Lose My Belly

Howdy! My life in the maintenance lane.

2007-12-05T17:27:00.000-05:00

Yep, still here. It's been two months since my last post and I am 14 months out and feeling fabulous. I am maintaining around the 140-144lbs mark. I could step it up and drop another 5-10lbs if I wanted, but I feel comfy at this weight. I think it will happen anyway, once I begin my gym workouts. It's WAAAAY too cold to be hiking in Central Park. Weather has been colder than last year I'm afraid, so I don't get to do my 2-hour walks like before on a 5-6 day a week basis. So, opportunity knocked and I got a great deal to join the New York Sports Club for a good price. Yay! I been feeling the need to kick it up a notch with my working out.

Eating right: Still going strong but of course, I'm a recovering piglette..I have eating issues. It's a challenge especially during the pre-menstural times. Now, I can definitely eat a lot more and I am expanding on my diet but things I will always have to avoid like the plague are breads, pastas, rice and white flour. I don't even do wheat bread. Nada. I did have my slice of pumpkin pie for thanksgiving and I just about passed out. Sugar makes me tired! lol It's rough. But, that is for special occassion. Also, I do have alcohol in the lowest carb form: wine. I like chardonays. I don't drink like a fish, that stuff hits you like a ton of bricks. But, I suppose it's nice to be a light weight for a change. One glass and it's over for me lol

Body issues: I am getting used to my new body. It took some time, but I am accepting myself the way I am. I decided NOT to have the tummy tuck or body lift as it's just too damn expensive and I want children and when I get pregnant, all that work will pretty much get undone. So, I will do what I can in the gym with regards to my tummy. I am however scheduled to have my breast lift on Dec 17th. I am very excited! I am also having implants put in as well. I agnonized over that back and forth, but, I think I will be happier with some nice perky ta-tas. I can't wait. No more tube sock boobies!

Dating: still doing it, lots of it. Although since I will be heading to california in a few weeks I toned it down a bit..oh and I met someone kinda nice too. Only been on a few dates so far, so we shall see. I am very cautious about dating these days. Also, revealing that I had gastric bypass I am cautious about, as well. I do reveal that I was nearly double the size I am now and spent my entire life being fat/chubby and then obese. I will reveal that I had surgery in good time when I build up a good trust with someone. Until then, I don't lie about my weight loss, I tell the truth, I do eat really healthy, I exercise and keep active. Keep my carbs low. Gastric bypass only helped motivate me to want to do those things and has made it way easier to do.

Future is looking bright and I'm enjoying life as a post op!

1 year post op!! It's my anniversary!

2007-10-06T09:46:00.000-04:00

Today is my one year anniversary and I am happy to say I am healthy, happy and content. Now, beginning the second year of my journey will be about maintenance and that's of course, the hard part. Finding a healthy balance and not letting fear grab ahold of me that I will be back to the same fat girl I was before. The new person is me now and part of the work I will be doing is accepting that and embracing it. Anyway, I wanted to post a photo of me before and after on here, but because of privacy reasons and keeping my anonyminity, I nixed the idea. Sorry readers. I know pictures are worth 1000 words, but take it from me, the changes are dramatic and I am pleased. I won't be posting my weekly weigh -ins anymore and not as often because I am focusing on maintenance more than losing, at this point. I will however keep everyone updated on my plastic surgery and things like that. thank you for reading about my journey!

Weigh In Week #51

2007-09-28T09:34:00.000-04:00

my-calorie-counter.com The webs free Calorie Counter

Finally broke my plateau by going back to basics and watching calories and carb intake again. Since I'm still technically in the losing stage, I want to take advantage of that and get to my goal so that when I get my new boobs, I won't be crying on the scale that I've gained 5lbs lol Anyway, I've decided NOT to have the lower body life OR tummy tuck, at this time. I have decided to just go ahead and wait because the fact is, I do want kids and well, also if I am supposed to meet this Prince Charming, he's going to have to accept and love me the way I am NOW. So, a little extra in the tummy never hurt anyone. I guess I can live with it, I hate it, but, in reality, it's really not that bad. So, I'm just going to have the lift/implants performed in December and that's it. I may never get my tummy done, who knows? But, anyway, I should just rejoice in the fact that I am now HEALTHY, happy and doing really well.
I am one week away from my one year post op visit! I can't believe it! I'll get into that next week. But I did have a visit with my PCP who has not seen me since last August and she was so happy for me and in complete disbelief on what has happened. No meds, no sleep apnea, no diabetes amazing! And my BP was 114/73 and fasting sugar was 83. This is by far the most amazing thing. I am still having issues trying to grasp the fact that i am normal and healthy. Oh and a Big NSV is that they didn't have to bust out the big sized cuff to take my BP lol I can use a regular one now. No longer afraid to step on that scale either. I'll be happy to! lol Anyway, will give you the 411 on my official 1 year post op visit with my surgeon, next week.

Weigh In Week #49 Back to Basics!

2007-09-16T14:13:00.000-04:00

Again, no change. Well, looks like my body is maintaining. I don't want it to! I want to get into my 130's so, it's time to take some action. Even though I feel great and I think I look pretty good, I want to have a buffer of 10lbs. I don't want to stay at the top range of the normal BMI range. I have got to cut calories, I think I have been consuming too much so after months of not using fitday, I'm back on it. Also, think I was getting too many carbs, don't want to be in maintenance yet. So, back to the basics. My 1 year anniversary is approaching and I want to be at 140 by the time I have my surgeon's appointment on Oct 2nd.

Other news, yeah the love life is back in swing. Of course, things didn't work out with that moronic man, so I've decided to just date and see what else is out there. I deserve to be treated well and to be with someone who is actually ready for an LTR. So, I went on four dates this past week and will probably go on more. But, I will perservere! Anyway, back to basics in all facets in my life.

Weigh In Week #48

2007-09-07T12:29:00.000-04:00

No change this week. I weigh exactly the same as last week. I forgot to mention (I think) that I stopped using the NuvaRing..made me bleed like a river, non stop since May 1st. Not heavy heavy..but it just never stopped, It was horrible ,so I got fed up and took it out on August 14. Anyway, surprisingly, my period came exactly to the day it used to come before using the NuvaRing. The day I had surgery Oct 6th, I started my period. It was on time to the day, and apparently still is lol Odd how the body works. Anyway, so I presume that's good old water weight. Hope to let that one go and next week squeeze off another pound. OH, I also have decided to change my target weight to 134. Odd number, yes, but according to this chart I found on obesityhelp.com, it says my ideal weight is 134. Post Op Planner Results Okay, I'll bit. So, there it is. That would put my BMI at about 23 or so. Nice. I guess another 10lbs would be nice, plus that sounds like a good number. Just added another 10lbs to my journey lol Either way, my goal was to be a healthy BMI so you can say, I've officially reached that last week. Now, it's just vanity time.

Love Life=not so sure. I attract the same type of men..that hasn't changed because I lost weight lol He's not a bad guy, at all. I even think he means well, I just need more attention and certainly think it's fair to want to actually spend time with your man, right? Well, I haven't seen him since last Tuesday..sigh. Not my fault! I can't get into it, but he's sort of inflexible and I don't know, I just want to be happy..not so happy right now with him, so this has to change. I'll have to bounce if it doesn't. Supposed to see him tomorrow (if he doesn't come up with some great reason not to see me) I'd rather have this talk with him in person, but if I have to, I guess I'll have to do it over the phone. I don't take this at all personally, I really don't. I know what I have to offer, the man has issues beyond me. The question is, do I feel he's worth sticking it out with? Don't know..a woman in her 30's looking to get married and maybe have a kid..can't exactly look for Mr. Perfect anymore, but I think the MINIMUM I should have is a man who actually wants to spend time with me! lol What a concept lol Hey, my new body has affected my mind in positive ways, I can see clearly now. When I was fat, I didn't expect a damn thing, give give give..nothing in return..now..things are different. I actually believe I deserve certain things from a relationship and dammit, I'm gonna get them lol

Weigh In Week # 47 NORMAL BMI!!!

2007-08-31T09:15:00.000-04:00

my-calorie-counter.com The webs free Weight Loss Diary

I have finally made it to a normal BMI!!! YAY!!! This feels great and I celebrated this morning with a Whey Gourmet Chocolate Mint Protein Shake. I was stalled for a few weeks, but I tweeked some things and also realized I probably was lagging on my water intake so, I upped that and basically stuck with the program and bam. Three pounds down since last week.

I went a little crazy at the store and bought a bunch of clothes. In fact, I believe I spend around 500 bucks in the last 5 days oh and that includes two pairs of leather boots lol I just love going to a store and being able to wear what I want and not worry about it not fitting. It feels great!! Now, I'm on my road trip to goal in a few weeks. Hoping to make goal before my 1 year anniversary.

Been Absent

2007-08-25T07:07:00.000-04:00

Because my weight has been stagnant for the second week in a row. I guess it would happen sooner or later, but although not quite at goal yet, I'm glad it happened here and not 20 lbs ago lol I'm wearing my size 6 Gap jeans like nothing these days and seriously, if I get any smaller, I'll be swimming in those too! Most of my clothes I wear a range like size 8 or 6 pants/dresses and then size large or medium tops. I am still trying to get used to the new me.

I also met someone..yeah, me! I know this sounds totally retarded, but I had been planning a life for myself as if I would NEVER meet anyone. I just said, okay I'm happy with me and my dogs, that's it. Alone. Well, what a waste that would be, I was just so sick of dating in my former fat suit and then was so confused about how to approach it as a post op and formerly fat girl. It's odd. I mean with my skin issues and boobie issue, I couldn't be more self conscious about meeting someone new. Well, it happened. I decided to tell him off the bat that I had WLS and will be having plastic surgery in December. He said he couldn't even tell I was formerly fat but supportive about my status. He also revealed that he had never dated heavy women before (which is kind of good in my head because that just told me that he doesn't consider me to be heavy) and only dated slim girls. He has referred to me as petite. Hello, me?? Well, hey I'll take it. He's got a great body, works out every day and it shows. I'd say we look pretty hot together. Anyway, I know it's a little soon to be thinking this, but intimacy freaks me out because he will then see all of my flaws. I have been more that forthcoming about them, maybe too forthcoming. Now, he's all ready to see a big blob of skin lol I don't know, I will keep you posted on how this new romance progresses, ultimately, I just want to be happy.

I am still on the fence about whether to have my Lower Body Lift in conjunction with the breast lift and augmentation at the same time and it's solely a money issue. I would need to get my mom to co-sign with me on the financing for that. But, she is already wary of me even having PS. She thinks I should revel in the fact that I am healthy now and be happy with myself. But, she doesn't see the big picture about completing this "project" and having plastics will complete me. I don't know, I just hope she agrees because I think I have made up my mind to do both. We shall see. I will of course update if I drop any weight and get closer to goal.

Weigh In Week #44

2007-08-10T17:27:00.000-04:00

my-calorie-counter.com The webs free Food Journal

Down a pound..slowly but sure approaching goal. Now, that I am back home in NYC, my regular exercise and work schedule is in place. Hence, should jumpstart me to getting to goal faster! I guess it doesn't matter how fast I get there. I just want to be in the normal range ASAP. I can't wait. two more pounds until I am in the normal BMI range! I can't believe how wonderful the last 10 months have been. Getting healthy and just being in a single digit size is something I could never have imagined in my 20's. Now, I can say that I really have improved with age :)

Weigh In Week #43

2007-08-06T18:16:00.000-04:00

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Had my consult last week with Dr. Kaufman and I have decided to go with him to do my PS! He recommended a lower body lift for me, I thought I needed a tummy tuck and that would get rid of the love handles, but apparently, it will not. The lower body lift with lift my butt and thighs as well as get rid of back fat. He will also do lipo to the front upper belly and I will have abs! Wow! Anyway, my surgery is scheduled for December 17th. I opted to postpone my breast lift. I will probably wait a year or so to do that if I ever do it. I'm excited about what I will look like, not excited about the scar though, but it's not gonna be that bad. Also, not excited about the expense but, it's worth it all. No, insurance doesn't cover this, and I never expected it to. I am just grateful they covered my gastric bypass. So, I am on my way to goal, slowly. I'm okay with that though.

Still on vacation..more like a working vacation, but I'm at least out of NYC for a few days. I needed a break from that place! Nice being home. I'm looking forward to coming back in December and that will be for three weeks through the holidays.

My friend's wedding went well, and the bridesmaid dress didn't look as bad as I thought it would on me. It was strapless and I was self conscious about showing my shoulders and saggy skin, but, it turns out, I don't really have much sagging going on. I looked normal actually. I looked at some photos I took of that night and for the first time in a long time, I didn't look at them and think I looked fat. It was nice to see all my friends also and some of my family members who live in Southern Cal, boy were they surprised to see me all new and improved. It was a nice feeling. Oh and I wore heels all night at the wedding and my feet didn't hurt! Victory!

Weigh In Week #42

2007-07-29T19:40:00.000-04:00

my-calorie-counter.com The webs free Food Journal

I'm posting this a little late because I'm on vacation in California. I left super early Friday morning but I did have a chance to weigh in and be excited about the fact that I'm officially in the 140s! Yay!

I'm visiting my hometown in Northern California where I grew up since age 9. Lots of memories come flooding back of my childhood when I was driving around today and remembering that after church every Sunday, I'd be STARVING. We wouldn't go straight home, first we'd stop at the grocery store (torture!) This is where the man selling hotdogs and polish sausages would have his cart and I'd smell them and be even more hungry. It brought me back to a time around age 10 years old, where I felt I was ALWAYS hungry. That's about the time I started binge eating and becoming secretive and hiding my homerun pies and chocolate bars under my bed. That hour and a half after school, I was home alone was my time to PIG OUT. Because when my parents were home, I'd be starving. Weekends were a nightmare for me and of course sundays were a horror because traditionally, in our culture, dinner was around 3 pm..that means I'd be STARVING the rest of the night. Torture! I try to figure out what that hunger was all about and I can't really pinpoint it. I moved around a lot from birth to age 9 because my father was military. I don't mean in the same city, I mean different states and countries. I know I had to deal with bouts of anxiety and bedwetting when we moved to California. Anyway, I am not saying my childhood was horrific but the big memories I have about those years was being HUNGRY. It wasn't until high school, maybe even junior high actually, when I didn't feel hungry any more because I had money to go to town at fastfood restaurants and the snack bar at school. I was able to sooth whatever hunger I had because I had more freedom and wasn't under a constant watchful eye of my mom and dad. Plus, my friends pigged out too.

Now, that I'm an adult and I've had this surgery, I finally feel like I have control over this HUNGER. My biggest fear does still remain, will I always have control over it?

Weigh In Week #41

2007-07-20T18:20:00.000-04:00

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Down a pound and next week, finally I will be under 150! 10 lbs til goal baby!

Walks In the Morning in Central Park

2007-07-14T07:09:00.000-04:00

and Nigel gets to be off leash! I just started this last week and since my puppy, Spencer is up at 6 anyway, I might as well budge. I feel all energetic and I get my exercise out of the way for the day. Plus, with the heat and all, it's a good time to be outside, not a lot of people (except for dog people and these people actually say "Good morning!") I guess that might have helped me last week, because I walked/hiked everyday except for Monday last week.
I go for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. I love the Central Park, and I'm lucky enough to live right across the street from it. It's really a calm place (at least in the morning) in the city. Anyway, I highly recommend exercising in the morning..I'll continue to do this until further notice and basically, that means until it gets freezing. With my lack of body fat these days, my ass gets cold easily. Anyway, Nigel calls. He's ready to get going!

Weigh In Week #40

2007-07-13T17:48:00.000-04:00

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down two pounds this week. Surprising because I felt I ingested more calories than usual, but I suppose I did not. I think I am just being too hard on myself. I started to use fitday.com again after a long break and that thing makes me all paranoid. I think I'm just gonna go back to not counting calories, I mean this is a lifestyle change and not a diet and that just resembles dieting to me. So, I'm a few steps closer to goal which actually is going to be changing to a lower number but, for now, 140 is my initial goal. I suspect after plastics and once I level off, I'll be around 130-125lbs. I hope I stay there, I really don't want to be smaller than that. I like have some meat on me, although I think once I have my tummy tuck and breasts done, I'll be skinny like a rail. I don't seem to have a lot of body fat. eek!

Anyway, about plastics. I am already starting my journey on the second leg of this tour. The completion of my transformation. I have already had LASIK which is just great. I love it! Next up, plastics. I have decided to go ahead and aim for a December surgery date because that will be the slowest time of the year, work-wise and also, I will be having it done back home in California, so I can recover at my parents' house and they can help me out with my dogs and stuff. I decided to have my consults scheduled to coincide with my trip home the end of this month, unfortunately I put myself in a bind because I just decided I wanted to do this a few days ago lol Anyway, I was a the mercy of the surgeon's but, after explaining my situation, they were good enough to squeeze me in for July 30th. So, July 30th I am set to see Dr. Kaufman and also Dr. Green, both of which are located in Sacramento, CA. I also, want to see if I can get in to see Dr. Korman who has an office in Mountain View, CA and Monterey, CA. I am really excited, although I know the cost will be substantial, I know this is something that I need to do to really feel complete ,confident and happy with myself. I know a lot of people say, wait until you have kids to have a tummy tuck, well, screw that, I don't even know if I will ever have kids anyway. I'm single, not attached, and by the time I might actually consider it, I will be in my 40's visiting fertility clinics, it won't even matter about the flat stomach anyway, and I will have gotten at least 10 good years of looking hot, that's how I see it. Plus, there is no real guarantee that all the work done will essentially get ruined after pregnancy. There are MANY message boards with women who have had TT/BL and subsequently had successful pregnancies. So, if and only if I decide to become a momma, I'm not all that concerned, I just want to be able to deal with me as I am now.

Netrition.com

2007-07-09T18:39:00.000-04:00

I am making those people rich! I spend at least 200 dollars a month there, I suppose it's where I do most of my "grocery" shopping. I get all my low carb products there, including my protein bars , Micellar Milk and stuff like that. Also, have tried many products they have for low carbers like myself, such as Dixie Diner products. They have muffins, fake mashed potatoes, etc etc. I have tried the pancake mixes, and now..oh lord the Toufayan Bakeries Low Carb Pita Bread...had it today, with some grilled chicken, romaine lettuce and a dab of cesar/romano dressing. I have died and gone to heaven and got a very healthy lunch out of it! This pita bread is very amazing. Number one..only 7 net carbs per serving, 130 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, and a whopping 11 GRAMS OF PROTEIN . Let's face it, this is a winner folks. I was full after my pita sandwich, can't wait to do my grilled chicken with hummus combo tomorrow. Anyway, so if you are curious, I have mentioned this site before, but wow..I love them! Given me so many options so I don't feel left out from eating like a "normal" person. So many great low carb alternatives are available now!

Netrition is on point!

The most important part!

2007-07-07T17:30:00.000-04:00

I totally freakin forgot during my guilty post yesteday about my "ice cream meltdown" that I am wearing size 8 and from more than one store! lol I bought a size 8 dress that fit perfectly for my upcoming trip to California later this month. I also bought a size 8 pair of jeans and both fit perfectly and not tight! Actually, I'm downright comfortable in them. Okay, the significance of this is that I have NEVER EVER EVER been below a size 12..much less a SINGLE DIGIT SIZE since I was..what 6 or 7 years old?? Yeah, I think that was the last time I wore a single digit size (kiddie size of course) but it seems I skipped a bunch of sizes between age 10 and 13. Anyway, size 10 jeans falling off me. I am small down below, my legs are muscular and toned, and I have small hips and muscular thighs (that's genetic from my mom). Oh and I have the "asian ass" (thanks to my Chinese grandmother).
It's sad to say, I don't have the "black girl donkey ass", but, it's not too too bad, just wish I had more junk in my trunk ..hey it would be so nice to be able to transfer the jelly in my belly to the trunk, right? lol Oh so nice. Obviously, I'm well on my way to losing my belly, unfortunately, it's way out of proportion to the rest of my body..so when I am ready for my PS consult, it will probably be recommended to get lipo along with the tuck because I do have loose skin (although it seems I have more fat than loose skin!). Anyway, I better get back to work, just thought I'd mention my SIZE 8 victory!

Weigh In Week #39

2007-07-06T16:50:00.000-04:00

my-calorie-counter.com The webs free Calorie Log

Down two pounds last two weeks. Didn't bother posting last week. It's slow going until I get to goal, I suspect. I had a weak moment this afternoon though...I plunged into my sugar free chocolate ice cream like a woman possessed. I admit, it was like the old woman was back. Yes, it's better that it was the low cal, sugar free brand, I had like a cup and half rather than the 1/2 serving size. It hit me hard, it's like being on drugs lol It put me right to sleep. I threw the whole thing out. It seems I am not ready for something like that to be in my freezer. If I have ice cream again, it will have to be a single serving size and that's it. I wish more places carried the sugar free flavors. I'm sure baskin robbins does in other parts of town, I just haven't found it yet. I knew I couldn't handle having that stuff in the house. I was an ice cream addict last summer. I would sit and eat quarts of that stuff like it was going out of style. eeek!

This week, also loving Trader Joe's. Finally made my way back there. Yummo! wish they had more low carb alternatives though..but I was able to find a few. Anyway, thanks to my horomones being all over the place this week, I was feeling the hunger, but I think I did good, with the exception of the ice cream debalical today.

Weigh In Week #37

2007-06-22T21:20:00.000-04:00

my-calorie-counter.com The webs free Exercise Journal

Down another 2 this week, told you I would skip right past 156. Drinking lots of Nectar Protein lately, and got a new puppy who wakes up ALOT lol Been busy with work, and tired to do long walks (I still get them in though!) because of my lack of sleep, but will pick up the pace once the "new guy" gets a little older and sleeps through the night. Getting close to goal!

Oh yeah, and I can see, I can see! LASIK surgery went very well, and I'm still trying to get used to the fact that I no longer need to wear glasses, in fact, to fill the void, I've been wearing sunglasses everywhere, even indoors lol I know I know...I took the LASIK surgeon's instructions to wear sunglasses OUTSIDE a little far, but, seriously, I feel weird not having glasses on. And then sometimes, I feel like I have contacts on, went to bed the other night and was like, "shoot, I need to take my contacts out..oh wait..I'm not wearing any!" haha Crazy stuff, but it's been lovely, being able to wear my Jackie-O sunglasses to my heart's content and to see 20/15! Best move I've made, second to having my gastric bypass surgery.

Size 10 jeans are a little loose now...shall I attempt size 8?? Oh yes, baby. Going to the Gap first thing manana. lol I love trying on clothes smaller than my current size, it really gives me motivation, especially when they actually fit!! Did I mention that I'm a high heel wearing freak now?? I mean I've got heels in every color now lol Never one for shoes in the past because I was too heavy to wear high heels, my feet would pain me, but now..oh honey, I'm wearing those heels, showing off my french manicured, non-corn, non-buninon and hammertoe having toes :) Of course, I'm not crazy enough to walk out the house to the club with them on..oh no..only to short stops where I know I will be sitting mostly (like work!) or out to dinner or something.

Weigh In Week #36

2007-06-16T09:14:00.000-04:00

my-calorie-counter.com The webs free Fitness Log

Down 2 lbs this week, Actually when I stepped on the scale it said 156, and then I did it three more times and it held at 157 (sigh) oh well, next week I'll probably skip right over 156 so there! lol I had to ban myself from sugar free Jelly Bellies and sugar free candy all together. I was eating too much of it and it was causing me stomach issues and bloating issues. Plus, it probably wasn't helping my weight loss either. Old habits die hard, I guess. I have a major sweet tooth!

I'm Having LASIK Surgery this weekend!

2007-06-11T21:12:00.000-04:00

yay! I forgot to mention that on Saturday, I went for my consultation for LASIK and I am scheduled to have it done this coming Saturday. I am so excited! I decided to reward myself for acheiving 100lbs lost from my highest (and nearly 100lbs lost since surgery, close enough) by getting rid of the glasses. Anyway, all part of my whole transformation. Soon, I will be doing consults for plastic surgery (tummy tuck and breast lift). I hope to have this done sometime the end of this year. Anyway, that's the update.

Weigh In Week #35

2007-06-09T18:31:00.000-04:00

my-calorie-counter.com The webs free Fitness Log

Finally broke into the 150s this week! Yay!! I haven't been in the 150s since, well since I was a kid. Like probably aged 13 and it was for a very short time. It was after I had lost 26lbs on Weight Watchers. I went from 176 to 150 in about six months. Not bad for a girl of 12/13 years old. Anyway, I remember seeing 150 on the scale once and then over that summer, I steadily gained and pretty much stayed in the 170-190s range. At graduation from high school, I weighed in at 191 pounds.

I am still very thankful that my weight loss is still steady and I'm shrinking still. Makes me really confident that I will reach goal before I know it. Today I had my consultation for LASIK surgery and I will be having the procedure done next Saturday. I am so excited!!! I'm going full speed ahead with my transformation project. I am literally a new person. I feel great, I feel so alive and happy. The most in my whole life. I am so blessed to have been given this second chance at life and I'm not even old yet lol I plan on taking advantage of every opportunity I have to live a better and fruitful life.

Weigh In Week # 34

2007-06-01T23:16:00.000-04:00

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Down 1 lbs this week. I will take it. Humid weather isn't killing me this summer. neither are the thunder storms. Life's good. Now, if I could find someone, other than a furried creature to share it with lol Ah..I'm too busy taking care of me I guess, I'm not that interested. Oh well, hopefully, next week I'll finally be in the 150s!

Weigh In Week #33

2007-05-25T11:11:00.000-04:00

my-calorie-counter.com The webs free Food Log

Down 2 lbs this week. Not much to report except that my parents barely recognized me when I went to pick them up at the airport last Friday night. I yelled out to my mom and she was looking right past me and then had to stop for a minute lol It was pretty funny to see their faces when they finally realized, "hey that's our daughter!" Yeah, the change is pretty significant, down nearly 100lbs, that changes a person, big time. I had tears welling up in my eyes because for the first time since I graduated from college, I saw pride in my mom and dad's eyes. I mean, I'm sure it also helps that I now have a successful career and am finally self-sufficient, but I think getting my health in order is of most importance to them. It has been a very long time since I have seen pride in my mom's eyes in a very long time, and believe me, that doesn't happen often. So, it was really nice.

I thought I'd be fat forever, and although I'm not at goal yet, I am starting to feel somewhat normal. But I'd love to get to the point where I not one person can look at me and say I'm fat or chubby. That will be a glorious day. I don't look like I've had surgery, at all, so people who didn't know me before think I've always been the way I am now. I feel the need to reveal my former fat state because I guess I want the recognition for losing all this weight. Yeah, just because I had surgery, doesn't mean it was an easy task to do. It took hard work and dedication also. I eat right, I exercise and I do what I need to do, taking my vitamins, etc. You HAVE to do this. It's absolutely the key to success. Anyway, can't wait to get to goal!

Weigh In Week # 32

2007-05-18T13:51:00.000-04:00

No change this week. Parents are coming to town and haven't seen me since I first had surgery. I am smaller now than I was when I was 12 and most definitely smaller than I have ever been in my adult life. I am comfortably fitting into size 10 GAP jeans and I feel fabulous! I am happy where I am, so, I will be estatic once I reach goal. I'm sure most of that weight will come off from around my mid section. I will gage whether or not I want to get lipsuction or a tummy tuck at that point. For now, I'm focused on getting LASIK before the wedding I'm in, come August.

Weigh In Week #31

2007-05-11T10:44:00.000-04:00

my-calorie-counter.com The webs free Weight Tracker

Down 1 pound this week. Nothing new to report really, I haven't been using Fitday at all, I think I was getting too obsessed with calorie counting and I need to get it through my head that I am not on a diet. This is a permanent change. I've been trying to get myself out there and date, and so far, I've had three dates in three days. Different people. It's been okay, mostly the point is just to get my confidence up and to get used to "marketing" myself as the person I am today and not the fat girl anymore. I like the new me a whole lot better. I can't wait to see the finished product. The inches are getting smaller and the pounds are dropping so I cannot complain and I'm all right with that :)

okay...it's time

2007-05-05T20:35:00.000-04:00

I gotta get ready to go to this party. Funny thing is, I have realized I've put lots of things on hold while I concentrate on my career and health. I did go to a house party last month, but it was casual. I wore no make up and it wasn't a formal affair. I realized that tonight, I should probably put on make up, funny thing is, I have no idea where it is haha I never wear any. Luckily, I bought a sexy top in anticipation for going out 2 weeks ago. I also have my skinny and tight black pants that I can't believe I still have from 8 years ago that I bought when I was about 175lbs in college lol. I still have them! I didn't wear them during my fat years (which was the lasted from around 2001-2006) Now, shoes..hmmm oh that's another great thing about not being a BBW anymore, I can wear heels and not to the detriment of experiencing excruciating pains! Since the weather has been nice, I busted out the open toe new shoes I bought for work. Nice not to feel pain...nice to have sexy feet and legs again. Anyway, I am going to this party solo, I am driving. I rented a car and figured, it's a good excuse to also take care of errands and buy heavy things I normally couldn't buy because I live in the city, like a jumbo bag of dog food, my case of Isopure zero carb drinks, a quick drive to the LES to get me some sugar free jelly bellies and sugar free chocolate with almonds at Economy Candy. It was fun to drive, I have not driven for at least 8 months. I got a PT Cruiser. I have been hiding, folks. I don't want to be seen yet! I feel like an unfinished product, I am almost done baking. That's been my main reasoning for not "getting out there" and meeting anyone. I mostly stay home or go hiking with the dog. Oh, that reminds me, I'm getting another yorkie who is the full blooded brother of my current dog. Yup, his momma and pops had another litter on April 19th so I have reserved a boy. How fun to have two yorkies. I just love that breed, this will be the 4th one I've owned. Okay, I better jump in the shower..wish me luck. I'm out of hiding now.

Weigh In Week #30

2007-05-04T15:47:00.000-04:00

my-calorie-counter.com The webs free Weight Loss Diary

Down 3lbs this week. Not bad. On the fast track to fitting into that size 10 bridesmaid dress. Going to a party tomorrow. I think I will be all right. It starts later than I expected, so, only thing I gotta worry about is the long ass ride on the train. It's Brooklyn-deep and I'm in Manhattan. Well, I will go early, stay for an hour, then bounce. Gotta test out those social situations as a post op.

Ahh I see I got a comment from someone I know! Guess I can't be incognito forever lol Thanks to my old blog which wasn't so incognito that I have since stopped writing on. Anyway, Which brings me to the fact that I'm not "out" to most people I know. Only close friends and family know that I even had surgery, well with a few exceptions. I guess I base who I reveal that I've had surgery on whether they will be judgmental about it or not. There's so many misconceptions about gastric bypass out there, and I don't want to be a poster child or having to explain myself to anyone, I shouldn't have to and to be honest, it's nobody's business. People think you either will be miserable and look weird once you're done losing weight or that you "weren't that big" or "you could have just dieted and exercised" or whatever. Well, if you've been keeping up with this blog, I've chronicled my journey from day one and I think the one thing having surgery has done for me is force me to take my health seriously and made it much easier to do, without giving up. As a life long dieter, I have seen many numbers on the scale, but when I decided early last year that I could no longer continue the way I was, I knew this was the right thing for me. I am so glad I was right! So, yeah, it annoys the hell out of me when people say dumbass things about gastric bypass without knowing the facts, like it's strictly for vanity purposes or something for someone who is a "lightweight" to want to have. I don't call 260lbs on a 5'4" woman light! Yes, results may vary, but so does level of compliance and I'm high on that list. So, I don't think I'm lying when people ask how I did it and I reply, "exercise and low carb eating." It's true, that's what I did and that's what's going to get me to goal. Okay, now off my soapbox and back to my flaxseed chips lol

Eating Healthy Kills Social Life

2007-05-01T10:08:00.000-04:00

It kind of does. Because, now I realize, most people simply don't eat healthy all the time, every single day, even if they are people who "eat healthy". But I eat healthy EVERY DAY. I don't have a "cheat day" or anything like that. I just eat this way all the time. Anyway, I have gone to one party post op and all I could eat there was cheese lol Everyone was drinking and plowing away at the chips, cookies, dips and hot wings. I didn't really feel that left out, because my girlfriend had a nice piece of sugar free chocolate waiting for me lol I was invited to two parties this weekend, and it's a West Indian one. One thing I know about my peeps, they don't eat healthy. Everything is "fry fry" and carb-heavy. Shoot, even when we eat semi-healthy stuff, it's breaded and fried. Oh and I love me some patties, but I don't even think I can eat the insides (usually ground beef) because it might be full of lard. No, bun, no koo-koo, no yuca, no NOTHING lol I was even debating on going because I can't eat anything..oh and the potato salad?? Ahh...then people will start asking me, why I'm not eating. West Indian people are eaters..they also are nosy as hell and VERY BLUNT. What to do what to do...I'll probably still go and bring a stash of healthy yummies and secretly eat them while walking around with the same piece of chicken on my plate for the duration of the party. lol

Lucky for me, my parents also eat healthy, of course they have carbs and they should, but it's always good carbs. My mom is especially health conscious and weighs in at a grand total of 104lbs. She's 5 feet tall though, but that puts her at a normal BMI. Daddy has diabetes but, he keeps his weight under control and therefore, so is his diabetes. He's down to just one med and his sugars are running like mine, in the 80s. He's 5'7" and 155lbs. Again, normal BMI for a male age, 66. So, how the hell did I get so fat? Ugh...a combination of bad genes and being a little piglet for my whole life lol But, anyway, I bring up the parents because they are visiting me from California in two weeks and I'm so excited because they haven't seen me since I first had surgery. My mom saw me when I was down 20lbs. My dad last saw me when I was down about 35lbs. Now, I'm down nearly 90, I really wanted to hit the 100lbs mark by the time they came, but it won't happen, I'll be close to it though.

So, yes folk, people just don't eat healthy. Especially people from my ethnic background. So many Black women are obese! I was one of them..now I really know why.

Weigh In Week #29

2007-04-27T09:10:00.000-04:00

my-calorie-counter.com The webs free Calorie Counter

Down 2 pounds this week. I have bought more yummy low carb products from my favorite online health retailer, Netrition.com. I got the low carb granola, and the Flaxseed tortilla chips, also the sugar free and delicious Sesame crackers which you can't go wrong with some cheese and pepperoni. YUMMMMM! I like that I can had variety to my diet because there are so many great products available out there for people who are into healthy low-carb eating.

Well, finally all of my weight/strength training items have arrived and they are still in boxes. I am starting my training 3 times a week to mostly tone up the arms a bit. I should start to see results after 6 weeks, albeit, small ones, but whatever I can do to minimize the size of my arms, I'll be happy. Good news though, like I've said previously, I don't have hanging skin at all. It seems the areas around my belly, arms and for sure the legs, nada. I am going to be looking into doing some vanity cleaning up though. Going to a plastic surgeon, regarding the keloid skin from the puncture holes from my laproscopic surgery, also, I want LASIK surgery before the wedding in August. It sure would be nice to be able to see without glasses or contacts!

Zipped myself into some size 10 jeans last week. Didn't buy them, I'm gonna hold off, because while they fit, they were too tight for my taste, but I did zip them up without having to suck in!! First time in my life I have EVER gotten myself into a size 10!!! I can't wait to blow off the size 12s and 14s forever! It seems wherever you shop, you will have to have a range of sizes, like three sizes. Well, I'm hoping mine will soon be 6,8,10 lol I think I will be very content in that range, let's see what another 30 or so pounds does to my body and we will go from there.

Weigh In Week #28

2007-04-20T13:45:00.000-04:00

my-calorie-counter.com The webs free Diet Tracker

So, down 3 pounds this week and strangely enough, I can actually notice the change physically. Less fat roles in the belly/back and neck. Can't wait to see what happens when I lose another 30lbs. I think then I will finally feel "normal". I've lived my entire life as a fat girl. I think like one. I don't know how else to be. It's strange. I mean, I look at myself and I still see a fat girl. Not, "normal" quite yet. I'm an unfinished product. A cake that's not fully baked. Until then, I am putting off the dating. Although I really really want to :) lol I don't want to "market" myself as an unfinished product..because whether we want to admit it or not, that's what we are doing..selling ourselves when we date, trying to attract the mate. I admit, I have pretty high standards when it comes to men. I'm looking for someone who takes care of himself, but also is intelligent, fun and laidback..hey..like me! hehehe Oh and he must be totally enamored with me. That shouldn't be too hard to find, right? hahaha okay, well I'm waiting for the cake to finish baking (i.e. me!)

Weigh In Week # 27

2007-04-13T09:12:00.001-04:00

No change this week. And I scratched that personal trainer idea. I'm sorry but, 2000 bucks for 8 weeks of training IN ADDITION to a gym membership does not sound like a deal to me. So, I invested approx 100 bucks and bought some weights, exercise ball, etc so I can do them at home. I've got to jump start my weight loss as it's slowed and honestly I'm not surprised as this was around the lowest weight I got to when I lost weight in the past. Around 170-169 was the lowest I got, so my body is probably telling me, "this is where you are comfortable." Oh no no no..we have 35lbs to go! I've got to get to a normal BMI, that's all I ask of this and I'm eating right, and I realize the exercise must be stepped up because I am consuming more calories than I did the first 3 months for sure.

Weigh in Week #26

2007-04-06T13:22:00.000-04:00

my-calorie-counter.com The webs free Calorie Counter

Down 1 pound this week. Not much movement but, it is to be expected as I am more than 6 months post op and inching (albeit slowly), to goal. I'm going to employ a trainer this month to start my 12 week power up fitness. I can't wait! I think I found the right trainer too, so, we shall see how disciplined I am really capable of getting.

Addiction Transfer

2007-04-05T09:11:00.000-04:00

This has been a hot topic in the WLS community due to the recent article that is featured in PEOPLE Magazine this week. Lots of buzz about one particular feature in this article revolves around a woman who "exposed" what really goes on at these WLS conferences sponsored by the Obesity Help website. Lots of alcohol drinkin and partying. Now, I'm sure if you have had WLS, you know damn well that you really should not drink..ever. And if you must, you have to be VERY careful about what and how much you consume. Meaning..stay away from the sugar infested mixed drinks (did someone say margarita, midori sour??) Okay, so anyway, homegirl got herself ripped and did it a lot. Now, I have an advantage here, my best friend is a Clinical Psychologist. She is also a recovering addict -- binge eating/bulemia. I have consulted with her about this, about my fears of "transfering"...apparently folks, you may transfer your addiction to food once you are physically restricted from eating after gastric bypass..and I mean restricted from eating like before. Okay, so we have determined that while I don't have the combination of genetic disposition to engage in alcoholism or drugs or smoking (this helps), I have channeled my compulsion to eat, to my quest for the "perfect body". This is not an "unhealthy" transfer..at least it hasn't gotten to that level yet. Statistically, only 5% of Gastric Bypass patients experience the dessent into drugs and alcohol and other unhealthy addictions. The rest just cope and may find comfort in channeling that energy into other things, whether it's becoming the athlete they've always wanted to be, becoming more vain or going back to school, advancing career, etc. whatever it might be. But, anyway my thoughts are this. We all have choices and it's up to you to decide what path you want to go on and what door to open. Life for me has kind of been like a game show. I've had many ups and downs, but in the end, I know that my choices have consequences, good and bad. You know when you are going down a bad road, recognize it and deal with it. Get help! Obviously, you have a problem with food or you would not have had WLS or gotten morbidly obese. So, don't fool yourself, WLS will not be the answer to all your problems and it can actually create more, so please, get the mental support and help you need, see a therapist and work through the underlying problems.

6-Month Doctor's Follow Up Visit

2007-04-02T20:59:00.000-04:00

So, labs came back all great and it was overall a pretty uneventful trip. Nothing new to report and my next follow up will be at my one year anniversary in October. In other news, I went NUTS on Netrition.com in their low carb section and tried the low carb pizza kit and also, HiLo Cereal in maple pecan. The serial is YUM with some MiceMilk.
Wow. I never thought I'd be able to eat cereal anymore, but this cereal is very low carb, and low fat and HIGH in protein. It has 14 grams of protein per half cup! Oh I am raving about it. Rating: 5 out of 5

Next up, the low carb pizza kit...oh no no no. The sauce wasn't bad..but the crust..BLECCKKK!
I ended up just eating the toppings. Sorry, but I'm a pizza lover and the best part for me, pre op was the damn crust. That's just one of those things I can live without except for an occassional treat once I reach goal. If I make pizza again, I will do it with eggplant or portobello mushrooms as the "crust". Rating: 2 out of 5

I bought a bunch of other stuff to try this week. So, I'll be reviewing those as I try them as well.

Weigh In Week #25

2007-03-30T09:43:00.000-04:00

my-calorie-counter.com The webs free Fitness Journal

I am down 2 lbs this week, making my total weight loss 82lbs. I have my six month follow up visit with Dr. Kini on Monday morning. I'm sure they will be more than pleased with my progress and labs. I know I am! Oh and drum roll please..... I am officially NO LONGER OBESE!!!! I am now "overweight" with a BMI of 29.9 lol Hey I'll take it, I'm offically out of the obese bracket hehehe. Yay! Okay I gotta get to the courthouse, I'll post after my follow up visit.

Weigh In Week #24

2007-03-23T09:21:00.000-04:00

No change this week. But I did actually look at myself naked in the mirror last night for the first time. I haven't done that since I got home from surgery. Well, at least not in a full length mirror. Anyway, I actually saw the changes and it's not as bad as I thought. Yes, I still have a ways to go, but my stomach, arms and thighs have virtually no stretch marks or visible scars from surgery. It's pretty impressive this whole laproscopic stuff. I finally got a perfect fitting bra, and they hold up the juggs sooooo much nicer. It's a 38D and I went out and got like 7 of the same bra lol I mean it's exciting to wear a bra that fits perfectly. It's Vanity Fair satin solutions and it's on sale on Amazon. My mom actually went shopping last weekend and picked one up for me, just to try it out and mailed it to me. It was a hit. I'm excited! Okay, so I went from a 42DDD to 38D. I could go down in band size at this point and not be disappointed but please, leave my cups alone! lol I guess if I lose another 50lbs, I'm hoping MOST of that will be coming from my waist, there is a lot to lose in that region.

I wasn't vigorous with exercise this week. I kept wanting to hurry up and get home to do some work.
Also, some exciting news, in the Fall, I've decided to start taking some prerequisite courses for the Nutrition and Physiology master's program at Columbia University. Yeah, I know I just finished school BUT, ya'll don't know me. I am always up for a challenge and I have never thought that being a court reporter was going to be something I'd do forever. I actually chose to do this after years of having issues with dead ends and career "no gos" since graduating from college and dropping out of law school. It's been a very hard road for me and I wanted to do something that would be in demand and provide me with stability and immediately --even before I finished school, I was making more money than I have ever. Court reporting school is a bitch though, it's not an easy skill to master, hence the lovely pay. But, I need a more intellectual challenge. Since, I have had surgery, I've become really passionate about health and nutrition for bariatric patients. It's something I really want to learn more about, and in the future, help others to find success post op. I hear and read too many stories of post ops losing hair, feeling week, not knowing how to eat and I blame this on inconsistent advice from nutritionists and dieticians across the country in all of these bariatric programs, who are not trained in this field. They are trained as nutritionists in healthy balanced eating for REGULAR folks, meaning people who haven't had gastric bypass. We have a completely different way of eating that is healthy for US but may not be so necessary or realistic for people who have not had this surgery. I think my ultimate goal would be to work as a nutritionist in a bariatric program since I have also had the surgery, I actually know what post ops go through. I'm also interested in working with type II diabetics as well. But, specifically with bariatric patients. So, this will be another long journey for me (and expensive one) but this time, I can take my time getting there since I already have a career. My first course will be General Chemistry with Lab..if I can get through that, I think I should be fine lol I haven't had Chemistry since I was 16 but if it makes any difference, it was AP Chemistry and I got an A- lol I worked like a dog in that class though, I rememer going to the lab at school at 6:30am to study. It was hardcore lol Anyway, that won't start until the fall, so I can enjoy my summer without school for now.

Recurring Dreams

2007-03-19T01:00:00.000-04:00

So, I have had a few dreams in the last few nights about food! In them, the theme remains the same, I am sabotaging myself in them, my biggest nightmare is going back to old habits! I have constant anxieties of reverting back to eating uncontrollably things that are poison to my body. In the one from Friday night, I was eating an apple turnover and didn't dump! Nooooo! My dreams always tend to be dreams of things that I have anxieties about, when I first started my new business, I had dreams of being late for important meetings and having no way of getting to my appointments, etc. While in school, I would have dreams of missing important tests, never going to class and then showing up the day of the final totally unprepared. I guess I am just completely scared out of my mind of failure -- again! I have attempted and have lost weight in the past, I was unable to keep it off, but at the same time, in my whole adult life, I have never been a normal BMI. Here I am, very close to that and I almost feel like it will allude me. It's too good to be true that I actually have all my ducks lined up for once in my life. Well, I will just have to accept that YES, I do have the power to change and commit to this new lifestyle I have adopted FOR LIFE. I want to change, I embrace this. Now, if only my anxiety ridden dreams will disapear!

Weigh In Week #23

2007-03-16T08:52:00.000-04:00

my-calorie-counter.com The webs free Nutrition Counter

Down 2 pounds this week and have officially gone down 80lbs!!! Yay! I have decided that next month I will begin to train with a trainer at a training facility so I can begin to get into shape. I've lost 80lbs on my own but I want begin the process of toning and sculpting as well. I want to get into shape. Okay, and my other alterior motive is I want to look smashing in August for my big reveal to all my friends and family. SO, I am doing a complete beauty makeover (without Plastic Surgery) I mean I am going to be in LA, the land of the superficial, I should know, I lived there for a total of 8 years...most of which were spent fat and broke. Now, I have my own company and will be thin. It gives me a whole new perspective of that place. Anyway, happy St. Pat's Day and I'll try to stay warm.

Weigh In Week # 22

2007-03-09T12:09:00.000-05:00

my-calorie-counter.com The webs free Nutrition Calculator

Dang, what have I been doing? Down another 4lbs this week. I'm not complaining! Just keeping it simple and I have been enjoying lots of salads which is my usual dinner. Oh, I should add another favorite protein supplement to my list. ISS Oh Yeah! Protein BARS in both Chocolate/Caramel and also Chocolate/Peanut Butter. WOW! I have one daily for lunch usually. It's packed with 26grams of protein and it's very very filling. It is a true meal, with 380 calories per bar. Love them! I still eat their protein wafers as well in my favorite flavor of Chocolate Mint. If you have any protein supplement favorites, let me know, I'm always up to trying new things although I have tried a lot and have liked everything I try :) Oh, and The Vitamin Shoppe has a cheaper one serving version of Micellar Milk which I have been drinking on a daily basis with my coffee and a couple splashes of Starbuck Sugar Free Cinnamon Dolce syrup...it's really like a cup of cinnamon buns! Hope it warms up soon..I miss my hikes! I only got to go twice this week because we had snow and frigid weathers.

On another note, I need bras..badly...I'm just lazy to go try some new ones on..but it's crucial now. I've noticed stretched skin on my breasts...those boogers have shrunk tremendously! Although, now, I'm still busty but oh gosh..will I be needing that breast lift! I better start saving from now!

Gosh..

2007-03-07T22:01:00.000-05:00

I have no sex drive...okay well, not to put it that way, but it's just basically no where NEAR where it was pre-op. I've heard this is very common in post-op women, another side effect. Never thought it would happen to me though lol That's fine, not having much of one has kept me very focused on my career and of course, my health. Today, I was side-tracked a bit though, because I received a call from a gorgeous friend of mine who was visiting from Miami. If anyone could bring my sex drive back to life, it would DEFINITELY be this man. Just picture this: A man who is physical perfection. Okay..got it? Well, I met him when I was 260lbs. Long story short, he was quite impressed by my "transformation" and said magic words, "You are so hot and your face is even prettier, I can see YOU now." Okay, sex drive returned. :)

Oh, and on a side note, I received notice from my girlfriend who is marrying this summer where I am to be a bridesmaid. I have to submit measurements NOW for the dress. I am at a loss..I mean, 5 months from now (August) I will NOT be anywhere near the size I am now. I guess my only alternative is to just have her get the size 10 dress and make alterations as needed later. I made a conservative estimate that I would lose another 40-50lbs by then, so I know a 10 won't be too small, but a few inches too big. It's a strapless dress, so I am hoping to find a genious seamstress to hook me up.

Weigh In Week #21

2007-03-03T13:02:00.000-05:00

my-calorie-counter.com The webs free Calorie Tracker

This was from yesterday (Friday) but I didn't get a chance to post. Down 4 pounds this week for a total loss of 74lbs. Yeah, the scale moved big time this week. I stepped up the exercise too so I don't think you can go wrong if you eat right and exercise, this will happen. Good week.

Shopping at the Cheapy Stores Again!

2007-02-25T20:58:00.000-05:00

Yet another "non-scale victory"/WOW Moment. I am now able to shop for bargains on clothes! I love the cheap clothing stores in New York City. You can get dress pants, summer clothes whatever you want, all at a low cost. Now, when I was plus size, I had to shop at Lane Bryant..I tried the cheap stores, but I was even sizing out of their largest size in there. If I wanted anything decent, I was pretty much chained to that damn store. Well, now, I am pleased to announce that Lane Bryant clothes are too big for me..even their smallest size! I hope to never step foot in there again! Anyway, so now I can actually get bargains. I was in desperate need for work clothes and I went to Conway and bought not one..not two..but FOUR pairs of trouser pants for a grand total of 31 bucks! Come on now, you can't beat that! When you are changing sizes and anticipate shrinking for the next 6-8 months, you gotta be cheap but you also can't make yourself look like a step child...this is what I was looking like with pants and tops being several sizes too big. I thought I could play it off with belts and stuff, but, people began to notice ..eek. Anyway, so I am happy to say that I am the proud owner of a few new tops and sweaters in sizes 12 to 14. Not bad for a girl who was a size 22 just 5 months ago!
I am thoroughly enjoying what having surgery has done for me. I mean, eating all this protein is making my hair grow thicker, my nails growing like weeds, skin all soft from the flaxseed and water. Now, this is how to live life. Can't wait to wear summer clothes. They already have them out at all the stores, however, I can't buy them yet as I am not sure what size I will be wearing by the time it really starts to warm up in NYC. I'm hoping I'll be a size 8 or 10 (crosses fingers). I would say that would put me at another 30-40lbs down and a few short pounds from my surgeon's goal. You know, since I'm on a roll here, I guess I should set some goals for myself.

In 3 months (June 2007 or so) I hope to have lost another 20lbs.
In 5 months (August 2007 or so) I hope to have lost another 10lbs.
In 7 months (October 2007 or so) which will be my one year post op anniversary I hope to be AT GOAL!

Weigh In Week #20

2007-02-23T07:33:00.000-05:00

Ugggh... my first stagnant week! No change, folks. Okay, so I knew it was coming, but not a very good five month anniversary gift at all! Anyway lol I won't be seeing the drastic changes as I did the first few months. I mean, I have lost 60% of my excess weight at this point, not much more to go. Only goal for the next week is to up my exercise (bearing the unpredicatable weather). I miss my hikes! I have also been boggled down with my business, as well. My routine has changed quite a bit, since I first had surgery, so I must accommodate for that. Well, here's to warmer weather <> and good weight loss for the month of March!

Weigh In Week #19

2007-02-16T10:16:00.000-05:00

my-calorie-counter.com The webs free Fitness Log

Down 2lbs this week for an official total of 70lbs lost. Geez, took long enough lol Oh, and my goal weight has changed. I explain why, below. I started reading some message boards about people being stuck in their weight loss, even though they claim to be following all the rules. I can't see how you can't lose any weight..and even GAIN and be eating all your protein, exercising, doing all your vitamins, and keeping your carbs low. It seems to me, it's a no fail way to lose weight if you do all that as a gastric bypass post op. Yes, I realize and accept I won't be seeing 5lbs lost every week, but I wonder if these people do? It gets slower as time goes on, body regulates. If I lose 1-2lbs a week until I reach goal, with the occasional spike of 4-5lbs every few weeks, I can't complain because before I know it, I will be at goal. I haven't had a stall yet (where I have gone a week without losing a pound) and I don't intend to.

I am considering changing my goal weight, actually I think I should change it to my surgeon's goal. My personal goal might actually come once I have plastic surgery. Yes, folks, I am definitely going to be doing some nipping and tucking. Most people do this when they are close to goal, like 15-20lbs close because that's about how much in skin you end up losing after plastic surgery which will ultimately put you at goal. So, 140lbs would put me in the NORMAL BMI range and also, I will be healthy and fit enough to logically have my tummy tuck and breast lift (possible implants) and some liposuction, as well. Depending on how much skin I have left over, I think that will take off another 10-15lbs. So, there we go! Anyway, I am starting to wonder how tiny I might be at that weight, now that I'm comfortably in size 12, and still weigh in the 180's, I can only imagine what another 46lbs would do. I predict I'll be a size 6-8 depending on the store. Cannot wait!! By the way, I am a bridesmaid in my friend's wedding coming up August 4th. My weight loss reveal will be at that time because none of my friends in California will have seen me since I weighed nearly 260lbs! So, not only am I planning to knock it out the park with my strapless bridesmaid dress, but I will also reveal the new me to friends and family. My goal is to be at goal by then. I think it's definitely doable!

I forgot to add

2007-02-13T08:08:00.000-05:00

That I started at a size 22 pair of Lane Bryant jeans! They were snug around the waist..so from 22 to 12 is freakin' lovely. Okay, forgot to put where I am coming from here lol Today I am going to the store to get some slacks for work and maybe a blouse or two.

They fit!

2007-02-12T20:01:00.000-05:00

Tried on a pair of size 12 Gap Straight Leg (skinny jeans!) jeans. I was so excited! And without a struggle!! Must have gotten rid of that aunt flo bloating experience I had..oh that was terrible! Every month is different but, this month was a combination of bloating and number 2 issues! Okay TMI..but just wanted to document that I actually fit into a size 12 with no problems at all! Okay, this is significant because I have not worn a size 12 (or anything lower than that actually) for as long as I can remember. I think I used to wear guys jeans in high school. I don't even know what I size I was wearing lol But 12 was the smallest I ever got as long as I can remember. So this is a huge deal for me!

Weigh In Week #18

2007-02-09T10:22:00.000-05:00

my-calorie-counter.com The webs free Calorie Counter

Down 1lbs this week for a total loss of 68lbs. I am sooooo bloated. Good ol' Aunt Flo again. God I hate this time of the month, it's like a time to just curl up and wait until it passes. Also, the exercise situation is annoying me, I might just have to bite the bullet and just go back to Bally's for regular workouts. We shall see.

Weigh In Week #17

2007-02-02T08:51:00.000-05:00

my-calorie-counter.com The webs free Weight Loss Tracker

Down 4lbs and in the 180s!!! Yay! Didn't do much different except I made a point to try to eat more and even hit 100 grams of protein a few days this week. I made sure to get my exercise in also. Still haven't made it back to Bally's lol After all the hoopla I made, I don't even want to go,it's mostly due to the hassle I have to go through to get inside. Going to really have to make a point to get a few items for work. Mainly some dress slacks.

Oh I found a new place to get tickers, thank goodness. Choosing to lose decided not to host them anymore for a very strange reason, so that's why you see the tickers are missing on previous weeks. When I get time, I will go back and edit the posts with the new ticker hosting site. I really like the visual it gives me and it motivates me.

It's too cold..

2007-01-28T23:58:00.000-05:00

I mean I just realized that I don't like the gym lol I don't feel like going. It's a hassle to go to Bally's because, well long story short, I lost my wallet two weeks ago. So, I am forced to show my Passport photo until further notice. They don't give you a temp ID there, you have to show your photo ID and then they have to look it up in the computer, etc etc..hassle!! Not to mention, I would much rather prefer doing my hikes outdoors with my dog like I had been doing all along. Now it's just too cold to do it, and now that I am working from home..I kind of get carried away and just work and work..time goes by then I don't feel like "working out". However yesterday I did get a walk into my schedule. I am trying some other things to jumpstart my weight loss, cutting down on the Oh Yeah! Protein wafers, as I was having one everyday, also cutting down on the Mice Milk and increasing calories by adding more protein and I also added the Joseph's cookies in the mix again. Can I just say, I love me some tuna salad? I had some with watercress, sweet red peppers, cucumbers, snow peas..oh it was delight! More tomorrow! Okay, I'm off to bed.

Weigh In Week #16

2007-01-26T18:52:00.000-05:00

ticker issues..so I'm at 193 for a total of 63lbs lost.

Down two pounds this week..slow going for the month of January. Oh well, it's still a loss and I'm steadily progressing. I must admit, haven't been too hardcore about the gym..I've decided, I really don't like going lol I would much rather go hiking, and if I can bear the cold, that's exactly what I do. Anyway, until next week.

Weigh In Week #15

2007-01-19T15:10:00.000-05:00

Aww man, not a big move this week..could it be because I've been building some muscles in just one week?lol I don't know, whatever though, down one pound this week, at least I'm down something! Still continue with my no stalling weight loss. I must admit though, I haven't been stocking my kitchen as I would have liked to. It's quite bare. I think this week I am going to try to cut down the fats. I think I might be getting too much in comparison with the small amount of calories I'm taking in. I got lazy today..no gym. I'll go in the morning. It's too cold to hike now :( I shall resume as soon as the weather gets better..I think by this time, my free gym membership will be up. Oh and I had salad and raw veggies for the first time this week. Oh it was so delightful! Romaine lettuce topped with artichoke, onion, blue cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, chicken breast, green pepper, black olives..sound fatty? yeah I think so too..but it's all good in my book, just not all the time and this is low carb. All I know is that now, when I go out to dinner, I can always get a salad if there is nothing else on the menu that I like. Hopefully next week will be a better week for weight loss.

Bally's..Not Bad

2007-01-17T22:37:00.000-05:00

I'm shocked. I heard horror stories about this club, and while it might be true in some locations (that they have dirty locker rooms and scrupulous sales tactics) I didn't experience this at all at the club near my house. It was clean-- and I mean clean. Spotless, really. And I have been a member of many gyms over my life, including Gold's, NYSC (new york sports club), and 24-hour fitness. This one is by far the most clean location at least I've been to. This location (sorry guys I can't reveal the EXACT one, but you all know I'm in NYC) also has machines that work! Like alot of them! They also have machines that are..gasp...AVAILABLE! I never have to fight for a treadmill! Lots of equipments ..the only thing you might have to box for is a seat in the 10am Saturday morning spinning class. Those I believe, are extra. I'll pass..I mean I do the treadmill, I actually go for intensity (walking uphill at 5.5 grade and I do it at 3.4 speed). I feel comfortable enough where I am not panting for breath and at the same time, I break a sweat and feel my heart rate is up. I don't need to take it beyond that level granted the amount of calories I take in, it would be overkill. I also started some weight training. I still have to do more research on that though. So, after my free 8 weeks is up, I shall join Bally's BUT and that's a BIG BUT, I shall not do it through Bally's..oh no..I'm going straight to Ebay baby.

Weigh In Week #14

2007-01-12T08:42:00.000-05:00

So today is the day I have officially hit the down 60lbs mark. I lost 2 lbs this week (hey, it's Aunt Flo week) but I'm not complaining. People are starting to really notice my weight loss at this point and of course they are asking me how I did it. I tell the truth to an extent. I leave out the surgery part, and talk about eating low carb and exercising, both are true! I am committed to eating right and living healthy and while I am not convinced I would have lost this quickly without surgery, I am convinced that would have certainly lost weight and I would still have this commitment to being healthy or I would never have considered surgery in the first place. I am the healthiest I have been since I was ...hmmm I guess like 20 years old lol I pick that year because it was what I like to refer to as the "pre diet pills era". I actually lost about 50-60lbs at 19 and kept off a majority of it for a good 2 years until I included diet pills which extended those years to 5 years but screwed up my metabolism in the process.

Anyway moving on, tomorrow is the first day of the National Body Challenge and the commencement of my gym membership at Bally's is tomorrow. I'm so excited! I love the gym! I'm also looking forward to building some muscle and lean mass as well. Oh and being sore like nobody's business lol

3-Month Doctor Follow Up

2007-01-08T13:11:00.000-05:00

Today was my 3-month follow up at the surgeon's office and also my first meeting with the new nutritionist post op. My labs were FANTASTIC. I mean really, every reading was perfect, I couldn't be more delighted. See what being dilligent does? Gives you damn good lab results, not to mention steady weight loss. They were more than pleased with my results thus far. Surgeon told me that I have an excellent chance of not having diabetes recur in the future if I can keep my BMI below 30..even more of a chance of not having diabetes recur if I keep it below 25. I say that sounds like a plan. I am officially NON-DIABETIC! That's music to my ears. My surgeon's goal for me is to get my BMI to 30 or below by my next visit which is in another 3 months for my 6-month follow up. He and I are pretty confident that I will meet this goal. My surgeon's weight loss goal is to get to 140. He said my personal goal of getting to 125 is fine, and I can tweak it depending on my preference as long as it's in the normal BMI range.

As for the nutritionist meeting..all I can say is what a waste of time. She should be paying me for all the information I gave her. I'm sure Amy (the former nutritionist) would have been more knowledgable. This girl had no clue about the protein supplements I use, she also had never heard of Micellar Milk and actually suggested South Beach snack bars (sigh). She was taking notes about recipes and stuff from me! lol I have done soooo much research and have gained a world of knowledge from other long-term post ops on nutrition and the fact is, you have to be your own advocate and DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH! Believe me the info is out there. If you leave all the fact-finding to someone who has never had bariatric surgery or a weight problem for that matter, and who is not specially trained in the bariatric diet, you are lost. Do yourself a favor and head on over to bariatriceating.com and check out their forums. These folks know what they are talking about. I am a pretty good example of a " damn good bariatric patient" because I am my own advocate. I make good choices and basically when it comes to my health, I am a machine lol I really am..I am totally hardcore about this and it is my goal and DUTY to prove to myself and doubters out there that having gastric bypass surgery CAN BE the best thing for many morbidy obese people, especially those who have diabetes. I will be doing a series of articles presenting research about bariatic surgery being a cure for Type II diabetes, even for non-obese people! Okay well that's my rant for today, conclusion is, all is well!

Virtual Yard Sale

2007-01-06T18:12:00.000-05:00

So I sorted through my clothes and found a number of items that are now too big. I put them up for sale on Ebay! I still haven't finished listing everything I want to sell but people already started bidding on some of the items. I have tons of corsets too and even a few I never wore..it is sad..but anyway through the course of sorting through clothes that look nice enough to sell, I realized, I have no clothes now lol They are all size 18/20 or 22/24 and all exclusively from Lane Bryant..that store made so much money off of me I swear..but NO MORE! I predict now that I am around a size 16. I was trying to hold off on getting any clothes until I get to a size 14 and then go pick up a few cheap items at Walmart in new jersey (no tax and there's no walmart in nyc). Thank God my work clothes are all I need and they still look all right..I have lots of button down shirts, and I have tailored pants in size 18/20 that I can hold up with a belt...for now.

What's really sad is the deflation of my boobs. I was once a tight 40-42DDD. Now, I am more around 38DD or 40DD. Not bad you may think, but these babies are beginning to shrivel up like raisins lol There's not as much fat to sustain the "ripe" look they once had lol I'm okay with this I guess..all I know is my ass is getting plastic surgery as soon as my goal weight is stabilized..oh and I make a decision on whether or not I still have any hope of having kids. I won't bother with getting anything done until after I pop out a baby or two if I decide..but the thing is, I kind of want to get married too lol I have a lot to accomplish if this baby thing is going to happen before my deadline of February 2013. That's right..I have decided to not have children once I turn 37. By this I mean my first child. If I am on baby #2 or #3 at this point then fine, but I won't even bother if I reach this age and am not married to start to try to have a baby.

I don't know, I really do want to have the best body I can possibly have..I am so jealous of those women who have had all their kids already AND THEN have WLS. I wish that was the case for me..but just not in the cards I guess..oh well I will try to get in the best shape with as little left over hanging skin I can without plastic surgery and we shall see from there.

Weigh In Week #13

2007-01-05T11:45:00.000-05:00

Techincally I am down 5 lbs from my weigh in of last Friday. I finally made it to ONEDERLAND!!! YAYYYYY!! This is awesome! I have not been below 200lbs since 2001. I kid you not. Monday is my 3 month check in at the surgeon's office but I have been weighing myself at home in my bra and undies..and I am pretty sure with clothes on, it will add at least 2lbs :( I will try to wear as little as possible at the surgeon's office lol

FTC Sues DIet Pill Marketers

2007-01-04T12:11:00.000-05:00

This is no big surprise, people..diet pills DO NOT WORK!!! I have been reading on some WLS message boards about people who want to "jump start" their weight loss efforts by taking pills that will block carbs, help them get back on track, etc..um this is exactly what I was wanting to avoid by having WLS. If you follow your "pouch rules", you will have no need for this crap or even entertain the idea of reverting back to your old ways. Let's face it, most if not all of us WLS patients cannot eat what we used to in "moderation". Because eventually we will get our appetites back and can consume more food, not to mention alot of us RNY patients do not dump on sugar. Don't test your limits..best way to avoid this is to just not even go down that road and keep your diet low carb, high protein. Anyway, so even if you haven't had surgery, you might want to pay attention to this

National Body Challenge 2007

2007-01-04T09:22:00.000-05:00

Okay here's the deal, you can sign up for this 8 week challenge, follow your WLS eating plan like I'm sure you are doing right now, and when you sign up for this free program, sponsored by the Discovery Health Channel, you receive a ree 8-week membership to Bally's! The gym membership is good from January 13, 2007-March 10, 2007. Now, there is no catch! All you have to do is avoid the sales freaks at Bally's and not give into the extreme sales pressure they put you under, and you shall be fine. I wanted to join a gym anyway, but I'm not sure about Bally's. I've heard horror stories about their tricky contracts and membership plans you can't ever get out of. While they are cheapest (approx 50-60/mo) by far compared to the other big gyms here in NYC like New York Sports Club (approx 89/mo) and Equinox (approx 110/mo), not so sure about the quality of the gyms since I have never been to a Bally's. I know NYSC is fantastic though so that might be the club I join after my Bally's fitness challenge. Sign up folks!

New Year's Weigh In (Week #12)

2007-01-01T10:42:00.000-05:00

Well I didn't make it to Onederland :( But I got pretty damn close! lol Technically, it's not exactly week #12 but close enough. So, I'm down 55lbs! I feel good, and I have a new addiction: MICELLAR MILK! YUMMY with coffee (vanilla flavor) and oooooh so filling. I wanted an alternative to the ice cold shakes because I need to feel toasty in the morning so this was a great addition to my protein supply. You know, maybe I should make a list of my favorite protein supplements:

Isopure RTD (ready-to-drink) :clear liquid, comes in various flavors, no carbs, 40 grams of protein in 20 oz bottle. A lot of people can't drink this straight and mix it with water or crystal light, but I can and I love it! My favorite flavors are apple melon, fruit punch, and blue raspberry! I get them at my local GNC (it comes out cheaper for me because they have a discounted rate on everything because they are next door to the vitamin shoppe) but you can also order them online.

Micellar Milk RTD: this is FABOLOUS to make cafe lattes with! Mix with coffee, no need for creamer or splenda. You can also use this as a milk substitute with cereal, but I just like it with coffee (vanilla flavor). It has 40 grams of protein,220 calories, 12 carbs, 20 oz container, and doesn't need to be chilled. Perfect for travel! You can get these at GNC or online.

EAS carb control RTD: great for on the go also! contains 15 grams of protein, under 4 grams of carbs, 100 calories per container, comes in different flavors. I like the chocolate! Sold at places like Rite Aide and Walgreens or online.

Nectar by Syntrax: very light and comes in different flavors also. I like the fuzzy navel flavor and mix it with sunrise orange crystal light, tastes like tang. Only 90 calories per scoop and packed with 23 grams of protein!! Good for folks who can't handle shakes! I get this online.

Protein Delight: has chunks of chocolate/fruit (depending on the flavor you get) and it is yummy. I did notice a bit of an after taste though, however it tasted good (especially those chocolate chips!!) and you get used to it, after taste disappears. I like the chocolate flavor! 20 grams of protein per scoop, 120 calories, 6 grams of carbs. Very yummy shakes with this one! Also, I like to add a table spoon of peanut butter to this bad boy and wow! I have a chocolate chip peanut butter shake! Just add water and ice! I get this online.

UNJURY: It's good, this is what I started off with. Only 90 calories, chocolate is by far the only flavor you should even use. No aftertaste..however they sweeten with aspertame! This is why I swtiched to Protein Delight because they sweeten with Splenda. Otherwise this powder actually tastes better to me, but they don't have those perks..like the yummy chocolate chips found in the protein delight alpine chocolate flavor! Plus this one is WAY more expensive! ONLY SOLD ONLINE.

Oh Yeah! protein wafers: wow..these are TO DIE FOR! Love them! 180 calories for both wafers, 3 grams of carbs, 15 grams of protein! Great meal replacement and excellent for on-the-go! I like the chocolate mint flavor! I can't even say enough about these babies..they taste great! Sold at GNC or you can get them online.

So this wraps up my favorite protein supplements addition..see what variety I have?lol I get tired of the same ole stuff, so I have something to satisfy all my cravings and this is how I get in my 80 plus grams of protein everyday! Try them out! Oh and I've also included links to where I buy these things. This also happens to be where you can purchase them at the lowest rate.

Weigh In Week #11

2006-12-22T10:13:00.000-05:00

So down another 3lbs this week for a total loss of 51lbs. I finally made my goal of 50lbs, now my next goal is to enter Wonderland, however I am realistic and as it seems my pattern is to lose about 3lbs a week, I probably won't get there by New Year's Day but I think what I shall do is wait until that day to have my next weigh-in. So we shall see :)

Virtual Models So Far

2006-12-20T21:06:00.000-05:00

As of my last weigh in, this is I guess I representation of me..mmm I don't know, the after pic doesn't look like 208lbs, it looks more like 165lbs lol Oh well, I do certainly look a hell of a lot better in my clothes in real life, once I get to Onderland, I'm going to re-evaluate my wardrobe issues..

Week #10 Weigh In

2006-12-15T08:04:00.000-05:00

So, I didn't make my goal of 50 lbs lost by 2 lbs. Damn! Well, that's okay, I am down another 3lbs this week for a total of 48lbs lost. I can't complain, it's coming off, and before I know it..BAM! Goal! I have been doing liquids the last two days, I think I will continue this for a week and see what happens. We shall see.

Perfection Obsession!

2006-12-13T07:35:00.000-05:00

Ever since having surgery, I have been very dilligent in following my "pouch rules" and maximizing my weight loss. I exercise, I eat/drink at least 80 grams of protein a day, I drink plenty of water, and I limit my carbs to 40 grams or less a day. I am on a mission to be the perfect WLS patient. So far, my results speak for themselves, no stalls, and steady consistent weight loss. I think all of this is fueled by my strong desire not the fail and then I start paying more attention to the imperfections of my body that I never really took notice of before because I am on the quest to have the "perfect body". I have never acheived anything close to this and just accepted the fact that I would always be overweight or heavy, even at my lightest adult weight at 166lbs, I just accepted my belly would never be flat. Well no more, I am on a quest for perfection, now that I have been given this chance to get to a normal BMI and can acquire the tools to work hard and push my body, I am going to see how far I can push myself. Why not? I mean I didn't do this just so I could look normal, I want to look damn near perfect! At least for a little while lol Is this an unrealistic goal? Not for me! I have never been a person who is complacent with average and I don't intend to start doing that now. My motto has been to go for the gold and that's what I plan to do.

Week#9 Weigh In

2006-12-08T07:50:00.000-05:00

Oh the bloating! Aunt Flo is paying me a visit and I think that's why my weight loss this week wasn't all that exciting. Hey still another 2 pounds down, I can't complain. Also I have had NO STALLS, NO PLATEAUS at all! I would say this is made possible in part by the great advice and guidance I have received on the before and after message board. This coming week I think I am going back to the basics. I got creative last week and made a delicious quiche. I also added more carbs in the form of glenny's soy crisps!(still kept it under 40 a day). Love those things! I would LOVE to up my exercise activity though. A gym membership would be perfect but that will have to wait until I make more money and can afford it. It's FREEZING out there, making walks difficult. Today is 19 degrees with a wind chill of 4 degrees! Yikes...well I have been meaning to go to the indoor track so I think I will try that today.

Week #8 Weigh In

2006-12-01T08:11:00.000-05:00

Lost 3lbs this week, well on my way to getting below 200lbs by New year's. I think I can do it!
This week I have added more calories thanks to the addition of peanut butter and also the addition of Joseph's sugarfree cookies. I add another 200 calories that way and they are very low carb and satisfying. This week also marked the beginning of my intro to chicken! I had some on a stick (only about an ounce) and then I made chicken salad with the rest. It was yum. I was desperate to get away from cottage cheese this week..I was getting tired of it. Exercise is still steady although I felt myself getting lazy ..I still walked for at least 30-40 minutes with Nigel.

I love Peanut Butter

2006-11-27T09:13:00.000-05:00

Been trying to get my calorie intake closer to 800 a day. I bought Smucker's Brand Natural Peanut Butter and it's delish. It has no hydrogenated oils or trans fat! I put a tablespoon in my chocolate protein shake and it's great and filling. I'm still very lazy to make that taco soup recipe..mostly because it would require me to go to a grocery store outside my neighborhood (I like in an area of NYC that is ghetto and the products they carry are limited). I hate lugging groceries..and that's one of the reasons I always ate out before...plus I'm not big on leftovers..I guess now I am.

Been walking more also, Friday and Saturday, Nigel and I walked at least a mile to go to PETCO and GNC on the other side of town. I felt energized, especially after I took a swig of ISOPURE. It contains 40 grams of protein, no sugar, no aspertame! I break it up though...drink half the bottle at one point during the day and the other half later. It's expensive too..why are protein supplements so damn expensive! It's about 3 bucks a bottle and that's on sale..I would say on average it's about 4 bucks a bottle. The NECTAR protein canisters that last for about a month, are 27 bucks each. I get two flavors. Most of what I eat has a cheese base, either cottage or ricotta (I eat those pancakes ALOT). I also like chilli and refried beans, although I have semi retired the beans. I got sick of those. I eat alot of eggs also..I made deviled eggs the other day and it came out yummy. I added some hot sauce to the yolk mix and used Miracle whip and a smidgen of spicy mustard. Yummy!

I always liked to cook, just was too lazy to do so..now I HAVE TO. So long as it's easy and quick..I don't mind..oh did I mention I LOVE PEANUT BUTTER :)

Week #7 Weigh In

2006-11-24T07:53:00.000-05:00

A whopping 6lbs lost this week bringing my total to 40lbs. That's nice. Thanksgiving was not an issue for me, because I didn't go anywhere and I prepared a stir fry with cauliflower as the base, I added mushrooms and shrimp. I guess I didn't chew it well enough and dammit I vommited..so later I enjoyed a chocolate protein shake with a tablespoon of peanut butter that contained no hydrogenated oils or trans fat. I added a teaspoon of creamer to it to give it a kick and it was yummy and wayyyy fulling. I felt really full after that. I was going kinda slow, but that was to be expected and I didn't panic. I am happy as long as I'm losing, doesn't matter the rate. So, the last time I weighed below 220lbs was 4 years ago! This was when I first moved back to Los Angeles in the beginning of 2002. I steadly gained weight over the course of the 3 years I stayed there and then put on about 15lbs more when I moved to New York between May 2005 and March 2006. I just kept gaining weight..even when I tried to lose in LA, I joined the gym (and went but not consistently), tried hypnosis (it worked a little bit but I only lost like 5-10lbs which I promptly gained back), until finally being so fed up, I just began to accept that I was going to be fat forever. So when I got that job at the casino where my food was free, I ate like a bandit. I could have prime rib everyday if I wanted (and you know how delish casino food is!).

I gained 30lbs working at that place, and I remember the dealers would always make comments about my weight. They were so cruel and rude and nothing against Asians but, all the dealers were mostly Chinese (ironically so am I but only 1/8th though, hehehe my grandmother was 1/2) and they were ruthless. Telling me that I shouldn't eat, that I have a lot of food on my plate, that I should exercise..yeah you read the right, people that didn't even know me, made comments to me about my weight! One of my to do's when I get close to goal is to go right back to that damn casino and play Blackjack and see if anyone recognizes me. Most of the dealers have been there for years and years. I'm sure they will still be there..ahhh sweet victory..they won't believe it's me.

My short term goal is to get below 200lbs by New Year's eve.

Week #6 Weigh In

2006-11-17T07:37:00.000-05:00

That two more pounds this week. Slowing down a bit, but I don't care. I am still loosing, and as long as I lose, I'm not stalling, so I'm happy about that. Consistent weight loss means I will reach my goal eventually. The surgeon told me that I have 18 months from the date of surgery to reach goal, so I have another 16.5 months to go..but in reality I think really it's only a 12 month period that you have. So, I have about 10.5 months to get to goal. People complain about stalling, I haven't yet, there are those who never do, and I hope I am one of them. I'm not working out like a maniac, just walking for half hour to 45 mins or so. I'm eating more now, keeping food down. Eventually I will have to step up on the exercise but that will have to wait until I can afford the high gym fees in NYC. Anyway, motto again for the week is, a steady loss is a good loss!

Demons

2006-11-12T14:29:00.000-05:00

I know, I am being impatient, but I just can't weight to see some real changes. I mean, who would have thought that losing 30lbs could be so, anti-climactic. All my clothes still fit, some are just a tad loose, but mostly they fit fine. I have held on to lots of clothes from the last 3 years, I am not sure what I weighed for years at least 2 years. I am assuming I was somewhere between 225-240 before I moved to NYC in May of 2005. Then I think is when I gained another 15-20lbs. I just ate like I didn't care. I am so grateful for this tool, it has kept me under control. I'm not sure my mind could handle this without it...what is willpower? Well, with the early stages of RNY it doesn't exist because you barely need any to "fight the power." You can't just chow down on a giant slice of NY pizza or go to an all you can eat chinese buffet and throw down..no..you PHYSICALLY CANNOT. Now, I have heard that down the line, you will start to feel hunger and you can eat more, so the first year is the time to lose all you can and to put into practice your new eating and exercising habits. How long does it take to learn a new behavior? I knew I had this answer somewhere...I think it's like a matter of weeks, put into continuous practice.

My dad has been staying with me the last week and a half, he leaves tomorrow. He has not had a weight problem ever. He is a Type II diabetic and has sickle cell anemia. I have noticed his eating habits more so because mine have been so restrictive and he can virtually eat what he wants. His blood sugar is controlled with the aid of 1 diabetic pill. He and I have the same eating habits!! I am talking about pre-op. I used to wonder how I developed these compulsions, but now I realize, I am my father's daughter. He craves desserts, he gives into his cravings, just like me, he loves to snack on salty chips and baked goods. My mom hates this stuff, but dad and I love to bake and eat cookies and pies. He is also a smoker. I am not, that never interested me, however, I took my food compulsion to an extreme. I managed to develop binging at a very young age (somewhere around age 9) to deal with anxiety. I took my allowance and bought cupcakes and those pies you could get for 4 for a dollar, and also I would buy chocolate frosting and hide it under my bed. I did that for years. I was HUNGRY. Then one day my dad was cleaning my room and was trying to vaccum under my bed and he found a bunch of empty frosting containers...I was caught! Didn't stop me though, because periodically as an adult, I found myself doing the same thing, except now I had license to do it..I lived alone..I could eat a whole pie or cheescake and nobody had to know. I found myself binging again when I stayed with my aunt when I first moved back to NYC...eeek..I was hiding food again..

I am so glad that those days are behind me..now I am faced with having to deal with anxiety another way..in a more productive way...

Week #5 Weigh In

2006-11-10T09:05:00.000-05:00

I have lost another 3lbs this week making my total 32lbs in 5 weeks. I am happy with my progress thus far. I see the weight loss is regulating, which is fine by me, as long as I am losing, I am on the right track. Getting in all my vitamins and that dreaded iron pill has been rough. I never forget to take anything, it's just coordinating them is a pain. I can't take the iron with the calcium and I have to wait like 2 hours in between them, plus iron has to be on an empty stomach. I finally decided the best time to take the iron would be that period in the day between breakfast and lunch and at bedtime. Didn't have a very good food day yesterday. Things kept getting stuck, I think I need to chew way more. I did have some great beef chilli yesterday for dinner and that went down perfectly.

Went back to school this week, and hardly anyone noticed my weight loss. One lady looked at me and said, "something is different about you, I just can't figure what it is." lol I told her I lost like 30lbs, and she said,"wow, I wish you could tell me your secret." I came up with the perfect answer, "There is no secret to weight loss." It's true isn't it? lol I mean, sure I could lose 32lbs with just diet and exercise alone, but it would take me a good 3-4 months at least to do so. I still had to change my diet and I still have to exercise to lose weight. It's just coming off at a faster rate. I don't eat any bread, rice, potatoes, or pasta. I have a very high protein diet and if I have room I get in some veggies. That sounds very much to me like a south beach or atkins type diet. The surgery just makes it easier for me to be able to eat this way. Eventually, when I get closer to goal and my appetite returns a little, I can add a half a slice of wheat toast or granola as carbs, but they will be whole grains. For now, I stay away of any kind of carb and keep my daily totals under 40grams.

1 month post op doctor's visit

2006-11-07T19:50:00.000-05:00

was yesterday and all is well. I did hit my 30lbs goal I wanted to. Seem to be progressing well. Today I had shrimp for dinner, I got four down and then followed with some cauliflower and squash. Very tasty. I sauteed the shrimp with olive oil, chopped garlic, a tip of marinara sauce and a little sprink of italian bread crumbs. I think sprinkled some fresh parmesean cheese on top and yummo! Very flavorful. I believe I can do this with some fish as well. Anyway, doctor said to up my caloric intake, I have only been averaging about 500-650 calories a day. She told me to aim for 800. She said it will be easier to do with the added variety of food. I am so glad to be taking a break from chilli and refried beans! lol I still love my ricotta pancakes and cottage cheese pancakes though. They are fabulous! Especially since I was just craving pancakes pre op and kept saying I was going to go get some and never got around to doing it. I thought my love of pancakes would have to disapear, but after I found that WLS friendly recipe on Susan Maria's website, I was happy. In fact, thanks to their recipe forum and Linda (the resident WLS Rachael Ray) I have been able to have a variety of foods and wonderful recipe ideas.
The other advice I got from my surgeon is to use protein supplements as that..supplements, and try to ween off having them as meal replacements because eventually they won't be very filling. This I find to be true, I mean they really just go right through your pouch and straight to the intestines. Food definitely works for me :) Just chew chew chew. Eat slowly, and remember, protein first, the veggies, I don't do carbs like potatoes at all. Saving that for a few dabbles on special occassions only.

No vomitting! I have learned my lesson, eat slowly, and crush calcium pills. Oh and talk about pills, I got my Niferex iron supplement presription and it wasn't covered by my insurance! 95 bucks for a 30 day supply...um thank god my dad was here, I wouldn't have been able to swing that. And since I am slightly anemic, it was imperative that I start on it right away. I have been researching online to see where I can find it cheaper. I have but I hope it's the correct thing. Anyway, I'm working with my surgeon to see what we can do. I want the best supplement I can get and if this is it, I am going to get it.

Week #4 Weigh In

2006-11-03T07:22:00.000-05:00

Lost another 3 pounds bringing me to a total of 29lbs lost in 1 month. I'm okay with that. I was hoping I would make it 30lbs, but I'll take any kind of loss every week. I don't want to hit my stall EVER lol I read of people complaining about not losing 10lbs a week and I wonder what kind of miracle are they expecting..let's try to be realistic here. Do you really think you could lose this much weight in such a short period of time on your own without surgery? Hell naw. Not to mention the other wonderful benefits this surgery has given me. I'm not even a diabetic anymore! I for one am taking my blessings and running with them. I was not one of those people who was sickly before surgery and I certainly haven't been one of those people post op. I want to be a success story. It's amazing that I could even shed all this weight in such a short period of time and I am not even killing myself at a gym, I am simply walking my dog everyday for a half hour, eating my protein, drinking my water and taking my vitamins. The same people I see complaining about "being stalled" are those who willing to admit that they are lacking in one of these areas. I am not going to increase my calorie intake by much this week. I am having my one month post op follow up visit with my surgeon on Monday. Maybe I will shave off that one pound before Monday lol

Hacking is no fun

2006-10-30T17:41:00.000-05:00

So, I threw up for the first time last Thursday and have done it Saturday and then today. I bought these Calcium Citrate tablets that are huge and I swallowed on whole (yes I know dumb). Tonight I cut it in half...another dumb move..basically it just needs to be crushed. So, that's what I'm doing. That feeling of having something lodged in your chest is painful and not fun. I also don't wanna mess up my pouch, so I'm going to be extra careful about what I put in my body. Made the potato chowder from Linda F. smells wonderful! I hope it tastes as good as it smells :)

Weigh in Week #3

2006-10-27T10:33:00.000-04:00

I'm down another 8lbs for a total loss of 26lbs. Now, this would put me right on track, for 3 weeks out. The last time I lost this much weight, it took me 3 months to do!! I do understand that most "light weights" end up stalling around week 4-6. I plan to up my calorie intake following week 4. And I have increased my protein intake so that I can have maximum weight loss. Minimum 80grams of protein a day. I am taking my 25 minute walk with the dog everyday. I have to make sure that when I returm to school and get a part time job, that I get my walks in. I think I am going to have to budge early (like 600am) to get my walks in because I want to get my activity in. I had an episode last night (vomiting) because I made some protein oatmeal muffins (they tasted good by the way) but I think they were too dense and my pouch wasn't happy. I'm doing the full liquids today though, so that it can heal.

Party

2006-10-24T19:34:00.000-04:00

I think it's too soon to test my post op eating skills in social situations, since I can't eat jack, but I do want to bid adieu to my friend who is leaving NYC for Oregon. I was thinking of just stopping by for a short visit, not stay long, just to make an appearance (even though I have to treck all the way to Brooklyn). I don't know, I'm torn as to whether I should do this or not, and it's not really because I am tempted to pig out on snacks, it's really because I don't want anyone asking questions. Like they see me not drinking or eating, they will be insisiting that I eat or have a drink. I've got enough anxiety about how I will be received when I return to school. First, people will wonder where I have been (been gone a month) then they will probably notice my weightloss. I have to be constantly eating something to keep my energy level up, whether it is a protein shake or something, small meals are essential, or I will feel light headed. I haven't really told anyone about the surgery (except my teacher) and I really don't intend to tell them. Only the people that matter know. Well, I will deal with it somehow.
By the way, the Apple Ricotta Pancakes recipe was just divine. Thanks to Linda for that one. (at Susan Maria's site message board).

I can't wait to exercise!

2006-10-22T19:41:00.000-04:00

I mean really exercise, as in joining a gym and doing spinning classes, learning how to run everyday again, etc. I have to wait for medical clearance first to do these things, but I am so motivated. This is another great thing about WLS, now that I have this wonderful tool, I can't wait to use it and get to my bikini bod by June 30th 2007. According to Fitday I will have to maintain an average weightloss of 3.3 pounds a week to obtain my goal weight of 125 by 6/30/2007. That's definitely doable, especially since my first 3 months are so I am going to be dropping weight like a mad woman. I realize it will slow down a little but, I plan to be a great success story by: working my ass off at the gym, getting in a minimum of 80 grams of protein a day, getting in at least 64 oz of water a day, and of course, take my supplements. One month post op I will up my caloric intake, right now, I'm averaging about 500-600 calories a day. I want to get it to about 800-1200 a day. This should be easier with the introduction of "real foods". Also more intense workouts as well. I can finally have wheat toast with my eggs and some ham. I can eat some chicken, some turkey, I will take it slow though.

My mom left yesterday so I am adjusting to living alone again post op. I plan to keep myself active, and to establish new routines. Cooking will now become one of them, and so will exercise. Today I walked by a farmer's market, and the smells of all the food permiated my nose, I just kept thinking, "bikini, bikini" and it made it easier to ignore. I also, think about what would I be doing if I didn't have surgery..well, for one, I wasn't motivated, because I did know myself and I would give up. The hunger would be too much for me to overcome, and hard to feel full. Now, I feel hungry but it's not crazy and mostly it's head hunger, once I eat or have a protein shake, I'm full, and usually can't finish it. This is the difference!

Two Week Weigh In

2006-10-20T10:26:00.000-04:00

So, I did gain about 2 pounds or so on my weigh in during my pre-op (I had the last supper syndrome and craved McDonald's and KFC..yikes!) so I started out at 256lbs at 5'4". Today my weight was 238lbs for a total loss of 18lbs. Not bad, I was hoping to lose 20lbs but, I am certain I will reach that goal next week or better than that. My weigh-ins will be every Friday.

Okay, I'm done, now reverse!

2006-10-19T10:22:00.000-04:00

Is this what goes through some people's minds when they reach goal? Okay, I'm done, now reverse this lol Okay, even someone in just the beginning stages of my gastric bypass, I know, that if I were to ever reverse this, I would just gain the weight right back. This isn't a temporary tool but a permanent one, whether you decide to go with the RNY or the LapBand or the DS, it's to be in your mind that this is permanent. When I came across an article about Sharon Osbourne saying that she is now going to reverse her Lapband surgery after having it since 1999, because she wants to use her "mind" to deal with her weight problems, I nearly choked on my protein shake lol Excuse me, but WLS isn't a magic pill, and I think the real work comes when you do have to fight the power to those cravings. Part of the problem I had with dieting in the past is that for a certain amount of time, I could fight the power, and try to eat well, and would lose weight, but it didn't last, I would end up basically trying to starve myself, take diet pills, so I could squeeze into a size 12 dress. I spent most of my 20's doing that, I finally I just gave up. I am tired of fighting with myself and rationalizing about food, plus I was tired of fighting to get to being "overweight" instead of "morbidly obese". Now, I can aim higher, and actually get to being "normal". This surgery hasn't made me not want to have pizza or french fries, but, it just makes it easier to replace those cravings by having a protein shake or a small serving of lentil soup (something I wouldn't have bothered to eat in the past). What am I saying here? Well, basically without this surgery, I'd be a porkin' away, plain and simple. And I certainly wouldn't have the motiviation I do now to get healthy. So, getting to goal will only drive that into my mind..honey, you would not have gotten here this quickly or even at all without having gastric bypass. Your diabetes would still be here, your high blood pressure and sleep apnea would still haunt you..well here it is, not even two weeks since my surgery and I am no longer on any meds. I would just be afraid that the weight would creep back on and all these ailments will return. Anyway, here's what Sharon had to say: I'm done now

Head Hunger but I fight the power

2006-10-15T15:38:00.000-04:00

Oh it's there. Memories of my nights eating a whole pizza, rationalizing it was okay because I would always get the vegetarian one. I guess that's better than getting the meat lovers and eating the whole thing of that lol Or my favorite Wendy's spicy chicken sandwich. Yes, I'm gonna miss french fries. I know, once I reach my goal as a treat I MIGHT be able to have a few of em, but I might not, I would be too afraid that I would end up like before. Nothing tastes as good as thin feels, is what they say. So, I'm feeling much much better. Mom and I have been walking alot, it's convenient that the park is across the street and huge, so we take a different route everyday. As for eating, I have been able to tolerate everything that I've eaten so far. I really like my Unjury Whey Protein Powder in chocolate. I make a shake with ice and a half cup of skim milk with a dash of peanut butter and it really tastes like a real milk shake. I use my Magic Bullet. That thing is fabulous. Mom made some tilapia fish, so I've been able to eat a bit of that for dinner. I had some vegetable soup, light and fit carb control yogurt, sugar free pudding, (I mix in the unflavored Unjury protein powder into these). I also had some cream of chicken soup. What didn't fair well was the tuna salad. I'm sorry, I just cant' have that by itself without some lettuce or something. Haven't tried eggs but that is on the agenda this week as I love those. Also, trying an experiment. I have not weighed myself since the day of surgery. At that point I had already lost 7lbs (probably water weight lost due to my clear liquid diet for 2 days prior). I know I have lost weight. I am waiting until I see my endocrinologist on Wednesday to see what I weigh now. I will get a scale next week and then begin weekly weigh ins after that. Also, the great news is that I have not been on ANY diabetic medication since the day before surgery. My blood sugar readings have been EXCELLENT without meds. This is spectacular as I was on three diabetic meds prior to surgery. Now I am on NONE! Amazing! I am still taking my blood pressure meds but they are reduced by half, and I dropped the water pill. Hey that is enough to make this surgery worth it for me. NO diabetes meds! Blood sugar under control! Okay, bad news, first thing I noticed is that my boobs are shrinking lol Sorry to all my big boob admirers friends out there, but these babies are deflating. Hopefully not too badly because my mom is 106lbs and she still wears a 34D bra, so there is hope! I won't be flat chested. That would be odd though..I have ALWAYS had big boobs. Haha, well I vowed that if I don't look the way I want to look at my goal weight, I will turn to plastic surgery. I have no shame in my game, I will look like the woman I have invisioned, I didn't go through all this pain and sacrifice to look just "okay", I want to be freakin' FHM and MAXIM material. I am looking into gyms around me, and so far the closest one is New York Sports Club. I might be willing to go anyway in the city, but I really have to change my mind set about getting my ass to the gym. No more laziness, I just have to go and that's that. I mostly want to focus on cardio at this point, burn fat and then some strength training. I have modeled as a plus size girl, why not as a thin one? Okay so this is the update for today.

Recovering and Home

2006-10-12T15:52:00.000-04:00

So I made it out. Was released on Sunday, and OOOOhHH the pain, the gas..it sucked. It has gotten better over the last few days though. Can I just say, staying for two nights at Mt. Sinai was rough. I hate the hospital. Mostly it's the lazy ass nurses. There were a few that were all right. But, it was pretty much 50/50. I wonder if all hospital care is like that or worse? Probably. I am just glad to be home. Well, energy level is all right, I went to the store today. I do my short walks with my dog, my mom helps me a lot. I hate, I mean I hate taking those damn calcium citrate tablets I bought but I gotta finish them. Am I hungry? no, not really but in the morning when I wake up, I feel that I am. I usually have a bit of oatmeal and some applesauce. Have a few protein shakes throughout the day. FIrst check up is a month post op. We shall see how well I am doing then. So, I'm doing okay and hopefully my journey is going to be a productive one.

Tomorrow is the day

2006-10-05T22:01:00.000-04:00

I am a bit nervous, but I'm also excited. Not sure what the future will bring, but hopefully it is good stuff. 7:30 am I have to report to the hospital and my surgery is at 9:30am. All these months, what a journey, just to get to this date. Now the real work will begin when I get home. Well, next time I write I will be post op!

Pre Op Testing

2006-09-30T12:33:00.000-04:00

I am going in for pre op testing on Monday morning. Hope my numbers are okay enough for me to be clear for surgery. I am scared my blood sugar readings won't be up to par. Mom is coming in Wednesday night. And hopefully, Friday will be the big day! I have gained alot of support and guidance from members at the obesity help site as well as Susan Maria's Before and After message board. I have ordered all my protein supplements and vitamin supplements as well. Got my chicken broths and puddings and jello and I'm ready to go :) Ahhh the nerves, but I'm excited to start this new journey in my life and I can't wait till the day they tell me to stop taking my meds and that I have no trace of diabetes..oh that will be the greatest day! Well, wish me luck on the pre op testing.

Approval!

2006-09-21T13:47:00.000-04:00

So, I got the call I have been waiting for from Fonda at Dr. Kini's office..I have been approved for surgery by the insurance company. So, all is a go for October 6th! Yay!! Mom is flying in on the 4th and now I have to go and by all those protein supplements. Say good bye to the old me, and hello to the new me!

No DS back to RNY

2006-09-11T16:59:00.000-04:00

So, after having a very long discussion with my surgeon's team about my decision to switch to the DS, I have come to the conclusion to just have the RNY. My reasons for wanting to change in the first place probably had more to do with getting an overwhelming amount of positive feedback from people who have had the DS but, I guess I really didn't have enough information to make an informed decision to chose it. Only 50 surgeons world wide even perform the surgery. Who knows, maybe it is where bariatric surgery is headed, but I think I would be just as successful with the RNY as I would be with the DS and it be less risky for me to have. So, everything remains and as of now, I am still waiting for authorization from my insurance company.

Duodenal Switch

2006-09-10T17:07:00.000-04:00

Well, thanks to the obesity help website, I have been able to find out an enormous amount of information on this procedure. So much so, that I have decided that it is the best one for me over the RNY. So, I informed my surgeon's office and tomorrow I will have to go in for another consultation and meeting with the nutritionist as after care is much different for the DS. I will actually be able to eat real food! Of course not as much, but, reading about other DS patients, they are staying away from carbs and eating regular sized meals without having to do the extra chewing to mush like RNY patients have to and still losing what they need to lose. I am seeing as many complaints and complication either from DS patients. I think it's worth it to make this change now, even though my pre-cert process has to begin all over again with insurance. I don't care. Hey, it's my life we are talking about here, and I want to make sure I am making the most informed and best decision for my future.

Another Great Article

2006-09-03T22:14:00.000-04:00

Weight Loss Surgery Can Cure Diabetes

Big Improvements Seen in High Blood Pressure, Sleep Apnea, Other Obesity-Related Conditions By Salynn Boyles
WebMD Medical News Reviewed By Brunilda Nazario, MD
on Tuesday, October 12, 2004

Oct. 12, 2004 -- Researchers say weight loss surgery is giving people who are morbidly obese a new and healthier start on life.

At 626 pounds, 33-year-old Bo McCoy suffered from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea that were so severe he had spent half his life sleeping with a pressurized air mask over his nose to control it - until he had weight loss surgery. McCoy is now 35, almost 400 pounds lighter, and he no longer needs the machine to sleep through the night, nor medication to control his blood pressure.

Two years ago McCoy had gastric bypass surgery. His experience is similar to that of most people who have weight loss surgery, according to the largest review ever to examine improvements in obesity-related conditions among surgery patients.

Published in the Oct. 13 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, the review of more than 130 studies and 22,000 obese or morbidly obese patients shows that the vast majority of people who have weight loss surgery experience dramatic improvements in type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea.

Safety Reviewed for Weight Loss Surgery

The review also presents the most comprehensive picture to date of the risks of various weight loss surgeries. Gastric banding was the safest procedure, with a mortality rate within 30 days of the procedure of 0.1%. Whereas one out of 200 patients who underwent gastric bypass procedures died within 30 days and one of 100 patients who had biliopancreatic diversion or duodenal switch procedures died.

These latter weight loss surgeries are more complicated procedures requiring more operative skills. They are considered to cause more malabsorption compared with banding procedures known better as restrictive procedures.

Although gastric banding was the safest procedure, it was not as effective as the other weight loss surgeries. Gastric banding patients lost an average of 47% of their excess weight, compared with an average of 62% excess weight loss by patients who has gastric bypass surgeries, and 70% excess weight loss by patients who had biliopancreatic or duodenal switch procedures.

"It is true that there are risks with these surgeries," researcher Henry Buchwald, MD, PhD, tells WebMD. "But the risks compare quite favorably with other major surgeries. And the risks of obesity are much greater than the surgical risks."

In studies reviewed by Buchwald and colleagues that assessed type 2 diabetes before and after weight loss surgery, the disease completely disappeared in just under 77% of patients and it improved or resolved in 86% of patients. Improvements in cholesterol were seen in 70% of patients and high blood pressure either resolved or improved in 78% of them. In studies assessing sleep apnea before and after weight loss surgery, the condition disappeared in 86% of patients who lost weight.

"Tip of the Iceberg"

While more and more people are having weight loss surgery, Buchwald says the number is still very low. He estimates that between 8 and 10 million Americans are candidates for surgery, based on National Institutes of Health guidelines. Those guidelines include patients with morbid obesity, which is a BMI of greater than 40, or an individual with a BMI of greater than 35 with other health conditions such as diabetes. In these people initial treatment for weight loss, which is diet (with a low- or very low-calorie diet) and lifestyle changes, is ineffective according to the researchers.

"We are now operating on about 140,000 patients a year, which is 1% to 2% of the people who qualify," he says. "What do you think would happen if we as a nation said we are only going to treat 1% to 2% of people with AIDS or cancer. Surgery is the only successful method of treating morbid obesity, but only a small number of people who need it are getting it."

American Society for Bariatric Surgery president Harvey J. Sugerman, MD, says there is a growing trend among insurance companies to refuse to pay for weight loss surgeries, which typically cost between $20,000 and $25,000.

"It makes no sense because the cost of treating someone with multiple co-morbidities related to obesity is much greater," he says. "The co-morbid conditions mentioned in this study are just the tip of the iceberg."

Message From a Movie

McCoy now counsels other people who are struggling with morbid obesity.

"Surgery is not something someone should go into lightly, he says. "But a person who is morbidly obese or even just obese whose lifestyle has diminished to the point where they aren't living anymore owes it to themselves to at least consider it."

He tells WebMD that he decided to have weight loss surgery after reflecting on a line in one of his favorite movies, The Shawshank Redemption.

"The line was, 'You have to get busy living or get busy dying,' and it just hit me that that is what I had to do," he says. "My life had downgraded to an almost animal existence because my body was so out of control. I had no hope when I weighed 600 pounds, but I got it back when I had the surgery."

You can find this article HERE

Interesting Article For Doubters Out There

2006-09-03T22:03:00.000-04:00

Mortality Rates in Morbidly Obese Skyrocket Without Bariatric Surgery

Download this press release as an Adobe PDF document.

A recent study published in Elsevier, a medical journal covering surgery for obesity and related diseases, found mortality rates in morbidly obese people who defer bariatric surgical intervention was more than 10 times the expected rate.

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) August 25, 2006 -- A recent study published in Elsevier, a medical journal covering surgery for obesity and related diseases, found mortality rates in morbidly obese people who defer bariatric surgical intervention was more than 10 times the expected rate.

Mortality from bariatric surgery for the morbidly obese has been widely reported, but little was known about mortality rates in morbidly obese patients who deferred the different available surgical weight-loss options: roux-en-y gastric bypass, vertical gastrectomy, LapBand® and duodenal switch.

Selected from a master bariatric surgery database of 1,438 patients between 1997 and 2004, the study identified 207 patients who, while meeting National Institutes of Health (NIH) guidelines for surgical intervention, never returned to their medical practitioners for a bariatric surgical procedure.

The results revealed that of the 207 morbidly obese patients screened for the study, 16 (nearly 8%) died within the study period, with 54 years being the average age of death. Given the age distribution of this population, the study expected the number of deaths to be less than one. The study concluded that, for morbidly obese patients who defer surgical weight-loss intervention, the mortality rate is more than 10 times the expected rate.

The study strongly indicates the increasing mortality risk and subsequent danger for morbidly obese people who defer or even postpone surgical weight-loss procedures. In reacting to the results of the study, Dr. Paul Cirangle of Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco was startled by the results, adding, “this is a wake-up call for thousands of morbidly obese people in the United States who may be considering weight-loss surgery as an option but not a priority. This study indicates that the consequences for ignoring the problem or deferring it on account of the perceived risk of surgical intervention, can be fatal in itself.”

The study was led by Drs. Oluseun A. Sowemimo, Rebecca Ross, Ursula McMillian, Peter Ojo and Randolph B. Reinhold, with help from John Courtney, MPH, and Jessie Moore, APRN, from the Hospital of Saint Raphael in New Haven, Connecticut.

About Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco (www.lapsf.com)
Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Laparoscopic Associates performs all weight-loss surgeries laparoscopically, including LapBand®, Roux en Y gastric bypass, duodenal switch and vertical gastrectomy. They also feature a total care support system including Obesity Surgery Seminars, a Patient Support Group, a Chat Room, and a complete resource directory for your obesity help.

This article can be found here: Obesity Deaths

Countdown

2006-08-28T17:58:00.000-04:00

So my paperwork has been submitted to the insurance company today for pre-certification for surgery. Pray that it is a speedy and non-complicated process. So, until then, I'm counting down until surgery day :)

Get your own countdown at ProfileSidekick.com

Before and After Weight Loss Simulator

2006-08-28T01:38:00.000-04:00

Kind of looks like me but not really, but you get the idea. My personal goal weight is 125lbs. My current weight is 252lbs. Drum role please....

And then check out the side view:

I Have a Tentative Surgery Date!

2006-08-22T21:15:00.000-04:00

Set for October 6, 2006. That's providing everything gets approved through my insurance company and the OR is ready to take me. I think it will actually be a go though. I am going to stay positive. Mom's flying out for two weeks to help take care of me post-op. Blood glucose levels have been great since starting on the Precose meds. I gotta get my A1C down. I think I will if my blood sugar readings are near perfect for the rest of the next month or so. The girl that is to submit my paperwork to Oxford at Mt. Sinai is out this week on vacation, so Monday I guess Jennifer will be getting her to put my case out as priority. Only thing that can stand in my way at this point is Oxford saying "no" because of an exclusion to my policy but, before I even signed up, I asked if there was one and was told no. I hope that is really the case. I am just worried because I am an Oxford patient through the Healthy New York program. I pay a subsidized premium from the State of New York. I just wish I had something in writing saying there is no exclusion in my policy because of that, then I would be 100% confident I won't get denied. Well, we shall see what is next.

Waiting Game

2006-08-20T13:38:00.000-04:00

So finally everything has been turned into the surgeon's office. I got Dr. Albu to get me the support letter, I actually had to sit there while she typed it up because she was well aware that I wasn't leaving the office without it after waiting 3 weeks for it lol Unfortunately, my blood sugar readings are less than stellar. My last Ha1c reading was 8.6 but actually I should say 7.6 because you are supposed to have it done every three months and she jumped the gun and had it read a month after my last one. So I am going by the one taken in June which was 7.6. Now in order for me to have surgery, my Ha1c has to be 7 or under. She has increased my diabetes medication intake to from 500mg of Metformin to 1000mg and from 10mg Glipizide to 20mg and also has added Percose 25mg three times a day to be taken with meals. Now, after all that I still need to watch what I eat which is hell. I mean, I am doing better with that now that I am back to school full time. I can run across the street and have one of those made to order tossed salads for lunch..and breakfast is an egg and bacon sandwich. Yeah sounds bad but it's good for the low carb intake..better than cereal for me. So now, it's just about waiting to see what happens with the insurance and when they will schedule my surgery date. I am hoping it will be sometime in October. Depends on how long Oxford takes ( i am hearing they don't take that long but they have to decide within 30 days). I noticed they still haven't paid Dr. Kini for my office visit and the claim was sent on August 9th. They paid Dr. Albu who I saw a week before. Anyway, so let the count down begin!

Waiting on letter

2006-08-14T00:49:00.000-04:00

So, now the only thing left is the letter from dr. Albu documenting my attempts to lose weight without the surgery and recommendation for surgery. I am going to see her on Wednesday and get that from her and hand deliver it over to Jennifer Nalle at Mt. Sinai. Then they will be forwarding my files over to Oxford for pre authorization!! Wow, this is crazy, I have been preparing and waiting for so long for this to happen and now I am very close to getting my surgery date. I wonder if Dr. Kini will be giving me that once I turn in my letter from Dr. Albu? I think they usually give you one before insurance company approves the surgery. Anyhow, that's the latest on that.
Oh and I have to change my PCP. Dr. Bickell is awful! She has no respect for people's time at all. I went to see her for the second time last week and this woman had me waiting an hour and a half past my appointment time. She had seen ONE patient during that time. It was just terrible and it is not the first time I had to wait over an hour to see her past my appointment time. Then she went on to bitch about how she felt like a paper pusher and that she wasn't really managing my treatment. I told her that because my primary treatment plan was about my diabetes care mostly and that all my health related problems were tied to it, she kind of obliged, but she was just giving me a hard time. I told her that I thought I had a UTI and she took a urine sample but has not gotten back to me, we I could not wait, I called my OBGYN and got a refill for the medication. You can't have people waiting for that, it's uncomfortable walking around with a UTI! So, I have to change my PCP. She gave me all the referrals I will be needing for a while so, I'm good until I run out and need to go to another PCP.

Sleepin and waitin

2006-07-27T21:27:00.000-04:00

So, I have been sleeping with the Darth Vadar mask for a week now and it's been good. I feel pretty good. Now the waiting begins..I have to get a letter from Dr. Albu and she has agreed to do it, but now I gotta wait for her to submit it to my surgeon's office. Also gotta get those number down for my blood sugar. Hemoglobi A1C is high..it's around 9 and it should be around 7. So, when I saw Dr. Albu she upped my dosage of Glucotrol. Hopefully that will help. So, basically it's a waiting game at this point. I'm hoping all will be ready to submit sometime in August and then approval will follow right behind it. Met Dr. Kini, he's nice, has a nice sense of humor. So, now that is out of the way, next time I see him will be when all my info is turned in and submitted to insurance for approval. Expected surgery date? I would say late September or October. Major life change, but I'm SO READY. I have never been more ready to do something in my whole life.

CPAP Heaven

2006-07-17T20:48:00.000-04:00

So Cigna FINALLY approved my CPAP machine, the wait is finally over. The company that facilitates the sales of the machine will be coming over on Wednesday morning to show me how to use and help me with proper fitting of the mask. I am happy about this because this is the last step to being fully prepared for surgery. I will need to have treatment for at least 3-4 weeks before I can undergo surgery. I have my first appointment with Dr. Kini on July 24th. There was a mix up with Fonda and she scheduled me to see Dr. Herron because I started with him. I mean, it was like she heard absolutely nothing I was telling her on the phone. I explained to her in person and over the phone very clearly what my situation was--change of insurance.. sigh. poor Fonda. Anyway, I also went to see Dr. Albu, my endochrinologist on Friday and my blood sugar levels are elevated. She doubled up on the Glucotrol and also doubled up on the Enalapril for my blood pressure. I am taking Vitamin D supplements as well but in big doses twice a week (prescription only). Everything else remained the same, I will be back to see her next month to see where everything is at. She was really glad that I chose Mt. Sinai's program because they actually really make sure you are prepped and ready for surgery approval. Oh shoot, that reminds me, I need to fax over a copy of the form letter to write to the insurance company for approval. Once that's all done, I dont' think I will have any major issues getting approval. God willing, I just have to make sure that all of my ducks are lined up.

Oh Yay!

2006-06-29T23:36:00.000-04:00

So, I finally got in contact with Fonda, Dr. Kini's assistant and have made an appointment to see him on July 6th. This is cool because my parents will be visiting and they can come with me to the meeting. They are supportive but they do so begrudgingly. They don't know a lot about the procedure and they are afraid. Plus, like most people, they still believe that diet and exercise is all I need. I wish it were true. But clearly, that has not worked for me to maintain long term weight loss so this is the route I have chosen to take. I am excited and looking forward to my new healthy lifestyle. By the way, I still haven't heard status back on that damn CPAP machine..why oh why did I keep CIGNA for it? I mean now that I have found out that I could have actually rented the damn thing, I would have dropped CIGNA immediately. Now, they are, of course taking their sweet time approving either the purchase or rental of the machine. In the meantime, time is ticking and I must be receiving treatment for a minimum of a month before I can actually have surgery. Sigh..my process with this who CPAP stuff has been going on for over 3 months now. It has definitely set me back, but patience is a virtue. Everything will work out in the end.

It's Hard to Get A hold of these people

2006-06-22T19:54:00.000-04:00

Man, the one problem I have with Mt. Sinai's program is that it's really difficult to get someone on the phone. For the last 2 weeks, I have not had any luck being able to make an appointment with Dr. Kini. When I went in to see Amy Fleishman, the nutritionist, she put me in touch with his assistant who told me to call her early the following week to make an appointment. I have been calling every since. I left her one voicemail a week ago and never heard back. I called again today and was told she was out until Monday. Maybe she was on vacation, but still I need to see this guy sometime next month so I can get a surgery date scheduled. I am hoping for something in late August early September. I am also waiting to hear back from the company that is set to get me my CPAP machine. They called me early this week and said they got word from Dr. DePalo about it. They need to hurry about that because I am offically ending my relationship with CIGNA as of July 1, 2006. I will only have Oxford. It's been tough paying for two insurance premiums! I have an appointment to see Dr. Albu on July 12 and get her to help me get my blood sugar back to good readings. When I went in to see Dr. Bickell, they had become elevated since March. They will not operate on me unless I have stable blood sugar readings, so that needs to be in order ASAP. I am even willing to take insulin for that to happen although I'm sure that won't be necessary as I had been able to keep them under control with oral meds.

Insurance Company Change

2006-06-16T10:57:00.000-04:00

Now I am officially with Oxford Liberty. I signed on with Healthy New York and because I am now a resident here and a sole proprietor, I am eligible for the state's subsidized HMO program. The premium is less than I was paying for Cigna and now that means I have to go to a Primary Care physician. Thank goodness most of my pre-op testing is over. I visited my new PCP last Tuesday, her name is Dr. Nina Bickell and she was a nice lady. I updated her on my progress and she went ahead and took more blood tests and gave me my referrals for Dr. Kini (he is the other bariatric surgeon who works with Dr. Herron and takes Oxford) and Dr. Albu my endochrinologist. She said she won't stand in my way to get surgery and that she would like to see me back in two months. So, I have an appointment with her in August. I got so much done this month. After this sleep study/sleep apnea thing taking forever (which is why I haven't updated much).

I finally had my second one yesterday with the CPAP mask. I felt like Darth Vadar with that damn thing on. Breathing all heavy, but when I finally went to sleep, it was like, real sleep. I was a bit tired when I woke up but, it was a different feeling. I still felt pretty good. It took me a while to fall asleep though because I had to get used to sleeping with this thing and because I had sleep on my back which I never do. So, I will get in touch with Dr. DePalo in about a week or so to find out about getting my prescription for the mask.

Last week I had both my nutritionist appointment with Amy Fleishman and my psychological evaluation with Dr. Ryburn. Amy is a doll, what can I say? She went over all the info on how to eat from immediately following surgery to down the road. She advised that for now I should practice cutting out sugary drinks (which I should have been doing anyway) and not drinking liquids with meals. You should eat proteins first, then vegggies then starches (sounds like the zone diet). Also, liquid should be limited to no less than 15 minutes before meals. So, while I haven't put this into practice yet, it sounds doable. I also got some sample bariatric drinks and soups. The chicken soup wasn't bad and neither are the fruit nectars. I'm also going to purchase that new water thing called Water Sensations. No sugar, no carbs, no calories, and adds fruit flavoring to your water. Gotta order it at their website although they say it is sold in Food Emporium, I can't find it there.

Dr. Ryburn looks like Carol Brady from the Brady Bunch. She's a nice lady, but she talked too much for a psychologist. I've been to therapy before, and I know this wasn't really a therapy session but she kept using examples from her personal life to agree with stuff I was telling her. It was odd. I won't be going back to her for therapy. She just has to gather enough info to put into a report to submit to the insurance company to say I'm not crazy and that she recommends surgery for me. She has a lot of bariatric patients as clients. Well, I hope she is different during therapy sessions. Like I said, she's nice, as a person, but as a therapist, I'm a bit put off. My best friend, Lisa, is a psychologist and I guess I'm kind of spoiled by this fact because our relationship is VERY evolved and therapeutic, I guess other therapists pale in comparison to her. Now she isn't my therapist lol Just that she does provide analysis and I also have some knowledge because of my short stint getting my master's in Marriage and Family Therapy. (I should have continued on that path) Anyway, so next up I have to get in touch with Dr. Kini's assistant and make an appointment to meet up with him and maybe even get a surgery date! We gotta submit for approval to Oxford but, I'm not at all concerned about getting approval, I have my ducks lined up and they work well with bariatric patients from what I've heard.

Mom and Dad are coming for a visit during the first week of July. I am taking them to a suppport group meeting on July 5th so they can meet people who have had the surgery and learn more about it. Oh, and since Dr. Albu took reduced my dosage of Avandia to 4 mg, I have lost 9 lbs. Unfortunately, my blood sugar is now too high! I had to go back to 8mg and possible weight gain. I am taking advantage of living next to central park and walking and being more active though. I just have to get rid of those damn arizon ice teas lol I'm addicted!

Old Posts

2006-04-21T17:25:00.000-04:00

2/22/06--After having been to both information sessions with Dr. Fielding at NYU and Dr. Roslin at Lennox Hill's Minimally Invasive Bariatric Surgery Center, I have decided to go with Dr. Fielding. I have also decided to go with the RNY Gastric Bypass. Although Dr. Fielding is admittingly biased towards to Lap Band, I am not convinced of its effectiveness in the long term and because there is just so much information out there on Gastric Bypass, and a proven track record for most people to be effective, I am going with that one. He does both, but like I said, he is very partial to Lap Band being that he as one himself. I also was impressed by his sense of humor, sincerity and all around pleasantness. I didn't like the way the office staff was at the Lennox Hill office. When I said I was not going to use my insurance (it's Cigna by the way) because there is an exclusion in my employer's policy, and also because I just want to avoid the headache and red tape, I was dismissed and basically the girl wouldn't even give me the price of the surgery. Instead she made up a number and when I asked for the exact numbers so I would know how much I need to pay, she ran around the office and left me in the exam room for several minutes, I just walked out. Her attitude was foul, and I was done. My mind had been made up. I am lucky to have supportive parents who are willing to help me fund the cost of this necessary procedure. I am pretty much forgetting everything else and making this my number one priority. Once I can get my health in order, everything else I want to do will fall into place. Dr. Huberman, the psychologist affiliated with NYU is out on vacation, so I have to make an appointment with him next week. This is step one. The cost is 275 buckos. Not covered by insurance, they put this in black print. Anyway, I'll write when I get to see him.
******* THIS IS A LONG MINI AUTOBIOGRAPHY***********
So a little about me: I turned 30 on 2/12/06, I am single with no children and an only child to two wonderful and very supportive parents. I recently began dating a very sweet and funny Doctor,a forensic pathologist who actually digs me at this weight. I am at my highest weight ever of 254lbs and I am 5'5". I am just about to begin a new career as a court reporter in the next few months. I am a published freelance writer, specializing in mostly short stories and articles on all kinds of things. I am a college graduate (go USC TROJANS!!!!), and classic over-acheiver. I have had a problem with my weight since childhood. It didn't become apparent to my mother and father until I was about 9 years old. I weighed 100lbs. My pop was in the Army until I was 16 so we moved alot, and I think eating was kind of a coping mechanism for me, because I experience a lot of anxiety moving around so much. I remember wetting my bed a lot and bitting my fingernails until they bled as a young child. Using my 2 dollar allowance to buy twinkies and chocolate frosting. Hiding it under my bed so nobody would know. This pattern began as early as the fourth grade. I started my first official diet at age 13 when I first started junior high school. I had developed early (started my period at age 11) and at that time, I weighed 176lbs. I lost 26 pounds in 4 months on Weight Watchers. That soon ended and I was to begin what became years of roller coaster dieting, weight gains and weight losses, highs and lows. I made one other huge attempt to lose weight when my father was hospitalized for diabetes. He had never had a weight problem and he just got knocked off his feet and was diagnosed with Type II diabetes after nearly dying with blood sugar readings over 600. I was 19 at the time, and just fininshed my first year of college. At this point, I had balloned to about 218lbs. I joined Jenny Craig that summer and lost 30lbs before returning back to school. I felt like the bell of the ball. Guys started to notice me, a lot more and I stopped going to Jenny Craig and kind of made my own diet and ended up losing a total of 70lbs. I maintained that weight loss pretty much until I graduated college. I was finally "normal", people treated me like a normal person. I started law school at age 22 and at my lowest weight since I lost weight at age 13. I exercised a lot, ate well, but then I started having trouble with school and focusing on my studies. I ended up dropping out of law school and working, I had trouble keeping the weight off and by age 24 I had gone back up to 191lbs. I started taking diet pills right before I graduated from college and that just continued on and off for years. I started taking Stacker II and cutting carbs and I lost about 30lbs that summer of 2000. I was back down to about 165lbs. That didn't last, because I lost my job that I loved and things just took a turn for the worse. Sept 11th. Need I say more? I worked nearby and was right in the middle of it all. And unfortunately, right before that I began seeing a doctor near Columbus Circle who was giving me Meridia and B12 shots. I began losing weight (about 12lbs) but stopped going because everything got shut down for several days in manhattan after 9/11. I started to eat like a madwoman and progressively began to gain weight. I continued to take diet pills on and off, moved back to California for 3 years and tried everything from hypnosis to getting a personal trainer, then was diagnosed with Type II diabetes at age 26. I also have high cholesterol and high blood pressure. I am on 6 different meds to control all of the above. They are controlled because of the meds. I am 30 years old, with the body of an unhealthy 70 year old woman. That's how I feel. I was once able to run 3 miles every day. Now, I hypervenilate walking 3 blocks. It's scary and it's unacceptable. I have been thinking a lot about mortality since turning 30 and that I have to improve my quality of life. This cycle stops now. So, I have, after strong urging from my endochrinologist/diabetes doctor, decided to undergo weight loss surgery. My journey to a new life begins by taking control and responsibility for my life today. So, here goes...
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2/24/06--Roadblock to surgery, I found out today that neither Dr. Fielding nor Dr. Ren take self pay for the gastric bypass surgery, they only take it for the Lap Band, which makes sense since this is the type of surgery they urge everyone to get. So, I guess I won't be getting this done at NYU :( I could try to do it through Lennox Hill but, I don't know, I didn't feel really comfortable there, they kind of have the place run like a farm, and we are the cattle. lol I also didn't like how rushed I felt when I was asking the assistant questions about payment options. Sigh...so I made an appointment to go to the information session at NY Presbyterian Hospital for Dr. Bessler. That won't be until March 6th...sigh. I called to make an appointment with the psychologist from Lennox Hill, just in case. I just want to get the ball rolling though!!
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2/27/06--So today I had the pleasure of speaking with Dorothy over at Mt. Sinai's Weight Loss Surgery Center and I have an appointment there this Thursday afternoon. I told her that I was aware that my former employer's insurance policy has an exclusion for treatment of obesity but that I can at least have them cover lab tests and visits to specialitists (i.e. gastrontologist, nutritionist, psych) if anything at least I can do out of network and have them pay for at least half. So, that's where I'm at right now. My parents are away in Panama (that's where my family is from) so, I haven't updated them much. I am just so determined to do this. I have wasted too much time being hopeless about ever being healthy again. This IS GOING TO HAPPEN. I am so glad that my parents have agreed to help me pay for this surgery. It kind of infuriorates me that insurance companies even have a caveot for employers to chose what can and can't be covered. I mean, if a surgery is deemed MEDICALLY NECESSARY to save someone's freakin' life, how can they say "Oh sorry, we don't cover this life saving surgery, you'll just have to continue taking a million medications and get off your fat ass and work it off." It's sickening, I mean if I had lung cancer, due to my consumption of cigarrettes, would they deny me surgery to treat it or save my life? After all, I was the one who smoked myself to that point? Of course they would. But, let me be morbidly obese, and they turn around and say, "get some willpower, we don't cover that 'cosmetic" stuff." UGHHH! Well, I'll update after my appointment at Mt. Sinai.
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<b>3/3/06 -- I had my first consulation with Dr. Herron at Mt. Sinai and it we very well. I absolutely loved the way my appointment went. I felt like a person and not a number, I understood what steps I need to take next, and I wasn't turned away because of my jerky insurance policy. They have a wonderul Insurance specialiast Mr. Booker who, as a fellow Aquarius, works the personality and charm. I should know :) Anyway, I actually have hope that this is actually going to happen and the frustration is at pay for the moment. Everyone on his staff was very nice and I got that one on one care that had seriously been lacking at Lennox Hill and NYU. I absoultely HATE those information sessions. It's like a cattle call, literally. I know the surgeons are busy, but I think it's important to give each patient their individual time. I have a PPO so, my insurance covers part of the visit and I pay the rest. He actually sat down and drew a diagram of what would happen during the surgery, my expected surgery and recovery time, and gave me an exam. Then he sent in his nurse practitioner, Jennifer who also was very very nice. She went over what I might have to do with Cigna and the different preoperative tests I would have to schedule before my next visit with Dr. Herron. She explained which doctors would take my insurance as well. All in all, I was impressed and I have found my surgeon :) I got my blood tests done today.

Here are my scheduled appointments so far:
3/8/06 Ultrasound of Gallbladder
3/15/06 Sleep Study
3/29/06 Endocrinologist
4/3/06 Gastroentology-endoscopy

I will wait on the Nutrition Eval and Psych Eval until I get more cash.
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3/9/06-- So I had my Ultrasound yesterday at Mt. Sinai and can I just say I was annoyed by the wait! My appointment was for 12pm and I had been fasting, I didn't get called until 10 minutes after 1pm! It was bad. What was the point of making an appointment again? Anyway, it was all right. Never did hear back from G. Booker re: financial stuff. I called him last friday but, he never called me back. Sigh. Will try him again tomorrow.
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3/17/06-- I went to my appointment with Dr. Depalo, the pulmanary specialist and he is almost 100 percent certain that I have sleep apnea. I am scheduled for the actual sleep study on April 13. He also wants me to have my thyroid checked so I am scheduled for a Thyroid Ultrasound on March 22. Jennifer at Dr. Herron's office also called me to tell me the results of my blood tests and gallbladder ultrasound. She says I'm deficient in Vitamin D and that I am slightly anemic and low on Iron. She recommended that I take a multivitamin. Also, my H1C was too high and my average blood sugar reading was 159 which is not good. So, when I go back to see my endocrinologist later this month, I will ask her to help me tweek my meds or even put me on insulin to get my sugar in order. I am pretty sure that the last time I went to see my internal medicine doctor back in LA, she checked my thyroid and it was fine according to her but she just got that from blood tests. Apparently, these blood tests are worthless in properly diagnosing Thyroid problems (sigh). I am also surprised that my endocrinologist didn't feel the need to order any tests regarding my thyroid. I am glad that I have been doing all of this testing, because honestly, I would not have known what was wrong with me. I have had symptoms of sleep apnea for at least the last 4 years and did nothing. I also have other sleep problems. I guess I just ignored the signs, like I normally do. I am regretful that when I moved to New York, I stopped going to a doctor regularly (I should have gone in August, but didn't end up going until February). I mean, I even had a better insurance plan back then. I wish I hadn't neglected my health. I should no better, after what I had gone through without taking meds for my diabetes for nearly a year. Lack of insurance was the cause back then, but now, I actually have insurance--I have no excuse. So, I am glad that I finally have decided to take control of my life and my health. I am just going to get ALOT of news, I don't want to hear, but I have to face it. After a second call last week to G. Booker, I still have not heard back from him. I guess I will have to stalk that man when I go back for my second appointment with Dr. Herron.
Current Upcoming Appointment Schedule:
3/22 Thyroid Ultrasound 300pm
3/29 Endocrinologist 630pm
4/3 Endoscopy 345pm
4/13 Sleep Study 9pm
3/24/06-- So I went to my Thyroid Ultrasound on Wednesday and was told that it was normal! That's good news, one less thing I have to worry about. I have been getting a myriad of medical bills. My insurance (CIGNA) doesn't cover surgery, so if the word "obesity" is even breathed on any of the tests I am given, I am on shaky ground. I got back an explaination of benefits from the blood work that was done simultaneously for my endocrinologist and for the surgeon. Some of the tests conincided, some did not. I was denied coverage on the tests requested by the surgeon and the reason stated was that any treatment for obesity is not covered by my plan. It's kind of scary, because the tests add up to over 800 bucks!! For blood tests!! Damn quest diagnositics! I mean, I think I am going to have to fight some of this, but will I win? I mean, I can remember some of the tests that I got for the surgeon were my Iron levels and Vitamin D levels, these tests don't necessarily have to do with treatment of obesity, how can they deny coverage for this. This now has my parents scared that none of these ultrasounds or visits to specialists will be covered either. I am also about to move into my first apartment in the city and it kind of costs alot, I can afford it, if I work hard, but, I didn't really think about the enormous medical bills that are ahead of me. It's just so freakin' frustrating, now I know what some of you were talking about. Health insurance companies can be just plain evil when it comes to coverage for obesity related problems. It's almost better to be a drug addict or smoker, because they actually cover treatment for those!
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4/4/06-- So I got Jennifer at Dr. Herron's office to re submit codes over to Quest diagnositcs to see if we can get them covered by CIGNA. Still waiting to hear back on that. I had my endoscopy done yesterday at Dr. Miller's office. It went all right, however, after it was over, I felt like I was high for several hours after. At night, my head and eyelids began to hurt a bit. When I woke up in the morning I had over slept. I didn't even hear my alarm go off. I went and looked at myself in the mirror...JESUS...my eyes were blood red and I had brusining on my left eyelid! It seems the blood vessels around my eyeball had burst all around my left eyeball and a little bit around my right eyeball. It looks like I had been in a serious fight. I look AWFUL! I remember having a bit of the stomach flu last year and I was vomiting all day long. The next day, I also woke up with red eyes and what appeared like blood vessels breaking in my eye from all the vomitting. I guess I must have really been gagging during that endoscopy. I think I am going to call the office tomorrow and find out if this is at all normal. Next up, I need to make an appointment to see the nutritonist and the psychologist. I am moving to my new apartment next week and in school, well, I am still stagnant, sigh. My mom suggested that I look into finding another insurance company, since in the state of New York, all insurance companies must sign you up even with pre exisiting conditions. I think I already bypassed that with the fact that I have had continuous healthcare coverage for over a year. I have told a few more people than i would have liked about my decision, and of course, as most of you know, I get the typical responses, "well, you are not obese", "I've seen you eat, why not just diet?", "have you really researched this?", "wow, isn't that really super expensive to do?". Sigh, why can't i just keep my big mouth shut? Well, people wonder why I am taking time off to go to the doctor all the time, mostly and why am I needing to get "so and so" done...I just tell the truth. Well, I think I am going to be a little bit more discrete from now on. Until next time.

Transfering my previous blogs

2006-04-21T17:16:00.000-04:00

From my blog on obesityhelp.com. I want something more permanent for my entries that looks a little bit better so, I will post them here. I went and had my sleep study done on 4/17, Monday night at 10pm. Of course I didn't sleep well with all those damn wires around my head and chest. I also wasn't "put to bed" until 1215am. Anyway, now I wait for Dr. Depalo, my pulmologist to get back to me on that. I have also decided to change insurance companies in order to get my surgery paid for, it's essential and I can't even imagine how much the procedure will cost without it so I am going from CIGNA to Oxford/United Liberty Plan. Dr. Herron is not accepting any HMO insurance because he only accepts out of network PPO benefits. His partner, Dr. Kini does accept it so, I have to switch surgeons. Lucky for me, I am now an official resident of New York and I make little money so I am eligible for the Healthy New York program. The insurance preminum is less than what I was paying via COBRA. I also heard back from Dr. Miller and my Endoscopy was fine no problems there and I'm cleared on his end for the surgery. Next I need to set up appointments to see the nutritionist and psychologist. I just have to gather some money together for that as they are not covered by insurance. Hoping to have a surgery date set for sometime this summer.