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Before	After

My first consultation was originally scheduled for July 9th but has now been moved up to March 19th. A special thanks goes out to Linda Parent! You are my true angel. Thank you so much! ********** 2/7/03..........I'm a basket case. I don't have a clue how I am going to do this waiting game. I haven't even had my first consult and I'm bouncing off the walls with anticipation. So I'm now trying to put to paper reasons I'm yearning for a more healthy and active body: I recently found a list on the computer I had written of why I wanted to lose weight - it was right after my daughter's first birthday party and I said I wanted to be able to do certain things with her (i.e., run, play, go to water parks, go to the swimming pool) - I also wanted to look better in the videos and pictures and not hide from the cameras at her 2nd birthday party. I found this list right before her 4th birthday and I haven't done one thing to accomplish this. Time is wasting away and I don't want to find this list again at her 10th birthday and still haven't done anything. So now is the time to act. Another note about the children - I never want to embarrass them. I am terrified my little girl will start kindergarten this year and come home asking me why I'm so fat and all her friends' mom's are skinny. I don't want to ever have her hurt over my weight. Health - need I say more? I am already on high blood pressure medication at age 36. Not good whatsoever. What's next, diabetes? I need to get in control of this now. I have two small children that need me and I must take care of myself NOW so I'll be around later. Life - I love life and used to be very active and athletic. I love to do outdoorsy things like hiking, skiing, swimming, etc. I won't do this anymore because my weight hinders and embarasses me. That is just ridiculous. I need to get back to the place I once was at so I can enjoy life again. ********** 2/11/03..........I met today with my new PCP. I have a PPO and do not necessarily need a referral, but I felt I needed a primary care physician that supports my decision to have WLS. Through a referral from someone on this site, I found this new doctor. He told me when he first entered the room and saw me, after reading in my chart that I wanted to discuss WLS, his impression was that he was surprised. He didn't think I quite needed that. Huh? He said he always thought WLS would be for someone that was 350+ pounds overweight. I explained to him that I have high blood pressure, incontinence, depression (taking Zoloft off and on for ten years), joint and back pain, and I suspected sleep apnea. After this, he changed his tune. I also had written a three-page weightloss history to further my cause. He did take the time to read this, which impressed me. At the end of our appointment, he asked how he could help me being I have a PPO and do not need a referral. I told him that if I needed help with my insurance company down the road, would he be willing to support my decision and write a recommendation that this surgery was medically necessary. He said after meeting me one time, that he would not be able to go into too much detail but that he would, in fact, take my history I had written and summarize it stating he did feel it was medically necessary. He also ordered a sleep study at home to get the ball rolling with the sleep apnea issue. I was completely impressed that by the time I had returned to work, I had a message waiting from the person setting up the study. He will bring the equipment by my home this evening for the study tonight! Wow. Someone is taking me seriously! I feel I am one step closer to my intial consult with Dr. Snyder on 3/19/03! ********** 2/18/03..........Well guys, I've had a change of heart! I've been praying and praying and I'm so scared about the RNY. I've been reading everyone's posts, their profiles, etc. I've decided to change the route I'm going. I am now considering the Lap Band. My best friend had this done last year in April. She started at 245 pounds and she is now down to 160. She's had to work hard at losing the weight. I know the Lap Band doesn't allow you to lose as fast as the RNY, but that is okay with me. I think we all must make decisions for our own bodies, and this is the decision I've made. I'll post more later. I'm still going with Dr. Snyder for the lap band. ********** 3/12/03..........Met with the pulminologist today. Did all sorts of breathing tests, etc. Get this....I was told I breathe like a "large" person. DUH!!!!! But my numbers were in the normal range and I've been cleared for surgery. I go tomorrow for some labwork with my primary doctor. My appointment with the surgeon, Dr. Snyder, is next Wednesday, the 19th. I am getting so pumped about this. I'm still going with the lap-band. I've been doing a lot of research and truly feel that this is the surgery for me. I'll keep coming back for updates! ********** 3/21/03..........Well, my appointment on March 19th was canceled due to the Blizzard of the Century here in Denver, Colorado! Can you believe it? I can't. Of all the darn days! But Dr. Snyder's office is being absolutely wonderful. They're staying late several days next week to get everybody in. My new appointment is now on Wednesday, March 26th, at 5:30 p.m. Also, I meet with the psychologist on Monday for my psych evaluation. I'm getting really antsy about that, too. It sort of bothers me to know that someone like that could stand in my way in getting the Lap-Band. I think if I were having the RNY, I can understand why I would need this psych consult, but I am having the Lap-Band, which is not nearly as serious as the RNY. Oh well, I just have to know that it's all for my own well-being and accept that. ********** 3/24/03..........another minor setback, but it is so frustrating! My psychologist canceled on me this morning! I was just about to leave my office when they called! Ugh! My surgeon canceled last week because of a blizzard, and then this! My appointment has been rescheduled for Friday of this week. I sure hope she doesn't see my hostility about this and think I need anger management classes. :) ********** 3/27/03..........I had my consult with Dr. Snyder and his PAC, Patrick. I really do like them both a lot. I find them to be very refreshing with their positive attitude and they both truly seem to care about their patients. Patrick has had the RNY himself and he looks fantastic. Although my best friend had the Lap-Band surgery and we do work for the same company, same insurance with the same group number, and she was approved - Dr. Snyder wasn't very positive that they will still approve me. Only because we work in different states. That makes absolutely no sense to me. I actually weigh more than she did and I have comorbidities whereas she did not. This really frustrates me, but I am not going to worry (or try not to anyways). I will leave this in God's hands and just wait to see what happens. I may be worrying for absolutely nothing. My psychologist appointment is tomorrow. I still have to see a cardiologist. I'll keep posting my updates. ********** 4/1/03..........The psych evaluation was really nothing. I spent 40 minutes talking to the psychologist and her asking me questions about food, etc. I was really expecting something much more detailed than this. My guess is she was trying to find out if maybe I have some real emotional issues with food. Of course, I do. Don't we all? But I am aware of those issues and continue to work on them daily. I realize that having the Lap-Band, I am going to have to make some real changes in my life and in the way I eat. I am going to have to be in much more control over what I put in my mouth. I also MUST give up all sugar. My eyes are wide open going into this and I am seriously considering some counseling while I do this. All I have left is my cardiology. My appointment is Thursday, April 10th. Being that I took phen-phen for a few years, I have to get a heart ultrasound. Part of me is very concerned and scared something could be wrong, but I am following through with this and I'll know soon enough. ********** 4/13/03..........Met with the cardiologist last week and had my echocardiogram. I passed all with flying colors. Whew! I was really nervous about the possibility of something being wrong after taking phen-phen. All I'm waiting for now is approval from the insurance company, I pray they approve me! I'm really trying not to think too much about it because I know if they turn me down, I'll truly be very upset. ********** 4/17/03..........Dr. Snyder's office called me today to let me know they checked on my insurance and were told it was still in review. I'm taking this as a positive sign since they didn't kick it out immediately. I am not a patient person, this is so hard. But I don't want to push the insurance people because I'm afraid they will say no! Ugh! ********** 4/22/03..........I couldn't stand it another minute. I called BC/BS today to check on the status of my predetermination. It will be three weeks tomorrow since they've had my paperwork. I was told that a nurse had reviewed my file and that I "met all the criteria for gastric-bypass; however, procedure of Lap-Band was questionable and that it needed further review." So I'm taking this as a very positive sign. The fact my file actually said I met the criteria gives me hope insurance will approve the surgery, whichever it may be. I am hoping for the Lap-Band, but also finding out recently there may be an exclusion in our policy regarding any treatment for obesity, the fact the notation was made I met the criteria gives me great hope! ********** 4/24/03..........DENIED!!!! "Patient meets criteria for gastric bypass; however, the procedure requested, Lap-Band, is still investigational/experimental and is not a covered benefit." All I can say is I am fighting this decision. How can it be considered "investigational/experimental" when the FDA approved it in June 2001? ********** 5/12/03..........I've mailed my appeal package to BC/BS, all 300+ pages! They received it on Thursday, 5/8/03, and they have 15 days to respond. Their letter said "15 days" but I am assuming it's truly 15 business days, which translates into three freakin' weeks!!! I am trying so hard to be patient, but it is not an easy task. I am hoping someone will call me to let me know what is happening. Ugh!! I find it ridiculous that it takes so long to get approval for any type of WLS! If I were a drug addict or alcoholic, the insurance company would probably move very quickly to get me the help I need. I do not see why it takes so long for help in these surgeries. I am finding more and more that obesity is one of the last acceptable prejudices! It's disgusting. ********** 5/29/03..........Just received my denial for the first appeal on the Lap-Band. I'm just numb right now. Also, doing more research again and now am reconsidering the RNY. Before I appeal one more time, I am going to meet with Dr. Snyder next week to discuss the RNY. I have tons of questions and we only discussed the Lap-Band during the first appointment. What a roller-coaster ride this has been! ********** 6/04/03..........Met with my surgeon this morning and he calmed me about the RNY. I told him I was "terrified" of the RNY and he said nervous was good and healthy, but terrified is unnecessary. He said if he were asking me to dive head first off a cliff into a canal, then I could be terrified. He didn't give me unrealistic information either. He was straightforward about the possible complications - he cannot guarantee I will not have any, he is not God. However, what he did tell me was this: a) He's been a general surgeon for a very long time and is top in the field. He's been doing the RNY for several years with over 300 patients. Was personally trained for the RNY by Dr. Wittgrove. In the 300 RNY patients, only two have developed leaks, which ended up healing themselves. One got the leak because she had a bowel obstruction. The other leak was on a very large person that had high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, heavy smoker, terrible cholesterol, trics, etc. - very difficult surgery, it was an open due to her size, and there was a lot of swelling inside. The swelling caused the leak, but it then healed itself after the swelling went down. Dr. Snyder is very proactive in how he handles each patient to the point of where he is paranoid. He will first do a leak test before he even closes me, while I'm in the OR, then one day post-op, I will have to do a swallow test for leaks. He also places a JP drain in one of the incisions and leaves it there for 10 days. b) Anatomically speaking, my body shape is perfect for a lap surgery. I carry most of my weight down low (hips, butt, leggs) - with the exception of my boobs. From my breast bone to my belly button, I am relatively small, I don't carry my weight in the middle, so that made me feel better. c) His surgery, for whatever reason, lasts about 1 hour and 20 minutes - which is awesome. They don't rush, he just has an excellent surgical staff. d) He is very proactive in his aftercare. I will get his pager number along with his PACs pager number and any time I call, whether they're in surgery or not, one will return my call within 30 minutes. I know this to be true from speaking to his other post-ops. He has a very regimented program and he will make you partake in it even if that means he has to come to your house and get you. And I believe him when he says that. I am generally very healthy with no major comorbidites - hypertenson is truly my major comorbidity. But I don't have diabetes, sleep apnea, high cholesterol and the sorts, heart disease, lung disease, etc. Anyways, after speaking to him I just feel better. Also, he refuses to perform a distal on any patient, regardless of their size. He only does proximal. That makes me feel good to know he is somewhat conservative in that area. They'll be submitting my paperwork this week, should take something within 2-3 weeks for approval (if not faster) - then surgery can be scheduled 4-8 weeks out from there. ********** 6/5/03..........Let's see, where do I start? I can't sleep, I can't eat, I can't concentrate......I'm really just kind of scattered. Last night, out of the blue, I started having negative thoughts that I would be denied for this surgery as well!!! I was on such a high yesterday knowing I'd made a decision, and now the insurance negativity has crept in there. I know, one day at a time! I will just wait and see what they say and if they say no, I'm not even bothering with doing my own appeal - Walter Lindstrom, here I come! ********** 6/12/03..........I'm still awaiting insurance approval. Actually, I'm waiting on my surgeon's office to send off my stuff to the insurance company. I will never understand why it takes so long. I've done my part, I've jumped through all the hoops with all my evaluations, why does it take weeks to get a letter transcribed and out the door to the insurance company? In any event, I've been reflecting on the positive things this surgery will bring me. I cannot wait to be able to tie my shoes without having to use the stairs to help me. I will be so happy to be able to sit down and not feel uncomfortable and wondering if the rolls of fat on my back under my bra are showing, knowing 100% that they are. I will be so happy to do the simple things in life with my children without getting hot or out of breath. I will love the energy I will have and will want to walk around the lake in our neighborhood every evening. I will want to wear those cute high heels again because they won't hurt my feet any longer. I will look good once again in summer dresses. I won't have ugly ankles. I will be able to cut my hair short and be sassy once again without being insecure. Gosh, the list goes on and on. There are so many things I think of daily that I will once again be able to enjoy after having this surgery. At first I was so scared and worried if I was making the right decision, but now I know I have made the right decision. I just can't wait!!!! ********** 06/18/03..........APPROVED! Let me say it again, APPROVED!!! It took one phone call. Just one and that was it! I am amazed. But now I am crying and trembling, I cannot stop. All of a sudden this is so real and I am terrified. Is this normal? Does everyone go through this? I am absolutely scared to death all of a sudden. I've done my research, but right now I am so scared. Okay - take a deep breath and step away from the computer. All will be okay. I'm so glad I have you guys to come to! Oh yeah, my surgery date is August 5!!!!!! HELP! I need an angel!!!!! ********** 06/19/03..........Well, today I am much calmer. Whew! What an emotional roller coaster ride last night was though. I went from being excited to scared to unsure, then my friend said, "Well, why don't you try one more diet?" (She knew that would get me!) And then I was back to being excited, and on and on it went. Today I am calm, I just have some questions. But my surgeon's office is handling it all and I know now that I have made the right decision. I want to thank everyone that has responded to me on my surgery page, as well as all the personal emails I have received! I was overwhelmed with the support. This is the best site ever created and I am so thankful to not only have such a wonderful tool as the RNY, but have all of you right here so willing to offer support! Thank you!!!! ********** 06/23/03..........It's amazing what a week will do! Last week when I got the call that I was approved, I went through so many emotions and had a few anxiety attacks. I spent the entire evening last Wednesday looking at my children and bursting into tears every five minutes. But now, a whole week later, I am so excited and cannot wait until August 5th. I never knew I would experience so many highs and lows after getting approved. And everything is falling into place, too. We live in Denver with no family around us, so immediately people were jumping on board to come out here and help us during my recovery period. My friend is coming the week of surgery, my parents and then in-laws the second and third weeks after surgery. I am sure I won't need all that help, but it is so nice to have this support and everyone wanting to make it as easy as possible for us. I am now busy reading everyone's profiles that have wonderful advice for pre-ops as well as reading every protein review out there! This website has been the best thing ever for anyone wanting to check into WLS and I am so grateful all of you are here! Thank you AMOS! ********** 06/25/03..........Yesterday evening was exhausting for me and I cannot wait until I have this surgery so that I can do the simplest things such as go from event to event, as we have to do with small children. I left work at 2pm yesterday, ran home and cooked meatballs for 60 people at church (I cheated, I bought the frozen ones at Sam's). While those were heating, I did two loads of laundry, swept and mopped the kitchen floors, cleaned all the bathrooms and vaccuumed the living room. I ran the meatballs to church, then picked up my daughter and got her to swim lessons at 5:30. We leave at 6pm and then pick up my son at daycare (can't take him to lessons, he's a walking tornado!). We rush back to church for vacation bible school until 8:30. I stayed and helped in the kitchen with snacks for all the classes. I finally get home at 9pm and fall on the couch exhausted. After getting the kids to bed, I realize how bad I truly feel. I am sweating, I'm out of breath and I ache all over as if I actually ran a marathon. It amazes me how tired I get and what little true exertion does to my body. I cannot wait until I have this surgery. I want the energy I once had to just do the simple things in life. I know with two small children, the days ahead of me are going to be more and more like yesterday and I want to be able to keep up and enjoy them, not dread them! I thank God for the blessing of this surgery! ********** 07/03/03..........Today I informed the head of our office that I would be having surgery and would be out for 4-6 weeks. Although I know it wasn't necessary, but out of courtesy, I explained what I was having done, and also requested to keep it private. This has been a personal decision and I would like to keep this my business for now. I was blown away with the support I received. I wasn't expecting it. Actually, I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I'm very happy the meeting went the way it did. I left feeling I was one step closer to having this surgery on August 5th. On another note, I went to a movie last night and vowed that would be the very last time I would ever sit in a theatre and be completely wedged into the seat...you know, the nice big comfy reclining seats! Ugh!!!! I yearn for the day I can sit and cross my legs and have room for my purse beside me - ALL IN ONE SEAT!!! Hugs all :) ********** 07/11/03..........My little girl is taking swimming lessons at the Recreation Center and last night was the "fun" night, meaning she got to do the huge waterpark-like slide. She is four years old and LOVES Six Flags and stuff like that. But I've never taken her to a water park for obvious reasons....I'm not going to be caught dead in a swimsuit!! The look on her face coming down the bottom part of the slide and splashing into the pool was priceless. Right then, at that moment, I knew that this surgery is absolutely the best thing I can do for my children. Next summer, I will be able to take her to a water park and go on all the slides with her. ********** 07/21/03..........I haven't posted in a while, I'm kind of in a numb state of mind right now. My date is quickly approaching (August 5) and it is really hard for me to wrap my mind around life after WLS right now. I've been so focused on having this surgery, fighting the insurance company, etc., and now that it's almost here, I'm feeling quite overwhelmed. I have my preops on Thursday and will be glad to get that behind me. We're going on a huge camping trip in the mountains the weekend prior to surgery and I am praying I stay healthy! No sniffles or anything can come my way. I will be taking Claritin so that I can prevent that. This trip has been planned for a long time - friends from Texas are even flying in just to go camping with us! The kids are going to love it. A few things I thought about this weekend that are in the front of my mind about WHY I am having this surgery: I will be able to take my kids to the pool or water park without having some mean high school kid make remarks to his other friends about me being in a swimsuit. I will be able to go shopping for two hours without walking out of the store sweating to death. I will be able to fit in a theatre chair and not spill over. I will be able to wear a seatbelt comfortably - my breasts won't be pushing it upward towards my neck and choking me. I will be able to cross my legs. My thighs will no longer rub together and cause a heat rash. I won't mind wearing panty hose. The list can go on forever. ********** 08/04/03..........Tomorrow is the day. It's hard to describe how I am feeling....one minute I'm calm and the next I am crying. However, I must say I am not as frazzled as I thought I would be. I am ready to get this part of my journey behind me - the waiting and anxiety is so hard. A huge thank you and shout out to Brenda Whitfield (my wonderful angel!), Michelle McParland, Perry Fender, and Heather Cross for being such good email buddies and support system. Also, for all those that have emailed me personally over the past few days, I appreciate all of your warm thoughts. I have been overwhelmed with all of the encouragement and support. ********** 9/17/03..........Finally, an update. I just returned to work yesterday - I was absolutely awful about updating my profile while I was home after surgery. I'll recap my surgery experience briefly. My husband and I arrived at the hospital at 6:00 a.m. on August 5th - my pastor and good friend were waiting on us. I was very impressed with Rose Medical Center. I was treated with the utmost care and concern. We went over some preliminary things right off the bat, we met with the surgeon, and then it was time to move into the pre-operating area where I received my I.V. and feel good drugs. I was so thankful my pastor was there - we had a few minutes of privacy beforehand and I am so grateful for that. After our prayer session, I was calm and very much at peace (being I was a total wreck the day before). I was taken into the O.R. at 7:15 a.m. and everyone was so wonderful to me. Five minutes after that, I was out. My surgery took approximately 1 hour 15 minutes - when I woke up in the Recovery Room, I was in pain. They did not give me Dilauded (sp?) as the surgeon had said they would - they had me on a morphine pump. Morphine does not work on me. So I told the nurse this several times, but she just blew me off. So I laid there in and out of it for two hours - but very much in pain. I was then later taken to my room and my nurse there was awesome. Right off the bat she asked me what my pain level was and I said a 10! She said I shouldn't be a 10 on morphine, which my husband immediately heard and said, "She does not respond to morphine. We spoke to the surgeon about this." So being the wonderful and professional nurse she was, she called my surgeon right then - which is what the recovery nurse should have done. Within 15 minutes, I was on the good stuff and my pain was gone pretty much immediately. After that, nothing spectacular to report. I was in the hospital for four days, I passed my swallow test, started drinking and eating jello and doing six walks a day around the halls. I had absolutely no nausea and I felt great. When I got home, I had no problems whatsoever. I started my liquid diet and continued walking. I feel I've been very fortunate because I do know that it could have been much worse. Thank God for a smooth surgery! ********** 9/19/03..........I can cross my legs again! LOL...it's the small things that excite me these days! Also, I joined Curves yesterday and am so psyched. I had to walk 7 blocks from the office to the Curves by my office and I didn't get tired or lose my breath once! I feel fantastic and am so excited! I'm six weeks out and down 45 pounds! Thank you God for WLS! ********** 9/29/03..........I have to reflect on several things that happened over the weekend. My husband and I rented a Honda Gold Wing and rode around the mountains. First off, had I not dropped 45 pounds, I doubt seriously I would have fit comfortably on the back of that bike! Not only that, but I rode for 8 hours on Saturday and 6 hours yesterday. There is no way I could have done that prior to WLS. I felt wonderful! And I never once worried how I looked on the back of that bike. Another moment I had was yesterday at lunch. While eating on this beautiful patio, we sat in those green plastic chairs. I was able to sit comfortably and not get stuck!!! I didn't have to wedge myself in and have thighs hanging over the sides. And when it was time to leave, I didn't have to hold the arms down so when I stood up, the chair wouldn't go with me!!! What a feeling. I know I had the dumbest smile on my face, and my husband was like, "What?" I didn't explain - I figured he wouldn't get it anyways. I've read over and over on this board to not rush the loss, to enjoy all those moments along the way. I had several of those moments this weekend and will cherish them always! ********** 10/06/03..........FINALLY! My plateau of three weeks broke! I woke up this morning to a 6-pound drop. I sure hope it stays that way! I'm 9 weeks out tomorrow and am now down 51 pounds - from 260 to 209. I cannot wait until I am under the 200-mark!!! I've read a few times today where people have been not as outgoing or very introspective - I have to agree that I've been the same way. For whatever reason, I have stayed to myself in many ways. I guess we're just being reflective on the many ways our bodies are changing. Speaking of change, I have to admit how differently I have been treated lately. I can definitely tell a difference in people's attitude towards me now that I weigh a little less. It's a real shame, isn't it? ********** 10/17/03..........Just a quick update. I'm down to 203 this morning! I cannot wait to hit 199 - maybe next week? I'm feeling pretty great. I have had trouble with no hunger as well. I am now realizing that I have to force myself to eat so that I can continue to lose. I was in a plateau a few weeks ago and once I started eating more, I broke the plateau. Protein, protein, protein! I'm still struggling with that, but I'm working on it! .......... 10/21/03..........I'm at 200.5 this morning! Getting under the 200-mark is such a milestone, I want it so badly. I know it'll happen, but it's like watching for water to boil! I've had two episodes this past weekend. First, on Friday, I ate steak for lunch and it got stuck. I ate at noon. When I started drinking again, I would vomit. I finally paged my surgeon around 4ish and he said I had until 7 to get it "unstuck" - if by 7 I was still vomitting, we'd have to go in with an endocscopy and pluck the steak out. Thankfully, around 6:30 p.m., it dislodged itself (no doubt from all the vomitting). I was thankful though. So......fast forward two days to Sunday and what do I do? The same thing. Only this time it was with a piece of chicken. Luckily, after several hours of more vomitting, it too dislodged itself. Lesson learned: CUT MY FOOD INTO VERY SMALL PIECES EVERY SINGLE MEAL! Ugh! ********** 10/27/03..........Finally - I broke the 200-mark! I weighed in at 197 this morning making it a total loss now of 63 pounds. I am so excited to not see that two anymore! It's been 13 years since I've weighed below 200. Since being sick from the piece of steak that was lodged - I've been very diligent in cutting up all my food into very small bites and concentrating on how well I'm chewing. I've done pretty well this past week. I've tried eating pork a few times and realize I cannot tolerate it - maybe the fat? Not sure. I've tried grilled pork chops and baby back ribs - I get extremely nauseated with both. I'm too scared to try steak so soon after the incident last week, tuna fish makes me throw up for whatever reason - so I'm pretty much sticking to chicken and ground beef these days. I'm just so darned excited to be under 200!!!!!!!!!!!! ********** 11/12/03..........I had my three-month follow-up appointment with my surgeon last week and my bloodwork came back perfect! I'm so excited. I was really worried about my potassium and iron levels, but all was great. I was told that at three months, I would be expected to be at 40% weight gone, and I am at 52% - I'm 12% ahead of the game. I at times feel that I am losing quite slow, but now I know I'm not. And honestly, I don't want to lose any faster than I am - the hanging skin is really starting to bother me. With that being said, I know I need to exercise more. I have really gotten lazy in this area and I need to cut that out! We're going home to Texas in two weeks - we leave on Thanksgiving Day. I'm really getting excited about the trip home. Only my parents and my MIL and FIL know about the surgery. None of my other relatives and some friends know anything about this. They're going to be in for a shock! The last time they saw me I was wearing a 24 (some 26s) - and I am wearing lose 16s right now. Hopefully I will be able to buy a size 14 outfit before I leave. I cannot wait to see their reaction. I'm thinking more and more about the protein train - I need to hop on! I've let too many carbs slip back into my diet - they're not holding me up with my weightloss....yet....but they're just empty foods that I need to cut out completely. I never realized what a carb addict I truly am. On the protein front, I do love chili, meatballs and meatloaf. I can't get enough of that stuff. I still have some trouble with dense protein such as steak. Pork will make me sick every single time. So I tend to eat the same things over and over - thus the reason I am slipping too many carbs back into my diet. ********** 12/22/03..........It's been a while since I've updated. Here is a short recap of my trip home to Texas. I had a wonderful time! First off, the plane ride was awesome, not only did I have about 4"-6" extra on my lap belt, I was able to sit and cross my legs while holding my 22-month old!!! Also, when the drinks came around, I was able to hold my son and still use the drop-down tray with room to spare! That's a first. When we arrived in Dallas, my husband was collecting our luggage at baggage claim while I was on the lookout for my parents. In the distance, I saw my mother and started waving. I felt like I was waving forever and yet I knew she was looking right at me. Then the recognition came over her face and it lit her up. I don't believe she really recognized me at first - her reaction, as well as my dads was awesome. They made me feel wonderful. Same with my inlaws - their reaction was terrific. My FIL told me at least 20 times how proud he was of me. He said he knew I had lost a lot, but he wasn't expecting such a drastic change. My SIL kept saying I looked like a million bucks. So our visit was wonderful and I was on cloud nine. But get this - I FROZE TO DEATH ALL WEEK!! In Texas! When I lived there, I was hot all the time. I was miserable! But the week we were there, I was so cold. I had to take hot showers to just warm up. It was a little damp, so it was a wet cold. We're used to the dry cold now living in Denver, maybe that was the difference. Doubt it because I just never got cold before like I was that week. My energy level has me bouncing off the walls. I am just so much happier to do things and to be able to move about. I knew there would be benefits from having this surgery and dropping weight, but I cannot even begin to measure how good I am feeling now. I never imagined I would feel this wonderful and it's only been four months (okay, four and a half). I'm so thrilled! It's now the week of Christmas and I am so excited. I was able to get all my shopping done so I can relax and enjoy my family this week. My best friend is visiting this week and my parents arrive on Friday (day after Christmas). Next week, my father, brother and I are going snowmobiling and I can't wait! I went to Gart Sports this weekend to get some new snow pants being the ski bib I purchased three years ago - special order I might add - is like four or five sizes too big now. Anyways, I was able to get into a Woman's Large!!!! I cried right there on the spot, again. It seems that every time I go shopping these days, I cry. I am just thrilled to be able to shop at a regular store in regular sizes. ********** 2/11/04..........WOW! I just read through my profile and noticed that one year ago today, I met with my PCP to get this ball rolling. Last year, it seemed time was dragging along. But looking back over the past six months, time seems to have flown right by me. I'm down to 175 and feeling great. I am battling with the carb demons. Someone had written on the message board that at six months out, your appetite will pick up. Boy, they weren't kidding about that! I have to really watch it or I will end up back at 260 pounds! I notice that I want to graze more often. I need to get back to the basics....water, water, water, protein, protein, protein. I need to eat every three hours and be done with snacking. I'm wearing a size 12 in most things and just cannot believe it. I still go for the Woman's sizes and only after urging from the sales attendant do I finally succomb to the Misses section of the store. It's all in my head that I cannot possibly be wearing a size 12. It amazes me every single time I try clothes on. But it sure is thrilling! Skin....now that is an issue to discuss. I will need a breast reduction, no doubt. I have always been busty, even when I was thin years ago. Yesterday I had to buy a new bra - size 34H. Prior to surgery, I wore a 44I. The skin isn't shrinking too very much, and they're just saggy as all get out. I will have to have a reduction. My arms bother me more than my stomach. After two kids, I really assumed my stomach would be much worse than it is. But my arms are driving me nuts. And my legs are kind of bothersome, too. The lose skin is just irritating. But I am trying to be "surgery-free" this year, so I'm putting all of this on hold until next year. I'll tackle it at that time. I am in my best friend's wedding on March 14. I went home this past weekend for the shower and had a blast. I saw a lot of people I knew in high school and that was fun. I didn't shy away from the camera as I used to avoid them like the plaque. We had a great time. My little girl is so sweet. She tells me all the time how pretty I am and she gets excited when she hugs me, telling me she can reach her arms around me now. I try to explain to her how much better I feel, but that is too much for her to comprehend I guess. I don't want her to be so obsessed about looks and size. But that is what society is all about, isn't it? Well, that's it for now. I have my six-month check-up next week and will hopefully post then. ********** 03/03/04..........Things are great. I feel so good about life. I am down 92 pounds and feel like a million bucks. I need to post an updated picture of myself. The one posted on my profile is when I had lost 45 pounds, so there is a huge difference. I am wearing a size 12 bottom and size L or M on the top. I had my six-month check up and everything is great. I do, however, tend to slide back into old eating habits. I had started a bad habit of munching on chips again and sometimes cookies. So I've cut that out. I am back to protein, protein, protein. I know when I eat dense protein, I can still only take about 4-5 bites and feel that I am going to explode. I was really worried about the size of my pouch. Anyways, I am now back on one protein drink a day, my cottage cheese, chicken, etc. I can also tell it is helping my hair. I have lost so much hair it is pitiful. And I've lost most of it right on top of my head, towards the front. And here is the bad bad part - it's growing back GREY!!! Ugh!!!! Would I do this again? ABSOLUTELY! In a heartbeat. I am fortunate in not experiencing any complications whatsoever. Any troubles I've had have been self-induced, i.e. eating something I should not eat and vomitting from it. Just a few weeks ago, before I got back on my protein kick, I tried to eat some spaghetti noodles with butter - it was a bad craving - and I threw it all up. I can tolerate almost anything but pasta. But hey, last time I checked, pasta is protein-free, so what the hell am I eating it for? I believe that was ONE of my eye-openers that I must get back to basics. It was ridiculous that at six months out, I was doing this to myself after everything I went through to have this surgery. And also, besides my hair falling out, I've noticed that my nails had quit growing. And my nails have always grown very fast. So that was my second eye-opener. All in all, I've had nothing but very pleasant experiences. I just need to keep focused on protein and realize that I did have surgery on my stomach, but not my head. And that will be a battle for the rest of my life. Michael A. Snyder MD (Denver, CO) 1/30/03..........I attended Dr. Snyder's information seminar on 1/23/03 and was very impressed by his passion to help others that deal with morbid obesity. He was extremely informative and never judgemental. He answered many questions at the end of his seminar, but then he stayed behind for others that wanted to speak with him one-on-one. He never rushed anybody and treated everyone with dignity and respect. During the seminar, he introduced many post-op patients, which was very impressive; also, he introduced his staff and made it very clear that they were all there to help. Evidently that had not always been the case and he has corrected that situation. I was very impressed with his staff - many of which were his patients at one time. Dr. Snyder talks very fast, but he is trying to convey tons of information in a short time frame - he's got a great sense of humor in his delivery style. He stressed more than once how important aftercare is - and I've since spoken to a few of his post-op patients, and they all attest to this. He and his staff are wonderful with aftercare. My first consult is scheduled for March 19. I'm very excited - I'm already reading through the packet I received at the seminar and starting the process! I'll post more as the time draws near. ************************************** UPDATE: 3/26/03..........After my appointment on 3/19/03 was cancelled due to a blizzard, Dr. Snyder's office worked very hard and efficiently getting everybody rescheduled. I finally had my consult today and was once again very impressed with Dr. Snyder and his staff. I found both Dr. Snyder and Patrick (his PAC) to be very compassionate and very caring of their patients. I know I've made the correct decision with the surgeon I've selected. Insurer Info: Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield

3/25/03 I am currently awaiting insurance approval for surgery. 4/30/03 I AM APPROVED!!!!!!! Scheduled date 5/12/03 I am getting a little nervous, trying not to think about it every waking minute is very hard. I am so anxious and yet nervous at the same time. I have a wonderful husband who is very helpful and supportive of my decision, yet I cant help but wonder and worry how he will feel after this. Hopefully as happy as me. Comments About Dr. Michael A. Snyder: Dr Snyder impressed me from the moment I met him. I was a patient of his prior to considering WLS. His passion and commitment are second to none. He truely cares about his patients and it shows in the care he provides. He talks fast but never rushes you through your appointments. I have had 9 surgeries in the past with different surgeons and he is by far one of the ones I am most comfortable with. Dr Snyders office staff is very courteous and professional. It may take a while to get in for a consult, but he is worth the wait. His information seminar is also very informative and I would recommend attending.

I just made my first call to the office. Office staff is very pleasant and helpful. I am scheduled for Dr. S's general lecture on April 3rd and then I can make an appoint for the evaluation process to begin.

I am a 40 year old single mother of 2. I have tried many different ways of weight loss and to no avail gained more back than i lost. I work for a group of doctors and have some friends that have been through this surgery. One in particular i know has been through several of the same programs that i have and wow she has succeded with this program and I know that i can too. I look forward to being able to get scheduled and all. Please pray for me. Comments About Dr. Michael A. Snyder: 3/8/03 Wow, I went to a seminar put on by Dr. Snyder today and was totally impressed. I have always been impressed with his staff. As i work for a group of doctors doing referrals and have had to work with the staff frequently. He is very down to earth, likes to make it as comfortable for you as possible. He even told us he comes out and gets the patients himself. He doesn't have a nurse or MA come out to get us, from his lobby. I look forward to proceding with this procedure with him and his staff. I will update after i have my consult with him.

Well, I have made it to 2 years post op, and I feel great!!! I have no hanging or sagging skin at all. I give the credit to Taebo & Billy Blanks for that. I have had hernia surgery when I was a little over one year post op. It was causing problems with my intestines, so I had to have it done asap. I did gain almost 30 pounds back...UGH. I hurt my back pretty bad, I had 3 compression fractures in my spine, which limited me in movement. And the meds & the lack of exercise caused me to gain weight. But now that I am able to function, with the aid of medication, I am back on track, and losing that added padding. I have taken a few people in my town "under my wing", and shown them the after effects of weight loss surgery. My surgeon is about 3 hours from here, and I think I am his biggest advocate here. I refer people to him all the time. He is even willing to come down here to speak to people here, so they can see what a wonderful and caring man he is. I think having such a caring surgeon helped with the process of weightloss. SO many fail because their surgeons don't have a great aftercare program. I was one of the lucky ones to have found such a wonderful surgeon. If any of you prebies need help with anything, or just want to ask me some questions, just drop me a line at trblncolo@yahoo.com and I will do my best to help you. I have a web page also..http://beckiee_1.tripod.com take a look at my pics on there, I have before & afters posted in there. This surgery has saved my life, not only mentally but physically too. Peace, love & pinches, Beckie Surgeon Info: Michael A. Snyder MD (Denver, CO) He is the best!!! He continues to care about my progress His office staff goes above & beyond to help you Dr. Snyder is the type of doctor that will sit and talk with you about your cares & concerns He stresses the fact that aftercare is as important as the knowledge of the surgery Very good aftercare program He address's everything associated with the surgery On a scale of 1-10 he is 100+ Both are excellent

What can I say about Dr. Snyder? The first word that comes to mind...WOW!!!! He is absolutely the best surgeon in Colorado. He is so compassionate about bariatric surgery. He truly loves what he does...and it shows! He has gone above and beyond to make his patients feel at ease..like family! I have NEVER felt more comfortable with a doctor in my entire life. He is on our side for once. Dr. Snyder and his office staff are wonderful about meeting the needs of the patients. Everyone in the office is so polite and helpful. In fact, several of his office staff have had gastric bypass surgeries performed by him!!! You have to have a lot of energy to keep up with Dr. Snyder!! But all the more exciting and entertaining!

My name is Chris and I am from Canada. The waiting list in Canada for open Gastric bypass is 3 years. I got tired of waiting to get my life started so I am self paying. It is big financial hit but I feel well worth it to be around for my almost 3 year old daughter and baby on the way. I am scared and excited all at the same time. I flew down to Denver and met with Dr. Snyder a week ago. He seemed like a great guy and very caring professional. Comments About Dr. Michael A. Snyder: Dr. Snyder was very professional and had a good sense of humour. He made me feel comfortable with him right away. His office staff has been wonderful.

Before

I am 31 years old, new to Colorado, and a fourth grade teacher. My job keeps me very busy, but I love to read, write poetry, I'm a music junkie and I love going to movies. I have great hopes for my future and I see only great things on the horizon! Comments About Dr. Michael A. Snyder: I have nothing but nice things to say about Dr. Snyder. I was able to choose from most of the surgeons in Colorado and I CHOSE Dr. Snyder. I attended his seminar in September and scheduled my first consultation for March. The seminar was very informative and for the first time in my life I felt understood and as if my obesity wasn't completely my fault. It was the first time I felt a doctor understood our plight as MO individuals and I took a big sigh of relief. Any fears I might have had disappeared the minute I heard him speak. He was very compassionate and he understands that obesity is a disease and not merely lack of will power or laziness. I was most impressed with his staff and the aftercare program which was very important to me. I didn't want a surgeon who performed surgery on me and then didn't care what happened afterward. He claims his patients become part of his family and is persistent about post op care. That really eased my mind and gave me a lot of faith in him. I could go on and on about Dr. Snyder and his staff but I'll close with this. I am trusting this man with my life and I feel very confident in the choice I made. Best of luck to all of you in your weight loss journies.

I am 31 years old, new to Colorado, and a fourth grade teacher. My job keeps me very busy, but I love to read, write poetry, I'm a music junkie and I love going to movies. I have great hopes for my future and I see only great things on the horizon! Comments About Dr. Michael A. Snyder: I have nothing but nice things to say about Dr. Snyder. I was able to choose from most of the surgeons in Colorado and I CHOSE Dr. Snyder. I attended his seminar in September and scheduled my first consultation for March. The seminar was very informative and for the first time in my life I felt understood and as if my obesity wasn't completely my fault. It was the first time I felt a doctor understood our plight as MO individuals and I took a big sigh of relief. Any fears I might have had disappeared the minute I heard him speak. He was very compassionate and he understands that obesity is a disease and not merely lack of will power or laziness. I was most impressed with his staff and the aftercare program which was very important to me. I didn't want a surgeon who performed surgery on me and then didn't care what happened afterward. He claims his patients become part of his family and is persistent about post op care. That really eased my mind and gave me a lot of faith in him. I could go on and on about Dr. Snyder and his staff but I'll close with this. I am trusting this man with my life and I feel very confident in the choice I made. Best of luck to all of you in your weight loss journies.

Hi everyone. Just met my 2 year anniversary and feeling fantastic. My life has changed so much...and I am looking forward to my future. Life is wonderful. Comments About Dr. Michael A. Snyder: My first impression about Dr. Michael Snyder was a very good one. He is a well educated, yet down to earth doctor. His empathy and understanding toward/of the overweight population helped me to feel more comfortable. My impression of him has only grown over time. He is one of the most involved doctors I have ever met. If there is a question all I have to do is page him on his personal pager and he calls me back within 10 minutes. His staff is great. Overall they share the same thoughts as he does. Future patients should know that if they are looking for a doctor who will make them feel as though they are individuals and not just numbers/cases then he is the perfect doc for them. After care is everything. Dr. Snyder offers support groups and is available at any time to answer questions. His approach is straight forward, and I appreciate that. I would highly reccomend him to any patient considering WLS.