Journal

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" height=90 BGCOLOR="#CC9900" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="042005a0dwnjzk.gif"> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Roger and Donna"><U><B>home</B></U></A><B>     | </B><B> </B><B> </B><B>  </B><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFCC66" FACE="Arial" ><B>Roger  and Donna</B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=390 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> Journal</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id160.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Friends"><U><B>New friends from</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id160.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Friends"><U><B> the mailing list</B></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="101c3280.jpg" border=0 width="195" height="296" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">     <IMG SRC="399672a0.jpg" border=0 width="103" height="298" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">     </div> <div>                                                                                                 Before surgery              October 9, 2005</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> December 29,2004</div> <div> Here I am at about 304.  I give this weight because I was 302 on one Doctors scale and 306 on another.  Whatever weight it is way too much.  I am 5'6" tall.  These pictures were taken this summer.  Inside myself I don't feel as big as I am.  It must be the thin person trying to get out.  I always carry a camera to take pictures of other people.  I  allow my picture to be taken because I read a letter to Dear Abby from a family whose mother had died and they had no pictures of her.  They loved her dearly but because of her weight she would not allow her picture to be taken.  </div> <div> I have struggled with a weight problem since I was about 24 years old.  Went through every diet there was.  I lost weight and then gained back the pounds plus more.  Around 6 or 7 years ago I quit smoking and BOING!!!! My weight shot up from 195 to what it is now.  We live in a wonderful Active Adult Community and I can't be active.  It is a struggle to walk more then a short block.  </div> <div> A few months ago I started researching Weight Loss Surgery on the internet.  I went to my primary care Manager (Tricare Prime) and she said there was no way she would support gastric bypass for me.  She said she felt it was a risk for anyone in their 60's and I was going on 62.  I contacted a surgeon that I felt good about and he will not do gastric bypass on anyone over 60.  He would do Lap Band surgery but my insurance will not pay for it. :(  </div> <div> <B>October 26, 2004</B> My husband and I make an appointment and go see Dr Jawad's Nurse Practitioner.  This sounds like the surgery I want.  It is much less scary to me then the gastric bypass.  I need to have an Upper GI, Cardiac Clearance, Psych Evaluation, I can use my old GB Ultrasound and EGD report.  I really don't want to pay for all that because I need a Cardiac checkup, I have indigestion.  I can justify some of the things needed.  </div> <div> <B>November 4,2004</B>  I go back to my PCM.  I am shaking in my boots.  I am so sure she is going to tell me to get lost and go pay for everything plus the surgery.  I take a deep breath and tell her I have decided on Lap Band surgery but need help getting some of the tests.  Without hesitation she wants to know what I need and starts setting up referrals. </div> <div> <B>December 27, 2004</B> I passed my stress test and echo but having a problem getting the cardiologist to fax a clearance.  I called his office  and my PCM so cross your fingers that one of them got them to the surgeon.</div> <div> <B>December 29, 2004</B>  It has taken a long time but I am down to needing the psych evaluation and it is scheduled for tomorrow.  I am off to the races.  Going to go to the surgeons office and pay for the surgery so I can deduct it from my taxes this year. </div> <div> <B>December 30,2004</B> Went to see the Dr Henderson for my psychological evaluation.  First I took a 250 true or false question test. He graded it and said I was normal as could be.  He met my husband in the lobby and told him that.  Without hesitation my husband said he wanted a second opinion. He wants his $200 fee right then and there.  Paid in advance for my surgery and have a tentative date of January 28.  No clearance from my cardiologist but his office did send the reports.  This is not good enough.  Lissette of Dr Jawad's office tries to call them but the office is closed.</div> <div> <B>December 31, 2004  </B>I tried to call the cardiologist but the office is closed.  I fax a request for clearance.</div> <div> <B>January 3, 2005  </B>I call Lissette and she calls the cardiologist office.  They say OK will fax ASAP.  A few hours later Lissette calls me and says she has it and we are on for January 28. Pre op appointment on January 20.  There goes more money for EKG, Chest Xray and blood tests. </div> <div> <B>January 5, 2005 </B>Two weeks prior I am suppose to drink a protein drink for 2 meals and have one meal high in protein and low in carbs.  I have decided I want to loose weight starting now so I had a <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Arial" >protein drink for breakfast</FONT>.  I tried the Edge brand Chocolate and it was OK but not great.  I am working up to the two protein drinks so <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Arial" >for lunch I had 5 crackers and soft spread cheddar and jalapino cheese spread</FONT>.  Good stuff.  It called is Pub Cheese.  It was almost gone so only had a little bit. I have a dollar off coupon for Slim-Fast so will try that next.  We went to a Chinese restaurant for dinner. <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Arial" > I had a loosely packed cup of noodles, about 2 tablespoons of cashew chicken, 10 green beans, cup of egg drop soup, a veggie filled egg roll, 3 little pieces of sesame chicken and 2 small pieces of sweet and sour chicken and a couple tablespoons of fried rice.  Last but really not least I had 2 of those tiny cream puffs.  BAD really bad.  I drank lots and lots of water!!!</FONT></div> <div> <B>January 6, 2005</B>  This morning I had <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Arial" >2 slices of Kraft American cheese.</FONT>  I hope I am in a better mood today.  I picked on my husband all day yesterday.  Of course he deserved to be picked on.  Ate too much.  Went to Applebees and had<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Arial" > half the oriental chicken salad with a piece of garlic bread.  Not too bad BUT Roger got cheese cake with his meal and stuck it in front of me after he took two bites.  Yes---I finished it. </FONT> Glad it was a small piece.</div> <div> <B>January 7, 2005 </B>Went to a Mock Tail gate party this morning. <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Arial" > Ate one hot dog and a deviled egg.  Oh, and 3 of those mini tomatoes that were soaked in vodka over night. Had 4 mini donuts this morning.  Lunch/dinner was a bowl of navy bean soup with ham and a piece of cornbread.  Ate two handfuls of popcorn.  </FONT>Drank too much diet Pepsi and not enough water. <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Arial" > Forgot one can of slim fast. Over did it a little today.</FONT></div> <div> <B>January 8, 2005  </B>I forgot to post for this date but I will try.  Let's see, I had <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Arial" >Slim-Fast for breakfast and two Margaritas for lunch :) </FONT>and then an <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Arial" >8 oz prime rib with about 2 small red potatoes and a cup of mixed veggies.  I had unsweet ice tea.  I think I had 2 handfuls of popcorn and nasty nasty two Hershey kisses left from Christmas.</FONT></div> <div> <B>January 9, 2005 </B>  The first of our many friends from Ohio got here today.  Before they arrived I had <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Arial" >a can of Slim-Fast.  Fifteen low fat Wheat Thins with a total of 2 tablespoons cheddar with jalapino peppers. Two Margaritas :)</FONT> on the deck of the Lighthouse Bar at The Villages.  A beautiful day!!! <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Arial" > A bowl of Clam Chowder</FONT>.  A little after that our kids show up and we go to the new Johnny Rockets at Lake Sumter Landing.  I eat <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Arial" >half of a hamburger--so good but I was not hungry.  Also had two onion rings and two french fries</FONT>.  Again we had<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Arial" > popcorn and two teeny twix bars</FONT>.  I have to throw out that left over Christmas candy.  I don't crave chocolate but if it is here I will eat it.</div> <div> <B>January 10, 2005</B> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Arial" > Had my can of Slim-fast.  Later had a bowl of rice chex with 2% milk. </FONT> I have to start drinking water.  Did great the first day and it has been down hill since. Had 3 margaritas!!!!! We are entertaining friends who are here for a visit from Ohio.  That is my excuse.  Really by the end of the day I had 5 margaritas but they were far apart through out the day.  We went to Katie Belles for dinner.  I had an <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Arial" >8 oz prime rib with about 2 small red potatoes and about 7 green beans,  To drink I had---No not margarita--unsweetened ice tea.  </FONT></div> <div> <B>January 11, 2005 </B> Remember I am not on my 2 weeks until surgery yet.  I went to Cracker Barrel with Jerry ( a loser to be like me) and my friend Hazel.  I ate <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Arial" >less then two eggs--they were mushy and I like hard whites, a sausage paddy, a small slice of bacon and a small piece of ham.  A  half a biscuit with butter and the other half with about 5 tablespoons of sausage gravy. Hash brown casserole just 4 bites.  I had two pieces of the apple stuff and no grits.  Unsweet ice tea to drink.</FONT></div> <div> <B>January 23, 2005 </B>Yes it has been a long time since I posted!!  I went for my pre op appointment and Dr Jawad canceled my surgery.  My UGI showed a hernia that he could fix and a narrowing of the esophagus that he cannot.  No Lap Band for me :(.  He says that even though I am over his normal cutoff age for gastric bypass surgery he feels I am a good candidate and if I get a referral he will do it by laproscopy.  I am having the high protein drink for breakfast each day and will start doing two a day later next week.  It won't hurt to start in anticipation of having surgery eventually.  </div> <div> <B>February 6,2005</B> Did not really feel like posted lately.  I went to my PCM and she said she would get me a referral to see Dr Jawad. That was over a week ago and no referral.  I will call her office tomorrow and see if there is any word.  I might run into a problem because of my age.   Just noticed I have not had a margarita since January 23---it is time :)</div> <div> <B>March 12, 2005</B> I stayed away too long.  Finally after 3 weeks I got my referral and here I am 2 days from surgery.  I had thought about waiting until the 21st but glad I did not.  I would have stressed out waiting that long.  I went for pre op and had lost 4 pounds. Roger and I went out for my one allowed meal yesterday and YES I had one margarita.  We are having company today so will probably go out for dinner tonight too.  Not sure about the margarita though.  Tomorrow I go on clear liquids all day and then Monday is the big day.  I went to Walgreens and got my scripts filled and bought vitamins and MOM and Dulcolax.  Well. I got the wrong stuff.  I need liquid vitamins and Dulcolax Suppositories.  I really should learn to write this stuff down.  Needed to go back anyway for neosporin oint.  </div> <div> <B>March 14, 2005 </B> Roger and I got to ORMC at 7am for my 7:30am scheduled time.  Went to registration and got my new wristband.  I was given a REALLY big hospital gown(so nice they have ones to fit) and told to put it on.  Went to a room and got up on the bed.  Had the IV put in and was wheeled to the OR.  I remember seeing the big light above me and a voice saying I am putting this over your mouth.  That was all I remember until I woke up in recovery.  I said to myself "Yeah, I made It!!!"  Diane who had her surgery before me was across the room from me and she kept saying she could not believe how good I looked.  I did not feel bad---yet.  Roger was there with me for hours but there was a long wait for a room and I was doing great so he went home.  At around 8pm I finally go my room and don't remember too much about the night.  The nurse kept asking me if I needed pain meds but I didn't.  I was getting a non narcotic pain reliever through the IV and it worked for me.  I know the nurse came in often during the night to take vital signs but I slept pretty well.</div> <div> <B>March 15, 2005 </B>I was wondering why Roger had not called me to check on me and it was after 8am.  I could not call out to see where he was.  At around 9am he showed up and asked why I had not answered my phone.  I told him it was broken so he called my number with his cell phone.  DUH there was a soft ring from my phone.  It was so soft that I thought it was coming from another room.  There was a switch to make it louder.  At 6am my NG tube had been taken out and my foley cath removed so I was up walking.  Did not do great but kept trying through the morning.  The bariatric nurse came in and gave me instructions and a women from physical Therapy came in to show me how to get out of bed.  Let me tell you, she nearly killed me.  The pain was TERRIBLE!!!  I forgot, earlier I was taken somewhere to have and upper GI done to see if I had any leaks.  There were none.  That stuff you drink is horrible.   Dr Jawad came in and said I was doing well and could go home.  Got home a little after 3pm.</div> <div> <B>March 16, 2005 </B>Did not sleep too well last night because both sides hurt too much and had to lay on my back. Roger stacked pillows on the couch so getting up would be easier for me.  I sure wish I was getting the pain meds that I had in my IV at the hospital.  I am super miserable.  </div> <div> Got up and walked though out the day.  Roger really pushed me to walk because it is important.  Don't want a blood clot.  Still I needed a little push.  I came home with two tubes.  One is a drain and the other is a g tube used to take mes and extra fluid if needed.  The drain comes out in a week and the other in 5 or 6 weeks.</div> <div> <B>March 17-19, 2005  </B>Still miserable but I feel better every day.  Had nausea all day one day and the meds just made me sleepy.  Glad it only lasted one day.</div> <div> <B>March 20, 2005 </B>I am feeling more alive.</div> <div> <B>March 21, 2005 </B>Went for my appointment.  Sylvia took out the drain.  It felt weird coming out but did not hurt.  </div> <div> <B>April 29, 2005  </B>I am bad--really bad about keeping up with my journal.  I have my G tube out and the hole it left is healed.  I still have not started swimming because the mornings are too cool!!!  I really need more exercise but I am still lazy.  I find that I can walk farther now.  My hips don't hurt any more when I walk and my back feels better too.  I am down 30 pounds and have very little trouble eating about anything I want.  I don't eat very much though because I get full quick--YEAH!!!  A couple weeks ago I bought a new pair of shoes.  I put them on and tied them.  Roger, my husband, said "Do you know what you just did?"  YES!!! I bent over and tied my own shoes with no difficulty.  I have no idea when the last time was that I could tie my shoes.  I have gone from a 50 DDD bra to a 48 DD and there is no overflow :).  I have a couple pair of shorts that I could not button, in fact, I had  a 2 or 3 inch gap at the top.  I can button them now.  I really can't see that I have lost so it helps that these things have happened.  I still feel alittle tired but I bet when I start water aerobics I will have more energy.  We are going to Ohio so I need to check out my closet to see what fits me best.  I am so glad I had this surgery!!!!!!!</div> <div> <B>October 3, 2005  </B>Been a long time.  I am down to 231 or maybe a pound or two less.  I have lost 1/4 of me so far.  I need to loose almost another 1/4.  I feel so much better!!!  I can do so many things I could not do before.  I am now in a 44DD bra and I have no clothes that fit.  I got some things on sale at Walmart that are not too awful big.  I don't mind this problem.</div> <div> <B>October 9, 2005 </B> Now down to 228.  I put on shorts that fit last week and they are too big!!!  That is good and bad because I am going to a Vince Gill/Amy Grant concert and have nothing to wear.  </div> <div> <B>December 10, 2005 </B> Have only lost down to 219 since October :(.  I really need to exercise more.  The cold weather has kept me away from the swimming pool. Monday I need to go join the Wellness Center.  They have an indoor pool.  Costs a lot but I need it.  </div> <div> <B>December 28, 2005 </B>Got on the scale today and weighed in at 212.  I have had a cold but seem to be eating the same amount.  So glad I have started losing again.  Before too long I will have lost 1/3 of me!!!!</div> <div> <B>January 27, 2006 </B>  I am 210 this morning weight loss is sure slow right now.  I have been plateauing for ages now.  It is so unfair to eat so little and not lose weight.  I am having a protein shake for breakfast.  Should be 40 grams of protein.  I am going to try to get in more protein and water and see what happens. </div> <div> <B>February 9, 2006 </B>Weighed 207 this morning.  Not losing fast but losing.  Not long before I will be down 100 pounds.  I went to the store to buy some clothes to wear on the trip we went on.  Bought a real size 16 pants and XL shirts.  It was so exciting to shop in the regular size section of the store. </div> <div> <B>February 17, 2006</B>  Drum roll!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I have lost 100 pounds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  </div> <div> <B>March 28, 2006</B>  I am down to 202 so before long I should reach 199.  Under 200 pounds for the first time in many many many years!!!!</div> <div> <B>June 20, 2006</B>  Only down to 195 but I am going to go join the Wellness center today and start exercising daily.  </div> <div> <B>August 8, 2006 </B>Now down to 187.  I had some help because I got sick and could not eat for a couple weeks.  Doctors thought it was gallbladder but found that the real problem was adhesions.  My genius surgeon went in laprocopically and took care of the ovarian cyst that was found while I was being checked, my gallbladder and the adhesions.  All at one time and did not  open me up.  After one week I had a little discomfort but here I am 2 weeks out and feeling real good.  I continue to wear XL shirts but wear L pants and/or 12/14.  I had to go by new underpants because the ones I have are starting to fall down.  I could wear smaller clothes but I have that awful extra skin on my stomach.  It's not real bad and clothes cover it but it takes extra room in clothes.  </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="3a288f60.jpg" border=0 width="136" height="246" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">  <IMG SRC="3a549f60.jpg" border=0 width="329" height="246" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> June 2006     195 pounds</div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>