lisadiehl
Everything up til now: Legacy Profile...
Apr 01, 2009
| L Swaim San Francisco Bay Area, CA, USA Post Op - BMI: 33.1 Surgery Type: Other Member ID: Swaim949768484 Contact: Click here to send a Personal Message |
Click here for L's surgery support page Click here for the 08/2002 Reunion Page Click here to print L's cards (You can print your own cards, and if you're good at it, you can help print cards for your friends as well!) |
WEIGHT LOSS PROGRESS:
03/06/00 surgery date - weight: 286 lbs
03/16/00 - 11 lbs
03/23/00 - 13 lbs
04/04/00 - 12 lbs
04/26/00 - 6 lbs
05/02/00 - 4 lbs
05/18/00 - 8 lbs
05/31/00 - 2 lbs
06/26/00 - 10 lbs
07/07/00 - 9 lbs
07/23/00 - 10 lbs
07/30/00 - 7 lbs
08/15/00 - 6 lbs
08/30/00 - 6 lbs
11/30/00 - 14 lbs
Total - 118 lbs in >40 weeks. 35 lbs to goal! 8 months left to get there in the "window of opportunity". No way it's NOT gonna happen, now. I'm a true believer.
I'm 32, single and have no children. I work as a technical trainer and have degrees in Women's Studies and Art.
I enjoy gardening, computing, reading, dancing, movies, cooking, and travel.
I welcome all prayers on my behalf!
DOCTOR INFO:
Initially, I was scheduled at Bariatric Treatment Centers, with Dr. Pat Choban. I saw her, was impressed by her, but felt that they didn't have a holistic approach which I found later, as you will read below. Pat answered the few questions I had. (I had done lots of research prior to meeting her), but I noticed that the BTC lacked greatly in prepping people for life after surgery. Where is the REAL nutritional planning for after? Is there anyone to talk to me to see if I might not be a good candidate, psychologically? This worries me. Thank goodness I have this web site to alert me to some of the issues post-op patients face.. or I don;t have a CLUE how I would have known this and PREPARED for it with BTC. VERY NICE crew at BTC. but not sure how informative I'd say they were.
As it turned out, Dr. Choban wasn't on my Aetna insurance plan any longer, so the whole visit was a wasted effort (and $85 out of pocket).
I was referred to Dr. Ellison (chief of surgery at OSU - Ohio State University hospitals). I haven't met my surgeon yet. I have seen the other members of the medical team, thus far: Psych, nutrition and nurse practitioner. I felt that as a whole and as individuals, they were extremely thorough in examining me as a potential candidate for surgery.
This was comforting on two levels. I knew that I would not get through the process to surgery if any one of these people felt I presented issues which would defeat surgery (e.g., binge eating), and I knew that the information that they had amassed would bypass many of the bouncebacks I had heard of happening from insurance companies. My first request processed through OSU was granted by Aetna Ins. Co.
Yesterday (2/04/00), I received a call from Dr. Elision's Office that Aetna had approved my surgery. I had only been to see the OSU folks on 1/19/00 so this was a shock that it was approved so fast! Now I begin what is to be 4 weekly visits with my nutritionist to prepare me for what food and eating habit changes are to come. Having already been an inpatient at a clinic for eating disorders, I am asking them to wave the 4 visits, in lieu of two. Now am awaiting word on this issue, but making apts. with the nutritionist to hasten the process, nonetheless.
I don't know about after care, yet ... except that I will see the nurse practitioner about 6 - 8 weeks after surgery, as well as that I have 9 more visits already approved through Aetna to see my wonderful nutritionist, Sue Podell.
Say a prayer for me? More to come...
*UPDATE*
2/22/00
Dr. Elision's Nurse called to say that all the footwork was done and I can be seen faster if I go to Dr. Charles H. Cook on 3/9/00, so I agreed. I am facing the possible loss of my job soon, so if I can get the surgery before this, I will have disability insurance during my recover. I have saved some money in case this falls through, but am again calling for prayers!
I know nothing about Dr. Cook. If anyone has worked with him, please email me!? I'm nervous and thrilled.
Also, am going through this with no family around (all 2000 miles away), so if there is a local angel in Columbus, OH who is willing to drop in, I would be eternally grateful! (and would happily return the favor, or pass it on).
That's it for now. More to come...
xoxoxoxox God Bless! xoxoxoxoxo
*UPDATE*
2/29/00
I am flying my Mom in from Vegas to be with me for three weeks post-op! I am so comforted that she will be able to be here! What a relief!!
ALSO, three local angels have contacted me to offer their support and even to visit after the surgery. I feel truly blessed. Thank you Cheryl, Michelle and Chris, my local angels! And thank you Jill (for the clothes), Rob -- for charming my socks off, and Ava Lee for your undying support online!
************* YAY!!! ************
The surgeon's office called and can see me A WEEK EARLY, in THREE DAYS! I will leave there with a firm surgery date (likely in the next ten days from then). This is great! Every day it could be moved up is one day more of future job security!!! Thank you, GOD!
xoxoxoxox more to come xoxoxoxox
*UPDATE*
3/02/00
Surgery scheduled for Monday, 10 AM, Ohio State University Hospitals. Dr. Cook.
I met Dr. Cook today. His staff and he seem very competent. They moved Heaven and Earth for me, getting me through the whole process (with Dr. Elision's staff) from 1/19/00 to today. They know of my situation with impending layoff so they worked a miracle and are doing the surgery on Monday 3/02/00. Just 3 and a half days from now! I will now keep my disability insurance through my recovery and likely will not be layed-off, lest I sue my company for discrimination. S a big giant SIGH!
Please pray for my successful recovery through what lies ahead. I know God is listening.
Thanks, all!
Lisa xoxoxoxox
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%POST-OP%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Surgery on 3/6 went ok... but on 3/8 was taken back for emergency surgery again for a blood clot in my lung. I am very grateful to be alive. (Thank you, God!)
My hospital stay was 10 days, instead of 4 or 5, due to the above complication. I was a smoker. Now I'm not. I will never ever pick up the habit again. I had tried to quit 20 times in 20 years. It took my nearly losing my life (after ALL of THIS)! to get me to stop without hesitation. Also ... when I saw what I coughed up after I got home, I was FREAKED OUT! (I actually put it in a baggy to show my surgeon, thinking that it was surely a sign of something very wrong.) He said it was normal junk in my lungs from 20 years of nicotine coating the surface.
3/16/2000 Had staples out at surgeon's office. I must be a baby, because three of the 36 pinched like mad! (Made me howl) I am 13 lb. less then my start date! YAY!
3/23/2000 Home now, 8 days. Pain level diminishing but still very sore. Takes more than Tylenol to take the edge off of this pain, still, at this point.
Saw the surgeon today for post-op visit, and am healing well. Scar from two times being opened looks like a cat scratch. (Thank you Dr. Cook!). Steri Strips still on, but once they come off, I'll apply vitamin E gel to it. My Mom, the nurse said to do that. Oh yes. I've lost another 11 lb. since last week. TOTAL: 24 lb. lost, since 3/6/200. YAY!!!
It's amazing, but I worry about getting in my protein. I have to find a different protein powder (IN CHOCOLATE!). The one I have is hard to take. I am so full off of so little ... vitamins help with the rest.
More to come! xoxoxoxox
4/09/00 Last week I went to my GP and weighed in at a total loss of 26 lb. in 28 days. I am amazed at this progress. Yet. I am still having residual soft tissue pain and discomfort, shadowing the progress a bit.
I'm getting really bored with my menu du jour, lately. I'd like a sandwich, but am told not to incorporate bread until I start my "step 4 diet," in 3 more weeks. I have ordered Chinese food twice this week, and just pick out the meat (which is thinly sliced and moist from the gravy). Won ton soup is also holding well. I found that I am now lactose intolerant, but I bought the wrong dosage of lactase enzyme and need to get ultra lactase instead. The kind I bough prescribes three pills with the first bite of milk product, but I am full after swallowing back water enough to chase three pills! (Irony ... gotta love it.)
I'm now looking for things to make to eat. Last night I made a pork chop in applesauce with brown sugar twin and it was delicious. I ate half and had the other half for breakfast. Destiny caught up with me. I ate it too fast and it came back up. This is my first time with any sort of nausea or vomiting since surgery. (It's not as vile as it would have been, if my stomach still produced acid like before.) Like they say ... the surgery is a tool. I learned my lesson on that one!
xoxoxoxox Later On All xoxoxoxox
4/26/00 I went to visit one of my pre-op angels in the hospital, today. She's going home tomorrow, and doing very well! While I was there, I weighed myself. I've lost another bit and am down to 244.
I can see that the weight loss is definitely slowing down. I'm trying to be celebratory over the weight loss, but can see depression edging up. I know it's time to start really walking, now. Fortunately, mother nature is very inviting, lately.
I still get tired very easily, but can tell that my stamina (starting out, at least) has been increasing by leaps and bounds, lately. Only a week ago, I was still in bed more than out. This week, I've been out two days in a row, and am seeing a return to normalcy, in that respect.
**************laters, all**************
5/2/00 I had a false alarm with the stalling in weight loss, I guess. I broke down and bought a scale and have lost 4 lbs since my panic of last week.
I'm about to get the last of my "real" foods incorporated back into my life... My nutritionist had to wrestle today's appointment for next week, but I expect the portions we've worked out per day for me will not change much.
PLEASE do NOT write to concerning my nutritional intake. I am doing exactly what MY doctor and nutritionist recommend. Rescheduled my last phase of working in all food groups, I am told to strive for the following intake, each day:
4 servings of starch (15g/serving)
5 servings of protein (1 oz. meat or cheese = 7 g of protein)
2 servings of veggies (1/2 c. cooked or 1 c. raw)
2 servings of fruit (1/3 c. canned in natural juice)
3 servings of milk (1/2 a cup)(with a lactase pill)
2 - 3 servings of fat (5 g / serving)
*************************bye for now..
5/14/00 MOTHERS' Day!
Welp, I'm not a Mom yet, but if you are, happy day! I'm excited. I've passed the fifty pound mark. I have now lost 1/3 of my excess start weight! I'm amazed. It's still sinking in that this is a permanent thing, and that I am on "the other side."
I told my roomie today that I was full off of a half an orange. Not wanting to think it was true, I asked him if he got full from the same amount and he laughed incredulously and said, "Noooo, I don't even get full from a whole orange!". I had to realize that I can't compare for normal for an average skinny person. I have to compare to what is "normal for me".
I did some research on sugar absorption. I had been afraid to eat any raw fruit, but had had 1/3 canned fruit in natural juice since the start (although it was pureed, at first). I discovered through research that the reason that this form of carbs / sugar don;t cause me to dump is that the sugar is already in water, which is then wrapped in the fiber of the fruit. This seems to slow down the absorption of the sugar into the body, so it doesn't hit the intestine all at once, causing dumping. So == orange juice isn't safe, undiluted... but eating a half an orange (I have eaten a whole small one without trouble), is fine.
Another interesting dumping research find: Scientist are finding that guar gum when added to the RNY post op diet immediately after sugar consumption (50 g. in the test case) is ceasing the dumping symptoms. This is what is in iced milk with "no sugar added" (there is sugar in the milk). Since dumping is a possible tool of the surgery in behavior modification, it may be best that we DO dump. I haven't had the displeasure, but am happy to know that guar gum may be a fix if I do. ; )
*************more later! Take care, all!
5/19/00 UPDATE
I got labs back from blood work two weeks ago. My cholesterol dropped 60 points and is almost in normal range, now! All other readings are in normal range. I find this amazing. I was on cholesterol lowing meds prior to surgery, but none since. Also, I may be able to cease hyperthyroid treatment as the blood panel suggests a normal function now. I'm very very happy with these results! YAY!!!!
5/28/00 UPDATE
Good Good Good! I came upon a bag of what I thought were "wishful thinking" clothes -- clothes I had put away that I was unable to wear any more, about 3 years ago. Well, I'm getting things sorted out for a possible moving day and bingo! I tried on all the jeans and skirts and THEY FIT! Sizes 20 and 22! I'm elated about that.
I hadn't realized that I was still really wearing what are now very baggy jeans all around. In fact, I was mourning that I hadn't really moved "down" out of those old sizes... but I have.. just kinda crept up on me.
I just posted in the Library under OTHER / Clothing... to attempt to give the old stuff away so I don't have to move it, if my job takes me to other parts. Any takers are welcome to email me! You need it? Maybe I have it! I have some darling dresses and jeans pants and blouses in great condition for the asking.
It's a good thing. All that I ask is that you pass them along as you "undergrow" them!
xoxo My best to all. My universe is well, tonight. xoxoxo
6/18/2000 UPDATE
Well, interesting times I live in! I have been invited to the San Francisco Bay area to undertake a new job as a tech corporate trainer! I've accepted and am overjoyed! Things are really hopping for me, now. The company is moving me from Columbus to SF, and I have soooo much to do. I have talked to my lovely nutritionist and doctor and must now get my medical records so I can hand carry them with me.
I had a yucky situation this week on my way home from the interview... stranded in the Denver airport for 14 hours! UGH!! and THEN I was diverted to Washington DC and had a two hour wit to then catch a ten seater back to Columbus! @#$!^%^%@#$ United Airlines. I didn't have my vitamins with me, nor was there anywhere to eat at that hour of the night, so I was in pretty bad shape. Just now recovering, four days later!
LESSSON LEARNED: Don't pack your vitamins/meds -- Carry with you. Bring an emergengy kit of food, when traveling. I should know better. I'm a seasoned traveler... but this is my first time out since my WLS.
I just realized that I am more than 1/3 to my goal weight -- with 100 lbs left to lose and a 12 month curve to do it in (according to the suggestion of an 18 month total to shed 75% of excess weight). This bodes pretty well. I wish I had done this years ago!
Well, here goes the rest of my life!
*****************Love to you all****************
7/06/2000
Well, it's my 4 month anniversary of being post-op! I'm very pleased with the results, thus far! I do worry, sometimes, that I won't hit my personal goal, and will stop at the suggested 75% loss of excess start weight, instead -- but even if this is so, I'm happier and healthier than in years! No more cholesterol meds! No more fear of an early death.
I have been losing hair, lately. Right on time -- 4 months post - op. I've read that it's a lag time from when one first has surgery and can't ingest much food (protein), OR that it's a lag from the anesthesia. Either way, it's something I've suffered before, having been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism three years ago. Not pleasant, but not the end of the world. In a year or so, I'll have my thyroid removed. Maybe at the same time as my tummy tuck? Kidding.
I'm in a struggle to decide on which insurance to select through my new employer. Since I am already post-op, I don't need info on getting approval for wls... It's more of needing insight into the approval process for the reconstruction surgery of a tummy tuck which I need to know about. My two selections are Lifegaurd HMO Ins. Co. and Kaiser HMO (Northern CA.). ny insight into this end of things is greatly appreciated!
Well, I have to go sort some things outfor my move next week. California, here I come!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxo Peace!
UPDATE: 7/23/00
Well, I landed in Silicon Valley a week ago, yesterday, and was laid off of my job four days later. I am in shock, still... but I know that I will have a job in a matter of days or a few weeks. This is the place to be if I have to go through this. I'm going to be ok... have paid housing for 60 days and cash to take me that far, if needed... but hopefully that will turn into my new savings account, once I am employed again in short order.
On the upside, I have such baggy clothes niw, that even my belt is too big to hold up my jeans... so I went to buy a new pair yesterday and I happily had to put the size 20 back on the rack, since I now wear an 18, or a snug 16!!! I was so thrilled I called my mom right from the dressing room! I have never worn a 16 in my life, but I know that in a few months, I'll be undergrowing even that! So that was a milestone for me. Woohooo!
Thant's about it for now. If you know anyone who needs a world-class tech trainer, let me know! In the mean time, am calling on prayer again. With that, I can't fail!
xoxoxoxoxoxo Love and such xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
UPDATE 07/30/2000
I found a store where they sell scales. Mine is in storage until I locate an apartment (after I get a job)... I'm now at 194 lbs. I FINALLY broke the barrier and am almost down 100lbs! Made my day. More to come.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
UPDATE 8/1/00
Small things count. Crossed my legs today. First time in my life. No need to hold my knee to keep it in place. Just to be sure, uncrossed my legs and crossed to the other direction. Still worked. weeeeeeeeeeee!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxox
UPDATE 9/6/00
I love my new life. I have a beautiful home, warm friends and a job I love. I cannot help pausing to look as I walk by windows... I think, "who is that girl?? She's CUTE!" heheee
I feel positive and loving forces in my life, and I am so happy for my recent choices. Life is good.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
UPDATE 11/30/00
It's been a long time since I've written. I have a good life. I have amazing energy, a new love, and a date for my birthday, company holiday party and New Year's Eve for the first time ever!!
It's a new day. Thank you God. Thank you all of my WLS angels.
I wish I had done this long ago. If you are waivering about your own decision to have surgery, God bless you. It's a difficult choice... but one I'd do again in a second.
I was a size 28... now a size 10.
Photos
 271lbs. Taken 12/98. The Goddess inside of me needs to lose 160 lbs. If she fails to cooperate, I'm going to ask her to leave! |
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Surgeon Info:
Initially, I was sceduled at Bariatric Treatment Centers, with Dr. Pat Choban. I saw her, was impressed by her, but felt that they didn't have a wholistic approach which I found later, as you will read below. Pat answered the few questions I had. (I had done lots of research prior to meeting her), but as it turned out, she wasn;t on my Aetna insurance plan, so the whole visit was a wasted effort. I was referred to Dr. Ellison (chief of surgery at OSU - Ohio State University hospitals). I haven't met my surgeon yet. I have seen the other members of the medical team, thus far: Pshych, nutrition and nurse practitioner. I felt that as a whole and as individuals, they were extremely thourough in examining me as a potential candidate for surgery. This was comforting on two levels. I knew that I would not get through the process to surgery if any one of these people felt I presented issues which would defeat surgery (eg. binge eating), and I knew that the informationt that they had ammassed would bypass many of the bouncebacks I had heard of happening from insurance compnies. My first request processed through OSU was granted by Aetna Ins. Co.. Yesterday (2/04/00), I received a call from Dr. Ellison's office that Aetna had approved my surgery. I had only been to see the OSU folks on 1/19/00 so this was a shock that it was approved so fast! Now I begin what is to be 4 weekly visits with my nutritionist to prepare me for what food and eating habit changes are to come. Having already been an inptient at a clinic for eating disorders, I am asking them to wave the 4 visits, in lieu of two. Now am awaiting word on this issue, but making appts with the nutritions to asten the process, nonetheless. I don;t know about after care, yet... except that I will see the nurse practitioner about 6 - 8 weeks after surgery. Say a prayer for me? More to come...
Insurer Info:
Aetna
I haven't had to deal with them, other than to find a referral to my surgeon. Pleasant for the most part. Am in shock that it was reviewed and approved so fast. ============================= Two+ years gastric bypass post-op: now seeking abdominaplasty. Stanford's Plastic and Reconstructive surgery dept. (Angelina Lopez) is most excellent. By a fluke, I again have Aetna, and they have approved abdominaplasty, with one letter from Dr. and we are still awaiting news on other skin removal approval we've requested... For now, am thrilled that I can have the TT surgery on 8/2/02!