LuvNSummer
8-21-08 I think I've broken my....
Aug 21, 2008
plateau!!!!!!!!!!! Yeah! Scale dropped four pounds while I am (currently) attempting the 5day pouch test; however, I'm on day 4 of liquids only. Once I got the carbs out of my system, keeping to the liquids is easy... tomorrow I'll start on "day 2" of the 5day pouch test.
**if you'd like to see my goal list check out the August Archieve.
8/22/08--another two gone today. Finally! I feel like I'm moving again.
**if you'd like to see my goal list check out the August Archieve.
8/22/08--another two gone today. Finally! I feel like I'm moving again.
Cronicles of LuvNSummer's wl adventure
Jan 08, 2008
INTRODUCTION: Hi, I'm Leslie. I live in northeastern North Carolina, but I am a Virginia Beach girl, 100%. I am married to an amazingly wonderful man, Rob, we have two children, Chelsea, 16 and Ryan, 7. I'm setting out on this journey because.... jeeze, there are so many reasons. Most importantly, the health benefits. The aches and pains and all the associated problems that come with being over-weight are over-whelming. I have had a normal body weight before. As time has gone on, I have found that things sometimes just take their own course. So, here I am... looking forward to a healthier, brighter, more active life-style with my family and friends ( I soooo can't wait to cut loose and go dancin' again). I'm forturnate to be able to not only have a supportive family, but I'm pressing forward with the support of my best friend, my personal angel, who was instrumental in my decision to go forward with the WLS. I couldn't be more blessed to have such great family and friends (with or without the WLS).
Today I put together a goal-list to work towards. This will certainly be an on-going list with some additions and hopefully quite a few completions.
1. To see the diabetes gone forever and off medication (completed before leaving the hospital 11/24/07 after my surgery)
2. To lose 50 pounds with-in three months. (completed by 1/11/08--52 days out)
3. To be able to tie my shoes without the bows being on the inside corners. (completed by Jan 1, 08)
4. To hit the 100 lbs lost mark by my 6th month anniversary (completed 4/21/08, on my 5th month anniversary date exactly)
5. To get into the century club. (8 lbs to go), now 7 to go On 6th month anniversary I still have one pound to go until I've lost 100 pounds. Goal met!!!!!!!! 5 22/08--must've needed to complete the whole six months!
6. To be able to go shopping with my daughter and actually try on outfits not in the plus size department. (not in plus sizes anymore but haven't gone shopping with my daughter yet)
7. To wear my favorite size 10 jeans (eventhough they are ancient, they hold a lot of special memories--completed)
8. To get the plastic surgery (tummy) that I probably will need.
9. To wear a nice bathing suit and not feel self-conscious (6/21/08 completed!--went to the lake today with my little guy...actually walked out there in just my bathing suit and felt great!) ** good Lordy, two weekends ago I actually allowed myself to be photographed in a bathing suit while at the beach!!!!!!!!!!!!!
10. To get to my goal weight. (160 lbs)...22 lbs to go!--6/21/08.... 17-ish pounds to go at 7 months post-op... these last 20 are a bear! I am fluctuating up and down by about three pounds.
11. To maintain goal weight for 12 months before (probably) having tummy tuck and/or the girls lifted.
12. To dance the night away any time I want! (done several times)
7/23/08--I am exactly 7 months post-op today. Do I regret having the surgery!!!? NO WAY! I feel like I am doing great (most of the time) I still have some stressful days that I let the emotional eating creep in (too often probably)...I am constantly worried that I may have ruined my surgery/tool. Anyone have a teenage daughter... need I say more? ugggh
To date I have lost a total of 97.75 inches. It's so hard to believe. Lately the pounds haven't been moving but the my body is definately changing. That's 5.63 inches last since last month yet I'm at about the same weight...Yeah!!!
7/14/08--Life is definately interesting lately... I'm loving it! I'm down 113 pounds and 18 yet to go to meet my goal. These last 20 pounds seem to be going oh so slowly but they'll go. However, I am determined.
6/21/08-- Down 109 pounds and 92 and1/8th inches.
Feeling wonderful... doing yard work, loving being outdoors without sweating my behind off... enjoying life a lot more...stay tuned
5/22/08---Fabulous News! I hit 100 pounds lost as of this morning. I must have needed to complete that last day of the full six months! Whoo Hoo~
5-21-08 Today is my 6th month anniversary since having the RNY surgery. I am thrilled with the results so far. However, I do find myself trying to sabatoge myself. I believe it's a self-defense mechanism brought about by a child hood even. However, I try and try some more. I feel great! This evening I had my daughter do my measurments for me... to date I have lost a total of 81.88 inches (that's measuring darn near everything)... I use a great spread sheet that I made on Excel to track this. I couldn't be happier! Go me!
4-21-08 Today I hit ONE-DERLAND --also, today is my 5 month Anniversary. I've lost 91 lbs and have less than half that to go, I just can't believe it. I feel so onederful, one of the best decisions I've ever made.
Gonna be dancin' in the streets!
4-11-08--I couldn't wait until my surgery anniversary date of the 21st to have my daughter measure me, so here it is.... at 20 weeks and 2 days post op I've lost a total of 68.88 inches and 89lbs. Hard to wrap my head around that! But oh so happy.
4-6-08--I hit a plateau for a while but I think I'm moving down the scale again now... Whoo Hoo! 83 lbs gone bye bye!!
3/21/08--4 month anniversary--with a total of 80 pounds gone...bye bye... don't come back
3/10/08--74 pounds said bye bye too! Whoo Hoo!
3/3/08--72 pounds down... 56.88 inches gone!
14 weeks out
2-29-08--I got a new addition to the family today~ ...a sweet little Maltese puppy, her name is Baby. I can't wait to post some pictures.
2-28-08--70lbs down... 3 month follow-up appointment tomorrow!
2/14/08--12 Weeks out! ...and half way there!
1/30/08--10 Weeks out today... forgot to weigh myself, ugh! I feel Great! I'm down at least 60lbs and I've reduced by 47.88 inches.
1/29/08--I never thought I'd be so happy to hit the big "60"; down 60 lbs.
1/27/08--59 lbs down as of today... yeah!
1/24/08--I haven't posted an update in a while so here it is. I've lost 54+ lbs so far. My scale went on the "fritz" about 10 days ago so I haven't been able to weigh myself. Oh, I've also lost more than 30 inches in total (neck to ankles). I'm feeling so great! It's difficult to remember what it was like with the additional 50 pounds on. I have not experienced any side affects from the surgery...no dumping, cramping, discomfort of any kind. I sometimes wonder what's wrong with me? It doesn't seem normal that "nothing" is a problem. I mean, I feel fortunate but at the same time I wish I had some type of "go too" as negative reinforcement. Yes, sounds bad I suppose but I could use something like that for those times when I've fallen off the wagon. And I certainly have fallen a few times.
More next time.
Today I put together a goal-list to work towards. This will certainly be an on-going list with some additions and hopefully quite a few completions.
1. To see the diabetes gone forever and off medication (completed before leaving the hospital 11/24/07 after my surgery)
2. To lose 50 pounds with-in three months. (completed by 1/11/08--52 days out)
3. To be able to tie my shoes without the bows being on the inside corners. (completed by Jan 1, 08)
4. To hit the 100 lbs lost mark by my 6th month anniversary (completed 4/21/08, on my 5th month anniversary date exactly)
5. To get into the century club. (8 lbs to go), now 7 to go On 6th month anniversary I still have one pound to go until I've lost 100 pounds. Goal met!!!!!!!! 5 22/08--must've needed to complete the whole six months!
6. To be able to go shopping with my daughter and actually try on outfits not in the plus size department. (not in plus sizes anymore but haven't gone shopping with my daughter yet)
7. To wear my favorite size 10 jeans (eventhough they are ancient, they hold a lot of special memories--completed)
8. To get the plastic surgery (tummy) that I probably will need.
9. To wear a nice bathing suit and not feel self-conscious (6/21/08 completed!--went to the lake today with my little guy...actually walked out there in just my bathing suit and felt great!) ** good Lordy, two weekends ago I actually allowed myself to be photographed in a bathing suit while at the beach!!!!!!!!!!!!!
10. To get to my goal weight. (160 lbs)...22 lbs to go!--6/21/08.... 17-ish pounds to go at 7 months post-op... these last 20 are a bear! I am fluctuating up and down by about three pounds.
11. To maintain goal weight for 12 months before (probably) having tummy tuck and/or the girls lifted.
12. To dance the night away any time I want! (done several times)
7/23/08--I am exactly 7 months post-op today. Do I regret having the surgery!!!? NO WAY! I feel like I am doing great (most of the time) I still have some stressful days that I let the emotional eating creep in (too often probably)...I am constantly worried that I may have ruined my surgery/tool. Anyone have a teenage daughter... need I say more? ugggh
To date I have lost a total of 97.75 inches. It's so hard to believe. Lately the pounds haven't been moving but the my body is definately changing. That's 5.63 inches last since last month yet I'm at about the same weight...Yeah!!!
7/14/08--Life is definately interesting lately... I'm loving it! I'm down 113 pounds and 18 yet to go to meet my goal. These last 20 pounds seem to be going oh so slowly but they'll go. However, I am determined.
6/21/08-- Down 109 pounds and 92 and1/8th inches.
Feeling wonderful... doing yard work, loving being outdoors without sweating my behind off... enjoying life a lot more...stay tuned
5/22/08---Fabulous News! I hit 100 pounds lost as of this morning. I must have needed to complete that last day of the full six months! Whoo Hoo~
5-21-08 Today is my 6th month anniversary since having the RNY surgery. I am thrilled with the results so far. However, I do find myself trying to sabatoge myself. I believe it's a self-defense mechanism brought about by a child hood even. However, I try and try some more. I feel great! This evening I had my daughter do my measurments for me... to date I have lost a total of 81.88 inches (that's measuring darn near everything)... I use a great spread sheet that I made on Excel to track this. I couldn't be happier! Go me!
4-21-08 Today I hit ONE-DERLAND --also, today is my 5 month Anniversary. I've lost 91 lbs and have less than half that to go, I just can't believe it. I feel so onederful, one of the best decisions I've ever made.
Gonna be dancin' in the streets!4-11-08--I couldn't wait until my surgery anniversary date of the 21st to have my daughter measure me, so here it is.... at 20 weeks and 2 days post op I've lost a total of 68.88 inches and 89lbs. Hard to wrap my head around that! But oh so happy.
4-6-08--I hit a plateau for a while but I think I'm moving down the scale again now... Whoo Hoo! 83 lbs gone bye bye!!
3/21/08--4 month anniversary--with a total of 80 pounds gone...bye bye... don't come back3/10/08--74 pounds said bye bye too! Whoo Hoo!
3/3/08--72 pounds down... 56.88 inches gone!
14 weeks out
2-29-08--I got a new addition to the family today~ ...a sweet little Maltese puppy, her name is Baby. I can't wait to post some pictures.
2-28-08--70lbs down... 3 month follow-up appointment tomorrow!
2/14/08--12 Weeks out! ...and half way there!
1/30/08--10 Weeks out today... forgot to weigh myself, ugh! I feel Great! I'm down at least 60lbs and I've reduced by 47.88 inches.
1/29/08--I never thought I'd be so happy to hit the big "60"; down 60 lbs.
1/27/08--59 lbs down as of today... yeah!
1/24/08--I haven't posted an update in a while so here it is. I've lost 54+ lbs so far. My scale went on the "fritz" about 10 days ago so I haven't been able to weigh myself. Oh, I've also lost more than 30 inches in total (neck to ankles). I'm feeling so great! It's difficult to remember what it was like with the additional 50 pounds on. I have not experienced any side affects from the surgery...no dumping, cramping, discomfort of any kind. I sometimes wonder what's wrong with me? It doesn't seem normal that "nothing" is a problem. I mean, I feel fortunate but at the same time I wish I had some type of "go too" as negative reinforcement. Yes, sounds bad I suppose but I could use something like that for those times when I've fallen off the wagon. And I certainly have fallen a few times.
More next time.
Surgery Day
Nov 30, 2007
Surgery Day 11-21-07 -- I made it!
Wednesday the 21st of November dawn very early after a near sleepless night (due to excitement and apprehension). My surgery time is 1:15p.m. and it is a two hour ride from here to Portsmouth, VA (hospital location--obvioulsy)...so, everyone is packed and ready to go except yours truly. I can pack so well for anyone else but when it comes to myself, ugh!... Finally, all is packed and ready to go... from my daughter's "blankey (she's now 15
) right down to my personal pillow to use in the hospital. And off we go... for the two hour ride...
P-A-N-I-C of all panics, my husbands cell rings half way into the ride. It's the hospital wanting to know where I am, they came to take me to the staging area and I wasn't there,.......NO I wasn't there, I didn't have to be there until 11:15 am at the earliest.... Needless-to-say I call the hospital back after my husband tells them "we're on the way"... I needed to know what in the world was the problem. Turned out the person scheduled before me was a "NO SHOW" (can you believe that)... they came for me early. All this information they didn't mention to my very calm husband.
Soooooooooo, we get to the hospital parking lot and as we're pulling into a space I see my best friend, angel, confidant, partner-in-crime pulling in at the same time. She'd had surgery four weeks early......... oooo and looked amazing! So, in we all five walked (all five being me, my husband, daughter, 7 year old son, and best friend)...and in a flurry I wisked away to get EVERYTHING going, they were taking me up early, everything just flew by. Before I could even blink I was in a hospital gown and in a bed. The nurse came in with the IV stuff to get me all hooked up (the scariest part for me at this point was getting the IV--I'm a big baby when it comes to needles) *the nurse whelding the IV cath was great, got it started and secured in record time--and no tears... I don't think I've ever gotten an IV without my husband holding my hand! I know, I'm a baby!
Finally, in comes my husband. What a relief to see him eventhough we'd only been in separate rooms for 15 minutes or so. He always makes me feel better just knowing he is close by. Then in came the rest of the family. Before I realize it, I'm being wheeled out, giving kisses and hugs to everyone and being put on the elevator to go upstairs. My little guy went with Lo to the waiting area and my husband and 15 year old daughter when back to the staging area with me. It was nice having them there with me. I could see that my baby-girl was looking quite concerned with the whole hospital situation, it was hard to keep myself in the right frame-of-mind and worry about her too; but, she did lighten up some, I think that helped us both.
Both the anethesia doctor and the surgeon came in to chat a bit while I was in the staging area. More kisses, some goofy juice was then injected into my IV line and from there I was wheeled into the surgical sweet, I remember (vaguely), helping to get myself shifted over onto the surgery table... beyond that, it gets really F-u-Z-z-Z-Z-y.......
I'll skip the recovery room, ugh... I don't want to even go back there in my memory.....just surfice it to say that I come out of anethesia hard (as my surgeon put it)... But it was all worth it.
I'm told that when I was finally taken up to my room that the nurses who were helping me get into my hospital chair (more comfy than the bed by far) got a good giggle from me.... Apparently they went out to my family and friends and told them that I was doing Darth Vader impersonations in my chair. I was wearing an oxygen mask and I'm told that I was saying that oh so famous line "Luke, I am your father!" It's funny just thinking about that..........
It took me quite a while to regain a reasonable amount of consciousness... I stayed on the oxygen mask for more than 24 hours, then after that to the oxygen canula... needless to say my O2 readings were not what they were hoping for... my doctor decided to keep me an additional day in the hospital due to my low saturation levels... I stayed on the canula until the morning I went home.
**Let me tell you what, the nursing staff at MMC was outstanding, I can't say enough good about my stay at the hospital (other than I would have preferred to be home)....
My husband took off of work from the 21st of November until the 3rd of December. He's a very protective man when it comes to me and the kids... recovering from surgery is no exception and contrary to what I'd tell him he wanted me to "take it easy"... aside from the hernia repair the doctor said I could do everyday type things, no lifting though. God love a man that wants to take care of you (me). However, I was ready to get moving...So, he cooked, cleaned, took care of the all the kids' needs and was driver around the clock. It made me feel a little guilty for enjoying the time off, but only a little!
Recovery at home was fine. The daily Lovenox shots were the hardest part but my husband did a great job doing even that... even with my incredible non-tolerance for needles. Needless to say, come the December 2nd I was glad to see the last of the shots in my abdomen.
Life is good. My wonderful husband has returned to work (a little piece for me--but I do love him so, he took such good care of me), and the kids are back in school. I'm excited to get my "everything" moving in the right direction again. ....more later
Wednesday the 21st of November dawn very early after a near sleepless night (due to excitement and apprehension). My surgery time is 1:15p.m. and it is a two hour ride from here to Portsmouth, VA (hospital location--obvioulsy)...so, everyone is packed and ready to go except yours truly. I can pack so well for anyone else but when it comes to myself, ugh!... Finally, all is packed and ready to go... from my daughter's "blankey (she's now 15
) right down to my personal pillow to use in the hospital. And off we go... for the two hour ride... P-A-N-I-C of all panics, my husbands cell rings half way into the ride. It's the hospital wanting to know where I am, they came to take me to the staging area and I wasn't there,.......NO I wasn't there, I didn't have to be there until 11:15 am at the earliest.... Needless-to-say I call the hospital back after my husband tells them "we're on the way"... I needed to know what in the world was the problem. Turned out the person scheduled before me was a "NO SHOW" (can you believe that)... they came for me early. All this information they didn't mention to my very calm husband.
Soooooooooo, we get to the hospital parking lot and as we're pulling into a space I see my best friend, angel, confidant, partner-in-crime pulling in at the same time. She'd had surgery four weeks early......... oooo and looked amazing! So, in we all five walked (all five being me, my husband, daughter, 7 year old son, and best friend)...and in a flurry I wisked away to get EVERYTHING going, they were taking me up early, everything just flew by. Before I could even blink I was in a hospital gown and in a bed. The nurse came in with the IV stuff to get me all hooked up (the scariest part for me at this point was getting the IV--I'm a big baby when it comes to needles) *the nurse whelding the IV cath was great, got it started and secured in record time--and no tears... I don't think I've ever gotten an IV without my husband holding my hand! I know, I'm a baby!
Finally, in comes my husband. What a relief to see him eventhough we'd only been in separate rooms for 15 minutes or so. He always makes me feel better just knowing he is close by. Then in came the rest of the family. Before I realize it, I'm being wheeled out, giving kisses and hugs to everyone and being put on the elevator to go upstairs. My little guy went with Lo to the waiting area and my husband and 15 year old daughter when back to the staging area with me. It was nice having them there with me. I could see that my baby-girl was looking quite concerned with the whole hospital situation, it was hard to keep myself in the right frame-of-mind and worry about her too; but, she did lighten up some, I think that helped us both.
Both the anethesia doctor and the surgeon came in to chat a bit while I was in the staging area. More kisses, some goofy juice was then injected into my IV line and from there I was wheeled into the surgical sweet, I remember (vaguely), helping to get myself shifted over onto the surgery table... beyond that, it gets really F-u-Z-z-Z-Z-y.......
I'll skip the recovery room, ugh... I don't want to even go back there in my memory.....just surfice it to say that I come out of anethesia hard (as my surgeon put it)... But it was all worth it.
I'm told that when I was finally taken up to my room that the nurses who were helping me get into my hospital chair (more comfy than the bed by far) got a good giggle from me.... Apparently they went out to my family and friends and told them that I was doing Darth Vader impersonations in my chair. I was wearing an oxygen mask and I'm told that I was saying that oh so famous line "Luke, I am your father!" It's funny just thinking about that..........
It took me quite a while to regain a reasonable amount of consciousness... I stayed on the oxygen mask for more than 24 hours, then after that to the oxygen canula... needless to say my O2 readings were not what they were hoping for... my doctor decided to keep me an additional day in the hospital due to my low saturation levels... I stayed on the canula until the morning I went home.
**Let me tell you what, the nursing staff at MMC was outstanding, I can't say enough good about my stay at the hospital (other than I would have preferred to be home)....
My husband took off of work from the 21st of November until the 3rd of December. He's a very protective man when it comes to me and the kids... recovering from surgery is no exception and contrary to what I'd tell him he wanted me to "take it easy"... aside from the hernia repair the doctor said I could do everyday type things, no lifting though. God love a man that wants to take care of you (me). However, I was ready to get moving...So, he cooked, cleaned, took care of the all the kids' needs and was driver around the clock. It made me feel a little guilty for enjoying the time off, but only a little!
Recovery at home was fine. The daily Lovenox shots were the hardest part but my husband did a great job doing even that... even with my incredible non-tolerance for needles. Needless to say, come the December 2nd I was glad to see the last of the shots in my abdomen.
Life is good. My wonderful husband has returned to work (a little piece for me--but I do love him so, he took such good care of me), and the kids are back in school. I'm excited to get my "everything" moving in the right direction again. ....more later
I'm approved! 11/12/07
Nov 12, 2007
Today is a great day!
The surgical co-ordinator from Dr. Moore's office called this morning to tell me that I had received my approval for surgery! I'm so thrilled, what a way to start a Monday (a good way). I felt a little numb at first but thrilled just the same. My surgery date is November 21, 2007. I can't believe it's only 9 days away. First thing I did after hearing from Donna was call my best friend, Lo ( 
), to share the news with her. And, as expected, she added more excitement to my day with her positivity and enthusiasm. I don't know where I'd be without her. Most likely I'd be wearing one of those really fashionable white-wrap around jackets, you know the kind I'm talking about... yeah, the one with the neat tie in the back. 
Then I called my husband (today is also our wedding anniversary 
--how great is that?). He is very happy for me also. Next I called my sister and my mom to share with them my great news. Where do you go from here?
More later, Luv
The surgical co-ordinator from Dr. Moore's office called this morning to tell me that I had received my approval for surgery!
I'm so thrilled, what a way to start a Monday (a good way). I felt a little numb at first but thrilled just the same. My surgery date is November 21, 2007. I can't believe it's only 9 days away. First thing I did after hearing from Donna was call my best friend, Lo ( ), to share the news with her. And, as expected, she added more excitement to my day with her positivity and enthusiasm. I don't know where I'd be without her. Most likely I'd be wearing one of those really fashionable white-wrap around jackets, you know the kind I'm talking about... yeah, the one with the neat tie in the back. Then I called my husband (today is also our wedding anniversary --how great is that?). He is very happy for me also. Next I called my sister and my mom to share with them my great news. Where do you go from here? More later, Luv
Insurance paperwork!!!!!!
Nov 06, 2007
I'm getting closer! I found out this past Monday that my insurance paperwork was submitted (BCBS Regence, if anyone is familiar with them please share your explerience) on 11/2/07. I'm so happy that that is finally on it's way. I'll keep praying and crossing everything possible.
Also on Monday, I received the official diagnosis of Type 2 Diabeties. That really worries me, but hopefully with this surgery I will drop that label along with the pounds. Thankfully my doctor feels like we can control it through diet and exercise (of course) and medicine. Pricking myself twice a day is not fun at all but I will do what I must to keep as healthy as possible.
Well, more when I know more.
Also on Monday, I received the official diagnosis of Type 2 Diabeties. That really worries me, but hopefully with this surgery I will drop that label along with the pounds. Thankfully my doctor feels like we can control it through diet and exercise (of course) and medicine. Pricking myself twice a day is not fun at all but I will do what I must to keep as healthy as possible.
Well, more when I know more.
