Jasmine D.
Basics:
Age: 24
Heaviest Weight: 302
Lowest Weight: 170
Weight Pre-op: 291
Weight now: 200
Surgery date: June, 2003
Height: 5'11"
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11-02-02
Have been endlessly searching in the metro Detroit area for a surgeon that specializes in LAP RNY, but have found only a few Dr.'s but they're now booking into 2004 (uh, no thank you) or nothing at all.
So I have chosen Dr. Constantine Frantzides who works out of Rush in Chicago. I used to live in Chicago and still love the city, so the idea of a 5 hour drive to attend appt.'s doesn't bother me. (That 5 hrs is ONE way)
My consultation is Thurs. Jan. 16, 2003 @ 2pm.
THANK YOU GOD!
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01-16-03
DR. FRANTZIDES, Dr. Moore and Kathleen were all wonderful on Thursday. I found the office (in Rush's Professional building) with no problem, and didn't have to wait long at all. I was quickly weighed (at my all-tim-high too, LOL) and then shown to a room.
After maybe 5 mins, Dr. Frantzides came in and had a good 45 minute talk with me about everything from A-Z and beyond. His bedside manner is impeccable, his demeanor is kind, and his smile was gorgeous. (hehe) But After checking me out and convincing me that I'm going to be 'so easy' to do, he allowed his asst. Dr. Moore to come in and hear my heart, and answer anymore questions I had. He too was wonderful, and allowed us to banter horror stories that we've heard and how Dr. Franz does things a little differently than a girl like me often hears when researching this stuff.
Since my family lives in Australia and Japan, I documented my trip to Chicago (I live in Detroit) with pictures gallore. Dr. Moore and Dr. Franz were more than happy to let me take a few snaps of them as long as they could take some of me (eeek!)
Overall, I couldn't have asked for a better consultation. Both doctor's were lovely and Kathleen was considerably helpful. All were cheerful and in good spirit - and most of all - I truly felt liked and wanted in there - unlike some dr.'s and how them make their patients feel like a chore.
After all of this, Dr. F made my SURGERY DATE: JUNE 16, 2003!
It could have been much earlier, but I need to wait until my family can come over in the summer and take care of me pre + post op.
I'm sooooooooo excited, soooooooo fortunate and so very very blessed. THANK YOU!
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02-02-03
I must be honest with you, I'm very irritated with the fact that I must run around to get letters of medical necessity and fax them to not only my gastric surgeon but also the insurance company and soforth. Its been a pain in the arse, to put it lightly, and I'm getting sick of it. Dr's not calling u back after you leave numerous msgs - Dr's not writing letters for weeks.. grr! Maybe I'm just being impatient.
I just want to get my paperwork in and get started on the insurance approval process - good grief, will it ever happen!?
The other concern I have right now is my famil and friends. Initially they were all so supportive, but other the past week, I've been getting more and more negative or unsupportive comments regarding MY DECISION to have the surgery. "Oh maybe you should take a year off and go on a really really strict diet and see what it does" - look, you and I know exactly why I wouldn't do that.. but thats just a taste of what I've been getting. Look, people.. this is something I really reallly want - Im fully aware of the possible complications and after effects. Im ready for this. I want this for myself - and my health.
I'm only 20 and thats the factor thats fueling my family's negativity... I'm too young - what will I be like at 70 - thats their question. And hvaing children, thats another thing. Has anyone out there had this sort of 'drastic' surgery at a young age? I'd appreciate your input.
BTW, thank you to anyone who has left me comments - I read them and cherish each one greatly. Thank you.
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02-05-02
IM APPROVED!!!!!!!!!! isn't it funny? As soon as I start bitching and moaning, this happens!
Kathleen called me the day before yesterday and also yesterday asking me to call her back but due to an unbelievable migraine, I wasn't returning any calls... so yeah, I called her this morning and shes like "Yeah, you're approved. Sometimes it happens with just the information I give them, and letters of medical necessity aren't always needed" - WOOOOHOOOOO!
only 19 weeks to go. xoxoxoxox bye!
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3-24-03
I have to be honest with you - lately I've been getting the pre-surgery jitters REALLY bad. I'm not thinking of backing out, by any means, but.. I've never been in hospital other than to visit others.. I'm scared :(
the other thing is, right now, I'm looking for a new psychologist.. my current one just isn't helping me how I need her too, and I'm looking for a one that specializes in weight-loss, depression and OCD... but for some reason, there just aren't any advertised like that in my phone book *sigh*
12 weeks til surgery!
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5-25-03 Happy Memorial Day
all tests are done! Surgery is in 21 DAYS!!!!!!!!!
only 3 weeks to go, WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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6-8-03 one week until surgery, and I couldn't be more excited!! :)
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6-15-03
Today I'm leaving for Chicago. My surgery is schedule for noon tomorrow. I'm so scared but sooo excited! Wish me luck!
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6-23-03
WOW! I made it! I can't believe I bloody made it! The surgery was scary for me.. and the hospital stay wasn't the most pleasant.. but in there I met 2 lovely women that had undergone WLS 1-2yrs before and they looked awesome.
A lot of people talk step-by-step about their procedure and I may do the same when I feel better. As for now I'm in DIRE PAIN! this is so freaking painful, the soreness and aching alone almost makes me regret it. But.. for my 1 weeks post-op visit yesterday, -14lbs is enough to keep me going.
Will update more when I can actually sit in a computer chair for more than 15 mins without wanting to keel over from pain.. oh and THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR LOVELY LOVELY WARM WISHES!
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6-5-03
almost 3 weeks post op and only down 20 lbs. I don't feel any different and my body looks the same. I'm frustrated. I have no energy and my tummy still hurts.
I also, coincidentally, found out I had a kidney stone on wednesday--went to the ER and was in excruitiating pain for the night.
I just want the pain to stop. I want to feel well again. :(
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8-15-03
Had an endoscopy about 2 weeks ago, and they had to dilate a sricture I had.. it was so advanced that a pin could barely pass through. I need to be honest.. I can't eat.. food just doesnt appeal to me anymore, nor do I feel hungry enough to consume food. I drink, slowly, with pain still, but as far as eating goes.. I eat maybe once a day, and if I do, its only a mouthful.
If you're contemplating this surgery, make sure that you know everything there is to know about it.. INCLUDING complications. I think it is a very useful tool in weightloss, but.. as with everything, there are down sides. I wish I had been more well informed on the possible complications.. I just figured that because I was a 'lightweight' and because I was only 20yrs old, I would come out with flying colors.. not the case.
I love Dr. Frantzides and he has been there for me whenever I have needed him.. If I have an emergency, I page him and he calls back promptly.. he's always there for his patients and I really admire that. I'm not sure what I would have done without him and his assistance (even when the case wasn't WLS related)
I'm 2mths post op and down almost 50 lbs. Do I regret the surgery? egh.. not at the moment. I've just had a rough ride sofar.. it should get better soon though. (hopefully)
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9-4-03
Had kidney surgery today to remove a stone.. I cant stop throwing up from all the anesthesia.. but things are good.
Saw Dr. F. and John last week.. both of them said I was looking fantastic... and you know what.. I AM!
Almost 3mths post-op.......... down 64lbs!
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11-8-03
Jesus christ! I need new pics.. I look totally different even from those!! Down even more weight - I'm now at 212. Started at 302, 5 mths ago.. thats a 90 lbs weightloss!!!!!!!!!!! I can't even tell you how fabulous I feel.. my energy has sky rocketed - my sex life is aboslutely insane! I get hit on daily - I'm soooooooo not used to this.
As for the weighloss itself, I'm not being a good girl and keeping up with my protein.. in fact I havent really been doing that all along. I eat TONS of fish and eat whatever meat/egg is on my plate before anything else.. but apart from that, I dont count calories, I dont count protein, nor do I keep up well with my fluids. I just started working out, so along with that new regimen, I should probably take up a more active part in my diet... but honestly, the past 5 mths have just been an absolute whirlwind.
Saw Dr. F and Dr. John last week in their NEW office @ Evanston Hospital - I really like the new office!! Its a bit squishier than the old office, but its all new, and Dr. F is on his own so no more "Affiliate Clinical Surgeons" now its just "DR. Frantzides Office.." - so much nicer.
I've finally started going to the GYM!!! w000t... I think the main reason I'm going isnt necessarily to tone up, but rather, regain my leg muscles. I used to play volleyball before surgery and I always had great strength in my legs.. but since surgery I get on the floor and cant get back up, my knees go out on me sometimes (btw, I'm 21 yrs old!!!!!!!!!!!!! jeez) so I desperately want to get them back to being as strong as they were.
I cant believe Im only 12 lbs away from being out of the 200s - do you know when the last time I was under 200, was?... I was 12.
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12-13-03
I'm floating the 200/199 lbs mark. I leave for Australia on monday for 2 weeks. Just bought a Ralph Lauren size 14 swimsuit and I cant freaking WAIT to wear it on the beach... it will be nice to not feel like a nuisance to anyone.. or pointed at, or looked at funny. This time, guys will be looking at me because I actually have a really nice figure... not horrendously gigantic thighs.
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1/8/04
FINALLY UNDER 200lbs! YAHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Current weight? 197.
Heighest weight? 302.
Pre-surg weight? 291.
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!
Pre-surg size? 24
Now size? 14/16 <----------------- how f-ing cool is that?
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02/12/04
Valentine's Day is in 2 days and I'm NOT looking forward to it. I didn't get boyfriends before my surgery (HA! go figure) and you know what, I don't get them post-op either. It's depressing. Here I was thinking that if I just lost a little weight that things would perk up in my love life.... oh, but no. I was wrong. Even having lost over 100+lbs now, I'm still single.
I don't get it.
Pre: 302/291
Now: 185
Goal: 160
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2/16/04
Today, I am exactly 8 mths post-op. Down: 117 lbs!
Oh, and I'm hella excited because I just bought my plane ticket to Chicago for the Support Group Meeting on MARCH 3rd - can you believe its going to be the first meeting I'll attend?! Well, thats the way it goes when you live 300 miles from Chicago.
CANT WAIT TO MEET YOU ALL - MAKE SURE YOU COME SO I CAN SEE YOU AND YOUR TRANSFORMING SELVES! :D
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3/1/04
I'm 180!!! Holy bejesus, go me!
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5/5/04
I never update this thing... oops? What can I say, I'm a busy girl. I actually got down to 174 lb last month but that, unfortunately, didnt last all that long - I'm eating well, and I'm exercising more than I ever have! I just dont get why I'm not breaking my plateau, or worse yet, gaining.
Off to Chicago next month for a lil shindig thing at the Westin @ O'hare - super excited about it - thanks KAREN!!!!
Apart from that - I'm almost 11 mths post op, and down over 110lbs from pre-op weight (125lbs from my heighest)... I'm really happy. And, of course, I have no one but Dr. F to thank :)
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6/10/04
Holy crap I cant believe I'm less than a week away from being ONE YEAR POST-OP!!! I cant BELIEVE how much has changed in the past year.. I dont even know where to begin!! First of all, I'm not 300 lbs anymore... I'm 170 lbs. As of this week I am FINALLY in the 'NORMAL' weight category under the BMI charts! What the hell?! Who knew THAT would ever happen!!
Driving the 5 hours to Chicago tomorrow to see Dr. F and Dr. John for my 1-yr visit. Im bringing my old pre/hospital photos to show Dr. John and to remind Dr. F on what an absolutely fabulous job he did. I am truly blessed to have found him and his practice and to of even had the chance to undergo surgery.
I'm 21. Full of energy. I have a beautiful boyfriend who simply adores me, and thinks that I was just as beautiful a year ago (even though he didnt know me then.) I'm so happy with life.. my body.. I can't say enough about it all.
If you're pre-op, HANG IN THERE!!! Insurance can be a bitch, but damn its sooo worth it. And if youre going to choose any Doctor? Choose Dr. Frantzides... he's seriously the best surgeon out there. His bed-side manners are so wonderful, and being a patient of his allows me to say first-hand that his surgical skills are just as great.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.
p.s. Karen is wonderful. Hun, if you're reading this, thank you for the AutoSuture opportunity - IT WAS SOOOO MUCH FUN!!!!!!!!!
