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02/01/02-----Hi. I'm a 51 year old Registered Nurse, married, and have a 16 year old son. I love to vacation, read, and do genealogy. I've tried every diet plan under the sun, and have never been able to keep the weight off in the long term. For the past several years I've just given up. And of course my weight has continued to go up! Imagine that! About a year ago, during my annual exam, my physician was telling me I needed to lose weight. Pretty soon she looked at me and said, "Bev, you don't seem to care that you are overweight." She wasn't being mean. There is a strong history of Diabetes and Heart Disease in my family and she can see whats in store for me. She really made me think. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that I cared deeply about being overweight. But I also felt overpowered and helpless, knowing that even if I somehow managed to lose some weight it would just come back. I was so sad. Then I began to read articles about people who were having WLS. People that it was working for and people who had not lost their health after having the surgery. I read a few books and talked with some local people who had had the surgery. And while not all of them were happy with the surgery [one person had had the surgery reversed], everyone else I talked to were glad they had gone through with it. I checked with my insurance and they said they cover the surgery if it is medically necessary. Finally I went to my PCP and asked for a referral to a surgeon. I didn't really know how she would feel about it. But she surprised me by agreeing that a consultation would be in order. I have researched surgeons and hospitals and have decided that Dr. Otteman in Ft. Collins, CO would be best. I called his office and requested a packet of information. The packet contained information about the surgery, prices, and medical and diet history form. I have sent in my packet to Dr. Ottemans office, along with my medical records. I am now waiting for an appointment date for my consultation visit. I have been told that it takes 4-6 weeks before his office will contact you with an appointment date. And then another several months before you go in for your initial consultation. At my age time usually flies by but I expect this time to drag. I will attend Dr. Ottemans support group meeting starting in February. I would be interested in email from people who have had Dr. Otteman for a surgeon or anyone who is planning to have him as a surgeon.
02/18/02-----Seems like more than 2 weeks, my mind has been going in circles. I am totally obsessed with research on WLS. It holds so much hope. Both this site and the Spotlight Health sites are very good. I spend way too much time on these sites, but my family is being tolerant; even though, their ears are starting to go numb listening to me talk about the surgery. I have researched both RNY and the DS procedures. And decided to stick to the RNY. The DS is tempting given their ability to eat more and no dumping, but the 2-4 bowel movements/day, odorous gas and bowel movements and malnutrition problems were offsetting. As were the people who wrote about body odor problems. But a lot of people are very happy with the DS surgery and its great results. My worst dilema has been over Fobi ring versus no Fobi ring. Especially after I heard about a new surgeon in Greeley, CO who has a very short waiting list and does the lap procedure. When I contacted Dr. Otteman's office to see if I had sent everything they needed [I know, it actually was just an excuse to see where I was in line] they were very nice [even though the papers they sent said not to call them, they would call me] but the news was discouraging. All papers were in order and they had all they needed, but...the wait for the consultation visit is about 6 months, with surgery being scheduled about 4-6 weeks after that. When I called the new surgeons office, Dr. Michael Johnell, they told me the next appointment was in about 2 weeks, with surgery expected 6-8 weeks after that depending on the insurance approval process.
Several people on this site have had Dr. Johnell do their surgery and thought he did a great job. The Fobi ring must be done by an open procedure and like any open surgery there is an expected recovery time of 6 weeks or so. With the lap, you can be back to work in 2 weeks. After a LOT of talk and thought, for right now, I'm going to stick with the Fobi ring. Although there is limited long-term statistical information on the Fobi ring,the possibility of erosion with the Ring, and disagreement among Drs on the need for a Ring, it seems that there might be less of a possibility of weight regain with the Ring. And I know that Dr. Otteman is an accomplished surgeon who believes that the RNY with the ring does the best job, so I'm going to continue my research and TRY to be patient. I have sent for a packet of information from Dr. Johnell's office and I have checked his license with the Colorado Medical Board [clear record, no actions pending ]. He is a new resident in Colorado from Florida. I "talked" with a lady from Florida who thought he was great.
3-1-02 OK, 1 month since I sent in my packet to Dr. Ottemans office. I am feeling less driven now, not spending quite so much time on the internet researching WLS. I find myself feeling sad occasionally now, sad that I need to have the surgery to lose weight. I have begun telling my co-workers and friends about the WLS; they have all been very supportive of my decision. Surprise! Being a light weight [!] I thought more people would think I shouldn't have the surgery. I am on my 3rd book about the surgery. I am really conscious of all the aches and pains of my overweight body; I had never really thought much about them before. I'm very conscious of my body now that I've decided to have the surgery. I sure wouldn't have gone to the Dr. about them, knowing that I would be told to lose some weight! I only realized how much I don't complain to my Dr. about wt. related problems when I reviewed my medical records prior to sending them to Dr. Otteman's office. Overweight people hid so much. I am now scheduled for the sleep study that my PCP wants me to have. I also am trying to arrange for the echocardiogram that is a part of the drug settlement for people who took the Phen-Fen drugs. Wonder why I'm so focused on my body! I also am finding myself avoiding uncomfortable [embarassing] activities since I have decided to do the surgery. Before I tried to go ahead and do what I wanted and was able to do [snorkling, beach, amusement parks, travel etc] because I would miss out if I let my weight hold me back. Now I'm like waiting until after the surgery to "do life". Weird. I have continued to do research on the RNY with Fobi ring, and really believe it is the surgery that is right for me. I guess I have resigned myself to the 6 month [now 5 month] wait before I finally get into see Dr. Otteman. But I'm going to call periodically, maybe once a month, to see where I am in line. Maybe I'll luck out and get in sooner. Maybe some people will switch to Dr. Johnell, those who would rather have the lap procedure.
3-8-02 Had my sleep study last night. It was hard to sleep in a hospital room with many wires surrounding and attached to you. And I should have taken my own pillow! If you have one, don't worry about the procedure. Its easy. I wore my own gown and they don't expose your body at all. Nothing hurts. Nothing gets inserted into your body. Small patches go on your legs [1 for each calf], all over your face and scalp, and one just below each collar bone area. No hair spray or makeup allowed. I wore my makeup in and used a Ponds cleansing cloth to remove it. They put a narrow strap over my gown across my upper chest under the arm pits and another around my middle again over the gown. They aren't tight. They are very very long, I was worried before I went in that they wouldn't fit---you know, those "I'm too fat" feelings! They'll fit. They put an oxygen tubing in place without the oxygen running and a sensor close to your nostrils to record how you're breathing and another sensor attached to the chest strap to record snoring. Take something to read or you can watch TV until you're sleepy. You can sleep in any postion, but you must have the bed flat if you sleep flat at home. I slept most of the night on my stomach, a little more difficult with all the tubings but possible. I woke up frequently-- strange surroundings, wires, and the room was too warm. After they cooled the room down, I was able to sleep better. If you have to get up, just let them know, no problem. I woke up once and my nose was stinging slightly, they had turned the oxygen on. About 2:30am they woke me up and put the CPAP in place which was a scheduled part of the study. Its like a very small oxygen mask that goes over just your nose. Its held in place with wide rubber velcroed straps [not uncomfortable] and when you breathe in through your nose it gives you a little extra air that you can feel holding the breathing passages open more then usual. It feels funny to talk with it in place. It actually felt good. It doesn't breath for you at all. I thought maybe it would make sleeping difficult, but with it in place I got the best sleep of the night. The technician let me sleep an extra half hour in the morning because I was into the REM [rapid eye movement] sleep [the best kind]. The technician said it was a good sleep study, now I need to wait for a report to my PCP with the results. Also just had my yearly mammogram, have my annual physical scheduled in 2 weeks, and have the echocardiogram from the Phen-Fen settlement scheduled in 2 weeks. I want everything done when I go in for my initial consultation. I don't want to delay my surgery doing some exam that I can get done now.
3-21-02 Had the echocardiogram done today at a cardiologist's office. I did not see the Dr. at all. If you need a phen-fen echo done, the first thing you do is call the settlement funds toll free #. They will then give you the names of Dr's in your state who they have a contract with the settlement company. In the entire state of Colorado, they have 2 Drs!! My Mom had her's done in Texas [they winter there], and they only had 2 in Texas. Amazing! I only had to travel 170 miles to get mine done! Then you call and make an appointement for the echo. Be sure and tell them you are doing it as part of the settlement. Then you call the settlement company with your appointement date. They then are supposed to send the paperwork by fax to the Dr. Be sure and call the Dr's office several days before your appointment to see if they received the paperwork, mine didn't. And if you get there and there is no paperwork, they will not do the procedure. Luckily, I called and they obtained the paperwork. In regards to the procedure----it takes about 15-20 minutes. You change into a patient gown [unfortunately a regular sized one at this Dr's office], lay on your left side, and they move a metal object around your left side over your heart. You can talk with the technician. No discomfort. I had worn a long line body briefer, and I just pulled it down to my waist. When I was done, I asked the technician when I could get the results of the test. She told me that they would send the results to the settlement company, and since I had not payed for the exam, I would not be given the results!!! Whoa!!! I believe the federal regulations state that patient's are entitled to their medical records. But rather then arguing with her, I'll contact the Dr's Medical Records person later.
3-26-02 Attended my first Support Group meeting last night, had to drive 150 miles to get there. Learned some things, listened to people who have had the surgery. Dr. Ottoman was one of the presenters. He answered questions quietly and comfortably, very thorough. He was attentive. The woman who conducted the meeting was outgoing and knowledgeable, a RN from his office. The dietician was also there. Many spouses at the meeting, especially with people who are pre-surgical.
3-28-02 Received a call from PCP's office. The results of the sleep study are back, and I have sleep apnea. They have ordered CPAP for me to wear at night. That is somewhat of a surprise. Even though my husband had said I was "holding my breath" occasionally at night, awakening sometimes with a headache, and being tired during the day [which of course I blamed on the weight], I really didn't think it would show any problem.
4-4-02 Emailed Dr. Ottoman's office today to see how I am progressing in line to a consultation appointment. Still projecting 6 months from paperwork submission to appointment! Bummer!!! Okay, 4 months away. I have been avoiding reading about the surgery lately, I was obsessing. Not talking or thinking about anything else. I think its better to try to relax, the time is going very slow.
The CPAP mask is wearing a hole in the skin on the bridge of my nose. I'm only wearing it every 2-3 nights because my nose is so sore. Researching a different mask. My husband is getting a lot of amusement out of the mask, which he says makes me look like Hannibal Lecter from Silence of the Lambs!!
4-5-02 Called to check on obtaining a copy of the echo report, they will send.
4-12-02 Called again about the echo report, since I haven't received. Message left. I have ordered a Breeze CPAP Sleepmask, which I hope will allow me to sleep more comfortably on my stomach and will not rub on my nose.
4-18-02 Received a total shock today when Dr. Ottoman's office called to set up the consultation visit. The person who called must wonder if I am senile. When she called it didn't even enter my mind that she was from his office. Somehow, don't ask me why, I got it into my head that she was calling from Dr. Jonnell's office in Greeley who does the lap procedure. Which is impossible, because I never turned in a packet to his office, only requested one. But somehow I thought she was calling to set me up with an appointment with Dr. Jonnell and I was trying to explain to her that I had decided to have the open procedure instead of the lap. Thank God, she listened to me, and re-explained that she was calling from Dr. Ottoman's office. It really scares me that I tried to turn down the appointment. Then I was telling myself not to get too excited because it was probably several months away----its May 15th!!!!!!!!!
Then I had the weirdest reaction---at first I felt this burst of joy, then----- I started sobbing. I couldn't stop, I cried for at least 30 minutes. I just kept thanking God, and thinking that I couldn't believe it. I'm not afraid or sad, it was hard to identify the feeling. I am just so thankful that this miracle is coming true for me. Thank you God.
4-19-02 Okay, now to get the echo report in case Dr. Ottoman wants it before surgery. Called AGAIN, the medical records person I talked to says they cannot find the report!! I controlled myself, and explained that I was having a surgery consultation, and needed it. She'll see what she can do. She's trying, but this is exasperating. Leaving on a brief trip to Texas to get my parents home for the summer, hope its in the mail when I get back.
4-26-02 Back from Texas, got to walk on the beach, talk to my sister and parents, a lot of driving. Nice to have them home. NO report in the mail. Will call again today. My emotions are still high, crying easily, and feeling happy and excited whenever I think of the surgery and the things I will be able to do afterwards that are difficult or impossible now. The new CPAP mask is great, no pressure on the nose and I'm stomach sleeping again. Called about the Echo report "Haven't you received it, we mailed it". OK wait a few days and call if doesn't come.
4-30-02 Received Echo report in mail! [It was mailed 4/26, hum...]. Scheduled for the Psych Consult on 5-9-02. My insurance requires consult prior to approvel.
5-9-02 Psych consult, no pressure, a little nervous [what if they decide I shouldn't have the procedure.] She was easy to talk to. I had already decided to answer all questions truthfully and to not hold anything back, if I shouldn't have this surgery I want to know now. We just discussed why I overeat and the difficulties I may have after surgery without the food for my security blanket. Because my parents were divorced and we didn't have much money... food became a symbol of security for me. She was helpful in clarifying thoughts for me. She said many people prior to WLS come in and are very guarded in their responses, as if they are afraid of her. I can't understand that...! She said she doesn't turn people down for the surgery, just insures that they understand what they are getting into and understand the problems not having unlimited food may cause. She also said that most people do very well, they are thrilled to be losing the weight. Some problems with emotional issues may surface after 6-12 months, if so we discussed how to seek help then. OK, next the Dr.
5-15-02 Got to the initial consultation and found out I was 2 hours late. After driving 170 miles! They were very nice, and got me in anyway. Met first with the nurse who showed a film about the surgery and the Fobi ring. She discussed the surgery, saying pouch will be about the size of a small egg. Answered some of my questions. Weighted me - 247.8#. Up 14.8# since Jan, not surprised since I have been very hungery--an emotional response to the surgery. I've been eating anything and everything I've wanted. Then met with Dr. Otteman. What a pleasant peaceful no-rush guy. Answered all my questions, and I had a long list! And remember I was 2 hours late for my appointment, it would not have been surprising if he had rushed me through. When we were through talking [no physical exam] he asked if I wanted a surgical date or would like to think about it a while. I ,of course, am ready!!! Came back with a date of----hold on to your hats-----June 12th. I can't believe this is going so smoothly. Way ahead of my expectations. Now, of course, I'm worried about the insurance coming through with their OK and on time.
5-22-02 Called Jenny, the insurance person at Dr. Ottemans. Just to see how "things" are going--- she said she was going to call me today because the insurance has approved the surgery! Already, in a week!! I believe this surgery is meant to be and that God is helping me.
6-3-02 Pre admit visits today at the Hospital. Wow, a pretty full day. Nutritionist, gallbladder ultrasound, blood work, EKG, appointment with Dr. Otteman to answer any further questions and sign the consents [still no physical exam--a surprise--but I'm not knocking it], and the financial arrangements with the hospital. They require an agreement that my portion of the bill will be paid off immediately, over 4-6 months of equal payments, or through a loan that they will help you get through a local bank. I have been very calm about the surgery since meeting with Dr. Otteman on 5-15. He seems so competent and I know he has a lot of experience. Also he was open to concerns I had about medication after surgery to prevent gallstones. He is not one of those Dr's who give the impression that it is their way or no way. That indicates to me that he is comfortable in his ability and progressive.
6-10-02 Just realized today that no one said anything about a bowel prep to clean out the bowel prior to surgery. Called the office---none needed. Suggested I eat light the day before surgery. Getting stuff ready for the hospital.
6-11-02 Getting a little nervous, want this over with. A friend of my mother's was here today, talking about people she has known who had the surgery 30 years ago, and gained all the weight back. It shouldn't have bothered me, its the old surgery. But I've been emotional today. Had a fight with my teenager and cried. Kind of down this afternoon. Just want this waiting over. I'm not afraid of the pain or the hospital, but sure hope I can get the weight off and keep it off in the long run. Those old fat girl fears!! The fear of failure.
6-17-02 OK, I'm on "the other side." 5 days post-op and I'm setting in front of this computer typing so you know I'm doing pretty well. You know how they keep saying "this is a major surgery"..."THIS IS A MAJOR SURGERY"!!!!!! For me it isn't the pain, it hurts, but it's easily controlled with the pain meds..thank God for Toradol...its the weakness. And right now the lower back pain is very annoying, sure makes it almost impossible to walk, standing straight helps. But the amazing thing is how fast the recovery time is...everyday I feel so much better! No complications [there was the second day after surgery when I passed out cold twice, scared my husband to death the second time since I was sitting on the side of the bed with only him in the room, luckily he caught me!]. Just felt really nauseated then OUT! Dr. says it was a vagal [nerve] response from feeling nauseated. I was discharged on the 3rd post-op day. I have not vomited, even once, knock on wood. On a Full liquid, pureed diet. Hey, I can blend almost anything to applesauce consistency. For all pre-ops, remember you can swallow more fluid, more frequently as the days progress. I didn't realize this and was concerned by this at first. Would I have it again, even with the great Dr. and the great hospital... not right now. Give me a few weeks!
6-26-12 Wt. 230.9. Two weeks post-op today. Wow, can't belive it. Seems like its been a lot longer then that. Getting bored at home, may see about doing some work at home. I've recovered so fast after surgery, I am amazed. I get tired, a nap a day is good! Eating almost everything now, can't have steak [but hamburger OK], pork, corn, soft bread or tortillas. Although I personnally think corn tortillas are OK, anyway I've tried them in cheese enchiladas without any problems. Spices are not bothering me at all. The only complaint I have about food is... I get so tired of eating! It is hard to get all that protein in. It would help if I could find a protein suppliment I like. Will need to keep working on this. My Dr. says 6 small meals a day. They wouldn't need to put in the small comment, because you sure can't eat very much at a time. So you eat these meals, plus drink water between each meal........you get nothing else done. Saw the Dr. yesterday, got the staples out [my suggestion would be to apply some oil to the staples to prevent them from sticking to the skin so much, just enough to soften the skin where they go in, otherwise it stings!]. Weight down, 17 pounds. Nice, but for some reason it doesn't really matter a lot to me. I know its going to come off, no one can eat like this without that happening. It is fun to get on the scales and see it going down almost everyday though. I don't suppose that will keep up! My new pouch is holding more food now, which is nice. Not so much work to get the protein in.
7-15-02----I have lost 5 more pounds. Thats it! I havn't lost any weight since 7-1-02 or so. I researched on the internet, and it said that many people go on their first plateau at about 3 weeks, so I just tried to keep calm. Not an easy thing to do!
I've been drinking 2 protein shakes a day for 60 gms of protein, drinking at least 40-60 ounces of water, and doing my exercise faithfully if reluctantly. My husband has been walking with me, and that helps a lot. Our dog is losing weight, even if I'm not! Finally, on 7-13-02, I did a calorie count---I'm only getting in about 400-500 calories a day. But I'm getting my protein, so does it matter? It's just such a hassle to eat, and plan. And I'm not hungery. Well, went to the Dr. today-----he says I'm starving my body and it's holding on to everything I put into it. Therefore, NO weight lose.
The nurse said to plan my eating every 2 hours, drink a protein shake or eat a small meal whether I'm hungery or not. Dr. said, cut down to 1 protein shake a day, and eat at least 700 calories a day.
7-19-02 I'm losing again, 3 pounds in 3 days. I made that plan. Planned either protein shake or food every 2-3 hours and I've been following it pretty well. Getting 700-800 calories a day, 60-80 Gms of protein a day [sometimes 1, sometimes 2 shakes a day], trying to limit my carbs to 30-40 gms a day, fats to 30-40, drinking at least 40 ounces of water a day [hard to get in due to the increased eating] and continuing to walk about a mile each day. The walking is getting easier, lower back hurts after about 1/2 mile but goes away after I quit walking. At first it was hard to eat so much, and my stomach got full so quick, but I just kept eating and its become easier.
8-14-02 Alright----9 weeks post-op today!!! I have lost a total of 31 pounds now. It's been slow for me. After my 3 pound loss on 7/19/02, I went back to nothing. I was really struggling with "What am I doing wrong?" I cut out all carbs, I ate until I was blue in the face, I drank my water, I counted calories etc. And finally when nothing worked, I just stopped it all and just tried to eat 4-5 times a day, usually protein, and drink 1 protein shake a day, try to get in my water, and exercise every day. Still didn't lose until last week, but then----it happened! I started losing again. I really think that I was on plateau, but who knows! Certainly not me. The food is not a problem now. I get hungry, I eat. And I get hungry every 3 hours or so. Try to limit the carbs, not really worrying about the fats, and getting the protein in without difficulty. One ProScore 100 chocolate shake each morning when I first get up. Still struggle to get the water in, but seem to lose better when I get it in. Walking 1.1 miles each am, and usually walking again each evening in town with my husband. Emotionally I'm feeling fine, happy. Hair still intact! So far.
9-30-02 wt. 197.5 down 46 pounds! So great to be under 200. As soon as I went under 200, the whole weight loss thing seemed suddenly real, as if it is possible after all. That I might just really get this weight off. The hair loss has started, not hand fulls, Thank God, but enough that its sure noticable in the comb. Feeling good, infrequent vomiting. Usually chicken if anything. Eating less meats, more beans, cheese, and still drinking 1 protein drink first thing each morning to get a jump on my protein intake.
10-12-02 4 months. wt. 195.5. Wt. loss 48.5 pounds. Slow weight loss but it continues to come off. I try not to worry about the slowness and tell myself as long as it continues no matter how slowly thats what counts. Fluid intake is suffering since the warm weather is gone.
11-12-02 5 months. wt. 189. 180's-whoppee! Haven't seen them in years.
12-12-02 6 months. wt. 181.5. Down 62 pounds. Had my 6 month checkup today. My blood work was great, the Dr. even cut my B12 intake to one 500mg tablet every other day. My cholesterol is normal for the first time in years, so my PCP cut my cholesterol medication by 50%. I haven't used my CPAP since about 2 months post op. No problem with sleep apnea now. We went to Disney World over the holiday--the airplane seats were comfortable and the seatbelt fit with 10 inches to spare! I now cross my legs at the knees when I sit down without even thinking about it. People are always telling me how good I look, and I know its not only the way my body looks but the joy I feel inside. My body is so comfortable now. The Dr. says he expects that I will lose about 20 more pounds and then stop. That would be great, but its all just icing on the cake now. I'm still fat, but I'm a very happy healthy comfortable fat person!
1-12-03 wt.178. wt loss 65.5#.
2-12-03 wt.176. wt loss 67.5#. Very slow wt. lose now, but it is interesting [and exciting!] how the body continues to change even when the wt is essentially at a standstill. Even though I am not losing the wt, the clothing has dropped another size. Haven't vomited in over 6 weeks. Maybe I'm smarter now!
3-12-03 wt.172.5. wt loss 71#. Feeling good except for a painful aching occasionally right below my incision. Finally called the Drs. office and they put me on Protonix 40mg, an ulcer medicine. I take it once a day. Seems to be helping, although I will still ache if I take my morning medications and then don't eat something within 30 minutes or so. I have a Drs. apt in early April so will find out more then. I hope its not a marginal ulcer. I'm staying at about this same wt within a couple of pounds. Hope this is not it, but could be. Thought I would be content after I lost 50 pounds or so, but now I want more! Greedy!
4-12-03 wt.169.5 wt loss 74# Doing well. Now have lost 72% of my excess weight.........I've beat the national average of 66%! Still on the Protonix. My surgeon says we'll give it a couple of months, then discontinue it and see if the pain comes back. If it reappears, then will do a endoscopy. [Which the office nurse says will not hurt at all, hope shes right]. Some days, 1 or 2 days a month, I get really hungry and can eat and eat. It's a little worrisome. Hope it doesn't start happening more and more. Going to England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland for 26 days in a week and a half!! Will take my protein powder and powerstick and beat up a shake every morning. It's a tour, so the food will be their selection, we'll see how that goes. Will carry nuts with me for emergency rations!
5-12-03 wt.167 loss 76.5#
6-12-03 wt.167.5 loss 76#. I've ever come back from vacation weighing about the same as when I left! I love it! Food was no problem on the trip. There were buffet breakfasts and several choices for the evening meal, lunches mostly on our own. I mixed up a protein shake every morning [took my powerwand, an adaptor, and my protein in individual bags with me in my suitcase], then just ate what went down easily the rest of the day, usually saving some cheese from the breakfast buffet and eating some nuts for snacks. Ate more candy then I've been eating [I never REALLY dump, just get sleepy sometimes] but at this point anyway it doesn't seem to make any difference. Hope I never rue the day I said [and did] that! It was great being able to walk all over Britain without getting tired and hot. I just love not being hot all the time anymore. I'm stopping the Protonix today, now that I'm back from vacation. I didn't have any problems on the trip with the pain.
7-12-03 Wt. 164.5 Wt loss 79.5# Haven't had any problems with that stomach pain since I stopped the Protonix. I'm not taking that baby aspirin any more either. I think that was what caused the problem. Even tho my Dr. said I could take it, I wouldn't advise it.
8-12-03 Wt. 161.5 Wt. Loss 82# My HAIR IS COMING BACK IN!!!!!! Finally!!!!!!!!!!! At 14 months, I didn't think it would ever happen.
4-19-05 Wt. 168.5 Haven't updated in quite a while, so thought I would add a few lines. About 3 months ago, I regained about 5-6 lbs. I had stablized at 163-164, then the sudden wt gain. Scary!! I knew from my research that a wt. regain of about 10% with the Fobi ring is to be expected. But I was hoping it wouldn't happen. So I have been watching what I'm eating more carefully, I really do not want to go over 170. And of course I would like to be 150. But even though I've had the surgery and I don't eat as much as before, I don't have any more will power then I had before the surgery. Thank goodness the wt. gain stopped. I worry that it will start again. The only problem physically that I continue to have is a rare bout of vagal nerve syncope, where if I am vomiting severely I can pass out because the vagal nerve makes my blood pressure drop too low. I've had some bumps and bruises from this. This is something that has only happened since my surgery.
10-31-05 wt- 166#. Over 3 years since my surgery. Doing well, now have to consciously watch what I eat, remind myself to do the protein first, and not go crazy on the candy! I didn't even eat that much candy before the surgery. But my tastes have changed, I love candy now. I know I get a lot of empty calories from it, but it goes down so easily and I really crave it. Bad habits- candy, not enough water, limited exercise. Good habits- protein shake and 2 pieces of string cheese every morning [48 Gms of protein right off the bat] insure that I have no problem getting my protein in every day, I take my vitamins, calcium etc every day, and I rarely drink pop. So some good and some bad. I continue to have an occasional vagal nerve problem, and end up out cold on the floor if I get to vomiting hard. Luckily vomiting is rare. I am hearing more and more reports of people having this vagal nerve problem after this surgery. One thing I have learned is to get close to the floor as soon as the vomiting/nausea starts and to try to control the vomiting so it doesn't get too violent [its possible] and to try to drive up my blood pressure by gripping my hands and squeezing hard. It works. I am still so glad I have had this surgery and every once in a while when someone says "You wouldn't have done that before the surgery" I feel so happy and proud of myself that I had the courage to do this for myself.
7-15-06. wt.172#. Over 4 years now since my surgery. Continue to struggle with eating the right things, drinking water, and exercising. Actually, the same stuff I struggled with prior to the surgery! Still worry about weight regain. I can eat a lot now, not as much as before surgery, but more then I ever thought I would be able to eat after surgery. I guess I am average in that I have had the 10% weight regain. But I would like to get 8 pounds or more off. It is such a small amount compared to the amount of weight I've tried to get off in the past, but it is no easier to get off. I even started back to Wt. Watchers a couple of weeks ago, so that I have to go in and weight routinely with them. Reading back over this journal has been interesting, I've had this weight regain going on for longer then I thought. Still so glad I have had the surgery.
6-12-07 Happy 5th Birthday to the new me! Wt 170#. Haven't had any problems with passing out for over a year now. Occasionally vomit, usually on raw stringy vegetables or dry fish or chicken. Beef and pork work best for me, if its tender and moist. Still drinking my protein shake [ProScore 100, chocolate] every morning and eating my 2 pieces of string cheese for that 48 Gms of protein to start off the day. Light lunch, larger evening meal. Have found that having some raw vegetables prior to the evening meal helps control how much I eat in the evening. Exercise in spurts! Still hate it! I seem to experience more episodes of low blood sugar now if I don't eat regularly. Doing well and still happy after all these years!
6-14-08 6 years, hard to believe. Wt 170. Had gained up to 178 two months ago, following being started on an antidepressant. But did some research and tried the 5 day pouch test. Not sure why they call it that..... what you do is drink protein and non-caloric liquids for 2 days, then pureed proteins for 1 day, soft proteins the next day, solid proteins on the fifth day, then continue with the solid proteins, adding vegetables and fruits, and one carb a day. No water before, after, or with meals. Sound familiar?! Yes, it is like a quicker mini recap of what you did after surgery. It worked really well for me, it's like it reminds your stomach/brain what it is supposed to be doing. Have now plateaued again, but went on a 14 day cruise without gaining anything, so it works if you follow the rules. The only problem with the 5 days was it was hard to do the 2 days of liquids, so I added some string cheese in when I couldn't stand being hungary, it worked anyway. The only other problem now, is I continue to have to eat about every 3 hours, or my blood sugar bottoms out. It takes additional planning, but is managable. Still so happy I had the surgery.
7/5/09 wt 172#. Same old, same old for me. Still doing some right, some wrong things. wt can range from 170 to 178 extremes, but mainly 172 to 174. No problems getting enough protein with my rountine protein shake and 2 pcs of string cheese every morning. ProScore 100 changed it's formula, so I now add 1 teaspoon of unsweetened dry baker's powdered cocoa to each serving to make it less sweet and more chocolatey.
Struggle to eat my protein first, exercise, and drink enough.
Minimal vomiting, usually with dry fish or chicken. No fainting in several years from the vagal syndome with vomiting. Found I can control the rate of gagging with enough determination, which keeps the vagal nerve from kicking in and lowering my blood pressure too low. Meat wise, shredded pork is the easiest for me.
The back pain that you have after the surgery as your body adjusts to the wt change, has subsided. I don't think I have many more back aches then most people my age now.
I dump when I eat high fat and high carb foods together. Pure carbs, like candy, do not effect me. My symptoms are feeling very tired and a getting a very fast heart rate. I have noticed that during the last year or so, that I also have an irregular heart beat with dumping. That pause that many people can feel occasionally in their heart rate really increases with the dumping. It doesn't make me light headed, so I don't think it's anything to worry about; but it does make me more cautious about "choosing" to dump when I used to think it was worth it if I could have the food I wanted.
My labs are good. Daily vitamin, extra B12 each day, and B6 every other day. Try to take extra calcium several times a day also. I don't seem to need the extra iron.
A lot of talk now about pt's who have the Fobi ring needing to have it removed if the patient is having wt regain due to the limited ability to eat enough food to keep their metabolism up. Don't think that is an issue with me, because I still graze, so get enough calories! Need to do a calorie, etc count some day to check it.
Still so happy that I chose to have the surgery done. One of the best decisions I ever made. I'm proud of myself.
Insurer Info:
GEHA, PPO
No stalling. Approved surgery within one week of request. Approved 90% of charges.