Letter to Carnival Cruise Lines

(This letter is being shared online, as well as sent directly to the Carnival Cruise Lines Corporate Office.)

To whom it may concern:

I wish this letter served to express my gratitude and exhilaration of having an amazing, long overdue honeymoon. I wish I was able to solely praise the great staff we encountered (such as a Jose, our waiter), or compliment the great amenities available on the ship. Unfortunately, out of necessity, this letter is being written to express my dismay, concern, and overall shock of how horrible an endeavor my husband and I had to suffer, which carries so much more weight than just wasted time and money.

My husband and I have been married for eight years. At the time of our marriage, we were both young, and he was serving in the military. As such, we never went on an official honeymoon and instead have been saving for a great trip; just the two of us. Throughout the years, I consistently expressed my interest in a cruise with him because of a 5 day Cabo Cruise I had taken a few years that I felt that it was one of the greatest trips of my life. Now 8 years later, he is a disabled veteran, attending school, and both of us are finally starting our careers. We felt that this year we could finally have our honeymoon, because we have had several setbacks and constraints over the last several years, which have limited our ability to leave.

Adding to this, over a year ago, my husband and I moved in with my grandmother, who has dementia, to help her out with daily life. This has caused increased stress and anxiety in our lives and has essentially made us in desperate need for a relaxing, quiet, and overall much needed vacation. Therefore, despite our hectic schedules and time constraints, we were able to book a 4 day cruise to Ensenada, Mexico on “Inspiration.” This was no simple feat, given that my profession as a photographer leaves me completely confined to the needs of my clients, and we are at the will of my husband’s school schedule (which he refuses to miss, respectfully so). This is in addition to arranging proper care for my grandmother.
            Despite all odds, finally, On Monday, August 18^th, my husband and I boarded the Carnival Inspiration for what we believed was our long overdue, relaxing honeymoon. After the typical monotonous routine of checking in and getting settled, I was ecstatic to show my husband all of the amenities and features the boat had to offer. I dragged him around all over the ship, detailing all of the different places we could eat, shows we could see, everything! The initial few hours of our cruise were perfect. Just the two of us on a relaxing trip we have always wanted. That was until we returned to our room.

Upon returning to our room, at approximately 10:30pm, we could hear some construction going on very near our room. While it was annoying, we figured maybe some last minute things were being finished up that could not be done while the boat was docked. In addition, that night, as my husband was taking a shower, I noticed water coming up out of the drain outside the shower. This was not just a few simple droplets pooling together in the shower, it was enough overflow that I videotaped the water swaying with the rocking of the ship, not even knowing what was to come and that the proof might be important. The menacing water had me so anxious that as a precautionary measure I lined the shower drain with all the towels we had on hand just in case it spilled over. The most troubling part about this was that it was barely the first night! Little did I know, the worst was still to come.

            The following morning, Tuesday, August 19^th, we were woken up by the construction just before 8am. The constant banging of hammers, shrill squeaks from power drills and saws; the sounds were infuriating and relentless. I attempted to contact guest services, but there was no answer. I hung up, and called again, this time speaking to a woman who seemed uninterested in our issue at first. After putting me on hold for a minute, she apologized and said that they were replacing a generator, and the work would be done by the afternoon. I was hopeful that her words were sincere, but as the trip continued, I realized my hope was misplaced.

After our unwanted wake up call, we thought we could go rest by the pool before disembarking on Catalina Island, but were told the pool was shut down due to undisclosed reasons. We left the ship shortly after to see Catalina and returned around 4:30pm. When we returned, the pool was still closed, this time with speculation of excess green algae; however, this was never confirmed. Given the quality of the trip thus far, my fears of the closure were rightfully based on something more sinister.

At 5:30pm, while preparing for dinner in our room, the construction started again. This time it was even more obnoxious than in the morning. We attempted to call guest services and could not get through. For fear of missing our reservations, and simply wanting to make the best out of the situation, we left the room.

After returning to our room, my husband went to take a shower at 11:50pm, this proved to be the pinnacle moment of how awful this trip would be for us. This time, not only did water start coming out of the drain, but it was accompanied by the most gut wrenching, god awful sewage smell, with bits of what undoubtedly was fecal matter. I immediately called guest services to inform them of the situation.

Soon thereafter, guest services sent up a man named Elvis. Although I am sure he was competent in his work, I felt that he had no care for out plight. For example, I was completely ignored when I inquired if this was normal, or if this had occurred elsewhere on the ship. In fact, he did not speak a word to us until he said he completed the work about 10-15 minutes after he arrived, even though I could see more excrement coming out of the drain. After he left, I walked over to the bathroom only to find feces still on the floor. I was in such disbelief I even took pictures to document this horrid event. Completely disgusted and nauseous, I contacted guest services, who then had to send housekeeping up to clean the bathroom. I’m sure I don’t even need to mention the sanitary issues and health risks that accompany this problem.

            Following the night that would never end, we were awoken at 7:30am on Wednesday, August 20^th with what had become our customary banging, shrieking, and increasingly obnoxious construction wake up call. However, this time noxious fumes from the metalwork were seemingly being pumped into our cabin from the ventilation. The fumes were so bad that within moments of waking up, both my husband and I had horrible headaches. We left the room as soon as possible, and attempted to get guest services involved, again to no avail. We left the ship thereafter to the sanctuary of Ensenada. This greatly saddens me to say, sincerely, that the quality of air, cleanliness, and customer service was better in a Mexican port, than what we had experienced thus far on our “honeymoon cruise”.

We returned on board at 3:20pm and went straight to the guest services desk. This time, guest services was willing to listen to our pleas about our room and document everything and see what could be done. At first, I was speaking with Vladimir, who, after hearing what was going on, stated that what we were going through was “completely unacceptable”. However, shortly after a man named Ante ended up taking over our case. Ante said that the woman I spoke with the first time I called about the construction did not document my call. He decided he wanted to come to our room to hear the construction. I informed him we had not yet been back to our room since returning on board, so I was not sure if the construction was going on at that time.

While walking to our room at 3:40pm, we encountered an incredibly strong odor of metalwork in the hallways and elevator area (which was a typical occurrence throughout the ship and entire cruise- smells of sewage and metalwork became common). The scent was so strong that it left a nauseating taste of copper and iron in my palate that saturated for hours. As he walked us back to our room, two other guests even made a comment to Ante to complain about the awful and strong smells.

When we got to our room with Ante, there was no construction going on. He took the time to check the drain in the bathroom to make sure that the horrendous issue from the two previous nights was satisfactorily corrected. After being in the room for about 5 minutes, Ante did not hear any construction and was about to leave, when the banging and shrieking of construction began again. We thought, finally someone from guest services will understand the uncomfortable and annoying sounds that we have had to suffer. Ante just said, “Oh, yeah. Yeah. I’m so sorry.” His response was that of someone who realized we were not exaggerating, and he said there was nothing he could really do being that the ship was completely booked up and there were no rooms to move us to.

Thereafter, Ante told us he would document everything, and apologized about the woman not documenting my call the first time. After Ante left, we knew we didn’t want to stay in our room listening to the construction. We decided to go to the Serenity deck, thinking it would be a relaxing space on the ship. However, soon after getting out there, we could hear the construction again, which seemed to be coming from the floor just below. Other guests out there at the time complained about the noise, as well. Almost laughingly, we couldn’t even find reprieve in the Shakespeare Library (which we tried visiting on a few occasions), as none of the games in there were complete, leaving us unable to even escape with a simple board game.

            The next day, Thursday, August 21^st, our day at sea, we were awoken once again to the sounds of construction at 7:41am. At this point I had become completely exasperated with this whole trip and I attempted to call guest services four times with no answer (8:13am, 8:15am, 8:16am, 8:17am). I called the Steward to see if they could connect me, which, of course, they could not. At 8:21am, I was finally able to speak with someone at guest services. This time a man named Fernando said he would document the occurrence.

Later that day, at 3:47pm, I called guest services to notify them of the strong noxious fumes of metalwork coming into our room through the air vent. I spoke with a woman named Nevena. I explained that these fumes had been ongoing and that my husband and I were once again stricken with headaches from the strong smell. She insincerely apologized and said she would document everything once again, just like the other members of guest services. After dinner/shows, we returned to our room to the sound of grinding once more, which proceeded late into our final night on our “relaxing vacation.”

As a final farewell from our much needed and completely anxiety filled vacation, on the morning of debarkation, Friday, August 22^nd, the construction woke us up again, this time at 4:17am! To which, I was actually thankful to be able to get off our adventure filled ship.

It has been my life’s policy to never complain about something, unless it is necessary. Here, the quality of our vacation is one that I desperately need to, and deservingly should, complain about because it IS necessary. The overall experience was horrendous! The fact that I enticed my disabled husband for so many years, with promises of the great experiences and even greater memories, only to go through 4 days of hazardous fumes, fecal matter, and early morning construction wake up calls is unacceptable. The fact that even after contacting guest services repeatedly, begging them for assistance, only to get insincere apologies time after time, is unacceptable. The fact that, for our “trouble”, we were offered a measly $40 and 10% off of a future cruise felt like a slap in the face.   The fact that I trusted a company, which once gave me the one of the greatest trips of my life (something I wanted to share with my husband), is just heart breaking.

Therefore, this time instead of calling, I am writing to you. Urging you to please right the so many wrongs that you made my husband and I endure. Please give me some semblance of confidence that someone actually cares that what was supposed to be our relaxing honeymoon vacation, was nothing but stressful, tiresome, and anything but relaxing, all the while I cannot even get a sincere apology. Please, just prove to me that Carnival Cruise Lines actually cares about their customers.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Overstreet

Edit:
Links to hear some of the construction from our room-
http://clyp.it/bf2r3z34
http://clyp.it/ih2lpg2m


Possibly not for the squeamish, but here are the photos of some of what came up from our bathroom drain:

Need Fitness Motivation?

One of my biggest struggles, not just after my sleeve but my whole life, has been trying to be active. I never liked to work out, and would rather sit on my butt and browse the internet or watch TV. Before getting my sleeve, I made a conscious effort to be more active, and I was (usually...obviously when starting, and still now, there are days I don't want to do anything). Since my sleeve, I've gotten even better. I've started small, vowing to do at least 10 minutes of fitness every day. Most of the time, once I've started, I keep going. I feel better after doing something active, and am working hard to get to the place that it becomes habit, and something I NEED to do.

If you're like me, you need motivation... and lots of it! Obviously, losing weight is motivation, losing inches is motivation... but I need little things to push me forward. I bought a FitBit, so I could be more aware of how much I was getting up and walking around, and I love it so far.

Recently, I found a site that I thought I'd pass on, in case you guys hadn't heard of it.

If you use something to track your fitness (ie: fitbit, nike, garmin), you can sync it up to this website and earn points which you can redeem for things. The more active you are, the more daily points you get. Kind of a cool extra motivator!! :]

If you use my referral link, you'll get 50 points when signing up to start you off! (I wish I would have known someone to refer me to get 50 points, I only have 33 so far! haha).

http://earnd.it/PpzRl0

Let's get in those fitness minutes, be active, and earn some free stuff! :]

Dealing with Setbacks

I will be posting an update within the next week, going over my last few weeks of post-op life. Right now, though, I wanted to share a blog I wrote for a challenge. I have signed up for a Biggest Loser's Challenge on SparkPeople.com, my first one ever, and each week there are different challenges. I spent a good amount of time thinking about what to write, and writing it, and figured what better place to share this than my blog?

"This week, practice letting go of negative thinking by reflecting on a recent setback or mental barrier that you broke through, determine what you learned from it, and then write a blog about it."

I thought about this off and on all week, trying to come up with a decent subject to write a blog about. When I think of recent setbacks, I could say getting over the fear of having my surgery, or getting off my behind and getting active when it was easier to be lazy. The things that continue to stick in my mind, however, are mainly the events of the last year, but even the several years prior to that that led me to the decision of having WLS.

Over the years, I've known I needed to get my body under my control. When I was younger, I may not have known that specifically, but I knew I was heavier than everyone else (or so it seemed), and I didn't want to be. I dieted, tried pills, and points. After WW one year, I lost 30lbs in about a month and a half... after, I don't know what happened.  I don't know why I didn't stick with it, or why my mind didn't "click" and say- keep going! A few years ago, after giving it what I thought was a "good go" at eating right and trying to exercise, I lost nothing. I felt completely defeated, and fell right back into my old habits, like I always had. Looking back now, I think I just wasn't ready. Maybe I was lazy, maybe I was not educated enough on being healthy. I do know that I clearly lacked the drive to REALLY make the necessary changes, and likely even the true desire.

My decision to have weight loss surgery was not one that happened over night. In fact, it took over 3 years, lots of research, many discussions, and even more research. My struggle with my weight has gone on much longer, though. It took me many failed diets, frustration, tears, and acceptance that if I don’t do something to change that I will have many unwanted problems in the future.

It wasn't until this time last year (actually these next couple of days are exactly a year!) that I finally made the decision that changed my life. When I finally set my mind to it, and put the plan into motion, my outlook changed. I was ready. I was ready to learn, ready to take in everything I could, and ready to CHANGE. I believe I've done just that. I overcame whatever many reasons were holding me back... fear, the idea that I wasn't strong enough. the idea that my hard work wouldn't pay off, and any other nagging voices in my head telling me I "can't". I CAN, I DID, I AM, and I WILL.

I've learned that I am stronger than I sometimes give myself credit for, and that hard work does pay off. I've learned the unknown isn't always something to fear, sometimes it's exciting, and refreshing. I've learned not to give up for any reason, if this is what I really want, I will find a way. I've learned all the set backs, all the times I've failed, all the feelings of defeat, all the tears, all the frustration... it all lead me to where I am today. And today I am excited for my more healthy and active future.

Painful Awakening

I woke up at 11:30am, to a pain in my back. At first, I thought maybe I had slept wrong, and it would go away with a little time. As I laid there for a few minutes, I realized it wasn't that kind of pain. It was in my lower right back area, though dull in the surrounding area. I drank a little water, then got up to use the restroom, and when I got up, I was like oh crap, don't feel well. The pain was getting worse. My initial thought was something was wrong with my sleeve, but realized there wasn't pain when I swallowed the water and I didn't have pain in my belly area. By the time I had put in my contacts, I felt a little nauseous, weak and light headed/dizzy and was in a horrible amount of pain. My parents were in their room, so I went there thinking it was better to pass out in front of someone if it was going to happen! I laid down, and told them something was wrong, and the pain just kept increasing. My dad said I looked really pale, and they decided to get the Kaiser nurse line on the phone. My mom was thinking I had a kidney stone because of the location and because the pain was constant. I just laid there, trying to breath, and relax (ha, real easy). Then, the pain started to get a little less in my back, but really strong my right ovary (the only place I would imagine it would be). I remembered in May, when I was visiting my husband, I had experienced some pain in that area during my cycle, but I didn't remember it being more than half of what I was experiencing now. Then it hit me- that stupid f*cking IUD. What else could it be?! I'm still within 6 months, which is when all the crazy crap is more likely to happen. So, I'm laying there in agony and on a heating pad, and then it starts diminishing (after about 30 minutes). By the time I speak with the nurse, the pain was nearly gone. She, of course, told me to monitor the pain, those symptoms sound like they are due to the IUD, and if any new symptoms arise, to call back or go in.

I was pain free for about 30 minutes. I decided to get up, walk a little, use the restroom, try to relax. That didn't last for long before it returned, this time a little less focused on my back (but still present), and more focused on my right ovary. I try to lay in different positions, move the heating pad, ugh. Nothing helped. Finally, I ask my dad to bring me some liquid vicodin. I take 1 tsp of the 2 he gives me, and within a minute I'm throwing up (which wasn't much since that's all I had in my stomach). I was pissed- I couldn't even get some pain relief! All I could think was thank goodness this didn't happen closer to my surgery because that would have hurt so bad! I don’t know if I threw up because of the pain, or because I took the vicodin on an empty stomach.  I lay back down, and the pain lasted this time for about 45 minutes. Afterwards, I was exhausted. I figured maybe if I could fall asleep, it wouldn't bother me. I slept from about 2:30pm-6pm. I was so afraid to drink anything again, but eventually I had a little water. I kept it down fine, so I drank more water, and eventually had half a protein shake because I knew I had to try to get in some protein. My mom kept telling me I needed to eat something, and I didn't even want to think about eating anything (who wants to eat after vomiting?!). I'm working on my second half of protein shake right now, so I will have 30g protein for the day.

The pain was seriously worse than my surgery. I was miserable. I haven't had any more pain, thank goodness, but I'm so afraid it will return. I hope this isn't what I can expect each month now. =/ I'm thankful that it doesn't seem to be an issue with my sleeve, because I was really scared for awhile there. I'll be calling my OB on Monday, and hope it's nothing serious (and nothing that will happen again!)

My Youtube Channel

Just a quick post- I've updated my youtube channel, SheddingThePast, with my first post-op video! I even did a once through! Go me, ha! Here's the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sofvJ_dU9g&feature=plcp

I also gave my numbers for the first time there, so I figured I would post them here as well. Like I mentioned in my video, it's a little tough for me to share these so publicly, because I never really share them at all, but I guess it's a little easier knowing that I'm on the other side and they will only go lower. 

Highest Weight: 363 lbs
Started Options: 357 lbs
Pre-Op Appt: 340 lbs
Day of Surgery: 336 lbs
11 Days Post-Op: 323.5 lbs

Loss since surgery (as of 11 days post-op): 12.5 lbs
Total Loss: 39.5 lbs

So, there we have it folks! I'm currently 18 days post-op, and haven't weighed in since my 11th day, so I'm not sure what else I've lost since then. I will update my numbers as I find out, though.

Thanks for reading, and if you're not a subscriber of my youtube channel already, please do so! 

I'm on the Other Side!! First Post-Op Blog

I’m finally on the other side! My surgery was on Monday, June 4th, and everything went well. The last week has been up and down, and today I'm feeling okay. My first two weeks I will be on full liquids. I'm doing pretty well with fluid intake (tolerating everything pretty good so far), the first full day I was home (Thursday), I took in 59 1/2 oz of fluid! I surprised myself. Friday was a little lower, but I had a very tough night (almost passed out after a shower, and had strong pain on my right side). The other days I’ve been around 46-52oz per day. I'm noticing I'm going further without taking my "happy juice", which is good. My bruises were apparently worse than normal, but they're healing up pretty well. Just glue on the incisions, and the color of the bruising indicates healing.

 I’m just taking it one day at a time, and reminding myself that this is just temporary and it will all be worth it. I’m happy to finally be on the other side, and no longer waiting and anticipating. I'm very thankful for the help my family has given me, especially my mom (who stayed with me in the hospital the entire time, and has been my main "at home nurse"). I don't know how I would have gotten through this last week without their help. Thank you to my friends who were with me when I went into surgery, were there when I got out, and visited while I was in the hospital. Thanks to everyone for your support and well wishes!

 ((If you are on the front page of my blog and want to read a detailed account of my experience, click the title of this entry, and you will be taken to the full post.))

It's Officially Official!!

So, the big news we've all been waiting for!! Well, the big news I've been waiting for at least...

I got a date!!

On May 4th, I met with my surgeon, Dr. Fedorka (Kaiser, Fontana). He went over the basics, asked about my medical history (kind of verification/review of the things I've already gone over with the Bariatrician), informed me of the risks, and answered any questions I had.  He seemed pretty short, but not rude, just efficient. He informed me of circumstances that may arise which would cause him to cut a patient open versus the laproscopic approach- knicking an organ and needing to repair it, or lots of scar tissue (never had surgery, so that's not a problem for me). The leak test will be done while I am under, which is great because that means I don't have to worry about the supposedly nasty barium swallow afterwards. 

His recommendation for success: just stay the course, follow the rules, exercise, and you'll do fine. 

My surgery will take place on... *drumroll please*... 

June 4th! 

For those that know me, I have this "thing" with even numbers, so 04-06-12 is pretty much perfect for me, haha. 

My pre-op testing will be done on May 22nd. If my surgery date were one day sooner I would have been able to get the pre-op testing done the same day as my consultation, but it's 31 days out (pre-op testing is only good for 30 days out). 

So... T-minus 23 days and counting! 

Quick Update: 5 Day Pouch Test

Just a quick update! I started my own youtube channel for video updates on my journey! Took awhile for me to get around to doing (needed to build up a little courage maybe?), but I'm glad I've started! I'm pretty surprised at the number of views I've got on my first video already- 150 in 5 days! How awesome! I'm thankful for the support and comments I've been receiving about my channel/journey, as well. I just posted my second video today, check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/user/SheddingThePast

Today is day 5 of the 5 Day Pouch Test for me. I started it to kind of "reset" and kick my carb dependency. I feel really good so far! As long as I don't let myself get hungry, I'm just fine and don't feel deprived. A couple times I've let myself get very hungry, and that's difficult to come back from. I am proud of myself, because I did very well, and stayed on course the entire time. That's right, I didn't even cheat once! Go me! I'll probably do this once more before meeting with the surgeon. Hopefully it will help me drop a couple pounds, and more importantly better prepare myself for after surgery.

 At this point, I'm still scheduled for May 4th with Dr. Fedorka (the surgeon). I've been calling regularly to see if there have been any cancellations, to no avail. Still hoping for a sooner date, but May 4th is still on my calendar!