isuez
September 6, 2009
Sep 06, 2009
Wow- I can't believe it's been so long since I posted anything... Luckily, I received an email saying that 2 people commented on my blog/pic's and that brought me back home to the OH Site.
It's been about 5 months since my plastic surgery, and 1 year and 10 months since my open-Rny. I could have NEVER believed that I would have or could have changed so much! Not just physically, but emotionally and mentally as well. To date, I am down 136 #'s from my HIGHEST weight. I can't even remember thinking that I would lose anywhere near 50#'s much less alone 136. I can honestly say though, that I still look in the mirror and see that 'big' person. I don't like to say 'fat' I thought I just always looked BIG! I 'see' all my body faults and excess pudginess...but I FEEL so MUCH BETTER. I didn't really know that I wasn't feeling 'good' before or that moving or climbing stairs was so hard... I guess you just get used to feeling out of breath. I now notice that when I take the 2 flights of stairs at work, I can walk them with ease! I make it to my desk without sounding like I am about to have a heart attack or need oxygen. I am amazed! When I started this journey, my ONLY goal was to be able to park at the far end of the parking lot at work, walk up 2 flights of stairs and make it to my desk without being red faced (and embarrassed) from breathing so hard. I hated ANYONE to be walking up behind me...looking at my large back end and hearing me grunt while trying to carry on a conversation all while walking up stairs! What a trip this has been!
No one can tell you how much this surgery-tool is going to change your life. Everyone that I have talked to has had a completely different experience, but all GOOD! Even those that had some complications (as I had with plastics) would do it all again- IN A HEARTBEAT...
As for how I am healing from the 4 surgeries that I had in April... well- I guess that depends on what day it is. For the most part I feel GREAT! I finally have my energy level just about back to, well, I'm not sure what normal is? I guess I finally have energy! I don't just want to sit on the couch. I did have some healing issues, I can't really call them problems, because I am healing, just not as quickly as I WANT TO. LOL The surgeon says things are moving along as they should, but I am not patient at all! I can honestly say that I am very happy with my scars. Even the ones on my boobs. The TT, and Panni scar goes from butt cheek across the lower c-section line to butt cheek. My boobs are healing nicely. The scars are still a little pink, red in some areas, but Dr. Sylora suggested that I keep massaging the Vit-E oil into the scars. I still have alot of numbness on the left side boob, but the tenderness around the aerial incisions is MUCH better. I am also still numb on my lower scar area on the outside. I do FEEL a lot of interior stuff though. Not really pain, but it feels like I am stretching all the scar tissue inside to the point of tearing it- That's where I get freaked out and usually call the Dr. to see if I ripped anything. And as usual, she checks me out and says NO, it's fine. Just scar tissue... LOL
Lately though, I have been so nauseous.. to the point of actually throwing up. Plus I seem to have the runs every time after I eat- or not. I also seem to have developed my GERD symptoms again. I did check with ALL the Dr's. just to make sure I didn't do anything to the interior surgeries. The consensus is that I may have a 'bug' or 'food poisoning' that is just lingering on. I started taking the Prevacid as Tony r.n. suggested, and it seemed to lighten up. I am thinking it is more from STRESS from work. I can't seem to handle it very well lately- but I am really trying to cope.
I can start working out again so next week, (when we get back- on vacation now) I am going to start doing the Elliptical. I LOVE that machine. Once I get my stamina back up to about 35 minutes, I will start working out with my personal trainer again. I have just started to notice the little pudginess coming back around my middle...lol Don't want to go there again!
Anyway- thanks to my contacts that brought me back to OH! This has been a great opportunity for me to vent and get some thoughts down on my blog. I appreciate all the kind words and wishes! As always, May GOD bless everyone that may be needing HIS guidance and help in whatever they may need. Thank you for checking in on me! Drop me an email if you have a chance.
0 comments
It's been about 5 months since my plastic surgery, and 1 year and 10 months since my open-Rny. I could have NEVER believed that I would have or could have changed so much! Not just physically, but emotionally and mentally as well. To date, I am down 136 #'s from my HIGHEST weight. I can't even remember thinking that I would lose anywhere near 50#'s much less alone 136. I can honestly say though, that I still look in the mirror and see that 'big' person. I don't like to say 'fat' I thought I just always looked BIG! I 'see' all my body faults and excess pudginess...but I FEEL so MUCH BETTER. I didn't really know that I wasn't feeling 'good' before or that moving or climbing stairs was so hard... I guess you just get used to feeling out of breath. I now notice that when I take the 2 flights of stairs at work, I can walk them with ease! I make it to my desk without sounding like I am about to have a heart attack or need oxygen. I am amazed! When I started this journey, my ONLY goal was to be able to park at the far end of the parking lot at work, walk up 2 flights of stairs and make it to my desk without being red faced (and embarrassed) from breathing so hard. I hated ANYONE to be walking up behind me...looking at my large back end and hearing me grunt while trying to carry on a conversation all while walking up stairs! What a trip this has been!
No one can tell you how much this surgery-tool is going to change your life. Everyone that I have talked to has had a completely different experience, but all GOOD! Even those that had some complications (as I had with plastics) would do it all again- IN A HEARTBEAT...
As for how I am healing from the 4 surgeries that I had in April... well- I guess that depends on what day it is. For the most part I feel GREAT! I finally have my energy level just about back to, well, I'm not sure what normal is? I guess I finally have energy! I don't just want to sit on the couch. I did have some healing issues, I can't really call them problems, because I am healing, just not as quickly as I WANT TO. LOL The surgeon says things are moving along as they should, but I am not patient at all! I can honestly say that I am very happy with my scars. Even the ones on my boobs. The TT, and Panni scar goes from butt cheek across the lower c-section line to butt cheek. My boobs are healing nicely. The scars are still a little pink, red in some areas, but Dr. Sylora suggested that I keep massaging the Vit-E oil into the scars. I still have alot of numbness on the left side boob, but the tenderness around the aerial incisions is MUCH better. I am also still numb on my lower scar area on the outside. I do FEEL a lot of interior stuff though. Not really pain, but it feels like I am stretching all the scar tissue inside to the point of tearing it- That's where I get freaked out and usually call the Dr. to see if I ripped anything. And as usual, she checks me out and says NO, it's fine. Just scar tissue... LOL
Lately though, I have been so nauseous.. to the point of actually throwing up. Plus I seem to have the runs every time after I eat- or not. I also seem to have developed my GERD symptoms again. I did check with ALL the Dr's. just to make sure I didn't do anything to the interior surgeries. The consensus is that I may have a 'bug' or 'food poisoning' that is just lingering on. I started taking the Prevacid as Tony r.n. suggested, and it seemed to lighten up. I am thinking it is more from STRESS from work. I can't seem to handle it very well lately- but I am really trying to cope.
I can start working out again so next week, (when we get back- on vacation now) I am going to start doing the Elliptical. I LOVE that machine. Once I get my stamina back up to about 35 minutes, I will start working out with my personal trainer again. I have just started to notice the little pudginess coming back around my middle...lol Don't want to go there again!
Anyway- thanks to my contacts that brought me back to OH! This has been a great opportunity for me to vent and get some thoughts down on my blog. I appreciate all the kind words and wishes! As always, May GOD bless everyone that may be needing HIS guidance and help in whatever they may need. Thank you for checking in on me! Drop me an email if you have a chance.
May 2nd
May 02, 2009
Well, I'm not sure whats up lately... I'm 4 weeks out from surgery and still feeling like crap. I really thought I would be up and running around by now. I still have drain tubes in my side, but they should be coming out soon. I hope to feel BETTER after the final tube is removed. This surgery was MUCH easier pain wise than my open gastric/RNY but the recovery is just as bad. I am still swollen in all the right places and the fluid makes me feel so squishy. My scars are healing nicely tho- I have been putting vitamin E on all of them. Real vitamin E- I cut the capsule open and squeeze the oil out directly on the scars. I am hoping that this really helps the over all look and feel of the scars. As for how I am feeling, YUK! I feel like crap most of the time. My energy is low, although it gets better as it gets later in the day. Walking is good, until I try to straighten up, then it becomes a challenge. Sometimes I can walk a couple of blocks, but mostly I can just make it around the block once. Tom walks with me every night too, so that helps. My boys are really being very helpful. They are watching me VERY closely so I can heal quicker and get back to taking care of them! 
I am still off work. I can't even imagine going back full time yet. I hardly get enough energy or feel good enough for more than half a day. I HOPE that my job and bosses are ok with the time it is taking to heal. Anyway... I am happy with the outcome so far and as long as the hernia is fixed and the excess skin is gone, I know eventually I will feel MUCH better. Stretching, reaching, twisting and bending down are an experience all their own. Right now, bending to pick things off the floor is HORRIBLE> everything feels like it is squishing right against the lower scar area. I feel nauseous immediately upon bending- so I try not to. D'OH... but believe it or not, I forget that I can't bend and lo and behold- I do... and suffer the consequences, sit down on the couch for a while and get up and get moving again. OK, enough complaining and crying.. it's 2:30. time to get in the shower and get cleaned up for the day. Everyone take care- Thanks again for checking in on me. May God bless everyone in what ever it is you may be needing and praying for.
Wednesday, April 29th
Apr 29, 2009
Tomorrow I'll be 4 weeks out from surgery- and what a trip it has been. I am doing pretty well, healing as expected. I am somewhat more tired than I imagined I would be. But I take it one day at a time. I can definitely feel things moving and stretching inside. Usually I can move around pretty well, but every once in a while YIKES! Then I sit and rest and start again. I still have the drain tubes in- hopefully they will come out next week. Then just time to recuperate and back to work! Anyway- just logging in for a short update. take care. talk to you all soon.
0 comments
April 20, 2009
Apr 20, 2009
I know, I have not updated for quite some time... here is the latest- Thanks again for checking in on me. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. If I can help anyone or calm some pre-surgery fears I am happy to do so. Here goes...
I had my post gastric by-pass plastic surgery on April 2nd. I had a hernia repair, panniculectomy(removal of the excess 'apron' of skin) and tummy tuck (I needed to have the panni and t/t so the hernia would not keep recurring). I also had a breast lift with implants.
I was in surgery for about 9 hours and another 2-3 hours in recovery. My blood pressure was extremely high after surgery. They removed 12.5 #'s of excess skin from my lower abs. I was able to donate the skin and cells for other reconstructive surgeries. When they asked if I was willing to donate my 'spare parts', I was like ABSOLUTELY... not like I was going to ask to bring any spare parts home... (ha ha ha). I do have a lot of swelling, soreness and some bruising but it is getting better everyday. My mom has been here taking such good care of me...I don't want her to leave. I am recovering pretty well. I've had a few Dr's appointments already and so far I am healing as expected. I do still have 2 of the 4 drains in my sides. These will stay in place for about 4 weeks unless the drainage is less than a certain amount. I have 2 little areas on my stitch/suture line that are having a slight problem healing right now. The Dr. says as long as I stay off my feet, avoid the stairs, twisting and turning and reaching for things everything will heal fine. I am not one to sit still for long periods of time. There is only so much reading, TV and computer games that I can stand without doing other things too. I am so tired of sleeping... I am anxious to get moving and back to work... (lol- maybe I am sick...or its the pain meds) :)
I will post more after my next appointment with the surgeon next week.
Take care and thanks again for checking in...
0 comments
I had my post gastric by-pass plastic surgery on April 2nd. I had a hernia repair, panniculectomy(removal of the excess 'apron' of skin) and tummy tuck (I needed to have the panni and t/t so the hernia would not keep recurring). I also had a breast lift with implants.
I was in surgery for about 9 hours and another 2-3 hours in recovery. My blood pressure was extremely high after surgery. They removed 12.5 #'s of excess skin from my lower abs. I was able to donate the skin and cells for other reconstructive surgeries. When they asked if I was willing to donate my 'spare parts', I was like ABSOLUTELY... not like I was going to ask to bring any spare parts home... (ha ha ha). I do have a lot of swelling, soreness and some bruising but it is getting better everyday. My mom has been here taking such good care of me...I don't want her to leave. I am recovering pretty well. I've had a few Dr's appointments already and so far I am healing as expected. I do still have 2 of the 4 drains in my sides. These will stay in place for about 4 weeks unless the drainage is less than a certain amount. I have 2 little areas on my stitch/suture line that are having a slight problem healing right now. The Dr. says as long as I stay off my feet, avoid the stairs, twisting and turning and reaching for things everything will heal fine. I am not one to sit still for long periods of time. There is only so much reading, TV and computer games that I can stand without doing other things too. I am so tired of sleeping... I am anxious to get moving and back to work... (lol- maybe I am sick...or its the pain meds) :)
I will post more after my next appointment with the surgeon next week.
Take care and thanks again for checking in...
March 29th
Mar 29, 2009
Well, I guess it has been too long since I last posted, but life seems to get in the way. I am scheduled for surgery (Panni, TT & boob job 
) on Thursday this week! YIKES! I am nervous and excited all at the same time. I will post after surgery with results. Take care and I'll talk to you all later.
0 comments
) on Thursday this week! YIKES! I am nervous and excited all at the same time. I will post after surgery with results. Take care and I'll talk to you all later.
Wednesday January 21,2009
Jan 21, 2009
Well guess what?? My insurance company approved to pay for my hernia and panni surgery!!!! WHOO HOO! And on the first try! I am SO Shocked. With all the hoops I had to go to for getting my bypass covered, this was a breeze. OMG! I can't believe it. I am a little worried (i.e. scared) but excited all the same. I have been staying the same weight now for about 2.5 months, moving 2# either way. I wasn't planning on scheduling surgery for at least 6 months or so because I figured it would take at least that long for approval. Anyway- other than that, no new news to report. I am back to working out regularly. I am able to eat without getting sick at all, although I do occasionally get nauseous. I am looking forward to our Disney trip in March! Hopefully my CA family will be able to join us. It's a good feeling to know we are going to get away one last time before Rob graduates. I guess that's all I have for now- I'll keep posting as things move forward.
Thanks for checking in on me once again. Gods blessings to everyone! and have a GREAT DAY!
Thursday, November 20th...
Nov 20, 2008
WOW- 1 year and 19 days out... I can't believe the difference a year makes. Never-ever in my wildest dreams would I think that I could actually lose weight, work out, feel great and look like an entirely different person.
I posted some new pictures today. We had some fun at work (with the help of a local radio station). I am wearing the black sweater with the red top underneath...and ta dah!!! SKINNY JEANS.
I never would have worn anything close to resembling this a year ago. I am still not into wearing tight, form fitting or cleavage showing clothing and I HATE it when I am in between sizes- like I am right now. Size 16's are getting to loose, and 14's are tight. I don't like to look sloppy for work or going out. If it sounds like I am complaining, I'm really not. More like venting... thank GOD for clothing. It covers a multitude of sins. But, I have virtually no butt, so my pants (all of them) sag in the ass. I hate that. I have all this excess skin in my belly area so smaller size pants don't fit in the front and the larger sizes sag in the ass. I am VERY THANKFUL to be having these problems instead of the health problems I had prior to surgery. This I can deal with.
I am geting back to working out again. My usual routine is 3x a week with either staurday or sunday thrown in for fun. (ha ha)
Other than that, life itself is getting back to, dare I say 'normal'. Rob is doing much better- back in the swing of things at school and work. Tom is Tom. Working hard and hardly stopping to play. I miss my CA family ALOT!
Time to get back to work. I wish God's blessing to everyone, Health, Happiness and whatever each of you is needing at this time. Thanks again for checking in... more soon.
I posted some new pictures today. We had some fun at work (with the help of a local radio station). I am wearing the black sweater with the red top underneath...and ta dah!!! SKINNY JEANS.
I never would have worn anything close to resembling this a year ago. I am still not into wearing tight, form fitting or cleavage showing clothing and I HATE it when I am in between sizes- like I am right now. Size 16's are getting to loose, and 14's are tight. I don't like to look sloppy for work or going out. If it sounds like I am complaining, I'm really not. More like venting... thank GOD for clothing. It covers a multitude of sins. But, I have virtually no butt, so my pants (all of them) sag in the ass. I hate that. I have all this excess skin in my belly area so smaller size pants don't fit in the front and the larger sizes sag in the ass. I am VERY THANKFUL to be having these problems instead of the health problems I had prior to surgery. This I can deal with.
I am geting back to working out again. My usual routine is 3x a week with either staurday or sunday thrown in for fun. (ha ha)
Other than that, life itself is getting back to, dare I say 'normal'. Rob is doing much better- back in the swing of things at school and work. Tom is Tom. Working hard and hardly stopping to play. I miss my CA family ALOT!
Time to get back to work. I wish God's blessing to everyone, Health, Happiness and whatever each of you is needing at this time. Thanks again for checking in... more soon.
Sunday, Nov. 9th
Nov 08, 2008
Well, first and foremost.... Happy Birthday to Ann! (my sister) I wish I was in Cali to celebrate with you. Ok, now for the update... Nov. 1st was my 1 year surgiversary! 117# gone! Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would lose this amount of weight! EVER!- in my life... but then again- I never thought I'd weigh this much either. I am so very fortumate that I was able to have the surgery- and USE this TOOL to help take my weight off. I feel GREAT! Things like climbing stairs, walking alot, bending, reaching and climbing are much easier to do. My job entails all this and more, and I am more confident while doing what I love to do. For those of you who don't know... I am a Licensed Environmental Health Practitioner- aka- Health Inspector...no not like Larry the Cable Guy type of health inspector, A real one and I LOVE my job. Even when things get really dirty and grimy... I love my job! Just about the only time I don't is when things get to political- Anyway, losing the weight has made doing it alot easier.
A year and 117#'s later: losing isn't as easy now. I have to really work at it. And let me tell you about cravings... they are BACK! with a vengence. Everything that I have not really had a taste for, or could walk away from is calling me! And yes, I have given in- occasionally. And yes, I do feel ill if and when I eat whatever it is that is screaming my name! Also- my scale shows that I have been eating crap instead of the protein than I need, So now, I have to put all my resources into taking the good habits of the last year and continue with my progress.
Exersize: My exersizing has fallen off for about the past 2 months. My husband has been getting on me about getting back into the groove - and I am looking for any excuse not to. I KNOW I feel so much better when I do, plus my stress level is much lower, but I can't seem to get my butt moving. I am fine once I get there. So this is a major goal right now, to get back to my routine of working out 3-4 times a week,
Life: Life just seems to get in the way...my son has had some major health issues and was in the hospital for 13 days, then home from school for another 2 weeks. He is on the mend and boom!..... its hubbys turn. Finally, he is on the mend and now its time to find out if our son needs the next surgery. I guess we'll know on wednesday. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers... I keep telling myself that once we get thorough this..then that, i will start working out again. I know, I know... no excuses. Get my butt in gear!
Anyway- I just wanted to post an update. I hope everyone is well, and drop me a line if you have a spare second... lol. take care and as usual... Gods blessings to you all.
Monday, October 27th
Oct 27, 2008
Hello again-Wow, its been A LONG time since I've actually updated. Don't get me wrong, I have been cruising the web site, just not updating anything. I am almost 1 full year out - Nov. 1st is my surgiversary!
I can FINALLY say that I actually feel GREAT! My hair is almost back too normal. It finally looks like it did pre-surgery. Full, bouncy and healthy looking. My skin for the most part is doing well. What I see when I look in the mirror is a younger, happier version of me. I think I might actually look younger than my 44 years...
As for body issues, Yep- I got em! Hanging skin, droopy boobs, clothes that are smaller sizes, but still don't fit right because of saggy, flabby skin. I guess I'll have body issues either way, so... I may as well be 100# lighter and have 'em.
I am going to try and get back to posting regularly... so keep checking back. My love to you all- and may Gods blessings be spread among us!
Thursday, Aug 14th
Aug 14, 2008
WHOOO hoooo YEAHHHHHhhhhhhhh
I am under 200#'s. YES! I am soooo happy! I honestly believed that this doy would never come. I am so very fortunate that I have been given this tool to live a healthier life... I have been on a plateau for quite some time, and now I seem to be moving in the right direction again.
I also just returned from CA visiting with my family. What a wonderful trip. I realize that we are so blessed to be able to travel so much, and I thank GOD for all the blessings in our lives.
Nothing to much to report right now... My brother and Joe are going to visit soon- that will be a great treat. I can't wait to see them again.
Well, I'll write more later. Everyone take care and thanks for checking in on me.
I am under 200#'s. YES! I am soooo happy! I honestly believed that this doy would never come. I am so very fortunate that I have been given this tool to live a healthier life... I have been on a plateau for quite some time, and now I seem to be moving in the right direction again.
I also just returned from CA visiting with my family. What a wonderful trip. I realize that we are so blessed to be able to travel so much, and I thank GOD for all the blessings in our lives.
Nothing to much to report right now... My brother and Joe are going to visit soon- that will be a great treat. I can't wait to see them again.
Well, I'll write more later. Everyone take care and thanks for checking in on me.
About Me
IL
Location
33.2
BMI
Surgery
11/01/2007
Surgery Date
Sep 07, 2007
Member Since
