I am Jennifer (31) married to Dan (33) for 11 years. We live in Indiana with our 4 boys. Christian is 10, Caleb is 9, Kiernan is 5 and Nick is 3.
I never really had a weight problem until I started having babies. I am 5'9 and weighed 165 when we married. I looked good then and never knew it. I have been pregnant 7 times and had 3 miscarriages. I have kept the weight that I gained with each pregnancy and am now at 328#.
I am ready to lose this weight. I have to. I am having back trouble and am tired of being tired.
I had a surgery called the RNY, it is a gastric bypass surgery that divides your stomach. This pic will illustrate what is done.
March, 2001
Made The Call!
I called and made an appointment with Dr. Huse on May 25th, 2001 at 1:00pm. The lady I talked to (didn't catch her name??) said that they have had good luck with Trustmark (the insurance that we have)!!
As soon as I hung up the phone, I felt slightly sick. I assume that fear is normal. lol She said that from the consultation appointment to the surgery is around 5 months.
May 25, 2001
My Consult today...
was okay. Actually I was a bit disappointed.
Dr. Huse was so quiet, you could hardly hear him. He pretty much said everything that I had learned through researching.
When we met one on one, he really didn't have much to say to me. I tried asking him a few questions, I don't know, he just acted like they were stupid. I felt very uncomfortable. Then we talked about which surgery would be right for me. I told him that I was leaning more towards the ring and he just dismissed that and said that the RNY was better for most. Then he said
that they probably would have a hard time convincing the insurance company
that I need the surgery because I am so healthy.
So that was that.
September 26, 2001
I FINALLY got it today!
My letter of approval from the insurance company! I never dreamed it would actually happen!!
I waited three months and called the insurance company to see why we
hadn't heard anything and they said that they had never received a
letter from Dr. Huse. It had gotten lost in the mail. All that time
wasted! So I called the Dr.'s office and they sent another letter
and I called the insurance again two weeks later to be sure that they
had it this time. The woman I spoke with said that they did have it
and they it would be in review for 30 days. That would have been
Oct. 7th. So I got approved very quickly!
PTL! I am so excited and a nervous wreck. lol So many things are
going on in my life right now and it is all good! Kinda scary. lol
I have to have surgery on my sinus this month. I have been sick and
very dizzy for 4 months now. And now this!
October 16, 2001
Surgery Date Change
Dr. Huse's office just called and they changed my surgery from March 22 at 8am to March 19 at 1:30. lol A couple of days earlier is ok. lol
February, 2002
Pre-Op Tests and Classes
I wanted to write about the pre-op tests and classes that I had to take. I felt that they really wanted to be sure to know that I was healthy and know what I am getting into. The testing really helped put my mind at ease.
On Feb. 22. at 10:00 am, I had a psych appointment with Dr. Guare. I was there about an hour. When I first arrived, they have you fill out some forms and then a questionairre to see if you are having any problems with depression. He said that I barely registed on the scale. lol The only one that I checked was about having trouble sleeping at night but that is because my husband just started working at night and it has been a big adjustment for me. Dr. Guare is very personable and friendly. He really puts you at ease.
Feb. 26 was my Pre-Op class. It was from 9am till 2pm. We did get out a bit earlier than that. There were about 10 of us there including a few nurses to learn more about the surgery. I thought that was really great!
The dietitian went over a lot of info and gave us packets of even more. lol It wasn't overwhelming though and most of the stuff I have heard at one time or another from reading and talking to other post-ops.
Feb. 28 at 7:30 am started my Pre-Op testing. I had to leave my house at 6:30 am because we live an hour away from the hospital.
The first test was a gallbladder ultrasound. I had to lay on my back and then on my side. The lady pushed kinda hard. lol Then it was off to have an Upper GI with barium. That stuff is nasty. lol It made me gag. They have you drink a cupful then after you lay down they have you take a couple of more sips to coat your esophogus. Then I had blood drawn, urine tested and then I had pulmonary tests done. They taught me how to use the Spirometer. This is vital after surgery to help make sure you use all of your lung capacity to breathe, thus helping to preven pneumonia. We then talked with a surgical nurse who went over the details of the days of surgery and what to expect.
March 15, 2002
Update
My parents are still trying to talk me out of the surgery. It isn't too bad till my Dad goes on about how I WILL die on the table or of complications and then who will raise my boys. I have been avoiding talking to him for the most part.
I am really looking forward to this new way of life and of eating. I want to be one of those women we always disliked that eat like birds. LOL I am looking forward to never eating sweets again. I am going to feel so much better! They really make me tired and drag me down, now I have incentive to not eat them.
I have spent the last coupple of weeks saying goodbye to certain foods, I am really going to miss cheeseburgers the most.
March 18, 2002
Getting Ready
We have to leave here shortly before 9am to take Kiernan and Nicky to my sister's house. I have to be at the hospital at 10:30 and my surgery is at 1pm.
My Mom and Grandma are going to sit with Dan. My Dad and Aunt were going to come too but my aunt's daughter has CP and she doesn't work tomorrow. So my Aunt has to stay with her. My Dad is going to get my older two kids after school.
So today I have to eat my soft foods that I don't have to chew. Gotta keep that stomach cleaned out. lol No food or drink after midnight. I am cleaning and doing laundry now. I need to get some money from the bank, fill up the van, buy some sugar free Carnation Instant Breakfast (keep forgetting that!) and dry milk for my protein after. I have everything else ready to go. I need to make sure all of my paperwork that needs to go is together and pack a suitcase for Dan to bring me Wednesday.
I am not too nervous yet! I am either feeling comfortable because I am educated and am going in to this knowing what I am doing...or nuts. LOL I am a little worried about the pain but I have a very high pain tolerance and I am sure it will be ok.
March 18, 2002
What is This??
Fran from Dr. Huse's office just called and left a message for me to call her back regarding my surgery tomorrow! I called her back and got her answering machine and gave her my cell phone number.
What would this be about??
March 18, 2002
Fran Called Back
She said that they may have to cancel my surgery tomorrow. That I am not pre-certified?? I guess this is different from the approval?? She said that it is with the insurance company's review board and that Dr. Huse had tried to call them Friday and will call again this afternoon. Why did they wait so long to let me know there was a problem??
March 18, 2002
All Is A Go!!
What a huge mess! I have been sick all afternoon with worry. This is what happened.
Dr. Huse did have my letter from the insurance company saying that the surgery is medically necessary and that it was approved. Well they usually need to pre-cert the hospital stay also so they called the number to do so and were told that it was denied. That is when they called me and said that it would have to be cancelled and that they would send me an appeal packet.
I cried for a while and tried to wake my Dh up (he works nights) and wasn't gettng anywhere there. lol I finally decided to call the insurance company myself to see why they did that! I was already approved! Why would they change their minds??
I spoke with the woman from the insurance company and she couldn't figure out what was going on either. She saw the approval letter and said that there was NO denial letter sent out! Then she realized that they must have called to pre-certify and said that they didn't need to, that it was approved. She said that the other company would deny it because surgery like that has to go through the medical board for review. Which it had!
So I called the Bariatric Center back and told the woman all of this. She basically didn't believe me. She said that she would call. I waited an hour and called the insurnace company back with another question and was told that she hadn't called! This was 3:30pm! The rep said that she would call the woman while I was on the phone and did so.
I waited another 30 minutes and called Fran at the Dr.'s office and she said that they didn't know what to do. They had never heard of not having a pre-cert before! I suggested maybe the insurance company would fax a letter saying that it wasn't needed and she thought that was a good idea.
I finally heard from her again a few minutes ago and it is still on. What a relief! I really felt like I have been through the wringer today though!
March 18, 2002
GRRRR!!
I am getting perturbed at my husband. He has slept all day. Ok fine, he works night, he needs to sleep. Then he got up and went to coach one of my boy's basketball games. Ok, fine. Now he calls and says that he is staying for an extra game!!! No way! He has to leave at 10:15 tonight to work, I need his help! Does he not get that I need him around??
March 20, 2002
This was posted on the WLS_Indy List by a friend who came to see me.
I stopped in to see Jennifer just before noon. She looked great!! She’s doing splendidly (is that a word?) I kept asking how she felt and she just shrugs her shoulders and says “fine” as in “hey, no biggie!” She did admit some discomfort related to gas pain, said it felt like it was just rumbling all around but I think that will get better as she gets to moving more. She had been up walking last evening and then around midnight and 3 am which I thought was kind of pushing it but I guess that is the routine. She said she had no problem with it. She really did look great--good color and everything. Of course that was the first time I had ever actually laid eyes on her, so what do I know? She said to say hi to everyone on the list and encourage anyone who wants to to stop in and see her.
March 23. 2002
I am Home!!
I had a wonderful experience and it couldn't have gone better! I will write out how it went later. I am happy to be home but a little nervous about preparing my own food. lol
March 23, 2002
My WLS Experience!
I first want to thank everyone who called or came by to see me. It really meant a lot! I know that some called and I didn't answer. I am sorry! There were at least two times that the phone rang and I couldn't get to it in time! LOL Moving a little slow.
We arrived at the hospital Tuesday morning around 10:30 am. I still was not nervous! My Mom and Grandma followed us and we all went in together. I checked in and they took my family to the waiting room while the nurse took me back and weighed me. Then they put me in a little cubicle and had me strip and put on stockings and a gown. Then Dan and my Mom and Grandma were able to come sit with me.
A nurse came and gave me a Lovenox (blood thinner) shot. She put it in my thigh and it stung like crazy! They are supposed to put it in your belly! I ended up with a bruise and a lump. You can't even feel it when they do it in your belly! She then proceeded to tell my Mom all of this stuff about how serious the surgery is and how serious it is that we have to be put in ICU for a night after. I tried to reassure my Mom that they only put us in ICU overnight to be watched, not because they think we need Critical Care! She was freaking though and trying to get me to back out. Thank God the Dr. showed up then and calmed her down. lol He told he that it is Intensive Care, not Critical Care for us! He went over a few other things and we were ready to go.
I have to say about Dr. Huse that he really warms up as he gets to know you. I have total confidence in him and am so glad that I chose him and stayed with him.
I walked back with the nurse and got up on the table. They started an IV and put me to sleep. I swear I love that feeling when you can feel yourself relaxing and sleep coming. lol With 4 kids, I am always ready for a nap.
The next thing that I remember is waking in Recovery and the nurse asking me if I was in pain. I was but in my ribs, not the incision and told her yes. I went back to sleep and woke in ICU.
I was there a couple of hours and they wanted me up to walk. It wasn't bad. I wasn't having much pain but I was really sore in my ribs. The Dr. said that they really push things around in there and the soreness went away by about the 3rd day. I did have some nausea but they gave me meds and it didn't come back.
I spent the night in ICU and then went to my own room Wednesday morning. The Dr. came and took the nose tube out, that was fun. lol He said to not close my eyes and I wouldn't gag. I kept them open but I was sure blinking. LOL That really helped my sore throat and it felt better immediately.
I walked a lot and ate a lot of ice chips Wednesday.
Thursday I was able to have some grape juice. This really stirred up gas for me and I was in a lot of pain from it. By Friday I was really hurting. I finally got some Mylanta and my God I felt 200% better. lol I was still walking a lot and was feeling much better as the soreness went away in my ribs. I started eating food on Friday. Little tiny amounts that I couldn't begin to finish. lol Applesauce and cottage cheese, egg, mashed potatoes, popsicles, it all tasted great!
Saturday I was really hoping to go home and the Dr. came and said that I could! I had two tubes on either side of my incision. One is a g-tube and the other is a drain. The G-tube stays in until I go back for my first post-op visit to see the Dr. The drain came out Saturday. I was laying down and the Dr. grabbed it and pulled it out in one long smooth motion. It didn't hurt at all but it felt like someone pulling a foot long worm out of your side. LOL I almost passed out. LOL
So then I called Dan and he got the kids ready for my Mom to watch and came to get me. I got home around 4 pm.
It was a really good experience. The nurses were wonderful and the Head of them even came by to see if I was being treated ok. Did someone tell him to do that?? The nurses were shocked and asked if I knew him. LOL
I am not really even sore anymore, just a little unsure of how to treat myself and am a little afraid of hurting myself. lol The kids are having a ball walking up and down the sidewalk with me. LOL The neighbors probably think we are nuts.
One thing that sucks, I had just had my period the beginning of the month and this threw me into another one. The nurse said it is really common.
I guess that is all and I will shut up now. LOL I am sure that I will remember other details and pass them along.
March 28, 2002
WooHoo!!
We went to my parent's house last night so that I could get out of the house and I wanted to weigh myself. We don't have a scale. I have lost.........18 pounds!
I am still feeling really good! I get tired faster than normal but I know that is ok and I will get past that. I have been letting Dan sleep in in the mornings and I have been getting up with the kids. He did the laundry Monday and I folded it all. He has been doing most of the cooking and all of the cleaning up. He is really being a great support!
I have had some head hunger. Yuck! It lasted about a week and drove me nuts. When a commercial would come on that had food in it, I would turn the channel real quick. lol The hardest though is watching my family eat. I had to leave or at least go in the other room. That has really passed now though and their food doesn't look that great anymore.
I think that I can get out to walk today. The weather really got bad here over the last few days and it is warmer today and all of the ice is thawing. It looked really pretty though, everything covered in ice!
April 1, 2002
What A Day!
We were in a hurry to get to church yesterday and I popped the last bit of my cheese in my mouth. I usually kinda cream it with my tongue but I must have not with that last bite. I felt great at church and then I came home and took two sips of water and knew immediately something was wrong! It was just sitting it my stomach.
I finally threw up a few times and there was a bit of cheese. Then I threw up some more and threw up this black coffee ground looking stuff. Freaked and called the Dr. lol Turns out I must have irritated the stomach lining with vomiting so much and the black stuff was normal. I started sipping water through the night and was back to normal this morning. Yea!
April 3, 2002
Endoscopy
Sure enough I had to get one today. It was really a breeze! They had to use a balloon to stretch the opening. It was only 2mm when it is supposed to be 15. I don't know how I was even drinking the water I was!
I have to go back in two weeks for them to recheck it. Dr. Clarke said that when the opening closes that much, they usually have to do another.
If anyone has to get one that hasn't had one, it is really nothing.
April 9, 2002
Update
I haven't weighed since I was at the Dr.'s last Wednesday so I am still going by having lost 22 pounds officially.
I have had to take my bra and watch straps up a notch!!
I am doing fine since I had the Endoscopy on Wednesday. I do for another one on Friday the 12th to stretch the opening again. I assume this will be all it takes. It was supposed to be 15 mm and when they stretched it on Wednesday it was down to 2 mm. I was really having a hard time getting anything but water to go down.
One thing that I am really getting tired of is my youngest (Nicky) wanting to eat everything that I have! I have to either make extra for him or just give it to him. lol He is eating stuff that he never would have before just because I have it!
April 11, 2002
UGH!!
Maybe they will have to do some stretching tomorrow after all when I have the Endoscopy. I just spent the evening vomiting. lol Mashed potatoes! Either that or my stomach is rebeling at the taste of them. lol Getting old. Can't wait till I see the dietitians on Monday and hopefully get to go up to the next meal plan.
And get rid of this g-tube when I see Dr. Huse. It has been like...sucking air?? I can't describe it any other way. lol It feels like it is twisting and when I look at it, my stomach is caving in there.
April 12, 2002
Second Endoscopy
I weighed myself at the hospital and am down 27 pounds!
The Dr. found that my opening had closed back to 3 mm and stretched it again, this time to 18 mm. I have to go back in two weeks for a recheck. I was really shocked that it was so small again! Other than throwing up the mashed potatoes last night, I have been feeling fine and eating fine. I don't get it!
April 14, 2002
WooHoo!!
I wanted to report that I have lost 30 pounds now! I tried on a shirt that I haven't worn in a long time and have never been able to button the bottom button on it. I put it on and buttoned all of the buttons and it is loose at the bottom on me! I am so excited! My shirts are hanging on my and the sleeves go to the middle of my hands. LOL I am holding off on getting anything new till it gets a bit warmer.
April 14, 2002
Did I Dump??
I have no idea what I ate but two different days I had horrible, burning diarrhea. Is this dumping?? I didn't feel too bad otherwise. Just these waves of feeling really yuck.
I am going today to see the dietician and then Dr. Huse. He has to take this tube out, please God! LOL The skin around it looks really bad and the stitch that was there has broke loose. I hope it isn't infected. I have called them about it twice and they didn't seem too concerned though.
April 15, 2002
Dr. Visit
I went to see the dietitian first and she put me on the next food level except for the meats. She wants me to wait on those till after my next Endoscopy in two weeks. She also thinks that the diarrhea was from Lactose Intolerance and gave me some Lactaid Ultra samples.
Then I went to see Dr. Huse and he took my tube out! PRAISE THE LORD!!!!! LOL I told him that it didn't look very good and he said that none of them do. Then he looked and said, no, that doesn't look good. lol He said that it isn't infected and that the stuff growing around it is called proud flesh. He thinks it will go down and heal normally. I didn't even feel him take the tube out. It was nothing like the drain. LOL
I am supposed to go back in three weeks on May 6.
Then I had to come home and take my 8 year old to see the Dr. because his asthma is flaring up so bad. On the way home from there I stopped at our local Marsh's deli and got a cracker, some cottage cheese and a few cooked carrots and broccoli. It was so good! And it only costs $.82! LOL
Dr. Huse also said that I can ride my bike now so that is what I am going to do tonight. I usually ride every evening in the summer.
I hope everyone had a good day!
April 16, 2002
Protein
I went to the dietitian yesterday thinking that I have really been failing with getting my protein in and worried about it. We started talking about it and going over what I am eating. I was really pleasantly surprised! I had no idea I was getting so much!
Melinda told me that 1 ounce of protein has 7 grams of protein in it. So with what I eat, I am getting around 42 grams just from my food! Then you have the milk. I showed her the cup that I use, I had just assumed it was 1/2 a cup, she measured it and it is a full cup! I drink 4 of them a day so that is 32 grams there! That is 74 grams a day! I was so thrilled. What a pleasant surprise!
April 19, 2002
Third Endoscopy
I have been vomiting since Wednesday (including at the boys school function Thursday night)so I called Dr. Huse's office this morning and they got me an appointment for the Endoscopy at 3pm. They called us at 2pm saying that Dr. Clarke needed me to be there as soon as we could get there. We had to make arrangments with my Mom to meet our two older boys and the boy and girl that I babysit. She just came here to the house and they got off the bus here and she took them to Wal-Mart and her house.
Dan was really acting put out that we had to go all the way to the hospital again for this. It is an hour away. My Mom was acting put out that she had to get the kids. It was just a big fiasco. I ended up crying most of the way to the hospital. I feel so stressed and guilty. Like I am causing everyone so much trouble. I breezed through the surgery, WHY do I have to have this??
My fourth Endoscopy will be in two weeks, if I can go that long.
On a good note, I have now lost....38 pounds!!
April 22,2002
Feeling Better!
I think that I am finally feeling better! Maybe I won't need any more Endoscopies. Well, I guess I have to have at least one more to check but I am hoping that will be it! I am eating much better, just taking my time and making sure it feels like it is going to go down.
I was a little suprised today when after going to Fitday.com that I am eating so few calories. Today I was at 144 at 6:00 pm! I then drank 2 cups of milk and got that up a bit. I still need to drink 2 more cups and have my supper.
I have really been thinking about why people think I did this. I got a entry to my guestbook that really upset me, especially since it wasn't signed. They said that I altered my body just to get thin. That isn't why I did this. Sure I would love to be thin again and I will look a lot better than I did at 328#. But there is so much more involved in it. Wanting to not be stared at and wonder if they are thinking how fat I am, not to be worried about breaking a chair or if I will fit in it. Being able to ride my bike without the stares that I get, being able to do things with my kids, active things! I feel like my life is passing me by and I want it to stop! I want on!
April 23, 2002
Yuck!
I have been having a problem with constipation lately. I am really getting uncomfortable so I got some Milk of Magnesia from my sister. It is Raspberry Creme and it tastes so bad!!! Wahhh!! And you have to take 2-4 tablespoons! I think I have choked down 1 so far. lol
I wanted to say too that I had to take my bra up to the last hooks yesterday! I was so excited! LOL Now I get to get new ones!
April 25, 2002
Gym
My husband and I are thinking of joining a gym here in town. It is $75.00 for us both to join and then $41.00 a month. They have raquetball courts, pool and tons of equipment. I called and talked to the manager about me having the surgery and what I wanted from working out. He sounded really enthusiastic and thought he could help me get a routine going. We have to decide by the end of the month because they are running a special on the rates to join. At $75.00 he said that is 75% off. I really want to, I can go when Dan gets home from work in the morning. He usually takes a shower and eats some breakfast before going to bed so I could be gone about an hour. Actually I think I would go Monday, Wednesday and Friday and he would go Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. That would work out great!
My dh, Dan, used to bring me candy bars every day. He did it because he loved me and he knew that I liked them. Since the surgery, that of course has stopped and he hasn't brought me anything. lol
This morning he came home from work and he had stopped and got me the new Kenny Chesney CD! Wasn't that great!
I went to GNC today and got the B12 liquid. It was $7 cheaper than the pills and it really taste good. It has the same amount in it too.
As far as the protein, I went in with the intentions of getting that Optimum Whey but the guy there said that he uses this Myoplex stuff. I got a sample of it. We'll see how it tastes. lol He swore it was good and that if I didn't like it, they have a 100% return policy.
I used to drink SlimFast every morning for breakfast, I guess that is what I am looking for, something that tastes like that.
Ok, I tried the Myoplex, I DO NOT like it. lol Back I go!
April 27, 2002
Milk
I am having major sinus drainage. I drank some milk last night and it didn't mix well. YUCK!! I thought for sure that it was going to come up but I managed to hang onto it. lol
April 28, 2002
Groceries
I went shopping last night for groceries. My sister and I are really into couponing. Like the other day I got $172 worth for $20! Well I didn't do so well last night because I bought a lot of stuff that doesn't have coupons.
I bought three different kinds of fish, grapes, rasberries, bananas, watermelon and plums! Man they looked so good. lol I can't wait to cook the fish tomorrow. I am going to wrap it in foil and sprinkle it with butter and Mrs. Dash.
While we were at the store, we ran into a woman that works with my sister. She had the RNY with Dr. Jones a year ago this month. She looked great! She has lost 130 pounds and is at her goal weight. She really had a lot to help me including some ideas for more protien.
April 29, 2002
WooHoo!
I think I am finally conquering the constipation. LOL I went today on my own. No aids. I really upped drinking juice last night and eating fruit this morning though.
May 1, 2002
On no,
I tried a turkeyburger last night and ended up throwing it up. I thought it was because it was something new or too dry. I have been trying to eat this morning though and it isn't going down. Good thing I have my Endoscopy scheduled for Friday.
My Mom is worried that Friday will be too long to wait so I called Dr. Huse's office a bit ago and left a message. I think it will be ok!
I talked to Karen, the nurse, and she said that it will be ok. So I am keeping my appointment on Friday.
May 2, 2002
Kinda Down Today
I don't know why I am so down. Maybe it is this gray Indiana weather, the fact that I need another Endoscopy or just life in general. lol I need to snap out of this.
I haven't been able to eat since I threw up the turkey Tuesday night. I can drink a little but it is slow going down and really makes me uncomfortable. I have been licking peanut butter off a spoon. lol At least it tastes good!
Speaking of tasting good! I FINALLY found a protein supplement I like! The Optimum Whey from GNC. I tried it first with water (don't ask me why!) and I did not like it. Then I tried it with milk and it is good! Almost like a SlimFast. lol With the milk it is 30 grams of protein! I was able to drink about 5 ounces of it today, I had to stop because I was getting so uncomfortable.
I have an appointment on Tuesday to start at a gym here in town. I am waiting to see Dr. Huse on Monday to release me to do exercise like that. I am looking forward to it!
May 3, 2002
Fourth Endoscopy
I think I am done with Endoscopies! Yay!!!!!! I went to day for my fourth one and was only closed to 8, just enough to start being uncomfortable. lol He stretched it back to 18mm and didn't even say for me to come back for a recheck! Just if I have trouble.
I did ask the Dr. what was the most Endos that one patient has had to have. He said 20! I can't imagine. It isn't that they are hard or even uncomfortable, it is just stressful and worrisome.
I came home and drank a Protein shake and ate half a can of chicken and a piece of cheese. I am eating the other half of the can now. I was so hungry!
I visited a few people in the hospital today that had the WLS this week. I went early so I could. They were all doing great, a couple of them have have had some serious problems but they are doing better now. I go back Monday to see the dietitian so I will visit whoever is there. I really enjoy going and visiting. I wish we lived closer!
May 5, 2002
I got really sick yesterday
I went to Wal-Mart and Dollar General to get some supplies for Christian's birthday party yesterday. I did fine at Wal-Mart but about passed out at Dollar General. I had to call my Mom and she came and brought me some cheese.
I think what is happening is that because of the sinus drainage that I am having, it makes me not want to eat. Then my blood sugar dropped. I felt better after I ate the cheese and went home and finished getting ready for the party.
After the party my sister and I drove an hour to Anderson to go shopping at Meijer there. We were there about an hour when the nausea and lightheadedness hit me again. I went as fast as I could to the bathroom but didn't throw up. I asked the cart guy if I could have one of those electric chairs that you see there but the ones that were up front were being charged. So I sat down to wait till one became available. Then the manager came over and asked if I needed juice and he got me some apple juice and called a medic down that they have there. He sat with me for a while. I was trying to drink the juice and was just shaking like crazy. I finally felt better and got in the cart and we finished shopping.
It took a LONG time to checkout and I got sick again. I was coughing a lot and that made me retch every time. My sister got me some cheese crackers and I got two of them down.
I came home and took the antibiotic the Dr. had perscribed for me, some Tylenol and cough medicine. lol I was drugged up enough to sleep. I feel a lot better now. I got up this morning and ate some pb on crackers and took more Tylenol, cough medicine and antibiotic.
Yesterday I was ready to die. lol Today I think I will make it.
May 6, 2002
7 Week Dietitian and Dr. Visit
I went to the hospital a bit early so I could visit a couple of people. Then I headed to see the dietitian. She called me right back and we had a good talk. I have lost 41 pounds total in 7 weeks and she said that most people at this point have lost 30-40. So I am doing great there. She recommended the Zone protein bar. She said it is like a granola bar and is really good.
Then I went to see Dr. Huse. Got right in there too. No waiting! lol He said that my weight loss is excellant! He checked out my insicion and said that is healed and I am cleared to exercise now.
I went a bit early to the hospital so that I could see some friends before I saw the dietitian. As I was getting on the elevator, the guy was delivering a basket and some balloons. In the basket was every kind of candy bar and candy you could imagine. I couldn't take my eyes off that basket. LOL I saw Snickers, M&M's, you name it. I didn't really want the candy, I was just fasinated by it. I wondered how in the world I used to eat all of that stuff?! Now it seems thick and heavy. Not at all like the fruit that I have been eating and loving!
May 7, 2002
Support Meeting
I went to a support meeting up at St. Vincent for the first time tonight. It was really nice! I was happy to see faces that I only knew as names and there was quite a crowd there! I felt more at home there and may make that my regular meeting from now on.
May 8, 2002
Finally!
I went to the Dr. this morning to get help getting rid of this cough.
When I weighed, I have finally lost 3 more pounds! Yaho0o0o0o0o!!!! lol 44 total!! Tomorrow I start at the gym here in town.
At first he was thinking asthma but the tests for that came out ok. So he took some blood to test for allergies.
May 11, 2002
3 More Pounds!
I am officially at 280 pounds! It feels so good!
I really think the gym is helping! I went Thursday and Friday and I plan to go every day Monday-Friday. The personal trainer helped me set up a routine. I start with 15 minutes on the treadmill. Then 10 on the bike. I will do that every day. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday I add some weight training for about 20 minutes. I want the routine to be 45 minutes total. So I will go longer on the treadmill and bike on the days I don't do weight training.
May 13, 2002
Goal Met!
I met my first goal of losing 50 pounds!
I can't believe it. I never dreamt I could do it! This surgery was the best thing that I have ever done for myself!
It has only been 8 weeks too! The last time I weighed this much was 5 years ago, right before I got pregnant with Kiernan, our 3rd child.
I am feeling great! Lots of energy and you should see some of my clothes! LOL The sweats that I wear to the gym, the crotch is hanging way down, halfway to my knees! LOL I need to get more, they look kinda bad.
Thanks to all of you! You have all been so supportive and unwavering in your faith in me and my decision.
May 16, 2002
Reward!
I decided to just go with a pedicure as my reward. It is $35 and I think I would enjoy it more than a manicure.
The lady is going to soak my feet, exfoliate and give me a foot massage! Plus the painting.
I can't wait! It is tomorrow at 3pm.
May 18, 2002
GUESS WHAT I DID TODAY!!
We took our boys to the Fair here in town at the Catholic church. They rode several rides and I kept eyeing the Scrambler. I finally decided to try it! LOL
It was so much fun! I rode with my two older boys. We ended up riding it twice. lol
This is not something I would have tried before I lost the 51 pounds!
May 25, 2002
We Are Back!!
We got home around 7pm. It was a really nice trip! It was so good to get home though. lol
We got to St. Louis around 9pm Friday. We stopped at a McDonald's Playland on the way there and stayed a while. Nicky (2) does not like riding in the car and cried all of the way there and all of the way home. lol Kiernan (4) either has a bladder infection or a nervous habit of peeing every 10 minutes (no joke). Caleb (8) went through this when he was about Kiernan's age. They ran all sorts of tests on him and he was fine. He did it for a few months and quit. lol So I will take Kiernan to the Dr. Tuesday and have them check him out.
The kids wouldn't settle down, they were way too excited. lol I think we finally got them to sleep around midnight and they were back up at 7am. We headed to the Zoo at 10am. We were there about 2 hours and I started getting sick. My sugar was dropping. I have been having some trouble with eating again and so I haven't been eating very well. We left and went to Ponderosa and I felt much better. We couldn't decide if we wanted to go back to the Zoo, to the Science Center or to the Arch. The kids wanted the Arch so we went there and stayed for a couple of hours. We laid on the ground under it and looked up at it. So huge. Wonderful.
Then we headed to my friends house. We got there around 5pm and she had a cookout for us. I had a pork cutlet and some baked beans. Really yummy! I tried to eat every few hours after the spell at the Zoo. I got some string cheese and milk and worked on that all day. My oldest, Christian (10), had a few admirers. LOL My friend has 3 girls and all 3 of them were following him around and wanting to sit by him. I think he likes the oldest one though, Heather is 11 and a really pretty girl. Every time I looked, they were sitting together. So cute!
This morning we left her place around noon and drove home very slowly. lol We had to stop every hour or so because Nicky was screaming. We got home at 7pm.
We really had fun. Despite Nicky's screaming, it was very relaxing and what we needed.
May 28, 2002
Exercising
I am still really enjoying going to exercise. I even love the sweating. lol It feel good, like I am sweating out fat and old habits.
I haven't had much of an appetite lately. I don't know why. A pleasant change though from the huge appetite that I had when I first started exercising. That was scary. I was afraid that I would gain weight back!
I have noticed that my weight loss has slowed since I started working out. I guess that is normal though. With building muscle and all.
I think I experienced my first Dumping. We went to my sister's house Monday for a Memorial Day cookout. I had some bakes beans, chicken breast and mashed potatoes. All things that I have had many times before. But I got so sick after I ate. I had to go lay down and then it went away. I have never gotten sick after eating before.
May 31, 2002
Hospital Bills
I finally got all of the bills together and called St. V about what we owe
after insurance. We only owe the hospital itself $1,259. Not bad for how
much the surgery cost! And she said that we qualify for their charity
program and may end up not having to pay anything. Sometimes being poor is
ok. lol Actually I think it is the 4 kids that put us over the top. lol The insurnace that I have is Trustmark.
Of my 4 Endoscopies. we only have to pay a percentage of the first one. The
other 3 were covered 100%!
Dr. Huse is paid 100%.
Anesthesiologist we owe $324 out of $1080.
I can't believe that they paid so much. I really thought we would end up
owing a lot more! What a relief.
I pulled my hamstring this morning at the gym. I think I did it on the bike. It is throbbing so badly!
LOL I just had to report my first sports related injury. lol
June 1, 2002
Disappointed
I got our pics back from the trip to St. Louis. I had actually let the kids take pics with me in them! lol I eagerly looked through them and was so disappointed to see that I looked the same.
Then I realized, the jumper that I had one is one that I wore at my heaviest. It is so loose on me that I can fold several inches over to get it to where it should be on me. So I think the bagginess of it makes it look like I am still so big.
I looked in the mirror then and with what I was wearing, a skirt and t-shirt, you can really see. I can see. lol
June 2, 2002
I am going through a lot of personal problems right now. I really don't have the heart in keeping this journal up right now.
Thanks for understanding and I will be back to it. I will keep the weight loss chart updated.
June 7, 2002
Explanation
I thought that I would wrote a little about my personal problems. They have nothing to do with the WLS. All is still going great there.
My husband and I have had alot of trouble throughout our marriage. I guess I had this thought in the back of my head that he would quit all of that when I lost weight. This is an example of the WLS not fixing the problems in your life. I told him last night that I thought my losing weight would fix things, he said, I thought it would too. That really hurt me. I must have been hoping in the back of my mind that he wouldn't try to pin it on me. Even my aunt said that she thought he would quit when I lost weight.
We are seperated now and he is in counseling.
So that is my story. Sad and depresing, but my life.
I will try to get the energy to post here again.
June 11, 2002
WooHoo!!
I have lost 62 pounds now and I am 12 weeks out from the surgery.
I go to see the Dr. again Monday and they will measure me. I can't wait to see how many inches!
June 18, 2002
Updating
I had a good weekend. Saturday was our 11th anniversary. Dan came in the morning with flowers and a card. That evening we went to eat at Ryan's and saw a movie, High Crimes.
Sunday Dan came before church and the boys gave him a watch for Father's Day. Then we spent the afternoon at my Aunt's for a cookout. The boys had a really good time with riding her paddleboat on the pond and me leading them around on her horse.
I really wanted to ride but I was just a bit nervous since I haven't ridden in hmmmmm, 7 years. lol Besides that is my reward for when I lose 80 pounds. It won't be long.
My weight loss stoped this week. I have figured out that it stops the week before my period. That sucks. I hope it doesn't continue this every month!
I didn't get to go to the gym yesterday due to having to see the Dr. and dietitian for my 3 month checkups. I didn't get to go today because Dan didn't show up to watch the kids. I can't go tomorrow either. WAHHHH! lol I can't believe how addicted I have become to going every day. It just puts a better spin on the day for me. I did ride my bike last night and took the dog with me. lol She needs the exercise too.
June 19, 2002
This and That
I have noticed my hair starting to fall out. It did this right after the surgery too. I know that I am getting enough protein in, the dietitian says that it is common to lose even this far out from just having the surgery. Thank God I have such thick hair. lol I usually have to have it thinned when I get it cut. I won't do that till it stops.
I got to move up to raw veggies! I had a salad today. It was sooo good! Then when I was wanting a snack later, I ate some carrots. I can also have rice and pasta now. I think I am in the mood for some spaghetti. yum!
June 24, 2002
I have now lost 70 pounds! WooHoo!
My reward is getting my house cleaned. lol My sister does this for a side job so I have already talked to her.
I was looking in the mirror yesterday and saw this shadow on my face, right below my cheekbone. I asked my Mom what it was, it almost looked like a bruise. She looked and laughed and said that it was where my face is starting to sink in. LOL
70 pounds gone! I can't believe it! I lost 8 from Monday to Sunday. I weigh Tuesday to record. That will be 14 weeks.
July 1, 2002
Things Are Going Well
I did get a cracker stuck Saturday. lol I threw up twice and it moved on. Never had that happen with a cracker before!
Otherwise I have never felt better! My energy is up, I love exercising, I feel pretty for the first time in my life! I am not ashamed to leave the house, I don't feel embarrassed for my husband to be seen with me. I am loving life!
I was given some bras by a friend, they are quite a bit smaller than I used to wear and I tried them on for kicks. lol I can wear them! I used to wear 50DD these are 42D. The cups no longer are bigger than my husbands head!
I wanted to say Thanks! to everyone who has signed my Guestbook and let me know that this site has helped. Please feel free to email me if you need to talk or have any questions!
July 5, 2002
Holidays
I think the Holidays are the hardest for me to deal with after the WLS.
My church always has a huge picnic every year for the 4th of July. Tons of people and tons of food. lol I did ok though! Had a piece of chicken, (that I couldn't finish and gave it to my son) some cottage cheese, some carrots, corn and green beans, some noodles and a piece of apple. It sounds like lot but I only took a couple of bites of each thing. Then later, I had a cookie. Just one. lol I checked the sugar before I ate it and it only had 3 grams, so I figured it was ok, not ideal but ok.
I finally got noticed by a few people that I have lost weight! lol I didn't think that was ever going to happen. Really felt good though. And I felt good, the change in the way that I feel about myself is obvious I am sure.
July 13, 2002
WooHoo!
I saw an Uncle today who lives in Florida and I only see him about once or twice a year. When he saw me, he went on and on about how good I looked. I said that I am about halfway to where I want to be and he gave me this incredulous look. He asked if I was trying to be skin and bones. ROFL Man he made me feel good.
I went to some garage sales with a friend of mine today. I found several shirts that are 22/24's that I bought and a dress for church that is a 20. I figured that I could wear the dress in the Fall.
I came home and tried on the shirts and they fit ok. They are great in the bust and waist, it is my belly that they are tight at. Then I tried on the dress. It is more fitting to the waist and then it has a fuller skirt. IT FIT!!!!!!! I couldn't believe it!!!! It is a bit tight over my stomach but I think some panty hose will hide that or if I wait a few weeks, it will be fine.
A Size 20!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YEEHAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 19, 2002
Another WooHoo!
I just got a letter from St. V. today. They said that I don't owe them
anything from the surgery! They forgave the $1029.00.
Yay!
July 20, 2002
This and That
I haven't weighed myself in quite a while to see if I have lost more weight. I did measure and have lost a lot more in inches. For a total of 27 inches! I am thrilled with that. I will probably weigh this afternoon at my parents. I was supposed to meet the fitness trainer at my gym on Wednesday to shake up my routine a bit. I am getting bored. lol I think I want to try the stair stepper now. Anyway, I had to cancel because I forgot about Dan's anger management class. I'll catch up with him next week.
Sometimes it is really hard. I walk around and still think of myself as 328 pounds. Then I look in the mirror and am shocked and think, who is that?? lol I guess I will get used to it.
I have lost a lot of weight! I never thought in a million years I would be able to do that. I still need to lose another 75 pounds. I am hoping for 100 pounds in 6 months. That means I have 26 to go in the next two months. That seems doable. 13 pounds per month. It may be less, I haven't weighed in the last week. Plus I can't eat. I need to call the Dr. I guess. I am not sure but I am thinking it is from stress or nerves. All I can eat is cheese and crackers. If I try anything heavier, I eat two bites and feel like I am going to throw up. Anyway, after the 100, then I will just have 53 to go. My goal is 175, at 5'10, I think that will be good.
July 21, 2002
Finally!
My monthly plateu broke. lol I have lost 4 pounds since Thursday. I won't weigh again till Tuesday and will record it then.
Down to needing to lose 22 pounds by Sept. 19th to make my 100 pounds in 6 months!
July 24, 2002
Exercise
I am still going to the gym about every day and doing really well. I do the
treadmill for 15 minutes and the bike for 15-20. Every other day I lift
weights.
So I have kinda gotten bored since I have been doing this for 2 months now
and decided to add the stairstepper. I thought I would do 5 minutes to start
out.
LOL I did 2 minutes and thought I was going to die! That baby is hard! I'll keep
working on it though.
July 25, 2002
Goal Met!!
I have now lost 80 pounds in 18 weeks!
My reward for 80 pounds is horseback riding! I am a little nervous since I haven't ridden in about 7 years. lol I had a horse from ages 12-18 and I really have missed riding.
I am planning to go Saturday to my aunt's and ride her horse. Weeeeeeeeeee!
July 26, 2002
Pulse
I had to go to my primary Dr. this afternoon for a UTI, I have thought about checking my pulse to see what it is now but didn't remember what it was before.
It went from 100 to 80! I am thrilled!
They went on and on about me losing so much in 4 months. lol
July 27, 2002
Sick
I am so upset. I never did call Dr. Huse's office because I kept thinking that this would correct itself, but it hasn't. I am finding it harder and harder to eat and now it is getting difficult to drink. I will force something down and I have to lay down for a couple of hours till it goes through because it makes me feel so sick. My blood sugar is starting to get messed up, I am feeling dizzy and weak.
I WILL call Monday. You all please think of me this weekend and pray that it will get better.
August 8, 2002
Update
I did call the Dr. about my stomach pains and he wants me to have another Endoscopy. Dr. Clarke who usually does mine was out of town so they scheduled me with Dr. Stout. My appointment was yesterday. My 4 year old got up yesterday morning with 103 fever and really sick. Since I didn't think he should go and I didn't have anyone else to take me, I had to cancel my appointment. They said that they couldn't get me in again for 2 weeks!
So I called Dr. Huse's office again and they contacted Dr. Clarke since he was back from vacation. They are getting me in tomorrow at 1:30 pm. I am relived because I am used to him anyway and I like him.
I have now lost 85 pounds! Check out my new pics! I can't believe that is me!
August 10, 2002
Endoscopy Update
Dr. Clarke says that I have an ulcer. He perscribed some meds and hopefully I will be better soon!
August 12, 2002
Clothes Sizes!
They are finally going down!
I was in a 30/32 shirt and now can wear a 22/24!
Skirts I went from a 26 to an 18/20!
I am so thrilled!
August 20, 2002
Shirt Size!
I put on a size XL shirt this moring!
August 21, 2002
Goal Met!!
I have lost 90 pounds as of yesterday! WooHoo!
I am thinking I will make my 100 pounds in six months. I have till Sept 19.
So my reward for 90 pounds is a Makeup Makeover. My friend in St. Louis is
going to do this for me. I am going there for the weekend next month so that
will be my 100 pound reward too, a vacation with no kids! LOL
If I don't make 100 pounds by then, well I am close enough! LOL
August 28, 2002
Meetings
I love going to the Support Meetings. I have made some really wonderful friends and feel so at home there. It is really is a vital part of this surgery, the support of friends who know where you are coming from and going.
October 2, 2002
It Has Been A While!
I can't believe that it has been this long since I wrote here. I am sorry! Life got busy and I have neglected my journal. I will do better!
I have now lost 100 pounds! I didn't make it by my six month anniversary like I wanted though. I lost 98 then. It's ok. lol I was close enough!
I am feeling great, looking better and am so happy! I feel better about myself and that really comes across. I get so many compliments!
My stomach isn't hurting like it was. I think the ulcer is about healed up!
October 9,2002
It Was A Dream
I dreamt for years of feeling normal again, of not feeling like everyone was staring at me, or if I heard someone laughing, that it was at me, of feeling like just part of the crowd.
I realized today that that dream has come true. I know that I have 51 more pounds to goal and that I have saggy and floppy parts that may never go back to where they originally started. But that is ok!
I feel normal! I feel that if someone looks at me, it is because maybe I look good that day! That is I hear people laughing, maybe it is something that I can join in! I feel like part of the crowd!
I am not embarrassed to be seen with me.
It is the best feeling.
October 13, 2002
New Clothes!
My Mom was giving away a bunch of sweaters this afternoon so I tried some on. I have NO long sleeved shirts or sweaters. They still fit my Mom, she was just tired of them.
They were Mediums and Larges.
They fit me! I took about 10 of them.
How can that be?? My Mom is 5'4 and 167. I am 5'9 and 223. How can we wear the same size??
December 9, 2002
Updating
I can't believe that it has been two months since I have written here. Life sure picks up when you allow yourself on for the ride.
I am now weighing 212, lost 116! It feels great!
I am wearing size 18/20 and they are a bit lose on me. I got some exercise pants that are 14/16's!
I do have some new pics and need to get them on here. I will do that asap.
December 17, 2002
9 Month Anniversary
I made up a new page, check it out! Christmas 2002.
I went to see Dr. Huse yesterday for my 9 month checkup. I have lost 118 pounds now! YeeHaw! He thought that I am doing great.
I spoke to him about my back pain and he recommended that I see a plastic surgeon. I got some names from him and called Dr. Janet Turkle. I have an appointment with her Jan. 21.
December 23, 2002
Goal!!
I weighed today when we went to my Mom's! I have been eating a lot lately so I thought I wouldn't have lost much. lol Of course my a lot isn't really that much. And that is probably why my loss has slowed down, from not eating much.
Anyway! I have lost 2 more pounds and that puts my total to 120! Only 33 to goal!
February 2, 2003
Ulcer Is Back
I started feeling really bad again and called Dr. Huse's office. They put me back on Protonix but at a higher doseage. I started feeling better within two days.
I am now down 126 pounds! My sister came in today and called me skinny. LOL
Today is my one year anniversary of having the RNY with Dr. Huse. I still think it is the best thing that I have ever done and would do it again in a heartbeat.
I went to the dietitican first and she took my measurements, weighed me and took some pics. I have lost 15 inches each from my chest, waist and hips. lol I thought it was funny to be the same on each. Official weight loss is 130 pounds, from 328 to 198.
I talked to her about how many calories I should be consuming and she said that 1200-1400 are considered maintainence. So that is what I will start aiming for. I have been going over that with drinking milk so I am just going to have the protein shake, I get more protein for the calories from it.
As I was leaving the hospital, there was a lady there who had also had surgery. She asked me if I regreted it and I said no. She was in a lot of pain from Open RNY and hernia repair. She gave me the biggest compliment, she looked at me and said she would be happy to look like me. At first I though, "why??". lol I still think of myself as heavy I guess. She really made my day, week, month!
I went to see Dr. Huse next and he was very happy with my loss. We talked a bit about my seeking for plastic surgery and he said that he would write a letter for the insurance and fax it to Dr. Turkle's office. Then we talked about my ulcer, I have been having more trouble with it so he is switching me to Previcid instead of continuing with the Protonix. Then I mentioned getting sick off greasy food and he got this uh oh look on his face. He thinks it is my gall bladder. So I am scheduled for an US this Friday morning at the St. V in Carmel. Very discouraging.
So I am to go see him again in two months, and here I was all prepared to tell him good bye for good, as much as I like him. LOL
I will let you all know when I hear, I don't know if the tech will tell me anything or not.
