Phyland
03/30/01:
I had my "open" VBG surgery done on 03/06/00 and as of 03/30/01, I've lost 121 pounds. I started at 261 pounds and I'm only 5ft tall. My BMI was 51. I will turn 32 at the end of May and currently do not have any children.
My surgeon is Dr Rafael Capella and I would highly recommend him. Not only is he a skilled surgeon with MANY years of experience, he has a heart of gold. He cares about his patients, not his bottom line. You can see more of my comments about him under surgeon info.
06/13/01
I was honored to be asked to speak at the free monthly informational seminar my surgeon holds each month. Last night was the first time I've spoken at one of these seminars. The girls in the office have never seen me dressed up so I thought for the occassion, I would. I went shopping and bought a dress initially intended for my new great neice's baptism but I fell in love with it so much, I decided to wear it last night. It's a size 6 petite!! As of yesterday, 06/13/01, I have now lost a total of 126 pounds. I'm now 135 pounds. A size 6 petite!! I haven't worn that size since I was a senior in HS. I almost died. It was very gratifying. No one believes me when I tell them how much I weigh but I do. I have about 15-20 pounds to go, I mostly have to tone up. Now I may be one of the moderators of my surgeon's support group. Needless to say, I'm elated. I'm also doing really well with my scar reducing product, may even get an endorsement deal with them. We'll see.
I'm actively involved in another support webpage in connection with Carnie Wilson and was privledged to be chosen to appear on the Montel Williams show which will air on July 2nd. I was "interviewed" and even though it was only for about 5 mins, it was great. Meeting Carnie was awesome and she is very REAL. She is down to Earth and hysterical. She is touched by every person she meets that has improved their lives as a result of her bringing this issue to the national arena, even though I had already had my surgery by the time she "focused media attention", it didn't matter. She has single-handedly turned the nation on it's head about this matter. I really thought she was going to make me cry when we first met. I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to meet her to do so. She's warm, honest and caring. She truly shares in your joy and understands firsthand the pain we share. MAKE SURE TO WATCH HER SPECIAL ON THE MONTEL WILLIAMS SHOW ON JULY 2ND. YOU'LL SEE ME THERE. I WAS ACTUALLY "INTERVIEWED" AND EVEN THOUGH IT WENT BY SO FAST TO WAS GREAT!!
I have had the honor of making some wonderful friends via the internet and have been lucky enough to have met some of them in person. Just because some of us are post-ops, doesn't mean we don't want to help pre-ops. It's beneficial and therapeutic for us too. We remember the pain and share in the joy.
Special mention: Susan keep your head held high. We're going to get through this I promise :)
Remember to we believe in Angels. Don't we? Until next time....God Bless..
08/02/01
I know it's been a'while since I lasted posted but I've been crazy busy. I'm now 134 and will be weighed again on August 9th when I see my stomach surgeon. I don't expect to have lost much weight since I saw him last because really I haven't done anything to promote any more weight loss. Right now I just don't have it in me and am suffering with my own physical pain. I fell and have damage to my neck and the pain can be unbearable at times and I have to have another surgery done. I have to have a revision done from my breast reduction that was done on 03/30/01. I was a 36F and am now a 34C. I have to go in to have my incisions raised and some excess skin and scar tissue removed. I expect to have that done at the end of September.
Happily, I'm "working" with a few people privately through this journey. It's been so beneficial and therapeutic for me to share my experience and be there for others, even if they haven't had the same type of bypass surgery or are simply looking into it. It truly has been a life altering event. The friends I have made via this avenue, will be forever. There aren't many I consider "friends" but for those I do, we have a special bond. We share the same plane. I will be sending in photos but not until next month. On September 6th, it will be my 1 1/2 yr anniversary since my WLS surgery and I want to have an updated picture for all of you to see. Even though my road hasn't been the smoothest one, I have absolutely NO REGRETS about undertaking this journey. I just hope I can help someone else along the way too...
Susan keep your head up, you'll see Angels all around you. We're going to make it through this. :)
Until next time....
02/11/02
I know, I know it's been forever since I've posted. I'm down to about 120 pounds...sometimes 118 pounds. It varies...The REAL reason I'm posting today is because one of my best friends just got her approval. She's having a different surgery than me, she's having a DS. I cannot be more excited and relieved than I am for her. She has been through SO much just to get here and it's truly a blessing. This is going to save her life, literally; physically, mentally, spiritually....in every way possible and no one deserves it more than she does. I'm SO proud of her for holding strong. Susan, I told you Angels were all around you and that this day would come. You will never walk down this road by yourself. I'll be with you everyday, now more than ever and wait for the day we can celebrate....WATCH OUT WORLD!!!!!
Today starts the beginning of a new life and I'm so touched that I have been able to participate and chosen to walk this path with you. I am so happy that I can share my experience and knowledge to ensure that your journey is a safe and happy one. I walked mine alone and it was quite difficult...you will never have to be in that place. I LOVE YOU and am SO proud to call you friend!!!!!
YOU GO GIRL!!!!!
