Kittyplove
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I love to read, I enjoy singing (church choir) and dancing, sex and making people laugh. I believe we only get one time to enjoy life & we should live it up.... I love to cook for others, but hate to clean up. Oh I remember when.....100lbs ago, I could dance all night, shop til I dropped, rode all the amusement park rides & sex was off da chain.... Now, I am winded doing the simple things.... walking up stairs, dancing for more than 1 song (if its a long one, only make it through 1/2), singing & marching with the choir... and sex, too much & I lose my breath. .... its embarassing. I try to be positive, because I am a beautiful person, but sometimes it gets me down.
October 21, 2005 (weight 315lbs... yea! I lost 5 lbs)
I went to see my Primary care physician yesterday.... Dr. Huber is so cool. When I told her I wanted the surgery, she asked questions more like a ocncerned parent than a doctor. I gave her all my info that I had gathered over the past 2 weeks and she seemed inpressed that I had done so much research. I told her I was not sure which program I wanted, St Agnes or Sinai, and she agreed that I consult/meet with Doctors from both programs and decide which will fit me best. Then she gave me the scipt for the bloodwork needed by St Agnes' program, and said she would verify if I needed anything else for Sinai's. My physcial is on the 25th, so the ball is really rolling.......
Of course one of the bloodtests was a fasting one, so I had to wait until this morning to go... and for dinner last night I had cheese puffs & chips.... I was at dance rehearsal & I lost track of the time, I knew I could not eat anything for at least 10 hours, so no real meal for me (:
October 25, 2005 (weight 317....PMS pounds uggghh)
Went to PCP for physical. Dr. Bower is a funny lady.... Blood test showed I am anemic (dang...). I told her about the winded thing and she did and ekg and scheduled me for the following: Mammogram, a Exercise Stress Test & a Full PFT (PulmonaryFunction Test) for dyspnea on exertion. Tests will be done 11/1 & 2 on 11/18. Lucky there was a cancellation or I would have to wait until Dec or January... She also gave me the Texas Tech Medical Center Whole foods Weight Loss Eating Plan. Dr. Bower said that she wants me to be at my best when I go in for surgery....
My aunt has planned to come be with me when I have my surgery...., so I am happy about that. She is a CNA,so I know I will be well taken care of.
November 1, 2005
Went to the doctor (cardiologist) & felt out of place as the waiting area was full of older people. The only people my age either worked there or was waiting for someone. The nurse was very friendly & we we chatting & joking until the CME in. As she was doing the sonagram, I told her make sure she is only picking up one heart beat, cause I didn't want or need any surprises..... We chuckled at that for a miniute & Dr. Gloth comes in.... Is is nice and soothing. As he explains everything, I am hooked up to all these wires. He Says the test is only 8-10 minutes, and there will be a slight increase in speed & the incline to simulate walking up a steep hill. He starts the machine, and I am fine, so he ask questions.... Things are fine & then bam!!!! The damn thing seems to raise up & I swear I am gonna bust my face open when I fall... Of course my I am like this man is tying to kill me..... oh my God!!! The he has the nerve to expect me to talk!!! Somehow, I manage to make it through, feeling like I ran a marathon, but he says things look good & then gives me a prescription,(says my pulse is a little fast, & the medicine will make my heart muscles stronger. I should take the medicine before & after the surgery) says I am aproved to go ahead with the surgery & me to make an appointment in 1 year.... I was like cool..... My next appointment is with the Nutritionist on Nov 9th.... So I will update you guys after that.....
November 9, 2005
Met with Arlene Swantko, Nutritionist/dietiation. she was very nice... After some disscussion about my friends,family history,& eating habits , she showed me the band, so I would be able to see/feel what it would be like. Then we discussed the type of diet I would be on after surgery, and the vitamins I would have to take. I told her I had been keeping a food diary, & was surprised to see that I didn't eat as much as I though I did. Now I did eat fried foods (chicken mostly) but not a lot of junk....She said I was not a "grazer", so my biggest issue will be eating on a schedule. I have been known to go all day & not eat, because I am doing something else. So to know I have to eat like a baby would (every 4-5 hours) is going to be tough.... I was relieved that she was very positive, and encouraging.... She gave me a packet with my recommended post-op diet, and types of vitamins. I told her I was goign to see the surgeon on Tues (15th) and still was trying to schedule the psych evaluation, but the Doctor was out of town. Luckily for me the surgeon, nutritionist, & pshychlogist are all in the same office suite..... and its less than 5 miles from my home....She said that my surgery would probably happen in January.... I am excited, & scared at the same time.....
November 15, 2005 (312lbs.... was surprised to see I had lost)
Appointment with the surgeon (Dr. Averbach). While waiting to bee seen, a lady who had bypass surgery 3 years ago comes in and she looks great.... from 260 to 140... she wished those of us waiting the best of luck... very encouraging. I met with Cathy Carr, Bariatric Program Director of St Agnes Hospital. She had WLS, so she is excellent. She told me that my post-op goal should be 147 instead of the 125 my height (all 5ft 1 1/2 inches of me) suggests is healthy. I could have kissed her, because I was very concerned that I would not reach that goal.... Haven't been 125 since Junior hIgh..... Now 147, I can see that happening.
Next off to see Dr. Averbach. He shocks me with "if you get all of your test results back, we may be able to schedule you for December." I'm like Dec-who??? Panic sets in, as December is only what, 3 1/2 weeks away? And I have not gotten "my house" in order (bills, and other things). He is like have you had your psych evaluation yet? I told him I have to wait to be scheduled, but I have a Pulmonary function test, & a Mammogran on Friday (18th). he seemed pleased, but did say continue to try to lose as much weight as you can to make it easier on me & you. Also try to condition your body for the surgery & recovery....
I leave & Bea Flynn (psychologist) calls & I am scheduled for the psyche evaluation on Friady as well.... all things come together, because God is good!!!!! As usual, I will update you as things progress.
November 18, 2005 (311.5)
Go to St Agnes to et the pulmonary function tests.... Breathing into the machine is hard work.. The nurse doing the test said I did an excellent job.... She even gave me the results to take to Dr. Averbach...Next stop Bea Flynn's office.... I really enjoyed talking with her because she made me feel very comfortable. She felt that I was an excellent candidate for the Lap Band. Last stop was the boob smusher... (mammogram) that went well, so now I am waiting for the test results. The we move to the approval process.
I plan to drop the bomb on he family at Thanksgiving..... Most of them know, but I plan to bring all my research & maybe even let them see this site if they have more questions....
November 23, 2005
Found out today I was suspended from my job for 10 days without pay... What a way to start a holiday...Boo. Because of the suspension I will not be able to use the leave bank for my surgery as I had planned. If the surgery is in December, I only have 2 1/2 weeks of leave time available. So I am very stressed right now. Things are just bad right now.....
December 12, 2005
Sorry for the lenght between the posts, but alot of things have been going on at work & personally...... I was depressed & worrying so much until I didn't have an appetite. My friends say I have lost some weight, but I don't see it..... Anyway, I finally got the nerve to call the doctor's office (just knew they were going to say they had lost my paperwork or was denied) & was assured that they had submitted my info and were waiting for the insurance company. So I call BCBS & was glad I did. Found out the person who does the approvals is back logged , but I have a tenative date
of 3/31/06. I was relieved (so much going on financially didn't know if I would have to postpone the surgery, and work 2 jobs..... prayer does work, believe that!!! Sometimes you just gotta "LET GO & LET GOD TAKE OVER!!!") & excited, because it was a step closer. The claim I submitted for the nutritionist was still in review, but I had sent the psyche evaluation to the wrong place. Called & got that fixed. Now we must play the "weighting" game until surgery time.....
December 16, 2005 (307 lbs...the pounds are coming off)
I got on the scale as I joined the weight loss club at work. The "Stress Yourself Silly" diet seems to be working. Back at my desk doing paperwork, and my cell rings.... It's Dr. Averbach's office.....I AM APPROVED!!!!!! They will not schedule me for surgery until I get some test results sent & finish paying the Nutritionist. Hopefully I can get everything done by Mid January....
I am so excited & scared as hell at the same time.... Please keep in your prayers.........
January 18, 2006 (307lbs... gained & lost 5 pounds during the holidays)
Haven't been online in awhile to post, but I went to North Carolina for Christmas. I had the best time. You don't realize how much family means to you until you have been away. Told them of the surgery & they are excited. Coming from a family of big people, I was nervous as to what they were gonna say. Spent New Years Eve with a friend & had a wonderful time.... 2006 maybe looking up. Made some decisions in my life: 2006 THE YEAR OF THE REECE!!! It may sound crazy, but for too long I have put other people's feelings & concerns ahead of mine. I have given away my last dime or canceled too many plans to help someone out, only to be left hanging or out of luck when I needed someone. Call it selfish or whatever, I can only be a success if I depend on myself & God. I have also started keeping a journal. I figure if I can get it off my chest/mind, it will decrease the stress. And months from now, when I am feeling down, I can look back and see how far I have come. Things are looking better financially, so I can move forward with my surgery..... Keep me in your prayers....
God Bless!!!
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March 1, 2006
I had hoped to be banded by this time, but my financial situation is improving at a slower rate than expected. Right about now, I regret telling some people I am having the surgery, because they get on my effin nerves asking when I am gonna have it. My job situation has improved for the most part, but you never know. My weight has been bobbing up & down between 307 & 312. I have begun to bring my lunch to work which has cut back on money spent weekly & is healthier. I am going on a ski trip this weekend, and am scared that I will not be able to fit the rental equiptment.. Its the little things that get to you. I was reading some else's profile & saw so much of myself in her reasons why the surgery matters. She had the Lap-Band, and I wish Tina so much luck. Maybe she will read this maybe not, but I am rooting for her. A few weeks I was talking with a plus-size co-worker & she told me that she didn't know if she could handle being smaller than a size 12. She feels like a part of her is scared to be thin. I told her to me being healthy would always be better to me. No matter what size I am. I thought back to when I was 200lbs (still a size 22, cause I am so short), how I told my self I was fine being that size as long as I didn't go past 250, and that I was healthy so it shouldn't matter. When I reached 250, I made the as long as its not 300lbs....and then it bcame as long as I can find clothes that fit, I don't care... I realize that was my mind compensating for my insecurities. My mind battled daily with the you look fine as you are vs. you know you need to lose weight. Any major life-changing experience brings situations & issues, but I pray that they will be positive. I am prepared to lose some friends & gain some new ones. I am at peace with my decision & ready to go forward. Well enough for now, may God Bless & keep you all that read this...
April 4, 2006
(weight 304lbs)
The ski trip was wonderful!!! I didn't see a drop of snow but I had such a good time. I really needed that vacation. All I had to do was get on the bus, ride, get off the bus, and chill. I did drink too much & woke up with a hangover... the sad part is I hadn't had one in so long I couldn't understand why my head was hurting so badly... (LOL). Came back home to the same BS. On March 18th I'm driving alone & my car makes this horrible noise & I barely make it out of traffic to safety. Come to find out my transmission is shot ... now my car had less than 26K miles on it, so I am like the warrranty will cover it. How about it takes 2 weeks to get it fixed because Ford motor company & Carmax (extended warranty) are arguing over who's gonna pay for it... meanwhile I am w/o a car for 1 week. Of course this means I have to put off my surgery for finacial reasons... All I need to do is pay the nutritionist off & then they will give me a date. I should have been paying it before, but things keep happening. My approval expired on 3/31/06, so I will have to get another one... Hopefully my tests will still be good or else I will have to start all over again.... Keep me in your prayers, as I make this journey to the "thin side".
April 27, 2006....(308lbs)
Woke up yesterday with a bad tingling sensation in my right hand. My pinky & ring finger felt like they were numb. All day long I kept trying to make it "wake up". Never mind I had just read an article about a woman who had similar symptoms, but was actually having a stroke.... Around 2:30pm I called the doctor & they were like can u come in by 3:15... I couldn't make it , so I got a 9:30 am appt. I get there & my BP is raised & found out I have cell Phone Elbow....(similar to tennis elbow). It will go away with time... I was so relieved. Dropped my prescription off at Wal-mart & then went to work. When I get here, there is a message from Dr. Avebach's office. I call back & Carol wants to schedule a date... At first she said I could go May 12th, but I was like oh no that is too soon.... So she threw a few more around & ........"I GOT A DATE......MAY 19, 2006 AT 7:45 AM.!!!!!" I am excitedlyscared....... My pre-op stuff will begin May 3rd... I was feeling down but I Itruly believe that all things come in due time... Not your time but God's time!!!! Please keep me in your prayers...
May 3, 2006 (306lbs)
Went to have the final consult before surgery. Dr. A was excited that I had lost 6lbs since I saw him last. He said that he would fax my pre-op tesing needs to my doctor & he would see me on the 19th. I was like wow!!!!! I called my family & let them know the date & they are all happy for me which is great.
May 5, 2006
Attended the pre-op class. There were 7 of us. One person was having her surgery on the 9th.... the majority were going either the 18th or 19th. I was a good class & people asked great questions. I felt good about it. One person even asked "how soon can you have sex" after the surgery. Cathy joked & was liked as soon as you are ready, now for some people that may be 2 weeks 2 moths or 2 years..... its up to you, but be creative.... We all had a good laugh at that one.
May 10, 2006 (307lbs...different scale)
Went to the PCP for my physical & EKG... left there & saw a nail in my damn tire.... this is such BS, especially since the tire is not 1 yr old.... had a damn nail in it last year this time....WTF? Anyway, got that fixed & headed to get the blood work & chest x-ray at St Agnes.... I really do like that hospital so far. All my pre-admission stuff is done , so all I have to wait for are the test results.... Funny thing is a lot of people that know me are like, you think you are the bomb now, so what is in store for us once you lose the weight? I will still be the same confident sexy girl, just smaller.... People can be so funny sometimes...... I am just looking forward to the "old" Sherice coming back.... People in Baltimore don't know her, but she is as cool as the current me, just had more energy. With that being said, COUNTDOWN TO SLIM DOWN.......9 DAYS & COUNTING...
May 17, 2006 (307lbs)
As I got to work today, I suddenly became weepy.... what am I in store for??? Yesterday I was pricing the whey protein & was like why does everything come in mega tubs.... looked like a gallon of spackle or some paint.... I was like where are the samples... If this stuff is very nasty I be stuck with a tub-o-nasty.....(LOL) After work I will be going back to get some that was relatively cheap. Hope it tastes good... Anyway, my new supervisor is really a "by the book" person. She questions everything & is constantly comparing her old job to this one... "at so & so we did this & we did that..." Guess what Toto? this sure ain't Kansas......You are with State Gubment now... She is asking for information that not only occured before she worked here, but for 2005. I turned in the damn slips with my timesheets...Who keeps copies of Dr's notes for more than 1 year??? WTF....... So as I amp out & start blubbering about how I don't see why I am being penalized because someone in timekeeping is not on their job, she is like calm down, we will take care of this you don't need to be stressed right before your surgery.... I look at her like she is crazy, bceause she is the one requesting this nonsense.... Checked my bank account & nearly fell out... all the bills went through, and I must have miscalculated somewhere, cause it was less left than I thought.....
I am just going to concentrate on my surgery & recovery & say TO HELL WITH IT ALL..... I will try to update after my surgery... May God Bless & Keep you.....With Him All things are possible!!!
Smootches....
MAy 19, 2006 SURGERY DAY!!!!
Woke at 4ish, did some last minute cleaning. GG called to say she was outside. I am slightly nervous, but everone at the hospital was so nice.. Thank God for preregistering. The anesthia went so smoothly, I didn't realize what was going on. All I know is things started moving quickly & I was wheeled into the operating room & they put me on this little ass table & I was thinking Ihope they strap me down or my big ass is gonna fall off. The next thign I know, everything is moving fast again & people are calling my name. GG was right there again, (she took off work to make sure Igot tot he hospital & came out of surgery, since my family could not be here....damn I love my friends) along with a co-worker who had some flowers & balloons. GG promised to come back later.The drugs they gave me were really good, so I wasn't in too much pain. I drifted in & out a lot. My other good friend brought me some balloons & magazines. I called a few people to give them my room number & let them know I was ok. The conversations were short, but hey I was "high". Found out I woke up fighting& the doctor said that usually only happens in young black men, I told her "maybe I had a young black guy in me trying to get out".... I also found out I had 2 hernias fixed... One near my abdomen & a hiatal one... Good job 3 surgeries for the price of one....Going to the restrooom was a challenge, as I was walking like a 90 year old person. (And it was a yuky orangey color... I know TMI) The only thing that bothered me was the oxygen level monitor. Everytime I would drift off, my level dropped & the alarm went off. Once they attached the Oxygen to my apnea machine, things were so much better... My biggest issue was the dry mouth... I know they tell you about it, but my throat was extra dry cause they had trouble getting the tube in, so my throat was like a raw patch or gravel... They do give you lemon flavored swabs.... I was sticking them down my throat & rubbing them onmy lips like it was a steak or something.... I kept asking for water..... No such luck..... My roommate came to see me & was trying to treat me like a bay, so I told her to go have fun while I was ine here cause I was gonna work her nerves once I got home..
May 20, 2006
Next morning, I am up at 8am to drink the nasty stuff for the X-ray. When youhave not had a thing to drink in 24 hours, anything tastes great... Now don't get me wrong, the lemon-lime looking stuff was nasty as hell, but my throat welcomed refreshment....
Get back to the room & my Uncle & 2 Aunts ccome to visit with flowers. They stayed for 1hour & then I slept some more. Was able to have broth & some jello... I wasn't rreally hungry, just thirsty. Made a few more calls & next thing you know it was time to go home.... GG was there again...(did I tell you how much I LOVE MY FRIENDS). The ride home was not toobad. Got home & my aunts & uncle were waiting for me. The couch was set up so didn't have to go upstairs...Everytime I moved, they were like you ok.... Slept pretty good considering I had surgery & was on the couch.
May 21, 2006
Woke up around 6am and watched TV cause i was restless. My family left around 7ish to head back to Virginia. All I really wanted to do was get in my bed. I had my 1st poop, there was some pain, but otherwise not as bad as I thought it would be. Made a protein shake, but could only drink 1/2 (2ounces). finally decided to make my way upstairs... MY roommate took forever coming back from church, so I made mywayy back downnstairs toheat up some broth and the other 1/2 of the protein shake. Had gas really bad, so I was cjewing gas-x (keep it handy, cause it works). took a nap & was dreaming about foot-long chilli dogs & my ex-boyfriend....what a combination... Don't know which one I wanted more (LOL). My Gf & her daughter came over and that was a nice visit, cause she brought me some jello & more broth. My friend from ATL called, I pooped again, ate some more jello and rubbed A & D on myscars cauese they were itching. Toook some picture & will take more in a couple of months.
May 23, 2006
Woke up around 1:30am...the effing power went out.. No apnea monitor, so sleep went out the window as well. Called the power company & they said they were working on it.... Had the craziest dreams & gas pains ever. I woke up looking for people that I know where not there... Damn good drugs...(SMILE) Was in pain, so I laid around the house all day.... Recovered my scars caus the tape from the hospital came off, but I was not comfortable with them being free.
May 24, 2006
Slept well (other than thinking about my ex) was actually on my side for a minute or two... Was downstairs on the computer and the ex calls. Was happy as hell... sad part is he is the ex for a reason.....everytime we talk or are together, it ends up in drama, but I love him... WTF is that about...... got on the scale & I was 298.5 wow I have lost some weight...
June 2006
July 2006
August 4, 2006 (279 lbs)
Got to work early for a change & still haven't heard from the ex.... I knew our 4 days were too good to be true. Gonna take his stuff back to his Mom's. Not even gonna cry this time... Somethings never change......
September 2006
October 2006
October 13, 2006 (268 lbs...Size 22 jeans!!)
Hey Everyone!!!! Just wanted to drop in and share with you guys. I have been so busy with work until I have not had a chance to log on and check on other people, much less update my profile. I need to find an exercise routine that I will enjoy, so that I can get rid of the back fat, side fat & belly fat that just hangs low. If I could get rid of it I swear I would be in an 18 or a 20.... But I am bless to have family & friends that are concerned and help me monitor what I can/should not eat. Usually with a real low "can/should you be eating that??? You can still eat spicy foods?" A few people still ask, "Is that all you gonna eat?" And when I tell them the things I can/should not eat, they are like wow, you are so good, cause I know I would be eating everything in site." Its all about mind over matter. I did not get BCBS to kick out over $11K to eat like I was before. that would be a waste. The other dayI went to see my EX so, I walk in and sit on the couch. He comes over to sit beside me & says, "Wow, your boobs stick out further than your stomach now..." I was like oh thanks I think.... he was like you know what I mean, your stomach has really gone down... only because I know what he really meant, was this "compliment" okay (smile). Other wise I would have been like yeah f*&k you too... As the season changes, I go through clothes & discard summer things that are big now, and fall/winter stuff to see what I can make it through the winter with. I did p/u some great slacks at target & some plus size fashions at Old Navy ( 4 items for under $25) . Woo Hoo!!!
Ok, gotta get back to work, but I hope you all have a great weekend.
November 20, 2006
Last year this time I was going through all the testing & was getting my self together. As far as the weight loss goes, I have lost 50 LBS!!!!!! YEAH!! I am wearing a size 22/24 in pants, and some and 18/20 and 22/24 in tops. I have much more energy and I feel great. My social life is busy as always, but my relationship ststus is at a standstill. Now don't get me wrong, there are intrested parties, but I want more than a casual friend, or "partner", I am ready to settle down and move to the next level. I have some friends that see me & are like you losing weight so now you off da hook. But I have always been off da hook, you just seem to notice it more, because my style is changing. Sexy is a state of mind more than clothing; and if you don't think you are sexy, how do you expect anyone else will. People in Baltimore did not know me when I was smaller, so it a shock to them. People who knew me before I moved here are like this is the Sherice I know... I hope everyone has a great holiday & I will be checking in soon.
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