September is Aneurysm Awareness Month, so I’ll be sharing various medical illustrations depicting them and their treatment each week. I created these images for the Microsurgical Basics and Bypass Techniques book, written by Evgenii Belykn, MD, PhD @ebelykh. It shows tandem clipping with fenestrated clip, placed to save an arterial branch in the fenestration window, and the wrapping of an artery bearing a small blister-type aneurysm #aneurysmclip #bypass #aneurysm #clipping #microsurgery #endoscope #bypasssurgery #vascular #pathology #medicalillustration #cintiq #wacomtablet #scienceart #medical #pathologyassistant #ortech #neuronurse #paschool #physcicianassistant #neuro #illustrators #artistsoninstagram #neurosurgery #photoshoppainting #digitalartists #pathological #surgical #techniques (at Phoenix, Arizona) https://www.instagram.com/p/CTUstbEl9MI/?utm_medium=tumblr
I pulsar even share my revelation with y'all until I got my coffee….lol Sleep study done and honestly it was the worst night sleep ever. How can you get comfy with cords and wires everywhere!!! But none the less it made me realize that I don’t want this ever….on my 1.5 hr drive home at 5am in the rain I knew this was the right decision for me. And hopefully my job will understand I want the surgery this yr ( with my insurance this is very possible)….I am so blessed to have made it this long with the CHF and high blood pressure I am ready for what’s next #plussizeandshrinking #mommyfitness #fitmommy #plussizemommy #plussizemommyfitness #plussizefitness #healthyliving #healthylifestyle #beachbody #21dayfix #21dx #fitness #blackgirlsworkouttoo #wls #preop #vsg #lapband #prewls #gastricbypass #bypass #bariatricsurgery
Welcome to my sleep study rm…..eeehhhh id rather be home but I am sure this will a saw a ton of questions for me. I have been advised that wls doesn’t necessarily always cure sleep apnea but with my CHF this sleep study is highly recommended and I am doing this for my health…..so here’s to a night without my husband or my child…I pray I don’t cry #plussizeandshrinking #mommyfitness #fitmommy #plussizemommy #plussizemommyfitness #plussizefitness #healthyliving #healthylifestyle #beachbody #21dayfix #21dx #fitness #blackgirlsworkouttoo #wls #preop #vsg #lapband #prewls #gastricbypass #bypass #bariatricsurgery
Having a spa day before I have my sleep study tonight…..#plussizeandshrinking #mommyfitness #fitmommy #plussizemommy #plussizemommyfitness #plussizefitness #healthyliving #healthylifestyle #beachbody #21dayfix #21dx #fitness #blackgirlsworkouttoo #wls #preop #vsg #lapband #prewls #gastricbypass #bypass #bariatricsurgery
Somebody had their first dental appointment today He is growing up so fast #igkids #ravens #ravensnation #baltimoreravens #plussizeandshrinking #mommyfitness #fitmommy #plussizemommy #plussizemommyfitness #plussizefitness #healthyliving #healthylifestyle #beachbody #21dayfix #21dx #fitness #blackgirlsworkouttoo #wls #preop #vsg #lapband #prewls #gastricbypass #bypass #bariatricsurgery
I see so many images of women posting their before and after a on their #weightlossjourney and they hate their before pictures;they are unaware of who they truly were;they had to lose weight to live life;etc etc……i am happily different. I love the woman I am today. I am strong! I have defeated odds that others thought I couldn’t. I love my body; it carried and birthed the 2nd love of my life…this body is amazing!!!! Despite being overweight my entire life my body has never let me down…if I push she will push with me!!! I love my temple enough to change and say this time I am making the choice to do something for us to keep us rocking together longer….I will always love this woman ^^^^^^^ she is fantastic,strong,loving and beautiful but watch her transform #plussizeandshrinking #mommyfitness #fitmommy #plussizemommy #plussizemommyfitness #plussizefitness #healthyliving #healthylifestyle #beachbody #21dayfix #21dx #fitness #blackgirlsworkouttoo #wls #preop #vsg #lapband #prewls #gastricbypass #bypass #bariatricsurgery
Today I have another Bariatric surgery appointment for cardiac clearance. Now this appointment isn’t the norm but because of my congestive heart failure my surgeon wants to make sure I am good to go for surgery. I have to get a stress test today and basically confirm with the cardiologist that surgery is a viable option for me. Before he even sent this referral I asked for this because my main goal is to extend my life for my family. I want to be healthier for them. So I’m sure I’ll get the okay….just trying to now come with a sugary timeframe #plussizeandshrinking #mommyfitness #fitmommy #plussizemommy #plussizemommyfitness #plussizefitness #healthyliving #healthylifestyle #beachbody #21dayfix #21dx #fitness #blackgirlsworkouttoo #wls #preop #vsg #lapband #prewls #gastricbypass #bypass #bariatricsurgery
I got an amazing call from my surgeons office after they spoke with my insurance. Apparently all I need is 3 nutrition visits and a psych evaluation to be approved for surgery. My surgeon is requiring a few more clearances but this means I could have my surgery this yr! But I am not…1. I just started my job 6 wks ago and don’t want to be out for a wk right now 2. Emotionally I am not prepared and have already spoken with my husband about continuing to talk to someone after the surgery because this is a person I’ve never seen before. I have been plus size my whole life and I am scared….it’s okay to be scared right!!?! My journey is just beginning and I am keeping it 100 with y'all. I am so blessed to have my support system, my job and wonderful insurance company…..#plussizeandshrinking #mommyfitness #fitmommy #plussizemommy #plussizemommyfitness #plussizefitness #healthyliving #healthylifestyle #beachbody #21dayfix #21dx #fitness #blackgirlsworkouttoo #wls #preop #vsg #lapband #prewls #gastricbypass #bypass #bariatricsurgery
As the official day of Christmas comes to an end I can’t help but smile at my future…I am excited to believe to finally believe that I will be healthier and thinner next year due to my surgery. That will be the best Christmas gift to myself ever!!!!! #plussizeandshrinking #mommyfitness #fitmommy #plussizemommy #plussizemommyfitness #plussizefitness #healthyliving #healthylifestyle #beachbody #21dayfix #21dx #fitness #blackgirlsworkouttoo #wls #preop #vsg #lapband #prewls #gastricbypass #bypass #bariatricsurgery
Weight isn’t the only thing I have coming in 2016….doing big things and can’t wait to share with you all but for now here are some snippets!!! #elliyanna #unprocessedhair #2016 #wls #wlsmommy #bariatricsurgery #bypass #gastricbypass #prewls
Update!!! A few have asked and I apologize for the late response but life got crazy there for a second with work and everything. I came to terms with not having surgery in December although Dr Fitzers staff told me not to worry and it will happen but I always prepare for the worse so when it’s confirmed I am okay with it. I had actually started thinking that maybe later was better for my family and myself. I didn’t get a call on that Friday like I was supposed to but I knew the Dr wouldn’t be in until the following Tuesday so I waited until Tuesday afternoon to follow up with his office….surgery is a go for December 14th! He doesn’t believe that my blood pressure will be a complication and since it has been decreasing with meds and weight loss he firmly believes that the surgery will aid it going down and my cpap machine (which I got fitted for last night and rocked!!). So now I am making final adjustments and even though I was about to change it because my mom was in the hospital and she is going to be helping out a lot with my son while my husband is at work and I am recovering. But this week I have my final nutrition visit; I get my pre-op diet; and I go to the hospital to officially register for surgery and pay my co-pay. I still have a lot to do like get that final approval from my insurance but looks like my life will again forever change in 2 wks! #plussizeandshrinking #mommyfitness #fitmommy #plussizemommy #plussizemommyfitness #plussizefitness #healthyliving #healthylifestyle #beachbody #21dayfix #21dx #fitness #blackgirlsworkouttoo #wls #preop #vsg #lapband #prewls #gastricbypass #bypass #bariatricsurgery
I have been hesitant to write this because writing it makes it a reality. But thru out this journey I have vowed with myself to be completely honest and allow the chips to fall where they may. After I got done with that dreaded psych evaluation, after a primary care physical, a busy hard and long 2 wks of work with no weekend rest for my whole family being sick and a son getting 6 teeth at once and a double ear infection with a cold and allergies to top it off….my cardiologist while clearing me for surgery has labeled me high risk. At first I wanted to just break down and cry like seriously wtf else could go sideways this week?!? I was drained….entirely too drained to fight it I just wanted to cry but you know what…I allowed myself a pity moment and got it right back together. I don’t want to have surgery at high risk. I want to get off that table and be well enough to make it home to my family and be able to function. It sucks not going into the new yr with my new life already underway but it’s not my time right now. But the changes I have made have made a great impact on my life already. I get my sleep apnea machine soon; my blood pressure is going down somewhat; ive lost 8lbs since Nov 5th and now I just continue what I am doing, exercise and wait for my turn #plussizeandshrinking #mommyfitness #fitmommy #plussizemommy #plussizemommyfitness #plussizefitness #healthyliving #healthylifestyle #beachbody #21dayfix #21dx #fitness #blackgirlsworkouttoo #wls #preop #vsg #lapband #prewls #gastricbypass #bypass #bariatricsurgery
This machine right here is its own form of birth control #teamnotsexy #nosexwithacpap It was confirmed that I have moderate sleep apnea so I will be getting fitted for one of these joys. On the bright side at least this comorbity is for sure getting my WLS approved if there was ever any doubt. I just pray that it helps with lowering my blood pressure and maybe eases my husband’s ear drums a little. #plussizeandshrinking #mommyfitness #fitmommy #plussizemommy #plussizemommyfitness #plussizefitness #healthyliving #healthylifestyle #beachbody #21dayfix #21dx #fitness #blackgirlsworkouttoo #wls #preop #vsg #lapband #prewls #gastricbypass #bypass #bariatricsurgery
If I can keep laughing for crying then today was a moral victory for me. I don’t know what is going on but since Friday I am getting tried…and my patience is running thin. People keep believing that they an talk to me a many kind of way; mistaking my gentle nature for weakness….let me just make it thru this trying time without biting anyone’s head off….#plussizeandshrinking #mommyfitness #fitmommy #plussizemommy #plussizemommyfitness #plussizefitness #healthyliving #healthylifestyle #beachbody #21dayfix #21dx #fitness #blackgirlsworkouttoo #wls #preop #vsg #lapband #prewls #gastricbypass #bypass #bariatricsurgery
My life is far from perfect but everyone that is in it is perfect for me. My husband loves me beyond all flaws and it’s truly unconditional…my kids don’t even notice my imperfections. No this isn’t the life I had planned but it’s the life that is perfect for me #plussizeandshrinking #mommyfitness #fitmommy #plussizemommy #plussizemommyfitness #plussizefitness #healthyliving #healthylifestyle #beachbody #21dayfix #21dx #fitness #blackgirlsworkouttoo #wls #preop #vsg #lapband #prewls #gastricbypass #bypass #bariatricsurgery
I firmly believe that without taking this measure and adding this tool that I am shortening my life and either will be dead or not able to function for my son without it. It took me 8 yrs to conceive my baby boy and the day he turned one I thought….what if this is the last birthday of his I get to celebrate. I tried soooo hard waking up before work to exercise logging my food…lost a few pounds and gained double that weekend. I can’t continue to live like this I need major help. That was just over 4 wks ago and I have surgery in under 5 wks. Nothing scares me more than no waking up to see my family but the thought of them finding me dead at 34 from a heart attack or stroke scares me more. I am 34 with aggressive hypertension 162/102 last dr visit on meds! My BMI is 54% eating freaking lettuce…..yes this surgery is scary but so is the alternative if you don’t get it for some of us…this isn’t an easy choice and it isn’t any easy way out. The successful participants change their life and lifestyle just like everyone else. #plussizeandshrinking #mommyfitness #fitmommy #plussizemommy #plussizemommyfitness #plussizefitness #healthyliving #healthylifestyle #beachbody #21dayfix #21dx #fitness #blackgirlsworkouttoo #wls #preop #vsg #lapband #prewls #gastricbypass #bypass #bariatricsurgery
A Bariatric lifestyle isn’t an easy one. There is no actions without consequences and you have to truly teach yourself to change your mental relationship with food. I am starting now!!! I no longer drink with my meals (harder than you think) I wait at least 20 minutes after eating before drinking…I am also timing myself when eating to make sure it’s 25 minutes (currently at 13 minutes for breakfast) and I am trying to chew 30 times but I figure by the time I have surgery in 5 wks all this will be a lot easier…I am also doing at least 30 minutes of dedicated exercise a day. 21 days to make a habit right?!?! #plussizeandshrinking #mommyfitness #fitmommy #plussizemommy #plussizemommyfitness #plussizefitness #healthyliving #healthylifestyle #beachbody #21dayfix #21dx #fitness #blackgirlsworkouttoo #wls #preop #vsg #lapband #prewls #gastricbypass #bypass #bariatricsurgery
#wlsfamily HELP!!!!!! I am scheduled for bypass surgery on 12/14 and on 01/02 is my dads 60th bday party! I hate shopping but want to get my dress now especially with all the sales…I am currently a loose 22: nice for 20 and thinking of getting this dress in an 18/20. What do you think? Should I go smaller? Or just hit up a store (hate this option) #plussizeandshrinking #mommyfitness #fitmommy #plussizemommy #plussizemommyfitness #plussizefitness #healthyliving #healthylifestyle #beachbody #21dayfix #21dx #fitness #blackgirlsworkouttoo #wls #preop #vsg #lapband #prewls #gastricbypass #bypass #bariatricsurgery
Date is in the surgeons book……case is opened with my insurance company but not approved just yet but God has this….and I am claiming this as my day #plussizeandshrinking #mommyfitness #fitmommy #plussizemommy #plussizemommyfitness #plussizefitness #healthyliving #healthylifestyle #beachbody #21dayfix #21dx #fitness #blackgirlsworkouttoo #wls #preop #vsg #lapband #prewls #gastricbypass #bypass #bariatricsurgery
Small changes but I can tell this isn’t for me anymore and I feel bad wasting my husbands duckets…..well let me drink this water currently practicing no liquids 10 min before and no liquids during meals. #preopprep #plussizeandshrinking #mommyfitness #fitmommy #plussizemommy #plussizemommyfitness #plussizefitness #healthyliving #healthylifestyle #beachbody #21dayfix #21dx #fitness #blackgirlsworkouttoo #wls #preop #vsg #lapband #prewls #gastricbypass #bypass #bariatricsurgery
Today marks the day that I tell my boss about my decision for wls. And while I am 100% for my decision and I know that she will support it. However I am concerned with the time off and technically I am still new so that makes this convo very nerve wrecking for me. And in better news…I have started no liquids before eating and while eating and waiting 10 min to start drinking after my meal. Man this mess is hard! But for the next week I will continue to do this plus whatever my nutritionist would like me to do and gradually increase my time….#plussizeandshrinking #mommyfitness #fitmommy #plussizemommy #plussizemommyfitness #plussizefitness #healthyliving #healthylifestyle #beachbody #21dayfix #21dx #fitness #blackgirlsworkouttoo #wls #preop #vsg #lapband #prewls #gastricbypass #bypass #bariatricsurgery
