kndborries
I am the mother of five wonderful children ages 13-3. I am currently a child care provider, but am attending night classes to become a nurse. I have 2 1/2 years left before I am ready to switch careers. I currently have high BP, pre-diabetes, gall stones, kidney stones, back pain, and knee pain. These are some of my reasons for wanting this surgery, but the most important is to be around for my kids and their kids. I am interested in the lap band.
9/26/04
I had my consult last week and it couldn't have gone any better. I was so nervous because members of his staff as well as a friend of a friend had mentioned that Dr. S. was very pro-RNY and that he would most likely try to talk me into going that route. Thanks to this site, I was fully armed with all the reasons why the band is the way to go for me. I was rehearsing my speech while I waited for the doc. I never even needed it. He was 100% behind the band for me. He was super nice and so was all of the staff. I just have to wait to hear from the insurance company, but I have United Health care and hear they are the best for aproving the band. I hope this is true. It may even be as soon as October for my surgery. I am so excited!!!!!
I wanted to make a list of my top 10 NSV's I can't wait for. I am looking forward to checking them off of the list.
1. Crossing my legs.
2. Riding every amusement park ride I want with No fear of seat size.
3. Shopping in non-plus size stores. Calling Lane Bryant to be removed from their mailing list will be so awesome.
4. Wearing normal (cutsie) underwear, not love pats. (too much info, sorry)
5. Not having to search down "snuggies" (control underwear)before getting dressed to go out.
6. Seeing I am going to be seated at a booth and not panic.
7. Walking into a class room and choosing the seat I want, not the seat I fit into.
8. Not even having to think about the size of seats at concerts, movies, theaters.
9. Painting my toenails without killing myself.
10. Bending over to tie shoes easily and in the middle.
I have to add one more since I am getting closer and closer!
11. To Weigh less than my husband for the first time ever.
10/4/04
I had my psych consult last week (the 30th) and it was pretty straight forward and simple. Everything is set to go just waiting for an approval. Then BAM!... my husband's insurance company decided as of the 1st of November we are changing from United Health Care to BCBS. I have less than four weeks to get an approval and have the surgery before we switch. I could just scream. My surgeon doesn't take BCBS and even if they do cover WLS I would still have to start all over with another doc. All my info was called in on Friday the 1st (2 weeks 4 days after my consult, sure took their time on this.) to the insurance company. I have already called today and will continue to call everyday, twice a day if necessary. Wish me luck.
10/13/04
I GOT A DATE!!!!!! October 26. I can't believe it, just found out 10 minutes ago. WOO HOO!!!! Now I am nervous, very excited but so nervous. My hands are freezing and I have the shakes, too much adrenaline! I got a date!!!!!!
10/25/04
Tomorrow's the big day. We have to be at the hospital at 6 am. I am getting rather nervous, but excited too! I also got an angel, she has been my best friend forever, 21 years. Her name is Roni Pohl. I am so glad to have her as my angel through this journey, as she has been there for me through so many others in the last 21 years. See you on the other side!
11/03/04
It's been a week and I am feeling pretty good. Still a little tough to get enough sleep, as I can only lay comfortably on my right side still. I have a wonderful cough and that is not helping the port site at all. It is still rather sore. My stomach looks like a dot to dot page between the lap band and my kidney removal. I haven't had any problems with hunger until yesterday and it isn't that bad. Luckily my surgeon doesn't require a pre-op diet and his post-op isn't really strict so I have had liquids and mushies. I am really happy so far with the band. It is really different getting full on so little. I go see Dr. S on Monday the 8th. So far so good.
11/8/04
My first SV to post. I am down 11 pounds in two weeks and am not hungry! I am very excited. I know it won't continue at this pace, but it is motivation to get me started.
11/28/04
My first big NSV. I went with my Mom to the Dress Barn to get a dress for Dennis' Christmas party on the 7th. I have worn a 26 for quite a while, but tried on a 24 dress. It fit great. I loved alot of the clothes, so I tried on two shirts and jackets sets, size 22/24. They fit great. But the best was when I tried on the pants size 24. They were way too big. I didn't want them to be big because the cruise isn't until the 4th of January and I hope to lose some more weight by then. So I asked my Mom to get me a 22. I was very excited about the 22's, but they were out. My Mom brought me a 20. I just knew there was no way, but I really liked the pants, so decided to give it a try. THEY FIT!!!!! What a wonderful feeling! It is such a cliche on this site, but I love my band.
12/5/04
I definitely am ready for my first fill tomorrow. I can really feel a difference in restriction now that the swelling has gone down. I started back to Curves last Monday and it really felt good. I still have this stupid cough and now I am congested as well. I guess that is what I get for trying to hide my cough during my pre-op physical so I could still keep my date. Now it doesn't want to go away. I sure hope this doesn't hurt. Every post I have read says it doesn't.
12/6/04
Liars! Liars! It does so hurt. Nothing excruciating, but certainly the word hurt comes into play. It may have been worse because Dr. S. couldn't find the port. He tried once laying down and then had me stand up. Still no go. I was afraid this would happen. He mentioned right after surgery that he had put the port really deep and I haven't been able to find it myself. I am disappointed, but hopefully Thursday we will try again under fluoro. On the good side I have lost 19.4 pounds. This is more than any time in at least 11 years. I am very excited with my loss so far.
12/15/04
Well, I got a fill. I got 4.0 cc. Once again not a very pleasant experience, but it will be worth it. Even under flouro Dr. S. still had trouble getting to the port. You could see the needle and see the port on the screen. It was right there, but apparently there is a lot of scar tissue and I have thick skin. It was really cool to watch it happening and it took my mind of the discomfort. He still had to stick me twice and I was getting worried he might not be able to get it. But eventually it all worked out. The coolest part was when I had to drink the contrast (even though it is nasty stuff), I could watch it on the screen as it went down. Very neat! I had to eat some yogurt to make sure it went down and that I wasn't too tight. So far so good. I do feel a little restriction. Until next time!
12/22/04
Well the scale keeps moving. I thought for sure I had gained back some of the weight. I really feel I am eating too much (scary to think what I was eating before). I eat a small breakfast, mid size lunch and in my opinion a large dinner. I still have a snack once in a while (hubby made lots and lots of cookies). I was so happy when I went to curves this morning and the scale had gone down 4 pounds. I am officially at 279.6 and down 25.4 pounds. A little over 3 pounds a week. I love my band!!! For any one wondering what I eat in a typical day here goes:
Breakfast-usually instant oatmeal (1 or 2 packs) or dry creal (cheerios), sometimes I try pancakes or waffles, but first meal of the morning gets stuck a lot if it is bready. Suprisingly, I don't miss it at all.
Lunch-varies alot, but something like a chicken breast and some rice or mashed potatoes. (I do eat pasta and such, just not as often as before and also frozen foods sometimes)
Dinner-Chicken breast or a steak, potatoes and veggies. All normal size servings, I don't know the exact sizes, but it fills a plate and I eat it all.
I just wanted any one who reads this to know not everyone banded eats like they are on a diet all the time. That works for some, but for me, I got banded because I couldn't stay on a diet. I try to make healthier choices as often as possible (not to say I don't have fast food or junk sometimes), I limit my snacks, eat mostly protein first, and drink very little with my meals. I find this very easy to do and do not feel deprived or hungry. I don't know that this will work for everyone either, but it works for me, and again...I love my band!
1/10/05
Only 4.2 pounds this month, but I am exstatic with even that much. I had way too many Christmas Cookies and am feeling very little restriction right now. I just got back from a cruise last night and really expected to gain at least 3 or 4 pounds, maybe even 5. I only gained .6 ...and boy did we eat. Seven course meals breakfast, lunch, and dinner and plenty of snacks available in between. I ate healthy most of the time, but alot of it. I am scheduling a fill today, so hopefully I will have better restriction soon. I was down to 279.6 at one point this month, which was really exciting while it lasted. Hopefully next month's report will be better, but 4 pounds is still 4 pounds gone forever. Until next month.
1/24/05
Just as I figured, the doc couldn't do the fill in his office. Not like we didn't try, I have the wound to prove it. Hopefully we will schedule it for Thursday. Until then.
1/27/05
Fill succesful. I got another cc. Quicker and easier this time than last. Maybe this will be it.
2/5/06
Haven't weighed yet, but will go to Curves tomorrow. I have been really slacking on going to Curves. I think the 25 pounds I lost was all my insulation fat. I have been so cold lately. I can't seem to get up at 5:30 am and get into that freezing car. Tomorrow I can go a little later, as hubby is home Saturday mornings. I don't feel too much restriction yet, called for an appointment for Monday (got lucky, someone cancelled.) Maybe he will give me a little more fill. I still can't eat any where near what I used to, but it still seems like alot more than is ideal for weight loss. I guess we will see tomorrow. The little NSV's keep me excited.
1. Removed 18 pieces of clothing from my closet that are too big.
2. Hearing more often "Wow, you're really losing weight." Even the man at the Chinese Restaraunt said something tonight.
3. My favorite shoes are too wide now. And my toe ring keeps slipping up, it's getting too big.
4. Tomorrow I am going to reposition the buttons on my leather jacket, yep, too big.
5. Undies have more room in them, bras not doing their job, too big.
These are the things that keep me motivated while I wait to get to proper restriction. I love this band and know it's just a matter of time before big things happen.
2/5/05
Got my butt out of bed and went to Curves this morning. I thought for sure I would have gained back a few pounds, since I have only been to Curves 3 times in the entire month of January. I actually lost another 3.4 pounds. Nothing earth shattering, but I'll take it. I also went ahead and got measured and 8.5 inches have left as well. Yeah me!
3/7/05
Not a great month on the scale. I only lost .6 of a pound. I did notice some other NSV's though. I put a belt on the other day, on the last hole, and it was several inches too big. My husband couldn't believe I used to be able to wear it. My shirt size has gone from 26/28 to a 18/20. I think most of what I have lost is in the top. I also got new (smaller) underwear and need to get smaller bras too (only the bust not the cups, :). So all in all it has been a decent month. I have done much better at getting to Curves too. I really need a fill. I wanted one several weeks ago, as I could tell I had minimal restriction, but the doc wanted me to wait. I emailed him yesterday and am hoping that he will be willing to move forward. He is afraid that I am going to get too tight too quick and not change my eating habits. I really have made significant changes in my choices, but I still make some bad ones too. Chocolate is the worst for me. I just can't seem to stay away from it. That is going to be this months focus, to stay away from the snacks, especially chocolate. Until next time.
3/21/05
I went to the office for a fill, and what do you know, it actually worked. This was the first time I didn't have to reschedule to have it done under fluoro. I was so excited when I left the office. I now have 6 cc's. I am hoping this will be what I need to stop bouncing around in the high 270's. I want to break the 30 mark. Fingers crossed. Until next time.
3/25/05
I do feel a difference with this fill. It is not a huge difference, but more restriction just the same. I bought a new bra yesterday and it feels great (size 38DD down from a 42DD), still no change in cup size :). And another rather entertaining NSV. My hubby was running late for bowling on Tuesday and he asked me to bring him a pair of jeans. I was folding laundry before I left and I had his jeans on the bed with the rest of the laundry. I took the jeans when I left for bowling. After he changed at the bowling alley, he asked me if the jeans looked okay. I looked at him like he was crazy but said yes they look fine. He says "these are yours". I couldn't believe I had grabbed the wrong jeans. He needed a belt with them, but the fact that they fit was shocking to me. I am getting closer and closer to #11 on my NSV's list.
3/28/05
Finally got to the 30lb mark as of this morning. Officially down 30 lbs, to 275! First SV accomplished. Now I am gunning for 50!
4/8/05
Down 32.2 pounds as of this morning. I have been really happy with my fill so far. The scale was at a stand still until I had the last fill and I could't break the 30 mark. Since the 28th, the scale has been moving and I am safely below the 30 mark ( no fluctuations above, :) I have been putting forth a little extra effort these last weeks too. I haven't missed a day at Curves, even when I get to bed late. Sometimes I feel like I have a split personality in the mornings though. I actually have a full blown arguement going on in my head as to wether I am getting my butt out of bed. I also added walking a couple days of the week, when I can't do Curves. It seems to be paying off well. My food choices have also been improved even more than they had been. Hopefully I will continue at this pace and make up some lost ground. I was hoping to be at -42 by now, that would be an average of 2 pounds a week. But I am not complaining. More and more people are noticing every day. It is amazing to me how quickly shopping for clothes for myself has become a fun activity and not a chore. I think I might need to get a part time job to pay for the extra shopping I am doing. I know I won't be able to wear them for long, but it is so fun to watch the sizes drop. I bought 3 shirts the other day size 14-16. Down from a 26-28. :)
5/1/05
Almost time for my official monthly weigh in. I will post that on Friday, but for now, I just wanted to mention that I bought two new bathing suits. I really hated the way I looked in the old ones I had. I got two tankini's. I feel alot better about these then I did about my others. I wouldn't say I feel great yet, but I am happy for now. I have been excellent at following my exercise plan these last 6 weeks. Curves M,W,F, and I am walking for 20 minutes on T and TH. I have also added some extra exercises at Curves to increase my workout from 30 minutes to about 45. I have been feeling some restriction but think I am ready for a little more. I will be checking in with Dr. S. next week. So far so good. Until next time.
5/6/05
Well, my next fill is scheduled for the 16th. I can really feel a difference now. I am hungry much more often than only 2 weeks ago. I only lost 1 pound this month, but was done to 270.8 and then went back up to 273.4 and finished up at 271.8. So all in all I am just happy that I do not have to post a gain. I have been really slacking this last week. I bought two pints of Ben & Jerry's ice cream (I know this was a bad idea) and between Saturday night and Monday night I ate both of them. I know this is the culprit of the yo-yo ing this month (my bad choices). I have been so good with the exercising and really working on the water, but the hunger has returned. Luckily I will not have to wait too long for a fill. Of course it would be one of those weeks that we will be eating out alot. Saturday I am going to Jillian's for a bowling tournament for Dennis and we will be eating there afterwards, Sunday I am going out with my Mom and sister to Steak and Ale for Mother's Day, and then Tuesday Dennis and I are going out to Red Lobster for our annual end of bowling dinner. Hopefully I will be able to make up for my indiscretions the other days of the month and then comes the fill. It has been rather slow these last couple of months, only 6.2 pounds in 3 months, but I know that I will get the hang of this banding thing really soon. Hopefully the next update will be more impressive. Until next time.
5/17/05
My (4th) fill went great yesterday. It started out a little shakey, as I showed up at the wrong office and was 30 minutes late to my apointment ( final exams are messing with my mind). Lucky for me they were still able to see me. After a bit of probing and 2 sticks I got another 1/2cc. I felt a little restriction last time, so Dr. S. went with only 1/2 this time. Now I am at 6.5cc in my 10cc band. I still don't feel alot of restriction, but it is early yet. I am down 8 pounds since my last visit and blood pressure is still looking good. It was 140/90 and is now 120/80. Still loving my band. Until next time.
6/6/05
Another 2 pounds gone. It's still slow going, but at least it's going. I am scheduled for my 5th fill on the 15th of this month. I do feel more restriction, but not at the sweet spot yet. I am again hoping this will do it. We went to six Flags this weekend and I still can't ride the Superman yet. They changed the seat belt configuration last year and it has been since then that I haven't been able to ride. I am hoping by the end of the summer. I cleaned out my summer clothes a month or so ago and got rid of all the shorts that were too big. I put on shorts yesterday and again today and both pairs are annoyingly big, in a good way of course. This means more shopping, which I love these days. The scale is slow moving but I am seeing more and more differences all the time. I am really bummed about Superman, but I know this time next year I won't even have to think about it. Until next time.
6/15/05
I had my 5th fill on Monday. It was rather uneventful and is getting easier every time. My visits only last 10 or 15 minutes. I am up to 7 cc's. Was hoping this would be it, but it doesn't seem like it yet. I am still doing great with going to Curves, haven't missed a day in months. The scale is still hanging around 269. I was happy to see 269 again this morning because last week it jumped up to 271 when it was that time of the month. It was discouraging to see even though I knew it would go back down this week. I felt like I was in the 270's forever. I am sure it will feel like that each time I hit a new goal. I am hoping to break the 40 pound mark this month and into the 250's by the end of July. We leave for vacation on July 30. I am really hoping to be able to ride the new roller coaster in New Jersey but am doubtful. Until next time.
7/8/05
Well... still losing, albeit very slowly. I was hoping to at least be in the average range of 4 pounds a month. Technically at 8 months out I still am, but just haven't lost more than 2.4 pounds since April. I am glad the scale is still moving down, but wish it would go a bit faster. No major changes this month as fas as NSV's go. I have another fill scheduled for the 25th, and as usual I am hoping this one is "the one". We go on vacation on the 30th of this month for one week. I hope to at least be down for the next report. Until next time.
7/25/05
Had my 6th fill today and am at 7.5 cc's. Took two sticks again and I was starting to get nervous that he would not be able to get it, but at last he did. I do feel a little more restriction, but unfortunately I still do not believe I am at "the sweet spot". Sometimes it seems as though I will never get there, but I know that it takes patience. My BMI is down from 47.8 to 42, but I am still considered morbidly obese. Looking forward to just being obese. Until next time.
8/30/05
Yesterday was my 7th fill. Once again, not easy, took three sticks this time, but at last it went in. I am at 8.0cc's now. I think this might be it. It may be premature, but last night I had half a sandwich and some fried mushrooms and was stuffed. Today for breakfast I had just a couple of bites of oatmeal. I am hoping this is it, but only time will tell. I will post again after my monthly weigh in.
9/7/05
Its been over a week now and I do feel a good bit of restriction. I am definitely eating less. I hope it holds up. I haven't decided yet if I should schedule another fill or not. I think I will wait and see how it goes for another week and go from there. Until next time.
11/8/2005
Well yesterday I went for fill #8. I am at 8.5 cc's. Dr. S. says next time we will have to do the fill under fluoro as I am getting close to max. I was feeling a good bit of restriction before this fill but still felt I would do better with a bit more. So far I do feel a difference and am hoping not to need another. I have not weighed yet this month but will try to get my butt out of bed on time tomorrow and get to curves. Hopefully I will have an update by tomorrow afternoon. Until next time.
1/18/06
I know it has been way too long, but the holidays are always so crazy. I really don't have too much to update. I didnt' lose any weight over the Christmas holiday but didn't gain any either. This is a major accomplishment for me as I am well aware of the amount of cookies and chocolate I consumed. I did sign up for the Discovery Health national body challenge that started on Sunday the 14th. I got a free 8 week membership to Bally's fitness. I have been wanting to try another gym for a while, so this was awesome. Curves was great for starting out but I no longer get as much enjoyment out of going because I don't feel challenged. We signed up on Sunday and I have gone every day so far this week. I don't know how long that will last, but for now I love it. The hours are so much more convenient and it is right around the corner from the college. I am hoping to have a great update next month and hopefully I will get some pictures updated too. Until next time.
2/12/06
I seem kind of stuck right now. I joined a new gym. I no longer go to Curves I have switched to Bally's. The loss of progressive could be due to this switch for several reasons. I no longer weigh in the morning now I am weighing myself in the evening after dinner. It is a different scale. And finally I have really upped my workout and am gaining some muscle. I still would like to see the scale moving again. I have a call into Dr. S. this morning, I would like another fill, but he wanted to do it under fluoro so I have been putting it off. My husband and I leave for a cruise on April 10th, so I need to get moving. Sorry I don't have a better update, but really things are still going well, just alot slower than I would like. Until next time.
3/8/06
Finally, the scale is moving again. I have also started going to Bally's gym and pushing my work out up a notch or two. I am still trying to get another fill, but due to insurance changes (yes again) we are still jumping through a few hurdles. I have had a few people email lately asking if I am still happy with my decision to get the band. I love this band and have not regretted it, not even for a minute. I have had no negatives at all and definitely could not have done this on my own. Although it is slower than I was originally hoping, the scale continues to show progress. Once again, until next time.
4/25/06
The scale is stuck again, but I have an upcoming appointment with Dr. S. Because I can not get excited about any weight lost I went back to review my list of top 10 NSV's (non-scale victories, for the newbies who don't know).
1. Not only can I cross my legs, but I also sit with my legs tucked under me on the couch. I was surprised I could do this the first time I noticed it. I do it all the time now and usually don't even realize it.
3. I am able to wear some regular XL, so I am on my way to hitting this goal.
4. I bought 12 new pairs of pretty lacy panties, I know oversharing. It was very exciting for me to see how much difference there was between my new ones and the ones from a year and a half ago. WOW!
6,7,8. I worry less and less about seat size. It is no longer a priority for me when going somewhere. As a matter of fact I just came back form a bus trip last night and seat size was never a thought. Hmmmm. I didn't even realize it until now.
11. Still can't catch that husband, but darn it I am trying.
I know I can do better with the weight loss, but with all the stress of school right now and my crazy schedule, my eating habits can't always take priority. I figure I will do what I can now and mostly focus on not regaining any weight until I graduate. When things are a little calmer in my life I can refocus and follow the rules to get the scale moving again. Still loving the band though, until next time.
Beginning weight:10/25/04 305 (5'7")
Date weight loss total loss
11/8/04 294 -11.0
12/6/04 285.6 -8.4 -19.4
1/10/05 281.2 -4.2 -23.6
2/5/05 278.0 -3.4 -27.0
3/7/05 277.4 -0.6 -27.6
4/8/05 272.8 -4.6 -32.2
5/6/05 271.8 -1.0 -33.2
6/6/05 269.4 -2.4 -35.6
7/8/05 268.2 -1.2 -36.8
8/8/05 267.0 -1.2 -38.0
9/7/05 263.8 -3.2 -41.2
10/6/05 262.6 -1.6 -42.8
11/9/05 260.6 -2.0 -44.8
12/9/05 255.0 -4.4 -50.0 YEAH :)
1/10/06 255.0 -0.0 -50.0 It's the holiday!
2/12.06 255.0 -0.0 -50.00
3/8/06 250.0 -5.0 -55.00 On the move!
4/25/06 250.0 -0 Stuck!!!!
I will graduate from Nursing school (at least I certainly hope to) on or about June 3, 2007.
10/5/2020-246.9
I have had the band for almost 16 years now. I've gained a little here and there but the band has always helped me to not go crazy. I rarely have problems with things getting "stuck" but it does still happen. I haven't had fills done in years. I do have some trouble with reflux and that keeps me honest as well. I can't eat much of anything past 6pm or I'll pay for it. I'm still happy I chose the band and I'm on the move again. It's an aid not a cure. I've used it many times over the years to get back on track. I'm now moving more and eating less and the scale is trending down a little at a time. I never did reach my final goal way back when but I'm committed this time to make it. Oh yeah..... I've been an emergency room nurse for 14 years now!! Go me!!! ????
Photos
 305 My family and me at my highest weight of 305 |
 |
 280 Cruise vacation 1/2005, -25 lbs |
Hospital Reviews
- (Baltimore, MD) - Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
Member Interests: - Books & Literature - I love to read. Mostly Stephen King and Dean Koontz. The scary stuff!
- Travel - Any kind of vacation except camping. I am not the outdoorsy type.
- Theater - I don't get to go often but truly enjoy a good show!
- Gambling - I enjoy most any game of poker, black jack, and love to watch my huby play craps
- Movies - We are movie nuts! In home or theater, we love both.
- Scrapbooks - I usually complete one scrapbook a year. It's relaxing and so fun to look back
- Nursing - I currently attend night classes, only 2 1/2 years to go!
Click here to see interests of other ObesityHelp members.
Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: Michael A. Schweitzer M.D.
I was so impressed with every aspect of my visit. I have spoken with his staff several times and they have always been very helpful, but meeting them in person was just as pleasant. Dr. S was very friendly which came as a bit of surprise because I have read where he is not the touchy feely type. I felt he explained everything well and was very supportive of my decision. He is also rather young looking ( I have read this alot!) but not like the Doogie Howser kind of young. It was a wonderful visit and I look forward to moving forward on my journey with Dr. S as my guide.
Insurer Info:
United Health Care
I still can't believe it. It has only been 1 week and 5 days since they recieved my information. I called everyday and they were always friendly even though I felt like a pest. I love United Health Care!!!
