edmondgirl
P-Plan meals, snacks, water and exercise.
L-Learn from mistakes because new behaviors take many repetitions to become habits.
A-Ask for support. Ask family and friends to keep their treats at work and school so that your home can be a safe place to live without temptation. Recognise that not everyone will help but you can try to negotiate.
N-Nutritious food and well balanced meals and snacks will make you feel wonderful and give you energy to keep going
B-Believe in yourself...you really can do it.
December 2005
I made my trip to Doctor for yearly physical in December 2004 only to be told my liver enzymes are
up and I am type II Diabetic. I have been treated for chronic
depression for the last 15 years or longer. And the final clencher I
have ballooned myself up to my all time high weight. No wonder I have
diabetes, Im trying to kill myself with food.This all hit me like a
mountain had just caved in on me. I dont want to die. I have to guide
my grown children and enjoy my grandchildren for many more years. I
cant do this an lug all this extra eight around! My PCP then told me
that he was reccomending that I get WLS, and he never usually does that
to any of his patient.Then a flicker of light in me went on, could this
mountain of a problem be overcome? I think with a competent surgeon, my
faith in my God and plenty of support from my friends and family. My
heavenly Father its all in your hands.
3-1-2005 I just got on the scales this morning and they were not kind
to me, I am making myself nuts watching the stuipid scales. They are
definitely off limits and I will only get weighed at the doctors office
from now on. Last week at the doctors office I am down 12 pounds from
my all time stinking high weight in December due to better eating
habits and a little exercise. This weight loss thing is so hard! I have
my first consult with the surgeon on March 8. I am trying to come up
with all the right questions to ask him. Thanks in part to you great
folks at AMOS.A lot of you guys have been there and done it, so I am
relying on your experiences which is so valuable to me at this time.
And will continue to be throughout this weightloss journey. (AND BY THE
WAY THE FOLKS HERE ARE WONDERFUL FOLKS! I LOVE YOU GUYS)I am on my own
with this one, noone in my family is overweight and noone can possibly
relate to this issue of morbid obesity that hasnt walked in our shoes.
I use to be the biggest Coka Cola addict in the world. As soon as I
heard that I have Diabetes II that cured that problem instantly. I am
sure the coke alone didnt do this, but it sure contributed. My sugar
intake on that alone was huge, so I cant figure out the 12 pound only
loss in over 2 months. I guess it took years to get this way and will
take that long to get it off. I need this weight loss surgery! I need
the help that it will provide me. I cant lose weight on my own. I have
never been addicted to anything in my life besides food, I am convinced
that food can be as addicting as any drug.
I found this on the site and thought it so in tune with my feelings:
Dear God, I admit that I have come to both love and hate the word
"diet." On the one hand, it represents hope for change. On the other,
it's like a sign flashing "Failure ahead!" I don't want to embark on
another faulty plan, Lord. I want to embark on a journey with You that
is led by You and depends on Your power. I can do nothing on my own!
Show me the path that will enable me to change. Show me, as only You
can, what works for me, what is healthy for me. I want to think of this
venture in positive terms, Lord -- not that I am signing up to be
miserable or in want. I want to learn to feed my body what it truly
needs when it truly needs it. And to feed my soul with the Bread of
Life -- You! Today I place my future, my failures, my setbacks, all of
my hopes and plans into Your hands. There alone will I find meaning and
true success in my life. Amen. - Heather Kopp
3-4-2005 Boya oh Boya! I am having one heck of a food fight with myself
right now. I have an appointment with WL Surgeon for the first time on
Tuesday. I am trying my darndest to loose weight before the WLS and its
a BATTLE!!! I am eating everything that comes in my path. I had arbys
roast beef sandwich (minus the bread), 4 mozarella stix and onion
petals from Arby's last night with my boys. How stupid is that? I dont
know if its nerves or what? I just want to eat everything!~ I bet the
insurance will require some type of structured weight loss history
before they approve. Never mind that I was on PFEN_FEN and pondimen for
several months and yo yo dieted all my life.I have now the added bonus
of now being diabetic and that has definitely thrown me for a loop. I
know exactly what I should be doing and eating, but just cant follow
through. I am furious with myself again!! Thank God every day is a new
start so I am trying to remain optimistic. HELP! Self control where are
you????
"A Second Chance" When you are troubled, I wish you peace. When your
spirit has reached the bottom, I lifted you up upon eagles wings. When
you are discouraged, I wish you hope. When you are lonely, Know that I
am there. When you are sad, I give you joy. When you feel unloved, I
give you love. When you feel empty, I wish you beauty. When darkness
falls, I wish you sunshine. When you want to cry, I give you my smile.
I may be darker than you, I could be lighter too, But that shouldn't
matter too you. We can't blame life for the mistakes we make. We can't
blame others for the chances we didn't take. For we all are given a
second chance everyday. So if you are given a second chance, use it,
cherish it, learn from it, share it with another. But don't ever forget
where you came from nor abuse it. For my second chance gave me life,
taught me to
smile,live,laugh,love,share,freedom,hope,wisdom,purpose,direction.For
my second chance is the foundation of my happiness a perfect gift. A
Second Chance. Written By: Tina Carter South Carolina
3-06-2005 The scales were kind to me yesterday morning, my weight was
down 21 pounds mid December. That is a major accomplishment, I have
never managed any type of intentional weight loss on my own. Only two
more days until I see the weight loss surgeon. Can you say NERVOUS? I
never gave this profile any info on who I am: So I am an almos 50 in
December divorced single woman. I was married for 25 years and been
divorced for 7 years. I have four sons oldest being 30, identical twins
that are 28 and the baby Adam is 17. I have five grandchildren. The
absolute sweetest kids around. My famly is it for me. My ex moved off
to Illinois to find himself. We have no extended family here. My ex is
Air Force retired and we moved approximately 26 times. I took root here
in Oklahoma and I have not left in 20 years this year. I have a sister
I am very close to in Alabama. Both my parents are deceased. I make my
own living and work hard for everything that I am and have. This weight
thing is a monkey on my back and one of the things I have ZERO control
over. I cant see myself having a real positive future unless I get this
weight under control. I have high blood pressure, diabetesII, herniated
disk in my neck, carpal tunnel in both hands, tennis elbow and horrible
knees. I already had surgery on one knee and wrist and probably could
get a few more. I dont go under the knife easy. But, I am ready to take
this chance on weight loss surgery. I am tired of being fat. As I get
older it gets harder and harder to carry this extra weight around. I
have to be able work for a lot more years. God give me strength and to
him I put ALL my faith in positive outcomes.
Why live if you can't live life? when all you do is sit on the
sidelines. When your mind sores with things to do, but your body
reminds you, No can do. When you think of all the things you have
missed, you just sit down and cry and very depressed. But there is hope
in a drastic way, are you willing to die to live another day? After all
that said and done, your mind and body will become one. So if you think
this surgery is right, then by all means have your flight. Life is to
short to live on the sidelines, so break free of those chains, and live
for another day. Written By: Angela Fox
3-07-2005 Well tomorrow I go for my first consult with the surgeon. I
guess i am in denial today thinking I can just loose this weight on my
own. Thats a joke, because each ounce I loose is a struggle, and always
knowing in the back of my head I will gain it back. I am getting to the
stage in life now where it has to work! I cant keep doing this yo-yo
dieting and just to see it all come back and then some.
3-08-2005 I vistited Dr. Hanan the WLS surgeon today. This guy is
pretty awesome in my eyes. If he can get this surgery approved and get
me through the surgery, I will love him forever. He is very calm and
self assured and made me feel very comfortable in his presence. I was
shown a video and then went to his office to ask all the questions I
could possibly think of, he showed me pictures of patients about my age
the before and after pics. He just lingering and kept talking to me and
acted like he had all the time in the world for me. He did a physical
and told me I looked like a good candidate for the surgery and
continued talking about the surgery. I asked him about some type of
time frame fo all the madness, and he said dealing with insurance and
getting the approval might be from 2 weeks right on up to 6 months. It
just depends on THEM! He also told me after the surgery I could drink
liquids right up to the time I took a bite of food. Also he confirmed I
would have that sickening little tube in my nose for approximately 30
hours post op. Funny thing, my concern is not making it through the
surgery but about that stupid tube in my nose. I think that will drive
me nuts. But, that too shall pass. I am leaving all this in the Lord's
hand and all things in his perfect timing. P.S. Lord, please throw a
little extra patience at me during this time.
HOW TO STAY YOUNG Remember, there is no way you can look as bad as that
person on your drivers license. Throw out nonessential numbers. This
includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That
is why you pay them. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you
down. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening,
whatever. Never let the brain idle. " An idle mind is the devil's
workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's. Enjoy the simple
things. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is
with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets,
keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable,
improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help. Don't take
guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, to the next county, to a foreign
country, but NOT to where the guilt is. Tell the people you love that
you love them, at every opportunity. Don't sweat the petty things and
don't pet the sweaty things. AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Humpty Dumpty was
pushed!
3-14-05 I am furious with Aetna insurance. I took it upon myself to
call Aetna and talk to them. Because I kept getting this nagging
feeling they werent going to pay. Sure enough when I questioned them
about our companies individual coverage, there is no rider in my policy
that covers this surgery. To put it mildly I am devestated. I dont
understand why the insurance company approved the weight loss surgery
consult with the surgeon. This managed to get my hopes up and then have
them dashed by this latest information. I dont quit easy though, this
fight is just beginning to get this surgery and looks like it might be
a long one. Pray for me please---this is making me nuts!!!!
3-17-03 Ok Ok Cathy calm back down . I had my company's HR director
call Aetna and ask them about the coverage and praise be to the Lord.
They will cover it! The person I spoke to yesterday at Aetna didnt know
what she was talking about. Since my company renewed their policy in
December 2004. Our policy wasnt affected by Aetna's new rules making
WLS surgery an optional benefit. Our coverage is still on.My poor heart
cant take too much more of this. Please approve me SOON Aetna.I have to
get the surgery done in 2005.
3-26-2005 I had way to much fun with Grandbaby Bri today. Tomorrow is
Easter so I picked her up and us girls went shopping. I bought her an
Easter basket at Walmart and a Happy meal at Mc Donalds. What more can
a 2 year old ask for? She is so much fun to be with I have four grown
sons, so you can imagine the fun time I have with my Granddaughter. She
loved riding high up in my truck. She says she can "see" a whole lot
better. And by the way I am down to 238
3-28-05 Well I survived Easter candy temptations up until today of
course, the day after Easter stores are practically giving the stuff
away. So I gave in to temptation and bought a pack of the peanut butter
chocolate eggs. For lunch my total calorie intake including that was
about 800 calories. So just to kinda break even, I need to starve the
rest of the day. I am very upset with myself. I just need to quit
buying the junk, I cant eat it if I dont have it around. Junk food is
my issue, I am not that crazy about regular food. I have always been a
grab something quick to kill the hunger person. THIS IS SO HARD!!!!! I
havent even had the surgery yet, I have to do better than this.
3-04-05 I heard from surgeons office finally today and they had
contacted the insurance company. Of course Aetna is requiring the 6
months supervised diet program with doctor. I tried to start this
awhile back, and the response from PCP was to wait to hear from the
surgeons office. WELL I HEARD!!! So now the first visit will be on
Wednesday at 10:00 to start step one and insurance is also requiring a
visit to the good old shrink. I knew this was coming down just didnt
get the help from PCP I was hoping for. So it will be at least six
months from this Wednesday. I guess I am looking at a somewhere in
September date for surgery if I am lucky. My insurance gets renewed in
December and at that point am not sure Aetna will even cover the
surgery. S will have to push this thing hard to see it through. Seems
like this will be forever!!I know I wasnt going to be any exception for
Aetna rules. Just more obstacles.
3-06-05 I was reading a post here on OH tody and it just finally made
so much sense to me. I just have to give up "ALL" sugar I am one of the
lucky ones who cant just have a little bit and stop. It just keeps
going and going. That is what got me to this point. "SUGAR" That is my
drug of choice and has kept me in its control way to long. Farewell my
friend sugar. I dont need you around anymore you are killing me. My
life is worth so much more than you.I will fight the battle to resist
you at the grocery store. You are no longer welcome in my home. I will
trade you for foods that will nourish my body like protein. Even though
I weigh close to XXX pounds I am quite sure I am malnourished from
never learning how to eat properly in my life. Better to learn these
lessons late in life than to never have learned them at all. Thank God
for OH. Obesity stole my brothers life at the age of 59 years old. My
wonderful compassionate, kind, caring protector of his baby sister (me)
and I am sure sugar played a part in ripping him away from me way to
soon. Terry if you are looking down from heaven at me know that I love
you. Give Momma and Daddy a hug for me, I will never get over missing
you guys. Hope you are taking care of each other till I join you.
4-06-05 Well finally I think I am getting all my ducks in a row so that
Aetna insurance will approve this surgery. I went to my PCP today and
started the good ol six months supervised weight program. Only 5 more
visits. I have approval for up to 6 visits with the nutritionist. PCp
scheduled a sleep apnea test for me on the 9th of June. he thinks I
have sleep apnea. So I guess that will bump my comorbidities up a
notch. Like I dont have enough already!!!!! The only thing still not
scheduled is the psychiactric release from the shrink. Does anyone know
a WLS friendly psychologist in the Oklahoma Area, that works cheap? If
you do, please contact me. I am sort of glad now that the surgery wont
be until Fall, it allows me to do all my yardwork this summer(mowing 2
acres). I hate to depend on anyone to help me out on that--So its a
good thing I guess. Word to the wise for people with Aetna
insurance--find out exactly what they require for this surgery--there
is no way around this 6 month supervised diet thing, so just bite the
bullet and get it over with.Good luck on all you guys with upcoming
surgeries!
3-11-05 If I was a cry baby, I would be sqawlin right now. I woke up
with the WORST sore throat, It has to be strep. Because I cant swallow
and when I do, it feels like I am ripping my eardrums out. My weight is
231! Yea for that one anyway.Not the reccomenned way to lose weight---I
have been sick as a dog!
4-23-05 The quickest way to confuse the heck out of someone is to send
them to a nutritionist. I went on Tuesday April 19, 2004 She has now
decided that I need to get in 150 grams of carbs a day. Due to
diabetes, I need to keep my blood sugar leveled out throughout the day.
I think I will just stick to my high protein diet and call it good.
Nutritionist told me not to focus on calories, just look at carbs. This
is just way to confusing for me. Depends on who you talk to about
losing weight. Watch the carbs, protein or calories. Bottom line to all
this is just quit eating junk food with their empty calories. Cut out
the flour, sugar, rice and pasta.I wish I had my metabolism back. I am
at 231. I must have done something right since Decemer down 31 pounds.
I ride my bike and walk more during the day too. Easiest way to think
about is calories in-calories out! I am drinking at least 64 ounces of
sugar free liquids daily! Yea me!!! DRINK ,DRINK AND THEN DRINK SOME
MORE!
5-16-2005 Great now I have to make another appointment for this month
with my dietician. I am seeing doctor for supervised diet. But, just
dont want Aetna to deny on a loophole. I will see this damn dietrician
monthly to cover everything in Aetna's guidline. I guess I can listen
to her for 45 minutes. All I can think of when I see her is that she
doesnt look like she has a fat cell anywhere in her body, and probably
never had. Here she is telling me what to eat.She is really a nice
lady, just cant stand for anyone to tell me what to do, especially when
it comes to eating.
High note: I went to my PCP on my monthly weigh in ritual and had lost
seven pounds this month.
5-18-05 I saw my nutritionist this week and down 4 more pounds. At
lease the scale is heading in the other direction. She gave me some
pretty good advice for my 6 months diet. More fruits and veggies. She
says more of those in the frontdoor to push the junk I eat out the back
door. I am really trying to keep the junk food out the house. I think
surgery will be around the end of September. I wish the city offered a
VGB support group. I went to one group, but those were all RNY and I
have already decided to go the VGB. Its the right choice for me at
this time in my life. So will keep going to the main message board and
hope I want get up beat up for my choice. Those are great folks
there.
6-19-2005 Went last night for the sleep study to see if I have sleep
apnea. I like to have never went to sleep with all those sensors glued
to my head. They didnt come in and put the mask on, so maybe thats a
good sign that I dont have sleep apnea. I shall wait to hear from PCP
on results of the sleep study.
6-24-05 Today Psychiatrist office called to say they are now accepting
my Aetna insurance. The psychiatrist will be calling later today to
set up appointment for the dreaded physicatric clearance test. I can
hardly wait.
6-26-05Well its a done deal--My Psche appointment is set up with Dr.
Jim Keller on July 20 at 8:30 a.m.Can this possibly mean I am getting
closer to my surgery. Pray for me that is does!!!
6-30-2005 This time is going pretty fast on this 6 months supervised
diet.I had the sleep study and dont have Aetna. They discovered I have
another problem with is called restless leg syndrom It effects your
limbs at night and creates a problem where you constantly are needing
to move your limbs.(Sometimes during the day) This leads to you
constantly being awakened during the night although subconsiously.
This leads to sleep deprivation and exaustion during the day, inability
to concentrate, memory loss and iritability. They subscribed a
medication usually prescribed for Parkinsons disease.(REQUIP) After
one pill I feel like a new person this morning. I woke up this morning
and realized how clear my head was and actually feltt like I had rested
during the night. I guess the sleep study folks realized the problem
when I woke up in the morning and all the wires were twisted and
wrapped around my body several timed from the tossing and turning.
Thank GOD for finding this out. I didnt even know I had a problem, had
it so long just though I was suppose to feel that exausted for the rest
of my life. If nothing else comes from this journey, but finding out
this--It will all be worth it. Pay attention folks, if you wake up
tired and feeling like someone beat you up every morning. Ask your
doctor questions and get help. There is no known cure for this nerve
disorder, but there is help and relief.
7-16-2005 iI am feeling especially humbled today so I need to mention
my absolute faith in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I dont usually
ever preach my faith, I choose to live it. i am just absolutely amazed
how the Lord continues to work in my life and to him I continue to give
all my faith--I am abslutely nothing with him.I refuse to be
frightenend of this surgery. The absolute outcome is in his hands. I
read all the time about how frightened folks are before their surgery.
This is how i deal with it. I turn my fears all over to the one in
control, and then I let them go.
I have my psyche evaluation coming up this week along with 4th month of
PCP weigh in and nutrition appointments. i feel the surgery getting a
little closer.
I have decided that i love the GNC banana protein drink and also the
low carb slim fast. I am doing a little experimenting with the
flavors, although taste buds may change completely after surgery.
I am probably going to have one of the longest profiles on here when
all is said and done. i really find writing my thoughts down very
theropeudic.
7-19-20 Wow!!! Getting this weight loss surgery approved is not for
sissies. I have three different appointment this week, its breaking
the bank on co-pays. I have the one tomorrow with the psyche. I just
want to finally get through all this and have the surgery behind me. I
had a very frustrating day with the nutritionist. She told me to lay
off the slim fast and eat real food. Its near to impossible for me to
have veggies and fruits in my diet. I need to try though. I think it
would be so much easier just to not eat than to go through all the darn
hassles. I am hoping i am on the right track for approval. havent been
given any guidance from the doctors, just sent me out to get this
surgery approved myself. OK pity party is over for today. i have
other things to do. Good luck wherever you are on your journey in
life.
7-21-2005 Well I had the famous psychological evaluation yesterday.
He stated that he would be recommending me to the surgeon for surgery.
Cross your fingers that surgery happens soon. This , wasnt bad as
everyone thinks, its just one more thing to get through. I dont know
why some people are intimidated by the mental health folks. They put
on their pants the same way we do, and just human beings like we are.
Who cares what they think anyway. I told him that I am at peace with
myself at almost 50 years old, fat or thin. He was more concerned as
to why I left my husband after 25 years, he wants to keep the same
thing from happening to him with his wife. LOL
8-14-2005 Well let me see. This month I have managed to gain 8
pounds. I have the haircut from he!!, and I have a cyst on the tendon
on the bottom of my foot. So that might explain some of the
depression. I have completed month 5 of the supervised diet. Next
month will be the magical number 6 and then i will submit to Aetna.
Pray for me folks, i dont think i can do the diet thing again. It is
way to frustrating. I will be on vacation all this coming week. So
hopefully I can relax a little and maybe i can get back on track with
the diet. Of course there are no promises when it comes to dieting for
me. I went back on the diet sodas knowing they cause water retention.
Did i learn---NOPE!!!
8-16-2005 I had my beloved 5 year old Chihuahua put down today. He
has been sick all of his life. I have spent a fortune on vet bills, to
no avail. His immune system was basically shot and didnt respond to the
medication anymore. I finally got over being selfish and trying to keep
him with me as long as possible. I looked at his sad eyes for the last
time today. I was crying so hard when I left him there. He was just
the biggest baby I have, and so very close to my heart. Today I grieve
for you, my little man ALEX.
I must try to do some kind of healthy eating today, when I am depressed
like I am now, I just dont care one way or the other.
9-19-2005 I finally finished the six months supervised diet and
nutritionist appointments. Lets just say I gained and last, and then I
gained and then lost and lately I just gained. I am now at 249 and
rising. I hope Aetna sees fit to approve this surgeyr without any
further delays. Just sit back wait and pray is all I know to do.
9-22, 2005 Wow things changed overnight. The nurse at Dr. Hanan's
office called and likeliehood Aetna will not pay for the VGB and thats
all Dr. Hanan does. I am now looking for a new surgeon to do the RNY
and that choice right now is Dr. Philip Floyd and I made an appointment
with him for October 5. I hope that office works wonders, because my
insurance changes on i December and who knows if weightloss surgery
will be covered. Thankfully most of my tests are completed and I am in
good shape with necessary paperwork.
9-29-2005 Well the new appointment has been made with Dr. Philip Floyd
in Edmond. The consult will be on October 5 at 10:15. I hope things
roll fast on this one. I have all the paperwork required by Aetna and
requesting the RNY surgery that they approve of.
10-1-2005 I am sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo approved. I got the
letter from Aetna saying they have approved on appeal my fight for VGB
surgery. My surgeon had told me he has never known of Aetna approving
this, My prayers must have been heard is all I can say. I never once
called Aetna. I just went to their website and found out what they
require and did it to the letter. I am so incredibly blessed to be one
of the people approved for this surgery. Praise God!!!!
<
10-3-2005 I called my surgeon's office today and scheduled my VGB for
November 7 at 9:00 A.M. I am so ready for this surgery. I know there
are some people wondering why I chose VGB, for me at 50 years old its
the right surgery and I am comfortable with the decision and also my
doctor. My PCP says this surgeon has less complications than anyone
else he knows that does the surgery.
October 10, 2005 - APPROVED!!! Lord, I still cant believe Aetna
approved me, one moment I am happy-the next terrified.I have these
thoughts racing through my head, that if anything happens, I just hope
my kids and grandkids remember how much I love them. My
sister has scheduled a trip to Italy for November. Thats the same
month I am having surgery. I am having a real hard time deciding
whether I should tell her about the surgery and have her worry. She is
against the surgery, so chances are I wont say a thing.!!
10-15-2005 Damn the timing of it all, I just talked to my sister and
she leaves for Italy two days before my surgery. I havent told her I
am even having the surgery, and wont because it will just worry her,
and she might even cancel her trip. She needs this vacation to relax.
Lord, its you and I on this one. I will have to let my Mother and my
brother as my guardian angels in the operating room, what better ones
could I ask for?
10-31-2005 Wow only 6 days and a wake up till surgery. I am having
some sleepless nights. I get up at all hours to visit this site and
read all I can about the surgery. I think I am totally obessed with
getting this surgery over with. I am looking forward to my new life
and getting on with it. I dont want my life centered around eating and
the lack of it, I hope to achieve a comfortable balance with food. It
seems like since a year ago I have been on a mission to achieve this,
and now I am so close to surgery! I am looking forward to the time
away from work, just to clear my head from the stress there, I will
take days off anyway I can get them at this point. You know it doesnt
matter how hard I work to loose weight, I always manage to pack it back
on. I am hoping this will be a permanent solution, I know it will mean
life long committment and work to make this surgery work for me.
11-17-2005 Yea...Im 10 days out from surgery and feeling so much
better. I am already off diabetes meds and high blood pressure meds.
The surgery was a bit more than I anticipated. I guess with my age, it
just a shock to the old system. As of today I am down approximately 13
pounds. This surgery probably saved my life. I will always be
eternally grateful to my lord and saviour, aetna insurance and Dr.
Russell for the opportunity to have this life saving surgery. All
things in God's perfect timing---PRAISE GOD!!!!
12-14-2005Hernia suck!. I threw up so hard, that I managed to tear
loose some of the healing tissue and give myself a brand new incisional
hernia. This monster hernia will need repair in around six months.The
pain I felt is so much worse than anything felt after WLS. So here ya
go guys anyone who thinks this surgery is the easy way out, needs to
stop and think before they speak.<
12-23-2005 I am now down almost 30 pounds and thrilled. Its so close to
the holidays that I have been exposed to all kind of food and sweets at
work. Today I had several cookies, I just refuse to sweat about it.
Its the holidays and being human, I caved in and enjoyed a few sweets.
I will make up for it after the first of the year.
January 28,2006 I have fought like H--- to get down to 215. The
battle continues I am adjusting to this new tool of weightloss. I
still dont regret getting the VBG and losing slowly. I honestly think
it is healthier for me in the long run. God is good all the time. My
best friend lost her husband last month, and I am trying to help her
along. She has been diagnosed manic depression and already had two
strokes on top of that, within the last year. I am incredibly busy and
exausted. Her sister is coming into town February 8 to hopefully
lighten the burden of her care.
March 13, 2006 The journey continues. I am a very slow looser and I
mean literallly. I have been concentrating on drinking as much water
as possible (without floating away) I think that alone is helping
things along. I see onederland in the not so distant future. I am
feeling pretty good, and dont miss the blood pressure and diabetic
medicine at all. The surgeon want to schedule the hernia repair
surgery and I suggested the Fall, because I am not up to another
surgery. He says that he will tuck some of my stomach in when he does
that procedure. I still have to figure out how to get the pannilectomy
approved by insurance. As that seems to be my biggest problem and
creating backpain from dragging all that around. I knew going into
surgery that the "panni" surgery was not going to be an easy challenge
to get approved. I will manage some how. Because I have come to far
now not to get that done. The VBG surgery works, but you have to make
it work. Because the surgery itself is only a tool. I am so thankful
that I saw a nutritionist and know what I need to do nutritional to
help things along
3-17-2007 The long awaited incisional surgery day is finally here. I got this hernia 5 weeks out from my original surgery in 2005. Throwing up brocolli and baked fish saw hard that it ripped out stitches from new surgery. The hernia has now grown to volleyball size and so huge it has taken on a life of its own. So I went in for surgery this day to correct the problem, my honey from Texas came up to take care of me and stayed the whole time I was in hospital (slept on floor of hospital) and took care of me for a week when I got home. I am forever grateful to this man that I love. My angel baby!
The doctor did another liver biopsy and I still have unexplained mild liver damage brought on by ?????? Maybe diabetes and maybe from years of being fat or possibly environmental factors. I can never take tylenol, ibuprofen etc. I had the full line of tests for any type of hepatitis exposure, autoimmune disease etc and those tests just came out clean. So guess I will just live with damage and hope it stops where it is. Forget about ever drinking any more alcohol, not like I drank a lot any way. I have to take yearly blood tests and keep tabs on the old liver to see what its up to.
Hernia Reapir Surgery 3-20-2007
Portia Nelson’s “Autobiography in Five Short Chapters,”
Chapter 1
I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in
I am lost…I am helpless
It isn’t my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.
Chapter 2
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don’t see it.
I fall in again.
I can’t believe I am in the same place
But, it isn’t my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.
Chapter 3
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in…it’s a habit.
My eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.
Chapter 4
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.
Chapter 5
I walk down another street.
9-18-2007 This food addiction thing is an a** kicker, I fight with it daily on my life long journey. Some days are just plain easier than others, today I just want to eat.......and thats just the way it is!
9-19-2007 Sometime I wish I had gone ahead and got the RNY and I believe the weight loss would have been somewhat easier. The dumping factor from sweets would have kept me on the straight and narrow. My doctor said with my liver condition the RNY surgery would probably have killed me, I guess that surgery is a lot harder on the body than the surgery I went with. Who knows? I am unbelievably hard on myself. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr............................................................. I need to be thankful for the weight loss I have achieved.
A person isn't finished when they're BEATEN . . .
A person is finished when they QUIT.
~ Anonymous
What my birthday means DECEMBER 8
You'll make it rich some day, even if you haven't figured out how yet.
A supreme individualist, you shouldn't get stuck in a corporate job.
Instead, make your own way - so that you can be the boss.
Your strength: Your undying determination
Your weakness: You require an opulent lifestyle
Your power color: Plum
Your power symbol: Dollar sign
Your power month: August
See my new blog spot at http://cathymcferrin.blogspot.com
