lauraj
| Laura Johns Nicholasville, KY, USA Post Op - BMI: 47.4 Surgery Type: RNY Member ID: J1062362171 Contact: Click here to send a Personal Message Surgeon: Ed Nighbert, M.D. |
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September 25, 2003
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I'm Laura Johns, 45 years old, married for 22 years with a 12 (almost 13 year old daughter). I love to read and watch Trading Spaces and those types of shows. I'm at my heaviest ever at 272 (I'm 5'4"). I think my 45th birthday was a real eye opener for me and I'm sick of this weight. I've never even had a family photo taken, EVER, and my daughter is almost 13! That's pitiful. I want to enjoy my family. I'm always watching and never participating. I know my family deserves this as much as I do. Luckily they are totally supportive in my decision. I went to the seminar Wednesday, September 24 and was ready to get the surgery that night!! I was so excited and comforted. I'll have Dr. Nighbert I think or Steiner. I already have my appointment with the dietician and internist this Tuesday September 30!! God has really answered my prayers on this. Everything has really gone so smoothly. I just can't wait for this weight to be off and start my new life!!!
September 30, 2003
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I had my appointment with the dietician and internist today. I was soooo nervous but I really didn't need to be. I will hear about a date for my tests within about a week and I'm scheduled for my nutrional seminar on November 26, 10:00am. I was disappointed that this was so long from now. I was convinced that God was just going to shoot me through all of this so quickly because that's how it's been thus far. I have to start my low carb diet in about 2 weeks to shrink my liver for surgery. I guess all I have to do now is wait. That is the hardest part so far. I want to start my new life NOW! There are sooo many people ahead of me having this surgery. It's amazing that it was almost unheard of in this area a few short years ago!!
October 19, 2003
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Just back from vacation in Indian Rocks Beach, Florida. We had a great time. We're walking around Busch Gardens in Tampa and my cell phone rings. It's Dr. Nighbert's office with my first appointment for one of the tests!! The Cardiolyte test. I go October 28th at 6:45 AM!!!! I hope can get up! My daughter will have to spend the night with someone so she can go to school. I'll never make it back in time to take her. I'm not really nervous about this test (maybe I should be), but it's leading me closer to surgery. I can't wait to wear normal clothes. I start my Pre-Op diet tomorrow (Monday).
October 20, 2003
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I started my low carb diet yesterday. So far, so good. I'm having trouble limiting my milk. I love it so much!! I always keep a glass in the refrigerator and it's always icy cold. If you like milk, you'll know what I'm talking about! I'm having trouble with what to eat for snacks. Usually it's Cheezits, or chips or something but since those things are out, I'm at a loss. I guess I'll just have to keep some cubes of cheese and maybe some raw broccoli and carrots on hand so I'll be good. It's only been 2 days!!
October 23, 2003
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Still doing OK on low carb. Just wanted to post that I have tests dates that came in the mail today. It looks like I'm scheduled for everything I need for the insurance approval, all the bloodwork, scopes and scans even the pysch evaluation! Cardio test this Tuesday, October 28, all my lab tests Friday, October 31 and my psych evaluation on November 13!! I'm sooo excited. It's really coming together! Hopefully I'll be post-op before I know it!! Later!
October 28, 2003
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Had my stress test today. Had to be at the hospital at 6:45AM!! That was so early but I couldn't sleep anyway. I was supposed to have the chemical stress test but they asked if I thought I could handle the treadmill. I asked, "well, how long are we talkin' here" and they said six minutes. So I said I could surely do that. But let's back up. First I had to lay down on this padded "ironing board" (not really, just felt like it), flat on my back with my arms raised over my head for 25 minutes. That was sooooo hard. My arms hurt so much. Just when I thought I couldn't go on another minute, it was over. Then I got hooked up to all kinds of electrodes and walked on the treadmill, huffed and puffed but did it. They said I went for 9 minutes!!! I couldn't believe it! I thought I would last about 1 minute! Then I had to get back on the "ironing board" again for another 20 minutes. Flat, arms up. Boy that was tough but they said everything looked really good. Yay! I have another appointment on Friday for my lab work and EGD, will post again. Later!!
October 31, 2003
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Had to be at the hospital this morning at 7:30am. Better than 6:45. I live in Nicholasville so I was lucky. I talked to some people who drove from Ashland, Paintsville, Hazard, etc. They really had to come far!!! I started out with a chest X-Ray, then echocardiogram, pulmanary function (breathing in a tube). Let me tell you that was the hardest test so far! I thought I'd faint! Anywho, then an EKG, then a gall bladder ultrasound, my blood work (that took about 2 seconds). I was done with all that by 10:00AM!! So the admissions girl called up to where they do the EGD (the scope)to see if I could get in earlier and they said they'd come get me at 11:00am. Luckily I brought a book. But I ended up watching "Ellen" and talking with other bariatrics in the waiting room. It went by quickly. At about 11:15 they came and got me and another girl and we went up. They had me sign some release forms and hooked me up to an IV, and I waited, and waited and waited. The Dr. didn't show up until 1:15!! My tailbone was on fire from laying in that bed all that time!! But finally my time came and they wheeled me down the hall, hooked some electrodes up, gave me this plastic mouthpiece with a hole in it and taped it on and administered "the drug". The next thing I know, my husband is asking if I want MORE Diet Coke. I DON'T EVEN REMEMBER THE FIRST ONE!! This was such a piece of cake it's not even funny!!! I was sooo relieved!! This is how the surgery will be, except I'm sure I'll wake up to pain that time. But I think the hard part is over and I CANNOT WAIT until I have a surgery date. I'm gonna catch the Thin train to Skinny town!! Is that corny or what!! I'm just so excited!! I'll have my psyhcological evaluation on November 13. Then just sit back and wait I guess. That will be my last test.
October 31, 2003
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Oh yeah, I'm doing OK on my low carb. I've slipped a couple of times but all in all I'm doing really well for me. Have to get a protein drink I like still. A lady in the waiting room at the hospital told me Meijers had a "butter cream" powder mix and it was really good. She mixes with water and ice and puts it in the blender. Have to try that! I'll probably post again on the 13th. Later!!
November 6, 2003
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Just a quick update. I talked to my surgeon's office yesterday and they said they're going to dictate my letter to the insurance company this week!!! They'll then hold it I guess until they hear from my psych evaluation, then I guess I just wait. Also I have an angel!! Her name is Jennifer and she's been my e-mail buddy. We actually met at the hospital last month with a same-day appointment. I have also agreed to be her angel. I've got to look up and see what that entales. My psych evaluation will be next Thursday and then I'll be on my way!! I can't wait. I'll update again after my appointment. God Bless!!
November 12, 2003
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Just got back from my pysch evaluation. Met a couple of ladies that are going through Dr. Nighbert's office as well. I think I did OK with Dr. Steger and the 344 questions were really easy. Just a lot of the same questions worded differently. But they didn't fool me, HA! The lady there said that it would be about a week or so until they sent the results to Dr. Nighbert's office and I guess I just sit back and wait now. That's going to be the hardest part. I'm ready NOW!! But at least no more appointments (that I know of) and the next one hopefully will be with Dr. Nighbert. My angel and e-mail buddy Jennifer just found out her results from her sleep study and she has to have her tonsils out before they go any further with her surgery. I feel so bad for her but I guess it's better to take care of it now than have surprises during WLS. Well, off to a party. Laura
November 18, 2003
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I HAVE BEEN APPROVED AND HAVE A DATE!! What an exciting day!!!! I just had my psych evaluation on Thursday and Karen at Dr. Nighbert's office called me Monday (I missed the call) and told me I was approved and needed to set me up with a surgery date. She asked how soon did I want to have surgery and I said, uh, tomorrow?, just kidding! She said "how about December 4th", and I said "no way" and she said "way". We both cracked up!! So my surgery date is December 4th, just 16 days away!!! So much to do so little time!! Nutrional seminar is November 26 and they tacked on other appointments while I'm there. Bariatric boot camp which sounds very informative and a meeting with Dr. Nighbert at 1:15. I'm just sooo excited. I also feel a little guilty because some people out there have been trying so hard to get approved or get things done and had no luck. But for me, God must really want me to have this surgery because everything I prayed for was like BAM, done like the next day almost!!!! And sometimes literally the next day!!! Still have to find a protein drink that I like. A lady at work brought a little bit of one her husband drinks and it smells really good but I haven't tried it yet. It smells like butter/yellow cake mix!! I can live with that I think! I am sooo hoping I have no problems and can do everything the doctors tell me to so I can have a safe quick weight loss!! I'm still in shock. Not scared yet but probably will be soon!!! I don't know if anybody reads this but if you see this and have had the surgery, could you fill me in on the "colon cleansing" process night before? Sounds wonderful doesn't it?! Whatever it takes though right?! Well, I'll post again on the 26th. Laura
God's Miracles To Me: These things I'm interpreting as Miracles through prayer and otherwise have led me to this surgery. These are listed in order of happening. Surgeon wasn't originally on my insurance plan.
1. Prayed for a smooth road ahead if surgery was God's Will. Next day, called surgeon's office, was told they didn't take Humana yet but as of November they would.
2. After original seminar, turned my packet in the next morning (first one back they said) and got an appointment with internist and Amanda that following Tuesday (this was Thursday).
3. Met with Amanda that Tuesday (Sept. 30) and got on a waiting list for nutrional seminar for November 26. She said I was the last one added to the list, after that it was full.
4. Went on vacation, got a call for my first test (stress test) the Tuesday after I got back.
(Let me interject here that meanwhile, every night I've prayed for a smooth road, let there be obstacles if it was not meant to be)
5. Got back from vacation on a Saturday, still praying for smooth sailing, Monday's mail held letters for all my appointments, stress, labs and EGD and psych!!!! Thank you Lord!
6. Had my last test (psych) on a Thursday, Karen called with insurance approval for surgery on Monday!! Said all my tests were great and normal and everything good to go. This was November 17. Set surgery date for December 4th. Added Bariatric boot camp and surgeon's appt. to nutrional seminar schedule!!
I don't know if it sounds like it to you all but this all has happened soooo quickly and smoothly I know this is God's Will!! I'm so at peace with this decision too. Everything's going to be great!
November 30, 2003
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I just read my last post and I take it all back! I'm sooo nervous now. I only have 4 1/2 days left. I'm so nervous my legs and arms are weak. I have continous butterflies day and night. My husband and daughter took me out to eat last night at Logan's for my "almost last supper". I have a big ole New York Strip, vegetables and salad. I really, really, really wanted a loaded baked potato and a roll but I didn't have either! I figured I've gone so long without them if I tasted them now I'd miss them more than ever so I refrained! Monday all the girls at my work are going to Cracker Barrel and exchange gifts so that'll be my real "last supper". I'm going to be good that night too. I'll just have to say no to the hashbrown casserole and biscuits!! Waaaaah! I wish I wouldn't be so nervous. I guess I realize how truly hard it's going to be at first. It's all been so unreal until now and now it's really happening. I'm NOT backing out though. I know in my heart that as my angel Jennifer says, we can lose the weight, we just can't keep it off. This way I will, and forever! By the way, Jennifer (my angel) just had her tonsils out due to her sleep apnea and she's miserable. Keep her in your prayers for a speedy recovery. While you're at it, throw me in there too!! :)
December 2, 2003
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Well, it's as all of you say, one day and a wakeup (my wakeup will be half the day though). I'm going back and forth between nerves, excitement and am I doing the right thing. I mean for a while now it's just been all preparation and now it's the big dance. This is it, no more talking!!! I'm really going to do it! One thing that keeps me going is that from all the profiles I've read, and all the troubles, ups and downs people have had with the surgery, nobody has yet to regret it and all say they would do it again in a heartbeat and wonder what took so long to do it in the first place! That's very comforting. I know its not going to be easy. It will be challenging and frustrating but I think the end result will be worth it! I'm really looking forward to the results I just wish we didn't have to go through the surgery part. But if there were miracles out there we would've tried already right? Am I babbling? Probably. I think I have 100% support now too. My mother in law hugged me real big today (she never does that). She has not said a word about this surgery to me or how she feels about it and she finally brought it up today and hugged me. That made me feel good. You hardly ever know what's running through her mind. (her son, my husband is exactly the same way). Well, I'll post again tomorrow night. I'll probably really be babbling then!!
December 3, 2003
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Tomorrow's the big day! I am soooo scared. Actually I've calmed down a little, maybe I'm just tired (it's after midnight). I've just been reading all the posts and crying. Reading the profiles of post-ops and looking a before/after pictures really helps me pesonally. But there's a part of me asking questions. What the heck are you doing? Do the doctors know what they heck THEY'RE doing? Why can't you lose this weight on your own? Will I die? But deep down I know that's just the devil trying to make me double God's Will for me. God has practically PUSHED me into this and I know He wants it for me. I've asked Him for a new life to serve Him, full of self confidence and energy. I know He has a plan for me somehow! Well, I'm going to bed. I may not post tomorrow but I will as soon as I'm home and able. I'm so grateful to my angel Jennifer for all her kind words of encouragement especially when she's recovering from surgery of her own. With friends (and angels) like I have I can't go wrong!!!
(I'm going to back it up to surgery date because I am just now being able to post it. (This is December 9th, 2003)
December 4, 2003
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Surgery Date!! I'm unusually calm but tremors of nerves underneath really. My surgery is scheduled for 2:15pm but the Hospital said they may call with an earlier time. So my husband is out running errands and they call. Can you be here at 12:00!! It's like 10:55 now! YES! So I call my husband and he comes on in. Well meanwhile, I'm packing my stuff (I waited so I could have something to do the day of) and by that time it's time to go. I get to the hospital and have trouble finding the nurses station. For those going to St. Joseph East, you go in the back to the surgery waiting room and there's a door behind a desk. Go through there. Anyway, I walk up to the nurse's station and tell them my name and they say they're ready for me!!! I mean, right then and there I have to change into my gown give my belongings to my husband and then go sign some papers. And boy do I feel pretty. No makeup, lovely bonnet on my head, those cute little slippers and a big ole gown. Beautiful! Anyway, this lady takes me back to a gurney and this nice guy comes and puts these leg wrap things on my calves that will later pump up and down to massage my legs for blood clots. Then the anethesiologist comes by and asks some questions (husband and daughter are with me at this point)and I sign a paper, then he asked if I want anything to calm me down and I say, I guess not and he says he'd recommend it so I say bring it on! Then we wheel into the operating room and I scootch onto another bed and that's all I remember until they're wheeling me into a room and my stepmom, dad, husband, daughter, sister and preacher are all filing in behind the doctor. I'm sure there were other people but I don't remember. Kind of out of it that night.
December 5, 2003
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Wake up fine. Have my breakfast, broth, hot tea and those popsicles you have to eat to check for leakages. They were really good. Anyway, the nurses come in and give me a blood thinner shot in my stomach to help cut down on clots. So far so good. My angel Jennifer comes to see me and brings me flowers with an angel hanging on the vase. It's soooo cute, anyway, everything's fine. So later that day, they bring me some liquid LorTab. Wellll, no sooner does it go in that it comes right back out with a vengence along with all this blood too! It was soooo nasty. Tasted like rotten eggs. I threw up several times and then it subsided but then they brought me another shot and the same thing happened. I threw up sooo bad. Then they kept checking my blood pressure. It kept going down and finally it went down to 57/41 and they told me I may have to have a blood transfusion. Well around midnight they gave me the transfusion but that next morning I threw all that up too. My sister was sooo worried, she said my skin was gray, lips and all.
December 6, 2003
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I don't remember much about Saturday except I was still throwing up everytime I ate something. Anyway, they discovered that it was that blood thinner shot and stopped that and gave me a second transfusion which evidently took, and by late Saturday, I was getting better. I hadn't been able to eat or drink anything so I was also dehydrated. Luckily I only vaguely remember this stuff, but I did ask the nurse if I was going to die and she said nooooo! That was good news I'm thinkin'. By late Saturday I was more aware of stuff. The other people that had the surgery with me the same day went home without incident so that was really good.
December 7, 2003
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Sunday! I really didn't think I'd go home today and no Doctors came around until Dr. Greenlee showed up at 4:30 or so. He said my hemoglobins (sp?) were still down but not from the blood transfusion (I was on a 10 day long heavy period through all of this too), so I told him that and he said that was probably it. They took my drain tube out and AHHHHHHH that felt good to get that thing out. So by this time I'm getting really restless in that hospital bed. I CANNOT sleep! They keep bringing me morphine but apparantly it revs me up and makes me squirmy. So then I got a headache that felt like a migraine, more morphine, took the headache away that time. But I got very little sleep.
December 8, 2003
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After a rough night, Dr. Nighbert burst into the room and 7:40 and quickly talks to me and says I can go home, YAY! Anytime, he says. So I wait until my husband gets there and he helps me take a shower and the nurse brings me a iron shot and we have to wait an hour to see if I have any reactions. So after that I get another shot and get sent on my way. Freedom!! I get wheeled down in the wheelchair loveseat (it's really big which is nice) and go home and I'm pretty much out for the day. Cannot get comfortable though (I'm a stomach sleeper). My drain site is really sore and it's really hard to get off the toilet or out of bed so that makes it hard.
December 9, 2003
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I am soooo much better today! I'm still having pain in my drain site, especially if I sit for too long and then have to get up, but the pain is lessening. I even walked the dogs outside 4 times today! Not for very long mind you but I bet it was 10 minutes or so each time! I washed dishes and ate my broth and the table and looked at a magazine. Bigtime stuff here! AND I'm sitting here typing this big long essay so I must be feeling better. I called the doctor today to see if I could take Tylenol tonight for my restless legs and they said yes. So maybe I can sleep. Well, I'd better get off here and call my sister. She's been so worried. I'll post again soon. Don't be scared anybody cause what happened to me is once in a blue moon, I just though people should know there are things that could happen and maybe you'll be aware of questions you may not have thought of. So I apologize if I scare anyone it was NOT my intention. Laura
December 18, 2003
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I'm starting to feel a bit stronger although I'm still having trouble with dizziness and lightheadedness. I can't stand for very long without feeling faint. I started my Bari-Blend vitamins Monday but they haven't really been to miracle I was looking for so far. My first visit on Monday, December 15, showed I've lost 28.6 pounds but of course that is counting my low carb diet I started on October 20. So my next weigh-in on January 15 will reflect all surgery weightloss. Can't wait. Starting today I'm OK'd to eat solid meats. Going to go to Wal-Mart and buy a rotisserie chicken and have some of that tonight! Love those! Been eating, tuna, eggs, cottage cheese, turkey, ham, crab meat. Doing really well with food. Nothing has made me sick luckily. I just wish my energy would return. I'm STILL on my period and I told the Dr that and he didn't seem concerned. Do you think I should just call my regular physician? I'll try to update sooner next time. I've just been so lethargic I don't want to do anything! Any tips to regain energy out there? Laura
December 26, 2003
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Well, I survived Christmas. Did everyone have a nice one? I DID cheat a little and eat a little 1/2 tablespoon of mashed potatoes and broccoli casserole but mostly turkey. I just wasn't hungry. But I didn't eat any rolls or dessert. There are just some things cheaters won't do! Ha! Well, my scales show a loss of 36 pounds but again, that reflects the low-carb pre-op diet started in October. I won't find out my official weight loss till January 12. I am having a lot of trouble getting my food in. I'm either sick to my stomach or just not hungry. I just want to drink instead but no even my protein drinks. They are SOOOO nasty I can hardly choke them down. I literally gag when drinking them. I don't know what to do because I know these shakes are for life aren't they? What a terrible thought! I never thought I'd be craving vegetables but I CANNOT WAIT till they add vegetables to my meals. You just don't realize how much you miss the whole "meal" thing when you just have a piece of meat for a meal. And my taste buds have changed too. I've tried eating cottage cheese, same brand, same everything and it tasted so salty to me I had to throw it out! Same thing with deli turkey meat, salty. And I used to be a salter! Oh and even tuna is salty!! I'm going to try the albacore white tuna next. I'm running out of things to pick. Some things I'll just think about and my jaws will get all tingly like I'm going to throw up! Geeze I hope that gets better. But so far I haven't had any trouble with any foods staying down or anything. I got sick one night after eating hotdogs cut up with mustard but I think I just ate too many. Well, I'm babbling. I hope everyone that has had surgery is doing well and hope the up and coming are hanging in there. Laura
January 23, 2004
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WOW! I hadn't realized that so much time has passed since I've updated. I had my appointment on the 12th and showed a loss of 47 pounds. I have been going through my "window of misery" for 2 to 2 1/2 weeks. It was terrible. Nothing suited my stomach. So I just didn't eat. If I ate anything and I mean anything, I would throw up. The throwing up was weird too. By the time I threw up, there was nothing there TO throw up so I had all the sickness of vomiting but just dry heaves mostly. Now I think I've messed up my metabolism even more that it was already. This past Monday I started eating again (I feel soooo much better now). And my scales showed a 5 pound gain after 1 day. I was soooo upset. I guess my body thought I was starving it during those 2 weeks and any food I put in was more than it was used to. Well, I'm glad to say that as of today, I'm back to my 47 pound loss. Just 10 more pounds to go before I can add back fruits and vegetables. I never thought I'd be wishing for fruits and vegetables! I HAVE cheated a bit too. I've been craving milk, so I've been buying it and drinking a quart a week. Not my usual gallon but I think it had something to do with me not losing the weight too. I didn't buy any this week and I'll see if that makes a difference but I still want some!! And during my "window of misery" I ate chicken noodle soup. It was the only thing that sounded good and stayed down so I ate it. So I have cheated but I'm back on track now. I don't want to mess this up. I mean WLS is the last resort right? If I don't lose with this, where do I turn? I guess I need to go ahead and incorporate exercise (yuck)now that I'm feeling better. Still 47 pounds is nothing to scoff at so I guess I'll take it! I also want to wish my angel Jennifer Bowman lots of prayers and good wishes. Her surgery is Monday, January 26. She's really nervous (as we all were) but she'll be fine. I just know it! Oh another thing. I started throwing up my protein shakes so I quit drinking it. Well the Dr's office suggested some fruit protein drinks. I bought ProtiDiet Grape and Fruit Punch and I LOVE them! They taste like koolaid! So if anyone out there is having that trouble, try those. And I wasn't even a big fruit drink drinker.
January 25, 2004
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I hope everyone has been safe in they're homes during this ice storm. Isn't it awful? Just walking the dogs is a challenge for me and them. But it's gotta be done. I'm posting today to acknowledge that my Angel Jennifer Bowman is having surgery tomorrow. She has to be at the hospital at 9:15am. I hope she can make it safely in all that ice. She's nervous but I know she'll be fine. I hope everyone will sign her surgery page and wish her well. I saw that she has quite a few well wishes already. With that many prayers and good wishes she's bound to do great! Best wishes Jennifer!!!
February 20, 2004
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Wow, I can't believe it's been this long since I've posted! I see my last posting concerned Jennifer. Well, she did great and has lost 34 pounds!! Yay! I've lost a total so far of 61 pounds. I'm starting to feel a little more confident with clothing. I actually went to work today with a shirt tucked in and a bluejean vest (NO JACKET). I got a lot of compliments and it felt really good. I have noticed that I'm eating more and hungry more often though. Before, I just wasn't hungry at all! So far not one single food has disagreed with me. I've had meat, vegetables, wheat bread, etc. Even had a bit of salad, just chewed, chewed, chewed. All did fine! I was so relieved. At my 50% point I was able to add fruits, vegetables and some starches back to my diet but I think I'm going to slow it down and see if I can lose a little faster. I've been trying different things so I need to get that out of my system and go back to basics for a while. I don't want to mess up this weight loss. I started to post my 3 month picture but it looked the same so I didn't. I think there were only about 10-12 pounds difference, so I'll wait for a better one. I hope everyone is doing great and for those with upcoming surgeries, good luck, you won't regret it. Catch yall later! Laura
March 13, 2004
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Well, I've been on about a 3 week plateau!! And sooo frustrated. But yesterday it finally broke so I had to write! I trudged to the scales as usual (acutally haven't weighed for about 1 1/2 weeks) but wasn't expecting anything good. Well when I looked down I'd lost 12 pounds!!! I've now lost 73 pounds!!! I went from 215 to 203. I just couldn't believe it! So everybody that's out there and frustrated, just keep at it and it'll eventually come off! I have a renewed vigor about doing well. My sister gave me some size 16 and 18 pants but I still can't get into the 18s. Maybe soon though. 2 pairs are jeans. I haven't worn jeans without elastic waist or drawstrings in forever!! Well, hopefully I'll update sooner but gotta go for now! Laura
March 31, 2004
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Well, I broke the 200 mark today!!! Just barely though. 199. I'm so excited. This was a big milestone for me. I sure feel so much better. I went to a movie with my daughter and her friends and I actually fit in the movie seat with room to spare!! Very exciting! I'm still not into my sister's size 18 jeans but hopefully soon. I've had to get rid of a lot of clothes. I could get away with wearing some of them for a while but now they're just clown pants. All the sleeves of my jackets are coming past my fingertips. It's awesome! I also bought a white sleeveless t-shirt to wear under jackets and I got an XL (not a 3X). Also I can pretty much tell now when to stop eating so I won't get sick. I think for awhile I tested myself and always ended up throwing up. I'm very lucky too cause nothing I've tried has had any ill effect on me. I've also pretty much lost that need for food. I'm past the jealousy of other people having things that I can't have. I just don't care. I know what I can and can't have and I'm fine. I'm so glad I got over that. I was really missing my Diet Cokes but I'm better now. (I still want to try one but don't dare). I hope anyone reading this can relate to my experiences. Even after getting so sick and weak in the hospital, I wouldn't trade a thing. This surgery is the best thing I've ever done. I have a new life ahead and I'm ready!!!!
April 19, 2005
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I can't believe it's been soooo long since I've updated. I have now reached 144 pounds and I feel great. I'm having trouble with anemia and hangy skin but that's it. I've definitely got some tucks in my future. This has been an amazing year. I'm into a size 10 now (gone from a 24/26). I really need to update my picture. That was taken only months after my surgery. I hope all my friends are doing well. If anyone is considering this surgery, please do it!!! It'll change your life!!
February 16, 2006
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Gosh it's been a long time since I've updated!! I've now lost 141 pounds and feel great! I'm in a size 8 (if it's stretchy). Plastic surgery is definitely in my futre though. I've had some problems with anemia and had to get an iron IV in the hospital and now I'm a faithful vitamin taker. That's my advise, don't forget your vitamins! I'll get a new picture up soon. My 'after' picture is at 3 months I think. I've changed since then! I'll update again as soon as I get my picture changed.
February 16, 2006
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Oh my gosh, don't pay any attention to that 'after' picture!!! That's going to be my new caption and the new picture is not in yet, so don't get discouraged any of you new people looking at this!! This surgery really does work!!
March 7, 2006
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Now my picture is right!! I look so stiff like an army girl at attention! My mom brought to my attention the other day that I have not mentioned her in my profile. I want to apologize in here about that because, hello, she and this girl named Michele in Florida are the ones that got me going on this whole adventure!! So Mama, thank you so much for your support and showing my picture all over town and probably surrounding towns in Florida and I love you, Laura (half the daughter that I used to be) Ha! Ha!
September 8, 2006
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Well, again it's been a long time since I've updated. I'm doing well. Maintaining around 135. I struggle with anemia and am pretty tired alot but I love being my new size. Well, not so new now. I've had to have iron IVs twice now which is scary and I take my vitamins with the higher iron religiously and eat red meat quite a bit so I don't know what the deal is. But as long as I keep it monitored I guess I'll be OK. If there's anybody out there that would like to e-mail me with questions, don't hesitate. I'm sure I've been through just about anything you may want to ask and will be happy to tell you my experience with whatever it is. I will never, ever ever regret having this surgery. I went from a size 26 to a size 8 and actually enjoy shopping now. I still need to have everything and I mean everything nipped and tucked (arms, neck (my turkey gobbler), tummy, thighs (inner and front), and butt. But I'm sure insurance won't pay for it although I haven't even looked into it. I should shouldn't I?! Oh yeah and breasts. Without my new Victoria Secret bra they're waist length!! Gross! Well, I'm going to go now since I'm rambling on. It's past my bedtime. I'll try to update more often. Laura
April 3, 2008
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Again it's been a long time. I'm doing well. I've gained a little weight but they say thats OK. I went up from a size 8 to a 10 so thats not too bad. I have a hard time staying away from carbs! I love bready things! I still haven't had any plastic surgery but I need it desperately. All the things I listed above are still a problem, but who has that kind of money laying around! I haven't seen about it but I would think that the insurance company wouldn't pay for it because it would be "cosmetic". Oh well. I'm wondering about Jennifer Bowman. If anyone out there has her new e-mail please let me know. I've tried e-mailing her at her old one and it always comes back. I would like to know how she's doing. Well thats all for now. Take care, Laura.
Photos
 276 I'm just a little nut trapped in a big candy shell!!! This is at my Aunt & Uncle's 50th Wedding Anniversary. I'm the biggest one there!!!! |
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 135 2 years out and feeling great! |
Hospital Reviews
- (Lexington, KY) - Saint Joseph - East
Weight Loss Survey Responses
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Member Interests:
- Books & Literature - I LOVE to read. I always have a book around. Mysteries mostly
- Crafts - I really enjoy needlepointing. Don't do it often. Made our Christmas stockings
- Games & Entertainment - I LOVE playing board games with my daughter and friends.
- Home - I am obsessed with decorating the house, love it!!
- Sports - I LOVE, LOVE U.K. Basketball!!!
- Travel - I LOVE unplanned road trips. Just get up and go!!
- Movies - My favorite movies are silly, funny movies. They are so much fun!
- Music - I like all types of music; pop, country, classical, almost everything!
- Shopping - I used to LOVE shopping before getting heavy. Looking forward to it again soon!
Click here to see interests of other ObesityHelp members.
Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: Ed Nighbert, M.D.
Dr. Nighbert was very nice and funny. I was a little put out because my appointment was at 1:15 and I didn't see him until 3:00! But I know that's not his fault. He did seem a little stressed, overworked. I hope he will settle down for my surgery!! Ha! Ha! Anyway, he explained everything well and let me know what to expect. His staff also is really friendly and knowledgeable. They have a great support system that I hear of and want to see you back often the first year. Dr. Nighbert's surgical background really made my decision. I feel comfortable that he's doing my surgery.
Insurer Info:
Humana, HMO-MBP
Humana was really great! Before I even started this journey I contacted them to find out what I needed to be approved. Luckily the surgeon's office did all that for me so between the two of them everything went very smoothly. I had my last test on a Thursday and the surgeon's office was calling me with approval that Monday! Awesome!!! No trouble at all!!! I can't speak for anyone else but this insurance has been no trouble whatsoever for me!!!
About Me
Nicholasville, KY
Location
47.4
BMI
Surgery
12/04/2003
Surgery Date
Aug 31, 2003
Member Since