I am a very positive person and have never REALLY let my weight be an issue...or so I thought. Little by little I found myself not wanting to be photographed, not wanting to go to an amusement part for fear of not being able to get into a ride, you guys all know the drill.

I have a wonderful and supportive husband and 2 teenaged daughters who have somehow managed to get their daddy's metabolism and genes!! Thank heavens ...so far they have never had to worry about weight. Let's keep it that way!

At 44, I have been married to my wonderful husband for almost 25 years. For our 25th anniversary (next Dec. 1), I hope to be either at goal or close to it. He has stood by me as I gained almost 100 lbs. over the years. I can't imagine life without him and the support he shows is so inspirational that I WILL HAVE THIS SURGERY. Even as I gained he kept quiet except to say last year, that the only reason he wants me to lose weight is to be healthy. He wants me to grow old with him! You have to love him for that. Did I mention that he weighs about 150!

Things I want to do when I'm at goal (I am going to add something new each day!):

#1 - Make love to my husband with the lights ON. DONE
#2 - Go visit my best friend from high school who lives in Florida. She hasn't seen me in 20 years and during those 20 years I gained all this weight. I don't want her to see me like this.
#3 - Start going to the doctor when I'm sick. I don't go because I don't want him to say I'm getting fatter. I know that!! I really need my mammogram...DONE
#4 - Go DANCING! DONE
#5 - Learn to Scuba Dive.
#6 - No pretend that I am fastening my seat belt on a plane because I am too embarrassed to ask for an extender! DONE (and I have plenty of room to spare!
#7 - Go roller coasting!!! DONE
#8 - Buying clothes in the "normal" department other than my buddy, Lane Bryant! DONE
#9 - Wear a bathing suit that doesn't have a skirt or shorts attached! HAH!! DONE!



July 23, 2003

Well insurance said they were sending me a letter to ask for more information last Friday. I am still waiting. Does this mean I am getting close...Yikes!

July 24, 2003

Got the insurance letter...no denial, but not good. Can't talk about it now...will post later.

Blah!

October 30, 2003

I know it's been a long time since I have posted, but so much has been going on. My mom's cancer has seemed to spread and I have been down here in Florida. It just makes me so sick to my stomach that she is going through this chemo and radiation and seeing her like this. She is really embarassed about not having any hair and she hates wearing a wig...

I received my denial letter from Aetna saying I still needed a few more months with medical supervision which I finally did. I sent my packet off Monday morning...I really hope they approve because my mom is so supportive of this surgery for me. She said it would make it easier on her leaving this world to know that I was going to be in it longer with the surgery... well, I am taking her to have another PET scan in a few minutes. Will post later.


November 4, 2003

Happy Voting Day! Still awaiting word on my appeal from Aetna. I hope I have given all the info they want, but who knows! I am waiting to hear from my mom's doctor regarding if the cancer has spread. A little nervous...she also wants me to have the surgery and is so supportive. Please say a little prayer that we hear good news today. Well, another day, more waiting!!!


November 8, 2004

I AM APPROVED!!!! And we're talking Aetna, folks!! I can't believe it! I had sent in my appeal letter on October 27 with all kinds of information and a heart-felt 4-page emotional letter. I included another letter from my PCP and an article on obesity from the National Health Institute.

I received a letter just this Monday, and it said they received everything but it would be another 15 working days until it was reviewed thoroughly. So, I'm thinking it's gonna be a while.

Well, I was out shopping with my sister (aren't I always on Saturday) when my 14-year old daughter called me and said they had a letter from Aetna. Did she want me to read it for me.

I can tell you my heart was pounding but I said, "go ahead". Now, I gotta say, something told me it was going to be good news. And I quote "based upon our review of information included in your letter and Dr. Lader we are reversing our original determination and will now provide benefits for gastric bypass surgery."

Ladies and gentlemen, I started crying right as I was driving and my sister started screaming, and my daughter started screaming. Then we all said almost in unison..."Now What??"

Since it's Saturday, I can't call Dr. Nigh for an actual date, but I am shaking even as I type this. It's a miracle! And I thank the heavenly father for allowing this gift for me to enjoy a full life.

I can't thank everyone enough for all the support they have given me on this sight. The first thing I said to my sister was I have to get on the board and spread my good news! I didn't even put the groceries away.

YEE HAH!!!!!

For those of you interested, here is my letter to Aetna:
TO: Aetna
FROM: Debra L. Reed:
DATE: October 10, 2003
RE: Request for Surgery Approval
I am writing to appeal your denial for my recent request for surgical treatment for morbid obesity. The procedure that I will be having, with the surgeon's recommendation of course, is Roux-en-Y Gastric Exclusion. This operation has been shown to have the most beneficial outcomes, with minimal complications post-operatively than the other options. My surgeon will be Dr. Andrew Nigh at the Winlife Program. I have researched doctors and centers thoroughly and have found CSS to be highly recommended.

I want you to know that I am highly motivated, educated and determined and have the skills, desire and tenacity to make this procedure a success. It's not an easy decision to make, and it's not a cop-out in any way!!! I've struggled for over twenty years and I am tired of struggling. Other than the physical problems I've listed below, there comes with being morbidly obese a very emotional roller coaster that I live with from day to day!!! It's hard to explain to someone who isn't obese, but even simple things like having people stare and having to buy clothing at the "fat-store" is humiliating.... and this is not even including the emotional trauma of not doing things in life for fear of humiliation.... something simple like not attempting to ride a roller-coaster at an amusement park or traveling by airplane for fear of being told you are too big and the safety bar or seat belt will not accommodate your bulk. I want to be healthy and minimize my risks so that I can re-enter life on a full-time basis for myself and for my wonderful family and I know that this is a last resort for me..... as you can see below, I have made many excellent attempts in the past, and now this surgery is medically necessary.
I have enclosed a letter from my primary care physician who diagnosed Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and insulin resistance, a weight log since 1996, and a detailed diet and weight loss/gain history since 1993. On the Diet and Weight Loss/Gain History I have left out some of the numerous diets that I tried that I found in books and magazines because I did not remember the exact details pertaining to exact dates and wt. lost/gained. I've tried every one I came across, and have included copies of those books. Also enclosed are copies of some of my numerous weight loss plans and nutrition books as well as some scanned photographs of the many others that I've tried over the years.
I am 45 years old, 5'1" tall, and weigh 275 lbs. -- which makes my BMI 51. My history is typical of the morbidly obese. I have been on the edge of obesity since childhood. I weighed 175# (at 5'1") in high school and was always trying to diet. After graduation, marriage, and having a child, my weight had crept up to just over 200# and since then I have tried every diet plan and over-the-counter diet medication I could get my hands on. By the age of 28, I was up to 230# and at 45, I am at 275#. I will describe the effects and co morbidities in a moment. I have been on a prescription weight loss medication but discontinued with the tragedy of Redux/Phen-Fen. Most recently I tried Xenical, but have talked to 12-15 individuals who were on it and reported minimal weight loss and unbearable flatulence and rectal leakage of mucous. These same symptoms plagued me, not to mention only a loss of one pound in a month.

Most recently, over the past 9 months to a year, I'm finding that when I climb stairs or even go grocery shopping I get out of breath. Oftentimes, when I answer the phone at home, the caller asks if I had to run to the phone because I'm out of breath just from jogging through my 2000 sq. ft. house to the phone. I can do a minimal to moderate exercise program for less than 10 minutes (closer to 5 minutes) before physically not being able to continue.

At about 220# the pain in my feet, and back began, but I was able to manage by sitting around a lot. This pain and decreasing mobility interferes with any exercise, my job performance and family/personal life. Recently, it has become more difficult to do many of the routine things of life that I should be able to enjoy, such as sports, and even just having the energy to be outside walking the dogs and being with my family more. Now, when I get up in the morning, my ankles and feet hurt so badly because of my weight that I limp around for 5 minutes until they get used to bearing my weight again.

Over the past year I have been suffering the repercussions of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and have been unable to get pregnant after consultation with both my PCP and OB/GYN. I now take birth control pills so that I have a regular menstrual cycle. I have decided that to get pregnant at this weight would be a risk for a child and myself. Through testing at my PCP, I was found to be Insulin Resistant, which is a precursor for Diabetes, and can be remedied by losing weight. I am currently taking 2000 mg of Glucophage daily to combat my ever-increasing insulin levels.
I have made numerous attempts to achieve weight loss by dietary means and have been on the following diets, weight loss programs, medications, and exercise programs: 1500 and 1800 calorie diet plans, Weight Watchers, Health Club Memberships, Richard Simmons, LA Weightloss, Weight by Prevention, the 5 Day Miracle Diet, Dieting with the Duchess (Weight Watchers), Jenny Craig, and Atkins Diet... and every plan on the book shelf, newspaper or television. Diet Products and Plans: Metabolife, Slim Fast, Dexatrim, Accutrim, Xendarin, Meridia, Xenical, ThermoBurn/Fat Attack Combo, grapefruit diet, and any other diet, fad or otherwise, that came along. Gyms and Exercise Programs have included: home gym, aerobics classes at home and at local clubs, water aerobics, Billy Blanks Taebo, and Winsor Pilates. I actually enjoy the Taebo and Pilates, but my overall physical status keeps me from doing them....I look forward to losing weight and actually being able to have the energy and stamina to exercise!

With my BMI of 51, I am classified as morbidly obese and have the following co morbidities: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, infertility, extreme fatigue, pain in weight bearing joints including knees and hips, insulin resistance, occasional peripheral edema when standing/walking for a few hours, shortness of breath on exertion (1 flight of stairs leaves me breathless), and migraine headaches. I found a quote from bariatric surgeon Dr. G. Wesley Clark, of San Diego, who works with another bariatric surgeon, Dr. Alan Wittgrove.....he quotes:

"Actually, we're finding that more than 95% of all health problems related to obesity are gone within a year of this surgery," Clark continues. "That includes diabetes, gastro esophageal reflux disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, weight-bearing joint problems, pain in the low back, and incontinence.....When you get rid of all the problems you've had, it makes sense you've got a better chance of living longer."

I know that bariatric surgery is a big decision, but I've done a remarkable amount of research on it. The procedure is called a Roux-en-Y Gastric Exclusion, and will be done by the Winona Hospital in Indianapolis, IN that is exclusively for this surgery. It is by no means the easy way out, but I feel that I am ready to do this and to make it a success! I'm 45 years old now but I feel like I'm 60..... and even scarier than the thought of having surgery, is the thought of not being around when I'm 60 ~~ I've really come to terms recently with the fact that you don't see very many, if any, fat senior citizens.
Between myself and close follow-up with my doctors, I am sure that me and my very supportive family can, and will, make this a success. It's time for me to re-enter life on a full-time basis and be the best that I can be -- for myself and for my family. I believe that all coverage criteria have been met, and in fact, I have provided you with everything necessary. We have met the "medical necessity" criteria and the procedure is not excluded.

Enclosed you will find specific information from my health history/co morbidities; weight loss programs, meds and exercise plans/programs I've used; letter from my primary care physician; and a diet history since 1997. I have made everything complete so that I am sure everything has been covered. If you need anything more specific, please let me know..... though I doubt you will, as I have dotted every *I* and crossed every *t* to make this as thorough and smooth as possible for myself and for you.

Thank you for expediting my request and forwarding the authorization as soon as possible to Winlife. Please do not treat me as a case number, but as Debra L. Reed, a woman who needs her life back and wants to live a healthier lifestyle.
Sincerely,

Debra L. Reed

NOW here is the letter I wrote and had my PCP sign!




September 4, 2003


Aetna Insurance
100 N. Riverside Plaza
Healthcare, 19th Floor
Chicago, IL, 60606-1518

RE: Debra L. Reed
Member ID 310700819
Request for Pre-approval for gastric bypass surgery (CPT-4 Code= 43847)
To Whom It May Concern:

Mrs. Debra L. Reed has been under my care for the past 10 months. She is 44 years of age, stands 5’1” tall and weighs 297 lbs. She has a history of adult obesity with a current BMI of 53. The body mass index is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared. When a man's BMI is over 27.8, or woman's exceeds 27.3, that person is considered obese. The degree of obesity associated with a particular BMI ranges from mild obesity at a BMI near 27, moderate obesity at a BMI between 27 - 30, severe obesity at 30 - 35, to morbidly obese for patients with a BMI of 40 or greater 1,2,3.

Mrs. Reed’s weight condition has caused her significant health problems, some of which appear to be getting progressively worse as time goes on; her Hypertension, high cholesterol and joint pain are moderately severe.
She has been over 200 lbs. for the past 12 years and it appears to steadily increase as the years progress. Mrs. Reed knows the health risks associated with morbid obesity and has done her best at attempts to control her weight. These include various fad diets like Phen-Phen, Atkins, Cabbage soup, etc. In an effort to resolve her weight problem, she has undergone numerous weight loss treatment plans such as:

- Physician’s Weight Loss – 1993 for 6 months (starting at 230 – ending at 210) – this program required B12 shots and only 600 calories.
-- Weight Watchers Diet – 1994 for 8 months (starting at 240–ending at 205 lbs.)
- Weight Watchers - 1997 for 6 months (starting at 240 lbs. – ending at 224 lbs.)
- Weight Watchers (3rd time) – 1999 for 12 months (starting at 235 lbs. – ending at 231 lbs.)
- Thermoburn/Fat Attack Combo – 2000 for 3 months (starting at 250 lbs. – ending at 240 lbs.)
- Weight Watchers (4th time) – 2001 for 6 months (starting at 267 lbs. – ending at 245 lbs.)



- Weight Watchers (last time) – 2002 for 3 months (starting at 272lbs – ending at 258 lbs.)

When Mrs. Reed came to me in desperation to help her with her lifelong weight problem, I told her the only way to permanently help her would be to have the gastric bypass surgery. I have put her on a 1200 calorie diet since April and she has been unable to sustain a weight loss which is consistent with her past attempts. As you can see, there is no long-term success. Mrs. Reed has been over 200 lbs and has been extremely lucky not to have any major health concerns. Ms. Reed’s attempt at losing and re-gaining weight has only proven to cause her more health concerns. Debra is a very active female and volunteers for several charitable organizations which require lifting and walking long distances. Her work requires traveling and physical moving of boxes, etc. and her weight is beginning to take its toll on her performance. She tries to participate in recreational activities such as volleyball and golf. It is time for a permanent resolution to eliminate future health concerns related to morbid obesity.

From the success rate known from gastric bypass surgery and health benefits involved, I feel this would be the BEST solution for PERMANANT weight loss and beneficial for future health concerns due to morbid obesity and current health conditions from worsening. Obesity has been shown to directly increase health care costs. In an article in the March 9, 1998, issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine 17,118 members of the Kaiser Permenente Medical Care Program were studied to determine the association between body fat and health care costs. The results showed that patients with BMI’s greater than 30 had a 2.4 times greater risk for increased inpatient and outpatient costs than patients with BMI’s under 30.

Americans spend an additional $33 billion dollars annually on weight-reduction products and services, including diet foods, products, and programs. Most of these expenditures, as is evidenced in this case, are not effective. Rather it can expected that she will continue to gain weight and the costs of co-morbid conditions, including the ones she already has and ones she surely will acquire as time goes on, will far outweigh the costs of gastric bypass surgery that we are asking you to please approve for Debra.

When we initially submitted her request for pre-approval, she had 4 months of actual supervision from me, however, we had discussed her weight problems in November of 2002 because she was very concerned about bloodwork results she received from her work physical. I also saw her today. Her weight has increased by 3 lbs. (see attached Obesity Visit Sheet).



I trust this information will aid you in understanding the true severity of Mrs. Reed’s case and in facilitating the proper assessment. Please feel free to contact me if I can answer or clarify any questions you might have.

Sincerely,





As you can also tell, I had my PCP write a letter also requesting this surgery being a life saving procedure!!!



November 10 - Gee whiz (as my DH tends to say!) Today I feel so alive...I still can't believe I am approved. I called WINLIFE to get my pre-ops done and am waiting to hear from Pam. Jackie said they would probably be in December!! Ohmigosh...I find myself giggling thinking of all the things I am going to do with my new lease on life. I'm already a crack-pot, so Katie, bar the door! There will be no stopping me now.

I even bought a book to start my own website! I keep thinking of all the things in 2004 will be different...

I'll be so much thinner...

1. When I go to Vegas in May and I'm gonna ride the Big Shot again! DONE
2. When I go on my annual houseboat trip in Sept. This time I'm not going to need a special life vest for the wave runner, and it won't sink so far in the water - LOL!
3. And my mom (who has lung cancer) will be able to see me thin! She worries more about me than herself! DONE
4. And I want to go Cedar Point in the Summer and ride EVERYTHING.
5. I won't have to "pretend" to buckle my seatbelt on an airplane so I won't have to ask for a seat extender. (DONE)
6. I won't have to squish into a booth at a restaurant. (DONE)

Do you ever feel so giddy that it's comical? I'm just so happy that there is a light at the end of my tunnel. I know I don't have a date scheduled yet, but I just can't contain my excitement. Love to you all!!!! Yikes, I'm beginning to sound like Mary Poppins or Pollyanna! Oh well, who cares...it's about time I acted happy again.

Well, even as I finished typing this, Pam called and I have all of my pre-ops on December 12. She said it will take all day. I'm not sure what to expect, but I will put down everything that happens just in case others are wondering the same thing!


November 14, 2003

Today I told my boss about the surgery during my performance appraisal for the year. He was flabbergasted at first, but just sat back in the chair and listened as I poured my heart out about how I was feeling and how excited I was about the surgery. When I told him how much I weighed (can you BELIEVE it - I told him and my husband doesn't even REALLY know!!) and he said that I hid it very well and he would never have guessed. I told him that was just the point -- because I am so outgoing and don't SEEM to let my weight bother me, nobody thinks it does...but as all of you guys can attest, I was crying on the inside. Anyway, he is very supportive of me and said I didn't have to tell anybody but HR that I was having it done. It's nobody's business but mine! I am very blessed to have such an understanding employer. Phew! Telling my family, best friends, and now my boss is a load off'n my mind. This is going to be such a WILD ride!

My kids watched Oprah yesterday and asked if I was going to have my boobs hanging to my knees. Well, I am only a 44C as we speak, and I told them that woman MUCHO bigger than me. But I would have some sagging...we'll cross that bridge when I come to it!


November 16, 2004

Well, it's Sunday and I just watched the Colts win -- YEAH!! I went shopping today for a new blender. Penney's was having a huge sale and I've read I need something heavy duty. Being a pre-op and waiting for January, I am trying to get ahead of the game. I was standing in line talking with my daughter about what I'm going to fix when I have the surgery and a girl in front of me said, "I'm sorry to interrupt you, but are you having gastric bypass surgery - because I'm thinking of having it?" I told her "yes," and since the line was so damn long, I finished my whole story on what type of procedure what to expect, AMOS, etc. She was so pumped that she said that I helped her make up her mind to talk to her PCP about it. She even teared up and thanked me with a hug! Boy, did that make me feel good! I didn't know how well versed in the surgery I was until I started spouting out facts. I just wanted to thank this site for helping me feel so sure about my decision to have the RNY. Love you guys!


November 28, 2003

Man, just when I think I am proud of myself for finally getting this surgery and how upbeat I am -- I have tons of family support, BUT, nobody but my sister and my best friend has known what I REALLY weigh. I have been married to my husband for 24 years (this Monday - happy anniversary to me!) and I have never told him what I weigh. Now, he can probably guess, but I have never actually said it (275 lbs).

I don't look my weight at all becaues I tend to cammoflage it pretty well. But this Thanksgiving, I finally told all my extended family (in-laws, aunts, uncles, etc) that I was having this surgery. I was afraid they would worry about the risks, etc. But they surprised me with all of their support.

So, when we all left, I was rather smug with myself for being so honest and up front with my feelings and attitude towards WLS. Then my 18-year old, beautiful, sensitive, thin daughter said, "You keep saying you need to lose more than 100 lbs. But if you lose that, what will you weigh, 90 lbs. or something? I don't want you to get anorexic. How much DO you weigh?" My husband, who has never asked me my weight, said the same thing..."I can't believe you need to lose 100 lbs -- I think you'll be just skin and bones." And folks, they were both so SINCERE - no, "let's try and make mom feel better about her weight" kind of stuff.

Wow, is that what they think I weigh...ya gotta love 'em -- Now, this should be the time that I FINALLY admit my true weight. A moment of truth.

But I said to them, "245". I coulda slapped myself for this lie. A full 30 lbs. less than my true weight. Why was I afraid to tell them? Is 245 a magic number or something? Would they love me less for that extra 30 lbs.? Would my husband not want to have sex with me anymore because I am a full 120 lbs. more than he is? Has he been turning a blind eye to my ACTUAL weight?

Who knows? I guess I didn't want to find out...My family is the best thing in my life; they only care about my health. Both my daughter and husband are going to my nutrition classes to ensure that I learn all I need to.

Well, thanks for listening...I feel so much better. Just by writing it down, and seeing how ridiculous that extra 30 lbs. lie is...I am going to tell them.
My surgery is 2nd week of January...maybe I should tell them then...what a baby I am!!!


December 9, 2003

Yikes, been a little remiss in posting to the old profile! Not much to say actually but I do have my pre-ops on Friday, 12/12.
It does bring things closer, you know! Once I begin the tests, I think it will really hit me that I'm gonna be doing this!!! Scared? You bet! Excited? Even more so. 2004 is gonna be MY year!


December 12, 2003

Well, went and had my pre-ops done at Winona Hospital. I'm glad I got there early because there were 7 other folks lined up behind me. First, went to Pulmonary...the poor tech there didn't know what she was doing because the other tech was on vacation. I was there for 1/2 hour and the people were stacking up behind me. After that and the EKG, went to have my blood drawn.

Now, I have terrible veins like so many others and was really dreading it. But the tech got it on the first stick with a butterfly. I was thrilled.

After that, came x-rays. First came the upper GI. You are given a shot to "relax your stomach". Then these little bicarb crystals that you have to "throw to the back of your throat". Then you take about 1 oz. of water. It bubbles all the way down but you gotta keep from burping!!!

Then comes the barium...what a treat. Keep drinking, Mrs. Reed, keep drinking. I swear I thought I was gonna hurl. But I didn't. Then came the chest x-ray. Nothing much there.

That was pretty much it. Just lasted all day cause for the last 4-5 hours we went to a pre-surgery class. Sarah and Pam were great. Again, thank goodness I was one of the first on the list because.....TAH DAH....I have a date of January 13!!! One month and I'm on the losing side.....YEE HAH! I also have to say, my beautiful 18-year old daughter came from college to sit with me through the class because she wants to make sure I don't cut corners and do what the doctor says. Ya gotta love her!





Two great things happened to me! First, I have an Angel, Karen D from Southern Chi-town! I am so excited to have her. This was a great Christmas gift for me. I know I am going to value her wisdom as she has lost over 100 lbs. You know, I've had my pre-op tests, gotten my leave of absence paperwork done, cleaned off my desk, and now have an angel. No backing out now not that I ever wanted to! My second thing is this is the last Christmas I am going to be Morbidly Obese. I sat here and cried because there are so many lasts for me. The last New Year's Eve I'm going to hide out at home; the last time I'm going to have to fly for business and ask for an extender (My next trip isn't scheduled til March!); the last Christmas photo where I try and hide behind my daughter - it was okay when she was 6 yrs. old, but she's 18 now and taller than me...so it's quite obvious that I'm hiding...and the beginnings are too many to list.

So, I better go make my cheeseball and salsa for our dinner tonight, but I wanted to wish all a Happy Holiday season and give special thanks to my new Angel, Karen D! >






December 28, 2003
Just saw my new profile! Thanks, Carla! As you guys can now tell, I am an I Love Lucy fan. Those were the days when comedy was comedy. Well, let's see...Christmas has come and gone. Where did the season go? Had a great Christmas Eve with the in-laws. Everybody seems excited about my surgery because I am so excited. January 13 is so close...I've been getting my broth, vitamins, etc. ready. Because my DH and my DKs (dear kids?) don't have the patience to comparison shop for things like I do. My DH goes to the Convenience Store to buy Cokes sometime!! I won't pay over $4.99 for a 24/pack. Although, since I won't be drinking them any more maybe I just better let him be. LOL.

How do I feel? This morning I had a small anxiety episode about the surgery - what lifestyle changes, how I'm gonna look, how different is my DH going to react...but I can't worry about that now, Scarlett, because I am focusing on the positive!

I'm going to Orlando on business next year with my whole affiliate and everybody has said they want me to go out drinking with them to celebrate! How many last meals and drinks does a pre-op need!! I have been so lucky that those co-workers that I have told have told me they will support me however I need - no negativity at all!>
 


January 11, 2004

Oh my goodness, in two days I am having the surgery!!!! Well, I am back from Orlando from my business trip. What a blast as I told a bunch of my colleagues that I was having WLS surgery. EVERYONE has been so supportive and asking questions and giving me hugs I was overwhelmed. I had a feeling that I would be having one too many cocktails and boy was I right. I had a triple shot of Tequila (also known as "to kill ya!) But it was all good.

I am kinda glad I was there this week because I didn't have time to worry about my surgery on Tuesday! Then, when I check my email, I have tons of well wishes from these wonderful folks at AMOS. I know I have Karen, my angel, to thank for getting the word out! She is such a dear and I am lucky to have her!!

I went to work this Sunday morning early to get some things done in order to have a peaceful week in the hospital. And I kept thinking to myself, the next time I sit in this chair I'm going to be a lot lighter!! If that's not incentive... well, I better go and pack for the hospital! See you on the other side of losing!!!!


January 18, 2004

Well, I am now 5 days post op -- what a difference a week makes. This time last week, I was a nervous wreck like most pre-ops wondering what I have gotten myself into. The way Winlife works is that you check in the day before to be admitted, sign all of your forms, have some tests ran, IVs placed, and you start on the clear liquids. Then supposedly you are to rest. Yeah, like that's going to happen.

My 18-year old daughter took me to the hospital for check-in because I told my DH not to take off work just to sit with me. He is so busy at work, I wanted to save his time til after the surgery...she listened, took notes, and in general tried to make me calm, which I really pretty much was already. Of course, they may you sign the living will documents, and stuff, and I know you have to think about it, but I just put it out of my mind.

Now, I have been a very confident person through this whole thing and have had the most unbelievable support group, and was on so many prayer lists, God must've thought I deserved a listen, because, my surgery went EXTREMELY WELL. How well, you might ask... well here goes!

Tuesday morning, my family got to my room about 9:00 am. I was the second surgery and was to have it at 11. So they were able to stay and talk to me. I was given a valium to "relax" and boy I did! Once they wheeled me into the holding room with 2 family members, it was time to go. I remember them taking me away and talking to me and I heard voices and kept waiting for somebody to tell me to count back from 10, but instead I heard "You're all done, sweetie!"

I went into intensive care to wake up and get ready to see my family. I know I had all kinds of tubes in me, the JP drain, the IV, oxygen, NG tube, etc. So when my family came in to talk to me, they said my surgeon, Dr. Nigh, had told them it went for just around 2 hours and I was a textbook case. He couldn't have asked for better. My poor 14 year old daughter came up to me and held my hand and then got week in the knees and fell to the floor on her butt! DIdn't pass completely out but it was close. I kept telling her I was okay, but I think all the tubes and the stress of it all was too much for her. She started crying and my sister took her to get her something to drink. My husband was teary and so was my other daughter. You just don't know how much you are loved until something like this!

After they left, I tried to sleep and decided to use my PCA morphine pump as directed. They got me up to walk around the block with the aid of holding on to a wheel chair. I told them I really didn't think I needed one, so off we went without one. Once we went around the block once, I said, let's go again, and we did. Honestly, I didn't have any pain! I mean it, when they asked I would say 0.

They decided to let me give myself a sponge bath. What fun that was...when I stood up, I tripped and tore out my IV top...blood was spewing everywhere. So, I was calling for Garrett, my nurse, and he was so cool about it. Capped me off, and away I went.

When you're ready to go to your room, they make you walk from ICU. No big deal, but so different from any other surgeries. I get back to my room and begin the healing process. My hospital gave me a binder which is a large stretchy thing that has velcro and kinda holds your stomach in. I love this thing. It keeps you in place like if you cough or something. You can take it off at night but I recommend keeping it on and just removing it
Okay back to the story: I walked to my new room on Weds. It was a private room, thank goodness. Had one of those triangle lift type things above my bed so to help pull you up when you need to. That really helped! My doctor let me start drinking ice chips today and I had cream of chicken soup in those tiny cups. Tasted like gold!! I had SF jellow and some diluted cranberry juice.

Started doing my walking - I walk about 5 times a day and take a couple of laps around the floor. I have been meeting my other bari patients and we walk together thinking about what we will do when we get "skinny". It's fun to dream!!

All of the nurses in the bariatric wing at Winona are wonderful. They are so kind and know what we go through. Even when the have to give those Heparin shots (which hurt like a bitch I might add)

I stayed in the hospital for about 4 days - came home on a Friday. The ride home wasn't too bad. I kept a pillow on my lap in case we hit bumps. Got home to see my fur-baby, Phoebe. I really missed her!!! She sits with me in my chair. I decided to sleep in my own bed the first night home, not bad except...

You gotta wear your binder when you sleep - especially in the early days...I took it off and put a pillow between my legs for support. Anyway, I must not have been elevated enough at my head because I began to choke and cough. Let me tell you, I thought I was going to rip open my incision. I was bent over and holding my stomach!!! It was awful! I think if I would have had my binder on, it wouldn't have been as bad.

Finally, it subsided and I was calmer. Damn, did it HURT!!!



February 26, 2004

Well, I said I'd be right back to finish this, but wow...it's taken me a long time ...I'm going to work on my profile this weekend. Suffice is to say, I've lost 39 lbs.!! Woo hoo!





April 12,2004

I can't believe I finished my taxes. LOL - we get money back. I have been so terrible about my profile and after we spent so much time on it. I'm going to do better! Of course, now I gotta leave. See ya!

April 21, 2004

Okay, I am now down 61 lbs. Who would ever have thunk it! I am wearing a size 18-20 now and can hardly believe it. This morning I had to have my blood drawn for the first time, so I don't know what my levels are yet. Although I'm not very good at taking my vitamins.

Las Vegas is next week! Wonder how I'll do with the buffets. I know when to stop eating because man, do I know how to throw up.

June 22, 2004

Sheesh, it's been forever since I have updated! Life has been such a whirlwind. I can hardly believe that it's been 5 1/2 months. July 13 will be my 6 months anniversary.


July 6, 2004

Well, I made it through the 4th of July. I found out I don't dump on sugar...good or bad thing? Right now, it's a bad thing because sometimes that is all that sounds good. I try to stay away from the sugar, but I can have a bite of cake here and there...why do I do it??? Am I setting myself up for failure?

But then again, just like at lunch today, I had chicken and I had to excuse myself and run to the restroom. What a waste of money -- literally, down the drain. I am going to the doctor tomorrow, so we'll see what he says.


July 6, 2004

Went to my PCP for the first time in a while...his nurses and receptionists were just hugging me and telling me how good I looked. Do I ever get tired of hearing this...hell no! I keep a book with me that has tons of pictures when I was at my heaviest. These are photos that I took out of the pictures when I picked them up and was too embarrassed to show anyone, even my family. They couldn't believe the difference in me.

When my doctor came in he said, WOW! And he hugged me. If it wasn't for him telling me that if I didn't do something about my weight, I would be dead in ten years. He helped me so much in preparing myself for this surger both physically and mentally.

Anyway, he is no-holds barred, tell it like it is, type of person. So he was telling me that I would need an arm lift, a tummy tuck, and a thigh lift. He says, "you have a LOT of hanging skin from being so heavy!!" I told you he tells it like it is!! HAH!

But then he starts to blush and says, "But Debbie, you will not have to do anything done to your face! You are gorgeous, just stunning." Well, ladies and gentlemen, I started to cry because it meant so much to me. I haven't considered myself pretty and to have him tell me I was stunning was too much for me.

After all this mush we went over my blood work which was why I was there. He said I was very close to being anemic and that I needed to really watch taking my iron supplements. I just love him!





July 30, 2004 -- met with my Angelette, Bob! We met at Starbucks along with another bari-patient, Terri, and talked about the surgery. Terri is a doll too. She has had incredible success and we just wanted to put Bob at ease. What a sweetheart he is. He lives relatively close to me so I hope we are able to keep in close contact. I told him it was meant to be that we be friends because his wife, whom he lost to illness after 25 years, was named Debbie, like me. And then, his partner is named Mark and that's my husband's name too! See, told ya it was fate.

I had some samples of stuff and some other equipment that I used as a new post-op and thought he could use them. He teased me about the protein shakes because they are Blah! But one man's poison is another man's favorite drink...Guess not! LOL.

Anyway, his surgery is in November so I hope that I can give him support as he gets closer to the date





August 18, 2004, -- geez, Louise! I can't believe I am so negligent in writing in my profile. I had my 6 months check up and all my bloodwork was excellent! My only out-of-range was my B-12. I have too much supposedly. Guess I will cut back on the shots!

Saw my PCP with my daughter's visit and he said "hello, gorgeous!" I just blushed and said he always makes my day. Why is it so hard to take compliments? Guess I'm not used to getting them!!

Went shopping with my sister this past weekend and shopped in the Misses dept. Not Plus Size. It was heavenly! I am in a 14-16 top and an 18-20 pant -- although they are too big. But that damned panni (apron) is driving me nuts! It's huge. Can't wait to get it off.

Well, I'll try and do better ... but life is so exciting at 94 lbs. lost that I don't have time to update as often as I should.
Love to you all!!>



August 23, 2004

Had a great weekend! It's been crazy here weatherwise. In the low 80s upper 70s...in August? Unheard of! Anywhoo, went to a party with a bunch of friends on Saturday night. My kids were telling me to wear "something tight" because I hadn't seen some of the folks in a while. It was a wonderful feeling to have people compliment me so much...so why did I graze all evening? Could it be that I can't handle the compliments...I am going to make an appt. to see my psychologist because I think there is a pattern beginning to develop, and I don't like it!!! Wish me luck ya'll!



<
October 22,2004 - Wow, I am such a bad girl in not updating my profile. Guess because I am on the message board so often I tell all my problems, deepest secrets there... Yesterday, I hit the Century Club milestone - can you say ECSTATIC??? I danced around the kitchen and was thrilled beyond belief.

I am now wearing a size 14 pants and XL top - a far cry from 24 pants and 22/24 tops! It is still very hard to picture me the smallest I have been in over 20 years. But here I am!

Had dinner with my angelette last night, Bob and his partner, Mark. They crack me up!!! We went and had Mexican and Bob is having his surgery on Nov. 5...Please send prayers OKAY??? He is a very sweet man and I wish him nothing but the very BEST!!!

>



<

January 13, 2005 - Just wanted to send a quick message that this time one year ago today, I was recovering from my open RNY. A lot has happened in a year...

This time last year, I remember:

*Staying in the hospital the night before and drinking over 160 oz. of water to make sure I was hydrated.

*The staff giving me a Valium before surgery to stay calm. I talked to people on the phone that morning wishing me luck, but I don't remember

*Telling the orderly that wheeled me into the operating room to "get the show on the road"! I was truly excited.

*Before I knew it somebody in ICU was whispering: "Honey, it's all over now -- you can wake up".

*Seeing my family around me with all my tubes and me saying "I made it!!" And my poor 15 year old daughter crying and passing out on the floor to see her mom with all the tubes.

*3 hours after the surgery, I was up and walking with the aid of a wheelchair "around the block", and telling my nurse "let's go around again". I can't stress enough how important it is to walk!

*Eating ice chips after I got to my regular room and feeling like it was manna from heaven.

*Those darn TED hose!

*Having accidently pulled out my JP drain and spraying my bed with "stuff" to gross to mention here!

*Eating SF jello and popsicles and thinking they were t-bone steak. Not to mention my delicious cream of chicken soup.

*Walking the halls of the hospital at least 5x a day with my fellow Bariatric patients and talking about how excited we were to be on the losing side!

*Kissing and hugging my nurses good-bye because they were WONDERFUL and made sure I had whatever I needed. They didn't treat me like an OBESE patient that needed help wiping herself or taking a shower.

*Riding home with a pillow on my lap in case we hit a bump.

*Having my husband fix my meals in those itty-bitty cups! Apple juice, cream of chicken soup, jello!! And after eating just a bit feeling full.

*Seeing my weight drop 10 lbs in 3 days!!!

*Having my size 24 pants be too big after only 2 weeks. (I am now down to a size 14!!)

*Swearing that every commercial I saw on TV was food related. Pizza and Arby's were the worst!!!

*After 5 weeks being able to eat "solid" food BUT going to a Mexican restaurant and eating some cheese dip and a ground beef taco w/o the shell, a piece of shrimp, a piece of chicken. Within a couple of minutes
running to the bathroom and THEN remembering that you are only supposed to add one new food at a time to know what is making you "dump".

*That same evening having my husband pull the car over to the side of the road to continue And did I mention my daughter's new boyfriend was in the car with us!

And more recently,

*Going to an amusement park for the first time and riding "The Raven". I was having an anxiety attack in line and was SURE that I wouldn't fit...then when I got in and I had room to spare and starting to cry. The attendant said, "Don't worry, it's not that scary!" Little did he know they were tears of JOY!!!!

*Buying clothes in the Misses section for the first time in over 20 years. I cut up my Lane Bryant charge...because I COULD!

*Riding in an airplane and having the food tray not only come ALL the way down but with room to spare and I could use my laptop for the first time....EVER!

*Having people tell me daily how wonderful I look and how proud of me they are...and for the first time being able to say, "You know what? I'm proud of me too!!"

*Having my picture taken and not standing behind something! I'm now proud of how I look.

*Not being ashamed of wearing a bathing suit!

*Seeing folks that haven't seen me in a year do a double-take!

*Having my blood pressure go from 157/98 to 110/71!!!

*MEETING ALL YOU WONDERUL PEOPLE from AMOS!!!

The list goes on and on, but this has been such an awesome year of "firsts" that I wanted to encourage all of you pre-ops that are waiting for surgery...it is definitely worth the wait and this time next year YOU will have all these memories.

Has it been a challenge??? You betcha!!! Would I do it again? IN A HEARTBEAT ... which I might add is a HEALTH heartbeat! Just look at my blood pressure readings!!!

Well, enough for now, but I just wanted to wish myself a Happy Re-birthday because I truly feel I have been "reborn" thanks to this wonderful tool called WLS and my surgeon Dr. Andrew Nigh! And to all of you that have encouraged me, written me and just been there when I've needed a push. Your posts are inspirational to me!!

So, !!!! I'm 112 lbs lighter and love it!!!

January 17,2005

I want to say what an absolutely fabulous time I had at the Obesity Help Conference in Atlanta this past weekend. Folks if you haven't been to one of these events you are missing out on SO much. Not only did I get to meet some of my heroes from the boards, but Bo and company delivered such passionate messages about our tool. Now, I'm from Indiana and am 12 months out almost to the day (Jan 13) and I have found myself being a bit complacent...

I don't dump on sugar which is a BAD thing...I have had some chocolate and find myself snacking and/or grazing. I was getting back to some old habits and I didn't like the direction I was going! When I saw that the conference was coming to Atlanta, I thought that it would be just the kick in the a$$ I needed to make my new lifestyle my number one priority again...you know, when you first got started and you literally lived and breathed WLS.

Let me tell you all, that it didn't disappoint! Not only did I meet some of the most wonderful people in the world but they understood and could offer suggestions for what I was going through. When they say you don't have to do it alone Obesity Help truly means that! The Georgia boards and Alabama Board folks showed me what true hospitality was all about! I had just gotten into the lobby of the hotel when the cutest girl says to me, "Aren't you from Indiana?" It was Tanya and her sweet boyfriend, James from the Georgia Boards. I said yes and she gave me a big old hug and said that she and James could take me to dinner at Outback where a group of them from the boards were meeting prior to the convention.

They made me feel like I was a member of the family! I was sitting in the lobby and met Randall Culpepper!! One of my AMOS idols! He had driven 4 hours to come to the event!! I told him I was Vegas Deb and he gives me a big hug too and said that he reads my posts! It was a mutual admiration society! He is one of the sweetest men I have ever met and ladies, he is so handsome! I wish him the best of luck next Weds. for his plastic surgery!! Good luck, Randall!

I met some of the sweetest ladies from Alabama too! They were the Pink Ladies!!! Good luck to you guys!! I have to give shout outs to Tami (Modean) - girl, I'm getting those clothes ready for you! Tanya and James, you guys are the best!!! I better get an invite to that wedding!! Shyra, Becky, Laura, Dee Dee and Lynn - like they say, "Girls, you so crazy!!" I had so much fun at the conference because of you guys!!! Damn, we got those extra tickets for being the last row to eat and WE STILL DIDN'T win (well, Patricia did!!!) Lynnda from Cali...you are such a sweetie too and no plastic surgery...you hussy! Can you see my jealousy horns. My girls saw your picture and said you should be a model!! I have to agree!!

And to Patricia - the sweetheart I sat next to and who I felt we were lifelong friends...you truly are the most beautiful woman! You have the most flawless skin!!! I promise to only weigh myself once a month and drink my water!! And if those friends of yours give you any trouble, you tell them that you have a friend in Indy who will kick their butts!!

Amy Williams...you continue to be my hero and inspiration!! What a beauty you are and you were just as sweet in person as you are on these boards. And Kenneth, he's a hoot! Maybe he'll learn to use that camera some day! I know I have missed people because I met so many awesome folks, but just know that you have a comrade in Indiana!!

So in closing, if anybody gets a chance to go to one of these conferences, PLEASE try and attend. Not only do you meet wonderful people, but there are plastic surgeons, vendors with great products, nutritionists and motivation out the wazoo!! I flew down to Atlanta not really knowing anyone personally, but feel like I have come back with wonderful friends!! You guys are the best!!

I am going to get my pictures up on picturetrail tonight, but this is the first opportunity I have had to say "THANK YOU" all so much for your Southern hospitality!!
It means so much to have people know what you've been through from the farting to belching to dumping to you name it!

So, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!

About Me
IN
Location
32.6
BMI
RNY
Surgery
01/13/2004
Surgery Date
Jul 07, 2003
Member Since

Friends 4

×