tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89458774934375376882011-09-28T22:04:57.429-04:00A blog on my journey to better health before, during and after my Bariatric surgery.Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.comBlogger401100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-87435771661497501402011-02-05T15:14:00.002-05:002011-02-05T15:14:54.799-05:00

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-36350974221251381732010-12-29T17:00:00.000-05:002010-12-29T17:00:55.429-05:00

Front view:   Side view:   This friday will be four weeks from my surgery on December 3, 2010.

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-52435615376764734752010-12-29T10:58:00.002-05:002010-12-29T16:48:55.857-05:00

  Almost four weeks post-op, +/- 40lbs lighter. Sent from my HTC Tilt™ 2, a Windows® phone from AT&T

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-50711072778178118552010-12-25T08:28:00.000-05:002010-12-25T08:28:03.838-05:00

Why? Because I found out that I have lost two pants sizes! I was up all night going through clothes that I haven't worn in almost twenty years. I kept the clothes saying to myself that I'll fit into the clothes again soon. Well now it's SOON!!! I went from a size 46" waist to a size 42" waist in pants. I found so many very nice items of clothes that I can fit into again, so many that I now have

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-3316103490981978482010-12-23T23:58:00.000-05:002010-12-23T23:58:15.891-05:00

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-80754212241410389202010-12-22T10:21:00.000-05:002010-12-22T10:21:27.660-05:00

My ex-wife, who left me because I chose to better my life, told my Mom that she was worried that I was losing weight to fast.

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-40226470646755284042010-12-13T21:46:00.000-05:002010-12-13T21:46:01.830-05:00

Today on day ten I went to see my doctor for my first post-op appointment and the doctor was very happy with how I'm coming along. I also graduated to soft foods from pureed foods, and chew-able vitamins instead of liquid vitamins. On my way home from the doctor's appointment I stopped by Publix and bought some Bore's Head Ham, Chicken and Turkey to eat over the next few days. I also found my

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-79896048519874254402010-12-11T17:59:00.000-05:002010-12-11T17:59:43.354-05:00

Today is day eight post-op, and everything is going very well. I'm looking forward to Monday because that is the next phase on my diet where I can switch from pureed food to soft food. Whoo Hoo! I'm still surprised that my pain from surgery has been so light, but I do tire easy. I over did it today by going to a WLS Meet and Greet (more on that in a moment) and taking my Son to Bass Pro Shop. If

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-27403019008499528632010-12-08T11:34:00.001-05:002010-12-08T11:34:49.704-05:00

All I can say right now is, "Aghhhhhhhhhh!!!"I need to get out of the house!Okay, everything is very well, but I feel like a shut-in. Sitting here at the house for five days now recovering from my surgery is just now starting to drive me batty. But I plan on going to a local super-store later and just walk around. As far as everything else goes, my surgical incisions are healing very well, and my

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-54977739600276127662010-12-05T21:18:00.000-05:002010-12-05T21:18:33.107-05:00

Well, Friday was my VSG surgery, and due to the gas pain from the gas that was used to inflate my abdomen in my laparoscopic surgery I just felt horrible. Now that the gas is subsiding from my the pain is going away and I feel more like my old self. Next I'll blog about my upcoming days and the next seven days that I'm dreading... the pureed diet. I'm just glad it's only seven days then I can

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-61147288801374951432010-12-02T22:17:00.001-05:002010-12-02T22:17:38.457-05:00

Well, tomorrow is the day. So I look forward to blogging more after tomorrow.Please keep me in your prayers. Sent from my HTC TiltT 2, a Windows® phone from AT&T

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-8876877116719034452010-11-30T20:50:00.000-05:002010-11-30T20:50:12.362-05:00

I'm on day twelve of the liquid diet before my WLS, and I must admit that the liquid diet is not as bad as I thought it would be. It seems like I could do this liquid diet standing on my head. Well two more days on the liquid diet then I'm off to have my VSG done. I'll try to update my blog from my hospital bed as soon as I can.

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-59239105388611005362010-11-10T19:27:00.000-05:002010-11-10T19:27:47.031-05:00

back in March of 2010 I started my WLS journey, and after six months of requirements from my insurance company, many doctor appointments, blood works, x-rays, etc... I can now say that I finally have my WLS date. Drum Roll!!!! December 3, 2010!

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-73354978040951091022010-09-20T13:13:00.001-04:002010-09-20T13:13:37.558-04:00

No, not second thoughts on WLS, but second thoughts on what kind of WLS to receive.I was set on getting a RNY but now getting a sleeve gastronomy is starting to sound better with what I'm learning. Can someone please give me some guidance?Thank you.Sent from my HTC TiltT 2, a Windows® phone from AT&T

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-31545559341980725342010-08-31T22:10:00.001-04:002010-08-31T22:10:15.266-04:00

I just need to see a Pulmonary Doctor, get a chest x-ray and EKG, then I can set up my surgery date!!! Whoo Hoo!Sent from my HTC TiltT 2, a Windows® phone from AT&T

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-45084222670264454112010-08-22T23:48:00.001-04:002010-08-22T23:48:21.049-04:00

I received a call a few days ago from Dr. Kim's office telling me that I'll be getting a call from the nurse's station in about ten days to set up an appoitment for setting up the date for my surgery. Soon, soon!Sent from my HTC Tilt™ 2, a Windows® phone from AT&T

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-52137301029761548792010-08-16T13:39:00.001-04:002010-08-16T13:39:38.985-04:00

Now I'm playing the waiting game. I have finished all of what was needed from me for my insurance company to grant me insurance coverage for my WLS and I hope I can get a date in the month of August to have my surgery, but it's looking like I may need to wait longer. I hate waiting.Sent from my HTC Tilt™ 2, a Windows® phone from AT&T

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-19463808404787502972010-08-05T08:56:00.001-04:002010-08-05T08:56:38.172-04:00

I got my letter of Medical Necessity yesterday!

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-10893245552376622792010-08-03T20:09:00.001-04:002010-08-03T20:09:53.582-04:00

Tomorrow is my final day in my six month journey to gain approval from my insurance company to get my letter of medical necessity to have my WLS. I thought this day would never come, but now it's here and I can look forward to better health and the resolution of four weight related diseases. So as the saying goes, tomorrow is the first day of the rest of my life! And I look forward to it because

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-52666167252362496012010-07-26T16:22:00.001-04:002010-07-26T16:22:51.007-04:00

Awesome news! There is a cancellation tomorrow and I could reschedule my PE for tomorrow! No need to wait till August 11th! This moves my surgery date closer!!! Sent from my HTC Tilt™ 2, a Windows® phone from AT&T

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-68120027212974010862010-07-23T20:21:00.001-04:002010-07-23T20:27:42.911-04:00

 Here are a couple of before pictures. I can't wait to post the after pictures. Sent from my HTC Tilt™ 2, a Windows® phone from AT&T

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-28016110697549383012010-07-23T10:19:00.000-04:002010-07-23T10:20:21.488-04:00

This is a test to see if my set up for mobile blogging will work so I can blog from the hospital in a couple of weeks from now. Sent from my HTC Tilt™ 2, a Windows® phone from AT&T

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-17357141203689402662010-07-03T08:59:00.000-04:002010-07-03T08:59:09.984-04:00

(I was asked to cross post this here, originally posted by anamnath on 6/16/10, on http://wlsfa.org/432) The Second Annual “Mother of All Meet & Greets”  Las Vegas Meet & Greet May 2011 Where: Las Vegas Nevada (Hotel to be determined) When: May 13,14 and 15 2011 What: Details will be posted here as they are confirmed. Cost: WLSFA Volunteers with 20 or more hours will have their ticket fee

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-90234698518674047262010-06-28T16:46:00.000-04:002010-06-28T16:46:10.144-04:00

And I can't wait to try them all.

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-58074903139478354142010-06-23T22:07:00.001-04:002010-06-23T22:10:02.005-04:00

I have a profile at the Weight Loss Surgery Foundation of America (I think you can not see my profile unless you register on the site), and I'd like you to join me there. The link for the main site is: Weight Loss Surgery Foundation of America  My profile: http://wlsfa.org/Ric

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-68778559686344317972010-06-22T19:36:00.000-04:002010-06-22T19:36:50.765-04:00

"Nectar, Full Serving Sample Bag"  It says that my order will be shipped within 24 hours. I already love the "Lemon Tea" flavor and I also have the "Roadside Lemonade" flavor which is okay, but I'll get to sample 10 of the "Nectar" flavors which are: Roadside Lemonade, Strawberry Kiwi, Chocolate Truffle, Caribbean Cooler, Lemon Tea, Fuzzy Navel, Strawberry Mousse, Vanilla Bean Torte, Twisted

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-70433960527398916342010-06-09T18:59:00.000-04:002010-06-09T18:59:23.402-04:00

Well, I had my four month doctor follow up today, so now I have two more appointments left before I get my letter of "Medical Necessity" so I can receive my RNY. So this puts me sometime around late August to early September for my surgery, And as I've said before, "I can't weight!"

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-25185334624811761132010-06-01T11:38:00.000-04:002010-06-01T11:38:55.420-04:00

I'm looking forward to meeting a new friend with my online support group I'm building tomorrow. Her name is Stephanie (her blog linked to the right), and she is going to share with me what she has been through the past few weeks after her WLS and to share info that she received from Dr. Kim who will be my surgeon at Florida Hospital Celebration. I'm now looking to be two + months out for my WLS.

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-32456029045132228832010-05-17T19:26:00.001-04:002010-05-17T19:32:09.406-04:00

One thing I decided to do before I decided to get WLS (Weight Loss Surgery) is to research the diet I'd need to follow for the rest of my life after the WLS, and then actually do the diet. I've been on a Bariatric Diet from January and I've found that this diet is very easy for me to handle and keep to. So that factored into my decision for WSL. I'm now just less then three months out before I

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-17868828443331484922010-05-11T19:17:00.000-04:002010-05-11T19:17:37.357-04:00

I was told that I should keep my plans to myself on my getting Bariatric surgery because many people will try to discourage you from the surgery. I have found that keeping this to yourself is like keeping good news from other people. It is true that some people will discourage you, but the support I've received is far more then I ever expected. Family and friends are all supportive and excited

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-76380445524572407212010-05-10T17:48:00.000-04:002010-05-10T17:48:46.122-04:00

I love all the new encouragement I'm starting to receive online. Building a support group online seems very beneficial for quick answers to questions that may come up. And from my research I've also found that I've been able to give encouragement and support to even though my RNY is still three months from now. I must admit from all I've learned and researched to date I wish my RNY surgery was

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-67721101372826383732010-05-09T08:36:00.000-04:002010-05-09T08:39:37.678-04:00

This post is just a Happy Mother's Day wish to all you moms out there who have decided to improve your life and health through Bariatric Surgery so that you can be the the best mom you can be.I'm proud of you.In God's Grace,Ric

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-50410727692679919042010-05-08T11:15:00.000-04:002010-05-08T11:28:57.285-04:00

I've been working toward my goal for just over three months now. I've even followed the Bariatric diet just to see if I can do this after the surgery. The diet is so tailored to my menu due to food allergies needs it's like it's totally been pre-made for me.Well with three months behind be and three more months to go I'm finding it extremely hard to keep on my diet and some emotional issues are

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-60034000817722059722010-05-07T17:24:00.000-04:002010-05-07T17:30:35.038-04:00

I have found that friends and family are a great support for me on this journey. All my friend and my mother and uncle support me 100% for this surgery and will be there for me during and after the operation.Lately I've been building an online support group, and quite by accident. But I am finding this very beneficial that I'm gaining more knowledge and real support from other sources. I'm

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-48333977063499066242010-05-06T17:08:00.000-04:002010-05-06T17:32:16.243-04:00

Now that I've reached the half way point so to say, and I know the next three months will go fast, but I just want to rid myself of the way I looked and can look again unless I receive my Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RNY).This is just about the only pic I could find of myself when I weighed over 300 pounds. That's my son in front of me as we celebrate his first birthday.I remember that just walking

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-19392199812201336582010-05-05T21:24:00.000-04:002010-05-05T21:28:08.577-04:00

Today I saw my doctor for my third of six check ins required by my insurance company, so I'm now half way through my journey.He was happy that I kept up doing what I was supposed to be doing, and I told him that I bought a Wii for my son's birthday and I've been getting a workout playing Wii Sports. Some extra exercise.I weighed in at my doctors office at 254 lbs.

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-41747622570741387632010-05-04T17:19:00.000-04:002010-05-05T00:59:58.402-04:00

Tomorrow I see my doctor for my third of my six appointments that my insurance requires me to have before I can receive my letter of Medical Necessity for my up coming RNY surgery. So I'm now at the half way point.Before three months ago when I decided that this was my best means to lose the weight and gain my health and freedom back on January 1, 2010 I weighed 288 pounds. I did not decide to

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-48620773079618935902010-05-02T20:00:00.000-04:002010-05-02T20:07:17.516-04:00

SUPPLEMENT and GROCERY LIST for GASTRIC BYPASS PATIENTSPROTEIN POWDER SHAKESDesigner Whey ProteinWhey Tech Pro 244 Ever Fit Fruit Blast IsolateThe Ultimate MealNature’s Way Alive UltraThe Supreme MealAST VP2 IsolateOptimum Hydro WheySyntrax NectarNature’s Best IsoPureBNRG Proto WheyPROTEIN POWDER SHAKES READY-TO-DRINK (RTDs)CytoSport Muscle Milk LightLabrada Lean Body To Go (14 oz)ISS Oh Yeah

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-56216943062997213372010-05-02T18:51:00.000-04:002010-05-02T18:53:30.890-04:00

This Wednesday I go for my third of six doctor's visits before I can get my letter of medical necessity. I've put on five pounds from my last visit, but I'm going to change into street clothes and out of my work uniform, so it should even out.

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945877493437537688.post-50219355603044859272010-04-29T17:20:00.000-04:002010-04-29T17:22:34.502-04:00

This is a new blog to document my journey to better health.

Richttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02188971444974991007noreply@blogger.com0