NatalieW
I live in Redding California, which is fortunate enough to have a wonderful and very supportive bariatric program. They are there to provide you with any information necessary to judge whether gastric bypass surgery is the right option for you or not. Also, you will have a lot of support from the numerous people that attend support group meetings and also the staff themselves. I have been very impressed by them and I am lucky to be in the same area as such a wonderful program.
| N | Normal |
| A | Ambitious |
| T | Technological |
| A | Amorous |
| L | Loud |
| I | Important |
| E | Entertaining |
My weight surgery posts from day one to now:
December 9, 2007
Hey sportsfans, sorry it has been so very very long since I last checked in. I have been doing very well. I have gotten down to a size twelve and I weigh 165 pounds. I am so much more confident in myslef and consequently happier. I take better care of myself physically and appearance wise. I am not faithfully working out quite yet, so I have a little loose flab around the stomach, thighs and upper arms, but I just got a rowing machine, so I am excited to start a regular workout. Anyway, doing well physically, no bad side effects, and my diet is pretty good. I have gotten a little lax this holiday season, but I am working on it. One good thing is my old friend chocolate, is now quite repulsive to me, so I don't eat too much sweets.
Sorry Iv'e been gone for so long...
I am doing quite well! I am down to 188 pounds, but have been plateaued there for about two weeks now. Oh well, I have still lost a buttload of weight and am wearing size 14/12 and am dressing nice again! No more oversized t-shirts and gauchos for me! I am so happy, not just because I have lost the weight or look better, but I am finally just content with myself and the way I look. I haven't been his confident in a long time! I go places, do things, instead of hiding in my room. What a difference. I need to be more regualr with my workouts though. I can run for 25 minutes on my treadmill now. Anyway that's it for now so I will try to start updating regularly again.
Month Two-June 30, 2007
So my two month anniversary has come and gone, and I have been too busy to even notice how some of my clothes are hanging off my body and pants that I couldn't get past my hips are now baggy. I am now a size sixteen and as of today below 200! I canb wear some size fourteens, but I didn't quite meet my goal. But I am much more self confident and happy with the way I look now.
Update [Edit Post]
I am doing rather well these days! I am at 209 pounds and I feel really good about myself. I am now a size sixteen and I have been exercising everyday. I jog for 20 minutes and I lift five pound weights to firm up the arm flab. I set a goal of being a size 14 by July 2 for my trip to vegas. Very exciting!
One Month Anniversary May 23, 2007
Weight: 214 down from 240 on 4/23/07
Feeling good...knock on wood!
Wow, it has been a whole month already. It has gone by fast but also slow. I feel good now. I have been really good about eating until I am satisfied and then stopping after that. Getting plenty of fluids and taking my vitamins too, because that is sooooo important. I uploaded a couple new pics. The ones where I am wearing my gumby shirt. I really look and feel different from those first initial photos. Although I am lower on energy, I feel much more alive. I am not ashamed and hiding anymore, and I actually went to my cousins wedding and had a really good time! I don't regret this at all and I am so blessed to live near such a wonderful surgeon that I could really trust. This guy is truly talented. No complications so far and he has a point one (yes .1%) record of leakage or complication and zero percent fatality after over five hundred surgeries. I am so glad I made this decision and I am actually looking forward to our trip to vegas this year!
May 22, 2007
Well, tommorow is my one month anniversary. Things have gone rather smooth for me so far. I have had some blood sugar dropouts where I get really shaky and dizzy. Surprisingly enough, I am able to just about guzzle water without any problem, though I shouldn't because it is not good for you.So far I have lost 35 pounds since April 5th. I weighed 252 pounds then. 23 of which I have lost post surgery. I haven't really gotten into exercise yet. I keep forgetting to eat which is so not good and is probably slowing down my weight loss. I weigh 213 on two scales and 220 on another. I am going with the higher weight because I think that scale is correct, but it would be pretty cool to weigh 213! I have lost seven inches off my lower waist, the circumfrence of your belly button and subsequently have dropped from a 22/24 to a 18/20. That feels darn good!
Back by popular demand!!!
May 13, 2007~ Happy Mothers day ladies!!!
This post is dedicated to the things I have learned about myself and this surgery over the past three weeks. If you are thinking you will come home and miraculously be 120 pounds overnight, you are in for a big surprise! Well, I know nobody is that funny to think they could lose weight that quickly, but really, there may be times where you don't lose weight for days!
Week one; I came home expecting to be heavier what with the fact that I was full of IV fluids and air. I weighed 246 on day 4 post op. That is six pounds heavier than going in. by that saturday I was 240. I am thinking this is great! I am also thinking I would like to eat a hamburger. I went through a week of major boredom and depression. Not knowing how to comfort and entertain myself for a week
Week two; Losing weight, with a little more variety in my diet. Finding good sustinace in two shakes a day and some refried beans or eggs or cottage cheese. I am now at 230. Over the next few days I get down to 228 and stay that way for almost a week. I feel very discouraged. Why am I not down to 210 like I plan to be? The reasons are as follows; A) not realisitic B) My body has just gone through a major change and is trying to adjust C) not drinking nearly enough water and D) perhaps working myself a little too hard on the treadmill. I have put my body into shock thinking I am starving and trying to use what little energy I have left to work off punds that my body wants to hang on to. Time to reevaluate my situation.
Week three;220 pounds!!! I am losing anywhere from .5 to 2 pounds a day. I feel good. I am starting to have diarrhea and vomiting occasionally but when I think about why, it was probably the little piece of muffin I stole or the fact that I wolfed down the chicken salad and drank too soon after. I buy a timer to make sure I am waiting long enough before and after I eat to start drinking water, and this helps tremendously. Clothes are getting loose and my face is looking much more lively and my double chin is just about gone. But I am also getting lazier. I am exercising evry few days when I should atleast be walking everynight. I have decided to start pilates back up again because I have become much more flexible and that will help to kickstart my longing to be healthier and leaner. Try it, pilates is always a staple in my regimine. Just remember, like adjusting to this diet, it takes time to fully do the moves, so go easy on yourself. Stop and drink water if you need to.
Finally, next week I am attending a wedding, which will be a good test of my will and commmitment. So I will let you know how that turns out.
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May 10, 2007
Hey-
It's been a busy month, what with my recovery and my mom's as well. She had an abdominalplasty and hernia repair three days after my surgery. I am doing good. I had a rough couple of nights this week. After being able to eat real meat again, I threw up all moday night until two in the morning and then last night I had diarrhea until four in the morning. It's a little too much info, but hey, you should know the truth. At this point I don't even want to eat anything! I am barely squeezing in a meal as it is! I have lost twenty pounds since surgery which is good, and I am really starting to notice the difference in clothing size. I am exercising every other day until I build up a bit more steam. I am pretty tired a lot, but that's probably because I am starving but can't feel it! It is strange when you realize you eat like an aneorexic without meaning to. But that is why I am religious about taking my vitamins and getting 64 oz of wate a day. I want to stay as healthy as humanly possible! Anyway, I will check in again soon! I want to post another picture of me when I am a month out of surgery so you all can see the results!
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April 27, 2007
I have made it succesfully to the other side! It wasn't painful really at all. Just a lot of soreness and discomfort, but it comes and goes. I am staying away from the painpills as they make me really sick, and drinking water has been the hardest part for me. I just get so full, and I have been sipping water every five mintues. I am only one pound heavier than when I went in to the hospital, but I feel like I have gained fifty!The soreness around where the drain in my stomach is the most uncomfortable. I feel like all my insides might come spilling out but it is getting better day by day. Anyway, I will update more next week, because I am not supposed to be sitting down, so thanks to everyone for all the support.
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Night Before Surgery
April 22, 2007
I can't believe it is here already. I have only had to wait a month and a half, but still, it is just such a arduous process to get everything necessary done to be considered for this surgery. I packed my bag last night and it really hit me. I am having a gastric bypass. I wrote myself a letter tonight, reminding me of why I am doing this and that this is something I am doing for me and nobody else. Just because I may not be overweight someday, doesn't mean that I am doing this to fit into society's norm. the truth is obesity is becoming the norm, yet we are still treated with shame and disrespect. People look down on us as if we have no control over ourselves. This is an illness and not necessarily a choice. I am just lucky to be being given a tool as remarkable as gastric bypass is. So as the hours wind down, and my stomach's ready to be cut down to a fraction of it's size, I am thinking back on all the things I have missed out on because of my issue with my weight and self worth. I've punished myself for too long by hiding out and self medicating with goodies and take-out. It is time to find a new way of living and others things to look forward to besides my next meal.So I am leaving the bad memories of being taunted and made fun of for the way I look, I am leaving behind all the parties, and trips and social functions I skipped out on because of the way I look, and the nights speant alone in front of the tv with whatever I could find to eat laying around the house. I am leaving it all behind in the operating room, and i am coming out a new, better and happier person.
Oh Happy Day... [Edit Post]
April 19, 2007
Published
Today was the day I have been waiting for for one and a half months. I have been approved by my insurance surgery and finished both pre-op surgical and hospital appointments all in one day. I had to do a urine test and blood test, but no chest x-ray or EKG because I am young and a non-smoker, although the anesthisiologist may ask for one on my day of surgery. So all that's left is my new birthday, monday April 23, 2007. I can't believe it all happened so quickly for me. I have been praying rosaries every night and hoping that this could be a reality and here I am! I am a little nervous because I have never had surgery before, so I will pray now that everything goes well and it is a huge success. Just three days until surgery I can't believe it. I am actually looking forward to going to my cousins wedding next month because I will be able to find nicer clothes than the ones I have been wearing. I hope to be a size down by then.YAYAYAYAYAYAYAY, wish me luck!: )
Thursday I'll know for sure [Edit Post]
Well, Jodi from Shasta Regional called me to confiirm that monday will be the day, and that I have been sticking to my liver shrinking diet. But I still haven't gotten approval for my surgery by the insurance. She said she sees no reason why they wouldn't approve me, but you never know! I be able to rest easier once I know for absolute sure.So she said she'll hear from my insirance company by this thursday.
This is of little or no importance [Edit Post]
April 15, 2007
Published
I'M GOING CRAAAAAAZZZZZYYYYYYYYY!Could tommorow be the day I hear back about my insurance authorization?The next day, or the next day....Oh lord, I think this is the hardest part about this entire process. Besides that, I went to a really great support group meeting saturday in which we looked at the serenity prayer and how to incorporate that idea into our lives. I think it is very much like A.A. in that we all have had our own struggles, lapses in judgement and weakness. And what we conume is just as harmful to our bodies as alcohol is to an alcoholic. "Hi , my name is Natalie and I am a food-a-holic". Seeing and talking to so many men and women who were just like me makes me feel comforted in the fact that I am not alone in this fight. There are millions out there struggling just like me!
Thumbs twiddling, clock watching, waiting for that fateful ring [Edit Post]
April 13, 2007
PublishedUgh, it's only been two days since meeting with doctor Stone, and I have to be the most impatient person in this world! I keep waiting by the phone, hoping it will ring, with word on what my insurance decided. I can't stand this! I am so nervous, I don't know what they will decide, it could go either way! I just hope and pray it will go whatever way is in my best interest.
Finally we meet! [Edit Post]
April 11, 2007
Published
Dear Lord, please keep me from eating my foot [Edit Post]
April 9, 2007
Published
Oh my lamb!!! I never thought this diet would be so hard. I am on day five, and it is getting a little easier but geez. Those first few days were horrible. I was just so hungry! I had to watch everyone around me eating whatever they want and I was like... hepl me!!!! Anyway, the first day I just slept most the day away, which sounds bad but I wouldn't have lasted if I didn't. Now that I am on day five I feel a lot better. This diet is so fiber and protein rich that I have had a lot of "movements" hehehe. I did lose 4 1/2 pounds in two days though, and I don't have all the horrible gas pains I was having every morning. So I guess I fell good in one respect and also bad because I am still having problems not being tempted. Oh well, just a couple more weeks and I may be having surgery!!!
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Pre-op teaching and liver shrinking! [Edit Post]
April 5, 2007 Published
I went to my pre-op teaching yesterday. It was a two hour class about what to expect from surgery, hospital stay and there after. They gave us a little goody bag with all kinds of things, like measuring tape, vitamin holder and the little scrub brushes you have to scrub with prior to surgery. I was given a tentative surgery date of April 23rd. I am so excited. I haven't met with the surgeon yet so i am still anxious about meeting him and whether or not the insurance will approve me. Nevertheless, I have begun my liver shrinking diet today. It is so hard the first day of any diet. I am only allowed two protein shakes a day, a piece of dry toast, 1 cracker ad a healthy choice frozen dinner. So I guess I am eating normalyy, which I haven't done in a long while. I have almost made it through the first day which is good. I guess the first three days are really hard. Wish me luck!!! Be the first to leave a comment.
Pre op teaching scheduled [Edit Post]
on March 31, 2007 5:01 pm
Published
I am scheduled for my pre-op teaching this wednesday. I am doing things a little backwards because my insurance is going to run out soon.They are letting me have this appointment even though I haven't met with the surgeon or been approved for the surgery by my insurance company. God willing this won't be a waste of their time, and I will be on my way to the operating room! Be the first to leave a comment.
Surgeon Consult coming soon... [Edit Post]
on March 26, 2007 9:42 pm
Published
Thank GOD!!! I finally have a date to meet with the surgeon. April 11th is the day! If he thinks this is a good choice for me then all I have is the insurance to wait for. If not, then I will look into other options. My mom suggested Nutri-systems. She did it before and gained all her weight back, so I am hoping if this is an option besides surgery, I won't have the same outcome I have had with so many other fad diets :( I really hope the doctor hears me out and feels this is a good choice. I know he's competent in these decisions so I will take his word for it either way. Be the first to leave a comment.
Memorial Page [Edit Post]
on March 23, 2007 9:42 pm
Published
In doing my regualr scanning of the information of ObesityHelp.com, I decided to read the memorial page. The stories were just heartbreaking. They must have suffered so much in their last days and it makes me so sad. I know everyone thinks "it can't be me" or "my surgeon won't make mistakes".The truth is it really could be you or me. There were people from all age groups and all walks of life. Something to consider... Be the first to leave a comment.
Some unforseen problems... [Edit Post]
on March 23, 2007 9:12 pm
Published
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Support and Anxiety [Edit Post]
on March 20, 2007 9:06 pm
Published
Well, it has been one week since I met with the dietician. I attended my first support group meeting as well, which was a little strange but also intriuging. Everyone basically talked about how much weight they lost and about their struggles before and after surgery. I was put on the spot about what was my purpose. I felt strange because I hadn't quite mapped that out in my mind. Certainly to look better, that is a given. Certainly to feel better that is also true. But most of the women there had diabetes or something. I guess my co-morbid would be my asthma. I have had asthma most of my life. I noticed it had dissipated when I lost the 75 pounds.Now it's hard to even make it around the grocery store, or walk long distances in the parkinglot. Well, I have completed all that I need before meeting with the doctor and applying for approval with my insurance, which will seal my fate. I wrote an email to the coordinator to find out when I can expect a phone call, because I hadn't heard anything in a week. I am so excited and nervous that this won't work out for me. She told me they will get in touch within the next couple weeks. So I have a little more waiting and a little more nail biting. I don't expect to know anything for the next month or so. Be the first to leave a comment.
Dietician [Edit Post]
on March 13, 2007 10:30 pm
Published
I met with the dietician today. It went really well. We talked for a long time about what makes me eat. She told me I am pretty self aware of my weakness' like stress, and boredom. She said "you won't be bored after your surgery, you'll want to go everywhere" which is true. I feel like I'm cooped up in a really uncomfortable, sweaty shell!!! Haha. But I'm truly praying that if this surgery is right for me, that I be approved by the doctor and the insurance soon enough. I really want to enjoy my summer and my birthday, without needing food to celebrate. Be the first to leave a comment.
Psych Eval... T.G.I. Over!!!! [Edit Post]
on March 9, 2007 4:47 pm
Published
I had my psychiatric evaluation today. My consultation was yesterday and my blood test is tommorow. I faxed in my information for the dietician consultation as well. Within the past five days I have completed most of the steps I need to get this ball really rolling. Usually it takes a lot longer. With my psychiatric evaluation, they said I couldn't be scheduled until April sixth, but I called back and said "if you have any cancellations I am willing to come in" and sure enough they called me an hour later and now I have completed and passed the test! I would suggest asking your consult which are the promptist psychologists from the list of options. Also, if they are scheduling you way out by like two weeks, tell them to keep you in mind in case of cancellations.All I have left is to meet with my dietician and then I get to actually have some one on one with the doctor. Never doubt the power of prayer people! Everything is really coming together for me, but the hardest part...besides the surgery...will be the approval from the insurance company. That is what I am most worried about at this point. Be the first to leave a comment.
Seminar [Edit Post]
on March 7, 2007 10:59 pm
Published
I went to the gastric bypass two hour seminar on monday the 5. It truly lasted two hours. I paid close attention and learned a lot. They haven't lost a patient yet, which made me feel good, but I also learned about the possibility of leaking and the damage it may cause which made me a little nervous. They called me the next day to set up coordinator consultation for the eighth which is tommorow, so I'll report how that went and how many steps I am from meeting the doctor and sending the letter for approval. That perhaps is one of the more nerve wracking parts of this whole process. I watched my sister and mom bite their nails for weeks waiting to hear back from the insurance company.
