Recent Posts
Topic: Bette B's 6-year Lapband Journey
(A.K.A. Bette's 6-year bandiversary posting)
All the really interesting stories in the world start with "once upon a time" and end with "happily ever after", so . . . .
Once upon a time, on a sunny, cold December Tuesday morning in 2003, a tired, sickly fat lady lumbered into a hospital in Norwalk, Connecticut. Those first steps began a journey that would bring her a brand-new life - a "do-over", if you will - a life of health and happiness she had forgotten about and, honestly, given up on for many, many years.
She has a lot of medical problems: diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, even edema in those slow-moving legs. She was taking many, medications for those problems and even though the medicines made the woman feel better, she knew that without some kind of a miracle, she would soon die from one or more of those horrible medical problems.
This day, at that hospital, she was embracing that miracle and making the first strides in taking back her life. She knew that the journey would not be easy, no matter what people said about this being "The Easy Way Out." She knew that this was not the Easy Way Out, but she felt that this was her last and only way out.
The automatic doors at the front of the hospital opened. For a moment, she saw only the invitation to her new life. She stepped inside. The building embraced her as the doors slowly closed behind her. She grabbed that new life with both hands and never let go.
And she lived happily ever after.
Okay, so it's not the best writing in the world, and it's not meant to be. And some naysayers will scoff that it's just a fairy tale full of lies and "false hope." Well, naysayers can kiss my ass - if they can find it, that is, because it's substantially smaller than it was six years ago. And so is every other part that used to be morbidly obese. This body is smaller, stronger and lighter - about 200 pounds lighter.
Six years ago today, I had my lapband surgery. While I knew that no weight loss is guaranteed with any WLS, I thought that the chances were good that I'd at least lose something. If I could lose even 50 pounds, improve my health and get off some of those meds, I would be happy. More than just "happy." I'd be thrilled beyond belief.
Never in my wildest dreams could I ever have imagined how this journey would go, how fast my loss would be, how quickly my health would improve, and how incredible my "new life" would be. If you had told me, I, too, would have said you were telling me a fairy tale. Well, sometimes fairy tales come true. Not all the time, but happy endings are possible.
I knew that I couldn't do this on my own. Hell, if I could have done it on my own, I would have done it years ago, like I did time and time again. I could lose weight; it just never stayed gone. Somehow, it always found me again. And when it came back, it always brought a whole bunch of friends, so I'd end up bigger than I was when I started whatever thickheaded diet I tried.
And therein lies the tale - 44 years old, pushing 400 pounds, being told that I was having congestive heart failure, barely able to move without pain, stabbing myself with insulin countless times a day, choking down more pills than I could bear - heck, I'm amazed that there was enough room in my stomach to fit any food around all the meds, but somehow, I managed to. Lots of food. Lots and lots and lots of it. Food was my coping mechanism. My "go-to" guy. My dysfunctional friend. Always there and never judging. It was to me what booze is to an alcoholic. What heroin is to an addict. It's what I used to feel better. But enough was enough.
Most of you know the rest of my story. Yadda, yadda, yadda. Here I am, six years later. Still maintaining below my own goal for 4-1/2 years. Off all those meds. Comorbidities gone.
Of course, I didn't do this alone. I have to thank my dear husband for his love and unending support. Everything begins and ends with him. I've told people hundreds of times that he is the reason I had this surgery. If I had been left to my own devices, I would have just sat my big, sedentary ass on the couch, watching reality TV, stuffing my face with Cool Ranch Doritos and Cadbury chocolate, eating myself into a massive coronary. I would have been one of those people you read about in the hews whose body isn't discovered until the neighbors start complaining about the smell from the house next door. It happens all the time.
I wanted to be here with him for as long as I could, and that wasn't going to be very long if I kept traveling the road I was on. I also felt that my obesity was keeping him from doing things he wanted to do, things that we should both be enjoying. Something as simple as spending a beautiful spring day walking around New York City was impossible. Inconceivable, when mere steps felt like glass was grinding in my knees. Now, we're back talking the streets of NYC, but this time, I'm the one wearing him out. And for all his kvetching about how I'm trying to kill him, I think he enjoys the challenge.
I, of course, could never have done this without the skill and care of my surgeon, Dr. Timothy Ehrlich. Tim, as I told you yesterday, I thank you from the top of my skinny little head, to the toes of my no-longer-4EEEE feet. And that "thank you" extends to all his staff, who were always there for me (and all their patients) when I needed them.
And I have to thank all of you. You guys made me laugh when I needed to, and allowed me to return the favor to you. You've been there through some of the sh*ttiest times for my life, and through some of my greatest triumphs. You've been a listening post and sounding board. You joined me on the pity pot and in the B*TCHFest. You supported me and allowed me to do my best to support you. You even allowed me to give some of you a kick in the ass when you wanted one. Thank you or being there every day. Let's pop the champagne and sip-sip-sip to another 6 years, shall we?
And here, for your amusement (or whatever), I give you the many sizes (and hairstyles) of Bette B on that journey from 2003 to 2009. What a long, strange trip it's been.
All the really interesting stories in the world start with "once upon a time" and end with "happily ever after", so . . . .
Once upon a time, on a sunny, cold December Tuesday morning in 2003, a tired, sickly fat lady lumbered into a hospital in Norwalk, Connecticut. Those first steps began a journey that would bring her a brand-new life - a "do-over", if you will - a life of health and happiness she had forgotten about and, honestly, given up on for many, many years.
She has a lot of medical problems: diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, even edema in those slow-moving legs. She was taking many, medications for those problems and even though the medicines made the woman feel better, she knew that without some kind of a miracle, she would soon die from one or more of those horrible medical problems.
This day, at that hospital, she was embracing that miracle and making the first strides in taking back her life. She knew that the journey would not be easy, no matter what people said about this being "The Easy Way Out." She knew that this was not the Easy Way Out, but she felt that this was her last and only way out.
The automatic doors at the front of the hospital opened. For a moment, she saw only the invitation to her new life. She stepped inside. The building embraced her as the doors slowly closed behind her. She grabbed that new life with both hands and never let go.
And she lived happily ever after.
Okay, so it's not the best writing in the world, and it's not meant to be. And some naysayers will scoff that it's just a fairy tale full of lies and "false hope." Well, naysayers can kiss my ass - if they can find it, that is, because it's substantially smaller than it was six years ago. And so is every other part that used to be morbidly obese. This body is smaller, stronger and lighter - about 200 pounds lighter.Six years ago today, I had my lapband surgery. While I knew that no weight loss is guaranteed with any WLS, I thought that the chances were good that I'd at least lose something. If I could lose even 50 pounds, improve my health and get off some of those meds, I would be happy. More than just "happy." I'd be thrilled beyond belief.
Never in my wildest dreams could I ever have imagined how this journey would go, how fast my loss would be, how quickly my health would improve, and how incredible my "new life" would be. If you had told me, I, too, would have said you were telling me a fairy tale. Well, sometimes fairy tales come true. Not all the time, but happy endings are possible.
I knew that I couldn't do this on my own. Hell, if I could have done it on my own, I would have done it years ago, like I did time and time again. I could lose weight; it just never stayed gone. Somehow, it always found me again. And when it came back, it always brought a whole bunch of friends, so I'd end up bigger than I was when I started whatever thickheaded diet I tried.
And therein lies the tale - 44 years old, pushing 400 pounds, being told that I was having congestive heart failure, barely able to move without pain, stabbing myself with insulin countless times a day, choking down more pills than I could bear - heck, I'm amazed that there was enough room in my stomach to fit any food around all the meds, but somehow, I managed to. Lots of food. Lots and lots and lots of it. Food was my coping mechanism. My "go-to" guy. My dysfunctional friend. Always there and never judging. It was to me what booze is to an alcoholic. What heroin is to an addict. It's what I used to feel better. But enough was enough.
Most of you know the rest of my story. Yadda, yadda, yadda. Here I am, six years later. Still maintaining below my own goal for 4-1/2 years. Off all those meds. Comorbidities gone.
Of course, I didn't do this alone. I have to thank my dear husband for his love and unending support. Everything begins and ends with him. I've told people hundreds of times that he is the reason I had this surgery. If I had been left to my own devices, I would have just sat my big, sedentary ass on the couch, watching reality TV, stuffing my face with Cool Ranch Doritos and Cadbury chocolate, eating myself into a massive coronary. I would have been one of those people you read about in the hews whose body isn't discovered until the neighbors start complaining about the smell from the house next door. It happens all the time.
I wanted to be here with him for as long as I could, and that wasn't going to be very long if I kept traveling the road I was on. I also felt that my obesity was keeping him from doing things he wanted to do, things that we should both be enjoying. Something as simple as spending a beautiful spring day walking around New York City was impossible. Inconceivable, when mere steps felt like glass was grinding in my knees. Now, we're back talking the streets of NYC, but this time, I'm the one wearing him out. And for all his kvetching about how I'm trying to kill him, I think he enjoys the challenge.
I, of course, could never have done this without the skill and care of my surgeon, Dr. Timothy Ehrlich. Tim, as I told you yesterday, I thank you from the top of my skinny little head, to the toes of my no-longer-4EEEE feet. And that "thank you" extends to all his staff, who were always there for me (and all their patients) when I needed them.
And I have to thank all of you. You guys made me laugh when I needed to, and allowed me to return the favor to you. You've been there through some of the sh*ttiest times for my life, and through some of my greatest triumphs. You've been a listening post and sounding board. You joined me on the pity pot and in the B*TCHFest. You supported me and allowed me to do my best to support you. You even allowed me to give some of you a kick in the ass when you wanted one. Thank you or being there every day. Let's pop the champagne and sip-sip-sip to another 6 years, shall we?
And here, for your amusement (or whatever), I give you the many sizes (and hairstyles) of Bette B on that journey from 2003 to 2009. What a long, strange trip it's been.
Banded 10 years & maintaining my weight loss!! Any questions, message me.
Topic: RE: Surgery on Friday
Nancy,I will be thinking of you on Friday!
I'm sure all will go great!
Kathy
I'm sure all will go great!
Kathy
Topic: Surgery on Friday
71 lb lost pre-op Abdominoplasty & Panniculectomy Dec 4th, 2009
Now that I have been maintaining for several months I am going to have my Abdominoplasty & Panniculectomy. I am scheduled for surgery on Friday Morning.
For anyone who has had this procedure I would appreciate your feedback on your recovery process.
Thanks for your continued support.
Nanc
For anyone who has had this procedure I would appreciate your feedback on your recovery process.
Thanks for your continued support.
Nanc
71 lb lost pre-op Abdominoplasty & Panniculectomy Dec 4th, 2009
Topic: RE: Followup for Tim Ehrlich's patients
Thank you Bette, I appreciate the info....I talked to Nicole last night and she gave me some info but not all so thank you. I already called to have my records transferred.....
Thanks a bunch
Thanks a bunch
Shannon K.
Topic: Followup for Tim Ehrlich's patients
I just got off the phone with Dr. Tim Ehrlich who asked me to pass this information along to his patients.
Effective immediately, Dr. Ehrlich is no longer associated with Fairfield County Bariatrics.He is now heading his own practice -
Ehrlich Bariatrics
115 Technology Drive
Suite C100
Trumbull, CT 06611
You can also email them at [email protected].
The clinical phone number, for urgent medical issues and emergencies is 203-807-0636. There will also be an 800 number for general questions and appointments; he will be emailing that to me later.
The new practice is no longer affiliated with Fairfield County Bariatrics or Drs. Neil or Craig Floch. If you are a patient of Dr. Ehrlich's and wish to continue with him, you must request - either in person or by phone - that FCB send your files and chart to the new practice. These files are currently at the Fairfield office at 1189 Post Road, Suite B, Fairfield. The phone there is 203-256-9707 and the fax is 203-256-9705.
ETA toll-free number: 877-714-7407.
Effective immediately, Dr. Ehrlich is no longer associated with Fairfield County Bariatrics.He is now heading his own practice -
Ehrlich Bariatrics
115 Technology Drive
Suite C100
Trumbull, CT 06611
You can also email them at [email protected].
The clinical phone number, for urgent medical issues and emergencies is 203-807-0636. There will also be an 800 number for general questions and appointments; he will be emailing that to me later.
The new practice is no longer affiliated with Fairfield County Bariatrics or Drs. Neil or Craig Floch. If you are a patient of Dr. Ehrlich's and wish to continue with him, you must request - either in person or by phone - that FCB send your files and chart to the new practice. These files are currently at the Fairfield office at 1189 Post Road, Suite B, Fairfield. The phone there is 203-256-9707 and the fax is 203-256-9705.
ETA toll-free number: 877-714-7407.
Banded 10 years & maintaining my weight loss!! Any questions, message me.
Topic: RE: Ffld. County Bariatrics- Dr. Ehrlich Patients
I used to go to Danielle in the very beginning. When I first was banded it was her and Elaine. And then Becky came on board and I feel like I have known her my whole life.....They are all so sweet!!! I agree I am sure there was some sort of blow up....There had to be...I didnt know he was locked out though!!! Thats awful!!! I'm just glad they were able to get a hold of some of us....Guess all we can do is spread the word if we hear info.....I am sure Danielle will follow Dr. Ehrlich!! She has been with him for soooo long!!!! Do you know if Erika and Laurie followed too? Thank you for the luck, I joined this board for the support, I have such a hard time and before my revision I hit a platuea and cant seem to get under......Its so hard at times but I do it everyday!!! I thank God every day I have my band. Without I dont even want to guess how heavy I would be....I look forward to chatting with you more......
Topic: RE: Ffld. County Bariatrics- Dr. Ehrlich Patients
Hi Shannon- good luck to you on your band revision! I have a feeling that something blew up among the doctors this weekend and that's what happened. I'm sure that if he knew something, especially with you just having had your band revised, he would have told you.
My follow up was actually with Danielle tomorrow at 5pm, she works there one day a week after coming back from leaving about a year or so ago... but Nicole said that Dr. E hadn't been able to get in touch with her yet and wasn't sure what her plans were. Originally she was his PA, so I'm not sure.
My follow up was actually with Danielle tomorrow at 5pm, she works there one day a week after coming back from leaving about a year or so ago... but Nicole said that Dr. E hadn't been able to get in touch with her yet and wasn't sure what her plans were. Originally she was his PA, so I'm not sure.
Topic: Mega Holiday Perks!
Mega Holiday Perks!
Each month we work with generous sponsors to bring 3 lucky OH newsletter subscribers a perk giveaway. A BIG thank you to all of our 2009 sponsors! Here is what was a part of our past perks: Celebrate Vitamins, Bariatric Advantage Vitamins, Chef Dave’s Cookbook, achievONE®, CLICK Espresso Protein Drink, Dr. Garth Davis’ Book, Chike, and Just The Cheese.
But we’re not done yet…To finish the year out, OH went holiday shopping!
For December, we have a special MEGA holiday perk line-up for OH Newsletter subscribers.
So far we have…
1 - Nintendo Wii Game Console + Wii Fit board & Game
3 - 10mp Kodak Easy Share Digital Cameras
2 - Apple iPod Nanos
2 - Tanita Scales PLUS Body Fat and Body Water Monitor
3 - MIO Heart Rate Monitor Watches
5 - Emsa Perfect Measuring Beakers
To be eligible for the holiday perks giveaway please make sure you are subscribed to the OH newsletter by December 9th. Winners will be selected at random from the OH newsletter subscribers list. Winners will be announced in the December issue.
Don’t forget to spread the holiday cheer and let others know!
Happy Holidays
Topic: RE: Ffld. County Bariatrics- Dr. Ehrlich Patients
Hi Bradys Mom,
I'm new here on the board so HI, I'm Shannon.....I have been banded for 3 years now by Dr. Ehrlich and you are right, he is very compassionate and a wonderful Doctor....I just had my band redone last Friday 11/20 because of a band malfunction. He didnt mention anything to me as well but I am sure he didnt want to worry anyone. I received the same phone call you did yesterday from Nicole. She said the new address was I believe 116 Technology Drive Suite C-100 in Trumbull, I have my followup set for Wednesday and have to call and have my records switched...She said they were working on getting a 1-800 # up and running lastnight and would contact everyone when it was a go.....I strongly advise if you are one of Dr. Ehrlichs patients to hang on he is one of a kind.....Becky is too, Cant leave out Becky and all the girls there......Thanks for letting me post, hope we can post together in the future!!
I'm new here on the board so HI, I'm Shannon.....I have been banded for 3 years now by Dr. Ehrlich and you are right, he is very compassionate and a wonderful Doctor....I just had my band redone last Friday 11/20 because of a band malfunction. He didnt mention anything to me as well but I am sure he didnt want to worry anyone. I received the same phone call you did yesterday from Nicole. She said the new address was I believe 116 Technology Drive Suite C-100 in Trumbull, I have my followup set for Wednesday and have to call and have my records switched...She said they were working on getting a 1-800 # up and running lastnight and would contact everyone when it was a go.....I strongly advise if you are one of Dr. Ehrlichs patients to hang on he is one of a kind.....Becky is too, Cant leave out Becky and all the girls there......Thanks for letting me post, hope we can post together in the future!!
Topic: Ffld. County Bariatrics- Dr. Ehrlich Patients
FYI... I got a call from one of the office staff this evening from them letting me know that Dr. Ehrlich is no longer with Ffld. County Bariatrics. I can't remember who it was (but it was a private cell phone number), but they said that something happened between the other docs in the practice (Drs. Neil & Craig Floch) and Dr. E is no longer with his practice, he was locked out of the Fairfield office with no access to his patient's charts. She said that this has been in the works for awhile, but they all thought that the lawyers would figure things out and the split would be much more organized, she said that his staff has decided to stay with him, they have temporary office space in Trumbull though I can't remember exactly where but I believe she said Technology Drive, which is off Rt. 111 near the Monroe border. They will be sending an email out to his patients, for those who have given that info. so once I get that email I can post it. She said that the practice isn't releasing the medical records unless asked, and obviously they're swamped with those requests. They still have access to the online system that they use to log their fills, for now.
I had an appt scheduled for wednesday for a 6 week follow up with him, so they called me because they had his schedule for the week. When I saw him 6 weeks ago he mentioned nothing about any issues or his possibly leaving... this was all very sudden according to the person that I spoke with.
For his patients that still want to continue to see him, he won't leave you in your time of need... Dr. Ehrlich is a wonderful and compassionate man who cares about his patients, that much I know.
I had an appt scheduled for wednesday for a 6 week follow up with him, so they called me because they had his schedule for the week. When I saw him 6 weeks ago he mentioned nothing about any issues or his possibly leaving... this was all very sudden according to the person that I spoke with.
For his patients that still want to continue to see him, he won't leave you in your time of need... Dr. Ehrlich is a wonderful and compassionate man who cares about his patients, that much I know.
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