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08/29/04 -23lbs Sorry it has taken so long for me to update. I had my surgery on 08/18/04 at 10pm (due to other emergencies).Everything went well with no complications. It was strange staying in a forgien hospital, although almost everyone could speak some English. My surgeon was a lovely guy who put me at total ease, he answered all my questions openly and honestly. Turns out he is the Cheif Surgeon for this very large hospital and he specialises in this type of surgery. I weighed myself the day I got out of hospital (Sunday 22nd) and I was shocked to see i had lost 15 lbs in 5 days, next day (Monday 23rd) 3lbs, next again (Tuesday 24th) 3lbs, next again (Wednesday 24th 1 week post -op total loss = 23lbs) 2lbs, next again (Thursday 25th)down 2lbs and then yesterday (Friday 26th) and today (Saturday 27th ) no weight loss. I need to stop weighing myself every day, it's hard not too though even at this early stage. I think I will get my hubby to take the scales away to work with him, HA HA.

09/08/04 Well I am now 3 weeks post-op and feeling a little lost. I thought i had done enough research before the surgery but now find I am strugling. My main problem is I don't know how much to eat. I recieved a couple of sheets from the dietian before I left the hospital, unfortunately they only give me a brief idea of what I should not eat, nothing about quantities. I wish I could speak to a dietician but I not sceduled to see one for another 3-5 wks (depends when my GP can get me an appointment).I have ordered myself Susan Maria Leach's book to see if this will help with my progress. As of today I have only lost 2lbs in 12days either I am on a plataue or I am not eating enough. My husband,kids and myself were comparing photographs I had taken at 10 days post-op and I have to admit I can see a difference.

09/20/04 -31lbs My book has arrived and i just want to let you know it has been a great deal of help to me. I also recieved an appointment with the dietician, unfortunatly it is still 5 weeks away (10/27/04). I haven't been very well these past 2 weeks, I have had a kidney infection, laringitis(excuse the spelling) and my doctor thinks i may have a problem with my Thyriod. I am hoping it is all just a result of having surgery and that i will build up my imune system, stength,energy and get back to some exercise soon.It is very hard to execise when you have no enery.

10/13/04 - 41lbs Just a short update. It has been 3 weeks since I last updated and I am now 8 weeks post-op. Things are going well, I do not have any problems eating . Everything seems to sit well except for when I eat too fast, I get pain going around into my back.

11/17/04 - 53lbs Well it has now been 3 months since I started this journey and everything seems to be going well. I have dumped twice, once for eating to fast and the second time, I am not sure why(chicken Korma no rice). I have seen the dietician and she has given me alot of good information. People are starting to notice the changes in me, it's hard to know how to respond (not used to compliments). Running out of clothes now but reluctant to buy new ones as I know I am not finished loosing weight. Just got my blood results back yesterday and everything was ok so no suppliments to take except for calcium which was low the last time.

12/18/04 -61lbs Weight loss has been slow this month, probably due to fact that I am not doing much exercise. I need to get my butt in gear on that front. I am now suposed to be taking 3 vitamin tablets a day, they are so gross, I nead to get past this and start taking them regularly. I am also taking 1 calcium and 1 zantac each day. Pouch definetly lets me know when it does not like something or when I eat too fast. I am getting a burning pain in the right hand side of my upper back, I need to speak to the doctor about this. Seems like I need to do alot but can't seem to get motivated, maybe after the hassle of Christmas shopping is all over. My eldest son turns 18 this week 12/22/04 another expence at this time of year, but he is worth it as are all 3 of them.

01/09/05 -65lbs I usually only post once a month now, but I am so excited to finally break a through this plateau. I have been struggling with a 2lbs gain/loss for 3 weeks now. Well as of today I have dropped 5lbs this week.

01/25/05 -75lbs Well i have just got home from hospital (yesterday) after a 10 stay. My stomach started to hurt on Tuesday 11th January, so I went to see my GP. I explained to him that it was more of an ache rather than severe pain, he decided to monitor me over a few days. However on the Wednesday and Thursady evening my stomache started to swell. On the Friday the pain increased and my stomache had swelt up so much that my doctor decided to send me to hospital,upon which I was addmitted. Over the course of the next ten days I was given an anenima,ultrasound and a bareium meal, all results came back clear with the exception of some loops in the bowel(possible mild constipation). Well the doctors in their wisdom have now decided it is because I have had RNY, they have sent me home and told me to get used to it. I am very unhappy with their diagnoses and intend to contact my surgeon for further information/help. I am also finding it very difficult to eat, it hurts and I get spasms each time I try.

01/28/05 Just a quick update. I e-mailed my surgeon in Belgium yesterday afternoon explaining my symptoms, and guess what, he e-mailed me back last night. This guy is so dedicated i am glad I had him as my surgeon, only complaint is I wish he was over here or I was over there so that he could treat me. He has given me some suguestions to put forward to my surgeon here, I hope the new surgeon does not take offence at these. I am sure I will find out soon enough when I go to see him next week.

02/18/05 -79lbs Where do I start. I have been having a horrible time of it lately. I went to see the surgeon(here in the UK) on 02/04/05 and just as I feared he took exception to me having surgery abroad. It all started when I disagreed with his registar, who on Mr Harris recommendation told me I was dumping and there was nothing more he could do for me. I explained to the registar that the pain and swelling occured after i ate something or drank something and surely I could not be dumping on everything that I put in my mouth. He asked me if I would like to speak to Mr Harris personnely and I told him "Yes,Please". Well the fun began, Mr Harris came in on the defesive, stating that I was dumping and then proceeded to tell me what dumping was. Out of curtersy I let him finish and then responded with yes I know what dumping is and I know that I am not dumping. I explained I did not take foods with sugar and that I did not have most of the other symptoms of dumping. He then went on to say I was eating too much food at one sitting. Again I replied that that was not true, I am eating very little and I am chewing what food I do eat very well and that I take my time when eating. He then proceeded to say he had done the test on me and there was nothing showing up. He stated that they had checked my gall bladder (results were clear) and he had done a barium meal test and there was no blockage. I then asked him to look at the suggestions my surgeon from Belgium had sent me. He was starting to get rather aggitated with me at this stage. He responded by telling me that the barium meal would have shown him if there were any ulcers at the anastomosis, this comes from a general surgoen . I asked him what the next step would be and he replied "There is no more I can do for you. I have given you my diagnoses and if you are not happy then I suggest you return to your surgeon in Belgium and get him to sort out his mess." Well at this point my blood began to boil. As camly as possible I said to him "So you are refusing to treat me" and his response "Yes i am refusing to treat you further and I am not willing to clean up after someone else's surgical mistakes. You chose to have this surgery abroad!" At this point we walked out of his office. I had an appointment with my GP later on that day. I explained everthing to him and he was furious. He immediately said that he would refer me to someone else. My GP gave me the results of the barium meal test and they concluded some loops in the bowel and rapid transit of the barium through the small bowel, less than 10 mins,I do not know the average time. I think I will do a search on the internet to see if I can find anything out about this. He has given me tablets to see if we can make the bowel more sluggish, the tablets are usually perscribed for the upper bowel but he was hoping they might have some impact. Unfortunately I have now been taking these tablets for 2 weeks and there is no change in my symptoms. I have measured my stomache when there is no swelling and then after it has swollen and there is a 4" difference. I really do hope we can get to the bottom of this soon. Yesterday I was called to my GP's surgery as there was a letter from the hospital there. When I arrived my GP informed me it was from Mr Harris stating that the test results showed no gall stones and no blockage. It then goes on to say that as he does not feel qualified to treat me he suggest's I return to my surgeon in Belgium, (wait for it!!!!!!!!! ) for a reversal. I immediately expressed to my GP that that was the last thing I wanted. Fortunately he agrees it is far too early to be thinking along those lines. My next step is to send a letter of complaint in against this surgeon, who thinks he is so superior to all his patients. On a happier note I spoke to my GP about the possibility of getting Plastic Surgery on the NHS and he said that yes it was possible and yes he would reccomend me for it. I told him I was hoping for sometime at the begining of next year and he said "OK remind me in a few months and he will get the ball rolling." Yeah at least there is some positive note to this post.

27/02/05 Thought i was keep this on my profile as a reminder. Many bariatric surgery patients of both pre and post op statuses are concerned with the possibility of re-gaining some or all of the weight that they have initially lost with either the RNY or Lap Banding procedure. This is a legitimate concern considering that appox 15% of all patients undergoing these procedures will indeed "fail" the surgery and regain some or all of the weight they have lost. Weight re-gain will usually begin 12-18 months post-op. Recent research has indicated that maintenance of post-op weight loss is largely dependent on the patient's ability to use their "pouch/tool" effectively, and on the health care teams effectiveness in providing education both pre and post op. This reseach concludes that a key consideration that needs to be stressed in patients education is the effect of food consistence on the onset and length of satiety. Patients will feel full faster, on less food and will stay full longer if they eat "bulkier" or more solid foods. Caloric liquids or soft foods are associated with becoming hungry too soon before their next meal, snacking between meals and ultimately halting a patient's weight loss or even producing weight gain, This is "soft calorie syndrome." So, how do you keep this from occuring? As the previous paragraph suggests, eating small (2-4oz) meals four hours apart that consist of solid foods, with the largest component of the meal being protein, will fill you up and keep you full longer. I am not suggesting that patients rush through the puree and soft food stages of their post op diet. These stage are necessary for recovery: however, by week 6 post op the patient should be starting solid foods and attempting bulkier items cut into small pices. Two months post op it is best to avoid foods that are high calorie liquids such as fruit juice, soups and even protein shakes, You should also aviod soft foods like mashed potato, yogurt, ice cream or any food that will be liquid at room temp. Again, I am not suggesting that you do not use these food in the first one-two months following surgery, but the patient needs to wean themselves from these foods after this time period for optimal weight loss. It is much more desirable to have 2 oz of grilled chicken with 1.5 ozs of veggies, than it is to have 2 oz of turkey in gravy with mashed potato and applesauce. Another technique to optimize post op weight loss is "water loading". It seems that about 6 months post op patients feel that they are becoming hungry earlier and that they are able to eat more at meals. Some of this is normal and to be expected: however, in order to keep weight loss consistent it may be adventageous to drink 3-4 cups of non calorie fluid in the hours after a mean and 1 cup of fluid 15-20 minutes before the next meal. This will help keep you full between meals and help aboid snacking and also reduce your intake at your next meal. You still should not drink with your meals, as this will cause fo0d to empty from the new pouch sooner. Please don't be discouraged. The information in this article is not meant to make you assume that permanent weight loss is unattainable after bariatric surgery. In fact, the opposite is true. The greater your awareness of behavioral or dietary "pit-fall", the more likely you are to achieve your weight loss goals. If you follow advice and protocol given by your surgeon and his healthcare team, success is well within your reach.

03/27/05 -88lbs
This has been a difficult month for me, I have had to accept i am suffering from depression, also I still do not have an appointment to see the new surgeon (NHS stinks at times). I want to remind myself that things are not as bad as they seem, I do not regret for one moment having this surgery. I just want an answer to all that is happening to me, if at the end of the day they tell me this is only a side affect of the surgery then yes i can and will cope with it. I am going to leave this post for now and hopefully in a week or 2 when the happy pills kick in, i will be a bit more positive. I do not understand where this depression is coming from. I can understand the fear of the unknown but not depression.

04/16/05 -94lbs
This last month has had it's ups and downs.
On the up side of things, we had our 21st wedding aniversary and my birthday. I cannot believe G got everything just right, birthday wise. I got a CARD (he never buys me a card, says they are a waste of money), flowers and a crackin digital camera he also arranged for a good few of our friends to come to the pub to celabrate my birthday. They bought me a birthday cake, I just had to laugh and tell them all,I can't eat cake. I got to blow out my candles and serve cake to all my friends.
On the down side of things I am noticing that i seem to get upset at the slightest little things. G and I are out walking most nights, this is good except we always seem to end up at the pub. Well it is Saturday and G and I are going north for a holiday, starting this coming Monday. We have made no plans, we are just going to jump in the car and see where we end up, I am really looking forward to this trip. G has been working far too hard, he really needs this time away from work. Going to try and take D to Paris for a long weekend, if I can get suitable flights and we also need to find out her exam schedule. She goes back to school on Monday, after being off for the Easter Holidays.
I am still having issues with my tummy pain and swelling. My doc wants me to consider returning to Belgium. He is getting concerned and feels he cannot treat me as well as he wants. He has been doing alot of research on this surgery, but he has admitted he feels out of his depth, he is such a dedicated doctor. Still no word from Stirling, I am getting fed up waiting.
Well that's about it for this month.

28/4/05 -97lbs only 3 to go to get in that centurary club

Well if it is not my tummy swelling up it's my face. I do believe a am a walking disaster just now. To make myself sound a bit clearer i will explain. In September of 03 while attending the physio therapist the girl notice swelling on my face, right down the front of my left ear. Luckily I had an appointment with my GP that very same afternoon. He was concerened and thought that maybe it was a stone in the parotid gland(saliva gland). He sent me off to the hospital to get checked out, I was never in any pain or discomfort with it. Well the hospital surgeon done loads of tests on me as they realised the right gland was slightly swollen also. I lost count the amount of blood tests the performed. However we seemed to be getting nowhere fast. An MRI scan was arranged and this still did not shed any light on the cause of the swelling. Next came a biopsy, they removed 3 or 4 saliva glands from the inside of my bottom lip (I didn't know those little bumps you can feel with your tongue were saliva glands). Well you guessed it they could not find out the cause of the swelling. My surgeon explained that sometimes they do not get to the root of the problem and i am a mini medical mystery. So much so he wanted me to assist in students finall exams, says i would be the ideal candidate. I have agreed to assit, my surgeon is such a great guy, kind of cute too, how could i resist. LOL I have been given the option of having the glands removed surgically, my surgeon did not recommend this. There is a high risk of me loosing facial feeling and movement. So last month when I went for my follow-up appointment I decided not to go ahead with the surgery, why put myself at risk when I am in no pain and I can digiuse the swelling with my hair. Well today is Thursday and on Tuesday evening my lefthand gland started to swell and become tender. Wednesday morning I get up and my face is so sore. I called my GP and got an appointment for that afternoon. However I did remember my surgeon telling me if there were any changes in the swelling or I experienced any pain then I was to notify him immediately. So called the hospital and spoke to his secetary, she was so nice and helpful. She explained my surgeon was in theartre all aftenoon but if the pain got unbearable ,i was to get staight up there and he would see me between surgeries. I explain to her I had an appointment with my GP that afternoon, she then gave me an appointment to see him today(Thursday). My GP has confirmed that i have a blockage in the gland. He suggested I double up my pain-killers, place a few drops of lemon juice in my mouth along with some warm water,(This to try and stimulate the gland) and I am to massage the gland, so far no luck. Well it is 10 am and I sitting here trying to keep my mind of the pain. I wonder what my afternoon appointment will bring. My GP says they may put a probe into the gland and if that does not work the worst case sinario is that they will have to operate. The very thing I am trying to avoid. Well that's my story so far I will update later after I see my surgeon.
Oh I forgot to mention I had to cancell my trip to Paris with Deanne (14yr old daughter)we were suppose to go tomorrow. Just as well i was going to book a last minute deal. She took it really well, such a caring, loving daughter. I will make it up to her later on in the year, Paris is not going anywhere. (Deanne's words not mine)
Bye for now
Jackie

5/2/05
Well where do I begin, as you can guess I did not return home from my hospital appointment. The doctor took one look at me and addmitted me. My temperature was sky high and my facial swelling was extreme to say the least. My surgeon believed I had an infection of the parotid gland (salvia gland), he started me immediately on I.V. antibiotics. On awakening on Friday morning the swelling had increased, across my cheek, under my chin and down my neck. My surgeon arrived promptly to check me out. It was decided to double up the antibiotics and keep a check on my progress. A few hours later a specialist arrived and whisked me of to his clinic. He proceeded to stick metal screwdriver type instuments up into the salvia gland, form the inside of my mouth. I can tell you this was the most painful experience of my life. You would have thought they could have frozen the area but no such luck. Needless to say he did not achieve his objective, which was to unblock the gland. I continued to feel unwell and the swelling increased. Sunday came and my surgeon decided it was time to scan me, he still believed with all my symptoms that I had an infection. He arranged the scan for today (Monday). I had my scan a 3pm today and it concluded there was no infection. My surgeon came in again to see me and explained he was shocked with the result. It was agreed that I could come home on the antibiotics, with the understanding that if anything changed for the worse, I would immediately return to the hospital. So now I am home still not sure what has caused this swelling and pain. The latest possibility is that it is a viral infection. I do have an appointment with my surgeon next Thursday for a follow-up. Hopefully I will get to the root of this problem soon and be on the road to recovery.
Jackie

12/05/05 -102lbs (Woo Hoo I am in the centuray club)
Well I am just home from my appointment with my surgeon, and guess what, I am no further forward. My surgeon explained that he would like to take blood today so that he could compare them with the last set he done 10 days ago. He hopes this will give him an indication of what caused my swelling/pain. He has been honest with me and believes I most unlikely to find out the cause of the problem. I have an appointment with him again on the 21st June for a follow-up visit. We have spoken again about surgery, although at this stage neither him or I want to take that route. So I sit and I wait to see what the future brings, I will not let this bring me down, I will try to remain positve and hope that it does not come to surgery.
On a lighter note, I attended my brothers wedding on Saturday and my new SIL lived up to her name, Scarry Mary. Let me explain my brother and Scarry Mary have been together for 15yrs or so. My brother is 49yrs and she is 51yrs. Well we are sitting waiting on the brides arrival, and arrive she did in a full ivory wedding dress, viel and all. Well when she lifted the veil OMG her hair was died black and purple and she looked like an Old English Sheep dog. The dress was off the shoulder style and there in full view was her bra strap, not a lovely new Ivory or even white strap but a grubby old greyish coloured strap. What a sight for sore eyes I can tell you.Oh i forgot to mention she is covered in tattoos, all over her chest and down her arms. She did have long gloves on at the start of the wedding, these did not last long and the dress was revealing her lovely tattoos on her chest by the end of the evening. My DH could not attend during the day due to work , so he arrives at 7.30pm and his first words were "The only things missing from the top table are to Prison officers on either side.(All Mary's relatives). My mother refused to sit at the top table "With that lot" her words not mine. I found it so funny, yes I have a warped sense of hummor. All that aside the evening was most enjoyable, lots of dancing and catching up with relatives. I might post some of the pics for you all to see,he he hee.I really do not know if I am that brave to show of my new SIL, you may all disown me.
Untill next time Take care
Jackie

A picture of my mum, 3 sisters and me at my brothers wedding

15/05/05

i have just realised that I am such an ninny, How can I expect you folks to understand me if i do not give out basic information. So here goes.
I was 38 yrs old when i started my journey. I have 3 kids aged (at the begining of my journey Aug 04) 17yr old boy, 15 yr old boy and a 14yr old girl. I have been married 20yrs, yes i was a child bride, 17yr old to be exact. I do not regret one day of my married life, even the tough ones. I love my Dh and kids more than life, infact they are my life ( i know, a bit profound)
I am fortunate to still have both my parents around and MIL. I am the youngest of 8 children and my Dh is the youngest of 13 children, always says "They leave the best to last" Life has thrown some hard lessons at me and I do believe they have made me stronger. I hope I am on the road to an amazing journey and that I can keep up my end of the bargin. I know my choice of words may sound strange to some but I am from SCOTLAND, and yes I am very proud of that. We are a proud nation LOL. If anyone wants to ask questions regarding my lifestyle, homeland or just general then i am hopefully open and honest enough to share what I feel comfortable with.
Hope this makes some sense
untill the next time
Jackie

20/05/05 -104lbs BMI 31.7
I can hardly believe it has been nine months since my surgery. I feel pretty normal most of the time, well as normal as i can be LOL. I do still find going out for meals pretty uncomfortable, food wise. DH and i are still out walking most nights. I spoke to my GP the other day and he is going to refer me to a plastic surgeon, a NHS plastic surgeon, which is great news as it means I will not have to pay for it.
In all except for my stint in hospital it has been a pretty good month. I am now a kept woman, as I had to give up work. That has saddened me, i really enjoyed working with the pre-school kids. The best news though is DH has agreed to allow me to visit America this year.
Untill the next time
Jackie<

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v671/Jackie13466

06/18/05 -108lbs

Exactly 10 months post-op. Wow where does the time go to? Well lets see what's been happening this past month. I have had my hair cut short, I got fed up with seeing my long hair going down the plug hole. I wonder if this hair loss will ever stop. I met my ultimate goal woo hoo. Last year before I went for surgery I was explaining how much weight I hoped to lose to my daughter. At the time she was wearing a denim skirt size 14 UK/12 US and I said to her "This time next year I will be wearing that skirt." she responded "Aye right mum." Well I achieved this goal this week and I can tell you it lifted my spirts so high I was on cloud nine.Dh and I attended a very posh wedding at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow. It was a once in a lifetime experience, mingling with so many millionares. Saying that most were just regular guys and girls although some were a little snooty. We stayed the night at the hotel, it was lovely, infact the whole day was lovely. Just yesterday I got to meet an OH member from Texas, Kavalina T is here on business and we met in Edinbrugh. It was so nice to talk one on one with someone who has gone through the same things.I have 2 appointments this coming week. One on Tuesday to see my surgeon regarding my facial swelling and another on the 28th to see a surgeon regarding my pain and swelling of my abdomen. So hopefully I will be able to make some progress in these areas.
Untill the next time
Jackie

07/13/05 -114lbs
Not quite a month since my last update, but I am off on holiday in a few days, so I thought I would update before I go. I have seen both my surgeons this last month and got a few answers. First of all the swelling episode in my face was the MUMPS, who would have guessed? I also saw the surgeon regarding the pain and swelling of my abdomen, he has agreed to do an endiscope. He has stated he is not experienced with this type of surgery and if the endiscope proves negative then he would want to refer me to someone else, which is Ok by me.
On Friday the 1st July my brother was only given hours to live, he has prostrate cancer. Well almost 3 weeks later he is still with us and improving a little with each passing day, guess it was not his time to go, thank goodness.
I have now achieved all the goals I set for myself, the last 3 were to weigh less than my husband, which I now do and the other was to fit into his jeans. I tried those jeans on this morning and they fit, I said " THEY FIT". I also had my sister keep my original engagement, wedding and eternity rings, I gave them to her about 16-17yrs ago. I asked her to keep them untill they fitted me again, never truely believing they would. After the birth of my daughter 15yrs ago I thought I will pass them on down to her. Yesterday I asked her for them back and yes the fit me I said "THEY FIT". So I have set myself 1 last goal and that is to loose another 18lbs to get to my own personell goal of 140lbs or maybe 139lbs which would take me under 10 stone.(9st 13lbs)
Thats all for this month, I guess the next time I post I will be 1 year post-op. The time has flew by I can hardly believe it is almost a year since I took the decision to change my life.
Jackie

A picture of me on my 1year aniversary. I now weigh 158lbs.
My dear brother passed away on Wednesday 17th August 2005, he fought a long brave battle against cancer.
I will update my profile when I am feeling less upset.
Jackie

9/16/05 13 months post-op
A lot has happened since I last updated. First of all I have had my endiscope and it revealled nothing, just typical for me. The doctor who did the scope explained right from the begining that if the scope came back clear then he would be unable to treat me further. His reason being he is not a gastric by-pass surgeon and his knowledge of the proceedure is very limited. There is only one GBP surgeon in Scotland and he is not taking any more referals from GP's. However surgeons have more clout and the one I was seeing has agreed to refer me to the one in Glasgow. My tummy seems to be swelling more frequently, I hope I do not have to wait too long for an appointment. On the up side I have a consultation with the PS surgeon on the 27th of this month. I am not sure if he will do ps on me, then again he is willing to see me so there must be a chance of me getting something done, she says with great hope. He is a NHS surgeon and I would not have to pay for any surgery he is willing to do. I also joined curves, they are new to the UK. Unfortunately after the first week of joining I have either pulled a muscle or trapped a nerve in my elbow. It has been 2 weeks now and I still get pain when I move it a certain way or try to put pressure on my arm. Weight wise I have only lost 1 pound this month. I am not supprised, it has been a difficult month what with the passing of my brother and other personell problems. My eating pattern has not been good and I have made alot of poor choices, definately not enough high protien meals. Now I am starting to feel a bit more in control I will get my eating sorted out and get back on track.

11/02/05
Well it has been awhile since I last updated, I will start with a follow-up on last months events.
No.1 Tummy swelling -:Surgeon contacted Glasgow and they have agreed to see me, only problem there is a 6 month waiting list.
No.2 Plastic surgeon has agreed to tummy tuck but not breast lift or thigh reduction.
No 3 -: Curves is going well, I am still enjoying it.
I am struggling to cope with everyday life. I have had some major personnell problems and the latest is a whammy, my 73 yr old father needs a triple heart by-pass. My dad is a smoker (he is in the processs of quitting) and the surgeons (NHS) have not given any indication as to how long he will have to wait. The waiting is causing alot of stress for both my parents and all the family.
On the up side of things both my teenage sons gained employment this week, one has been unemployed for 18 months and the other for 1 month, I feel a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I now hope they enjoy the job, they will be working side by side for the same company. It is Dh's 40th birthday this Friday 4th Nov and we are having a huge party, approx 300 guests. I am so looking forward to it.
Weight wise a very slow month with the scale going up and down, I reckon in the last 6 weeks i have lost and gained the same 5lbs. Oh and another thing I did not expect, mother nature makes a very regular apppearance these days AHHHHHHHHHHHH.
Guess that's enough for now, I promise to get back to monthly updates
Jackie

1/04/06
A new year has began. Lets begin with an update.
1. Dh's party was a huge success, everyone enjoyed themselves and no-one got out of hand.
2. Saw the dr in Glasgow, well I saw his registrar who was absoloutley clueless regarding the RNY. He has only had training in the lapband. However he has scheduled me to have another endiscope.
3. Pain wise things are stepping up a gear. Three times in the last couple of weeks the pain has been so intense it brings tears to my eyes, also this has happened when I have not eaten. Normally the swelling and pain happens after I eat or drink.
4. My dad has seen his surgeon and things are worse than we expected. Not only are the 3 arteries blocked he also needs a valve replaced. My dad spoke with him mid November and his indication was that surgery would be within 3 months. We are now into the second month so I expect he will get a date for surgery real soon. I am so scared for him.
5. Food wise I can eat pretty much anything I want now, however I do chose not to eat fatty foods or foods with sugar in them. I will drink the odd little bottle of lager now and then, I find even one gets me all gassy. The reason I have the odd one is I find a nice cold lager very refreshing.
6. Weight is still stuck, I guess the reason for this is I have not been exercising and I am drinking with my meals, which I have promised myself I am going to stop doing. I am 13lbs from my goal weight and I intend to get there sooner rather than later.
I feel my life is pretty hectic just now and having to run the boys back and forward to work everyday does not help. My depression has been quite intense lately and my GP has changed my medication and last week he doubled it up. I think the new med and dosage is working, I am feeling a bit more positive about things than I had been.
Christmas was fantastic and new year has been one big party. We tend to celebrate the new year in style here in Scotland and this year has been no diffrent from any other.
That's all for now
Jackie

3/25/06 maintaining at 153lbs
Hi everyone I know it has been awhile since I last updated my profile. Well things have been pretty hectic round here, as usual. I had my endiscope on the 20th January . It showed I have a stretched out stoma, which means the food it falling straight through into the small bowel. I am guessing this is why I am experiencing the swelling and pain. Unfortunately I will not get to see the surgeon in Glasgow until the 25th of May, which is very frustrating for me cause I don't have much patience. I am greatful that we are finally getting some answers. Food wise well nothing seems to be easy on me, it does not matter what I eat, how much I eat or even when I eat my abdomen swells and gets painful. Weight wise no change since the begining of December. On Monday I am going to go back to basics and see if I can shift these last few remaining lbs, I am hoping to get down to 140lbs.
Surgeries
I am scheduled to have the following surgeries
1. An eye operation to correct a squint
2. TT sometime between October - February
3. Breast lift and thigh lift Not sure when I am going to do that as it will be self pay surgery.

On a diffrent note my dad had his triple heart by-pass and valve replacement last Wednesday, he was home on Monday(only 5 days after the surgery) He is doing well and improving daily.
My eldest has a new job which he enjoys. The second eldest is still working away at his job and my daughter has taken on another part time job. I am the only one not working in this house. Mood wise I am in a better place especially since my dads surgery is behind us. Yesterday I booked a holiday for me and Gordon, whoo hoo no kids, we are going to Majorca on the 28th April for 1 week. This has helped lift my spirits also. So for a nice change I can actually say I am de-stressed, happy and looking forward to the future.
Thank you everyone who have support and prayed for me and my family through these tough times.
Jackie

5/30/06 152lbs and maintaining
Hi all I am now 12days post-op, I had my Abdominal plasy/TT on the 18yh May. I got the phone call on the Tuesday asking if I could come in on the Thursday. Of course I accepted. Well I arrived at the hospital at 10.30 am and was taken to theartre at 12.45pm. Everything went great, he repaired the muscle wall and did the tt. My main concern was being sick after surgery, I am always sick. I explained all this to the anethetist and he told me he would try a diffrent combination for me. Well I was never so pleased to awaken from the anesthetic and not feel nausious. Thursday evening all went well, dh came to visit and I was able to hold a conversation with him. Then came Friday and boy did it hit me like a ton of bricks, I started wretching and the pain was so bad I wanted to die and I don't say that lightly. Throughout the day they tried various drugs to combat the wretching. By late evening I was getting severe spasms and had started being sick. They gave me a drug through my IV to stop the spasms, all this did was cause a reaction. We could actually see the drugs going through the viens in my arm, the viens were turning bright red as it travelled. They called for a doctor and she came right away. She asked me my sypmtoms and I informed her I had alot of gas in my bowel but was unable to pass it. She sent me staight down for an xray which conculed some large loops in the bowel. I was given more pain meds and a diffrent anti-sickness and antic spasm drugs. By 4am I finally managed to get some relief. They continued with the drugs all through the Saturday and the also gave me an anemina (sp) this helped release alot of the gas. Saturday evening I started to feel a little bit more human. Sunday I was up and walking around. My dh had phoned while I was walking the halls, so when I got to the nurses station they let me phone him from there. As I was there the nurses were discussing blood test results, mine, my blood count was really low and they thought I should get a transfusion. I informed them that I was due to have my B12 shot. So we agread to give me the shot and put me on iron tablets. Monday I got the first of my 2 drains out and Tuesday I got the other one out and then I was realsed to go home. Recovery and pain have been quiet good, I do think I have a bit of infection in my bellybutton. I have beeen using clear water to cleanse the site. I go back to see the PS on Thursday and will take advice from him regarding the site. I am supposed to be relaxing but with 4 teenagers , a baby and a dog in the house it is not easy.
I am geting a bit sore sitting here at the computer so I will finish for now.
Jackie

Well I can hardly believe it has been a year since I last updated. I now weigh 140lbs and have maintained this weight for 4 months now, I am very happy at this weight. I still struggle to eat a well balanced diet all day every day, as you get further out it is easier to fall into old habits. Don't get me wrong I do suffer when I stray from the plan but there are times when I crave something,( I am still human after all) I still avoid sugar and if I crave a high fat food I only eat a small amount say 1 or 2 bites. Occasionally I regret not being able to eat normal, but then I pass a mirrror, shop window and catch my reflection and all my regrets disapear. It is strange that I can come back after such a long time to this site but feel I have never been away, yes alot of faces have changed and not many people will remember me but I still feel like part of the family. Thanks to everyone who has supported me in the past and to those who may be part of my future.
Hugs


Photos

272 10 days post-op

190 6 month post-op