Catherine B
http://images.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/pics/staff/msbirddie/catherineb/bcatherinebears.jpg" width="158" height="138" alt="">I am waiting on approval through tricare. My husband is military and will be having my surgery done at Wilford Hall San Antonio
Yippee I have been approved .. I am now just waiting for the Clinic to call to get my testing done... I know pretty much know what test needs to be done so I am thinking of going to my PPO and have him have the test so I can have it to hand to the Dr when I get my appt.. Get one step closer..
Sept 1.2002.
Well the clinic called I go for the orination on Sept 19th at 730 am {GULP}.. I live 2.5 hours from Wilford hall so I either have to get up at 3 am and leave or go spend the night in San Antonio which I am opting to do... I can not do any pretesting before this meeting. I called the nurse and said the Dr frowns apon it so I have to wait till after the 19th to get started..( major bummer) Oh well.. in due time, in due time..
Sept 19th.
Went for my first consultation, BOY that was a long one. Was there at 7:30 am didnt get out till 12 noon. I got the list of test I need to complete, got the dietician part done, I go Oct 2 for my first support group meeting(mandatory for my surgeon) and hopefully my sleep study on the same day .. I am going tomorrow to get my blood work and start the 24 hour urine. I also have to get a letter from my cardioligist and my endocrinlogist to say its ok for me to have this surgery UGH.. I hope they will just send the letter and I dont have to go through a bunch of new test . I just had all the other test less then 6 months ago. On Sept 26 I will go to my PCP and have him set up my appt for the upper GI and Phys eval.. I am hoping to have all testing done by mid Oct.. Since I am moving in Jan I want to get it as soon as possible so I can use this surgeon but If not the nurse said they will transfer all my paper work to the other surgeon so either way I will get it before I move or right after... Well that is it for today , I will update next week.
Sept 26.2002.
Well I got most of my paperwork in order I have my sleep study on Oct 3 as well as my mandatory support group meeting
Sept 30th I will have my blood work and 24 hour urnine done and my upper GI, Oct 10th I will have my phsyc evaul done so that is all the paperwork I needed. I had everything else with an year so I just have to hand that in.. After I get it all turned in its the waiting game .. Sometimes the military can be so slow.
Oct 2,2002 Nov 4, 2002
Well I went for the support group meeting and learned alot. What an inspiration thesee other people have been and makes me want this surgery even more. I met Dr Bowers and he seems really nice but I just found out on my paperwork I have Dr goldberg...
I also had my sleep study. OMY how many wires can one person have on and still be able to sleep LOL.. The girl who did said she couldnt tell me anything but she said off the record that I had sleep apnea but it was very minor and she didnt think I would need the cpap but it was up to the Dr. So I dont know yet and I guess I will find out soon.
Oct 10, 2002
Had my psych eval today it went really well! I found out that dr also had the surgery.. He was really nice and understood why I wanted it .. He gave the go ahead.. So now all my testing is COMPLETE .. YEAH. I am waiting to see the surgeon so I can get a date.. YEAH... I just hope that goes by fast!
Oct 18, 2002
A minor bump in the road. Dr Jenkins staff called and said I had to get an EGD.. I guess my upper GI was not up to par( no big surprise I have horrible GERD). But I thought I was done with testing :(.. Oh well I know they are doing it for my own good. So tomorrow I go to my PCP and get them to make me a referral to go get this done. I heard you get good drugs ...
Well I got impatient and called the sleep center to find out about my sleep study.. I have sleep apnea. UGH.. It hasnt been confimed but I know the surgeon will put me on cpap grrrr oh well.. Such is life..
Oct 30, 2002
Well, its official. I have to have a second sleep study I go on Nov 24th and I guess I will get fitted with a cpap machine. We only have 75 more days left in Corpus Christi so I know I wont be getting surgery here but at least I will have all my testing done. I am also going on Nov 4th to find out when I have to get my EGD done.. I swear if it can go wrong it will. I know in the end the drs are doing whats best for me but It sure is a pain in the butt!!! Another plus is it will be in my records I have sleep apnea so I will officially have a comorb in my records and if I have to tricare out instead of going to a military hospital it will be easier for me to get approved. So as the saying goes EVERYTHING happens for a reason.. Until next time.http://images.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/pics/staff/msbirddie/catherineb/catherinebbears.gif" width="200" height="200" alt="">
Well The surgeon wouldnt set up my Upper GI because he wanted to call my surgeon at wilford hall. GRRRR..I think he did that because he was running late and didnt want to deal with me today. I go back on Nov 12
Nov 12th
Well the surgeon was so much nicer today. I have my EGD on Nov 15th.. Said I will get good drugs and I wont remember much .. One more hurdle will be over .. Have my sleep study on Nov 24 and hopefully that will be it for testing..
Nov15
Well I had my endoscopy it wasnt that bad. really good drugs LOL.. Its a weird thing you can remember some of the precedure but not all .. I still cant remember how I got into the recovery room.. I guess that one will remain a mystery LOL
Nov 21
Got my results back.. Everything looks good on endoscopy. I had a polyp is was non cancerous , Dr said I had a small Hiatal hernia , and my stomach had mild inflamation caused my my gerd.. He said nothing in there that will prevent me from having surgery.YIPPEEE.. I go for my other sleep study on Nov 24 to get fitted for my cpap I am hoping to have surgery at the beginning of Jan.. that is my goal wish me luck!
Well, looks like I wont be getting surgery before Jan.. I am waiting the results of my 2nd sleep study. The sleep study it self went good but that cpap machine can take a flying leap out the door LOL.. The sleep tech said I have very mild apnea and was on the lowest possible setting. But any apnea will require a cpap machine.. OH JOY .. NOT.. We are moving Jan 14th to GA so I guess I will have to find a new dr there. At least I will have my preop testing completed...
We are HOMEOWNERS!.. Well, we will be come Jan 17th.. We close on a 4 bedroom house. YEAH. Tricare is giving me problems about my cpap machine since I am moving out of state I will most likely have to get it in GA . Oh well once I am moved in I am making a dr appt so I can get started over there .. Wish me luck..
Well, offically we are homeowners now YEAH.. We closed on time on Jan 17th.. Now that I am settled in I will have to get my BIG butt in gear and get a new doctor.. I hope I can get the ball rolling fast since I have all my pretesting done I HOPE the new doctor will not make me go through it again.
Feb 10, 2003 I GOT the ball rolling again. I go to get my referrel on Monday Feb 10th.. Tricare gave me a surgeon already just need the referrel. YEAH.. I hope t goes by quick I am sick of waiting. I want it over with so I can be human again.. PLEASE let this doctor be gastric bypass friendly PLEASE...
Well, I got my referrel .. YEAHHHHH.. The dr said I should have my approval number by fri and to make an appt after I get it with the surgeon. I hope this surgeon accepts my test then I will be home free .. Update again on Fri after I get my approval letter YET AGAIN UGH
March 4, 2003
Today is my 16th wedding anniversary and I got some great news today . I have been approved for the second time. I am waiting on the doctor to call me back for my surgery date.. YEEEHAW... IM so excited.. Will updated a little later..
IM BACK I have a date , Its March 17th. St Pattys day. The luck of the IRISH with me.. GOSH I am so excited and scared at the same time.. I have been waiting since Aug to have this surgery and its finally happening... I cant believe it..
March 5 2003
OMG I am getting so nervous only 12 more days till surgery! I am going out tomorrow and get all the stuff I need after surgery.. Stock up on sugar free popcycles.. I need to get the stuff for the hospital stay.. I think the next 11 days will go by really fast and the last day will drag.. My new life will be coming soon I cant wait. I am so exicited !!
March 7..
OMG only 9 days and a wake up.. Its coming up fast now. I know I am doing the right thing but I am nervous. I have 3 boys to think about! But, if I dont do something about my weight that will kill me a slow death and they will have to watch it.. I have faith in my surgeon and faith that I will do already but I guess everyone has fears. I know once its all done and overwith I will be thrilled to be on the losing side
March 9th 2003..
ONE WEEK and Wake up is all I need to wait.. YEAH... This time next week I will be doing all that PREOP cleaning out YUK but at least I will know the next morning I will be in SURGERY!!!!!. I was getting dressed today and was looking at my size 22/24 pants and my Size 2X shirt and thinking in a few short months I wont be able to wear these. Oh the fun I will have finding new clothes I can wear.
March 10 OMG A week from today I will be a LOSER I can not even fathom what it is going to be like..I have so many mixed emotions, happy , excited ,worried, scared of the unknown but I know I am making the right choice for me and my health.I know I will be a healthier person because of this surgery
March 11, Ok Now I have less then a week left.. AAACK reality is setting in.. I ate my last big mac today :). I didnt even enjoy it so maybe I am getting in the mine set I wont be able to have that any more. I also started water aerobics yesterday and I loved it! I also went to the gym and did the stationary bike for a while and boy can I feel it today. I go back tonite for another aerobics class.The people there either had gastric bypass or is waiting to have it. So I feel like I fit in pretty good.
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March 12 4 days and a wake up call. I go tomorrow for my preop appt I cant wait to get that part over and ask the doctor some questions I have It will become more real tomorrow after getting all the pretesting done for surgery.
March 13 Well I went for my preop today, Did al that and now its a go for surgery.. YIPPEE.. The only concern I had was the doctor saying I might have to have my spleen removed because of prior surgeries.. I sure hope not..I am surprising not nervous and am very excited to get this over with,so I can start my new life. My last meal is Sat Night which will be STEAK.. YUM... it will be awhile before I get that again!
March 15.. Well I have less then 48 hours to the D Day.. I still am not nervous. I am more excited then anything.I went to get all the stuff to take the to the hospital today. Now all I have to do is pack my bag. Tomorrow I have to do my bowel prep(GAG). I have to be at the hospital at 8am.Tonite I have to eat my last BIG MEAL.. I will enjoy that and I had to eat my last reese cup LOL.. I think I will miss those the most LOL..But it will be all worth it to be healthier and look better!!!
March 16, 24 hours to go.. I am packing my bag today doing that citrate stuff so I have to stay close to the bathroom today. I also have eat lite today. Egg drop soup is going to be for dinner. This is the last day on the gaining side I will be a LOSER TOMORROW.. YEEEHAW!
March 24 Sorry I havent posted in awhile I had some complications in the hospital and had to have an emergency surgery to repair a leak. Not fun. But, I am home now and doing great. drinking liquids cant wait to get on puree foods because liquids SUCK! LOL but on Weds I get an Egg test and if I can keep it down then I can go on to the soft/puree..I will post more about my surgery experience when I feel a little better.
March 27th.. I went back to the doctors yesterday.. my lost is -11 pounds from my starting weight and additional 10 pounds I had gained in the hospital.. so that is -21 pounds so far in 9 days.. I got my gastro tube out and my drain. boy what a relief and I got to eat an egg. it was the best egg I have ever had in my life.. I am now on purree foods.. that will be for 3 weeks then on to regular food. Things are going smoothly and its surprising with the complications I had in the hospital but I am not going to complain. I have not gotton sick from anything I have eaten yet thank goodness. I go back to the doctors April 16th. Iget my first set of labs since my surgery then so I hope all is well with that..I guess that is it for now will update later.
April 5th.. Well, Only a few more days and I will be 3 weeks post op. I guess im having a platue because I have not lost any weight in a week. Oh well I didnt put all this weight on in one day I cant expect it to come off that fast either. Although I would love it too LOL... I found a new PCP she is really nice and very gastric bypass friendly so I am looking on a long relationship with her and my health.She said she will help me in anyway in my aftercare. She also gave me ahug when I left and said she was proud of me for taking this step. How is that for being cool!.. Well I go back to the Surgeons on April 16th. That day cant come fast enough because I am sick of mushy foods. I did however find a protien drink I like. I guess I will have to order more from them. Its taste like tang and it has 15 grams of protien This is where I got it if your interested....http://www.i-shophere.biz/higprotfruit.htmlWell that is it for now. I will update after the 16th.
April 17,2003. Well today is my one month post op date. I have lost 23 pounds so far! I went to the Dr yesterday and all my blood work is great and I got the go ahead to eat regular food. I went to Ruby Tuesdays and got grilled chicken I only managed to eat 1/4 of the chicken breast with one cheese stick.I guess that is not to bad for my first real meal.
April21,2003. I weighed in this morning at 226. YEAH 2 more pounds gone forever. I have lost a total of 25 pounds in 5 weeks..I am going to see a friend in the hospital today she had her surgery this afternoon. I will tell her the good news of my weight loss and it will bring her spirits up.
April 23,2003 I lost another pound a total of 26 pounds . I am also no longer morbidly obese.. My bmi is 39.9..hey I will take what I can get!
Apirl 29,2003.. I woke up this morning and weighed in at 221.5.. OMG I am -30 pounds!!!!.. I had a very hard week.. My good friend was ANGEL H's angel and took I took it very hard when she called and told me of her passing. Then my angel ( and im hers ) Liz Lehnick was readmitted to the hospital with a possible leak. she didnt have one but had an infection and ended up staying 2 days on IV antibiotics.. She should come home today..
Well , its May and I have not lost another pound. I have been from 221-224 for the past week and half. UGH Its driving me insane. Where is this wonderful weight loss I have been hearing about! It surely is not on me.. I hope this plateau leaves soon. I have been doing everything right and no weight loss UGH.. I will update later.
May 9th..The scale moved YEAH.. It only moved a pound but hey a pound is a pound right!.. I am down to 220 and a BMI of 39.0..
May 11th.. Happy Mothers day everyone... I am down 2 more pounds to 218.. Only 19 more pounds and I will below the 200 mark!!Yeah.. I guess my plateau has broken for now.. I hope that ugly monster stays away for awhile..
May 13 2203... Well. I have been going to water aerobics 2 times a day and swimming a half an hour before hand.. This morning I stepped on the scale and I have lost 34.5 pounds.. my weight was 216.5.. YEAH.. seems I am loosing .5 to 1 pound daily this week.Its been a good week after days of a plateau..
May 19,2003 I am 2 months post op as of the 17th of this month.. I got on the scale this morning and it read 214.5. YEAH.. Another 2 pounds.. I was hoping at this time I was at least 40 pounds lost but I will take 37,close enough
May 27.. I was 10 weeks post op yesterday.I weighed in this morning at 212 YEAH. only 1 more pound and it will be 40 pounds gone for ever!!! I have only 13 more pounds before I am under 200!YEAH!! I am in a size 18 now from a 26.. I have not seen a size 18 in years.. I also cut my grass today. Most people would say well, so what you cut your grass. This was a huge accomplishment for me with my other heart problems. I really enjoyed it and will be doing it again!! Well that is it for now. Until next time...
May 29th. FINALLY made the 40 pound lost mark,and did it before my birthday on Tuesday..I am doing wateraerbics 6-8 times a week and now have added fit swim to my program! I want to start weight training soon to tone up my arms. I hate those bat wings.. My 20th highschool reunion is coming up in Oct. I hope I can loose 40- 50 more pounds before then but I am not going to push it.
May 31.. Well one more pound down, Im down to 210!! only 11 more pounds and I will be at a major goal..to below 200..And 9 more pounds I will make it to another goal of 50 pounds lost!!
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June2,2003 Today is my 11 week post op date. I am down to 209!!Im so exited only 10 more pounds till im under 200! Thats a 42 pound lost in 11 weeks!.
June 5th. I have not lost anymore weight but I got into a size 16! So I have to be loosing inches!!! I have nto seen this size since after my first son was born 15 yrs ago!! Here is a picture...http://ourworld.cs.com/Clearancequeenie/101_0151.JPG
June 7th .. I dont feel very well today. I have been having a headache going on for the past week and this morning I had a stomach ache. I think I have the virus everyone is getting here.. On a good note came home from water aeobics this after noon and I was 208 YIPPPEE finally lost another pound.
June 9th. Well, I dont know what weight I am. I was 207.5 this morning but a few minutes later I was back to 208.. I like the 207 better LOL.Maybe by tomorrow it will stay on 207.Im getting a little discouraged. I am 12 weeks post op and only 43-44 pounds gone. I thought by this point I would be at least 199.I guess it wasnt meant to be for me I am a SLOOOOOW Loser.I have 7 more days till I am offically 3 months post op I hope to get as close to 199 by then as possible. I dont know what more I can do I exersise , I eat my protien and drink enough.My body just doesnt want to let those pounds go,How come when I was gaining them they would come on fast LOL doesnt seem fair!.
June 11th. Well I weighed in this morning at 206!!! only 7 more pounds and I will below 200! Only5 more pounds and it will be 50 pounds lost wahoo
June 13,2003 I was 205 this morning One more pound gone. One pound at a time .. Only 6 more pounds I will hit a major goal of being under 200!!! YEAH.. !
June 17th.. Well today it has been 3 months since my surgery.. I am down to 204! I only lost 1 pound in the past 4 days but thats ok. I have lost 47 pounds since surgery. I would have never been able to do that before. I was hoping to be at least 50 pounds gone by today but I only off by 3 pounds..Hopefully soon i will say I broke that 50 pound mark!
Well im back its still the 17th . I came from water aerobics and I was 203!! I hope it wasnt a fluke LOL.. so that is 48 pounds in 3 months..
June 24,2003 down to 201 this morning only 2 more pounds and I will below 200.. I am at -50 pounds one of my goals!!!! yah
June 27,2003.. Down to 200 yeah!!! Only 1 more pounds and I will be in the ONEDERLAND... -51 pounds as of today :)
JULY 1 2003.. NO weight loss since the 27th UGH I thought I would be below 200 by now. I am flucuating between 200 and 202. loosing and gaining the same two pounds. what gives! driving me NUTS I am so close to 199 I cant taste it but my body wants to play tricks UGH.
July 8th 2003 Well, I think the plateau has broke, I was 198 this morning WAHOO I am under 200 pounds!!! One more pound and I will no longer be severly obese or moribidly obese.. way to go me!! I am 53 pounds lost.. I know slower then most at 16 weeks but I will take what I can get!!
July 9th 197 this morning YEAH I am only obese LOL.. isnt it funny to be happy about being obese! But, after being Morbidly Obese and Severely Obese for so many years Obese sounds great !! Next goal to be just overweight LOL..
July 10,2003 Weigh in this morning is 196.5 I guess my plateau is really broken.. I am 55 pounds lost since surgery and 60 pounds lost since my highest weight of 256..I guess I am loosing about average according to the charts..Overall I am happy with my progress.. I sometimes wish it was faster but dont we all? I am so grateful that I had the oppuntity to have this surgery. There is so many people out there who can not get it and wish all insurances would approve it.. It is definatly a life saving operation!!
July 16, 2003 Tomorrow is my 4 months anniversary.. I had my 4 months check up and all my blood work came back great!! Dr Henderson was very proud of my progress even though I thought I was going slow. He said you lost 50 % of what you want to loose in 4 months.. Well, I never looked at it that way..I hate his scale though said was 197.0 but he said you have to remember you have eaten and drank all day( my appt was late afternoon) I was 194.5 this morning so that put me at a 57 pound loss!!!! If you include the 5 pounds prior to surgery its a 62 pounds loss!! I guess IM doing good. I shouldnt compare to others but its hard not to..
July 21 2003.. I was 193 this morning. Its coming of slowly but surely. I feel so guilty since I didnt make it to one water aerobics class, thanks to AUNT FLO who comes on her monthly visits UGH!!!. I did manage to go to a personal trainer on Fri and will try to do that 3 days a week along with water aerobics. It has been an emotional week for me one of my online buddies past away. I have had an online friendship with her for over 7 yrs. She had 3 small children.What makes it sad they dont know why she died. She was a healthy 28 yr old who had no medical problems. They thought it was a brain anerysm but they ruled that out now they think maybe a stroke. How can you have a stroke at 28!I am totally shock and have such a heavy heart. Her husband is military as well and was in Iraq at the time of her death. I keep thinking about the children.. They were all so young.If you read this please pray for her family.. God Speed Jenn.. your flying witht he angels now..
July 26th.. Well as of yesterday I was down to 191.5 but today I am back to 192 GRRRR .. The scale is an evil contraption and if I wasnt so addicted to it I would scream.I am going to go by yesterdays weight so I have lost 60 pounds to date LOL.. (or 59 if you take todays weight )
Aug 7th.. Well, the past few weeks have been a roller coaster ride in my weight loss.. I went down to 191 then started working and my weight started going up.. I was all the way up back to 195.. I was devasted.. I think it was mainly water weight because over night I have lost weight and I am down to 189.5 .. I hope it stays in the 180's ... wish me luck!!!
Aug 12 2003.. Well working has dampered my weight loss I think. I dont get enough fluid in and I think its making me slow down.. I have 5 more days and I will be 5 months post op.. I am now 187.5. So unless I loose 3 more pounds in 5 days I only had a 7 pound weight loss this month compared to a 10-12 pound weight loss in prior months. I will take what I get though. I am very happy where I am at and I think I will manage my goal by my anniversary on March 17th 2004.. I will update again on the 17th unless a major goal or loss happens between then LOL..
Aug 17th, 2003.. I am now 186 so the total weight loss for this month is 8 pounds.. not the 10 or 12 I have been getting but close.. I know its because I am not exercising like I was. I am working now and just dont have the time but those are going to change. DH bought me a pool so I will be able to do my water aerobics at home when I cant make it to class.. We are setting it up now I cant wait!!!!
Aug 19th.. Down to 185 today ... its coming off slowly but surely... I am down 66 pounds from day of surgery and 71 from my highest weight.. wahooo!
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AUG 31,2003 I am now 183 , weight loss has been slow but steady so I am not going to complain . Down 68 from surgery 73 from my highest ...
Sept 4, 2003 I was 180 this morning .. my 6 month annivesary is coming up in less then 2 weeks. I am hoping I am at least in the 170s only one more pound for that but who knows with my plateaus LOL.. I finally put a list of pounds I have lost for the past 5.5 months..
One month -23
month two -14
month three-10
month four -9
month five -9
so far for month 6( not quite there)I have lost -6 hopefully it will be higher for this month..
Sept 14,2003.. I was 177.5 this morning YEAH I made it to the 170's before my 6month mark.. I will be 6 months post op in 2 more days so if I dont loose anything by then it will be a 9 pound lost again this month. I will take it!! Only 38 more pounds and I will be at my goal weight!
Sept 15,2003 YEAH. I am 176 this morning that means I have lost 75 pounds in 6 months since the day of my surgery and 80 from my highest weight~~~ Life is good!
Sept 28th 2003.. I am 173.5-174 depending on what time of day I get on the scale .. I think I might be on a small plateau .. I hope it breaks soon..
Oct 1 2003 I was 171 this morning YEAH 80 pounds gone forever!!! 85 from my highest weight! I have 2 more pounds to put me in just the overweight catagory and and 20 more pounds to hit the century mark!
Oct 4,2003 Today is my 20th highschool reunion I wont be able to attend because its in Pennsyvania but I did make the goal I wanted to be at before this date to be only overweight . I was 169.5 this morning which makes my BMI 29.9!!!
Oct 16th.2003. Yesterday went to see the surgeon Im on a plateau YUCK still 169.5
Oct 21st2003.. Well I guess the plateau has broken some its still slow going but I have dropped 2 pounds I am now 167 that is an 84 pound lost since surgery 89 from my highest weight.. only 16 more pounds and I will hit the century mark!!
Oct 26th..2003 2 more pounds gone.. YIPPEE I am 165 now.. Only 14 more pounds till I hit the century mark since my surgery only 9 more pounds from my highest weight.. I have lost 86 pounds since surgery and 91 from my highest .. Getting there slowly but surely...
Oct 28th 2003 .. Down another pound to 164! 3 more pounds and I hit the 90 pound mark!! I am so excited yesterday at work 2 people noticed I lost weight since working there 3 months ago.. how cool is that!!!
Nov 11, 2003. I have been on a plateau for the past few weeks but this morning I woke up and lost 3 pounds..I am now 161 90 pounds lost since surgery 95 from my highest weight only 10 more pounds to hit the century mark!!!
Nov 12, 2003 I lost another 1.5 pounds woke up this morning and I was 159.5.. I am in the 150's!!
Nov 21, 2003 I am now 156!!! I have lost 100 pounds from my highest weight!!!! 95 from the day of surgery. I dont know if this puts me in the Century club but I will take what I can get!!!
Dec 7th 2003... Lost 2 more pounds. Its going slowly but I am 154 so its still coming off.. Only 14 more pounds to get to my ideal weight. That is 102 lost from highest weight and 97 from day of surgery !!!
Dec 12,2003
I was at work and a lady came up to the counter.. I reconized her from my h20 class and said Hi there how are you .. She looked at me funny and I said Terri its Cathie from H20 and she OH WOW .. I didnt reconize you .. YOU LOOK GREAT.. I have lost 40 pounds since I last went to H20.. I KNOW BAD ME.. I have been doing alot of walking though... She really made my day.. Oh and better news. I went shopping last night and bought a size 8 jeans. I came home thinking these where going to be my goal pants. I am currently in a size 10/12.. Well I tried them on and they fit.. Although TIGHT I got them on and buttoned and zipped,without even lying on the bed !!! I wouldn t say Im a size 8 yet but It does feel good to have them in my closet and they do fit...
Dec 19 2003 . I made it to my 100 pounds lost since my surgery day. I am 151 as of today !! I have lost 105 overall ..
Jan 5th 2004 Wow the hoidays are over. And I lost 1 pound :( Its been a rollercoaster ride these past few weeks going up 5 pounds and loosing 5 then going up 5 loosing that 5 GRRRR.. I guess its better then keeping the 5 pounds on right.. I weigh 150 right now!! I have 11 more pounds to make my goal of 139. I go see Dr H on Weds and I will discuss my hernia repair and possible tummy tuck and breast reduction.. I will update after my appt..
Jan 7th 2004 .. Went to my appt today. Surgeon said everything looked good. My liver enzymes are elevated but he said it should resolve itself soon.. He gave me a referrel for a Tummy tuck and breast reduction said I was close enough to goal that I can proceed with it he will also being doing my hernia repair.. I was 148 this morning of course at the doctors office I was 152 .. I hate having my appts so late in the day LOL.. oh well I know what my scale says in the morning ... I will go the plastic surgeon tomorow then my insurance company.. wish me luck!!!
Jan 23 2004.. Boy I really dont understand how tricare works. My PCP put in for my hernia repair and tummy tuck well tricare approved me to see the Plastic surgeon for my hernia repair and tummy tuck .. what the heck is she going to do about my hernia.. I am so confused.. I am going to go see her and see if she can call tricare and fix it for me so Dr Henderson or some other doctor can get my hernia repaired.. I have been on a plateau for the past few weeks I did manage to get to 147 today but I know it will be temporary my weight has been going up and down 3-5 pounds since before Christmas.. I go as high as 152 and as low as 147. GO figure..
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Feb 2 2004 I have an appt with the plastic surgeon on Feb 26th. I could have gotton it sooner but they come to my area every other thurs and I know I am off that Thurs so I took this date...I asked her office about the hernia repair and they said they do it there so I guess I was wrong. I didnt know plastic surgeons did hernia repairs guess you learn something new every day. Weighed in this morning at 146 the weight loss is going ever so slowly now I am starting back at the gym today thanks to the nagging of my fellow coworker LOL .. I am glad she is a nag about it because i needed someone to kick my butt in gear to get out there and start exercising again. I cant wait till the warm weather so I can get back into the pool and do water aerobics. It is just to darn cold and envy anyone who is brave enough to get back in the water when its 40 degrees outside brrrrr...
Feb 13 .. Yikes its Fri 13th.. But I had some good luck today.. after weeks of plateaus bouncing from 146- 150 I think it finally broke. I was 143 today .. YEAH.. I have only 4 more pounds to make my personal goal of 139. I go on the 19th to see the plastic surgeon they upped my date up.. cant wait to find out if I can have a TT with my hernia repair ..
March 8th 2004.. Wow a year has almost gone by only 9 more days and I will be at my year mark. Still waiting for approval of my hernia repair and TT and breast reduction. The PS still has not even submitted them to my insurance company. When I called the other day to ask why they said they are trying to code it so the insurance will pay everything .. So I guess waiting might be a good thing.I woke up this morning at 139.5 which puts me at goal range. I am in the ideal weight zone for my BMI!! YEAH.. But next week is my monthly so I know I will regain a few pounds back but that will only be temporary.. Anything from this point will be gravy!!
MARCH 17 2004
ONE YEAR POST OP.. YEAH I Made it a year without to many complication with the exception of the second surgery its been pretty much a breeze I am now 139 pounds and I am at my personal goal.. I am still waiting for my hernia repair and Tummy tuck,found out today tricare just got the information so I should know in a few days. I really hope I will be approved for my tt. I have alot of excess skin that is bothering me alot.. I know I will get the hernia repair but really hope tricare will approve the TT. wish me luck and I will update soon with the results. I know when I think about how far I have come its a sereal thing. This time last year I was morbidly obese and this year I am in a Normal BMI.. UNREAL>. I cant say enough for this surgery it has truly saved my life and would do it again in a heart beat. I want to thank everyone who has helped me through this surgery execially Dr Henderson and his staff.. I also want to thank Liz for being there for me at the beginning was a truly a godsent in those first few weeks. I really appreciate it and I hope you know that.. Marie and Shannon you two have been there for me as well THank you all very much!!!
March 19th 2004
Well, I heard from tricare about my TT, hernia repair and breast reduction I have good news and bad news. I got approved for my breast and hernia but denied for my TT .. I was really upset yesterday about it but today not so much. I will find away one way or another to get this done even if I have to take a loan out to do it.. I called my PCP and he is going to write tricare a letter to appeal the ruling so is my Plastic surgeon so that is good. I have my surgery set up for May 5th for my breast and hernia repair hopefully I can appeal my TT before then and will be getting that too if not I will find other means to get it done.. I have come to far not to get this for myself and I will do it..
March 24,2004
Yesterday was my oldest 16th birthday.. YIKES He will be getting his driver license really soon. I got my official denial from Tricare on my TT . It said my panni wasnt extremly large and they didnt see any rashes.. I had rashes the day I went to the PS,but she didnt take any pictures of them GRRRR.. I am going to appeal my PCM said he would write a letter and send the documentation on what he had on my rashes. I still have a rash in my belly button. I am going to take more pictures to send in with my appeal.. On a good note I am 137 now YEAHHH.. My 10s are all baggy and I am in mostly 8s and even bought a size 6 that fits!!! Medium shirts..I have lost 114 from day of surgery and 119 of my highest weight.. Just a few weeks of being a year out!
April 12, 2004
Well Happy Easter a day late.. I had a horrible day today .I spent my whole day in the bathroom. I think I have some kind of virus.I put in my appeal for my tummy tuck. I will call the plastic surgeon this week and see if they resubmitted. I sure hope they find it medically necessary now. I had a letter from my PCP and I had documentation of rashes and more pictures. I hope that is enough to convince Tricare I need it. I was 136 today but I think that is because I am sick I sure hope I feel better tomorrow.
May 5th 2004... Well still no word on my appeal but talked to the appeals nurse and she said they have to have an answer by tomorrow. I just am hoping they approve it but I am ok with it if they dont.. I feel god is telling me not to have it done or something because I have tried everything to get it approved and if it comes back denied tomorrow it just isnt my time to have a Tummy tuck maybe in a few months or even next year at this time. I definatly will change PS if I dont have it this time around. I was 135 this morning so I am still loosing but ever so slowly but I am at my personal goal now and I am in a solid 6 now
May 8th 2004.. Well, bad news I got denied again for my Tummy tuck. I am not upset though.. I will just fight harder next go around and if that doesnt work I will self pay. One way or another I will be getting this done.. It kind of works out though I wont have as much recovery now and we are going to Texas 4 weeks after my breast reduction and hernia repair.. That happens on May 12th. I cant believe in 5 more days I will have more perky boobs LOL.. At least insurance is paying for those!!!!
May 18th 2004 .. Well I had my breast reduction but not my hernia repair. my PS said she wants to fight my tummy tuck one more time before she goes ahead with my hernia repair. So I will appeal again. I am very happy with my breast reduction. I am a B cup and its so nice not to carry those girls around anymore. I know alot of people would like bigger ones but when you have them your whole adult life you are happy to see the little ones LOL. They are sure perky and stand at attention!!! I also lost a few pounds this week I am at 133!!
May 21st 2004.. Man its been a rough week.. Breast reductin still painful but got my drains out yesterday YIppeee. Kids last day of school today so I am happy about that. We are going to Texas next month so looking foward to that. I have been pretty nausetated for the past week since surgery. I think its the antibiotics that are making me sick. I cant wait till I can stop taking them but I have lost another 2 pounds. I think it will be temporary till I can start eating again its going off way to fast this far off for it to be real weight loss. I am 131 today. Not getting very many calories or water in in the past few days. I hope it passes soon!
June 3rd 2004 Today is my 39th birthday only one more year and I will be the big 40! I think before WLS this would have bothered me more then it does now. I am way more healthier today then I was 14 months ago.I am now 129.5 I am below goal!!! .
June 30th 2004.. We just got back from Texas a few days ago. I am sad to see our vacation over.. I went back to work yesterday and got a big surprise I great raise! 1.50 more an hour.I need to take a leave from work more often LOL. I am still between 129-134, depending on the day . I however found out while on vacation I might have grew an inch LOL . I measured 5ft 4 inches. I have always been 5ft 3 inches so who knew you could grow after you loose weight LOL .. Oh well I will take it!.
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Aug 6th
Went to the doctors the other day and got offically measured. I am 5ft 3.5 inches. SO I did grow LOL .. Only a half an inch but hey I will take it .. I am holding steady between 128-132 I am definatly done loosing I think. Still waiting on my appeal ..br>
April 12,2004
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Oct 2,2004 I found out this week my appeal has been approved. Just waiting for my autherization for my tummy tuck. WOW I cant believe its finally going to happen!!! I am now 125.5 as of this week. I thought I was done loosing but I guess not. Will update after the autherzation comes in!! . My surgery date for m tummy tuck and hernia repair is Feb 9th YIPPEE SKIPPEEE.. I am so excitedhttp://images.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/pics/staff/msbirddie/catherineb/catherinebbears.gif" width="200" height="200" alt="">
Jan 28, 2005 I had my preop appt for my tummy tuck and hernia repair. she is going to do the anchor cut and take off all the extra skin. I cant not wait to get that off. I did have some regain last month of 5 lbs but I have been back on track and lost 2 of the 5 lbs. The doctor said she will take 5lbs off . Not really worried about that just want my stomach not to be so flabby. my
Feb 11, 2005 .. Well, I did it.. I made it through my plastic surgery with flying colors. Amazingly I am not hurting all that bad.. She took 5 lbs of skin she said that I had not one ounce of fat on me. Do you know how good that sounds when you have been morbidly obese most of your adult life.. I have to say I am very impressed with my Tummy tuck and apparently so is my doctor since she will be using my pictures to show other gastric bypass patients what a tummy tuck will look like after that much weight loss plus I had alot of prior surgeries and most of my scars gone except of course the ones she made from the tummy tuck. She fixed a small hernia that I didnt know exsisted and the one we thought I had wasnt even a hernia but a clump of scar tissue. She said that is common for it not to be a hernia and sees it alot with people who had multiple abdominal surgies. I am glad she removed it because it bothered me like a hernia . In fact my doctor said it will feel and hurt just like one and call them false hernias. Here are my before and after Tummy tuck pictureshttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v671/clearancequeenie/IMG_0123.jpg">
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Feb 24 , 2005 I am 2 weeks out from my Tummy tuck hernia repair. I have to say I love my flat belly.. I am still really swollen and everyone says it will take a good 6 months to see the real results but I like them now LOL, I got my last drain out on Monday and I feel like a new woman.. That was such a relief.. I am now thinking I might want to get a chin lift to get rid of my turkey chin but got to see what the cost is.. .
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