Kathy A C.
Hi, When the 6th person asked me "when is your baby due?" (when I wasn't pregnant), it was the wake-up call to really DO SOMETHING about my weight and failing health...must have tried about 30 diet plans and fads over the last 18 years, joined Weight Watchers 7 times, tried Gyms, Hypnotism, Tai Bo/Jane Fonda/Susan Powter, and Richard Simmons Deal-A-Meal system. I drank the gastly SlimFast Shakes, Hollywood Juice,and took pills like Dexatrim and diuretics. Tho I had some results, (especially on Atkins and Beverly Hills Diet plans), the weight always came back. My 118lb body had doubled! I was 44, 5'4" at 237 lbs. It's awful to heave breaths just climbing stairs or after a short walk in the park, and I avoided going out on the town, class reunions, and family functions for fear of being seen and judged because of my appearance...it really hurt to live on the edge of life.
02/04/02 ... I have just had my first visit with Dr. Valin. :0)Great surgeon. A no-nonsense kind of guy. I had read other patients accounts of his work too and felt comfortable with him. I have diabetes II, high cholestrol, mild sleep apnea and knee joint problems (all which helped me be accepted as a patient).I am lightweight for this surgery and Insurance is so picky!
Feb.8,2002... Just had my visit with the Nutritionist, Liz. She was very nice and so helpful. There were medical papers to fill out, we discussed my eating habits, med history, diets, and post-op eating issues. The diets/weight-loss attempts/programs list she had me fill out was long, but it reminded me of old diets I'd have forgotten about otherwise. She said I passed. :0)
Feb.11,2002... UGHHHH the PROTEIN-SPARING "Ketosis" Diet = 4 days of HELL...meat/broth/water! Gigantic Potassium Pill daily too...had to dissolve it in water first! Got The worst headaches of my life those first 2 days! Didn't take my potassium on the last day of the diet and now I know why you take it...you get THE RUNS if you don't! Quest Lab took 24 hours to fax their results and the Dr.'s office phoned with the good news that the test had been passed. :)
Feb. 11, 2002 pm... Just had my Psyche Evaluation. Chris went over my food history, my attitude about diets, my knowledge of the operation, & the real world of post-OP eating. I got quizzed on a few of the diets I've tried in the past. He seemed impressed that I wasn't suicidal or have an eating disorder. I actually enjoyed the visit and didn't feel as stressed as I'd thought I'd be. He said I was mentally fit to have the surgery.
Feb 20, 2002... Had to attend a Gastric Bypass Support Group Meeting (both pre and post-OPs were there). A nurse spoke about what to expect when you wake up from surgery (hands restrained, tube in throat, etc) and that the 7am patients are kept in recovery for hours and can't be visited until they're up in a reguar room! A man who used to weigh 400+ lbs gave a speech about his Post-OP eating issues. I was amazed at how many people attended this. I felt like everyone in the room was my friend. I guess there IS a good side to being morbidly obese. I'm meeting such wonderful people!
Feb.27,2002... Today was supposed to be my follow-up visit, but it was cancelled about 10 minutes before I was leaving the house to drive down there! They would get back to me with a new date the following week. :( Very dissappointed...
Mar.6th,2002...I drove down to the office instead of playing phone tag...the hold up was that some of my paperwork never got faxed to the Dr.'s office...I had to track it down & get it to them FAST. Dr. Valin won't see any patients until all their reports are in...
Mar.15,2002...Had my 2nd visit with the surgeon today. He gave me a date of MAY 3, 2002 for my surgery. We went over all the particulars of the procedure, dangers, what to expect, and my medical file for insurance coverage purposes. He wanted me to have my PCP fax more info and a letter recommending the surgery. I'll have to keep my fingers crossed. As soon as they hear I am approved, they will schedule my pre-OP tests, then I'm on my way. :0) YIPPEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mar.18,2002...Had my PCP fax all bloodwork and diet-related info, along with a letter recommending surgery, to Dr. Valin's. that takes care of the paperwork on my end. Insurance is the next hurdle in this pre-op stage. Can't wait to be Post-OP! :0)
Mar.20,2002...Went to my 2nd Gastric Bypass Support Group meeting tonight. A doctor spoke about the differences between Lap and Open, and scared most of the room. He discussed the lap band procedure and how it is still experimental. Lots of post-op audience members spoke about hair loss and their successes. Psych guy Chris spoke about forming a support group for 10 sessions that get to the "core" of your eating disorders. The socializing after is so much fun! Meeting other people in all stages of this surgery is so helpful. :0)
Mar.25,2002...Started an online support group for anyone having surgery in early May..it's called The MayDay Club. We have 7 members (so far) and have already exchanged a few cross-posted e-mails. It's great to e-mail someone about WLS.(Especially who has your very same surgery date!) They really understand your worries and fears...Post op communication will be a godsend.
Mar.28,2002...Debby phoned from the doc's, said she faxed my info to insurance... and the NALC...Postal Workers Union Insurance, were terrible to deal with. Insurance called me to say my hospital was out-of-network and IT IS IN THEIR PROVIDER BOOK! I had them correct this error.
Apr.5,2002...Got a letter from Insurance saying they APPROVE my surgery!!! Happy Dance! Yippee!!! Called the Dr.s and Cecile said I still need the Medical Director to approve the Hospital 3 overnights stay...hmmm...more waiting I guess. :'(
Apr.9,2002...Cecile called from the doc's office...they got the word...I AM NOW OFFICIALLY COMPLETELY APPROVED!!!! Yippeeeeeeeeeee! Now for pre-op tests and then...the BIG DAY! Time sure flies when you're havin fun ehh?! lol (just kidding of course)
Apr.19,2002...Got the call I've been waiting for...Cecile with a date for my pre-ops (Endoscopy and Bloodwork)...next Wednesday! Hopefully all will go well. Things sure seem to move along fast once it gets into the last month before surgery! :0)
Apr.24,2002...PRE-OPS TODAY! 3 Places...with 3 hours between! AHH Started 8:45 am with an Abdominal Ultrasound...felt like a clenched fist rubbing hard into my ribs! Nurse would NOT tell me if everything in there was OK or not either. I found her to be rude. :( 3 hours later...Went for Pannendoscopy...(when they take a tiny camera on a tube and stick it down your throat and check out your stomach and esaphogas and small bowel)...I got moved into the "TV viewing" room and Dr. Valin came in and sprayed the back of my mouth twice with some type of spray that started to make my throat feel swollen, and he gave me a shot in the arm of some miracle drug... and I don't remember a thing until I woke up later in another place and could not believe he had already done it! Wow that was cool! Then went to Pre-Op... Bloodwork Testing (9 Viles of blood!), got an EKG and a Chest X-Ray and spoke to anesthesia person. LOOOONG day...got home around 4pm. Glad it's over...really glad he is so thorough too. Makes me feel safer to know this. :0) Now counting down until the surgery!
MAY 2,2002...OK, calm down my beating heart! I can't believe it's tomorrow! Been a fairly good girl these last 5 days on the "diet"...and at 3pm did the infamous Bowel Prep...how fun to take the stairs 2 at a time trying to make it to the bathroom every 10 minutes! Lordy Sakes where does it all come from?!! Soup for din-dins, water for dessert and this Gal is good to go in the morn! Looking forward to my big day! Hope Dr. Valin gets a lot of rest so he'll be in top form and won't drop a camera lens in my liver or anything...hehe. Seriously, I'm so grateful for the opportunity to get this amazing surgery! See you all on the other side! xox :0)
May 6,2002...Back home and I'm now a POSTIE! Whoo Hooo! Surgery went well, but I seemed to struggle with side effects from the breathing tube irritation, general soreness and weakness, and got a urinary tract infection. Weekend night nurses at the hospital were terrible. Was left hitched to meds machine and inflatable booties when I had to go to the bathroom and nurses didn't repspond quickly enough and I wet myself several times. Used the morphine pump a lot, but it made me so sleepy and my legs were like rubber when I tried to walk...so I didn't use the pump all the 2nd day and wound up in pain and really scared. No support from home, as I was going through a divorce during this time. Husband stopped in only to complain about a credit card bill and upset me more. Gained 12 lbs in one day from the fluids they pumped into me! Got some high anxiety. Had to drink barium for the leak test, could not get comfortable and I was just miserable! It did get better as each day progressed though. Had calls and AMOS visitors which made me feel great...but the best part was taking a shower before I left the hospital. Amazing what a little hot water can do for your spirits. So glad to have a fine and thorough doctor...and so relieved to be a POSTIE!
May 13,2002...Had staples removed. Lost 20 lbs since the surgery! Feeling Great! Wheeeeeeeeeee! :0)
June 3,2002...1 Month since surgery and I've lost 33 lbs, 22 1/2 inches and 2 dress sizes! I still have trouble with eating slowly enough, and with drinking fluids...water just feels like a lump stuck, but I can drink hot beverages and flavored ones. I feel nauseas about every 2 days and I know I'm not getting in enough protein or water. Got a little depressed during the 3rd week..this strict eating plan can bring you down if you let it.
July 3,2002...2 Months since surgery and I feel so much better! I am eating a wider variety of foods. Getting about 20 grams of protein in and about 40-60 oz of water each day and will work on getting more. I am excercising more now. Slower weight loss this month...only 12 lbs with all these plateaus ...but I lost another dress size and bra size.
I cannot express in words how wonderful it feels to shop in the "normal" department of a clothing store. I've gone through 3 dress sizes and donate all my now larger size stuff to GOODWILL. I have a completely new wardrobe and look forward to changing it again to a smaller size this month. :0) I got asked out on a date recently, which made me feel great (even tho the guy was a total nerd). My divorce is in the process. I look forward to being single again. (especially as a THINNER person!).
Sept.4,2002: 4 Months post-op and I now weight 157 lbs...80 lbs lighter than I did at my first weigh in with Dr. Valin in February! What an incredible difference. I see pics of myself at 237 and I can't believe how great I look now. Size 12. I can buy 38C bras in cute styles rather than those nasty uncomfortable and ugly "boulder holders" and I get winked at and checked out by men all the time. Yep, it is a very trite pleasure but fun anyway. A brand new world! With less focus on "what my next meal/snack will be", I can enjoy the moment and live every moment to it's fullest. I look for interesting things to do when I travel rather than just restaurants, and I now wear cute stylish clothes rather than dowdy conservative PLUS Size/Lane Bryant stuff just because it drapes over my body. I am taking pride in my appearance now (rather than just tolerating it) and am more into fashion and makeup rather than denying it exhists. My posture is better...my stride is proud, and I hold my head up high! I am a new person!
Nov.3,02...Well today is 6 months since my Lap RNY surgery and guess what? I've lost 100 lbs! Yes I am in The CENTURY CLUB! I've posted new "After" Pictures to the site today to the Before & After section as well as my profile here. It really has been an amazing time for me. It has not all been "good" though...and I need to tell you about the "downside" too. Yes, I feel healthy and have a lot of energy and wear a size 8 and look better than I have in decades...BUT...my hair has been coming out for 3 months now and is so thin, I have to wear a wig until it starts growing back. Doc says I could continue to lose hair up to 1 year, but that it usually stops falling out after 3-6 months... You can find wigs that look pretty realistic. Mine was about $100, but you can get them on eBay for about $25...well worth the confidence it gives me out in public. I still get dumping syndrome if I try to eat fast like a normal person. Rice and pasta still won't stay down, and chocolate tastes terrible to me. I really miss drinking with meals, especially breakfast. I can eat about 3/4 cup of food per meal. I take 2 Centrum Chewable Adult Vitamins, 2 Caltrate Calcium Chewables, and a dropper of B-12 Liquid daily. Other forms of Calcium I either cant swallow or they gross me out and I can't keep em down. I don't eat as much protein as I should, but food is not appealing and I hate those supplimental shakes and bars...blech. I do drink a lot of hot teas now that the weather is cooler.
Dec.03,02... Gosh has it been 7 months? Still juggling that same 100 lbs weight loss. Lost 1 inch this month but the weight stayed around the same. My insurance ran out when my divorce was final in November, so I cancelled my doc appts. Not a "poster child" for post op by doing that, but I will get checked after I get insurance again. My name was legally changed to Kathryn Alexander Collins this month. My hair is growing back. I am nervous about holiday parties and cooking, as I love to bake for the season. I am confident I can control myself in social eating situations now.
May 3, 2003... ONE YEAR POST OP !!! Oh my goodness how the time flew! Has it really been a year? I can't believe I am saying this, but it finally feels normal being post-op. I sometimes "forget" I even had the surgery (!!) and eat goodies here and there, or more than a cup of food at a sitting once in awhile. Most food goes down fine and stays there. The biggest difference has been in my attitude about eating. I used to eat for imagined hunger and emotional support. Now, I eat to nourish my body and for social gatherings to fit in. I make better choices when I decide what to order in a restaurant and if I grab some junk food, it is only a bite or two then the rest gets thrown away. I can't really say I have deprived myself of anything, because I have had any food I wanted to try, even a glass of wine or a cocktail once in awhile, with no problem or dumping. My boyfriend loves that he gets so many leftovers! Health-wise, I am on NO medications, but I do faithfully take my multi-vitamin, calcium and B-12 twice daily and will for life. I use a single Pepto Bismol chewable tabet if I get stomach upset and it works in like 5 minutes. I use Liquid Tylenol Adult Strength for headaches/pain, but have not really had that happen.
I took my measurements today 1 year post-op..see the amazing results of my LAP RNY surgery...WEIGHT: 237=129lbs.UPPER ARM: 15 1/2"=10 1/2".CHEST: 49 1/2"=36". WAIST: 45"=29 1/2". HIPS: 50"=36". UPPER THIGH: 27 1/2"=20". TOP SIZE: XXL=Small-Med, PANTS SIZE: 20=6-8, BRA SIZE: 44DD=36B, SHOE SIZE: 9 1/2-10= 9.
I believe this surgery not only gave me back my life, but gave me a whole NEW wonderful life. I had the confidence to join a dating service (dated over 23 men in 4 months!)and found a wonderful relationship with a special man. I had the courage to apply and win a great new higher paying job out of state, so I'm moving to MA this month. I feel full of energy and high spirits and I focus on having fun and living each moment, rather than wondering what I'm going to eat or where I'm going to sit down when I go any place. I have NO health problems aside from a little gas in the evening...probably from drinking soda or eating a tad too fast...my fault not the surgery.
What a difference a year makes.
OCTOBER 20, 2006 UPDATE...
Well it's been over 4 1/2 years and I cannot say I've been a good postie. I fell back into some old bad habits...gained back about 25 lbs of my weight, but maintained this size 8/10 body for at least the past 3 years. My hair has grown back, my body has filled in. The lap surgery scars are faded and hardly noticeable. Got my breasts back too, but my butt is still flat as a pancake. I eat sweets, and shamed as I am, I'll admit, I eat and drink together at meals, and I get gas that would melt the paint off the walls. I am happy, healthy, and there is a sparkle in my life now that this surgery helped create. I have NO regrets on having this surgery. I still get sick after only a few bites of some foods, like cooked onions, rice and chicken together, some high butterfat ice cream, and my taste for food has returned to a dangerous degree. I would love to hear from my May Day friends made during my pre and post surgery 2002 era.
I want to thank my surgeon, DR. VALIN in New Haven, CT for my complication-free surgery. His detail-oriented manner and expert medical skills were key in helping me create this wonderful new person I'd never imagined I'd become. I also want to thank all of you on this site, from reading your info and stories, to e-mailing, which helped guide me through the rough times. You were THERE for me when my family and friends were not. I feel like a sister to you all and we will forever be bonded. This is a special website, unlike any other. I am eternally grateful.
If you are debating this surgery, write me and I'll help you make your decision. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. I have had some bad moments and doubts about whether or not I made the right decision, because my body has changed in some ways that are not so great, but I really believe the good points "outweigh" the bad ones. I can live with this decision and I am happier as a thinner person. Best of luck to all of you on your journey and I wish for you all the blessings I have received during mine. There are some wonderful strangers on this site who helped me in my darkest hour. Maybe I can help you as well...xox Kathy
About Me
Before & After
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