marleneh
I am a wife and mother of four. I have been doing research on weightloss surgery for a while and I finally met someone who shared with me the good, the bad and the ugly regarding weightloss surgery. I finally decided to pursue the challenge of getting rid of my extra baggage and chose Dr Bauman. I am ready to get rid of my meds and start living the life that God intended for me. My co-morbids are: Hypertension, Cronic Back Pain, Depression and Anxiety as well as Migraines.
So far, I'd completed all my pre-ops and today I met my nutritionist as well as new friend. I am feeling pretty good right now. I go for my consultation with Dr. Bauman tommorrow and he'll let me know if all is in order for submission to my insurance. I think I am havingmore anxiety about getting approved, than I am about the surgery right now. I know that God is in control and he will see me though the surgery. We'll for all those who beleive in the power of prayer, please pray for me and the many others who are getting ready to walk this journey. Be blessed everyone and I will keep you informed as things start to develop.
9/9/05
I made it to my consultation and it went great! Dr. Bauman is such a confident Dr. My husband liked him too. All went well, they have all my pre-ops except my PCP's notes. (which I requested be sent to the surgeon a month ago). I got the phone while I wa still at the surgeons office and called my PCP. Her nurse told me she forgot to send it and that should would fax it over right away. Just my luck. Other than that, my blood cound was slightly low, which we'll be working on with Iron supplements. They went ahead and submitted the request for approval, so now starts the waiting game. I am praying it's approved the first go round. I am determined to stay encouraged.
That's all for now. Be blessed my friends. I'll keep you posted.
9/13/05
Today, I received confirmation that my PCP med records have been received. It was only after numerous calls to the PCP office, that it was sent. I already can understand the frustration with dealing with Dr's staff. Everything is done in slow motion. But, I am on it. I don't mind calling and nagging and filling up their voicemail. Ifeel pretty upbeat and am just waiting to hear back from my surgeon's staff. That's all for now.
9/17/05
Guess what? I am approved! This has been a blessing. God only know how nervous I 've been about the approval process. Now I am going to get with my surgeon to get a date set. Everything is moving along just great. This week I finally told my mom and sister what I am doing. Thankfully they are supportive. That's all for now.
9/23/05
My blood level is back to normal range since I started on iron supplements two weeks ago. I had my labs checked this week and the results were sent to the surgeon. Just waiting for his ok and then we'll set a date. I am getting excited.
Lately I have been having trouble sleeping. I toss and turn and sometimes jump up out of my sleep. I spoke to the nurse about it and she said it's probably anxiety. I am still in pretty good spirits.
9/26/05
Today my surgery has been scheduled. I will be having surgery on Oct. 28. I am very excited and just a little scared. I have faith that all will go well. I will be working hard to get myself ready for it. I will follow all the doctors instructions. I am ready! Please, for those that have been here, I welcome your suggestions on how to get ready. Well, for starters, I am getting more organized, learning to prepare early. I am a last minute person and I know with this surgery, I must learn to prepare. So here I go, starting to do things before hand. Like get clothes ready at night, make sure I have fruits and veggies in the house at all times. Having protein drinks on hand. I believe I will do just fine. Have a great night folks. I'll fill you in as time gets nearer to the date!
09/30/05
Well it's now 28 days to go before surgery. i am still in high spirits and am looking forward to this. I have slowly shared with a select few and I have given my notice at work and contacted my short-term disability plan. I will need to submit my forms to them at least 5 days prior to surgery. All is continuing to move smoothly.
10/7/05
Twenty one more days to go. I am having a few mixed emotions. Maybe a slight bit of fear, but I have to lean on my faith and know that God will take care of me. I have been going through some things and I have been more preoccupied with them than with my surgery date. I have my preop appointment next week.
10/12/05
I have been so consumed with everday life, that the time is going by so fast! Sixteen days to go before surgery. My picture is now on my profile and boy do I look forward to a slimmer me. I am getting more excited as the time draws nearer. I just want to be sure all is well before I go to the hospital. I want to be sure I have all the products I will need, all the vitamins and so on. I will start shopping for my protein drinks and powders next week.
I hope I can keep myself calm after surgery. I know me, I will want to get up and clean or straighten things up because I hate seeing things out of place. I will do as much as possible to be sure I don't get too overwhelmed. I've already cleaned out my closet and the kids closets. I am pretty big on organization and I think if things are in it's right place, I will be able to relax. Well, so much for my rambling on and on. Until next time.
10/17/05
All went well at my pre-op visit on last Friday 10/14. We are all ready to go forward. I also met with the Anesthia dr. at the hospital. I got all my prescriptions that I will need the night before
and the day of surgery. Lately I have been feeling a little scared. But, I have prayed and am feeling a lote better. I believe all will go well. Just trying to make sure everything is in order. I need to order some protein powder and some containers. I want to also make a list of items to purchase to make my own protein shakes. I can't imagine that drinking the shakes for two weeks straight would be so bad. I heard lots of people comment about how awful it was to dring just shakes. We will see.
10/25/05
Three more days to go. I am ready and just waiting. I had a little scare with my bloodpressure last week, due to my own fault. My Dr. gave me a prescription to take the day before surgery and I thought it was to be taken and continued immediately. Well, my bp shot through the roof and I had to call to find out what to do. all is well, I had to go back to my reg. meds and wait until the day before surgery to start the new med. Lesson learned. I took preop photo that I will post after I go home. I have to get it on the computer first. All, and all I am feeling really good. Looking forward to this. I have gotten past my anxiety and am ready. I'll try to check in one more time before surgery. Until next time :-)
10/26/05
Well, I believe I have everything in order. two more days to go. Trying to eat light and eat right.
11/07/05
Had surgery on Oct 28 and everything went just fine. I am now on the losing side. I stayed in the hospital three days. Had a low grad fever,but quickly got over that. My drain was removed on the day of discharge and boy, what a weird feeling that was coming out. everything else was just fine. I was a little weak, but my pain wasn't as bad as I anticipated. All and all, I did really well. Now I'am on my liquid diet and I am hanging in there with it. Somedays, I just want to eat something so bad. But, most of the time, it's like clock work. Drink 2oz. of protein and in between just keep siping clear liquids. This Friday I will start my pureed soft diet. Looking forward to it. I must ad that I would recommend my surgeon Dr. Bauman to anyone. He is a blessing.
12/05/05
Wow! It's been six weeks now and I am now eating a few different meats and soft foods. No veggies or fruit yet. I feel full and satisfied pretty much most of the time. The mind plays tricks trying to tell me I want stuff that I really don't want or need. But I think I've got a hold on it. I am down 31 lbs and counting. I feel great! I just went back to work and my co-workers are very supportive as well as amazed in the quick weightloss. I started losing from the face down. I have energy and I actually enjoy walking. Thanksgiving went well. I really did not have any cravings for the Turkey and trimings. I was so tired that day after doing much of the cooking. I ended up going to bed early. I don't think I'll have any trouble for Christmas either. Well, that's all for now.
weight to date is: 229 lbs.
01/10/06
Happy New Year! Happy New Me!
It's been almost three months and all I can say is "Wow'! I have never felt better. I made it through the holidays with no trouble. I ate a few things that I should not have. But I quickly recognized what I was doing and got back on track. I even lost 10 lbs between Christmas and New Years. Last I checked, I have lost a total of 44lbs.
I really had a wonderful "WOW" moment last night. I went to GW and purchased a pair of pants . Guess what size? A 16! It's been almost ten years since I last wore a size 16. I felt so good to be able to get into those jeans. And they actually have lots of room.
I am going to be placing some new pictures on my page soon. So stay tuned for the new me. Looking and feeling good!
God bless.
Weight to date is: 214lbs.
March 14 2006
I am feeling great and my appetite is coming back with a vengence! I have to actively make sure that I am eating the right things and staying away from the carbs. I started taking chewable iron with my multi vitamins now instead of the swallow kind. Much better to digest. I am also noticing the hair shedding is slowing down a little. I was this close to cutting it all off again. My before picture shows my last short hair back in April of 2005. Since then, my hair grew quite a bit and then after the surgery, it sharted shedding and coming out in handfuls. So this has been a big issue for me.
On a lighter note, I am doing well on the weight loss. Still trying to increase my excercise. Things actually seem to be getting easier. I think that's because I know my limits and I try to set goals for myself and organize, organize, organize.
Well thats all for now. still working on sending new picture to my profile. I think you'd be pleasantly suprised at the new me!
To date weight is 190 lbs. Total weightloss 68 lbs. and counting!
April 27,2006
It's been some weeks now since I updated my profile. Busy with so much now. I am now 182 lbs. I have really been getty quite a bit of attention now that I am 75lbs lighter. I am feeling really good and just enjoying life now. This has been a wonderful journey and I am just thankful that God has allowed me to go through this.
Weightloss to date: 75lbs. current weight 182 lbs. and counting
June 22,2006
I am truely enjoying the summer right now. Having a great time! Wearing really nice outfits and getting in shape for my first ever Bike ride. Yes! Bike ride. It's a bike ride that will cover over 100 miles in two days. I still can't beleive I am doing it. I wanted to do something to celebrate my 100lb weight lost and by the time the bike ride comes around I will have met my goal (God willing).
I wanted to do something to help someone too so an event to help support a worthy cause was what I aimed for. I am so excited!
I am eating a little more, my urges for carbs has come back, but I am working through it. I feel a little more hungry at times now. I also am watching for trigger signs. This is so important. All and all, everything has been just wonderful!
Until the next entry, be blessed and keep moving.
current weight 171lbs.
My bike tour is in a few weeks and I am really working hard on preparing for it. Because of this, I am losing weight again. Currently I am at 162 lbs. I feel great, I look great and it's just a blessing. I will keep you all posted on how I do on the bike tour.
God bless.
current weight 162lbs.
Bike tour was this past weekend and I rode 70 miles in 7.5 hours. It was great! I still can't beleive I did it. This is one of my greatest accomplishments. I can't tell you how wonderful this experience has been for me. I have also made my Century mark! Yes 100 lbs gone! Today my current weight is 158lbs. I did it! Now starts the real work. Keeping it off.
God Bless you all til the next entry.
Current weight 158 lbs!
Aug. 27, 2007
Wow! It's been such a long time since I last updated you all. All is well, and I am feeling great. The appetite has come back with a vengence. I am working really hard not to eat too much bad stuff. I can tolerate more food which is not good. I do have a sweet tooth again, but I am trying to choose good things. I have joined a gym and for a better part of the year, I have been doing good going and exercising. I am getting ready for this year's bike tour. I will update my results on my profile.
Cheers.
Current weight 154 lbs.
Well this month is my big bike tour and I am really working hard at gettingthe old body ready. I feel good and I am in great shape. Pray that I complete the whole ride.
Be blessed.
Hoding steady at 154lbs.
Oct 28, 2007
Happy anniversary to all that share my rebirthdate! It's had to beleive it's been two years already. It feels like just yesterday I was scared and waiting to have the surgery. My, how time flies when you're having fun!
Still holding strong at 154lbs.
Nov9, 2007
Well the bike ride went just fine. I finished at 105 miles. I think that was great! I was in much better shape this year! I was full of energy and did not feel so bad after. I was able to enjoy the rest of the day after finished the ride. Walked around and enjoyed the afternoon. It was great! I volunteered last month in a Women's triathalon. I wanted to see how it would be to do one and it looks pretty doable. So, guess what? Next year, I'll be doing the Women's triathalon.
I look back over my life and I think of how much fun life is. I am thankful everyday that I made the decision to have the surgery. I think of all the fun stuff I would be missing out on had I not made the couragious decision to have the surgery. I amso grateful.
Gained a pound and a half,but I am all over it. Going to start hitting the trails really hard now that the weather is getting cooler. Putting the bike up and opting for speed walking and jogging.
Until next time. God bless you all.
Marlene
155.5lbs
It has been a while since I have been on my profile. Not to worry, things have been going great! Still maintaining the weight. I am at 159 lbs to date. I am working on losing about 4lbs. I want to keep my weight at 155. So, I am re-evaluating my eating because I really have started eating morethan I should. I looked at one of my before pics and I was quickly reminded of why I put myself through all of this. So, back to the measuring food I will go.
Well, just checking in and please view my new pics. God Bless you all.
Marlene
159lbs.
