DarcyC64
It's been a long time!
Mar 01, 2008
I can't believe it's been so long since I posted! I've been doing very well. I am approaching my one year anniversary date of my surgery and I have lost 142lbs. to date. My entire life has changed in ways that I never dreamed about. I have gotten excited about doing physical things and I NEVER felt that way, even as a child.
I did have a complication about a week and a half ago. I was at work and felt some pain in my belly. I went to the bathroom then could barely get up and pull up pants! This really scared me! I went home and waited about 15 minutes to see if the pain would subside. Then I called my surgeon's office. They are located about 100 miles from where I live. They wanted me to go to the ER in the hospital where I had my surgery, also about 100 miles away. I knew I'd never make it as bad as I was hurting. So they sent me to my local ER where I was evaluated, given morphine and shipped by ambulance to the hospital 100 miles away. If you have ever ridden the roads in Maine this time of year, you know that was one rough ride! Thank God for pain meds!
Anyway, I had a strangulated hernia, which was a side effect from my surgery. It was a life threatening set back and I had emergency surgery that night. Thankfully, I have recovered well from that surgery and am feeling like my old self again!
Was it worth it? Absolutely!!!! It all worked out. I am fine and feel normal, whatever that is!
I did have a complication about a week and a half ago. I was at work and felt some pain in my belly. I went to the bathroom then could barely get up and pull up pants! This really scared me! I went home and waited about 15 minutes to see if the pain would subside. Then I called my surgeon's office. They are located about 100 miles from where I live. They wanted me to go to the ER in the hospital where I had my surgery, also about 100 miles away. I knew I'd never make it as bad as I was hurting. So they sent me to my local ER where I was evaluated, given morphine and shipped by ambulance to the hospital 100 miles away. If you have ever ridden the roads in Maine this time of year, you know that was one rough ride! Thank God for pain meds!
Anyway, I had a strangulated hernia, which was a side effect from my surgery. It was a life threatening set back and I had emergency surgery that night. Thankfully, I have recovered well from that surgery and am feeling like my old self again!
Was it worth it? Absolutely!!!! It all worked out. I am fine and feel normal, whatever that is!
June 7, 2007
Jun 07, 2007
I have just passed my 3 month post surgical date. I am currently minus 82 pounds! I cannot believe this! I started out wearing (tight) size 28 pants and tops and am now wearing size 22 pants and 1x and even some XL tops! I feel like the incredible shrinking woman! What an incredible feeling!
I have had some complications, but nothing too serious. I have rheumatoid arthritis and one of my medications caused me to develop an ulcer. This made eating and drinking very painful. I had to have an endoscopy and all that fun stuff. But I got through it and I'm feeling much better now!
I have had some complications, but nothing too serious. I have rheumatoid arthritis and one of my medications caused me to develop an ulcer. This made eating and drinking very painful. I had to have an endoscopy and all that fun stuff. But I got through it and I'm feeling much better now!
March 25
Mar 25, 2007
Wow...as of this morning I am down 40 pounds!! How is this possible??!! I am putting on clothes I haven't put on in a long time! I can hardly believe it! I feel great and am going back to work tomorrow. I can't wait for that. I have been bored out of my mind! My incisions all look really good. This surgery has been a breeze for me so far. I have been very, very fortunate and I am so thankful for that!
I am exercising for at least a half hour a day now. I am mostly using my treadmill. Once I got up to half an hour I started increasing intensity instead of length of time. That has gone very well. It's funny because at first all I could do was 8 minutes on .5 mph. Now I can go 2 mph and put the treadmill on an incline and get it done. I know I have a long way to go, but I'm getting there!
I am exercising for at least a half hour a day now. I am mostly using my treadmill. Once I got up to half an hour I started increasing intensity instead of length of time. That has gone very well. It's funny because at first all I could do was 8 minutes on .5 mph. Now I can go 2 mph and put the treadmill on an incline and get it done. I know I have a long way to go, but I'm getting there!
March 10
Mar 10, 2007
Today is five days post-op. I am down eight pounds and I haven't had a bowel movement since before surgery. Yikes!! I called the doc and hubby is off to the drugstore. I can't wait to get cleaned out!! I know I am going to feel a lot better. I am not doing too bad overall, but that will definately make me feel even better!
Not regretting a moment!
March 8, 2007
Mar 07, 2007
Here I am, 3 days post op. I am feeling quite weepy today and not sure why. I have been very upbeat, but tired. Maybe that is getting the better of me.
I had my surgery at Maine Medical Center in Portland Maine. I had a wonderful experience there and only had to stay one night, which was terrific! My husband, who was very tentative about me having this surgery, has been so supportive post-op. I think he was just so worried that something would happen and I'd be gone. He has been waiting on me and taking care of me and running to the store on my every whim. I count myself very lucky!!
I have five incision sites. Four of them are very bruised, but barely hurt. The one on the upper left hurts like crazy! Just like they promised! But I am drinking my fluids, working on protein and walking as much as I can. I feel like I am on the right path. I can't believe the surgery is behind me. I am on the path to a healthier lifestyle! Yay me!!
I had my surgery at Maine Medical Center in Portland Maine. I had a wonderful experience there and only had to stay one night, which was terrific! My husband, who was very tentative about me having this surgery, has been so supportive post-op. I think he was just so worried that something would happen and I'd be gone. He has been waiting on me and taking care of me and running to the store on my every whim. I count myself very lucky!!
I have five incision sites. Four of them are very bruised, but barely hurt. The one on the upper left hurts like crazy! Just like they promised! But I am drinking my fluids, working on protein and walking as much as I can. I feel like I am on the right path. I can't believe the surgery is behind me. I am on the path to a healthier lifestyle! Yay me!!
Fourth Post
Feb 05, 2007
I have been approved as of February 2, my 43rd birthday! My surgery, at the Maine Medical Center in Portland, ME, is scheduled for March 5. Needless to say, I am very excited! And I have to say, I am not the least bit apprehensive. I feel so calm and peaceful and READY!!!
Third Post
Jan 01, 2007
As I write this I have survived yet another holiday season. I had my second appointment on December 20. I have been cleared for surgery and have signed my consent forms! I am just waiting to see what the insurance company has to say about the whole thing. I'm still trying to get them to pay for my very first appointment! Yikes!
I have to say that I have found so much inspiration looking at before and after photos and reading profiles. Thank you to all who have posted. It helps so much!
More as soon as...
I have to say that I have found so much inspiration looking at before and after photos and reading profiles. Thank you to all who have posted. It helps so much!
More as soon as...
Second Post
Oct 27, 2006
I just found out that my second appointment is scheduled for December 20. It's so hard to wait, but I am using the time to research and learn about this journey I am embarking on!
The surgeon's office got my negative nicotine level back, but assured me they will be checking again before surgery! No worries there, I'm all set with that!
My insurance company declined to pay for my first appointment with the surgeon because it listed a psych eval. Therefore I have to go make calls and get it submitted to the mental health branch of my insurance. They will refuse it saying it's medical and then it has to be resubmitted to the medical branch...yikes...I hope this isn't a sign of things to come!
I'm still walking, still doing yoga. I sure hope I can start my new year with a brand new birthday...the day I have WLS!
Number one
Oct 14, 2006
10/3/06
As I write this I have had my first consultation with my surgeon, Dr. Cobean. I was given "homework" to do, which includes getting a nicotine level done to prove I am not smoking anymore, preparing for the nutrition quiz I have to pass and beginning an exercise program.
I have been watching what I eat, drinking a ton of water and walking. Today I took my first ever yoga class, which was nerve wracking until I got there, then it was terrific!
I have to say, at this point, the before and after photos are my life line, my inspiration. I don't know how I'd manage without being able to get that "shot in the arm" when I'm feeling weak! Thank you to all of you who take the time to submit before, during and after photos. They make a huge difference for those of us looking to the future!
As I write this I have had my first consultation with my surgeon, Dr. Cobean. I was given "homework" to do, which includes getting a nicotine level done to prove I am not smoking anymore, preparing for the nutrition quiz I have to pass and beginning an exercise program.
I have been watching what I eat, drinking a ton of water and walking. Today I took my first ever yoga class, which was nerve wracking until I got there, then it was terrific!
I have to say, at this point, the before and after photos are my life line, my inspiration. I don't know how I'd manage without being able to get that "shot in the arm" when I'm feeling weak! Thank you to all of you who take the time to submit before, during and after photos. They make a huge difference for those of us looking to the future!
