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Personal Comments
I LOVE MYSELF!!!! But simply HATE how I look in clothes, while walking, sitting, looking in the mirror. Yeah you got it I can't stand being FAT anymore!!!! I totally realize that this may sound and look as if I'm hating myself not!!!! Just totally aware and ready to do everything to make sure that I'm healthy and alive to take care of my daughter. So once you've gotten over the second sentence it's okay. I've started my journey in February and at that time I was with another doctor. I really wanted him to do my surgery because he seemed caring and concerned. BUT, There's always a BUT. His PA was a real "nice lady" and I decided to find another surgeon instead of staying someplace that I didn't receive support. My girlfriend referred me to her doctor and although I haven't met him yet I'm looking forward to working together with him and his team. Okay so I'll have to post the dreaded picture :) and will continue to utilize this site. The first time I used it I spent the entire day looking and reading people profiles. I wanted to also share my journey. It's begun. The only thing I'm hesitant about is the whole no SEX for six weeks. Okay it's out of my system. Looking forward to years of great sex with out trying to catch my breath.
M
So today is July 23rd 2004. I'm eagerly awaiting to hear from my Endocrinologist about a nodule that was found on my thryoid. I need medical clearance from her then they will submit all information to my insurance carrier. Now the waiting game begins!!!!
It's been a short journey but one that was and continues to educate me. Well, like I said I'm waiting. M
07/23/04
GOOD NEWS!!!! My Endocrinologist has cleared me!!!! Okay so now we wait to hear from the Insurance company!!!!!
07/28/04
Okay today is Wednesday 28th of July they will submit my information to the insurance today so I wait!!! I'm so excited and all I can think about is losing this weight and reclaiming my life. I read different posts and get so excited when I read that someone has just purchased a new wardrobe. Wish me luck and hopefully I'll hear from them real soon. With GOOD NEWS
08/03/04
Tuesday August 3,2004
Oh well I'm stilling waiting. Nothing much to say.
08/05/04
Today is Thursday August 5th and I haven't heard from the insurance company yet. On friday the 30th of July I called Empire and was told that they didn't receive any information. I contacted them again on Tuesday and was told that they still didn't have anything. I contacted Doctor Macura's office and was told that Jodi and Michelle were on vacation but Jennifer was handling Jodi's patients. I was upset since Jodi stated that she would fax the information on Thursday of last week. Anna called me back and stated that she faxed the information and that the insurance provided her with a confirmation number. I re-contacted the Empire Blue Cross and was told that they are still awaiting the medical necessity letter. Once again I called the office spoke to Anna who stated that she faxed everything and would not refax. So now I just have to wait. ARGH.....Did all my information go??? It's so frustrating since I'm a doer and now have to have someone do it and hope that they are putting my interest first. Just needed to share this frustration.
M
08/09/04
Today is Monday August 9th still no word from the insurance company. Wow this is totally nerve wracking to say the least. I spoke to Anna on Friday and she again stated that I should not worry that everything would be fine. She also stated that she's been having a hard time with the person who is responsible for reviewing my information. Well, guess what she was totally not nice when I spoke to her so that didn't give me a good feeling. I was hoping by this time to have my surgery done to start the healing process. I didn't want to be laid up in bed for my birthday but oh well, no big deal at this point. I just want to get the GO!!!!! I've begun to worry that they will deny my claim since they're taking so long. Could that be??? would that be??? okay so that is what I do all throughout the day so if your tired of it just imagine me!!!! Well, I'm going to post a picture real soon so watch out!!!!
Peace and Blessings,
Hey, sorry that I haven't updated in a couple of days So it's official I was approved for surgery on the 12th. WHOPPIE!!!!! It only took exactly two weeks but my goodness it felt like two months. So where do I go from here. On the 24th I meet with Doctor Macura and will also donate my own blood on that day. My surgery is scheduled for the 30th notwithstanding any unforseen circumstances. So I can honestly say that I was in a fog since getting the news.
08/19/04
Okay so now it's official I received the approval letter from my insurance yesterday and now I can truly say that I'm getting excited!!! So my surgery is actually less than a week away. Excited, and awaiting the weight loss.
Peace and Blessings.
08/23/04
Today is Monday August 23rd 2004. Exactly one weeek away from my surgery I'm totally excited but in my usual calm way. I'm looking forward to beginning this part of my journey to a more healthier, slimmer ME. So what's on the schedule for this week. Tomorrow doctor's appointment with Dr. Macura at 10:15. So what would I learn??? What should I expect??? How knows. As usual I'll have my questions and write everything down. I'll update tomorrow.
08/25/04
Yesterday August 24th I meet with Dr. Macura although I had a 10:15 appointment I wasn't seen until 11:45 but moving right along........ I stopped at the blood donor office and reserved a pint of my blood just in case it's needed. The woman was very nice. Dr. Macura just showed what will happen during surgery wha'ts expected after and that was that. I might have to go home with a suction but no biggie. Nothing to eat after midnight Monday morning and the hospital will call on Sunday to let me know what time surgery is scheduled for. talk about count down. But I'm not nervous. Just want to make sure that everything is straight for my daughter once she's fine I'm GREAT!!!! Okay so just a piece of good news. I lost three pounds. No, I wasn't dieting or even actually watching what I ate (it's the truth) Anyway I'm looking forward to joining the losing side.
08/26/04
Thursday August 26th 2004 Three official days to my surgery(No, I didn't count the 30th) So today I had all my Pre-Admissions Testing done at the hospital. You name it. Urine, bloods, x-ray,EKG, meet with the anesthesiologist and nurse. So as the song goes "aint no stopping me now" I'm ready.
Peace and Blessings,
08/27/04
Today is Friday August 27th 2004. I spoke to Pre Admissions at 2:30pm was informed that I need to get to the hospital 7:30am Monday morning. My surgery is scheduled for 9:30. I'm like in a hazy fog today. I'm not nervous neither excited however, I think as the time get even closer then my emotions would KICK in. I'm sad because my Fiance is in London he had to travel yesterday and won't be back until Tuesday evening. So that's the only thing making me feel sad. Well, the next time I post God willing I would have already had my procedure and well on the road to a safe and speedy recovery. Then the rest begins. I have to thank my Fiance for all of his support and words of encouragement. From the time we met he's always been supportive and loving. I want to thank my daughter Ali she's my angel and even though I wont be able to pick her up for the next six weeks she knows that I love her. My mother she's my best friend and although she would rather that I don't have the surgery she's supported me with my decision. That what she's always done believed in me so that I can believe in myself. I want to thank my girlfriend Frances for making me laugh and for keeping me sane. My AMOS family wow thanks for holding it down for me when I doubted that I would be approved. To the "NY CREW" Renee, Mercedes, Jonathan,Celena,just to name a few these people are the best. To my AMOS angel, Christine Garcia I made the right choice!!! So until I post again
Peace and Blessings,
Today is Saturday September 11th 2004. I had my surgery on Monday August 30th and can safely and honsetly say that I've had NO comlications. That's right none, nada, zip, zilch, okay yeah but everything was super-dee-duper. Let me enlighten you on the process. I got to the hospital at 7:30 as scheduled on a throughly empty stomach. After not eating since 9:45 Sunday and last drink at 11:57 (yeah cutting it close but realized that I was THIRSTY) getting back to Monday. So after changing into the two hideous nursing gowns. First one facing the back second the fron to be utilized as a robe my vitals were taken and then I was able to lounge in a nice recliner and wait to be taken to OR. Well, 9:30 came and went and then I knew that something was "wrong" So I questioned the nurse and was told that there was a delay from the first patient and it would be as soon as possible. Well, that ended up being at 1:30!!!!1 Yeah 1:30 so you migh wonder what did I do for all that time since they didn't have any reading materials, television or for that matter anything to stimulate my mind. I just daydreamed!!!!
Monday September 13th, Summer is finally over and Ali (my daughter) is back in school. We(her and I )look forward to the school year because it provides stability. She's just fine. Momma is dealing with the new lifestyle and listening to my co-workers exclaim what happened you've lost so much weight. Most of them are fishing trying to get information "gossip" however, I'm actually three weeks post-op and have nothing but good things to report. Haven't had to use any pain medication since being home. No nauesa, vomiting or uneasiness. No don't get me wrong it's not been easy street. The one thing that I struggle with is the one things that NO ONE is prepared for until after you've had the surgery and that is the EMOTIONAL connection. Oh my God. That's all I have to say right now but let me get back to my nice lunch of mashed potatos yummy.
Last thing. Current weight as of last Tuesday September 7th is 217.2 weight on the day of surgery was 226.9
Monday September 20th well still adjusting to this new life. There are times that my mind plays tricks on me and I think that I'm somewhat back to normal and I can do or actually eat just about anything. But remember I said the mind. Because although I have some crazy cravings they are actually just that cravings. I'm actually struggling with the dry mouth syndrome. I mean really dry for no reason at all. Nothing is helping to alleviate it. Another thing that I expereince is feeling that I'm not really in control of my eating and losing weight. While I know that I'm not expected to lose as much as someone else who started out heavier than myself it's still that psychological feeling of not being able to hang with it and lose the weight and more importantly not being healthy as I lose the weight. Okay that's it for today.
Friday September 24th I celebrated 39 glorious years!!!!!!
Tuesday September 28th 2004
Well Hello there,
It's been a while since I've posted but everything is fine. Once you've undergone the procedure your life slowly and sometimes suddenly changes. There are a host of feelings that are cascading inside of my being that sometimes I'm just overwhelmed. I find myself constantly saying surgery is nothing it's living after that takes getting used to!!!!! So while I continue to deal with the weight loss transitions I promise myself that the cravings will pass, the significant aroma that food has will linger and I will become victorious in my weight loss. So this morning I had my second post-op visit. Everything is going fine and I mean GOING!!!! I''ve lost thirteen pounds since my last visit on the 7th. I feel good although I find that sometimes I'm just beat, tired, actually dog tired. This however is expected. So my current weight is now 204.4 YIPEE!!!!!!! Next appointment is November 9th what will that day BRING. See you soon.
Today is Thursday October 7th 2004
Well, Well, Well, so much has happened since the last time that I posted. Let's see On Friday the 1st I saw my PCP to get my B-12 shot and to find out about my blood work. Everything is fine with all my levels so we're both happy about that. I lost those 4.4 pounds so I was totally Happy about that!!!!! Okay Friday night I went out with two friends to celebrate my birthday and had fish. Well, I was so sick on Friday night that I slept sitting up in bed. Fast forward to Saturday. I was sick constantly fighting back the feeling to BARF!!! But nothing ever came. Sunday I was a little better until I drank some Ruby Red Grapefruit juice. Man did that do a number on my belly. so I said okay Marcia stay away from foods with acid. Not a problem. I called my doctor on Monday and was told that I might have an ulcer man, everything that I've been feeling finally made sense. So yesterday I was seen by Dr. Robert Kodsi who performed an upper endoscopy and determined that I have an ulcer where my stomach and small bowels were connected this caused a stricture. So I have Carfate liquid suspension that has to be taken four times a day for SIX weeks!!!!! Man that's the worst. I'm also taking prevacid. No let me say that I had taking liquid medication and I HATE IT!!!! I have to FIGHT the urge not to VOMIT. So I was told to stick to a soft diet and avoid hot,spicy, foods. Well, duh can't avoid what your not eating for the past couple of day I've eaten a total of one cracker, three pieces of bread, one grape, eaten the heck out of crushed ice. So was I surprised when they told me that I lost two pounds NO!!!! Not eating so go figure. While I want to lose weight I want to be totally healthy while doing this. So this is not part of my plan!!!!! I've contacted my PCP to see if she can prescribe something that I can take that doesn't require me feeling like a ball of barf after, during and while taking it!!!!! Oh well this is part of the bad times.
feeling so depressed because I'm SICK!!!!
Wednesday October 13th 2004
One week ago I learned that I have a Ulcer and Stricture. The Ulcer developed where my new stomach was attached to my small bowel. The doctor prescribed this horrible tasting medication that Oh forget it!!!
Today I feel about 50 percent back to normal. Yes it's definitely gotten better but I'm still very much aware of my stomach each time I move, burp, eat or breathe. I've also started to have day dreams about food. Now you got to understand that not just a day dream I'm actually able to smell and see the particular dish. It started Sunday night while laying in bed thinking about The Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scatter I've been down hill ever since. Not to worry I'm not going to go have the food but the cravings are estatic!!!!
So I'm almost two months out and I've been wondering since getting sick if I've made the right choice. If you haven't had surgery yet you may not be able to relate to this thought. When I consider my pain from the last two weeks, my crazy and often obsessive thoughts about food and my inability to really follow a "diet" plan I think "what have I done" However, the jury is still. I don't regret it but I wish there was a way that I could of known all possible avenues in the journey and for that I say wishful thinking totally impossible to know everything. So until the next time I remain losing weight and wearing big clothing.
As of today I'm down to 194. From 229
Peace and Blessings,
Hello today is Friday November 5th 2002. As of Wednesday I now weigh 187. Yesterday I went to Lane Bryant and tried on a pair of jeans. size 14!!!!! boy did I look good.
Today is Friday November 19th 2004
Sorry for the absence. However, moving right along to the update. As of yesterday I now weight 178. I purchased two pair of jeans last week both size 14. Now one fits snug and perfect and the other loose and baggy. So I now have to get used to not going straight to the womens section this is easier said than done. My health is perfect and although I need to up my exercise that too is fine. The only concern and believe me I'm not losing sleep over this is the fact that I'm LOSING my BOOBS, tits, tattas, breast, milk jugs or whatever you want to call them they are GOING, GOING and truly almost GONE!!!!! My goodness I think I'm almost back to a A cup and believe me I was only an A cup for one month!!!!!! that was when I was thirteen. So life's great and I'm truly happy that I have done this.
Again, life is great.
One last note: The other day I was meeting my mom and walked right up to her and it's not until I touched her that she recognized it was her only daughter (ME) she said "oh my goodness I didn't even know that was you" Hows that for swelling the ole head.
Today is Saturday December 4 2004, Tuesday was my three month mark since having surgery I've lost a total of fifty-four pounds. This means that I now weigh 175. It's truly hard to believe I feel great and look great so I'm totally happy. I have to get accustom to shopping in the regular size stores. I now can wear a size 12 jeans with no problem.
Thursday December 30th 2004 today is exactly four months since I've had WLS. So much has happened since then. Well to start I now weigh 167 that was my weight as of Christmas day. I'm totally healthy and have gotten used to my new stomach. Although at times the adjustments have been easier or harder depending on several things(choice of food, how the food is prepared and how fast I ate)I now know that fried foods are a definite NO-No this coming from the Fried Food QUEEN. However, if I try and ignore my pouch it quickly reminds me how is in control. I've made the adjustments and as always life is a work in progress that I will eventually be able to deal with. My wardrobe has also undergone some massive changes. Since I've lost the weight and continue to lose I've had to come to terms with no longer wearing a size 18/20. Well, this may seem easy it was sorta hard since I've been accustom to this size for a while!!!! For the longest while I was still wearing my "fat" clothes and believe me it showed. My good friend Mz. Queen finally sat me down and provided a much needed lesson in what I should and shouldn't wear what needed to be donated to charity, what types of clothes I should invest in and that I shouldn't spend a lot of money on wardrobe as yet since I'm in the process of losing/ Finally she promised to call Lane Bryant police to have me arrested if I ever wandered inside the store again to purchase clothing. So now to the clothes last posting I was wearing a size 12 and that is about to change since I can fit a size ten (10) yeah a ten. Wow, what else shopping is truly a gem now I can find my size on the rounder without a problem. I love trying on clothes and shocking my mom and fiance. Life is great. So just wanted to update on what's new and looking forward to continued sucess.
Peace and blessings,
Hey there,
Haven't posted in a while but that doesn't mean that I have forgotten about this fabulous site!!!! So where should I start. I'm now weighing 162 that's as of last week Friday. I can now fit a size ten yeah although the last post was also a ten this is a perfect ten that can zip without holding my tummy (ya'll understand) Yeah!!!! So my girlfriend Uptowngirl Nyc is having surgery on the 24th and she honored me with asking me to be her angel. It is truly an honor. Now this is my same friend who keeps me focused on my progress. Yeah, you guessed it she's the one that was going to call the Lane Bryant police. So, I'm so HAPPY that she is having this surgery not because I have a problem with her weight. No, I'm happy because we get to go shopping together!!!! So I've already lost a total of 67 pounds and I've gotten a ton load of comments (no pun intended) comments ranging from "OMG you look like a totally different person""OMG you look like a little kid (that's becasue I'm super short 5'2) "OMG are you SICK???" NOW this comment is the only one that PISSED me off!!!!!! No HO, are you sick????!!!!!!! So while I'm throughly enjoying being on the losing side it definitely takes getting used to!!!! Like when people (MEN) STARE,GLARE,and try to UNDRESS ME!!! I've always knew that there were a lot of FREAKS out here but since attracting the freaks it drives me crazy!!!!! So yeah some of the attention is totally UNWANTED!!!!! However, when my soul mate, partner, boyfriend, lover and best friend look and me and he say's sweetie you look AWESOME!!!! I'm blown away each time!!!! So again I just wanted to update you on my progress and to thank you for reading my story!!!!! Until next time.
Peace and Blessings,
Today is Friday January 14th 2005
I just wanted to stop by and say "hey" I feel so good. I can't believe that it's almost five months since I've had surgery. I'm healthy,happy and can't wait to purchase some new bras. Yeah that's right people new bras. I'm tired of one person in particular Uptowngirl Nyc (oops did I mention her name) that keeps snapping on my bras. Yo, she's my girl and keeps it real but my God she makes me choke with her renditions of gotta get a new bra, and yo, yo how do you keep your boys off your stomach. Girl I love you and I promise you and everyone else reading this that I'm heading to Victoria's Secret to be measured and purchase some new jug holders. So until then Peace.
Loving my new size!!!
Okay so today is Saturday January 22, 2005
New York is hosting the blizzard of 2005 and the snow hasn't stopped since 12 this afternoon!!!! Wow just wanted to update on my progress as of Tuesday I weigh 160 (could be a little less however I had my ladies only friend and was bloated) official size ten and shrinking constantly!!!!! My girlfriend Uptowngirl Nyc is having surgery on Monday and I'm extremely happy for her and for me because this means I have a shopping buddy!!!! Well, I'm healthy and this is the most important thing. Until next time Peace and Blessings,
Monday February 7th 2005
What a beautiful morning!!!! the sun is shining and although there is a chill in the air it's really very nice. I know that you didn't take this journey to my profile to read abut the weather so all things considered let's talk weight loss. the last time I was weighed was last month; at that time I weighed 160. Now I don't have a scale at home and will only step on the scale at either my PCP or my surgeons office so sometime this week I'll get weighed. What I can tell you is that I know that I've lost a whole lot of weight. Girl, I'm now wearing a size 8 from my original starting size of 20!!!! WOW!!!!! It's such a pleasure shopping and looking in the mirror and seeing this really sexy woman!!! Yeah that's me!!!! I have a renewed sense of shopping now and boy is it FUN!!!!! My girlfriend Uptowngirl Nyc is responsible for setting my mind straight about my TRUE size!!! Girl, she's always on point and let's a sistha know when she's stretching the boundaries (wearing a size 12 when my butt really needs a size 8)So, Uptowngirl thank you!!!!! Now I'm healthy and that is MOST IMPORTANT!!!! so until I come back and post my weight this week have a wonderful day!!!
Peace and Blessings,
Tuesday February 8th 2005
Okay DRUM ROLL!!!!!!!!!!!!BAM,BAM,BAM,BAM,BAM,BAM,BAM,BAM,BAM,BAM,
I NOW WEIGH 150!!!!!!
I'm SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HAPPY!!!!!! can't beliebve it's only been little over five months. It will be six months on the 30th. However since February doesn't have thirty days the 28th would do!!!! Man I can't believe this!!!!
I want to thank my supportive Fiance, mom, step-dad, Uptowngirl, Nyc, Beloved R, Sasha G, these individuals have been my cheering section, eyes, ears, fashionistas and critics!!!! to everyone that has read my profile or if you just stopped by to see and especially those thinking about this surgery GO FOR IT!!!!
Peace and blessings to each and everyone!!!
March 3rd 2005
Okay I've reached my six month anniversary and there's nothing that I would change about my journey (even the ulcer). So just a brief update I don't know just how much I weigh as of this week since I don't have a scale at home and only get weighed at my doctor (PCP or surgeon) Last time I was weighed was last week Wednesday and then I was 146. I now wear between a size 6 and 8 and it's more of a 6 at this point. Everything is fine my hair is growing like wildfire. I'm healthy and feel wonderful. Last time that I had blood work done everything was A-okay. Just wanted to keep my profile updated.
All the best,
Hey people sorry that I haven't updated in a while. Today I weighed in and now weigh 142. Everything is fine. I've started my research for my tummy tuck actually it's called a Pannelectomy. I have a consultation on Monday May 9th and I'm excited. Other than that I'm still wearing my size 6 some are loose but not enough to purchase 4's.
Again, thanks for visitng and I'll update soon.
Peace and blessings,
Today is Saturday April 9th 2005
It's almost eight months since my rebirth. I feel great!!!! Look great also!!! I've started my process of researching my Pannelectomy (tummy tuck.) I found the surgeon on this web site Dr. Thomas Sterry I had a lengthy conversation with his assistant and I'm sold. I've received their packet and completed my insurance information and have an appointment with the doctor on May 9th. During my consultation if I want Dr. Sterry to perform my surgery they'll take pictures give me a tentative surgery date and submit the request to my insurance. Sounds easy let's hope it's that simple. I'm excited because although my size is a 6 my stomach is a 18 (okay maybe a 14) you know what I mean it's there!!!! So I look forward to having this surgery. I've also had some medical issues regarding this pannis. The rashes are painful. It itches (hence the term rash)it's always hanging and peaking through my clothing. I hope that I can get approved. I obtained a letter of necessity from Dr. Macura's office and my PCP will write one this month when I go back to her. She's prescribed two medications for the rash and itch. I hope that I can have surgery before summer gets full swing. I'm also researching breast augmentation this is something that I'll have to pay for and plan on having Dr. Sterry do this procedure but that would be next year. Alex S. Dr. Sterry's assistant said that my insurance carrier (empire blue cross blue shield) is really great with paying for the pannelectomy so I'm staying focused and looking forward to having this done pronto. Everything else is great. I've sent new pictures to the board so when they get a chance to put them up you'll see the new me!!!My fiance say's that I've lost my butt (yeah right like I had one before men are funny) but remember I came from an 18/20 to a 6 so guess what a lot has been lost!!!!! Oh well, wouldn't change anything.
Peace and blessings,
Saturday April 30th 2005
Wanted to share a really tremendous wow moment. I was at my best friends fiance's bridal shower and was sitting next to his sister-in-law. We were never really chatty so although we said our hello's we didn't speak after that. After two hours she turned to me and said " excuse me but do I know you" I replied yes, I'm Derek's bestfriend. She flipped!!!! She said OMG you look great I thought the voice was familiar but you look great!!!! I hadn't seen her in three-four years and yeah I was looking great!!! Wanted to share this. My journey is going fantastic. On Monday May 9th I have my plastic consultation. Hoping this goes great and would update.
Peace and blessings,
Yesterday May 3rd 2005 I had an appointment with my PCP. Yada, Yada, Yada she was on vacation so I proceeded to get weighed and have my B-12 shot. So I get on the scale I now weigh 135. Yeah 135. So my weight loss is 94 pounds total loss from starting weight of 229. Or 91pounds from date of surgery weight of 226. What ever your choice I feel and look GREAT!!!!! On Monday May 9th I have an appointment with the plastic surgeon. Will update about that!!!!
Peace and blessings,
Monday May 9th
I had my plastic surgery consultation meeting with Dr. Thomas Sterry. It was perfect!!! Dr. Sterry is concise, knowledgeable, funny and most importantly took his time to explain details and to answer all of my questions. He didn't mind being interrupted with any questions. His office is located at 895 Park Avenue at 79th street. Nicely lit, quaint and invitiing. The initial consultation lasted betwen 35-45 minutes. He presented his work with an extensive powerpoint presentation that showed pictures of before and after patients. What I truly liked about his presentation was that he didn't just show the GREATEST work. However, he showed varying degrees of his expertise. From the removal of 40 pounds of pannus to an awesome breast augmentation. Dr.Sterry was my choice from the time I found him on the board and I'm excited to see his final product on my body. He promises it to be GREAT!!! After the powerpoint and question and answer session he took pictures. Okay so while I've once and probably for a brief nanosecond envisioned a life as a playboy bunny I was totally not ready to strip down to the bone. Well I did and girls and guys it went rather well. Ac
Surgeon Info:
Jerzy M. Macura M.D. (Brooklyn, NY)
Insurer Info:
blue cross
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