Lisa's Weight Loss Surgery Journal

February 27, 2003

OK, so I got a little slow start this year! Darn it all... I currently don't have internet access at home, so I have to steal a few minutes here and there either at work or at the library. I have been having lots of fun creating graphics with Paint Shop Pro and playing The Sims, though!

The year has kind of gotten off to an interesting start. It's hard not to get discouraged when there is a ton of snow on the ground, and it's all gray and yucky outside, and there is a war happening, and finances suck, etc. etc. etc. - but I've made it through worse.

I had my final checkup with my plastic surgeon a few days ago... he basically said I'm done - unless I have a lot of money I want to spend. Which, I don't... so, I am definitely done. With HIM. Perhaps if I win the lottery, I might get my butt lifted! LOL. *geez*

Weight-wise, I've gained a little bit back. Less than 10 pounds. It all began when I had a really tough infection, and my doctor had me taking steroids and antibiotics. Then, my neurologist prescribed a couple of things to help muscle spasms and migraines, and THOSE meds are known to help you gain weight, also (Feldene and Elavil). And THEN, thanks to all THAT, I started having a lot of reflux and heartburn, especially with eating, so I had to start taking some more GI meds to help with that. I've lost some of the weight I've gained, and I'm still wearing the same sizes - but some of those smaller pants were starting to feel tight, especially around the rear and thighs. I have stopped taking most medication... and I have an appointment with the gastro doc in a couple of weeks to check out the reflux thing. So, all in all, I've been feeling really great!

Work has been very, very busy... and it seems like people are less and less tolerant of the wait for surgery. I remember how that feels. But it is still a challenge to keep my head above water some days. I do love my job, though... and apparently the "powers that be" think I'm doing alright... I had a good review this year.

OK, so that's about all that's going on in my boring little life these days! I am currently designing a whole new look for my web site, and hopefully it will include graphics that are all made by ME - "Neon Peacock Graphics". I need to get THAT site set up, too... I'm thinking of making website award graphics to give out to other WLS-related web sites. Wish me luck!

March 4, 2003

Still haven't gotten the phone back on, to get back on-line... I miss that the most! Hopefully soon!!

I have lost a few of the extra pounds that were buggin' me... as soon as I stopped taking so much medication, things started getting better. Let's face it: I will never, EVER look like a super-model! But I can sure feel like one. :)

Not much else happening around here these days... work is still busy, and the new offices are progressing! We are hoping to be moved in by April/May, I think. I never can remember what the "goal" is... I just figure, one day I'll show up for work and they'll be like, "Hey! Grab a box, we're moving!" LOL. I can hang with that.

On a different note... did anyone see Fear Factor last night? OMG! They were EATING nasty, rotten, maggot-infested cheese! Now, I've always said that I think I could handle just about anything - but THAT was GROSS! Lacy and I were about to puke, just watching. I was laughing so hard at one of the guys... it was sooooo nasty... he had a big bugger hanging out of his nose and he kept gagging and spitting stuff out, then scooping it back up and eating it... YUUUUUUUUCK! Isn't it amazing, the sorts of things that entertain us Americans these days.

December 11, 2003

A LOT has happened. SO sorry I haven't updated!

I did have my 'revision', on August 4th. NOW. Keep in mind... the revision was mostly to fix the hiatel hernia i had going on. It also jump-started the weight loss again... but hear me out.

Due to big-time complications... I ended up being in the hospital for over 60 days, all told. Off and on. I had 3 or 4 surgeries, all told. One emergency surgery that took 5 hours.

What happened was, I ended up with a leak where they transected my stomach. That became an abscess/infection. It had to be cleaned out... I kept running a temp... I spent weeks on IV fluids, pain meds and Hyper Al (which is an intravenous feeding fluid). You haven't lived until you have gone literally WEEKS with nothing by mouth. Not even ice chips. I will never again complain, if I have to go without food/water overnight for a procedure.

Many times, people would ask me if I would do this again. How can I answer that? My original bariatric surgery went so smoothly and so well. This last time - I was a statistic. We all know the risks, going into it. I can't blame my surgeon - she is marvelous. I can't blame anything except luck of the draw. Complications happen.

I am happy to say, I have finally recovered and I am back to work, feeling lots better. I did lose about 20# while I was sick... but have gained some of it back. I am left with some interesting new scars, as a reminder. And, my husband and I split up during this time. I have temporarily moved in with my parents until I can save up the money to get an apartment for my daughter and I.

LOTS and LOTS of changes. I can't say they are all bad. Many of them aren't necessarily good. But I am alive... and kickin'.