Much to be thankful for

This was me last September just after I asked Dr Partridge to refer me to a Weight Loss Surgery program. I weighed 318 lbds.

I had given up on cholesterol meds because they cause too many side effects. I was on Metformin for diabetes, 2 Blood pressure meds and thyroid medication.

This is me in November 2009. Three months post op.

I now weigh 243. I am off metformin, and only take one BP pill a day. Still take my thyroid pill but may be able to get off it some day. I feel better! I can get around much better.

Cholesterol is better but not perfect yet.

In addition I am thankful for my sisters who are so supportive, my church family who lift me up all the time. For Lu and David who take me into their family evey Thanksgiving. And so many more people and things I can't mention them all or ths blog would go on forever.

3 months Post Op

Today is 3 months since my surgery. I have lost 41 lbs. I seam to be in a bit of a stall but I know this too will pass. I went to the surgeon yesterday and he is pleased with my weightloss 17 lbs in two months. I wish it was faster but know that it will come off eventually. I am trying to be patient.

2 months post op

Today is 2 months exactly since the surgery. I am doing very well. only a few bad choices of food. As of last monday (10/5/09) had lost 35lbs. I am really enjoying the Obesity Help website getting much support and good recipes. Looking forward to the holiday on Monday. I have gone from wearing 26/28 to 24's and 22's so that is encouraging.

Week 7 post op

This week has been eventful. Saturday after the Town & Country Days parade, I lost my camera. I was sooo upset and of course prayed that someone would turn it in. On Monday that prayer was answered. The daughter of the family that found it was telling her school classmate about finding the camera with her picture in it and the girl (who goes to my church) said I bet that is Miss Miriam's so they tracked me down. Tuesday as I was going to Wal mart I ran over something. When I stopped I looked at the tires all looked ok. Started home and thought I heard a flat tire so stopped and checked. Sure enough a flat. Went back to Wal mart and got two new tires the flat and another that was really bad. Wednesday went to a meeting all day and Church in the evening. Diet wise thing are good. Not been sick since early last week. Constipation doing better. Weight coming off 2 to 3 lbs a week. Starting to eat more things. I will be glad when I can not think about food so much but just live.

Week 6 post op

I went yesterday for my one month check up. but it was really 5 weeks. So this is week six diet wise. More solid food. Finally able to drink most of my water most days. My only recuring problem is constipation. I think I am getting a handle on that though. I have lost 25 lbs since surgery and 54 in the last year.

Week three post op

I get to start soft foods this week like mashed potatos , scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, etc. I am doing very well except my first try at scrambled eggs didn't go well. I think I ate too fast and didn't chew enough. I need to increase my protein intake. and start walking more.

Day 11 post surgery

I'm back in Eldorado. I came back on Monday. Went to the library for a while on Tuesday. We went shopping in Carbondale on Wednesday and then to church. Went to Marion to the movies Thursday. Esther and I went to see Julie and Julia. It was very funny. Having a lazy day today.

Last week the diet was all clear liquids, this week I get to add things like yogurt and sugar free puddings. I lost 15 lbs the first week. I'm thinking it might be close this week. I think I'll be in size 24s by the 31st when I go back to work.

Day 4 Post surgery

I am doing well. Gave myself My first shot of blood thinner today. Feeling kinda restless but aside from this OK. The one site that was bleeding had stopped.I think. Delores is taking good care of me.

40 hours and counting down

In less that 40 hours I'll be in surgery. I am excited and just a little apprehensive. The road here has been up and down and curvy and slightly rough in patches. The liquid diet has been kinda hard, but I know it is very important to I have stuck to it and have not cheated at all. I think I have gotten things nearly ready. I still have to finish packing for my week stay in Collinville but that will only take a little while. Tomorrow at church we are having a potluck as a going away for Tyler, during that time I'm going to go get Rosie (the dog) and take her to the Kennel for a few days. Then I going back to church for an Awana meeting. I'll be driving Esther's car to Collinsville, droping off my stuff at Delores' and going on to Troy for Colleen's birthday celebration.

Esther will pick me up a Delores' at 4 am to go to the hospital. It takes about 40 minutes to get to the hospital. Surgery is scheduled for 7am. I hope to be back on the computer on Tuesday or at the latest Wednesday. I will stay at Delores' until after my one week return to the Doctor's office.

Tests

I had my final tests today. Pulmanry function test. EKG, bloodwork, and chest x-ray. Had my class on my post surgury diet. and saw Dr Richardson again. I can have my lap top at the hospital so I will try to check in on Tuesday. If not Wednesday will have to do. If you're reading this please remember me in prayer.

August 1

Day 5 of liquid diet. Hungry most of the time. Juice doesn't sit well a lot of the time. I'm going up to Delores' tomorrow and then Monday I have my pre-op testing. I am losing about 2 pounds a day on this diet.

July 30

Today is day 3 of my liquid diet. I think this will be a better day. Not as hungary and stomach not complaing as much. Yesterday was kinda hard I was hungary all day and felt sort of yucky. I went to see G-Force yesterday it was great... really funny.

At Last!

I finally have a surgery date. August 10th. I start my liquid diet today. 4 low carb protein drinks & 2 cups of fruit juice per day plus unlimited sugar free clear liquids. I expect the first few days to be hard but after that it shouldn't be too bad. I weighed 295 this morning on our scale.

I just realized I haven't told about my new doctor. The weight loss clinic in Herrin IL made arrangements with My New Self in Des Peres Hospital in St Louis. I chose Dr Norbert Richardson as my surgeon and went for an appointment about a month ago.

Yesterday I got the letter okaying the surgery and set up the date. Things will move quickly now. I go for pre-op testing on August 3rd, and will learn then what time I have to be at the hospital

The adventure continues

What a ride! Last week I learned that my surgeon was let go from the New Life Weightloss Center in Herrin. His license to practice medicine in KY has been suspended for 90 days. Although I like him and didn't really want to change Doctors I decided that in order to have the surgery as soon as possible I will go to the hospital in St louis. I have started the process of transfering there. I don't know yet which doctor I will be seeing, but the website indicates that they are approved by BCSH so that is promising. I am still hoping for an early July surgery date. The good news is I am still losing weight.

Progress

I went to Dr. Argotte today. I lost 9 lbs this month. They are going to submit my surgery to the insurance company. Things are progressing as expectedAs the time gets closer I'm getting excited. I hope the insurance company approves it the first time.

Busy, busy , busy

Wow I didn't realize it had been so long since I posted. The diet is going pretty well. I've lost 21 pounds. I will probably start the liver shrinking diet soon. I am tapering off of soda. I don't drink it at home or work anymore just when I eat out. 2 or 3 times a week instead of everyday. Dr Argote has moved his office to Herrin IL. I am still not sure what that is going to mean about a surgery date. I go to see him on Thursday, so I may know more then.

Today I went to FBC Marion for the state VBS clinic. It was very good, as usual. I am so excited that VBS is about Australia! We will have such fun. The Bible lessons are about Peter and his relationship to Jesus. I will teach the Kindergarten class at the Associational VBS clinic on April 21st.

Time Flies

I haven't posted in a while. I had a wonderful Christmas. I had an appointment with Dr Argotte today. He is pleased with my progress. I've lost 18.3 lbs since my first visit. and10.5lbs since November 20th. Not to shabby for over the holidays. Next week I see Dr. Alam for my sleep apnia and Christy for my diet. I think Christy will be pleased also as that is almost 6 lbs since my December visit.

I think the bi-pap machine may be the death of me yet. Still can't wear full mask except for a night or two at a time and the nose mask is only slightly better, I can't seem to get used to sleeping on my back and the noise of the machine bothers the dog.