Cathy M
Hello everyone - A little 'bout me!
I've been very heavy all of my life, and I've tried practically every diet known to man. While, I've had success with several, it's never been long-term. After all these years, health problems associated with obesity are beginning to plague me, and I need help!
I've been toying with the idea of surgery for sometime now, but have been to scared. I realize now, that I have to have faith, and just do it.
I have my first consultation with a surgeon in my area, and hope to be scheduled soon.
I finally have a surgery date for mid-August, and I'm really excited. Friends and co-workers are scared for me, but I am not. I can't wait to begin my new life, my healthier life!!!!
Any help and/or support will be greatly appreciated.
August 10, 2005 - I have only a few days to go before surgery. Monday's the big day (8/15). I'm really excited and ready to begin my new journey!!!
I'd love to hear from anyone and everyone regarding their hospital experiences, and tips for the first few weeks post-op.
Sept. 14, 2005 - Well, I'm a month post-op and have been making wonderful progress. The surgeon sent me home from the hospital on Lovenox for blood clots, and I take my last shot on Friday - YEAH!!!! So far, I have not had any trouble eating solid foods - double-YEAH!!! I pay very close attention to my tummy while eating. The only problems I've experienced is some morning nausea occasionally and lots of gas (Thank God for GasX!!!!). I was 27lbs lighter at my 2-week post-op appointment with Dr. Irgau - I could hardly believe my eyes!!! Since April when I began the Life Skills classes at PMRI to-date, I've lost a total of 59lbs. I can see via the scales that the weight is coming off, but I'm a little discouraged in that I can't physically see where I've lost any. Other people say they can, but I don't notice it. I've not had a moments regret for having the surgery - although while I was in the hospital I was beginning to wonder (until they pulled out the drainage tube - that was like heaven!!!).
October 12, 2005 - It's been 2 months - gee time flies!!! I'm doing so much better. I'm off all my prescription meds except one, and my blood pressure is great! I didn't believe it was possible. I've got a little more energy - and can hardly wait to get more. I've got a lot of things to do that I was never able to do before. I've finally had to retire some of my old clothes - what a WONDERFUL feeling!!!!! The best part - I've never felt deprived. I can go out to eat with my family, but I just bring home lots of leftovers - which doubles as lunches for a couple days. It's a win-win situation!!
January 31, 2006 - Wow, it's hard to believe it's been 5 months since surgery! I feel wonderful and I'm down 105lbs. I've actually been able to start exercising now. My knees and hips can actually function - it's amazing!!! WLS has begun to open doors that I thought were forever closed! I'm so thankful that I can begin to live life again instead of watching it go by. I actually have dreams and plans for the future instead of obsessing over how soon I'd die. Friends, family and co-workers have been super supporative, and I feel truly BLESSED!!!!!
March 13, 2006 - Hello everyone - it's been a while, and I apologize. I've been very busy lately, and thanks to WLS I'm able to do everything I'm doing. I've finally started fixing up my house - I've never had energy to do anything outside of lightly cleaning. I've been working in the yard, preparing flower beds, shampooing carpets - things I thought I'd never ever feel like doing again! I'm happy to say too, that the last time I went to see Dr. Irgau, I was down 122 lbs. I couldn't believe it!!! You know what else I've found amazing - I always had problems with slacks being too short and thought it was because of my height. Well, since I've lost so much weight, all my slacks to way too long - go figure - who'd have thought my belly was the reason they were too short. I'm also now discovering a whole new wardrobe from the depths of my closet. Let me just say that it's a wonderful feeling to be able to take clothes out of your closet and put them on and actually have them fit. It's been a long time since that's happened to me, and I LOVE IT!!!! I'm also excited in knowing that when I retire a piece of clothing for being too big, I can actually get rid of it instead of saving it for "just in case". It's wonderful to know there will never be another "just in case". So for those of you who aren't too sure about WLS, let me tell you - it sets you free! I feel so much better about myself. It's a wonderful life!!!!!!!
May 1, 2007 - Time has really flown by - Life is Good!!!! While I'm still losing weight, it's not at the rate I would like it! To-date, I'm down 173 lbs from my original starting weight, but I still have about 125 lbs to go. Needless to say, I get discouraged sometimes, but when I look back at how far I've come, I can't help but be amazed! I've never felt better, and I'm really enjoying life now. I go places without fear of ridicule; I can hold my head up proudly and know that I've done amazing things in my life that nobody even has a clue about and it's totally up to me whether I want to share. I feel in control of my life for the first time! It's a feeling you'll learn to love - trust me!!!! I'm going to keep on trying and hope you will too!!! Don't give up!!! Ever!!!!!
Aug 2, 2008 - Wow! It's hard to believe it's been almost 3 years since my surgery! I would do it all over again tomorrow if given the opportunity. WLS was the best thing that's ever happened to me. I will tell you all this - IT IS A TOOL - we need to never forget it. I sometimes get very discouraged because I haven't lost as much as I would have hoped, but when I look at where I was to where I am now - the journey has been unbelievable. When I started this journey way back in 2005, my starting weight was 477 - that's right - almost 500 lbs. My current weight hangs right around 285, so that's a 192 lb weight loss. I am very proud of that feat!!! I will be honest with you though, when I look in the mirror, and when other people look at me, I'm still the fat girl - and that's what discourages me most! I think it's important for those of us who struggle every day with body image and self-defeating behaviors to seek support from whomever we can, be it friends or professional help. My fear of regaining weight keeps me strong, but I will admit that somedays I still feel like crawling under a rock. So those of you who are considering WLS - keep the faith - it will be the best thing you could ever do for yourselves!!!! Take care everyone!!!!!
July 7, 2010 - Wow - where in the world have I been! It's been almost 5 years since I had RNY by-pass. I have not had many problems to speak of except that I'm consistently vitamin D deficient and that has caused lots of issues. Did you know that vitamin D deficiency can mimick symptoms of fibromyalgia? I didn't until I was poked and prodded on by lots of doctors. Otherwise, everything is peachy keen! Life is good and busy. I've basically maintained my weight and have ups/downs like everyone else. Right now I've gained a few and am trying to get back on track. I find that my issues with head hunger have resurfaced and I have to really concentrate to "feel" the fullness. I have caught myself grazing on slider foods and am trying to break that bad habit. It's nice to see some familiar faces on OBH - hi to all! And for all the new faces - hello and keep up the good work - you'll not regret it!!!! Peace & Love to everyone!!!!
