ObesityHelp

                                                                                                                   

8/29/06

Allow me to properly introduce myself.  My name is Gale W. Dean and I am a native Floridian - "born and raised in the county of Dade".  I am employed with one of the country's largest school districts.  I am both a wife and mother of two wonderfully -created children.  I currently weigh approximately 293lbs on a 5'6" frame.  Based on my height, I'd like to think I wear it well.

My reasons for wanting the surgery are few.  First of all, I would like to recapture my waistline which has some how disappeared over the last eight years.  Secondly, to have the energy to keep up with my 6-year-old and 12 month-old boys.  And lastly, to stop waking up gagging because of Reflux.  OH, OH, just one more reason: to ROCK MY HUSBAND'S WOOORLD!!!(Know what'a I mean?!.)

It's amazing how pictures tell the true story. It wasn't until four plus years ago when I saw a bodyshot that blew me out the water.  Just recently I took a photo that reminded me why I had stop "posing for the camera".  You're talking about a lady who was never a stranger to a camera let alone having qualms with striking a pose.  No, I'm not saying that I was ever Ms. 5-7-9, but I was once very comfortable with being between 165-185lbs.

I must admit that I've been researching WLS now for about five years. Since then, I've had a breast reduction and a second child. 
Which brings me to this point.

In my life I've had three major surgeries - two C-Sections and "the reduction".  Both deliveries went without any major complications - thanks be to God!!!  However, the breast reduction is what has left my confidence unnerved.  This procedure nearly costed me my life!  Because my physician was deemed so "important", he left the country immediately following my surgery. (I later learned that the actual procedure was performed by the medical fellow.) Along with his poor bedside manners was a staff who was unprepared to deal with post-operative complications.  Needless to say, I developed an infection that left a gaping hole in my breast and required a blood tranfusion.  I spent 12 days in the hospital (during the Christmas holiday - what a bomber!!!)  and THREE MONTHS going through rehab.  So I'd say, I have reason to be scornful of WLS.

But they're different, right?  Once again I'd say, some folk would argue "What do you expect when you're tampering with God's creation?"  Well nearly three years later, I'm ready to cross over and re-define what folk "think".  I will not and do not accept that it is the will of God to defy the temple of the Lord by subcoming to a disease that only handicaps your ability to serve Him completely while shortening your lifespan.  Sis'ta Thick-Bone is ready to become Sis'ta T-Bone (LOL).

Our district's insurance finally approves WLS after denying it for the last three years - can you imagine, one of the most stressful professions (educators) refuse to consider obesity as a medical necessity.  I guess that's a good thing, because now I'M READY!!!  I will keep you posted as I get closer to my approval. We have many hoops to jump through in order to be approved by United Healthcare.  Did I mention that my sister is the culprit behind motivating me to get my butt in motion?  Therefore, together we'll be going through the motion as Simese twins:)