tink
2005
Before Surgery Stats:
Height - 5'1
Weight - 233 day of surgery 11/21/05
As of 6/3/07 - 115-120
GOSH! I really need to update here I had no idea it was so out of date! Let's see lots has happened since I moved to Florida. My husband decided he really didn't like the marriage thing or being married to me so he decided to completely go off the reservation and now I am getting divorced. Yep gotta love that right? I am still doing well with my weight maintaining at my goal weight and just had plastic surgery. I had a breast lift, implants, extended tummy tuck with muscle work on 5/20/08 and am doing great. I am so happy I did this for myself it makes all the difference in the world after my bypass weight loss!
I am trying to decide rather to move back to Alabama or not .. all of my family is there. It has been difficult transitioning through the divorce but I am much better these days.
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Well here is a little bit of personal information first off - I am 37, married and have two awesome kids a girl (9) and a boy (11). I have struggled with my weight forever and tried every weight loss program out there I think. I have lost and gained countless pounds over and over again. I have done Weight Watchers more than once, Jenny Craig in the 80's, NutriSystem in the 80's, MediFast two times, Atkins, Sugar Busters, Rice Diet, Cabbage Soup Diet oh and let's not forget LA Weight Loss that about broke me! I am sure there are more but it would most likely take all day to list them.
The reasons I want this surgery:
I want to sit on a plane and be comfortable and not worry the belts will not meet.
I want to put a bathing suit on and feel good about myself.
I want to have energy to play with my kids and do outdoor activities with my family.
I want to not have joint pain in my feet and knees.
I want to stop the dieting plans and fad diets once and for all.
I want to buy awesome clothes and feel great wearing them.
I want to feel sexy and really make my DH drool. =D
I want to for the first time in my life walk in Victoria's Secret and buy something that will fit me.
I want to be able to sit in a restaurant and eat without feeling like people are looking at me and wondering why I am there.
I am SICK of people saying "Ohhh you have such a pretty face" if only..........ARG!
And so my journey begins.......
Saturday, July 16th - I attended the seminar at Medical Center East at 8:30 a.m. I was a bit anxious going in a group full of strangers but then I thought wait we are all here for the same thing so who cares! I weighed in and got my little print out .. wooaaa 218 BMI 40.1 (I am 5'1) okay well that is that at least I know I qualify initially for the surgery and BMI is over what I need. I am thinking this is the first time news like this is a GOOD thing! I was impressed with the seminar it was very informational. I went with my mother and as soon as she saw the blue piece of paper in our packet that said Blue Cross Blue Shield I heard her groan. We realized that she would have to go through the 6 month program before being considered for approval with them. I was shocked that United Healthcare (my insurance) seemed to be pretty good and was anxious to talk to them directly to see if they would cover the surgery. Dr. Les Miles was there giving the seminar and I really liked him. I got my consult scheduled with him for Aug. 5 at 1 p.m.
Sunday, July 17th - I have been thinking after doing tons of research that the lap band system I orginially went to get information on might not be the way I want to go. I am leaning more towards the RNY now but am still trying to decide. I talked with my husband I thought as soon as he heard RNY (gastric) he would flip out. We have heard horror stories about this surgery in fact a lady he worked with passed away about 2 weeks ago after having RNY but I don't know the details. That kind of bothers me I must admit. However, I was happy that he said he wanted me to do whatever I needed to do and he would support me 100% he has seen my struggle first hand and just wants me to be happy.
Monday, July 18th - I decided to call United Healthcare and ask if they covered "gastric bypass surgery which has been deemed medically necessary for the treatment of morbid obesity" and they said yes they sure did. I also was transferred to a care coordinator and they set up a case for me. Hmm this sound too good to be true.
Tuesday, July 19th - I decided to be pro-active and schedule my sleep study and my pysch evaluation. I contacted Kim Schmitt and was told they don't take my insurance. I was then told to call Dr. Vines Eastern Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine at Medical Center East and got my appointment set for Wednesday, August 31st at 10:30 a.m. I then called Dr. Azrin and set up my appointment for the psych evaluation for Thursday, August the 18th at 8:30 a.m.
Wednesday, July 20th - I called my PCP and asked him if my full lab panel and check up from a few months ago would be enough to make him comfortable with writing me a letter of medical necessity and also a letter for clearance for surgery. Dr. Adcock who is so wonderful said of course not a problem. The other plus is that my yearly is scheduled for September 16th so I can see him then and talk about any issues at that time.
Thursday, July 21th - I looked at the schedule for WWL support meetings and was happy to find the last one for this month is coming up on July 26th at 6 p.m. I am planning on attending. Yippee! I got home today and checked the mail and I received my packages of information from Dr. Vines and Dr. Azrin. I almost fell over when I realized how many forms and things I have to fill out. I hate filling things out ... oh well! I started working on the information for Dr. Vines and finally about half way through gave up because I was so over answering questions. This is why I started on it so soon because I know I can take my time and have it completed before my appointments.
Friday, July 22nd - I am pretty much just waiting to see Dr. Miles I keep wishing it was sooner but I hear that I did pretty darn well getting that appointment as soon as I did so I have to just be patient now (which I am terrible with) and wait. I am all over the message board reading profiles and looking at before and after pics. I am constantly amazed at the results that I see. It is almost too good to be true. I have struggled for so long that it is like a dream to know that I might be on the "other" side one of these days. I am a little nervous about something going wrong because I have heard so many horror stories just about every person will say they know someone who has died from this how dangerous it is. I guess I am not doing a great job at not letting that bother me because it does cross my mind. I have had two c-sections and a hysterecomy so surgery itself doesn't scare me at all - it is more just the negative things you hear!
Saturday, July 23th - I had a really good weekend I tried not to think about my upcoming visit with Dr. Miles but it was so hard. I managed to stay away from the PC because I knew once I got back on this board I wouldn't get another thing done all weekend. I just keep thinking how miserable I am and how badly I want it all to change. I am so impatient so this entire process is going to really test me!
Sunday, July 24th - I did work around the house today. I think every single article of clothing was dirty so I wash a gazillion loads of clothes. No fun! My 9 year old daughter changes clothing like the wind shifts direction and I find them all over the place! Sigh. My son however who is 11 is a neat freak and is the exact opposite of my daughter who most days could care less. I met my mother and grandmother at the Peach Park in Chilton county for some ice cream and to let the kids play around. It was nice just really hot and I wasn't feeling all that great.
Monday, July 15th - Back to work! Arg! I hate work! I hate to hate my work but I do. I have been trying to find another job and interviewed several places but nothing has planned out yet. I am going to just stay put for a bit longer since I have United Healthcare Insurance I am going for my surgery before I risk the chance of crappy insurance that might not pay if I took another job. I can't wait to meet with Dr. Miles Aug. 5th !!! I also called my PCP back and talked to his nurse. I was not happy that whoever I talked with last week didn't put anything in my chart about my needing two letters one for medical necessity and one for surgery clearance. I decided to write Dr. Adcock a nice letter and faxed it over to him explaining exactly what I was trying to do and what I needed from him. I guess we shall see what happens next. I really wanted the letters and a copy of my medical chart to take with me to Dr. Miles. Patience Patience Patience
Thursday, July 28th - Whew what a week! I have been so busy with work and family I just haven't had time to update. I am still waiting for my appointment with Dr. Miles. I can go pick up my medical chart from my PCP it is ready now. I am also picking up ONE letter that my PCP wrote clearing me for surgery but he doesn't believe in WLS no matter what. Arg! I called Dr. Miles' office and they told me to bring what I had and I can go to another PCP who supports WLS if my insurance requires it.
Monday, August 8th - It has been several weeks since I updated on my Profile and so much has been changing. I did finally work out the details of my potential job at the school. I started work on Aug. 1st and went through registration and all the fun stuff before school starts. I am very happy so far and believe that I have made the right decision by deciding to work here. It will be a pay cut but the benefits of being with my children will be so awesome. I am now in the process of trying to decide what to do with my insurance. I had United Healthcare before at my old job and they did cover the gastric surgery and I was soooo excited. My options are going with Peehip BC/BS through the state or taking my husbands insurance which is United Healthcare. I am going to try to get some information on my DH insurance and if they pay like the other I will be good to go! I was very upset that Dr. Miles cancelled my appointment on Friday I had been waiting a month to see him. However, I talked to a friend who used Schmit and I am changing over to him ... from what I hear he has a better bedside manner than Miles. Anywho we shall see what happens!
Wednesday, August 17th - I have gone to see my PCP Dr. Maddux and I just loved him. I have got my letter of medical necessity now so I am making progress getting things done. I see the psych Dr. tomorrow that should be interesting.
Monday, September 5th - I made it through the pysch Dr. Millsaps and she was SO nice. I was there 4 1/2 hours which was pure torture taking test after test and writing. I did enjoy the time with Dr. Millsaps and her sister had the surgery so she is very informed about everything. I just can't believe I was there so long and to find out I am "normal" whatever that is! I also saw Dr. Vines for my sleep study and although I have NO symptons of sleep apnea he is making do the sleep clinic and I am not happy about it. I have to miss more work now. I have changed Dr.s I am going to use Schmitt instead of Miles now. I just spoke with several people and think that Schmitt might be a better fit for me. However, I know Dr. Miles is a very good dr. as well! I am waiting to see Dr. Schmit this month and then my Dr. visits are complete. I still need to do the support group and file to UHC for my approval/denial.
Monday, September 19th - Gosh time is flying by so fast! I did complete my surgeon visit Dr. Schmitt at MCE and he was so nice. I saw the nurse practioner, then the insurance lady, then the surgeon. I had to have a test done that you breathe in a bag, drink this strong lemon flavored gung, wait, then blow in another bag. I can't for the life of me remember what it was called but it was negative so I was happy! LOL I then went to get my lab work done and chest x-ray. This appointment took 4 hours .. SIGH. I was stressed out trying to get back to work and because it took so long. I am so happy it is over though! I have just been waiting I guess they have sent something in for approval I am still not really sure how it all works. I have been wanting to call the insurance girl back but hate to be a pest so soon. I am confused though about the process ... I meant to ask about it but was so busy trying to take in everything else I forgot! DUH! I am so miserable these days I just want my approval and to get this surgery scheduled. If you happen to read this please say a prayer for me!
Tuesday, September 20th - I called Dr. Schmitt's office yesterday they do have all my doctor reports in .. I have the sleep study Sept. 26th and my support group that night too. I then just have to do the nutritional class I am planning on scheduling that when/if I find out I am approved. I also called UHC yesterday and they are very nice ... they said they didn't see the letter from Schmitt's office yet but to keep checking back. I certainly plan on doing that. I really want to have the surgery if I am approved I HOPE PLEASE PLEASE that I can have it done in Nov. when I am out for Thanksgiving holiday.. I work at the school. I would have a total of 9 days counting weekend before and after.
Oct. 13th - I haven't been doing a good job posting lately. I have been so busy with my new job it is just crazy. I made it through my sleep study that was so uncomfortable. I didn't enjoy it at all. I mean it wasn't painful or anything just very strange. I didn't have sleep apnea just some mild snorning nothing major. Dr. Vines did say it would get better with weight loss so I was happy to hear that. The staff at MCE where very nice and made me as comfortable as a person can be hooked up to a gazillion electrodes! I have a hard time sleeping on my back also which made it harder I think. The good thing is that it is OVER ... WOOOHOOO.
I have been yanked from one end of United Healthcare to the other. If you are reading this and you have UHC please tell your Dr. office to send your pre-determination straight to Care Coordination they can even call it in ... or fax it. It takes only a couple of weeks this way. I had no clue to do this and my pre-determination letter went to customer service and that is what you want to AVOID trust me. I have been paying for Cobra because UHC was my insurance with my previous employer and I had already started the process before I changed jobs in August. I also picked up BC/BS Peehip that is offered at my current job and just elected single coverage and with the school system it isn't but a few dollars a month. I will have it when hopefully I get this surgery and drop my Cobra. I knew that BC/BS was a nightmare and felt like keeping Cobra even though it is expensive would be more cost effective in the long run. I mean I can look on line at at my claims and can see what these dr.'s are billing to insurance and what I have to pay.. YOWZA. Dr. Millsaps billed over $900 for my pysch evaluation and I only had to pay a total of $75 that is awesome. I have heard most insurance companies only pay a percentage of that and you typically have to pay around $300 ... see that is a months Cobra payment right there! I know this UHC is GOOD ... I just hope they approve my surgery! I spoke with UHC again yesterday thank the LORD I documented like was suggested to me. I have every single phone call, exact time, person and a brief summary of the conversation written down on a notebook. I think without this I would have nothing to stand on when talking with them. Anyway back to Care Coordination they do have it now and that IS where it belongs and they assigned a reference number which made me feel a little bit better .. I officially have a number! It doesn't mean I am approved that can take a couple of weeks. I was told to call each week and check on the status. The lady I spoke with was SO nice and she sounded like she honestly felt bad that I had been pulled around so much. I appreciated her telling me the right way to go about the process with UHC so at least I might can help others avoid the mistake I made. I am just waiting to hear something now... more waiting. If you read this please just say a little prayer for me ... thanks!
Tuesday, October 18th - APPROVED! I called United Healthcare today to check up on my pre-determination. I heard the word I have been waiting for I am approved! WOOHOO I am now jumping for joy and a bit nervous too! I know it will all be fine I am not worried about the surgery..well maybe the surgery I just want to wake up and not have any problems. I suppose feeling all of this is normal. I am very excited. I have to call the Dr. office tomorrow to tell them and hopefull I will get surgery scheduled very soon!
Wednesday, October 19th - I spoke with Dawn in Dr. Schmitt's office she penciled me in for a surgery date of Aug. 21st which is my fall break. I am very happy about the fact I was able to get it when I needed it. Dawn said she still didn't have my letter from Dr. Maddux but she would call and get a verbal from his office. I am amazed because I saw him 2 months ago seems like by now they could get it over to Schmitt. Anyway, Dawn said she would get with Dr. Schmitt and call me back with details. I scheduled my nutritional class for Oct. 26th I wanted to wait until I knew I was approved before I spent the $50.00 they charge for the class.
Thursday, October 20th - I haven't heard back from Dawn but I was so busy at work I didn't have a chance to call. I am going to call today and see if she was able to get with Dr. Schmitt and if my surgery date is firm. I am still waiting for my letter from United Healthcare I hope it comes today. I was told twice verbally I was approved but I still can't wait for the piece of paper.
Saturday, October 22nd - I received my letter from United Healthcare today. WooHoo! I had the verbal I had been approved but something about holding that letter in my hands just made it even more real. I am very excited and feel blessed that I was approved. My surgery date is firm for November 21st and Dr. Schmitt has given the green light for go!
Tuesday, November 15 - I went in for my pre-admit testing today. It was pretty routine just a blood test and EKG and all went fine. It took forever to see Dr. Schmitt afterwards he and Dr. Miles sure have a booming practice. I would much rather see that and wait then nobody in the place .. that would be much worse! I know they are in high demand and that makes me feel better. I didn't spend much time with Dr. Schmitt I didn't have any questions that I hadn't already asked and he just said he would rest up over the weekend and I said gee thanks.. please put me first so you are bright eyed and bushy tailed for my surgery. LOL
Friday, November 18th - This has been some week but I managed to make it through the week and now I am onward towards my surgery on Monday. I have gotten the foods and things I need for after surgery and the few things I will need in the hospital. I am just glad it is almost here and dread the Sunday liquids diet and the Fleets Prep but that too will pass!
**My PC went bye bye so I couldn't post for a bit but I did journal and I have typed it up here! I am also including writings I did while in the hospital and at home before I was able to actually sit at the PC and type!
Saturday, November 19th - I am just getting things together like my robe, slippers, chapstick, my pillow and blanket. I have been cleaning the house from top to bottom and making sure all the clothes are washed up before I go in Monday. I know my wonderful DH will handle it all but the "mama" in me just has to clean and make sure everything is done before I leave it. I have to be on liquids 48 hrs prior to surgery I didn't have my big slurge too close to surgery the bowel prep I heard would have been even worse. I went to Outback last weekend and had a huge steak, baked potato and all the trimmings, plus dessert and drinks. LOL
Sunday, November 20th - Ohhh just LOVIN this liquied diet.. NOT and just trying to relax and not get too nervous about tomorrow. I have been watching old movies and getting ready for the bowel prep. I just drank the Fleets and WOAAAA it was NASTY. I did keep it in the freezer and I don't know if that helped or not but I guzzled it down in one big swig.. I thought I was going to be sick but I did managed to keep it down. Ohhhh can you say BUTT ON FIRE yessss it was not a pleasant experience I have been in and/or on the toliet for hours and I think it is finally letting up a little bit. I mean that stuff cleans out places that I didn't know I had! LOL
Monday, November 21st - My weight this morning is 233. I am up early getting ready to go to the hospital. Oh well I guess this is it .. my DH is with me and my mother will meet us at Medical Center East. I am nervous but I keep trying to remember how much better I will feel after this is over. I will report back when I am able.
**This is what I remember and the procedures of the day of surgery! I was so anxious to read about others experiences during this time but on so many profiles they leave out this and go straight to post-op. I went to one day admitting at Medical Center East and checked in. I waited for about 15 min. and they called me back and they took me to a little room and got some basic information there and then I went back out to the waiting room. I was called back again and went to a different room and put my gown on and just got comfortable on the little hospital bed and then my husband and mother came in to wait with me. It took FOREVER before they came to get me for surgery I mean hours I thought it wouldn't take that long. I said my goodbyes to my family and then the wheeled me away. I went to a area that had dividers hanging from the ceiling like in a semi-private room you know the curtain things. There were a good many little "rooms" divided up and I was put in one of them. I waited and then the anestheologist came by and got my IV started. Ohh btw at MCE they numb your arm first with lidocaine so you don't feel the IV. That was SO nice! It wasn't long they came up and gave me my HAPPY juice and the next thing I remember I was being wheeled in my hospital room. That was it!
Wednesday, November 23rd - Well I am writing a little.. I am having pain but not so bad I can't handle it. I don't have pump I have to ask for pain shots which I hate. I thought I would have a pump so I didn't have to keep asking for something! My DH got me a cute stuffed kitty with rose buds all over it, my sister-in-law sent me flowers, my grandmother got me a house plant. I hope I remember thank you cards. I hope I get something soon besides ice chips I am so thirsty I want some juice or something. I think that is today. They are coming to check my blood again something isn't right... that scares me. I hate needles and have the worst veins in the world to start IV's or get blood.
Thursday, November 24th - Well my body isn't replenishing itself like it should and I need to have 2 pints of blood. I am scared to death. I called my mother and she said not to worry they screen blood so well these days that I would be fine. It got worse when my IV blew out and they had to get another bigger IV in the other arm (the arm they drew tons of blood out of) and after the nurse tried twice I asked for a anestheologist to come do it. The nurse was relieved I think they were all SOOO nice and I did have a Dr. come get the IV started and then they started giving me my blood. I also found out they are keeping me an extra night because of my getting blood and all that. I will be in the hospital 3 nights instead of two.
Friday, November 25th - My blood levels look much better today and I feel better that blood must have given me the boost I needed. I have been walking and walking from the day of surgery all through my hospital stay and pretty much just pushed myself to get up and move! I don't need much pain med at this point and I am drinking liquids, sipping broth and eating jello. Who knew jello would taste THIS good. I am getting to go home today. I am so excited.
Saturday, November 26th - I am home and tired...worn out. I am going to nap and try to get an afternoon walk in. My pain is there but very managable. I had to come home with my Blake Drain which is the WORST part of it all ... it is just bothersome. I hate that it continues to fill up and the nurse said it should be slowing down but it isn't and I am a little freaked out. My DH called the Dr. and asked him about my drain filling up so much and he said to watch it through tomorrow and call back if it doesn't change from bright red to a yellowish color.
Sunday, November 27th - I hate my DRAIN! Okay got that out of the way! It looks like it has slown down some.. my bag was full so I changed to a small bulb and it was better. I am walking and resting. My DH has been a trooper helping me take care of my drain site I can't believe he is able to do it .. just the thought of anything medical like needles or incision gross him out.
Monday, November 28th - I went to work today but should have stayed home. It was uncomfortable because of the drain and I just feel tired and crappy! I managed to drive myself to MCE for my Dr. appointment. One week today!
Tuesday, November 29th - I am home today Dr. told me to take the day off and rest maybe I had been doing too much. I am resting all day. I got my drain out yesterday I had made myself a nervous wreck thinking abou them removing it but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be .. honest! I am SOOOOO glad it is out! My incisions look good not gross at all they are starting to scab over. I am measuring my apple sauce and anything I can eat right at 2 ounces and then I can't eat all of it. It is so funny looking at that little cup and knowing that is more food than I can hold right now.
Wednesday, November 30th - I went back to work today I am still really tired but hope I can make it all day.
Friday, December 2nd - I can't believe December is here already! WOW! I feel tired still but each day I get a little stronger. I still am eating mushy foods and trying to measure everything so I don't eat too much. I honestly don't have much of an appetite so I have to make myself eat something.
Monday, December 5th - 31st -
This month has flown by and I continued to feel better and get more energy back. I lost about 20 pounds this month.
I am still feeling good and have lost weight continually which I love. I had some severe pain this month and didn't know what was going on so I went to see the Dr. and after 2 CAT scans found out my spleen had been punctured and was holding blood forming a hematoma that was filling up and pressing on my insides when I breathed that is why I hurt SO bad. We aren't sure why my spleen was punctured/injured if it was done at the time of surgery then why did it takes weeks to start hurting? I am supposed to wait to see if it heals itself.
I am happy to report that the pain is going away and it appears from the CAT scan I had done to check my spleen that is is getting smaller in size. I am so happy I sure didn't want another surgery!
January 2006 -
What a month! Happy New Year! I am still losing weight and doing better and better. I can eat a better variety of food now not just much the mushy foods. I can tolerate chicken and ground beef well. However my tastes have changed and I don't like the taste of beef now that is so funny to me. I can't eat eggs scrambled but I can eat the boiled..go figure! I don't regret this surgery one bit and I know this will be one of if not the best thing I have ever done for myself!
February 2006 - My day to day journaling has slacked but I am still trying to update my profile when I can. I have lost over 50 pounds and so many people call me the incredible shrinking woman! I get so many compliments especially lately because I finally had to get rid of my old baggy clothes and buy new smaller ones. I think now people can see the weight loss better. I still have times when things don't agree with me but I haven't thrown up or "dumped" once yet!
Thursday, March 16th - I have been on a plateau for about 2 weeks and it has been driving me CRAZY! I finally dropped down 3 pounds today thank goodness. I have lost 65 pounds at this moment and I am thrilled about it! I started out at 233 .... I am 168 today. I wore size 20 clothing and wear 14's right now and they are not tight by any means! I enjoy shopping so much and feel great when I can by clothing on the "normal" side of the store. I just ordered a bathing suit from Lands End and it looks pretty darned decent...much better than the one I wore last year! I have always worn a black bathing suit but this time I ordered a beautiful blue one and it feels good getting out of my "black" mode!
Friday, July 14th - I said I wouldn't get lazy and stop journaling here but that is exactly what happened. I have had SO much going on it isn't even funny. Let's see well I hit my 100 pound mark today. I weigh 133 now and I feel great! I don't look so bad either. *wink* I would like to be around 115 or 120 but whatever happens if okay with me. If I didn't drop another pound I would be happy and content! We just recently moved to Florida so we have been transitioning for a month or so. I am doing well with my eating I still haven't had any sugar or carbonated beverages. I stay far far away from those things. I eat some bread but not very much and only a pinch here and there. I don't eat sandwiches and things like that. I have ice cream occasionally but it is fat free and sugar free! It is funny because it is so sweet to me I can hardly eat it but every once and a while I will have a spoonful. I burnt out on Crystal Light and now I am all about Iced Tea with splenda and lemon. I will eventually burn out on this and go back to Crystal Light. I eat lots of chicken and steamed veggies. I actually crave it now. Go figure! I need to exercise I haven't done much of anything and luckily don't have lots of sagging skin. I have some don't get me wrong just not so bad I would have no other choice but to have it removed. I do want a breast lift and a tummy tuck at some point and will be checking on that in the next year I think. I could get by without the surgery but would feel even better if I could get rid of some of the flab! I guess that is all for now.. I will try to write again soon and not take so long!
Friday, July 28th - Well we are officially Floridians and I love it! I miss my family in AL but not much else! I have been working about 3 weeks and love it so far. My DH transferred with his company and like his job here as well. We are finally all moved in and somewhat settled now. I love being 15 min. from the beach it is just great. I have to take back some pants I bought last night not because they are too small but too BIG! I am so excited. I had to buy size 8's which is just awesome! I can't believe I wore 20's last Nov. and now 8's .. and a comfy 8 at that.
Friday, August 11th - I am now down to 129 and feeling terrific. I can tell it won't be long and I will be in 6's. I just can't imagine. I am still losing weight not as fast of course but who cares. I could stay a size 8 forever and be perfectly happy! The kids started school this week and it has been stressful. I think it is just hard transitioning over to new things but they have done really well. I am proud of them! I have been buying heels now and I love them. My DH also loves them! I always wore "comfy" shoes that were cute but not sexy. I love wearing sexy shoes now! I found some really cute tops and pants at Burlington Coat Factory and the prices are fantastic! I will write in a week or so and update on the happenings!
Tuesday, October 17th - I am feeling terrific! I am at 120 now and am at goal weight. I originally set a goal of 130 but adjusted it to 120. I am happy to report I can fly very comfortably on planes and fit in the rides perfectly at Busch Gardens. I don't have to squeeze through the turnstiles going in amusement parks any longer. I eat a little bit more now which is normal but I try to watch everything very carefully. I don't want to backslide and get too comfortable with my new weight. I continue to carefully monitor what I eat and how much. I sometimes still eat too fast and get uncomfortable that is something I have struggled with. It is very hard for me to not gulp down my food I have always been a fast eater! I am wearing size 6 jeans which is just crazy to me still. I sometimes have days I feel "big" even though I know I am not! I have to battle the emotional part of it all and I suppose I always will. I am terrified of gaining weight back and have nightmares about waking up 233 and realizing the surgery was just a dream! I joined the gym but haven't been going I just can't seem to find time after work there is always something going on with the family or kids that take my time away from working out. I have got to get in a set routine because I am just wasting a gym membership each month! I continue to stay on the boards and read postings and occasionally I try to post to help a newbie feeling down.
Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: Lee A. Schmitt, M.D.
Insurer Info:
United Healthcare
