2 Weeks and Minus 19 Pounds-Yippeee

Hi all. I had a very busy day. Went to 2 wk follow up with Brett. I'm doing well, he'd like me to up my protein intake a little. I've lost 19 lbs in 13 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Then off to Chrs Hosp for my last hoorah with Dr Harad to have my filter removed. I'm fine. That was NO picnic, though it was more difficult than having it put in. It went in the groin and out the neck and both times just a bandaid to show for it! Amazing. Anyway, I learned one thing about my nightmares were from withdrawl to effexor (anti-depressant). They didn't give it to me in the hospital and I guess that why I had the nightmare about the gang shoot out, lol. I then started to wean myself off of it and my pcp said I did well (Brett told me to call her and tell her about weaning myself off effexor).

Dianne!!! WONDERFUL NEWS!!!! I am THRILLED to see you on your way!!! ALREADY I can see so many changes in you ... truly looking forward to witnessing your journey!!! Hugs, my dear friend!!! Keep up the good work ... an ummm stay away from the Wendy's Chili ... OOOOhhh wait, that is just my problem ... most people don't have this reaction to it? Go figure!!! The thing about the filter being removed and only band-aids left ... that is kinda how I felt after my Cardiac Cath ... such a strange feeling/emotion (for lack of a better description) that they can enter into our bodies and ONLY leave the smallest sign on the outside. STRANGE feeling!!! Goodnight Dianne and everyone else ... I am going to try to go back to bed!!! Hugs, Tammy

Hi Dianne, It sounds like you are doing a great job. I KNEW you would be successful at WLS! If there was anyone in this world ready and deserving of all the benefits of surgery, it's you. You hung in there like nobody else could have given all your setbacks. Sit back and enjoy your rewards girl. I'm so proud of you! 19 pounds gone never to return Linda

Dianne, Good news travels fast. Off 1 med and down 19 lbs. Go Girl. This will motivate you on your journey. All these positive things, stay focused, get in those proteins. Do a little more exercise every day. Soon you'll get high from being so healthy. I'm with you on your journey. When does your sister have her surgery? Is she nervous & excited? Tell her we all say hi!!((HUGS)) Elissa

Thanks everyone for the encouragement! Elissa, My sister's date (the one for 8/24 that we switched) has been postponed due to the fact that she hadn't gotten the 2nd sleep study done in time. She has had it done and is awaiting a c-pap and has to be on it for at least 2 weeks before she can have surgery. So she is now scheduled for 9/14/04. My sister was mad but knows it is her own fault. That's why I was so adamant about switching dates, she hadn't finished the clearances. It's a family joke, as I kept telling her to get her sleep study done and she kept saying she didn't need it and was going to call the pulmonologist to get his ok. I laughed and told her she was being unrealistic, but that's Debbie -- you have to know her to appreciate it, I guess. She called O'Brien's office and told them the same. Same day Dr O'Brien called her back and stated she HAS to have the test and at least TWO Weeks on the cpap due to SEVERE apnea. Truthfully, unitl I had my surgery, I think she was still on the fence. But she is anxious now and keeps talking about how well I'm doing. I laughed and forewarned Misty at Irgau's office that she thought she had her hands full with me (like the time they canceled me on the eve of surgery) but I was a "walk in the park" compared to my sister, lol. It will all work out, she'll do fine. She doesn't read or post but I "guide" her best I can. LOL, she being my older sister, makes her not listen to me so much on this matter she is anticipating my interventions and advice. Dianne

Dianne, Glad to hear that everything is going well ! Sounds like you are doing well as a LOSER!!!! Ken

WTG Diane Keep up the great work

Dianne, Congrats! Keep up the good work. Can't wait to see you! Deb

Hi Diane! Congratulations on the weight loss! Forgive me, but I have to ask - What does the filter do and does everyone have to get one? I've heard about drains but not about a filter. Can you tell I'm pre-op and totally scared?

Hi Cassandra Thanks. The filter is to intercept blood clots from going to the heart and lungs. Most people don't get them, I've had three deep vein thrombosis' in the past and really needed the filter. I asked to have it done. It's normal to be scared, it's good that you want to be well informed. Good luck with your journey, Dianne