2fun 2quit
I am 38 and the mother of two teenage boys. I have been wrestling with my weight since I was in the fourth grade. I was the chubby girl in elementary school and the big girl in high school then "you have such a pretty face" as an adult. My decision to have WLS started only as a thought about mid May 2002. I have tried every DIET known to man and have failed at each and every one. Losing up to 16 pounds only to gain it back plus more. I have had more than a few humiliating experiences to remind me that size does matter. So around May, I started really persuing the option of WLS. I only told choice people about it. My husband and children weren't among those chosen few. I had a consultation with my surgeon July 19th 2002 and by the end of August, I was APPROVED for surgery. Next, I told my family and the support was negative. Mainly, due to the fact it meant surgery and I had a sister whom passed away 1-2002 from complications of a surgery. So, I told them, I wouldn't do it. However, I never stopped thinking about it. Then after a business trip to Washington DC in early October and the overwhelming shows, documentaries and personal reflecting, I decided to have the surgery. This time when I presented it to my husband and children, I didn't give them the option of giving me their views. I told them, this is what I was going to do for ME.. It has been a lifelong battle and I need this. And with that, I called the surgeon's office and scheduled my surgery which is January 24, 2003 and I can't wait. Since I have decided, I have talked people whom have been very very informative and helpful. I have become obsessed with the thought of the NEW ME! I have been on this website everyday for hours at a time. I am not nervous or scared. I know my life is in the hands of my maker and HE will guide the hands of my surgeon. My faith and belief in GOD have made this process an exciting journey and I look forward to taking part in the many many things my weight has limited me from doing.
10/22/03 Well I haven't updated my profile in alllllllong time. I did upddate on the message board right after surgery but after that, as you can tell, it's been awhile. So, I will give you my progress.
My surgery went without complication and my time at home was very boring. I can't tell you how tired I was from sleeping in a chair and on the couch. And eating yogurt and applesauce. My two week check up was exciting. I lost 22 pounds!!!! I started noticing my weight loss in my face and shoulders. I went back to work after three weeks and was so glad. Everyone was so excited to see me. Then, I slowly started eating and things were agreeing with me so much, that I was eating from my old habits: cake, cookies, pie, bread. So when I went back to the doctor for a check up, I was devastated. I lost only 2 pounds in a month. That was a wake up call to me to get my butt on track. So I started doing what I was suppose to do and started losing. I joined Curves in April and started working out. Anyway, my journey has been filled with dropping off my program and exercising and picking back up. I have had a severe case of constipation off and on since May and I think I finally am getting it worked out. I have had to go on iron supplements as my hemoglobin has gone from 12 pre-op to 7.8. But the amazing thing is, I have been loosing and going down slowly but steadily. I'm amazed at how I look and the size of clothing that I can wear. I am exciting about seeing people who know me but don't recognize me. LOL.. anyway I will not make this to long and will try and be faithful to updating my progress on a regular basis....WHAT A FUN TIME I'M HAVING IN MY NEW LIFE!!!
starting clothes size 26/28
current clothes size 16/18
starting weight 1/17/03 pre-op physical........316
day of surgery 1/24/03........................312
2 week check-up 2/7/03.........................290
Curves weigh in 3/15/03........................283
Curves weigh in 4/5/03.........................271.5
Curves weigh in 5/2/03.........................260
Curves weigh in 6/25/03........................240.5
Curves weigh in 7/14/03........................234.5
Curves weigh in 8/11/03........................225
Curves weigh in 9/17/03........................209
Curves weigh in 10/20/03.......................205.5
Curves weigh in 12/1/03........................189
Curves weigh in 2/12/04........................176
12/5/03...HOORAY FOR ME!!!!!!!!!!!
I am finally out of the 200 pound range and am 54 pounds from goal!!!!!!!!!! I currently wear a size 16 pant and a large shirt!!! I am SOOOOOOOOOO excited. My goal is to be at my goal weight of 135 by my anniversary date: 1/24/04. Wish me success. This journey has been remarkable. The looks, comments I get are funny. I get hit on all the time by people to saw me HEAVY but don't reconize me now. HEHE!!
2/16/04 Well it's been a while since I've updated so I thought I'd do so. I had been not doing what I should have been doing as far as exercising and sticking to eating right so my weight lose is moving slow. I'd hoped to have been at goal by now but due to my own fault, I'm not quite there yet. I said I wanted to get to 135, however, I'm looking less than the 176 because of my height, so i'm not sure 135 is a healthy looking weight. I'll see what I look like at 160 and if I start to look unhealthy, I'm going to try to maintain that weight. I wear a size 14 pant and a large shirt and I am HAPPY with the way I look in my clothes. I was DENIED a TT from BCBS but I am ok with it. I don't think I'll appeal it. I do know I am having fun right now in life with this new body and can't wait for summer to get here and all the cute clothes I'll be able to wear.
12-31-04 WOW!! it's been a long time since I've updated my profile. I am almost 2yrs post op (1-24-05) am still haven't reached where I want to be. I have been down to 163 and have gained pounds and am back to 170.5. I have no one but myself to thank for this long process. I have been grazing like a COW!!!!. I am getting back to the things that made my weight lose successful: excerising, journaling and recording my weight. Hopefully, this will get me refocused. My weight has been on a rollercoaster since about August and I haven't been able to get it back into controll. I have gone way back into my old eating habits and each week I say OK I'm going to start over and get back on track. Then, each week, I blow it and I'm back to grazing. I did start journaling like I said earlier and that has helped alittle. I have given myself until the end of January 2005 to get down to my goal weight of 145-155. Hopefully, it will be done.
Photos
 316 day before surgery 1/23/03 |
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 189 taken 11/28/03 (Boy what a difference) |
Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: Donald Jacobs, M.D.
My first impression of Dr. Jacobs was very good. He made me feel very comfortable and answered many of my questions I had written down before I could ask them. His nurse, Becky was also very friendly and returned all of my calls promptly. Dr. Jacobs explained the surgery in terms that I could understand. However, to be honest, I am going to make another appointment with him before my surgery to ask more questions. I have found that I would like more questions answered due to the information I've read on this site and another very good site. I am looking forward to new experiences and my trust is in GOD and I know that he will guide the hands of my doctor.
Insurer Info:
BCBS, PPO
After the first initial letter was sent back in July 2002, I waited the 30 days and after not hearing from them or the doctors office, I contacted my doctor's office and spoke to the nurse. She gave my the date she sent the letter to BCBS. I then call the insurance company with the above info and they indicated they didn't receive any information. So, I again contacted my doctor's office and Becky advised she would send it again. Within 2 weeks, I received my approval letter.
About Me
Before & After
rollover to see after photo
