suzznn
36 Yrs Over weight all my life.BMI 40,w/back problems ,Body and joint pain,SEVERE DEPRESSION, High Cholesterol, among other things. Have appt with PCP to fill out and submit paperwork to HMO on 6-11-02 . Have first step on the road to a new life. God willing ! 6-11-02 Had an appt with a new Psych Dr for depression and to ask about getting an o.k. for surgery and 1/3 of the way through the appt she said I certianly qualify,WHOO HOO. 2 wks to PCP paperwork.
6-18-02 went to Dr. Have been getting Migraine Headaches, and not eating lost 8lbs put my BMI Under 40...Bummer, But she is sending for X-Ray and sleep test, to find something that will qualify me for Insurance,they want serious co-morbids, and mine are not that severe....(yet) Back is still Bad But I will never give up. Depressed? YES but will not give up or in. Will Update again soon.
7-4-02 Happy 4th of July !!! Got letter regarding X-Rays have narrowing of the L3 & L4 In back have appt on 7-16-02 to discuss this with Dr, Pain very severe using Tens unit to block or zap pain PT didnt help discontinued that for now. we will see what happens, I am keeping hopes high dr will put in for surg I can only hope.
7-16-02 Saw Dr Today BP was high since last visit upped meds, pain in back still bad Upped meds Yeech, Put In questionnare for sleep study they will call with referral.Gained 10lbs Dang !I havent even tried Just Depressed is all... Told her this is all working TOWARDS having surgery !!! I will not give up, Next appt 8-8-02 Hope all is well with everyone will update when have more news.
8-3-02 Got a call from the sleep study center have an appt for consult on 8-27 and the actual sleep study on 8-30, My kids say I snore louder than my husbnd and I cough and gasp in my sleep,(I dont even realize I do this )I must be driving them nuts ! Found out my med grp has gotten approval for referrals to Crown Bariatric so things are looking up. Had my picture taken at work all I wanted to do was CRY I am soooo Fat I put a post it note over my more than half side and put a a smiley face on it, WLS here I come !!!!! I will Post more when I go to Dr on the 8th.
8-10-02 Saw Dr she said I was taking too much BP meds adjusted it,Dr said that I have to wait to see what sleep study says,We are getting new ins at work. It covers WLS 100%!!! WHOO HOO. My Dr says the Med Grp will take all ins, Made appt for Hubby to start process for WLS he finally said O.K. so I will post more when I Do sleep study.
8-17-01 Found out more about New Ins, WLS 100% coverage (Cheaper Premiums too.) And I can go directly to Surgeon or bariatric Grp without a referral from PCP My Boss approves too. Takes Effect OCT 1st, still gonna go through sleep study and any other tests for documentation. I am glad I have Waited God Answers Prayers to those are faithful in asking and having a vast amount of faith.will post more when I know more :0).
8-22-02 Yep New Ins. was everything I needed and better...will be calling Dr's for an Intake appt after oct 1, I am on my way. WHOO HOO HOO HOO !!!!
8-29-02 O.K. Ready for my sleep test dont know if I will be able to sleep. Called Crown Bariatric they said Dr wont contract with PPo's and I have to pay up front, Well I guess I will look elsewhere for another Dr. The Human resources at work has been busy so I will ask more questions when the ins effective date draws nearer. I will post more about the sleep study when its over.Zzzz snore Zzzz.....:0)
9-4-02 Had the sleep test and it was rough the first half but after the second half I had the CPAP machine I slept like a ROCK wow what a difference. I have an Appt with PCP on the 13th to discuss the results(leaning towards sleep apnea) the technican was nice and helpful, I hated the goo in my hair :oP sooo I will post more on the 13th....((((Start Every day with a prayer.))))
9-13-02 O.K.Went to PCP **Have sleep apnea *** Picked up the CPAP Machine today. Dr sending in a referral for consult with surgeon. have gallbladder / liver ultrasound
9-23-02 finally they know what I have all along I Do Need surgery! Wow something is finally happening. Praise God.
9-23-02 Went had Ultrasound...Ouch....had Blood work...Ouch Ouch...more stuff done....Now the waiting begins, I have to call the new insurance and "Transist" for the cpap machine tens unit and begin to Look For a surgeon that takes the PHCS PPO's Contracted amt for surgery. I will Know More when I can get a hold of them. They are very busy people... Will update more when I can. (smile God Loves You)
9-24-02 Got a Letter from the doc for the Blood Tests,High Cholesterol and High ALT Liver levels, Says Lose Weight and Eat Low Cholesterol diet....HMMM Ya Think I need to have surgery,Now??? This is Kinda scary Now I am Gettin serious about this Life changing tool... Bring it on!!! I called a couple of Dr's in Orange County and One called me back, changed Ins to Principal/Admar. from PHCS so Hopefully DR LePort in Fountain Valley Takes the Contracts,Dr Quebbeman In Huntington Beach Might Too those are the two choices I have been able to dig Up from the Provider List.so time will tell.....God Is Good !!!!!
9-30-02 Called DR LePorts Office in Fountain Valley today they Said I have to go through Class at Smart Dimensions, Have Appt for 10-22-02 at 10:00am, Then Have An O/C appt for DR Ali at 3:15pm the Same day, Whoo Hoo !!! GOD IS SOOO GOOD. !!!! WoW!!
10-14-02 well the last week was miserable and I still feel icky,depressed I am on new meds and they call me wobbles Cant walk straight or type I still am keeping the 22nd appt!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEEEE HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEEE !!!!!!!!
10-22-02 Had My class well sort of missed the class and DeDe at Dr Le Ports ofc was kind to do a one on one personal class. Met the Dr Ali very nice man. the girl forgot to measure me and take my picture, the PA was a doll. I think they had a little prob because they called me last 4:00, the girl didnt like me i had to ask them if they wanted my co payment hope I wont have to see them again til surgery, (the front desk girls & the girl who takes the vitals and weighs you) everyone else was wonderful. so now they send in the information to the ins co and the wait begins,They said any pre-op tests can be done here.
10-24-02 Saw a DR leightman and he is going to fill out the psyche eval. am off work till next mo. 10-28-02 I talked to insurance company they havent gotten the papers yet. So calledDr. Ali's office and told Vanessa that they need to fax them to the insurance company and to fax over the psych eval to my Dr. here, She will give a message to Mary. I called @ 12:53PM, I was told by Principal that it takes 24-48 Hrs for approval. now getting Dr. Ali's office to move....I will call back friday to seee what's up.
10-30-02 Called and TT Dee Dee and she said my file and LMN hasnt been sent to insurance, so I gave her the number one more time. She said the girl that does these has been out and working 1/2 days so she would try to get mine done ASAP. I even offered for cancellations any if at all, So please oh please Lord give me patience and peace to wait for an approval date....... God is always good.
11-1-02 called again to ins (no PPwork has been faxed)to them. called lite dimensions and tt ofc manager, I explained that no one was very nice to me and even tho the dr was late I still didnt get to see him til 4:00pm and I had to ask to get them to take my co-pay well it was all my fault I "was being paranoid" yeah really something to tell a patent, makes me comfortable!!! I asked when the ppwprk was going to be sent she said sat and to check tues, oncee I get a date I will start preops, I just hope that they Communicate better then I would not be upset and more understanding towards them.I know that the girl that writes the LMN's had surgery and hasnt been in all week,but why didnt they tell me that they had phone problems and computer computer problems. now the mo of dec is booked. GGGGGRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!
11-5-02 TT to Dr Leports office ppwork was faxed on 11-2-02, TT Cheyenne at the Ins and she hasnt seen the ppwork but was sending out an E-Mail to locate it so we will see, finally something is happening 24-48 hrs yes/no!!!!!! She needed to have the ppwork re-faxed, Drs Offce was very kind on this(must have been a slow morning :o)......Praise the LORD!!!!!!!!!!
11-14-02 Have been going back and forth with Drs office and Insurance sooo I finally told them to fax it one more time (It didnt go through btw) and then put it in an envelope and mail that ppwork, so lets cross those fingers and Pray...
11-20-02 Cheyenne called me and said SHE GOT MY PAPERWORK!!!! one on the fax and one in the mail,WHOO HOO!!!! so she will change My Dr to DR Leport due to Dr Ali Not having a Contract with Ins co. You have to check these almost daily, and change Hosp to Orange County Memorial due to Fountain Valley not renewing the contract, LMN said date 12-31-02, But I dont expect to have surg til end of Jan Beginning of Feb, Cheyenne said I should know by This Mon WEEEEEE..........hopefully prayerfully it will be an approval !!!! its gonna be a long wait til Mon !!! Bless the day !!!! 11-25-02 Approved Approved Approved Approved Approved Approved Approved !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Letter goes out to Dr. today !!!!What a thing to be thankful for!!!! God is good !!!! Whoo Hoo!!! Approved I am doing the happy dance!!!!! Wow !!!!! Principal Financial PPO is the best and the approval is good for six months 11-25-02 Dr. Leports office called and said I was approved(I already knew) and we set a date 2-12-03. They gave me 1-28-03 but I need to work a couple of months first, so it's worry and wait and get the Pre-ops done. Had Dr. Leports office fax over to Psych Dr. the evaluation forms so i can get that done, All for now Woo Hoo!!!!!! Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Thank God !!!!
11-26-02 Saw my Psych Dr. He would not do a Psych evaluation....Didnt want the liability. I will ask my Psychologist to do it. Pray.
12-04-02 O.K. Talked to my boss he said anytime in march,so I will call tomorrow and re-schedule my surgery date (I can handle 2 more weeks I think):0) hopefully I will get the first week. In March......Pray and God Smiles ! 12-05-02 Rescheduled surgery for March 5th 2003, so that's good for all involved and i am sure most people don't reschedule on purpose but it's exactly 90 days away and so it must be for a good reason, and i am happy i can get the time off, 90 days Pre-op and then i will be on the losing side. God is good! I will update more as things happen, Bye for now..... 12-13-02 Work is o.k. and family is getting ready for the holidays and I am counting the days til surgery I Hope everyone has a happy holiday season merry merry !!!!!
12-20-02 The year is winding down and the weeks are flying by, I am getting psyched for this surgery,I am very thankful I have time to get my house in order so to speak, I find myself really choosing to enjoy the foods of the holiday instead of inhailing my food like a hoover vacume, been happy and kind of have been having to deal with some difficult situations at work with some people, Due to my leave of absence from oct through beginning of december, but I am taking it one week at a time and hopefully all will be well ........eventrally, just frustrating to really go down the school of hard knocks road.....people can be cruel and unforgiving at times but I have to keep faith that these people will generally go on with life....well thats my "update" such that it is, emotionally speaking........Merry Christmas everyone..!!!!
1-5-03 Happy New Year, Dr. Ali's office called me on Friday 1-3-03 and confirmed the date for me. it's a go for 3-5-03 and she will let me know. What hopital will I be going to, OCMemorial most likely, 58 days until re-birthday, I am scared and happy but anxious and time is flying by. I will get more info from Dr. Ali's office soon on Preops. I will post more soon.
1-6-03 I went to see Dr. Leightman my Psychologist and he got the paperwork for thr psych evaluation from Dr. Ali's office and he will do it next week.....yay maybe I won't be nuts after all who knows.... it will be 500 questions i guess...It will be an adventure to see what this outcome will be. I will post more as soon as i know something, I am gonna check with Golds Gym on a membership to work out after surgery. 1-13-03 Had my psych evaluation today and It was three separate tests one was 534 questions two was 174 questions and the last one was 436 questions I did it just under two hours and they are being sent off to be read and he will call me to go over the results when they come back,I felt like I was back in school taking the SAT's again...my back hurt from hunching over the desk....glad thats over with. I didnt really want to come back to finish so I pushed to get it done an I didnt even cheat by just marking in the answers eather...A proud Day indeed, hopefully I will get clearence for surgery. Maybie I will see whats going on in my head too...GOD IS GOOD....A good friend of mine Yoli Is having surgery on wed by the same Dr at the same Hospital I am praying she has a safe surgery and a speedy recovery. 1-19-03 My boss asked me to postpone my surgery till the end of April, The approval is only good for six months so I should be able to schedule for 4-23-03, A co-worker is having neck surgery and will be out 3-4 months, man am I BUMMED "it's elective" so therefore not a priority,I cannot believe it, I can only pray that it is Gods will and it will all work out. I will post more when I get any news. I am not to question for God knows my needs. Prayer and patience are things I need most right now.
1-20-03 Called surgeons office TT Tanya re-scheduled for April 23,2003. And the insurance co says if I need an extension I will have to submit a letter from my employer, my Dr and it isnt even guaranteed to be extended another 2 mos, So I am pushing for the 23rd of April, I will stand my ground, There are no final for sure written in stone rules for this game,I guess it will let me have more time for preparations, purge and clean the house save money earn more sick time. If it is Gods will he will reveal his plan in his own time. Til next time ....
2-4-03 Well its FEB and time is going along at a somewhat fast pace at least I am busy at work, Every day I count the days (like they will go faster) and I feel like april will not ever get here, but the kids will be out of school for Easter Break and this will work, My Mom in law will be moving closer to us so it might be a help with the kids while I am recovering....Hope Hope Hope, wating for the Psych eval to come back. So its wait wait wait and wait some more. bye for now.....God Bless
2-14-03 Happy Valentines day! Dr Ali's office called to schedule pre-ops since I am close to surgery I wonder if they didnt look at the schedule and see I changed it to 4-23-03 hmmmmm curious....started to go over psych eval tests but didnt have enough time to go through all of it " Have some things to work on " so we have alot to work on I guess, til next appt. Keep a prayer in your heart and a song on your lips.
2-21-03 Called back Dr Alis office at the and they got the schedule change and 4-23-03 At 7:30am. And we scheduled my dietary consult at the hospital for 4-15-03. They wanted the psych consult and I said it was on its way and they have a new form so I had them fax it to Dr Leightman. And they need a cardiac test and clearence, so now I need to find a Cardiologist here in my area, so things are moving along.I will call to see what kind of rates they have at the Ramada so I can make reservations. EIGHT WEEKS TO GO......And I found out at work that they may be getting a good rate at Golds Gym so that will be good ...Pray enough people sign up......Til next time.....God Bless
2-23-03 Well I submitted my request for time off for surgery on 4-23-03 to the boss, With a letter explaining when my approval expires (4-25-03) And that I have made reservations at a hotel in the area, so I am sure this will get his attention, I said I will have "Faith" that we could work this out. So all I can do now is wait. Faith Faith & Faith.
2-28-03 Saw psych Dr he said that he will be sending a letter to the Surgeons ofc releasing me for surgery, Called The Cardiologist today they are going to call me back next week to schedule me for the tests on Mar 17th to see Dr Feldman here in my local area, things are moving along really well, Pray for the time off to be approved, psych Dr Says It is now a need not an elective situation anymore. Til next time.....God Bless OMG Marilyn Did a GREAT job fixing my profile !!! Wow whatta difference this makes (makes me feel better too. THANK YOU MARILYN !! I went to the Cardiologists to fill out paperwork and make appt 3-19-03 at 3:00pm. Ready to roll, **** I need Prayer another person at work is out sick and I Talked to the Boss and he said the goal is that he doesent have to make me cancel or reschedule.So the Goal is PRAY FOR ME ******** Nite out tonite w/out kids and DH whoo hoo! God bless.... til next time
3-14-03 Hi all 39 days and a wake up so they say, I am getting anxous and excited again. I will be getting the Time off, THANK YOU !!! to the boss he will not be forgotten, (he wont forget me any time soon eather) another psych appt on the 27th, I saw my primary care DR told her of the after care she needs the protocol and I will be set, work needs the DRs note signed LOA forms and the disability info for the deductible money I have them take out of my check for the hospital. so time goes by almost only a month.....God bless and til next time.....
3-19-03 Went to Dr Feldman, will clear me for surgery...Is gonna send a letter to Dr Ali's Office this week, This is very good,time is getting very short need to start taking Iron suppliments on the 2nd of April, So far this is pretty easy. Dr Feldman said he supports my decision to have this surgery.
3-21-03 TT to the girl at Smart Dimensions and she said I could do my pre-ops on the 15th of april, At 9:15am for Bloodwork,Chest Xray nothing to eat after midnight, and sign consent forms and I asked if I would have to register for the hospital she said No but I will ask again, Then I will have my dietary consult at 6:00pm at the hospital. so I guess we can go have lunch at the beach like old times, I should start Iron suppliments and no asprin products 2 weeks before surgery. If we do pre-ops early it will save on at one or two nights at the hotel. we might drive down there the morning of surgery. Only if I dont have anything else I have to be down there for on mon or tues. So I will make sure of that, 32 days and a wakeup :o} til next time GOD BLESS !!!
3-25-03 29 Days and counting.....Finish up psych consult this week and I get the letter from the cardiologists office, I cannot wait now under a month !!! TTFN
4-2-03 Well Its going fast folks, I got a call from Dr Ali's Ofc to confirm the pre-op appts today, called the cardiologists office letter was sent for release to have surgery last week and I go in for a Holter monitor on 4-9-03 and the echo cardiogram the
4-10-03 these are extra tests because I took Phen-Fen and Redux I am already cleared for surgery. Dr Leightman I will see him one more time the 14th to get the letter for psych consult,and have him fax it as well as carry a copy to Dr Ali's office. Wow 20 days and a wake up. And if ya want to get haughty about it only 11 more days at work ! I think people are getting excited for me they keep asking if I am getting excited and nervous, tick tick tick ....goes the clock
4-09-03 Ok well I am wearing this Holter monitor .... damn this thing is wired everywhere, this is gonna be a challenge to bathe around it and sleep with glad I Only have it for 24hrs and the tape itches ahhhhhhhh, I have the echocardiogram tomorrow at 6:00pm, 12 days and counting, I must really get crackin on everything,I am running out of time, I submitted my photos to kricket and her team hopefully the before huge pictures will be up soon,well til next time .....God bless
4-12-03 MIGRAINE AHHHHHHHHH.....went to urgent care, 2 shots not gone prescription meds not gone, i feel like my worlds gonna implode....4-11-03 NOT A GOOD DAY !!!! Saw Psych dr and he said letter to be faxed monday 1st thing. My hubby has some changes at work bad ones PLEASE PRAY FOR HIM.I am pleading with anyone who reads this to please pray for him !!! 10 more days to go...
4-16-03 Pre-Ops Done, they did Bloodwork,EKG,Urine test,ultrasound for liver spleen abdominal area,X-Ray,Upper GI,And arterial blood gas ((((OUCH)))),Dietary Class out of the way. Now I have to get the Psych eval faxed over Cardiologist clearence faxed over, and primary DR. Clearence faxed over,and I filled out all the paperwork ! Now I am set for the 23rd I have to be at the Hospital at 5:15am for surgery at 7:30am. Everyone was very helpful and Great, Now the wait begins and they gave me the MOM (milk of magnesia) to take Tuesday with clear liquids, Can You say Reality Check ?! I met a couple of real nice people while I was there and it really made the time go fast, I was at the hospital from 8:30am to 3:00pm then from 6:00 to 8:00pm so the tests are really time consuming. We did have a Great Lunch In Newport Beach Joes Crab Shack, Good food and Great View !!!
4-19-03 I had a nasty fall at work my last day before surgery,Tripped over the corner of the sidewalk where the gravel was suppose to be filled in, Wham down on both knees and left elbow,this was even before I clocked in, I had to go to the Urgent care and I badly bruised both knees and elbow, My back tighened up from the fall so No work on thurs,I see the Girl for Leave of absence on monday to fill out paperwork, This last few days are going fast, wondering if Kricket got my pictures ? Using the Spiromiter for deep breathing and trying to not have any last minute anxiety attacks....three days and a wake up,My Brother called gave him the date and contact info to he could call everyone. I know with the Lords hand to guide me and the surgical team all will be fine and I will recover quickly,I have a positive attitude and a very strong faith.God Bless.....Til next time, I will Try to post before Tuesday if theres any news. Happy Easter !!!
4-21-03 Ok Ok Ok Its going fast,All Clearences are in except the one from the Primary Dr, It was Dictated and needs to be typed up and faxed to Dr Ali,in the Morning, We will be leaving early for Fountain valley so I can Hand Deliver the clearence letters for Jo at Dr Ali's Office before 5pm. We will get a hotel room and I will drink My MoM and be on all liquids tues, this will be my last post before my turn at bat so to speak, I will post as soon as I can when I get home. Sunday or monday, only God Knows. God Bless and Take care everyone!!!
4-27-03 I am Baaaccck, The Journey has started well. I had Surgery at 7:30am the 23rd and it lasted for 3.5 hrs and I was in recovery for 1 hr and in ICU for 24hrs and then regular room til sunday, had PCA pump til friday afternoon with demerol for breakthrough pain with the morphine. Sat only regular meds and darvocet sat and sun, sent home with lovaral, tough road ride home.... Got here and here I am. Thank you all for the support I will update soon.
4-29-03 went to pcp w/hubby couldnt resist usning the scale. and I have lost ****9lbs***** forever, I lost 6 lbs before surgery for a grand total of 15 lbs YAY I am so proud.
5-3-03 Well everything is going O.K. I guess I am Tired all the time.I had a really BAD dumping episode, I ate some jello they sent home from the hospital with protein in it (it was in ice all the way home then in fridge)so it was good But....it wasnt sugar free and they didnt tell me !! I was writhing in pain for 4 hrs and was have Diareah, Now I will never touch sugar again!!! I had some stomach pain and spasms before the dumping, and I went to the ER and they did a CT scan Every thing is O.K. I had to drink this Nasty nasty Nasty Stuff (contrast liquid) and they gave me a shot for the stomach pain, I see DR Ali on the 6th for my check up and I hope I "offically Lose something" I dont want to eat or have any appetite so I have to remind myself to Eat !!! well I will up date when I see the DR on Tue. God Bless Til Next time.... 5-8-03 Sorry its been a while, I went for my 2 wk check up Lost 12lbs,6lbs before surgery. I feel yuccky Tired and my left leg (Calf) Hurts Going to urgent care today to see if its something to worry about, I feel Hot all the time and want to have a fan on me , wonder if its my body healing, Ice Water hurts to drink so Dr said room temp liquids,only I CRAVE ICE WATER! 6 more days on full liquids, Now I am glad I didnt go back to work after 2 weeks. well I will Update when I get back from urgent care.....
5-9-03 Went to the ER everything O.K. with my leg,I weighed (cant stand to pass a scale without checking) I now weigh 215 ! I think that I am not getting enough protein I am trying! Hubby says I am pale, never underestimate how much this surgery takes out of you, well I must go and try to take care of myself, sip sip sip water, I only eat 3 times a day maybie I will try 4 to get more protein. til next time.....
5-13-03 Woke up this morning around 3am with a migraine headache and have been fighting it all day,Taking 1/2 vicodin for the pain not really sick to my stomach but a little queasy. This is the first since the 4-12-03 so might be hormonal,havent eaten but I am going to try some yogurt I know this is bad but what can I do ? I need to have the meds I take in the gelcaps changed everytime I take them they feel like it gets stuck and I want to get sick and it hurts This is not Good !!! well tomorrow is a better day (hopefully) til next time......
5-17-03 Noting much has been going on but I am really really tired,dont know if it may be lack of vitamins,B-12,Iron or what If I dont feel better by Monday I will call the Surgeons ofc, I thought it may be lack of water but I have upped that and really concentrated on More protein, I have been suffering Insomnia again,and this morning I woke up sick to my stomach,and when I finally slept some I woke up with pain under my left rib,after I ate something It seems to have gotten better,I hope in time all this will resolve itself,well off to drink more water....
5-22-03 Went back to work on modified duty in another dept til they do the MRI on my knees and determine the cause of the grinding in them (it's pretty bad) so now all I do is desk work.I weighed myself and am now 207. pretty Proud of that ! I have been sick and unable to eat much, so I will stay on liquids a while longer they dont give me trouble, and ease into different foods later I just get frustrated with anything else. The knee DR says NO Exercise period. well I will update again soon.
5-28-03 I THINK I HIT MY FIRST PLATEAU.....STILL AT 207 BUT I AM TRYING TO GET MORE PROTEINS IN EVEN THOUGH I AM CRAVING ALL THE WRONG THINGS (MUST BE HEAD HUNGER) I TRY TO MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICES AND STAY WITH WHAT I KNOW WILL GO DOWN EASY AND STAY THERE. I GO FOR MY MRI ON MY KNEES ON JUNE 2ND AND THEN I HOPE THEY WILL RELEASE ME TO MY OWN DEPT. I CURRENTLY AM ON MODIFIED DUTY (SITTING DOWN)AND NOT DOING ANY WALKING OR EXERCISE SO I GUESS A PLATEAU IS EXPECTED! I AM FEELING BETTER AND BETTER EVERY DAY SO I AM GLAD. THERE IS SO MUCH TO FIT IN WATER,VITAMINS,FOOD.GEEZE THIS IS NOT EVEN THE EASY ROAD!!! TALK TO YA LATER. GOD BLESS
6-6-03 Had the MRI on knees the cartlege under both kneecaps thrashed,now I see an Ortho Doc, Now down to 200 whoo hoo from 242 plus the 6lbs lost before surgery total loss 48lbs gone forever...just starting to get energy level back and feeling like I can work full 8hr day, eating well, somethings make me violently sick chicken was one so I will stick to what I know. I will be released from mod duty on the 18th yay cant wait. well thats all for now.....
6-11-03 It's been a year since I started my Journey to start the new improved me, and it has been a long road, I weighed myself today and I am finally below the 200 mark 197 its not much but it IS below 200 ! in seven weeks I have lost 45 pounds. I have had some abdominal pain but the doc says I might have pulled something when I had a bad reaction to something I ate, I will wait and see if it gets better, I am off all meds except the anti depressants and feel 100% better ! Eating is a challenge always but I manage to get by and make the better food choices and drink water !!! Well it has been a great choice for me and I am Glad I made it ! Now If I could only find something to wear ! 6-19-03 I saw my PCP today by her scales I weigh 195.......I see Dr Ali the 20th so we will see what his say,still struggling with food. Eating No Carbs at all just protein and fresh veggies and drinking lots of water,will update this weekend after I see Dr Ali.....Til next time
6-22-03 Well all went well with Dr Ali He says I am eating too fast and to eat slower and it will be better thats why I am having pain in my side and abdomen need to eat one bite every 10 minutes YIKES I may never eat 1/2 a cup of anything,I weighed in at 198.5 but this is due to my monthly water weight gain so this too shall pass, they said I am ahead of the charts and doing good.well that is all for now I wont see Dr Ali anymore my PCP will be taking care of me from here on out. Til Next time...... 6-29-03 Well I am at 191 whoo hoo I am happy with that and feel great. I have been doing better limiting the carbs and eating slower,and drinking more water and the 6 & 1/2 lbs have fallen off,I walked a lot this last weekend and it is better I need to find a treadmill (cheap) it has been hot here 112 today and I wont go outside, hopefully I will take some updated Photos This week and E-Mail them to Kricket and her team to post. TTFN
7-7-03 Went to the PCP today, Feeling Bad and have been on some new BC pills to prevent migraines and I havent stopped my monthly visitor in 3 weeks so we switched pills and she did some blood work to see if I am anemic and need b-12 I feel so run down and tired and suddenly I dont want to eat anything my pouch hurts whenever I eat solid foods and so I will try liquid/soft foods for a week to see if that helps. I have lost another 9lbs! Bring the total from highest weight 59 lbs I can get into a size 16 and a large shirt, I just wish that my thighs and stomach would catch up to the rest of me, seems to me that I am shrinking from both ends top and bottom but when they will meet in the middle god knows, I have tried the flinstone vitamins with extra iron to bring up the blood levels hopefully this will work. I just want the weakness and tiredness to go away.... Til Next time. Yippe I got Updated pictures!!These are only at 10 weeks!! Big Difference, I am still wearing the size 22 pants and so that doesent indicate the true size of my bottom half, I am 3 lbs to my stated drivers license weight at least I wont feel like I am Lying all the time,I went shopping for bras and I can get into a 36C from a 40D wow those smaller ones are cuter indeed (The Bras not the Girls), well eating is still a struggle, absoultely No Breads they and I dont agree, I guess thats good. Bloodwork cameback O.K. so I must be doing something Right! Til Next time. 7-22-03 Well I am off to the ortho Dr in the morning 8am sharp, I feel worn out and tired have had a real bad weekend last weekend I went to the doc for a UTI and was given Cipro XR for it then the next day had the most massive headache (not a Migraine) I have experienced in my life went back to the urgent care they gave me a shot and I went home to rest then that evening the pain never went away I ended up in the ER they gave me an IV and wow it hurt fluids and more meds better but not going to take any more cipro, messed up my stomach bad eating is a challenge now, I just try to stay away from the bad stuff. Ate pork at work today and I was sick never again I cannot tolerate anything other than Beef this is too weird, oh well I just keep on trying .......drink drink drink water. where is the protein train stop I need to get on it.... Now I am offically at my DL weight. Bye for now til next time . 7-28-03 Well I am down another 3lbs and I havent been skipping the carbs... But I need to change that...Got the Approval in the mail today that my husband Jeff Is Approved for surgery... Thank GOD now his journey is starting he needs it.......been depressed and down Praying alot and doing a lot of soul searching and turning my heart back where it belongs to GOD and put him First in everything, I have so much to be thankful for. God Bless til next time ........
7-30-03 Well I have been exercising and using the Walk away the pounds cardio tapes and I am very proud of myself and I have more energy, drinking more water, Food is becoming more and more LESS of an issue I just eat what I need and then off I go no real "Meals" anymore, Just one less block to get over every day. I guess I had to get over obsessing about what to eat or not to eat stick to what I know and I cannot go wrong, I am going to try the insopure drinks from GNC to see if they will help get the extra protein in everyday..... Til next time God Bless 8-15-03 Well I went to dr lost 7 more lbs according to her scale thats O.K. Have been having female problems and this is not good bloated and PMS FROM HELL....my family wants me to move out but I know this too will pass. I have a appt with the GYN dr and hopefully we will straighten out these problems.well TTFN til next time.........
8-18-03 Have been having the headache from satan himself, Went to the ER on sat night early sun morning and they did a mri and CT scan everything came out clear then went back to dr today still in pain since friday and I have lost 7 more lbs in 3 days, she gave me some med and I am better for now, had to call out from work (hope that I dont get into any more trouble) but what can I do It isnt my fault I get these awful headaches that last from 1-to-3 days all I survive on is water, I hate them so much disrupts my whole life, I get the works there isnt a symptom I dont experience. All I can do is take preventative measures, and hope that anyone whom doesnt understand what I go through is to walk a mile in my shoes. I am venting because I feel that people dont understand headaches and they say take some asprin and get over it, it isnt that easy, its just like obesity its a disease and there is really not any cure, just suffering. well TTFN and God Bless....
09-09-03 I know it has been a long time since I have posted, Things have been getting better, I eat very small protein meals a day and have been trying to drink more water. I am down to 160 (maybie lower) I do not own a scale but every day at least 3 people say havent you lost weight !!! Feels really good to hear that, I know that the weight redistributes itself its eather pounds lost or inches lost. I am wearing mediums and 14 pants, old habits die hard I am hanging onto the size 16s just cause they are roomy. I have an appt to see the gyn doc to get the raging hormones under control, I hate it but what cha gonna do? Hubby is getting ready for all the tests cardio doc, surgery consult...ect... hopefully we will have his date soon and get his surgery over with. Dear Lord I am Praying !!!!! I need to exercise more and I am getting motivated slowly the weather is improving so I will be able to start walking outside soon.... well I will update more after the docs appt. TTFN
09-12-03 Went to doc she kept me on BC pills and is sending me for ultrasound tests to look for anything unusual, But holding my own at 160, I know I will drop more after my period this usually happens, Dr says we are gonna try to only have a period 4 times a year. To keep the hormones from dropping and causing the migraines, I will schedule a tubal ligation in Jan after my Husband has his Surgery in December. He got a date Dec 3rd!!! I am overjoyed 11 more weeks and we will be a losing "couple" !!! whoo hoo .....I will keep this updated.... I am doing better. Struggling still with food but that will be expected....Must banish the carb demon !!! TTFN
10-02-03 Ok Ok I have been bad and all I can do is start a new day The carb demon has had me possessed and I am shaking him off and trying to eat only protein, I have been on a plateau of my own making (((distressing to say the least))) My WLS angel at work gave me some isopure to try and hopefully start the weightloss again. I am trying to drink more water, and not beat myself up over not eating right so I am pretty depressed, I need to lose another 40 lbs and I will do it no matter what, I have been stressed and I know this will pass too...... I have lost 6lbs in the last 6 weeks EEEEKKKK. NOT COOL. So start with the protein water and no carbs.........Will update when things get better......TTFN
10-11-03 Been having pain in right side of body under ribs and went to ER twice they said was gall bladder ultrasound showed gall stones. been taking lortab for pain,have appt tuesday at 3pm for surgical consult to see if they need to have it taken out. Hurting again need to go lay down will update after dr appt. 10-14-03 Happy Birthday to me...(my Real Birthday)Saw the surgeon the DOC said we will schedule appt for gall bladder removal Next week !!! AAAACCCCKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!! what a birthday present, I was hoping to wait but no needs to be taken out its just gonna get worse...how much worse than this can it get, so I figure next Friday. Man No time to get anxious just schedule preops and Just Do It I will be in the hosp 1 day and prob off maybie 4 (hopefully) I am praying its gonna be a quick recovery, anyone out there have this done and how bad was it I'd like to hear from anyone. On the lighter side I couldnt eat cake so I made some chocolate S/F mousse and I was happier than if I had cake ......YAY TTFN will update more when I can. God Bless.
10-15-03 Called the surgeon this morning and I am scheduled for Gall Bladder removal
10-24-03 at 8am, all pre ops will be this friday at 2pm hopefully I will be free of this gall bladder pain soon, Doc says it weighs about 1/2 lb so I said every little bit helps LoL the office staff looked at me like I was nuts. I get sick everytime I eat so its time to get rid of this side pain and go on with life. God Bless will update after pre ops, I hope they dont do that ABG test again or forget it!!!!
10-27-03 O.K. I survived to say the least...barely, I went in everything went Okay til I woke up after surgery in recovery...IN PAIN !!! and the demerol they were giving me wasnt cutting it (I am allergic to morphine..It makes me itch) This surgery wasnt even like the last one I have to say that Dr Ali is the greatest with the pain control..(Dr Ali Did not do my gall bladder removal).This one I have suffered alot, to say the least...the lession here boys and girls is to have the gall bladder removed when you have wls,so anyway I was moved to a room fri afternoon and I stayed there fighting pain til I went home sat the Doc wouldnt give me more than 75mg Demerol every 3hrs no more,and what did the Doc send me home with for pain control....NOTHING take extra strength tylenol........Ha what a joke! I cannot even wait to see him....The reason he said was that it would make me bloated....No problem there. I havent had any constipation or anything, I am puffy and bruised and the lap holes he made were huge compared to my other ones! Yep and he used stitches and steri strips,Dr Ali used Glue,I prefer the glue,it seals the holes and I dont have to cringe with the stitches I look like franken belly,Just in time for halloween. I am having trouble eating anything and I hiccough with every sip of water and each bite of anything,and It hurts, I wonder what the heck he did in there, I feel like a new post op again. I know this too will pass, I am hoping all will get better in a few days I see the surgeon. I am going to try to go back to work tomorrow so we will see. I am hoping to see a huge weight loss after all this.. I will update more later... GOD BLESS.
10-29-03 Went to my PCP and she gave me some pain meds took me off work for 2 weeks, I am still trying to get the pain under control. I have never in my life been so miserable,I am 153 WHOO HOO I figure I have 18 more lbs to get to my Drs goal weight,and 30 to get to mine,89lbs in 6 months I am so happy but I have been fighting it the hard way,again I remember this is not the easy road hopefully I will get better soon.
11-14-03 Feeling Better, But I am having another migraine today, I went out an bought a new pair of jeans and I had one of those breakdowns in the changing room crying with Happines Iam in a size 10 YEP I thought I would get a size 12 but they were loose and I tried a size 10 and they FIT, I dont think I was ever in a size 10, even working out 5 days a week and losing 60lbs I never got below 155lbs and 14 was pushing it, I have to say that one of the things that has inspired me is my Sis In Law Cindy, she taught me the basics and said you wont get anywhere without work. I am Thankful for her. My hair is still falling out hopefully it will grow back soon. Still eating protein first and lots of water, I am starting a "Boob Fund" cause I will be needing them I am a little flat on the front but not enough for a lift, But Implants will do the trick. well God Bless and TTFN
11-18-03 Went with hubby to the last part of his cardiac stress test and they had one of those cool digital scales and I hopped on that baby and took her for a spin. When no one was looking and I am 148lbs with a BMI Of 25.4 Yee Haw !!!!! Wow a few more points and I will be normal not overweight any more I cannot believe it a size 9 YES a 9 already!!! I am going back to work tomorrow and I am praying everything will go smoothly, I have arranged hubbys Pre-ops for
11-25-03 and surgery on 12-03-03 sooo that means that I will have to take him down to the hospital on tue stay wed to make sure he is alright. And work Thurs Fri & Sat and pick him up on Sun, I feel like I am abandoning him, (the hosp is 1 1/2 hrs away) But since I am just getting back to work I really cannot ask for any more time off It wouldnt seem "Fair" to others in my dept sooo I have to minimize the off time and try to do my best and keep my faith in God and Pray it will work out for the best, Besides Hubby says he likes the nurses LOL and I would be in the way anyway, Gotta love that Man O'Mine!!!! Well I will Update soon. TTFN Its Gonna be a busy few weeks I will try to update !!!! ****WARNING...BITCHY RAGE POST BELOW******
11-23-03 Well I have had a really stressful and trying day, I now know that some people in this world no matter how they say they support you Just get way too jealous when it turns out that you get smaller than they are, its hard to take sometimes, I Cannot help it if I "was" a doormat and now wont let anyone overstep that line, I Love what I am becoming and I work hard to get there I would have always been this smaller size if Life had been different, and I will Not let anyone tear me down or make me feel bad. Especially some old-overdone-blonde-plastic-bunny! My self esteem is better and I have more confidence...Damn It, I now feel normal not looked at like a freak, and I WILL ENJOY IT despite all those who choose to try and ruin it. So to all those whom are Jealous of me YOU SHOULD BE !!!! I will continue to better myself and be happy about it.....OK OK OK Vent is now over !!! On the other hand I was given a really beautiful corset style black multicolred vest in a size SMALL this is very form fitting well I picked it up and put it on and IT FIT perfectly no more back fat the kind that bulges out over the back of the bra. Now thats a proud moment!!!! I cannot wait to get a pair of black jeans to wear with it, I have been waiting seven months to wear this and I figured I would never ever be small enough to wear it now I can !!!!!! WHOO HOO !!!!!!!! Well thats my long post for now I just needed to vent cause I am really stressed out to the max...Tying a knot at the end of my rope kind of stress. I will post again soon !!!!
12-03-03 Well I am home to work for three days till jeff is released from the hospital. I feel so guilty leaving him alone there, and I am thinking (after seeing him in recovery) what have I gotten him into, maybie I am just losing something I have had for so long, its strange how the mind works I want him healthy and happy but I will have to deal with losing the "big loveable man I have grown accostomed to" Could this be guilt? I am not sure I havent had much time to think about this new situation, our relationship has revolved less and less around food since my surgery, and fixing food for him has been such a habit now I will have to fill the void somehow, I guess these are all valid feelings and in time these will resolve themselves. Well I have been up since 4am and the kids are wound up and I must try to relax and get through the next three days. I know Jeff will do well and there will not be any complications Dr Ali is there and his staff is close by. So its off to Dreamland for me I will update again soon.... And try not to worry and Do A lot of PRAYING!!!!!!!!!! 12-06-03 Well Jeff is gonna come home tomorrow I have to go get him !! I see that the new pictures are up WOW double WOW I never realized how big I really was, I am very happy that they are up and that I have them. I wonder if they will be on the before and after section of the photos??? well thats all for now I will update when Jeff gets home.
12-21-03 100 pounds gone forever!!!! Century club member indeed. 142lbs WHOO HOO. Size ten!! feel good except have been having dizzy spells. Fell in the shower and bruised everything on right side of body, hopefully getting better soon. Husband lost 40 lbs in two weeks I am sooo proud!!!! Happy holidays to everyone... and God Bless....will update again soon 1-3-04 Well I have survived the holidays and have lost another 2 lbs (if not more I havent really weighed) 102 gone and heading down to a size 9. I feel sometimes that my mind just wont see myself as a thin person,I am wearing small sweats,and trying to feel warmer,but I guess it takes time for the mind to quit playing tricks, I have hip bones and collar bones and places on my body are thinner that I have ever been. I eat whatever I want within reason just smaller amounts,I am sorry I havent been updating I have been working 2 jobs and it has been hard to work 12 hr days, But I know that this has been good, I actually have energy to do it and I get tired but not so bad as to quit the 2nd job (yet) I need the extra money due to jeff being off work, They never get the money to you until after you get back to work, Christmas was O.K. excepting for a certian drunk guest whom made it impossible to stay and have a good time so we left early, and we stayed home the car was in the shop til late friday and it wasnt worth driving to vegas to visit the in laws for one day so things are quiet,at home, I am feeling better as I have been trying to catch the cold or the flu. Well thats all for now. I will update soon.....God Bless 1-7-04 Well I am at 136 WOW this was a HOLD THE PHONE MOMENT,I went to the DR for a sinus infection,Thank god for the antibiotics,I weighed and I would Be jumping for joy if I wasnt feeling bad, I dont think I have been 136 since Jr High, I will update more whan I feel better....TTFN
1-16-04 133...WHOO HOO !!!! size 8 wow my dream size... I feel good, had some orange chicken at work, big mistake,OMG my stomach still gets touchy, lets me know it is still in control. But other than that I am doing well. Hair is finally coming back in slowly...and I really need to find the time to exercise,and firm all the flab up, clothes are scarce though I keep shrinking out of everything and I get frustrated with that no money to buy anything new or used for that matter,I guess I will have to invest in some belts or beg anyone my size to clean out thier closet...well I will update when I can.... TTFN
2-27-04 well I went to dr she said that i do not to need to lose any more weight!!!! I want to lose at least 7 more lbs but who knows when i will stop...I have been eating better due to hubby having to eat like me or me eat like him... but I will take what has been lost and be grateful to God for this life changing tool i have been given, BTW I was lucky to have had this surgery and my hubby too as our insurance will no longer be covering this surgery as of mar 1st....we are looking for a new place to live and we are {{Stressed}} out and I am having panic attacks left and right I just need to keep my faith that God will bring us to a new beginning and we find a house that is big enough for us.... PRAYERS ARE NEEDED !!!and APPRECIATED! God Bless and I will update again soon. TTFN
3-26-04 We are in finally we found a place to live and God is indeed faithful ! I have finally gotten to 125 and I am surprised to say the least,I want to lose 3 more lbs and Then I will stay.A size 6, never ever imagined that. I am still struggling with a lot of personal problems with the daughter and moving adjusting to a new schedule I have a psych appt scheduled to re evaluate my meds, God is faithful and will bring me and those in my house through hard and difficult situations, well I will update soon ((I have been without internet since the 10th of march)) so I am back...TTFN
4-23-04 One yr ago I was in the hospital ((a newbie)) on a morphine drip and with a certian concern that it was gonna get worse, well folks I am here to say the journey has been bumpy at times and still i hit the occasional speed bump .... but I woudnt have traded the last year of losing weight and learning who that person was inside the fat body was. I feel better and nothing can stop me now and I feel like a million Bucks. Its not the magic bullet or simple but the commitment has been worth every pound.......TTFN The DH Jeff has lost around 125lbs now WHOO HOO !!!!!!!!!!!!
6-12-04 Bad news folks I have been suffering some pretty bad headaches, ended up at urgent care twice and the ER twice within two days. they did a mri found a anurysm in my brain and now I wait to see the neurologist, I am off work for a while, hopefully not too long, had a spinal tap everything all clear on that (thank God) I am at full stress, I just need to pray God has it all worked out,I can thank my Daughter for typing this as dealing with the computer causes me more headache..she will help me keep this updated. Pray for me ....Susan
04-08-05 Ok so I havent updated my bad I am almost 2 years out at at 118lbs and size 4-6 feeling well except for a lot of stress and anxiety, I go this month on the 21st for a plastic surgery consult to see about a tummy tuck, wish me luck. life is good, the stomach is still in control so I dont eat much. well I will update again after consult, I am alive and well and love clothes!!! 05-16-05 Approved for a Pannulectomy...called Dr Haydukes ofc and asked to be scheduled for end of August. They said they would let me know 8 weeks before surgery as to what date... I am surprised to say the least. Estatic and happy hopefully this will be the only surgery I will need (unless you count the boobs I want but cannot afford.... yet....) Still eat less 2 years out and I am taking my vits daily and trying to quit all the bad habits and hopefully I will have an easy surgery... TTFN God Bless will update soon as I get any more news....
9-11-05 had panni surgery 8-30-05 OUCH still have drains in see dr in am still swollen moving around but still sore and hurting, hope its worth it~ttfn
11-10-06 Well its been a long time since I logged on here, Sorry... things are great I am maintaining my weight very well and feel great, this was the best thing I could have ever done, I am at 131 (before monthly, 125 after) I have been having trouble with stress and anxiety so my tummy hurts. Can we get ulcers? It has been a great Journey and I still see many people in the same boat that I once was and I feel soooo bad for them I wish that being obese would go away on its own but Thank God there are ways to combat it. Some times people still comment that I am skinny (can you say does not register) I am still careful what I eat and dont drink alcohol... but I do have a transfer addiction Ciggarettes and coffee. but I am thinking that I will try and give that up too.... sometime in the near future... well ttfn God Bless...
5-24-11 current weight 107 diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2007 parents died in 2008, battling bipolar depression waiting on determination on SSI, had hysterectomy in 2009, daughter is 20 with a 3yr old girl, son is 16, DH is 169 waiting on approval for skin removal, unemployed since 2009, life sucks trying to keep faith but not going well recession hit us hard. struggling from one day to the next. Just waiting on God to bring us through these difficult times.just leaning on the Lord I have no choice TTFN...
3-31-2012 I havent really been on here I was diagnosed with Breast cancer, I had a double mastectomy on 11-15-2011 with immediate reconstruction expanders with alloderm, I will be having surgery on 5-16-2012 to explant the expanders for silicone implants, Cancer does not change who you are it changes the way relationships are, weather good or bad we are only allowed what god gives us so make the better of it and pull close to those you love it helps carry you through the long journey.....TTFN
4-23-2012 Nine years ago I had a chance to save my life from a self induced prison of being overweight, I would reccomend it for anyone who needs help. I hope that somehow I can help just one person lose the weight and live a healthy life, my journey has not ended but has changed the path I am on. The Lord has blessed me with a husband who stands by me and loves me through all the pain and struggles I endure and holds me and comforts me throughout the rollercoaster of life. We will celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary in august and I am proud of that as many people do not make it that far, It is my faith in God and the will to continue fighting the battle even with all my battle scars I am still beautiful and I am LOVED and there is not anything more important in life than God, Family, and Faith....I will make it No Matter What.....No Matter What comes....
7-26-2018 107lbs
Still at my target weight, I've been on a journey it's had ups and downs, I am having my teeth extracted on August 3rd and getting dentures, I will have a new smile. I'm so thankful and grateful to have a have a generous benefactor in my life, thanks to my sister I thank. God for those whom have had a huge impact in my life. There are no words that I can find to say thanks to those who are an answer to my prayers.