annamango
My story sounds like so may others that I have read - a life time struggle with food and my weight.
I was chunky as a child but managed to control my weight through intense exercise and vigilance. I was a competitive swimmer, diver and gymnast. I ate half what the other children ate and I was still heavy. I knew that if I relaxed my eating, the pounds would pile on . Each time I took a break from swimming I would instantly gain 10 lbs. I did not understand how this could happen as I was not eating any more than anyone else, but learned to be very careful about what I ate...it was frightening none the less.
My grandmother, mother and all of her sibling were obese. I thought I could avoid their fate through exercise and food control...well it did not work out that way..
I joined Weight Watchers with my mom when I was 11 years old and I lost about 10 lbs. This was helpful because I learned about nutrition. I rejoined Weight Watchers many , times and always learned more about nutrition and healthy eating.
For years, I was borderline overweight. I was never slim... I always exercised..I am one of the few people who love to exercise. I walk, do aerobics, swim, and right now I am addicted to Yoga and Zumba. I find exercise reduces stress and I need that !!
Despite all of my knowledge of nutrition and exercise, I have continued to gain weight...no matter what I have done...except for one year.
A few years ago my sister in law died, and I became sad and I stopped eating. When I noticed that I did not have any appetite, I tried to eat a high protein diet with almost no carbs . Amazingly, I started to lose weight. I stuck with this diet for a year. It felt easy. Then I started to slide and eat carbs again and slowly the weight started to pile on again ...and I put on even more weight.
I was terribly fatigued. I found myself sleeping all day. My doctor though it was depression. I knew it was not depression because I was already being treated for depression - on two meds - and this did not feel like depression. This went on for several years...It turned out I had several things wrong and if I had not pushed my doctor , none of them would have been discovered. First I had a low Vit D level. When this was treated, I felt better. I I also had Subclinical Hypothyroid...my TSH was normal but T3 and free T4 were low. The last thing I found was that I have OSA ( obstructive Sleep Apnea).
All of this took a number of years to figure out.. I know that my mom's side of the family also suffered from these diseases / disorders and ended up with many more problems like...heart arrhythmias, coronary artery disease and I decided...enough! Lets try to get to the root of the problem...which is the obesity. I have been fighting this all my life , but I need some help. Hopefully the VSG will be the assistance I need to fight this battle.
So I started trying to figure out how to get this surgery. My BMI was 31.1. No insurance will pay even with the comorbities of sleep apnea, hypertension, elevated cholesterol and borderline diabetes...and I did not want to wait 10 years for when I would reach to point that I would qualify....so I knew I would have to pay out of pocket...and that is what I have done.
I found a surgeon Dr. Thomas Lavin in Louisiana who was willing to help me out. Six days ago, I had the surgery. Dr. Lavin was fantastic. He explained everything to me. He gave me his cell phone so that I can call him anytime with questions if I have any problems. I live outside of Louisiana so I will have to keep in touch with his office for check ups. I also realize how important follow up and follow through is for success.
I do want to mention that one of the members of Obestity Help made my stay and my recovery so much better...and I want to THANK HER !!! THANK YOU IHEARTTENNIS!!!
I met her in the office of Dr. Lavin before my surgery and when she heard that I had no family member to accompany me to Louisiana for the surgery -she adopted me! She drove me to my Pre op appointment. Later that day , she called me before surgery . She visited me after surgery and drove me to my hotel when I was discharged , and drove me to the airport when it was time to leave. She offered advice and encouragement throughout. She was even better than a family member because she had just had the VSG 4 weeks before! She was amazing!!! She made the whole experience so much easier...I cannot express my thanks enough!!!
Thank you!
Thank you!
I hope I can return the favor for you or someone else!
Annamango
