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Post by historytracker on May 22, 2014 20:10:48 GMT -5
Well, here it is only 38 more days before my surgery and I have reflected from time to time what brought me to this place in my life. Having been obese all of my life (except for a 100 pound weight loss from Jenny Craig in my 20's) weight has been a struggle. It is not so much that losing is the issue, but maintaining it is even a bigger problem. Currently I have lost 27 pounds as I am awaiting revisional surgery from RNY to DS. When I made the decision to have RNY - it was so easy. I worked at a hospital where the surgery was performed. I knew my surgeon. Everyone was going through this procedure and I just jumped on the RNY bandwagon in 2001. But being stupid, I didn't research any information and thought this would be the miracle cure for my 380 pound body. I lost the weight about 20 pounds in the first month and then 10 pounds each month after that. I did not count carbs and just focused on getting enough protein in. After 2 years, I got down to 220 pounds and I could not lose any more weight. Frustrated I hated RNY even though I lost all the weight - I was not satisfied with my weight loss.
Well as time went on, I lost my father in 2004 and my brother died suddenly 13 months later. Then in 2006 I was downsized from my company and gained 60 pounds back up to 280 and from not paying attention to my weight, I can remember the day I stepped on the scale and it read 299. I swore I would never get to 300 ever again and I started dieting from time to time.
In 2008, I went to a surgical educational program for the lap band. I decided that wouldn't work with me. Then in the summer of 2013, I saw an advertisement for bariatric repair. I called up the gastroenterologist and he performed an EDG and told me that my pouch was 10 oz and that my opening to the pouch was 2 1/2 inches and I was a candidate for endoscopic suturing with Overstitch. The gastroenterologist was ready to schedule me and his office asked for a $4,500 deposit. I contacted my insurance and was told that they would not pay for an experimental procedure. I knew about the DS surgery and I started researching surgeons.
In my previous career, I have 20 years of training and education for medical staff. When I research my surgeons, I look at their education, where they were trained and what have they published. I came across the article for Dr. David Greenbaum on Duodenal switch is a safe and effective revisional operation for failed prior weight loss surgery. I made the appointment in December of 2013 and completed all of my testing. Surgery is scheduled for June 30, 2014. I have lost 27 pounds and I am looking forward to this surgery.
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Post by nursemelanie on May 23, 2014 0:47:41 GMT -5
Cindy, I wish you all the best with your surgery. Mine is the very next day! I'm a VSG to DS, which they don't consider a revision...but a completion of the DS. I look forward to following your progress and your new story of success!
Melanie
VSG to DS 7-01-14/ Dr Boyce in Knoxville /Age 40/5'8"/HW 287/CW 282
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Post by historytracker on May 23, 2014 16:59:27 GMT -5
Good luck to you. I am glad that I started this journey back in December and the time has allowed me to focus on my health, food choices and gather up recipes that are low carb. There are so many resources that I did not have back in 2001. I even make deep dish pizza that is yummy! Plus we have this great site and people are so helpful and share their experience. While I know that the surgery will not be easy, I feel I am better equipped with the knowledge that I have gained from others.
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Post by Girlrocker on May 24, 2014 15:12:51 GMT -5
Good luck to you. I am glad that I started this journey back in December and the time has allowed me to focus on my health, food choices and gather up recipes that are low carb. There are so many resources that I did not have back in 2001. I even make deep dish pizza that is yummy! Plus we have this great site and people are so helpful and share their experience. While I know that the surgery will not be easy, I feel I am better equipped with the knowledge that I have gained from others. I am SO happy for you Cindy, yes, you and Nursemelanie are near surgery twins, a day apart! You have done a remarkable job getting ready for your revision, I applaud you. I'm also glad you found us here, to be a part of your cheering section. I look foward to meeting you on the other side and know you are going to go for it ALL.
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Post by historytracker on May 26, 2014 23:24:17 GMT -5
Yes this has been a great website! I went through the recipes this weekend and I tried a few. I love the balsamic chicken and I will be having that for lunch over a bed of arugula. There is so much out there that wasn't available back in 2001.
I believe we went into the surgeries understanding that it was a tool and we needed to do our part. I did mine, but the malabsorption stopped working after 2 years and this made it difficult to lose the rest of the weight. I became frustrated and just accepted that I would be a size 18. The size 18 was much better than the 30/32 that I started at. Now I am more educated and realize that the DS is the right surgery for me. It would have been a better option for me at the higher weight.
I am happy that I had to wait until school was complete for this surgery. It has allowed me time to mentally prepare and make changes in food. Kind of get my ducks in a row. I am organized and just need to prepare. The first surgery all happened in a month from my first initial visit. Yes one month. Saw the surgeon in February - surgery was in March. You actually need some mental preparation for this. Anyone that tells you this is easy - is crazy. I saw a sign this weekend and I think I should have bought it.
Dear Past - thank you for the lessons I have learned. Dear Future = I am ready.
That is where I am right now. Thankful for what I have learned in the past and I am ready.
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GA Girl
New Member
Posts: 37
Surgery Type: VSG
Surgery Date: 09/08/2011
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Post by GA Girl on May 27, 2014 9:01:29 GMT -5
Welcome Cindy!!! Good luck on ur sx!
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Post by illinids2 on May 27, 2014 15:59:59 GMT -5
Good luck ladies, we are waiting for you over here on the dark side. All I can see is, BACON!!!
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Post by historytracker on Jun 1, 2014 13:14:56 GMT -5
Thank you. I will try to post sometime after surgery when I am finally on the "dark side" having dream of bacon. Melanie - good luck to you and I will be thinking about you as our dates get closer.
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Post by historytracker on Nov 6, 2014 2:20:43 GMT -5
Well thought I would post a quick update. I MADE IT TO ONEDERLAND! I exercise 3-4 times a week and the gym that I go to has a pool so I am loving that. I am down to 14/16 in clothes and when I started I was wearing a size 24. I feel great and do not get tired of people telling me I look great. I feel somewhat "normal" and what I mean is that people do not stare when you are shopping in the mall.
It's funny I thought I would be more broad shoulder, but I am not - I guess before I was just broad. It is weird to look in the mirror because of the difference and almost that I do not recognize this women looking back at me.
In a few hours I will be on my way to Atlantic City for the teacher's convention and I dropping off some clothes to a friend. I have been going through the closets again getting rid of clothes. But I have to admit I do love shopping now. I bought a black wrap dress with lace sleeves for an upcoming Christmas party and I want to shop for a pair of dress sandals to go with it. I got a new haircut (short but I am in transition letting letting some layers grow out) and the hair dresser said my hair is great - not losing any yet.
I am taking care of me right now and the focus is on school, my health and taking out time for me. I made a vision board that sits in my office and displays all the things I would like to happen. I am journaling and planning on taking a trip over the Christmas break to see my niece.
Life is good!
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Post by illinids2 on Nov 6, 2014 3:46:41 GMT -5
Well thought I would post a quick update. I MADE IT TO ONEDERLAND! I exercise 3-4 times a week and the gym that I go to has a pool so I am loving that. I am down to 14/16 in clothes and when I started I was wearing a size 24. I feel great and do not get tired of people telling me I look great. I feel somewhat "normal" and what I mean is that people do not stare when you are shopping in the mall. It's funny I thought I would be more broad shoulder, but I am not - I guess before I was just broad. It is weird to look in the mirror because of the difference and almost that I do not recognize this women looking back at me. In a few hours I will be on my way to Atlantic City for the teacher's convention and I dropping off some clothes to a friend. I have been going through the closets again getting rid of clothes. But I have to admit I do love shopping now. I bought a black wrap dress with lace sleeves for an upcoming Christmas party and I want to shop for a pair of dress sandals to go with it. I got a new haircut (short but I am in transition letting letting some layers grow out) and the hair dresser said my hair is great - not losing any yet. I am taking care of me right now and the focus is on school, my health and taking out time for me. I made a vision board that sits in my office and displays all the things I would like to happen. I am journaling and planning on taking a trip over the Christmas break to see my niece. Life is good! Cindy I am very happy for you. You are doing very well and your zeal/energy is very obvious and admirable. You really are doing a grear job not letting thus surgery control you bUT instead using the tool to live life. Kudos to you and have fun at your conference.
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Post by nursemelanie on Nov 6, 2014 9:05:52 GMT -5
Awesome Cindy!!
Sent from my SM-N900T using proboards
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Post by Girlrocker on Nov 7, 2014 9:45:18 GMT -5
Cindy!!! I am thrilled for you! The milestone of onderland is a beautiful thing, but even more so, your attitude. I can't get over the progression in mind and body! since you were pre-op. I feel your joy. And it's quite a discovery isn't it, to see what our shape 'really is'?! I'm still going through that, with not just the weight loss, but now being sans-hernia for the first time in YEARS, and, sans deformed abdomen. It's a revelation. And I too have become a veteran shopper. I would love to see a photo of you in that black wrap holiday dress! Congrats Cindy, so proud of you. Well thought I would post a quick update. I MADE IT TO ONEDERLAND! I exercise 3-4 times a week and the gym that I go to has a pool so I am loving that. I am down to 14/16 in clothes and when I started I was wearing a size 24. I feel great and do not get tired of people telling me I look great. I feel somewhat "normal" and what I mean is that people do not stare when you are shopping in the mall. It's funny I thought I would be more broad shoulder, but I am not - I guess before I was just broad. It is weird to look in the mirror because of the difference and almost that I do not recognize this women looking back at me. In a few hours I will be on my way to Atlantic City for the teacher's convention and I dropping off some clothes to a friend. I have been going through the closets again getting rid of clothes. But I have to admit I do love shopping now. I bought a black wrap dress with lace sleeves for an upcoming Christmas party and I want to shop for a pair of dress sandals to go with it. I got a new haircut (short but I am in transition letting letting some layers grow out) and the hair dresser said my hair is great - not losing any yet. I am taking care of me right now and the focus is on school, my health and taking out time for me. I made a vision board that sits in my office and displays all the things I would like to happen. I am journaling and planning on taking a trip over the Christmas break to see my niece. Life is good!
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Post by OnMyWay2Thin on Nov 7, 2014 14:51:58 GMT -5
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S !!!! I'm so glad you talked me into the Christmas party so I can come armed with my camera to take a picture of you in that sexy black dress! How exciting. I knew you would be to onderland any day and you made it - yyyyyaaaaayyyyyy! So proud of how you are doing, keep up the great work, Cindy!
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Post by west4thavenue on Nov 7, 2014 18:13:49 GMT -5
Cindy, congratulations! It is astonishing when we discover what we look like underneath, isn't it? Welcome to Onederland, and please, please, PLEASE have someone take a photo of you in that new dress!
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Post by historytracker on Nov 8, 2014 5:07:47 GMT -5
Thank you everyone for your support! Just back from the conference and I am so glad that I went. Sometimes you need to "recharge your batteries" and learn some new things. I love collaborating with other educators and finding what technologies/strategies they are using in their school to improve student engagement. I have so many new things in my arsenal that I will turnkey to other staff members. Wait until I get to school Monday to review with my kids - they will love the new game we will be playing that will involve their cell phones!
The only thing I forgot was to pack was food! Food choices choices were poor, but I managed. The best meal that I had was dinner on Guy Fieri's Chop House. I ordered braised short rib, that came with shrimp and king crab legs. No veggies or starch accompanied this meal. It was so good and I enjoyed it the second day as well.
I walked the beach at 5:00 am yesterday morning and then walked the boardwalk and saw the sunrise. It was beautiful even being Atlantic City. I had an Ah-ah moment. When I got out of the shower I grab a towel and attempt to wrap it around me. Well I have always been bottom heavy so the towel doesn't fit - NOW IT DOES! Makes it so you want to dance in your room.
Well I am back home and I have a ton of work to do to get ready for Monday. I will attempt to make a low carb lasagna and the pumpkin cheesecake today. Get my house back in order and do some paper work.
Oh yea and I down 91 pounds - this whole thing is blowing my mind.
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