Cheri G.
CAN IT BE? IS THIS A DREAM?
Feb 28, 2009
PRIOR TO MY RNY SURGERY MARCH 4 2008 I WAS A SIZE 26/28. TODAY, ALMOST A YEAR LATER, I HAVE JUST BOUGH A PAIR OF SIZE 0, THAT'S RIGHT A SIZE ZERO, PANTS THAT ACTUALLY FIT COMFORTABLE. I AM STILL IN SHOCK ANS VERY HAPPY AND HEALTHY. I STILL WALK BY MIRRORS AND STORE WINDOW TO CATCH MY REFLECTION IN DIS-BELEIF, I HAVE TO STOP AND LOOK A SECOND , SOMETIMES A THIRD TIME TO CONFIRM IT IT REALY ME IN THAT REFLECTION.
Size 10, OMG!
Jul 27, 2008
Size 16 misses, not from the plus dept.
Apr 15, 2008
I'm so excited, I went to a store and toke 4 pairs of jeans into the dressing room, a size 18 and 16 from the plus size dept. and an 18 and 16 from the misses size dept. I tried on the 18 plus and then the 16 plus and both were to big on me, I could not believe it, I thought the 18 misses might fit but I did not think the 16 misses would fit, but to my surprise the18 was too big and the 16 misses fit me perfect. I extremely happy to finally be out of the plus sizes, its bee many years since I fit in misses. I had to share this with all my pals here. 
Weeks 4 and 5
Apr 10, 2008
Having cravings for foods I can't eat. These cravings are driving me crazy. I want steak, popcorn, cheese cake, pepperoni pizza, cheese ravioli and an ice cream Sunday. I will be strong and not attempt to eat these foods. I will be strong!
I have finally walked 2 miles today plus exercised for a 1/2 hour and added to shorter walks as well today.
I have found that it is easier for me to measure and weigh my food and only put the amount allowed on my plate, otherwise I would it more then I should even when I'm full.
I'm down to 195 lbs as of Aprol 13th.
LISTEN, don’t talk, don’t give advice, don’t judge, just listen
Apr 04, 2008
LISTEN
(Author Unknown)
LISTEN to the embarrassment we encounter in our every day life. The name-calling, stares, rude comments and looks of disgust we endure battling the last acceptable form of
discrimination. People we meet that give us a far wider berth than we need when passing us on the street, in the hall; in life. Afraid that somehow our disease of obesity might be contagious.
LISTEN to our apprehension as we expertly eye the chair. Will we break it, or will we fit. Will we ever fit into life, as "normal" people know it?
LISTEN to our agony as we just walk and perform the simple activities of
daily living on joints screaming in pain from incredible burden they were never meant to carry.
LISTEN to the pain of our humiliation when ridiculed by a doctor for "allowing" ourselves to get so fat. Realizing even the doctor’s office is not a "safe" place; we tend to neglect our heath even more. Hey doctor, didn’t you take an oath to help?
LISTEN to our hopelessness after being turned down over and over for
a job or promotion because we don’t "match the corporate image" of the person they envision for this position.
LISTEN to our guilt. Because of our size, we feel we’ve cheated those we love out of the parent, spouse, child or friend we feel we should’ve been. Our embarrassment has now become theirs as well.
LISTEN to our anticipation as we eagerly embark on yet another diet. THIS will be the one. This time I
WILL SUCCEED!
LISTEN to our frustration as once again we fail at another attempt to lose weight, reinforcing once again our feelings of worthlessness, failure and defeat.
LISTEN to our fear for what life holds if we don’t have this surgery. We try to ignore it, to stuff it down, but when we are brutally honest with ourselves, we realize an early death is an almost certainty.
LISTEN to our indecision as we do extensive research, trying to outweigh the risk of complications (up to and including death) versus the chance of a new life. A chance to improve our health, move without pain, play with our children, the opportunity to just "fit in" to society.
LISTEN to our indecision as we second-guess our decision to have surgery. As we ask ourselves, "Should I try just one more diet?" And tell ourselves, "If I
only had more willpower."
LISTEN to us as we eagerly meet with the surgeon, with our five-page, single-spaced, list of questions in hand. Let down by the medical profession in the past, can I really trust this person who looks at me with compassion, as he assures me I’m a "good candidate" and he can help? Please God, I want to believe him, tell me I’m not setting myself up for failure once again.
LISTEN to our
feelings of helplessness as we place our future in the hands of an insurance company. Fully aware that with a simple denial letter, all the work we have done to this point, may be pointless. This surgery is not without cost, physical, emotional and monetary.
LISTEN to our joy as we open the long awaited "approval letter" or obtain financing to make this dream a reality.
LISTEN to us as we grasp for a chance at
improved health, of moving with ease and just living life as a "normal" person.
LISTEN to our renewed hope of living long enough to see our children grow up, get married, play with grandchildren and grow old alongside our mate.
LISTEN to our fear as we roll into the surgical suite. The sights, the smells, the needles, the faceless people behind the masks. Do you care? Do you understand, or will you too
make cracks about my weight once I’m asleep? My life is now in your hands, please take care of me. I have a brand new life ahead of me, and so much to live for.
LISTEN to the sigh of relief as we wake up in pain but alive! Stand up, walk a few steps, cough and deep breathe. Sure nurse, whatever you say, I can handle it because I’m alive!
LISTEN to our delight as the weight starts to drop off, realizing this is
for real. We are actually on the loosing side.
LISTEN to our misery as the body we once knew so well, now betrays us with nausea and vomiting when we attempt to eat.
LISTEN to our frustration as we attempt to do something as simple as drinking a glass of water.
LISTEN to our panic at the first plateau or weight gain. As that little voice inside tells us, "Once again I’m a failure."
LISTEN to us relax and let out our breath as we watch the numbers on the scale edge down once again. Plateau over. Renewed hope. Maybe I will make it after all.
LISTEN to our efforts to move as we slowly and painfully attempt to exercise in a body that is still morbidly obese.
LISTEN to our confusion as our emotions wreck havoc with us. Why am I crying? Why do I feel depressed? Why am I mean and snapping at the ones I love? I don’t like this person that has taken over my emotions.
LISTEN to our sense of accomplishment the first time we walk a mile. It
rivals the high of any runner completing their first marathon.
LISTEN to our depression when we realize we can no longer soothe our emotions with food. We now have to learn to feel and deal with these emotions.
LISTEN to our tears as we mourn the loss of that brief but satisfying sensation of gratification we once obtained from the "comfort foods" we can no longer have.
LISTEN to our obsession surrounding the scale, vitamins, protein drinks and carb counts, determined not to fail "this time".
LISTEN to our sense of accomplishment as we pass up that calorie laden, high carbohydrate treat, telling ourselves, "My new life is sweeter than any dessert."
LISTEN to our elation as we reach that "century mark" that once seemed so distant, but now is a reality.
LISTEN to our resolve to reach our goals. Moving the weight on the scale down another notch, reaching a new "century" of numbers, wearing the dream outfit and attaining our "goal" weight.
LISTEN to the gratefulness in our hearts as we thank our surgeon for not only their technical skills, but equally important, their understanding and compassion for the morbidly obese. Thank you, doctor, for the opportunity to rejoin society and live life.
LISTEN to our amazement as we come to the realization that "reaching goal" wasn’t the most important thing in life. It was the lessons we earned, the friends we made and the sense of accomplishment we gained along the way.
LISTEN, don’t talk, don’t give advice, don’t judge, just listen. And then, maybe then, you will start to understand the life of a morbidly obese person.
Week 2 and 3
Mar 26, 2008
This was a good week for me. I can now sit with the family for meal with out the smells of foods upsetting my stomach. and I'm now down from 239;bs to 206lbs. still not getting enough protein but doing ok with water intake. Another good thing happened for me this week, I was offered a job working for an eye surgeon right in my town, ofcourse I accepted the position and start sometime in the middle of May, the office will call with the exact date by next month. All is positive in my life right now.
Week 3
I'm feeling great but stopped loosing any pounds. I don't know why, I'm still doing everything right except still can't get enough protein in. I'm disapointed, but won't let it get me down. I keep telling myself, it's normal to have times with out weight loss and the pounds will come of eventually.
My 1st week post-op.
Mar 10, 2008
I had my gastric bypass surgery on March 4th at Tobey Hospital.
When I arrived at the hospital at 6:45am, I expected to have a long wait as I am used to from all 8 other hospital I have gone too. I sat in the registration room a total of 4 min. when they called me in to register for admittance. Then I went back to my seat to wait to be called in to get prepped for surgery and was amazed when they called me just as I sat down. The prep time only took about 30 to 40 min. and I was off to surgery.
When I woke up I was greeted by a very pleasant nurse and aid. I was told everything went fine and I was in ICU not because there was a problem but just because I was waiting for a bed in the baratic suite to become available. I must say everyone in ICU treated me like I was someone very special; all were so attentive to my needs. I had extremely dry mouth, but could not have anything to drink yet, so they gave wet swabs to moisten my mouth with. I felt a little tender and sore but no pain. By late afternoon I was up and walking the halls.
Day 2 I was moved to the Baratic Suite. I was weighed and very shocked to find I had gained 19lbs. This is normal because of the air they have to pump into me during surgery and the iv fluids given to me around the clock and will come off in the 1st 2 weeks time. I was then given a liquid meal and able to walk the halls with my fellow RNY pals.
On my 3rd day, I woke up feeling like I was hit by a mac truck, very achy and had a hard time getting up. But by 11am I was feeling fine again and was told I could go home at 3pm if I felt I was ready and if not, it was fine to stay longer if I felt I needed more time. I felt good and went home.
I must say, it did not matter what dept. of Tobey Hospital I was in, I received the same excellent care and treatment. This hospital in my opinion is far above all 8 other hospital I have had to be a patient. On the 3rd day I went home.
The 1st week home I was feeling very good. I did have trouble getting my panties and pants on and could not bend over for any reason. So I did feel a bit helpless, but I was very lucky to have my family help me when ever needed. I also struggled to get in enough fluids and protein, but did the best I could. It is wonderful not to feel hunger.
I am very great full to all the wonderful my surgeon Dr. Kruger and the staff at Tobey Hospital and to all of my very attentive and helpful family and my caring friends and support group pals, this would have been a far more difficult journey for me if it was not for all of these very special people in my life.
Well that was my first week post-op.
About Me
Feb 25, 2008
I had gastric bypass surgery March4, 2008.
I'm very excited and can't wait to feel healthier, have more energy and be able to bargain shop in the regular size woman dept.
To actually wear a normal size like a large or maybe even a medium. I have worn 2x, 3x, 4x and 22to 26 for such a very long time.
I'm happily married, I had 2 son's John 28 and Casey 21, my son Casey died this past Oct. from a heart failure, and Casey left his 1 year old son and wife behind. This has devastated me. We all miss him and still have our break downs. I lost both my son and my job in the same week. I was a medical receptionist for the past 24 years, so if anyone knows of a part time receptionist job opening in the Falmouth location or surrounding towns, Please contact me. It's been a hard long road.
My husband Norm and I live on Cape Cod. We love boating, fishing, playing with our 3 dogs, Angel (Shepherd), Shamus (spaniel) and Bella Mia (fox Terrier).
I love bargain shopping and yard sales are 1st, Spending money makes me feel happy, LOL.
I'm originally from Stoughton MA, had a not so nice upbringing. After leaving home it didn't get any better. But I did have the joys of my life my son. Since meeting my 3rd and last husband Norm and his son, my life has been filled with love, laughter and happiness. Norm is also my night in shining armor, Norm rescued me from an abusive ex husband and my past addictions. If it wasn't for him I would not be alive to have found my happiness today.
Ok, enough about me, please share something about you with me????
