. Even though I was allowed to have a light breakfast today before starting my clears, I didn't even want anything so I tried another one of my protein drinks. So far I like the Isopure Icy Orange the best. It tastes a little like Stewarts Orange & Cream soda without the carbonation. It is clear and comes in other flavors too. I found mine at my local GNC. Well...off to my last nutrition counseling session. See you all on the other side. Best wishes toall having surgery this week...I'll keep everyone in my prayers. Here's to all the "losers"!!!
October 22, 2003
Well, here I am NOT on the "other side". One of the biggest days of my life was a washout. My surgery was scheduled at 10:30am...had to be at the hospital at 9am. My phone rang at 645am. "Kelli" "Yes" "you are having surgery today" "Yes I am" "You were supposed to be here 45 minutes ago" "No I wasn't-my surgery isn't until 1030am" "No, you were moved to 730am" "No one ever told me!!!"
Needless to say, I've never moved so fast in my life. My husband and I arranged for someone to put our 5yr old on the bus and made it to the hospital by 7:30. They whisked me away, started both my IV lines, gave me the pulse ox, gave me the shot of antibiotics, had all the leads on me, and then the anesthesiologist says "Wait a minute, your liver enzymes are high". After 30 minutes of discussion betweeen my dr, the anesthesiologist, and my GI dr, they cancelled me!!!! I was crying hysterically, my husband was trying to calm me down, and I basically got out of the hospital as fast as I could. I was so upset that I couldn't even speak. My labs had been run almost a week ago and I had even seen them myself because I work at the hospital myself so I looked them up. Now I have to get off my anti-inflammatory medicine, wait 3 weeks, have my labs rerun, and have a re-consult with the GI dr. Dr O's office was as nice as could be and rescheduled my surgery for November 19, but that is a whole month away.
Anyway...thanks for letting me vent...it's just been one of the days. Hope everyone else fares better than I did.
November 11, 2003
Well...I had my liver enzymes run on Saturday and although they came down, they are not within normal limits. My GI Dr Maleki is giving me clearance because she feels they came down enough. YEAH!!!!! Then I had all the PAT labs rerun today and now my iron is low. Will this nonsense ever stop???? I am going to fill the rest of my PAT paperwork tomorrow at the City Division hospital and hopefully they won't hold me up just because the iron is a little low. If everything is a "GO" then I am scheduled for November 19th. I don't even want to have another "going away" dinner...I just want to get on with this process. I'll let everyone know how it goes.
November 13, 2003
Great news...Dr O, my GI Dr, and the anesthesiologist have ALL reviewed my labs and cleared me for the surgery. One last nasty prep to go. I can't wait for the 19th so I can get on with the rest of my life. HOORAY!!!
Sunday November 23, 2003
Greetings from the "other side". I must admit I was not at all prepared for the post surgical pain involved with this procedure. I thought since it was laparoscopic that I wouldn't feel much pain at all. I am not trying to scare anyone off...quite the opposite. I would just recommend everyone be realistic. Be sure to line up some helpful family or friends...you will definitely need them for a little while. My surgery was Wednesday the 19th. It lasted about 3.5 
hours and Dr O said he was thrilled with the way the surgery went. For all you future post ops, once your pain pump is discontinued, tell your nurse that you definitley want your pain meds as often as they are allowed. Otherwise, you have to ask for it and you will lose all concept of time. Be specific with each shift's nurse and make sure they understand. Once you let your pain level get out of control, it's difficult to get it down. Don't try to be brave...the meds are prescribed for a reason (this coming from an anti pill-popper...I hate the stuff, but even I want the pain meds now). Best to all who have surgery scheduled soon. For all others...keep the faith. It will happen when it's meant to happen. I was canceled once "on the table" and everything felt so much more right this time. I am actually glad I was canceled the first time.
December 4, 2003
I am 2 weeks post op and have lost 17 lbs. Dr O said I am doing terrific except the back pain from my fibromyalgia. He greeted me by saying, "Look at you...your clothes are falling off you already!" Let me tell you...Dr's don't get any better than Dr O! He still won't let me go back on my back meds until my liver enzymes come down. The general anesthesia is processed through the liver and is taxing. He does not want to take any chances with me. I have been walking about 25-30 minutes almost every day. When it's too cold out, I go to the mall and do laps there. I am starting to eat some solid proteins...eggs, 
chicken, yogurt, beans, etc. The egg and bean soup sit very well. I tried a tiny bit of poached chicken with some gravy (about 1/2 an ounce). Although I chewed very carefully and took tiny bites, I had terrible stomach pains for 2 hours after eating it. I think I will hold of a week or so before trying it again. Other than that, life is good. To top it all off, my boot camp buddy Barb Delnero has been re-re-rescheduled for her surgery on Dec 17. She got her date when I was at my post op visit...I was so excited for her that I forgot to ask Dr O the questions I had for him, but his nurse Laurie let me "pick her brain". She is a fantastic addition to his staff because she is 14 months post op and a huge advocate for the surgery. To look at her, you would NEVER believe that she ever had a weight problem.
December 27, 2003
Well...it's been a very difficult few weeks since my last update. I'm down 30 lbs now...but I thought I would be happier about that than I am. My cholesterol, which was previously high, has dropped to the low end of the normal range. My L
DL dropped from 143 to 70 in less than a month. Again...why am I not jumping up and down??!!
I caught a horrible upper respitory infection and had to be put on liquid Cipro which was impossible to keep down. It seemed my defenses are so busy trying to heal after the surgery that there's not too much left for my immune system.
Ever since advancing to soft proteins, I have had a very tough time keeping food down. I usually vomit at least once a day...sometimes only on water. It's not that I get nauseous, I get a horrrible searing pain under my breastbone. I have learned that the food or liquid is "stuck" and if I don't make myself get sick, I will be in agony for 30 minutes until I just get sick anyway. The holidays have been very difficult. I am the room mother for my son's kindergarten class and I spent most of the holiday party in the bathroom getting sick....ditto for my parent's HUGE old fashioned victorian Christmas party. Dr O has advised me to take a little hot liquid before I eat to give my tummy the message that "it's time to eat"...sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. I have had to force myself to get into the holiday spirit for the sake of my husband and son. I honestly think I have a little bit of depression going on...sometimes I cry on a daily basis. When the psychologist warned me at the pre-op screening that some patients experience post-op depression, I told him I was just going to be "so darn happy to be thin" that I wasn't going to care.
I have been unable to get any of the Vista chewables down. Dr O told me I could start on the wellness formula capsules...but my best attempts have been to get 1 or 2 out of 8 down a day. The rest just come right back up. Same thing goes for my sleep meds and my back pain meds...I'm sure that not sleeping as well as the back pain have contributed to my mood.
At this point, I'm not sorry that I had the procedure...I would do it again. I just can't wait until things seem to settle down and get back to "normal" in terms of my eating.
Sorry if I've depressed anyone...sometimes it just helps to get it out.
Best of luck to all you future "losers"!!!
January 6, 2004
What a difference a week makes!!!! I am able to eat so much better. I have been able to manage an 1/8 to 1/4 of a small bean/cheese quesadilla, flounder, tiny pieces of Peking Duck (no skin, but what a treat), and even some white meat turkey chili tonite. I have not gotten sick for about a week now, but have experienced "dumping" for the first time...from some butter on a baked potato (never again). I know some other people can tolerate butter, but I think I'll steer clear.
I am down 38lbs and was so excited to go to my support group meeting last night...they hadn't seen me since the beginning of Dec and were shocked by how I looked....some much needed ego boosting...thanks girls!!! I don't even mind that I'm back on liquid antibiotics and steriods for another wretched lung infection. I addition, my depression seems to have calmed down a lot...whew!!
Anyway, hopefully I'll keep signing in with good news. I'm going to try to return to work on the 12th. Best of luck to all you losers!!!
January January 20, 2004
I returned to work on the 12th for my 12 hour shift at ACMC. It was a little rough and I was very tired afterwards, but overall, I think the day went pretty well. I'm just glad I only work 2 days a week. I am now down 41 pounds. I hit a plateau for about 10 days...the scale didn't move at all. Talk about frustrating. It finally started to move again 2 days ago. It was my 2 month anniversary yesterday. I am doing much better with my exercise. I am up to 45 minutes of power walking 4 days a week and doing weights every other day. I definitely notice a difference in my stamina. People at work are really starting to notice a difference in the way I look which is great to hear. I am still doing ok with my eating although there are things I could eat before which I can no longer tolerate-such as cheese. No big deal...I just move onto the next item to try. Well...that's all for now. Hope everyone else is faring well too.
February 1, 2004
Its Superbowl Sunday so I have one eye on the TV and the other on my laptop doing this update. I am now down 47.5 pounds. I haven't been this light since 2000 (during a medical crisis no less!!!). I just went on a short vacation to 
Providence RI. The mall there is unbelievable. My husband "talked me into" buying a few things that I can wear now - a lot of my old clothes are getting way too big. I did save a lot of my "thin" clothes, but I don't seem to have any "in-between" clothes. I bought I pair of Old Navy stretch Low rider jeans. When I put them on, my hubby asked when was the last time I wore a pair of jeans. I honestly don't remember. I know it was before I was pregnant with my son (pre 1997). It felt really good to look at some of the larger sizes and say to myself, "I know those are MUCH too big for me-tee hee!!!).
I am still having some problems eating. I tend to feel really lousy after I eat...sometimes I feel lousy after drinking water. I crave ginger ale, to settle my stomach, but I wouldn't dare touch it...not even the diet stuff. I tried a little bit of a carbonated drink in December and had such horrible stomach pains that I will never make that mistake again. Hope everyone is still a "loser".
February 14, 2004
Happy Valentine's Day!!! I am now down 51 pounds...I am in the middle of my 
2nd plateau. My plateuas seem to coincide with my monthly cycle. I guess I can't complain too much. I should be thankful I'm not gaining (as had been the case up to this year). One of my support group friends, Holly, has had her surgery moved up to this Wednesday, the 18th. I spoke to her last night and the nerves are starting to set in for her. I can't wait for her to have the surgery so she can start to experience the miracles I have experienced. I will update after I see her in the in the hospital on Wednesday. Hope everyone is still a loser on this Valentine's Day!!!
March 4, 2004
Its been a busy few weeks. I had 2 girls in the past 2 weeks go in for the bypass surgery and I have tried to spend some time either talking to or visiting both of them. Thankfully, they are both doing wonderfully. Holly and Nancy...I'm sooooo proud of both of you. You both know what you have to do 
and are not letting anything get in the way.
Weightwise its been a very good week. I am down 59 pounds now. It's finally starting to seem real to me. For a while, everyone said they noticed a difference in me, but I just couldn't see it. I went to buy a new blouse the other day. I took a L and an XL in the dressing room with me. Even though I felt more comfortable in the XL (because it was nice and big), the Large really did fit me better...so I bought it. I can't remember the last time I bought a Large!!! Next hurdle...a Medium. I will get there...sooner rather than later. Good luck to all who have upcoming surgeries...keep up the losing!!!
March 25, 2004
I know it's been a while since I've updated. I am now down 64 pounds. I am fitting into clothes that I haven't put on since before my son was born. I am 
getting a lot of compliments from people, although some people I know still never ask how I'm doing, say I look good, ask how much I've lost, etc. I try to put it behind me and be thankful that I have the unconditional love and support from my husband...he truly is a wonderful man. When I get on the scale, he asks, "How much have WE lost?"...notice he said "WE" - it's our journey together.
I have noticed that I have a lot more stamina during my workouts. I can now go a lot faster and a lot longer. I almost (notice I say almost) don't have to force myself to workout anymore. I keep remembering that I have basically lost "my son" since he is 62 pounds and I cannot carry him, even on a good day. I can't imagine how I used to carry that weight all day every day. If you ever feel questionable about the amount of weight you've lost, put it in terms of 5lb bags of sugar. I would have been carrying 13 of them around all day!
I am happy to say that Holly and Nancy ( my "girls" who have had surgery) are still doing well although I have been unable to speak to Nancy personally, I still keep track of her. I hope everyone is still a "loser"!!
April 4, 2004
Its been a lot of ups and downs this week. I only lost 1.5 lbs this week. I know things are starting to slow down and I need to be prepared for that. I finally had to get some new pants beacuse I only had 1 pair that I could wear with flat shoes...all the others were falling off (literally). So that was exciting-to try on new clothes and feel a lot better in them.
It helps to have this website to come to and to have fellow WLS patients to talk to like my awesome friend Holly. I hope she knows how important she is to me and that she has helped me so much more than I did when I was her coach.
Hope everyone continues to "lose". Happy Easter/Passover to all.
April 15, 2004
Happy Tax day!! Boy am I glad that I got mine done months ago. I can't imagine how I would feel if I left them till the last day. I have had a better weight loss week. I am now down 69lbs. I am the same weight that I was when I got pregnant with my son. I never thought I'd be here again. I probably have about 45 more to go...so I am almost 2/3 of the way there. It feels really good.
I have spoken to 2 new people this week who have had the surgery. One girl was admitted to the my floor at the hospital, so I went and talked to her for about half an hour when my shift was over. She was very depressed, crying, etc, but I think I made her feel better and reassured her that it definitely gets ALOT better. The other woman is the sister of an acquaintance who had the surgery about 2 weeks ago. She was also depressed at how little she can eat and how tired she was. She had some complications (blood loss, infection, etc) so I hope I helped her to realize that her body has been through a huge ordeal and its completely normal for her to feel so tired. It helps me to talk to others who are having problems because it helps to remind me how far I've come in this process and how much better I feel. I no longer want to be a "size 6", I merely want to feel healthy, energetic, and "comfortable" in my body. I know it will come in due time.
Hope everyone is doing well. I love to read all your updates, so keep them coming.
April 23, 2004
I went shopping Sunday for some snazzy clothes. I was actually buying some size 12's after being in a size 20 last year. Let me tell you, it was a thrilling experience. I am finally starting to feel much more confident in my everyday life and it feels wonderful. I can't wait until all the post ops start to feel this way.
May 1, 2004
It feels wonderful to have this beautiful weather and feel so much better about myself. I used to dread getting dressed in the morning...I hated the way my clothes looked on me...I know you all understand. Now I LOVE to get dressed in 
the morning. Its so exciting to slip into snazzy spring clothes in a size 12 and really feel that I am looking great. It does so much for your self confidence.
Its been a great week. My husband and I had dinner with one of my post op friends (hi Holly) and her husband. We really had a great time and it was so nice for me to have someone with me at the table who knew the strange situation I am in when I eat out.
On Tuesday, a friend had her RNY surgery. I went to see her that night. When I walked in, she was very nauseous from the morphine PCA. I had to go ask her nurse to call the Dr and change her meds. She wasn't pressing the button for any meds, so she was nauseous and in pain. She was dry heaving and it was very difficult to see her have such a hard time, but Holly and I stayed with her until she was feeling better. Welcome to the other side!!!!
Hope everyone has a great week and is still a "loser" like me!!!
June 4, 2004
I know I haven't updated in a while, but time has just been flying by. I am now down 77lbs and feeling great. I had my 6 month checkup with Dr O and my labs were stellar. He was very happy with my progress and so am I. I used to think that that I'd feel disappointed if I wasn't down 100lbs at the 6 month mark, but numbers have become less important to me. I am just astounded at how good I feel. For the first time in my life, the lupus and sogren's disease labs have all come back negative...that in itself is a miracle.
I have been much more tired than usual lately, but it dawned on me that although my B12 level was normal, it went from 1200 to 600 in 3 months. I think I'll up my dose on the B12 supplements and see if that helps.
I have had the BEST time shopping with my post-op buddies. I find that I have so much more fun shopping with them than with any of my "thin" friends because they truly understand the joy of fitting into these new smaller sizes. I was window shopping this past week and really didn't plan on buying anything. That was before I fit into my first size 10 skirt...I HAD to get it merely because it was a size 10.
I hope everyone keeps up the good work and continues to "lose" in life.
June 21, 2004
Happy Fathers Day to all the Dads out there. My poor hubby didn't have such a great one. I was sick all day Friday, Sat, Sun, and even today. I did manage to give him a gift (a new grill) and have some people over for a small brunch, but I was in bed the rest of the day...I couldn't even get up to make dinner. I feel bad, but I treat him like every day is Father's day, so he didn't really care. I was a little worried about myself over the weekend...this bug has really thrown me for a loop...cramping, fever, some lower GI bleeding. I lost 5 pounds since Saturday morning. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining about the scale, I just feel totally drained. I did call Dr O on Sunday night at 8pm and he told me if I got any worse at all, I was to go to the ER and call him on the way. Let me tell you-he is just the best. He didn't make me feel that I was bothering him at all (I was apologizing the whole time!).
Other than that, not too much happening around here, just getting ready for the end of the school year today. Hope everyone is still "losing" in life.
August 3, 2004
I can't believe its been so long since I updated my profile. The summer has flown by and I have kept very busy doing all the things I wanted to do before ... going to the beach, waterparks, etc. When we took my son on vacation to Busch Gardens Williamsburg, I was so surprised at the difference between this year and last year. Not only did I fit on the rides, I had LOTS of room to spare. I wasn't self concious about the rides that had the "automatic" pictures taken...in fact, I loved looking at them. It was great packing because I knew that I looked nice in everything I was packing. I was able to walk everywhere without being tired and I was not sweating to death even though it was very hot.
I went out for a girls night with my "skinny" friend last week. We got so much attention from the men and I knew the attention was for both of us this time. It felt great even though I let all of them know that "our husbands were home watching the kids" ... no one could ever compete with Jeff, but it made me feel really self confident.
Yesterday, I dragged out some of my "skinny" dresses from my honeymoon 10 years ago. I fit in EVERYTHING!!!! I even fit in my slinky black sequin dress and met my husband at the door in it when he came home from work. I thought his eyes were going to bug out of his head...what a great feeling. I have found that this whole experience has really allowed me to be myself and has made all of my worthwhile realtionships stronger. The "not so worthwhile" relationships have fallen to the wayside because I have realized that I deserve better than those one-sided friendships. Even though I have been on a plateau for the past 7 weeks, I am still so happy.
Hope all of you are still having success as "losers".
September 14, 2004
Hey all,
Its been a whirlwind summer. I had the time of my life...beach, boat, pool, nights with the girls, romantic nights with hubby, going out with other couples..it was great!!! Things have been going so well for me. I have actually done a seminar with Dr O's office and am scheduled to do another one in the future. It 
is such a rewarding experience to be able to give something back to the program. As terrific as Dr O is professionally, he is so down to earth as a person too. It was neat to be on the other side of the seminar. It seemed that everyone responded so positively to him and it's very apparent why his office has been so successful. I met Stacy at the seminar and immediately felt a warm connection. Stacy...I too would like to have a lasting friendship. Let me know what you need.
I am up for a promotion at work so I have been trying to cross train as well as keep up with my existing job too. It really feels like so many things are changing in wonderful ways for me...I feel like I should pinch myself, but I don't really want to wake up if its a dream. Hope everyone is still losing.
October 11, 2004
Hi All,
My new friend Stacy is having her surgery in 2 days...Best of luck Stacy...I know you won't need it with Dr O in the room...you know he is the best around!!
My new promotion has "unofficially" gone through. I am doing the job until it can be posted and interviewed...but I am told I will be the obvious choice from the interviews since I am already doing the job.
I am now down 98lbs. It doesn't seem possible that it has almost been 11 months and that my 1st surgery was canceled almost a year ago. What a difference a year makes...I don't even know who that girl is anymore and I sure like the new me so much more.
Best of luck to everyone who has upcoming surgeries. Hang in there...the journey is SOOOOO worth it!!!
November 27, 2004
I'm sorry I haven't updated in so long. Between the new job and the holidays, its been a very busy time. I had my 1 yr WLS anniversary on Nov 19 and I invited a bunch of friends over to celebrate and whoop it up...and did we ever. The last person left at 1am!!! I am now down 95 pounds and feel great. I just had my bloodwork done and all my levels look incredible...cholesterol, blood sugar, liver enzymes...the results of this surgery just keep getting better and better. It's really no longer about what size I am or what the scale says. I know it's hard for those pre-opers out there to imagine that you will ever think that way, but you will. Its about thoroughly enjoying every day of your life and feeling the most confident you ever will in your whole life. The holidays will truly be a time to celebrate and on Thanksgiving Day, I took plenty of time to think of all the things I have to be thankful for. I know this surgical experience and everything it has afforded me is up at the top of the list.
Hope everyone has a great holiday season and that you all continue to be "losers"!!
December 19, 2004
Tonight is the night of my parent's old-fashioned Victorian Christmas party. I can still vividly remember that at last year's party I was only 4 weeks postop. I spent most of the night throwing up in that bathroom because I could not keep anything down at that point. Tonight will be a much different experience. Its surprising what changes can happen in a year. I am now down 98 lbs and feeling better than ever. I have a new job that is a dream come true...I am the new Outreach Coordinator for the Joint&Spine AND Bariatric programs at ACMC which means I get to work with Dr O and his staff to promote this life changing program.
I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday season...I know it will be the best one ever for me!!
February 4, 2005
What an exciting year it has been so far. My husband and I have just finished telling our 6 year old son that he is going to be a big brother. Yes...I am pregnant...due Sept 2 of this year. It has been a trying time. I am so much sicker this time than I was with my son. I have had a terrible time eating and have lost 7 lbs since I found out I was pregnant. I am constantly nauseous and I feel absolutely terrible after I eat. I was referred to a perinatologist and was seriously scolded for my eating. I was asked how many calories I eat per day. Since I do my counts on fitday.com, I knew I was getting between 600-900 per day. I was told I needed to eat 2200!! I must have looked like I was about to cry, so they said I should try to get 1800. So far, I have only been able to get in a maximum of 1400 and that's on a really good day. The Dr has reassured me that the baby will take what it needs and that I will be the one that is depleted...that's fine with me as long as the baby is okay. I am seeing the Dr every 2 weeks as he wants to keep a close eye on my weight and I am scheduled for Ultrasounds every month. We have already seen and heard the heartbeat which is exciting...it has made it so much more real for us.
Thats all for now..I guess that's enough!!!
May 31, 2005
I can't believe its been so long since I updated. I am now 6 months pregnant and we are definitely having a girl...Mollie Kennedy Ireland. "Kennedy" is after my father-in-law "Ken" who passed away unexpectedly when my son was 2 weeks old and my father "Eddie" who is the most devoted grandfather anyone could ever know.
I have had a gamut of ultrasounds and Mollie is well formed and growing like a weed. At my 20 week ultrasound, she was already ahead of the average baby in weight (why did I ever think I could have a nice 7lb baby...her brother was 3 weeks early and weighed 8.9!!!
I have only gained 6.5 lbs during the past 6 months, but even that is hard for me to swallow even though I know "its just baby" in my head, the old 250lb Kelli is freaking out a little bit at any sign of the scale inching upwards. My Mom has told me that I sound like an "anorexic" and that I have "gone off the deep end" about the weight gain. Its not that I don't eat...in fact I feel like I eat ALL the time. I try to eat every 2 hours or so, even if its just a little bit. I have found that since the pregnancy I am able to fit a little more in at each meal, but in following the post-op pregnancy forum here at obesityhelp.com, most of us experience that and that your pouch returns to normal after delivery.
Even though I have not posted often, I still check on this site every few days to see how veryone else is doing. I hope to see everyone at the next Support Group meeting at 6pm on Monday June 6. Best of luck to all!!!
February 6, 2006
Wow!!! I can't believe I haven't updated since June!!! So much has happened since then. Mollie Kennedy Ireland was born August 23, 2005 (2 weeks early). 
She weighed 7 lb 3 oz and was 21 inches long. She was such a skinny little thing...very unlike her brother who was the same height but a pound and a half more in weight. She is a little joy who now is a little chubber!!! Her big brother Shane thinks the sun and moon revolve around her (is it possible for a brother to love his little sister too much?!!). I am happy to say that I have lost all my pregnancy weight (I left the hospital wearing last summer's clothes).
Three weeks after I had Mollie, I wound up in the ER with an incarcerated hernia. Dr O fixed me up and I busted out of the hospital the next day (I think they were tired of hearing me cry because I missed the baby so much-its the first time I had been away from her). Afterwards, I wasn't allowed to lift her for 2 weeks, so family and friends rallied around to help (you never really know who you can count on until you need it).
I returned to work from my maternity leave on Nov 28-3 days a week. On Dec 7 I wound up back in the ER with a raging kidney infection that went septic. The infection spread to my gallbladder and I wound up with pneumonia on top of it all. Dr O removed my gall bladder and I was finally discharged from the 
hospital 10 days later. I was ordered to take it easy for at least a month. On New Years Eve I wound up back in the hospital AGAIN-this time with appendicitis. It seemed the initial infection also spread to my appendix, but didn't show itself right away. Dr O removed my appendix on New Years Eve and I told him, "While you're in there, please take out anything else I don't need for basic life functions, because I am not having ANY MORE SURGERIES!!!". He did a great job and I went home on Jan 3. Dr Kouli assisted him on all 3 of my surgeries and he was also excellent. Dr O told me I am the "official colander" of the Weight Loss Program (I have 12 small scars-that was with many of them being used multiple times!!!).
I'm happy to say its all been uphill since then. I returned to work on Jan 30 and (knock on wood), all has been well since.
I hope to see many of you at Support Group tonight...6pm at Bacharach. Best of luck to all you "losers"!!
