kydoll
Have been battling weight most of my life. My first time at Weight Watchers was in 8th grade. Does this say anything? Although I've had times when my weight was not "morbidly obese", the past 10 years has been horrible. I'm hoping to have the surgery before the end of the year and that my pcp and insurance company will see the need.
**I am updating this from the top, so newest updates are first**
April 30, 2010 - I guess I'm one of the "failures". I'm back to 195 now...how depressing, and have been going to Weight Watchers for months. I can't tolerate most of the foods we are supposed to eat there, so it gets more depressing than ever. I refuse to let myself hit the 200lb mark, so I just keep tooling along, trying to figure out a way to get this weight off. If you think WLS is a 'forever' answer - it's not. Once the body 'readjusts', the weight just piles back on.....I wonder what the stats are for WLS pattients in general 10 years after. My weight was good for 5 years....then bam! The good news is that I'm finally off pain meds and have been pain free for 18 months. Hurrah!
May 19, 2009 - Reality check - weight is now fluctuating between 165-170 and I have to work out like a dog to keep it there. Subsisting on junk really screws up your system, so fight for the protein. I'm still on Methadone to manage pain although a minmal dose and will probably need to continue for the rest of my life. The weight creeps back....for those who are just 'thinking' about it....it's not a forever fix.
May 8, 2006 - It has been so long since I've updated. I guess you loose touch with what you've been though after a time and adjust to it. My weight is now stable between 130-135...the pain is controlled totally by my Methadone and nausea is just a constant reminder that meat is no longer my friend...I have finally accepted that I will NEVER be able to eat most of the foods I adore, so will "make do" with life as it is right now, as I have no other choice! I will try to make updates more frequently, BUT you do get busy and forget!
November 23, 2005 - 129 - Still maintaining--again I miss the food terribly, and am always nauseated, BUT!!! I'm no longer in pain.
August 4, 2005 - 127 - The pain clinic has been a Godsend. Other than a slight feeling of constant nausea, I am feeling good. The medication is helping greatly, but I still miss being able to eat "normal" food. I would give ANYTHING for just one bite of steak or pasta....
Jun 22, 2005 - 129 - I have a new doctor at the pain clinic. First thing he did was take me off of the Neurontin because it was messing with my mind so much....I've been on Methadone now for about 4 weeks and it's a miracle drug. My pain levels are so low as to be almost non-existent. I don't feel "drugged" like I did with the hydrocodone and neurontin, and there are no nasty long term side effects with the methadone. Guess I'll just keep on doing what I'm doing. As far as the food is concerned--still no change in that area....meat is a distant memory that I miss, along with rice, pasta and a lot of the things I used to love alot. In any event, I feel so much better physically now that doing without food I love is no problem. More as things change!
April 21, 2005 - 128 - I'm pretty stable in the weight department for now...(although I would LOVE to get to 120)...my pain is tolerable now...the medication seems to help immensely. I'm back to feeling tired and worn out, so I guess I'll be heading back for an iron transfusion in all likelihood. I go for my yearly physical next week and will see what my labs look like then.
March 2, 2005 - 129 - I've lost more weight. The pain I suffer from has FINALLY been diagnosed by a Pain Control Clinic and I'm having treatments that seem to be working. Dr. Guerrero at the Clinic is wonderful and understands what I'm going thru. I have bi-weekly celiac plexus blocks and am on neurontin to help with the pain. I sometimes have a full day that I'm basically pain free.
December 7, 2004 - 142 - My wound from tummy tuck is finally totally scabbed over, but not completely healed. Dr. Fox will be removing my "dog ears" in January. On a positive note, my test for hpylori came back negative, so hopefully, my ulcer won't be resurfacing any time in the near future.
October 22, 2004 - 146 - Had my panniculectomy on 9/23. Nothing at all compared to the original surgery! Unfortunately, the wound isn't healing right and I have a 4 inch gap in my side that is also about 3/4 inch deep. Gross! Have to pack it daily. Was back in the hospital over the weekend with more abdominal pain. This is getting so old! They did find a 3 cm cyst on one of my ovaries, so I need to see my gyn about that. Still no answers on what causes me so much pain, and so often. Will try to update more regularly!
August 27, 2004 - 152 - It's hard to believe it's been 2 years since my RNY. Funny that my life still seems to revolve around weight and the issues I have had since the surgery. I go for my panniculectomy on September 23. My hemoglobin count is up thanx to my wonderful hematologist. I now have two marginal ulcers that we are treating medically. I've quit smoking....almost a week since my last cigarette. Hubby is being a jewel by going outside to smoke. Gotta love him for that! Well, I guess I'll update when I have some new news....either regarding my ulcer or my surgery.
August 9, 2004 - 147 - Have dropped a few pounds. Just haven't felt like eating much lately. I did get some shocking news Friday afternoon. Insurance approved a panniculectomy for me! One letter from the plastic surgeon was it. I guess the pictures must have convinced them. Surgery is scheduled for September 23. I'll update more once I have info on my EGD results.
July 30, 2004 - 151 - Still holding about the same weight-wise. I went Tuesday and had an iron infusion. Hopefully that will get me stabilized with my iron counts. Also saw a new gastroenterologist. He's doing an EGD on August 11 to see if I have yet another marginal ulcer. Surgeon says I do, but I can't take the medication he prescribes to aid in healing (Prev-Pac), so they have to look for alternatives. I also saw a plastic surgeon to see if I can get a tummy tuck with insurance approval. Guess it'll take a few weeks to find out. I don't expect it, but if you don't ask you don't know! Will update more after my EGD.
June 10, 2004 - 150 - Putting on weight, so I guess I need to get hold of myself and toss the carbs out. When there is so little to choose from in the way of food, I make wrong choices obviously. The gastro doc pulled me off my iron and is sending me to a hematologist to see what alternatives I have. Even doing 3 Niferex a day, my count never goes much above 9.5 and the iron is doing a number on my gut.....other than that, nothing much has changed on the homefront....still madly in love with my hubby, and he's working full time now. Planning on another Las Vegas excursion in August and finding homes for my latest litter of kittens. Only one to go!
May 6, 2004 - 144 - Next week I see a gastrointerologist to see if they can fix what is broken.....I finally received my medical records from the hospital and have weeded thru over 800 pages of notes, etc. I'm extremely aenemic and if supplements don't show an improvement when I see my internist the 17th, she's sending me to the hematologist....something else exciting to look forward to, I guess. Vacation in Las Vegas in April was wonderful. Had a "honeymoon" with my hubby and spent loads of time with my sister and brother-in-law. I'm already planning another trip somewhere soon....
March 10, 2004 - 149 - Had my followup from the endoscopy. Doc had told my mom and hubby that everything looked great, no sign of ulcer, etc. However, when "I" went in, he started talking about how my ulcer was still small, located near the anastamosis where it was before the last surgery, etc., etc.....I was shocked since mom and John had been so thrilled that the ulcer was gone according to him when they talked to him immediately following the procedure. I feel like I'm walking into the exact same mess I had last year at this time and am horribly depressed. Other than cheese and my protein drinks, I can eat very little, and to be honest, I'm about SICK of both of them. I can count on puking at LEAST 4-5 times a week (any time I try to eat anything different). I'm calling a gastroenterologist today that a friend of mine goes to. She thinks he's the greatest, and to be frank, I need a doctor that I can trust. I ordered copies of all of my medical records from the hospital and should have them today or tomorrow. Will update more after I speak with the new doc (if he's taking new patients). If he's not, I'll call my internist (who is also fantastic) for a referral.
February 13, 2004 - 150 - I've managed to gain some weight. Doctor is thrilled....I'm not, as all of my clothes are too tight. (Can you say depressed?) I've been married 5 months this week and finding my hubby is still the best! I went and had an endoscopy done on Tuesday since the stomach pain has started back up, and the doc didn't even remember doing surgery on me in June (albeight minus the fact I've been into the office every month since then and been hospitalized at least 5 times)....gives a gal a real boost of faith in the man entrusted with her life, ya know? I go in the end of the month for a uterine ablasion since I've been having horrible bleeding for over 2 years....keep waiting thinking it will go away...finally decided to get it taken care of. Well, nothing more to say today. Will check back!
January 9, 2004 - still holding between 136 & 140....still have the food limitations, but I deal with it. Would give ANYTHING to just take a big bite of a ribeye and keep it down :)
In less than 3 weeks hubby and I go to immigration to pick up his work permit so that he can FINALLY work....I know he wants to get to work asap. More as things develop. I go back to my surgeon the 28th....don't know why I bother, but.....
November 25, 2003 - 136 pounds - I'm 45 today...how depressing.
October 29, 2003 - 140 lbs - Looks like everything is starting up again....terrible pain in my left upper quadrant that is probably a hernia. I don't think I can take another surgery, but I can't stand the pain either. I DO know if surgery is required, it'll be another doc doing it. I have an appointment with my internist Friday, so hopefully she can point me in the right direction or at least help with some advice.
September 21, 2003
Friday was my wedding day. I married a man who loved me when I was fat and adores me thin. Although I wonder daily if I will ever be 'right' physically after this surgery, it makes it so much better when you have support from the man you love. Things seem to look brighter.
September 13, 2003
Finally got new pic uploaded today.....feeling better, but still not 100%
August 26, 2003
142 - minus 128 pounds - my one year anniversary. Have spent 10 of the past 20 days in the hospital trying to find out why I'm still nauseated all the time and in pain. I would give anything to feel good again. Even the Gastroenterologists say there is nothing they can do for me....
July 31, 2003
146 - minus 124 pounds - this is NOT a picnic. Although I am not in pain any longer, I can't eat....constant nausea, after I eat I spend hours trying to keep it down which is a toss up...sometimes I win, sometimes I loose. I wanted to stop loosing at 150, but can't keep things down or eat enough to stabilize.
July 7, 2003
154- minus 116 pounds - had to have my marginal ulcer removed on June 23. It was as bad as the original surgery. Doc had to remove 8 inches of intestine as it has perforated into my abdomen and my pancreas. I didn't know that marginal ulcers affected approximately 40% of wls patients. NEVER again would I recommend this surgery to ANYONE unless their health was so bad they had no choice.
June 2, 2003
168 - minus 102 pounds....I hit the century mark! Funny, I don't feel any different...people don't believe I want to loose another 25 or 30 pounds...I know that I'm still a size 16 and don't feel think in the least...although I do know I look better.
May 27, 2003
171-minus 99 lbs...closer and closer....one pound to hit the century mark and then I can send in a new picture! I still would like to loose another 25 pounds, but will take what I can get and be thankful....if the pain ever stops I will be one happy camper!
May 12, 2003
Minus 95 (175) pounds...almost to the century mark. I was hospitalized the week before last because of my ulcer. Doc is trying medications to heal it. I don't think I can take another surgery, so hopefully, this will work. It takes 30 days to decide if treatment was successful--and judging from the way I feel, treatment isn't going too well. The pain is excruciating at times....I guess I'll just keep chugging along. Hopefully, I will be able to send in a new pic soon....I can't believe that person on this page was me....
April 28, 2003
Minus 89 - 181 - Going in Saturday for an endoscopy. Have an ulcer on the anastamosis apparently, as pain has been horrific for the past month....actually, since December, but they were not able to find anything. Surgeon is hoping to treat this medically, as I don't want any more surgery...
March 23, 2003
Minus 78 - 192. Moving along now. The gym does seem to help, but I wish I could get rid of this annoying, never ending ache in my gut....had a colonoscopy on Saturday which showed the same thing as all the other tests....nothing. Went back to my primary care doc today and she ran some more bloodwork.....guess we'll see what happens there.
March 3, 2003
Wooohooo!! 197! - 73 lbs.....makes a big difference going to the body shop and working out every day I guess.......Im so glad to have passed the big "2 - oh - oh" and let it behind forever. Went in for bloodwork and potassium was low....had an apt with my primary care the following day and also my good cholesterol was too low....total cholesterol 103! Now I'm on Vitamin E, fishoil and flaxseed oil.....just what I need a few more vitamins....plus they found blood in my stool so I have to go back and Dr. Shina is doing a colonoscopy the 22nd....
February 16, 2003
It's been a while--sorry! Have been very busy...as far as weight...I'm at 204 this week--minus 66 lbs. Haven't been excercising like I should, but at least hit the gym 2 or 3 times a week....I go in for my 6 month blood check Wednesday...will update more there!
January 20, 2003
208 - minus 62 - wish I could move this weight off faster, but I've been too lazy to go to the body shop to exercise, probably because the weather is so crappy....I need to definitely motivate myself to get going soon! Want to be under 200 asap...but probably won't get there any time soon unless I really get busy. I have my apt. with Dr. Shina on the 29th to go over all my tests to see exactly what is causing my pain. I have people telling me is probably phantom pain from my missing gallbladder. Not sure if that's it or not, but I know it's not pleasant.
January 3, 2003
Cross my heart, I will NEVER EVER even think about eating a Lean Cuisine Teriaki Beef meal....I was sick for 3 hours after taking about 6 bites (mostly the meat)....I finally couldn't stand the pain another minute and went to the restroom and made myself vomit. Instant relief....Note to self - YUK! First time I have actually been physically ill from this. Monday I go for a hidascan and CT scan.
December 30, 2002
Down to 214 - Not much of a loss, but I'll take it. Have been having pain where my gallbladder "used" to be. Doc did an endoscopy on Saturday and found nothing. I'm having a hidascan and CT scan on 1/6/03 and UGI on 1/10. Hopefully, they'll find SOMETHING. I'm depressed cause it seems like I can eat and eat with no bottom now....hope there is no staple line disruption.
December 9, 2002
I hit T-minus 50--actually minus 52 - I'm at 218 now. Hallelujah! I feel so much better than I have in years!!!! Prayers in the works for my friend, Media, who is having her surgery on Thursday of this week.
December 2, 2002
I'm down 49 pounds 221 -- This is really slow. I have been exercising DAILY, but I have to admit, I have been eating some carbs that I should probably avoid. I started taking extra protein supplements in pill form to see if that will kick start me. Thanksgiving wasn't bad at all, but have only lost 7 pounds in the past month. I need to really get busy with it.
November 4, 2002
Down 42 lbs...haven't lost much in the past couple of weeks...must be what they call a 'plateau'. Hopefully, we are on a downhill road again!
October 18, 2002
Weighed Monday and have lost 40 lbs...Funny thing is that "I" don't see any difference....not in my clothes or my appearance. Other people say they see it....I've lost almost half of what I wanted to loose, so you would think it would be obvious....some days I just get so depressed and I can't help but wonder if this was really worth it....I'm walking/running almost 2 miles a day and have gone to "severly obese" rather than grossly obese....bmi is now down to 37.1
October 1, 2002
Down by 34 lbs. Yeesssss! I went to the park today and walked a mile...and my back didn't even hurt. Saw my friend, Mamie yesterday....almost down 100 pounds since January and she looks great...into some size 8's...maybe someday I'll be there too
September 23, 2002
I survived--although on August 26, 27, 28 and 29 I wasn't sure I was going to! My surgeon told us at our initial meeting that it would be the worst pain we would ever experience....and he wasn't kidding. I weighed in on the morning of surgery at 268 pounds and checked out of the hospital on August 30 weighing 270. Talk about DEPRESSION!!!!!! As of 9/20/2002, I am down to 240....so that is 30 pounds, which I will happily take.
What was the worst things about this so far?
1.-the muscle spasms after surgery across your belly..not everyone gets them, but they are awful (although they only last a few seconds)
2.-walking with a cathater and gtube bag. the pits!
3.-self-injections of fragmin after getting home for 10 days (one of those little tidbits they fail to inform you about)
4.-the "stuff" they attempt to pass off as "chicken broth" in the hospital - don't believe it
5.-I personally think the pain killers in the pump make you feel worse longer...the sooner you can wean off the pump, the better you'll feel...the demerol orally was plenty
6.-having the gtube in for 3 weeks
7.-having my staples in for 3 weeks
8.-not being able to weigh for TWO MONTHS!!!
9.-Not having anything to eat but PROTIEN until I reach goal weight.
Well, guess I'll update more later......am I glad I had the surgery? Honestly, not at this point. It hasn't been worth it yet....I guess time will tell as it passes....
August 21, 2002
My visit with the cardiologist went just fine. He told me he'd see me in recovery or back in my room after surgery....hard to believe that "the date" is only 5 days away......I am sooo scared. I probably shouldn't feel this way, but I keep questioning myself...my mother keeps asking "you sure you want to do this?".....I'm wrecked...
August 12, 2002
Now, I'm really starting to get nervous..two weeks from today is "it". I leave on Wednesday for a cat show in Denver. Should be fun, but I'm such a bundle of nerves I know I won't enjoy it like I could. I see the cardiologist on the 20th. I wonder how many other folks question over and over if they are doing the right thing or not?
August 6, 2002
I'm blessed! My bloodwork came back fine! Rah Rah!. Saw the pulmonologist today and he found that I have asthma....put me on an inhaler and I can't believe the difference! Watch out world, when I loose my weight and can breathe also....will be a whole new woman!
August 2, 2002
Found out today that I have gallstones....now I know why I get such crushing pain in my gut sometimes....bad news was that my bloodwork shows I don't "clot fast enough" (whatever that means). I have to go see a specialist
July 31,2002
Survived the pre-ops...in reality, they were nothing. Worst thing was getting poked twice due to cruddy vein in one arm...
July 29, 2002
First set of pre-ops are tomorrow morning...fasting labs, gallbladder ultrasound, chest xray and breathing tests....time is drawing closer and closer.....
July 22, 2002
I received all my "junk" for preop tests in the mail today....pulmonary, cardiology and lab work, including a gallbladder ultrasound. These are scheduled at various times between now and the 20th of August. The closer it gets the more I question if I'm doing the right thing? I quit smoking (again) about 2 weeks ago, and I wonder if THAT ever gets any easier. I worry so much now that I may not be doing the right thing that I should just learn to live with obesity the best I can. I can only remember one time coming out of anesthesia and being sicker than a DOG (after a cyst removal in 1978)....my most recent surgery on my hand, I don't remember a thing....didn't even hurt from what I recall....(and that was only 2 years ago).....I am such a wuss when it comes to pain. My next set of tests are July 30. Guess I'll update after them, when I know how my gallbladder looks!
July 11, 2002
I have a date!!! August 26, 2002. They offered August 22, but I will be traveling to Denver, CO from 8/15 - 8/19, and felt I should spend at least a week back at the office first. The office will contact me with all my pre-op information requirements and appointments. I am so happy, but scared beyond belief too.
July 2, 2002
I was able to get an apt. with David Harmon for my psychiatric evaluation today (due to a cancellation). Took about 20 minutes, a few signatures on the dotted line, and I was approved. Also, my pcp had needed some info from me before submitting letter and labs to Dr. Shina. They were supposed to have done the fax yesterday. Dr. Harmon indicated they would have results of my evaluation to Dr. Shina tomorrow, so I'll check with their office on Monday...hopefully, will have my surgery date then!
July 1, 2002
Dr. Shina's office still hasn't gotten the letter from my pcp, nor the lab work they did back in April. Called them and was told they had been trying to contact me for over a week with no success (yeah, right)....needed some info to me and they would have letter faxed to Dr. Shina's this afternoon. Also called to schedule my psych evaluation with Dr. Harmon...timing must have been perfect, because she had a cancellation for TOMORROW which I snapped right up :)-- once I get done there, I get my surgery date (I hope, I hope). More tomorrow after seeing Dr. Harmon!
June 30, 2002
Pick me up-I got my approval letter!! It took two weeks! Now, I have to call Doc Monday morning to get my date....I am shocked it was so easy! It must be meant to be.
June 12, 2002
Met Dr. Shina and his "crew" yesterday....they schedule about 10 people to come in for initial consult and seminar at the same time....they got everyone checked in and processed very quickly. We received an interesting lecture about lifestyle changes, etc. from Donna at RightWeigh, then Dr. Shina came in and answered every question we had....once all of that was complete, we got to meetin Dr. Shina one on one for a brief exam. There are 3 groups of people he will not perform the surgery on....1) people who refuse blood transfusions if necessary; 2) smokers who have not quit for at least 30 days prior to surgery and 3) people who have a TRUE allergy to latex.
That's about it for now....more later after the insurance junk has been processed...
June 5, 2002
Less than a week until I have my consult....I quit smoking for the fourth (last) time the first of the month...I've been told Dr. Shina won't do surgery on smokers, and I'm determined. Not smoking is a minor thing compared to a new life.....more next week after my "appointment"
May 25, 2002
No matter how many times I come back here, I still learn more, and find more people with stories to tell....the support from this site appears to be awesome.....I keep counting the days till my consult....
May 17, 2002
Time seems to be standing still....still waiting for the "magic" June 11 date..Dr. Shina's office said not to worry about anything except my "packet" when I come, that they will get the other information from my pcp if I'm considered a candidate...since my only comorbitities are sleep apnea and leg pain, I wonder if my insurance will approve me.....time will tell.....it just seems like time is sooooo slowly passing.
April 18, 2002
I'm in shock! My pcp has approved me for 6 visits to Dr. Shina. In the past, she has never been very supportive of anything other than balanced diet and exercise for weight loss. I've been religious about going to the gym 3-5 times a week since November of 2000 and TRYING to loose sensibly, but we aren't budging on the pounds.....they've started piling back up. My pcp is a tiny little thing...I guess my letter and the efforts I've put forth until now have made an impression....have my appointment with Dr. Shina scheduled on June 11. Now, just have to get past the insurance company!
Photos
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 250 Not even my biggest - add another 20! |
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Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: Mark A. Shina, M.D.
I have my first appointment with Dr. Shina on June 11... I met Dr. Shina yesterday...he is a very outspoken individual. Doesn't sugar coat the surgery in the least. He answered everyone's questions very throughly and I truly enjoyed the experience of meeting him and learning more about his requirements for performing the surgery. As a side note--I had read that his staff was not very pleasant at times. On the contrary, I found everyone to be extremely helpful and wonderfully nice.
Insurer Info:
Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Preferred
They approved immediately....was surprise that they didn't require more info than they did!