Mimi77

Prayers for you

Congrats, Randall! None of my family members really have weight issues either. All of them are supportive of my decision to pursue WLS except my mother and that has been hurtful. I know Im doing the right thing for me and am getting sleeved in the morning. Best of luck to you on your journey. You will do great!

Thank you all so much for those that voted for me when I posted about the Progresso Souper You contest I was a finalist in. Well it was announced today on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Progresso, so I can finally tell you all that I am one of the 3 grand prize winners!!
So excited for our trip to Cali and especially for the makeover and getting to see the Biggest Loser Finale
Thank you!
Still can't believe how tight those jeans once were on me

I got my sleeve yesterday! Since this is technically an April group, I'm guessing I am the first to go so I wanted to give you all a play by play so you are prepared.
My friend dropped me off at the surgery center and she had to go to work when I went back with the nurses. The nurses made me take another pregnancy test, I changed, got an I.V. in and the nurses continued to ask questions. I was happy I got to keep on my undies! Then I started to cry and the nurse, Mary, held my hand and talked me through my feelings. I told her I felt alone, but then I realized all my friends were texting me with their support, since they were all at work, that was the best way for them to support me at the time.
Next, the anesthesiologist came in and asked me the same questions. I received a nausea patch behind me ear, which will stay for three days. Then my doctor came and signed some papers. At 7:06 they rolled me into the operating room. My I.V. was loaded up, I switched tables and don't remember anything until I woke up. The nurses woke me up as I was being wheeled out, they said it was done so I started crying, tears of joy, I just couldn't believe I got my sleeve! Brody, one of the nurses said I had to calm down because crying is going to hurt. So I magnificently recovered quickly.
I think I might have tried sleeping next, but all I could feel was the gas. This was the only thing that was hurting. I could literally feel a ball of gas start at my stomach and work its way up my esophagus. It was like labor, when you hurt for two or three minutes then your fine, then you hurt again. That was all I was feeling, the air bubble went all the way up to my shoulder and stopped. The nurse made me get up and walk, I was hoping the air bubble would travel up and out, but it doesn't work like that. She said any gas from my mouth or opposite end is my gas. The gas from the surgery travels north then settles in the right or even both shoulders to finally escape through my pores. Honestly, that's all the pain I was feeling. I did feel nauseas so the nurse gave me some more meds and a puke tray. I rested more and got another I.V. I walked a few times to help the gas, but I don't think it helped. Nurse said gas-x might help or a warm compress.
I was then released, no idea what time. I had my pillow strapped in the seatbelt with me so it would bother my incisions. At home I went for my pain meds. The prescription says 15 ml every 4-6 hours. I could barely get 10ml down, and my stomach did a "throw up" like movement. I'm not sure if it was because that was too much or because I was nauseas and the meds were so gross. I didn't take my other meds because I knew throwing up meant I was full, but I was so disappointed in myself that I had gotten to that point already. I just never, ever thought I wouldn't be able to take my prescribed dose all at once. Now I do 5ml in between drinking.
I rested until my best friend came over; she brought me a hot compress for my gas, at this point, that was the only thing hurting. I did keep walking around between naps. I made an ENS Protein Drink, the taste is fine to me, but I barely got in one ounce. I was also drinking Water, probably 3 ounces, and then the gurgles set it. Oh the gurgles.
Around 7 p.m. I could do nothing but gurgle; I was really thirsty but stopped taking sips because I didn't know what was happening with the gurgles. The gurgles felt like they were coming from my esophagus, I wasn't sure if that was heartburn from my Protein drink, the gas, or a symptom of being full. Even though I was so thirsty, I stopped drinking, and then felt the gurgles in my sleeve. After I peed leprechaun green pee, I finally went to bed, I think I am doing well for what my body has just been through.
Today I am a little sore, it is hard to get up from lying down, my incisions hurt a little, but I still have some gas I think, and the gurgles. Really I just feel like I have period cramps. I have slowly been taking 5ml of lortab for the pain, not sure if the meds are really working or if I'm just not in that much pain, either way I am grateful. I am also trying to take a total of 20ml of carafate to prevent ulcers, but so far today I have gotten 5 down.
I am just so thirsty, I am drinking but I can't guzzle to fulfill my thirst. I am slowly drinking a few sips of Protein, and then wait, and then Water mixed with Vitamins and Calcium, then repeat. I am on full liquids so after I stopped drinking for a half an hour I scooped out 1 tablespoon of Greek yogurt. I mixed my Protein Drink in to thin it out and got down about 3/4, about five minutes later I burped so I knew I was done. Now I'm continuing to relax, walk around, and drink. Everything is okay so far.

Hi everyone I've been hanging around here for months and am just now getting around to posting this VERY long intro I wrote back in January. I'm happy to report that I have lost over 50 pounds on my "6 month diet" and am being sleeved April 4th. This site is so fabulous and filled with many brave and wonderful people- all fighting the same battles. You've given so much of yourselves and I am ever so grateful! Writing this was emotionally difficult for me and posting it sure isn't easy, but I want to do my part to help the next person down the line if I can. I didn't mean to write War and Peace II, but here goes nothin'! -Mimi
-------------------------------------------
What am I so afraid of on the interwebs??? Ughh.
My WLS Journey Intro
(If someone had told me even 7 months ago that I would be posting on an online forum AT ALL, much less baring it all about my weight issues- I would have thought they were absolutely nuts! I have always been extremely private but lately I have been trying to let go of anything that might hold me back on this journey- including my own personal hang-ups...Here goes!)
Well I have been putting off writing this for some time but since I plan on mailing my packet of info to my surgeon on the 25th (which will effectively get the ball rolling on the insurance approval process), I figured I may as well introduce myself to this community. I am Mimi- 34 years old and somehow I allowed myself grow to 307 pounds by Summer 2011. I am 5”6. My parents and siblings are pretty much all within normal weight ranges and I am definitely the anomaly in my family (including cousins, etc.) as far as weight is concerned. I never felt my family was ashamed of me but almost all have expressed loving concern over my size/health over the years. It embarrassed me to pieces and I knew they were right to be worried!
I have never been thin that I can recall. I remember thinking I was fat when I was in first grade (having a string-bean older sister who gave me HELL about my weight did not help!) Looking back at pics and speaking with my mom I can say that I was probably within a normal weight range until I was about 10 or 11. In high school I hit 180 by age 16 before learning how to eat healthy and then dieting away 40 pounds or so. Fast forward through college, then marriage, more college, law school and grad school and I probably lost and re-gained the same 40 pounds ten times over and then some! In 2005, weighing in around 260, I tried to get approved for lap band surgery through BCBS with no luck. I think I was so discouraged about the bad news that I kind of gave up.
After years of moving and traveling for work and school, my husband and I permanently settled down in our home state of MS in early 2010. The economy was awful and I had a hard time finding a job. At that point in my life, it wasn’t even about money anymore but finding work that I was passionate about. By the time God answered my prayers with a job I love in January 2011, my weight had spiraled to about 290. I took 3 months off over the summer to sit for the MS Bar Exam and, when that nightmare was over, had ballooned up to 307.
Although I had been hypertensive, had high cholesterol and sleep apnea for years, it was the “Great Weight Surge of Summer ‘11” that put my body over the edge. My knees were killing me, I could hardly shop anymore because I was so heavy and I just felt my health going down the drain. This was not subtle. It was like my body was screaming at me, “No more!” Laying in bed one night, down on myself about my weight and hurting in my knees and back, I decided to put an end to the weight roller-coaster and commit to having WLS. And I committed to not letting ANYTHING get in my way- other’s opinions, money, insurance approval, etc. The VSG was an easy choice. I’ve always enjoyed most healthy foods but just ate way too much. I don’t do much fast or fried food and love to cook and try new things. I am just a straight-up binge eater with major portion-control issues. I need restriction.
I briefly considered paying cash for the surgery to avoid the 6 month MSWLP my BCBS of IL requires but, since I was going to be starting a new role at my job, I decided to use that time to adjust to my new work life and get my head around my health and eating issues. I didn’t want to deal with a new job and a new stomach all at once. Best decision I ever made! I have really enjoyed the past (almost) 6 months. I have done more soul-searching, issue-facing and “getting real” with myself than I could have imagined possible. I have been a baggage-shedding fool! I credit this to the nurse practitioner overseeing my weigh-ins.
When I went for my first visit, I told her that I didn’t really need to lose any weight over the coming months but mainly needed to show a commitment to showing up for the visits, etc. She looked me straight in the eye, told me not to kid myself- that I most certainly *did* need to lose weight and asked me why I would want to do something as drastic as surgery without at least trying to get a head start on the weight loss and healthy habits? She got my attention. She also got my cell phone number and started checking in on me and sending motivating texts.
Today, I am proud to call her my friend, and in many ways, my life-saver. Since I started WW in August (for the 50th time!) I have gone from 307 to ~275. My goal is to be at 250 by my surgery date (hoping for early March). I’ve had a couple of folks ask why I’d want WLS when I’m doing so well losing weight “on my own.” I tell them all that it is only *because* I’m having WLS that I’m doing so well now. I know help is on the way! My husband, friends, family, and co-workers, are all behind me in this decision. My mother is the only one who does not see this surgery as a good idea for me. She is generally supportive of me so I think she is just truly concerned about the thought of surgery and my quality of life afterwards. She is also small.
Looking back, I can see where, as I dealt with this practically life-long battle, God was giving me tools along the way in the form of the people He put in my life. I am so thankful for my wonderful support network and newfound perspective on my health. This is the year I put my health ahead of anything else. I feel like this is the year to start worrying about myself as much as I have others for my entire life.
I welcome any prayers as I get through the approval process and prepare for my surgery. I’m excited, nervous and ever so grateful for the information I have learned from all of you. Maybe one day I can share something that will help someone else.
Happy 2012, friends!
------------------------------
Sent from my iPad using VST

Hi everyone I've been hanging around here for months and am just now getting around to posting this VERY long intro I wrote back in January. I'm happy to report that I have lost over 50 pounds on my "6 month diet" and am being sleeved April 4th. This site is so fabulous and filled with many brave and wonderful people- all fighting the same battles. You've given so much of yourselves and I am ever so grateful! Writing this was emotionally difficult for me and posting it sure isn't easy, but I want to do my part to help the next person down the line if I can. I didn't mean to write War and Peace II, but here goes nothin'! -Mimi
-------------------------------------------
What am I so afraid of on the interwebs??? Ughh.
My WLS Journey Intro
(If someone had told me even 7 months ago that I would be posting on an online forum AT ALL, much less baring it all about my weight issues- I would have thought they were absolutely nuts! I have always been extremely private but lately I have been trying to let go of anything that might hold me back on this journey- including my own personal hang-ups...Here goes!)
Well I have been putting off writing this for some time but since I plan on mailing my packet of info to my surgeon on the 25th (which will effectively get the ball rolling on the insurance approval process), I figured I may as well introduce myself to this community. I am Mimi- 34 years old and somehow I allowed myself grow to 307 pounds by Summer 2011. I am 5”6. My parents and siblings are pretty much all within normal weight ranges and I am definitely the anomaly in my family (including cousins, etc.) as far as weight is concerned. I never felt my family was ashamed of me but almost all have expressed loving concern over my size/health over the years. It embarrassed me to pieces and I knew they were right to be worried!
I have never been thin that I can recall. I remember thinking I was fat when I was in first grade (having a string-bean older sister who gave me HELL about my weight did not help!) Looking back at pics and speaking with my mom I can say that I was probably within a normal weight range until I was about 10 or 11. In high school I hit 180 by age 16 before learning how to eat healthy and then dieting away 40 pounds or so. Fast forward through college, then marriage, more college, law school and grad school and I probably lost and re-gained the same 40 pounds ten times over and then some! In 2005, weighing in around 260, I tried to get approved for lap band surgery through BCBS with no luck. I think I was so discouraged about the bad news that I kind of gave up.
After years of moving and traveling for work and school, my husband and I permanently settled down in our home state of MS in early 2010. The economy was awful and I had a hard time finding a job. At that point in my life, it wasn’t even about money anymore but finding work that I was passionate about. By the time God answered my prayers with a job I love in January 2011, my weight had spiraled to about 290. I took 3 months off over the summer to sit for the MS Bar Exam and, when that nightmare was over, had ballooned up to 307.
Although I had been hypertensive, had high cholesterol and sleep apnea for years, it was the “Great Weight Surge of Summer ‘11” that put my body over the edge. My knees were killing me, I could hardly shop anymore because I was so heavy and I just felt my health going down the drain. This was not subtle. It was like my body was screaming at me, “No more!” Laying in bed one night, down on myself about my weight and hurting in my knees and back, I decided to put an end to the weight roller-coaster and commit to having WLS. And I committed to not letting ANYTHING get in my way- other’s opinions, money, insurance approval, etc. The VSG was an easy choice. I’ve always enjoyed most healthy foods but just ate way too much. I don’t do much fast or fried food and love to cook and try new things. I am just a straight-up binge eater with major portion-control issues. I need restriction.
I briefly considered paying cash for the surgery to avoid the 6 month MSWLP my BCBS of IL requires but, since I was going to be starting a new role at my job, I decided to use that time to adjust to my new work life and get my head around my health and eating issues. I didn’t want to deal with a new job and a new stomach all at once. Best decision I ever made! I have really enjoyed the past (almost) 6 months. I have done more soul-searching, issue-facing and “getting real” with myself than I could have imagined possible. I have been a baggage-shedding fool! I credit this to the nurse practitioner overseeing my weigh-ins.
When I went for my first visit, I told her that I didn’t really need to lose any weight over the coming months but mainly needed to show a commitment to showing up for the visits, etc. She looked me straight in the eye, told me not to kid myself- that I most certainly *did* need to lose weight and asked me why I would want to do something as drastic as surgery without at least trying to get a head start on the weight loss and healthy habits? She got my attention. She also got my cell phone number and started checking in on me and sending motivating texts.
Today, I am proud to call her my friend, and in many ways, my life-saver. Since I started WW in August (for the 50th time!) I have gone from 307 to ~275. My goal is to be at 250 by my surgery date (hoping for early March). I’ve had a couple of folks ask why I’d want WLS when I’m doing so well losing weight “on my own.” I tell them all that it is only *because* I’m having WLS that I’m doing so well now. I know help is on the way! My husband, friends, family, and co-workers, are all behind me in this decision. My mother is the only one who does not see this surgery as a good idea for me. She is generally supportive of me so I think she is just truly concerned about the thought of surgery and my quality of life afterwards. She is also small.
Looking back, I can see where, as I dealt with this practically life-long battle, God was giving me tools along the way in the form of the people He put in my life. I am so thankful for my wonderful support network and newfound perspective on my health. This is the year I put my health ahead of anything else. I feel like this is the year to start worrying about myself as much as I have others for my entire life.
I welcome any prayers as I get through the approval process and prepare for my surgery. I’m excited, nervous and ever so grateful for the information I have learned from all of you. Maybe one day I can share something that will help someone else.
Happy 2012, friends!
------------------------------
Sent from my iPad using VST

Still here! Being sleeved April 4 with Dr. King in Oxford. It's hard to believe its almost time! I'm so excited

Best of luck, Dooter! I have thought about you several times over the past week, wondered how you were doing, etc. Crazy how you have "perfect strangers" all over the map concerned about your well-being, huh? Keep up the healing and congratulations on making it to the other side! I hope to join you there next month

I loaded on MyFitnessPal if anyone wants the breakdown - assumed 10 servings(???)
Calories - 189
Protein - 8 grams
Carbs - 12 grams
Fiber - 2 grams
Iron - 7 grams (I track this since I tend to be anemic; even before surgery)

Good for you. Isn't it exciting to shop in the regular size clothes instead of plus size. That is one goal that I am looking forward too. Judy