Christie Brown
Gadsden, AL, USA
Post Op - BMI: 25.0
Surgery Type: RNY
Member ID: B1078073032
Contact: Click here to send a Personal Message
Web Site: http://www.picturetrail.com/tisfemin
Surgeon: J.K. Champion M.D. F.A.C.S


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I'm a married mother of two. I have two sons, one is almost 16 and the other is 2 1/2. I want to get healthy for my boys, my husband, and myself. I've become a totally different person as my weight as gone up. I used to be very active and outgoing. I'm totally opposite now.


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2/29/04
I've battled my weight all my life. I've only been above 200lbs for about 4 years now and I don't know how much longer I can remain healthy at the weight. I found out I have arthritis last year and I know the weight is a major factor in my joint pain. My frame just can't support the weight. I am just looking into this surgery. I have seen some stats showing that the lap band might be much safer and the weight comes off a little slower. I intend on researching more before making any decisions.

3/2/04
Today I was sick and had to take the day off so I made the call. I wanted to get an appointment with Dr. Champion, but I have to fill out some information first. She said they'd review it and find out whether my insurance will cover the surgery. I'm dreading the wait. But the "weight" is worth it.

I've been researching as much as possible. I want to see Dr. Champion because he does only Lap surgeries. But, he does three of the WLS. I am borderline morbidly obese. It really depends on which chart you look at and what height you put me at. I'm actually 5'5 1/2" and 244lbs. (Obese/Morbidly Obese...WHATEVER!!! I'm HUGE)As I've researched I've seen a handful of people my size who have gone with the AGB(Adjustable Gastric Band or lap band) and wonder if that would be a good idea for me. So, I like that Dr. Champion does it all and can help me determine which would be best.
I'm hoping to hear something soon and will update here when I do.

3/4/04
Okay, I'm officially obssessed with WLS now. I am looking for seminars that I can attend in the near future. I can't stop thinking about it. The thought that I could be healthy and energetic again is so exciting. I'm waiting on paper work from a Dr. that I need to fill out and get back to them.

I keep thinking I want LAP RYN, but the mortality rate scares me. I am wondering how well I could do with the Lap Band. I know either will be a struggle, but I'm ready. I'm tired of living this way.

3/6/04
I received my packet from Dr. Champion today and was so excited to see it. I filled everything out and got it sent in right away. It was kind of scary filling that out though. Man, I've been overweight since I was 7 and dieting from age 12. I guess I just never thought about it until I had to answer the questions.

3/12/04
I talked with Dr. C's office yesterday. I just wanted to make sure they'd received everything and just find out what to expect from this point on. Sherri said it shouldn't be a long wait. However, Dr. C is on vacation so my letter to the BCBS won't go out for a week. I just dread this wait. I told her I want to have surgery last week in May or maybe early June and she said she didn't think that was going to be a problem. She said they are running about a month out. I guess that means I'll get a date about a month after my insurance approves me.

I also talked with Sherri about the surgery options and I went ahead and committed to the RNY. I'm just so excited and ready to start my new life. I've been reading as much as possible on how you have to change to make it work for a lifetime. I know it won't be easy, but it will be worth the effort and pain involved. I'm going to bed. I'm hoping my sleep will be good tonight and maybe free of WLS.

3/18/04
My letter went out to the insurance company on Tuesday. I told myself I could wait about calling, but I didn't. To my surprise they already had it, reviewed it, and sent a response back to Dr. C. I have been Denied. She said they are requesting records, medical history, treatment plans, and who knows what else. I was afraid that would happen. However, I did discuss with the insurance company the fact that I have no surgeon in the area performing the surgery. It sounds like they might end up having to pay for Dr. C as if he were in network since I have none within 50 miles.

I plan on calling Sherri at Dr. C's office in the morning. I really want this surgery in May and feel like I've got to get this ball rolling a little faster for that to happen. I hope the insurance company doesn't deny me again.




3/19/04
I tried to talk with Sherri today, but she takes off on Fridays. I went ahead and started calling the surgeons on the list my insurance gave me that were within the 50 mile radius. I am supposed to find out 100% that there is no surgeon doing Bariatric surgery within my network. Well, I knew there wasn't any because I've been researching so much. I call a few and then one lady says, "Oh you want Dr. *, he's new." I'm thinking this doesn't sound good and looked and didn't seem him on my list. I looked again and I'll be danged if he wasn't on there. I called back and asked for more info. He does do the Lap RNY I want. Unfortunently this guy is new. That's why I didn't know about him already. I asked how many he'd performed and she had me on hold for several minutes while she tried to find out. She came back with a response, "Well, since he's been here he's done about 20, but he was in Virginia and did over a hundred there." Does this sound good? It doesn't to me. I came home and went here to see if I could find the guy. I couldn't find him at first. Then I checked Virginia and sure enough, there he is. But, I could only find a few women listed in VA and about the same for the new state he's in. I wonder if there is any way to verify how many surgeries he's performed.

At this point I'm thinking I'll go forward with Dr. Champion because I think he's most qualified. My husband wants to fight the insurance company on this issue and try to make them pay Dr. Champion as if he's in network. It will be a pretty significant amount of money in my opinon. But, I'm not willing to risk going with an inexperienced surgeon to say money.

I will be on vacation next week in Orlando, but I will be on the phone calling Dr. C's office to figure out where I go from here.

3/24/04

Here I am on vacation with my mind still occupied, at least to some degree, by WLS. I talked with Sherrie at Dr. C's office on Monday and found out that I will have to come into the office and have a Psych evaluation before an appeal can be made to the insurance company.

I felt backed against a wall this week. Dr. Champion is about 2 1/2 hours from my house. So, seeing him in his office when school is in becomes quite difficult. I need to get this done as quickly as possible so I will be flying home early. I am going to see him on Friday. Trying to find a Dr. within my network for a one time psych evaluation was time consuming. I was on the phone for over an hour calling nonstop to find one. I have an appointment for next Thursday a few hours from my house in Rome, GA.

I hope this isn't all being done for nothing. I suppose there is always the possibility BCBS of MN will turn me down. If that happens I'm not sure what I will do then.

To top it all off, I have been sick and so has my husband. That never makes for a nice vacation.

I'm sure I'll write more after my Dr. visit on Friday.




3/26/04

I met with Dr. Champion today and really like him. It was rather anti-climatic. It was simply one of those have to do it to get insurance approval things. He said he would be dictating the letter and sending it out next week, so maybe I'll get approval soon and then I can get my date set. He told me there will be NO PROBLEM getting my surgery during the summer while school is out.

3/28/04

I forgot to mention that I'd lost about 5lbs this week while on vacation. (They measured me at 5'4" at Dr. C's office; I've never been that short.)It really makes me want to keep going and do this on my own without the surgery. The bad thing is, I've done it enough to know what happens every time. The weight piles back on with a vengeance. I am still dreaming about the surgery or aspects of it most nights. I have bags under my eyes today and I think it's because I tossed and turned with dreams of surgery all night. I want to get this done NOW!!! I have a hard time focussing on anything else right now.

3/30/04

I have been reading through the memorial page here. I probably shouldn't do that. I guess it's the realist in me. I plan on getting a will written before my surgery. This is bad though; one day i look at before/after pics, the next day I look at journals of my surgeon's patients, the next the memorial page. I'm 100% obsessed.
I have to go see the psychiatrist Thursday. I'm just wishing there was a way to speed things up. I don't know why I want to get all this done so fast; I have no desire to have this done before school gets out in May. Dr. Champion said there will be no problem getting it done then.

4/1/04
I had my Psych Evaluation today. They want us to find someone to blame for our being overweight. How bout I just stick with me.

4/06/04
WOOHOO!!! I'm APPROVED. I knew my paper work was faxed on Monday and my insurance company seems to approve quickly. So, today I called and got ANGEL, no lie...that was the insurance person's name. She said I was approved and she seemed very excited for me. Now, I need to call Dr. C's office and see about scheduling.

4/10/04
It's Easter weekend and I'm unable to get my mind off my upcoming surgery once again. I got a call from Ann @ Dr. C's office and got all money talk out of the way. She said that Nancy should be calling me in a few days to schedule my surgery. I'm wanting to get it scheduled yesterday. It's not that I'm wanting to have it so soon. I just want to have it as SOON as school is out. Our last day is Friday, May 21 and I hope to schedule surgery the week of May 24th.

I was reading the message boards this morning and someone was talking about ordering samples of the protein drinks and powders. So I went to vitalady.com and bariatriceating.com and ordered me lots of different ones. I want to have some idea of what I like so I can order it and have it on hand before going to the hospital.

I'm really wanting to get to a support group, but there isn't one within an hour from my house. The closest one is in Huntsville and that's about 1 1/2 hours away. It will be different over the summer because I don't work in the summer.

4/12/04
I HAVE A DATE!!! May 25, 2004. I was thrilled, that is just 4 days after we get out for summer break. I am so excited that it's hard to think of it as being 6 weeks away. I want it tomorrow. Thank you lord for a smooth journey to this point and I pray the rest will be as smooth.

4/20/04

I knew things were going too smoothly. I received a letter from Bluecross of MN stating they'd found other surgeons in my network within miles. I called them to asked where they'd found these people and they said they were on the website. They just weren't in the area I was told to print out and call. Well, it really made me mad. I came online and started researching it and finally found these people and they aren't even surgeons. This insurance company just wants to get out of paying at the higher 80% rate. They want to pay Dr. C at 60%. I'm going to fight this to the end.

4/22/04

Well, yesterday was a much better day. I called Angel at BCBS of MN and she said someone else researched and found those doctors. Well, when she said she couldn't do anything I asked for a supervisor. Once I had her on the phone and told her the story things started to fall into place. I could tell she wanted to scream when I told her I'd called these supposed bariatric surgeons they'd put in the letter and they laughed when I told them about the letter. These doctors were general practitioners. So, I'm back to all is great and I love BCBS of MN. Full Steam Ahead!!!! Come on May 25th.

5/03/04
May is finally here. "This is my month, this is my year, 2004, Fat No More!!!" I have not posted in awhile because I'm trying so hard not to obsess about the surgery. It's difficult! I am doing the May message boards, the Alabama message boards, and the Georgia message boards. I chat in the main chat room sometimes. I belong to three different Yahoo support groups. I have three weeks to go. I wish I could fast forward through those real quick. I'm just trudging along trying to follow my pre-op diet as best I can. The most difficult part is eating for 30 full minutes. I'm a teacher; we don't even get thirty minutes.

5/15/04
Here it is only 10 days until my surgery. I actually have much less time than that to get things ready. We have to leave a week from tomorrow to go to Atlanta for all my pre-op and registration stuff. I'm having a rough time right now. Not because of my surgery, but other things in my life. I thank GOD for my husband and wonderful children. I'm hoping things will calm down over the next week and I can focus on my new life that I'm about to begin.

5/21/04
Today was the last day of school. It was an inservice day and I just cleaned up the room and got things turned in. We had a retirement party at an Italian restaurant and I ate more carbs in one meal than I've eaten in a month. I didn't like the way it made me feel at all.

I'm down to my last few days before surgery. I only have Saturday to get my house cleaned and ready. We'll leave for Atlanta on Sunday and I'll be busy with pre-op and then surgery on Tuesday morning. Woohooo!!! I'm so ready.

5/23/04
I guess this might be my final update until surgery. We are leaving in a few hours for Atlanta. I have to meet with the nutritionist and Dr. C first thing in the morning. After that, it's off to the hospital for preop testing. I hope to be in the hospital only two day and then back home Thursday. I've gone through the roller coaster of emotions and have settled down for the last few days. I really feel I'm doing the right thing for me and my family. But, if something does go wrong then I feel that it was meant to go wrong. I hope that my kids will remember how much I loved them if something does go wrong.

5/28/04
I'm home after 3 days in the hospital. I had to stay an extra day because I ran a fever and had nausea my second day. I'm feeling pretty good. I do have a bad headache and my neck and back are stiff. I've been doing lots of walking and sipping water. I had my first non-clear liquid meal tonight. I had mashed potatoes(my doctor considers that a liquid). They were very good, but are sitting pretty heavy on my new pouch.

As far as pain in concerned, there is very little after this surgery. I don't feel the incisions at all. The only pain came from gas and it would shift and subside as soon as I changed positions or walked a little more. I took lots of walks at the hospital. I probably took over 25 walks around the 2nd floor. The nurses seemed surprised with how quickly I was up and taking long walks.

I'm very concerned about the next few weeks because I have a 2 1/2 year old that is very active and plays rough. He's already tried to jump on me once since we've been home. My husband will be gone tomorrow and I'm horrified I'm going to pick him up by accident or maybe he's going to jump on my lap. Will be glad when I can be active again and my energy level goes up.

6/1/04
Well, I promised I wouldn't leave this journal once I'd had my surgery because I depended on everyone else's journals when I was a preop. So, I think I will try once per week.

Today I am one week out and feel great. I haven't had any real pain outside of severe gas. I'm keeping everything I eat down and it's very filling. Right now I'm enjoying my breakfast of cream of wheat with a dash of sf banana cream pudding for extra flavor. The liquid diet is a little boring, but I can live with boring for a few weeks. It's a small price to pay.

I'm feeling good enough today to get out and about. I'm going to take a trip to the grocery store and see how I feel after that. I might even try another afternoon trip to GNC. I'm sure I will end up at the park again sometime today. We went to the park yesterday and it was a refreshing break from the house.

The one thing that I've tried since surgery that I think was a great idea is Lactaid Milk. I was a little leary of regular milk because so many posties end up with an intolerance to milk. I love the stuff. I have been using it for protein shakes, hot cereals, and my coffee.

Good Luck to those of you reading this who are still preop. And, if you are reading this because you are considering using Dr. JK Champion, DO IT!!! I researched plenty before my surgery and found him to be THEE most experienced lap bypass surgeon out there. He is AWESOME. He has this surgery down to a fine art. I can't imagine using anyone else. The hospital staff is so in tune with this surgery and everything Dr. Champion expects. All the nurses in the Atlanta Bariatric unit at Emory Dunwoody have been there for MANY years. I think most of them have been there for 10-15 years. I can't imagine receiving better care anywhere.

6/9/04
Well, it's been two weeks since my surgery and I continue to tell everyone how wonderful I feel. I do feel great. However, I did begin the soft stage of my diet yesterday and I can tell things might get a little tougher now. I tried a bite of toast for breakfast and could tell right away that it wasn't going to work. So, I had a scrambled egg. I actually had about half a scrambled egg. I could tell if I tried one more bite it wasn't going to stay down. It's amazing how we can tell now that something isn't sitting right immediately. I'm going to go a little slower about adding things to my diet. I will say that I had some shrimp and it was yummy and sat really well on my stomach. I'm starting to notice the weight coming off. I think I've lost around 10-12lbs. I'm figuring I'll be somewhat of a slow loser because I started out pretty low in comparison to others who have the surgery. I have a year and a half and if it takes that much time I'll still be very happy to see those pounds go.

6/22/04
Today is my 1 month anniversary so I thought I'd update a bit. I'm still doing just GREAT! We spent most of last week at the beach and had a good time. I remained very active and was so glad to be off activity restrictions. We rode bikes, played on the beach, swam at the pool, went to the zoo, went to the Gulfarium(dolphin shows etc.), and ate some wonderful fresh seafood.

I had my 1st check up since surgery yesterday. It was very uneventful. I'm just having no problems. YEAH!!! I'm not losing very fast, but I am losing and feeling great. I've lost a total of 17.5lbs. I think. There is a little discrepency between the papers I received from my surgeon and what they told me my weight was the day before surgery. I don't recall them weighing me the day of surgery so I don't know where they got 1.5lbs lower. So, I have either lost 16 or 17.5. I really hope that as I increase my activity the weight will come off that quick or quicker. I know most people lose the most during their first month. I just hope mine doesn't slow down much from that. That will get depressing eventually. But, I'm not easily depressed, so I'm not really worried about it.

HAPPY HAPPY ME ;-)

7/13/04

Well...the weight loss has kicked in now and I'm still feeling great. I weighed this morning and I'm down around 32lbs. I'm finally able to fit into some of my prepregnancy clothes. My body seems quite different now than it was 4 years ago before I got pregnant though. This isn't totally a bad thing it's just going to take some getting used to. My legs were always bigger than everything else and now they seem to be losing faster than the rest of my body.

I've just started on regular foods in the past weeks and it's difficult sometimes. I have to be really strict with myself about putting my fork down for a few minutes between bites or I'll end up eating to fast. I've really not had trouble with foods unless I eat them to fast. I've enjoyed chicken, steak, hamburger, and turkey bacon.

Life is good!!!

7/25/04
I have been on vacation in Orlando for a week and had a great time. We spent a few days at the park and I walked tons. I always lose when we are on vacation because we get in so much exercise. I am going to wait a few days before I weigh again because I'm on my period and that's usually a few extra pounds. O was really bad about my calcium, iron, and water while on vacation. I've got to get back on track this week.

I will see people from work tomorrow for the first time since my surgery. I'm going to find something flattering to wear. I've gotten a little disappointed that some people don't mention the weight loss. But, I know I can tell in my clothes. I'm just not buying new clothes that fit to hide the weight like I used to. I'm going to try and make it with the clothes I have until I reach goal. I got lots of clothes from my cousin who had the surgery and hope they'll carry me through to my own smaller sizes.

I've had a few times lately where I couldn't keep food down. I've decided that chicken is tough for me and I have to eat it REALLY SLOW. Most other foods are fine if I eat slowly. I'm still doing great and have no regrets.

8/7/04
Well, my scales moved a little today. I weighed in at 202. My first mini goal was to be below 200 by the time school started. School starts monday so I need to lose 2lbs. by Monday. I really don't see that happening. I've been SUPER active for the past 3 weeks and haven't been losing any faster. But, you really never know. I will go for a week without losing 1 pound and then I'll lose 5lbs in a few days.

I'm still doing just great. I've been going through my closets and cleaning out clothes that are too big. I have a HUGE(pressure washer) box full right now. I've been trying on clothes to see what I have to wear to school right now. I am wearing mostly 16's; but, I can get into some of my 14 dresses and suits. Most of the suits are too tight in the hips still though. It is really exciting to go through my closet and pull out clothes I wore when I still felt good about myself. I'm getting there. I am looking forward to wearing something slinky for New Year's Eve this year.

8/15/04
I've been at 200lbs for the last two mornings. I'm hoping I will wake up in the morning and be in the 100's. I'm at 44.5lbs. lost in almost 11 weeks.

I decided I needed some jeans and went shopping today. That was EXTREMELY depressing. I have been wearing mostly 14's and 16's for the past few weeks. I picked up size 16 jeans. They weren't even close to fitting me right. This nouveau fit they have out is NOT made for those of us with big legs. I bet I tried on 25 pairs of jeans. I finally settled on some carpenter jeans in a size 16. The 18's I tried on were at least 5 inches too big in the waist.

Besides the disaster shopping everything is going just great. I've started the school year off without any major problems. I'm hoping I can start some type of regular exercise routine soon because I'm noticing the skin hanging on my arms and legs now.

Good Luck to anyone still in the preop phases of WLS. I hope your journey is as smooth sailing as mine has been.

8/28/04
Here I am another year older and feeling MUCH younger than I have for the past few birthdays. I turned 37 yesterday and life is GRAND. I'm still feeling wonderful and getting more energetic by the day.

My wonderfully sweet hubby gave me a $250 gift certificate to the Galleria Mall. He says I need to go treat myself to new clothes. I'm going to have a hard time spending it on clothes that will be too big in a month. I haven't decided just yet how I'm going to spend it.

My weight loss has been very steady since school started back. I'm at 193 as of this morning. I decided to try on a pair of misses 14 Levi's I wore about 5-6 years ago. They fit perfectly! I was stunned. It is amazing how different the jeans are cut now. I couldn't even wear the 16's 2 weeks ago at Goodys.

I guess my next major goal will be to get below 170lbs by halloween. I am looking forward to seeing my body below 170 because I had surgery(lipo) at around that weight in 1996. It will be interesting to see how my legs look then. That is the one area I'm having trouble seeing weight loss. They look just as big as always to me.

I'm thinking my hair might be getting a little thinner. I've always lost my hair by the hand fulls. I have super thick hair. It's still looking just as thick, but I think I'm losing a little more now. I'm making sure I take my biotin daily now.

I've found something new to eat for lunch that I'm loving, Lean Cuisine Cheese Canneloni. These are great!!! I'm eating lots of beef jerky for snack and breakfast most days. I eat mostly protein but will eat some fruit and veggies when I want them. I even had a few bites of bread with my chicken salad yesterday. I don't miss bread or rice at all.

I'm just feeling wonderful!!!

8/30/04
Just a quick note to say that I had a BLAST shopping yesterday. The only bad part was the mall closing. I tried on so many things I can't even remember them. I did end up having to get some Medium sweaters and tops because the larges were just too big. I am very narrow through the shoulders. I did find a few skirts that were size 14's and Large that fit. I tried on a few more pairs of jeans and 16's fit great in most places but are huge in the waist. I guess that means I'm getting my small waist back. I wouldn't call it small though. I finally measured since surgery and I'm 42 32 44. I've always had large hips. I didn't measure thighs; they are the worst part.

I'm melting and feeling GRRRRRREAT!!!

9/13/04
Things are still going well for me. I am on a plateau and I'm sure it will break soon. I'm holding steady at 190-191lbs. I do feel like the inches are coming off though. Things that were snug 2-3 weeks ago fit just fine now. I had something fabulous happen today. I came in and my hubby had laid the mail on the counter and I opened an envelope from my surgeon(figured it was an appointment reminder). I was totally shocked to find a check for the total amount I'd paid him. I suppose my insurance must have decided to pay him at 100%. Hubby says there's my NY City shopping trip. I'm thinking a few new hard wood floors in the house.

10/3/04
I've been very busy lately and haven't updated much. Things are still going just dandy for me. When people ask how I am doing and I respond never better they seem amazed. I really haven't had one day that I've regretted having this surgery. I have moments when I might feel down because my food gets hung up or just doesn't want to stay down. But those moments are few and far between and last just that...moments.

I finally broke that plateau and am around 185lbs. It isn't skinny, but it's certainly is moving in the right direction. I'm wearing mostly misses size 14's right now. I do have some 16's I'm still wearing also. It's neat to go shopping in my own closet. I can't resist shopping some too.

I might have to shop some today or this week because we're going back to Disney for Fall Break and I really don't have many clothes in my size that are casual enough for Disney. I am looking forward to this trip. I'm going to be about 40lbs. lighter than our last trip. We might even venture to the water parks this time.

I have decided I'm going to have a thigh lift when I reach goal. I will probably get it done even if I don't reach goal. I needed it before I even started gaining really bad. I had liposuction back in 1996 when I weighed 170 and worked out daily. The surgeon said I'd eventually need a thigh lift to get my legs looking normal. So, I'll probably look at having this done in June next year. I don't want to be perfect. I just want to be able to wear a pair of shorts and not get stares from strangers because my legs are so awkward looking.

WOW!!! When I updated my profile just now I realized that my BMI is 29.9. This means I am no longer obese. I am officially overweight. WOOOHOOO!!! Now if I can just make it to the normal category I'll be thrilled.

October 30, 2004
Here it is, almost another month gone by and I haven't updated. Not much has changed; I still feel wonderful. I'm weighing in at 176 today. I haven't been eating the way I know I should lately. We've had more sweets around at school and that makes it difficult. I've found out that I can eat sweets without getting sick. I do get sleepy if I eat more than a few bites. I kind of wish I would have dumped the first time I tried anything sweet so I wouldn't be tempted again.

I added a picture trail to my profile today. It only has one preop pic which I've been told is too good. I'm going to scan in some where I looked like a beached whale soon. Hubby took a few pics of me last night dressed up as a cowgirl; it was western day at my school. There are also a few pics of my little one from last night's Fall Festival.

I'm wearing some 12's but mostly 14's now and having a terrible time keeping clothes which fit that I like. There are plenty of out of style things in my closet that fit from years ago. We'll be broke by the time I get to goal.

We went on fall vacation to Disney World this month and had a blast. We went to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and MGM. We were really active and on the go. I couldn't have gone this much 68lbs. ago. I'm even looking forward to doing the water parks next visit.

I still haven't had any major problems. My hair is definately falling out by the handful. It looks thin to me, but I'm sure nobody else can tell a difference. I had extremely thick hair to begin with. I struggle some days to get in all my iron and calcium. I have to have blood work done this coming month, so we'll see how that turns out. I pray all will come back fine.


11/14/04

I finally had a bad day; yesterday was rough. I'm still not positive what happened, but I had the worst cramps I've ever experienced since surgery. I called my surgeon and they wanted me to go to the ER and have a cat scan if they didn't start subsiding within an hour. Well...they did subside slightly so I took a pain pill and stuck it out at home. I'm thinking I might have had my first dumping episode. I had eaten two bites of banana parfait about 3-4 hours prior to the cramps. I didn't have any other symptoms, just the cramps. They lasted to some degree until about 8 last night. I'm tired and a little sore today but feeling much better overall.

I'm still doing fine with my eating and losing weight. I've lost a total of 74lbs. and weigh around 170-171. I've still had a little trouble with eating sugar but just an occasional bite.

I had my blood drawn Thursday and will get the results from my doctor on Tuesday. I will post the results on here then.


12/4/04
Here it is December and I haven't updated but once since the end of October. I guess I will commit to updating once each month, twice seems to be a little much during this busy time of year.

I'm still doing GREAT! My blood work came back PERFECT. I have finally gotten below 170. I didn't think that was ever going to happen. I was in the 170's for two months I believe. I weighed in at 167 this morning. I have really dropped the inches this past month while I wasn't losing pounds. Everyone is starting to ask if I'm finished losing because they think I look great at this weight. I don't! I do feel like I'm starting to look good again, but I want to lose another 25lbs or a little more.

My husband and I went to a OH Alabama Message Board dinner this week and had lots of fun meeting some great women. My hubby is such a trooper; it was all women. I've been shopping some and I'm in mostly 12's and some 10's. All my 14's I'd bought in Sept and Oct are really big now and look sloppy.

To anyone out there considering surgery I welcome your questions or comments and wish you lots of success on this awesome journey.

1/1/05
Well, here it is another year starting. This one is starting off much better than this time last year. This time last year I was having trouble with daily life. My body was not handling 250lbs well at all. I woke in pain every morning and could hardly make it downstairs. After school each day I would come straight home in fear if I went somewhere someone would notice me. It got so bad that I didn't want to go to the grocery store or to the hair salon. I just wanted to be invisble.

Now I'm 165lbs. I feel much better and have no problems getting around at all. My feet even feel great for the first time in years. I wear high heel boots almost every day. I'm down to sizes 10 and 12 in pants and Mediums in shirts. My breasts have gone from a 38DD to a 36C. I'll probably end up in a 34B by the time I reach goal. That will be just fine by me.

I still have some issues with food. I have found that I can eat chocolate and that's one of my weeknesses. I guess if I ate enough and dumped it might stop that, but I don't eat a large amount at one time. I am also having issues with eating at night again. I am going to get these two things under control and this should help.

I am pretty pleased with how my body is handling the weight loss. I don't think my stomach is too bad and have people ask me if I've had plastics already because it is pretty flat. My legs are another story. They are really sagging from my upper to mid thighs. I think I will have a lift sometime this summer.

Overall I'm still VERY PLEASED with having this surgery. I can't imagine what my life would be like in the future if I hadn't had surgery. I was heading down a path of destruction. If you are reading this and considering surgery I would be glad to share any info with you, just email me.




1/18/05

I went to the Atlanta Obesity Help event this past weekend-what a good time that was! I enjoyed meeting people that I've seen, but never had the chance to talk with in person. I met some folks I can see being friends with for sure. I enjoyed rooming with Janet Middleton and Althea Thompson. We had lots of fun doing things before, during, and after the event. Everyone needs to take a weekend and go to an OH event.

My weight is down to 162 and I'm pretty pleased with that. I would still like to lose another 20-25lbs. My husband is concerned that he won't like me that thin. He has never seen me this small and likes a little meat on the bones. I'm just going to keep toning and eating right.

I'm also considering some plastics, but don't think it'll be anytime before summer and maybe even later than that. I'm checking out Marisa Lawrence out of Atlanta. I had seen some info on her before and was able to meet some of her patients at the event in Atlanta. She did some work on my new friend Virginia Rock and she looks just wonderful. I've emailed them for more info and will update what I find out there.

1/21/05

Had a bit of head trouble this week. I had a day where I just felt F A T! I haven't really had one of those since surgery. I know I'm not really that fat anymore. I am beginning to eat to much sometimes. I don't mean at a sitting really, but throughout the day. I had two birthdays in my classroom this week and I ate a cupcake on both days. I wouldn't even have tried a bite of those two or three months ago. What has gotten into me?

I am stuck at 162-163. I was even up to 165 for a few days this week. I hope to keep it down and finally drop into the 150's sometime this week.

I'm having some trouble with cramping today. I was hoping I would see where I'd said something about that here on my profile the day I felt bad back in November, but it wasn't on here. I guess it could be a dumping episode. I did eat some chocolate earlier. I'm going to lie on the couch for a few minutes and see if it eases up some.

1/30/05
I'm happy to say that the scale finally went below 162 for the first time. I think it was closer to 160, but I'm going to say 161 for right now. That way I won't be so disgusted if I'm not below 160 this week.

I'm still healthy as a horse, but starting to struggle with what I eat. I'm finding it harder to stay away from snacking between meals. I'm just trying to make good choices when I do snack. I think it's basically the honeymoon period coming to an end. Now is the time those old habits start wanting to creep back in. I'm glad I really changed my habits when it was easy to do so.

Right now the weather is killing me. I come home on Friday after school and basically go nowhere until Monday morning when it's time to go back to school. This is not a good thing for me. I always eat more when I'm cooped up in the house. This is how I gained the weight in the first place I think. It's just so difficult to get out and do when you are 1)broke 2)parent of a 3 yr old 3)have a husband who stays gone the entire hunting season. I thank God that today was the last day of the season. I'm going to do something fun next weekend. I just can't sit around the house all weekend and do nothing but clean. I HATE to clean so it makes for a depressing weekend.

2/8/05
I just woke up and weighed in and I've lost another pound, down to 158. I'm excited that I'm still losing, it's just sooo slow. I'm feeling a little puny with sinuses and sore throat. I am on my way to a meeting today. I hope I can make it through the entire day. I'm trying to decide if I should take something or not. Medicine does a number on me now. BMI is 25.5. Only .5 more to go to reach NORMAL weight. I'm still about 20lbs. over where I want to be though. I'll just keep plugging away at these last pounds...I'll get em'.

3/22/05
Didn't realize it'd been so long since I updated. What I have read is so true-life does get very busy. I have gotten down as low as 153, but keep bouncing around about 3 lbs. This means I am finally NORMAL BMI. I am really feeling and looking great. I am thinking I might have my goal weight set a bit too long for my frame. I set it at 138 which is another 15lb loss. We'll see how I feel as I lose more. IF I lose more. If I didn't lose another pound I'd still be happy with it. My legs are the only thing I'm not loving right now. I have a good bit of skin hanging. I haven't decided for sure if I'll have plastics to remove the skin or not.

3/27/05
I had a great week off. I really didn't do much of anything besides spend money. I shopped some and took a little road trip to Columbus, Georgia. I got my hair darkened and then had blond ribbons of color added. I'll have to get up a new pic of it this week.

I had a great time on Friday night. I went out for dinner and dancing with fellow WLS patient Julie Hedges. I had a blast!!! It is so nice to get out and realize you are once again attractive to the opposite sex. We danced all night and it felt great. I know I'm going to have to get a regular once a month dance night somewhere. I love how I feel when I go dancing.

No weight loss unfortunently. I'm not sure how much more I'm wanting to lose, but I do know I want to lose some more. I'm going to crack down this week by upping my protein and water and cutting out sugary foods. I think I'll also cut the coffee out. It's warming up here now and it should be easy to do.

Here is a address to Julie's website and a pic of us out on the town.


http://www.e-dreamerz.net/JULIE_WEIGHT_PAGE/POST%20OP%20PHOTOS/34%20MONTHS/34_MONTHS_POSTOP.htm then bottom pic

5/2/05
Oh man, I didn't realize I went an entire month without updating. I've been doing terrible I suppose. I don't know what has happened to me over the past month. I have been feeling fat and eating poorly. My weight is going up and down right now. One morning the scales say 152 and the next they say 157. I have been eating lots of sugar.

TODAY is the day I get back on track and lose the rest of my weight. I am swearing off sugar for the last time. I will NOT let those old habits creep back into my life and reek havok on my body again.

I'm still looking good, but I hope to report next week that I'm feeling good again and the sugar is NOT in my life any longer.

5/16/05
This is such a busy time of year for me. I actually thought the weight would fall off right now, but it's not. I really think it's because I don't have much to lose. My body likes where it is. I'm currently 151 lb. I'm really looking thin up top through my shoulders and mid section.

I still feel GREAT!!! I have gotten my eating under control. I am not perfect and do have some bad days where I eat something I shouldn't, but it's not terrible. I hope this is how I can eat for life. I would hate to find out that I have to eat less than this in order to keep my weight down.

I really haven't lost any weight since March. I hit a low of 151, but bounce around between that and 155. I really would like to get into the 140's on the doctor's scales by my 1 year checkup on May 26th. I'm going to have to increase protein, water, and exercise in order to make it for sure. I commit to do that right now.

Only 5 more days in the school year! I only have kids for 3 more days and then they pick up their report cards on Thursday. I will get my room in order on Friday and then I have 11 weeks off. I'm looking forward to it, but I'll miss this class. They have been a great group.

5/26/05
I went to my surgeon today for my 1 year checkup. My bone density has improved which is really good. I was late getting my blood drawn, so I'm not sure about everything just yet. They had several things incorrect in my folder. They said I was 5'4" which I already knew and can only assume they did because I might not have qualified had they put down 5'6" which I am closer to. They also had my start weight 2lb less. So, according to them I've only lost 88lb. By the ideal weight they have I should lose another 24lb. I have NO intensions of losing that much more. I would be rail thin. I don't want to be thin....just healthy with a few curves remaining. So, my surgeon says I need to cut out the sweets. I knew that. He also says if I don't then I'm probably going to start gaining weight. That I'm not going to let happen. So, I've enjoyed some good foods today and have already written out my plan for food and water intake tomorrow.
I'm going to up my activity level as well. I plan on losing another 10-15lb and then maintaining there. My low on my home scales has been 151, but at the doctor today I was 155. I will get to 140 by the time school starts back in August.

I feel great and wish anyone planning to have surgery much success. I'm always happy to hear from others. If you are interested in talking email me.

6/3/05

We just came home from the beach last night. Boy what a fun trip. I enjoyed being on

About Me
Gadsden, AL
Location
26.8
BMI
RNY
Surgery
05/25/2004
Surgery Date
Feb 29, 2004
Member Since

Before & After
rollover to see after photo
March of 2004 and March of 2005
250/150lbs
October 15, 2006
150lbs

Friends 60

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