Dreema A.
Gala
Feb 08, 2009
The evening was wonderful, to see so many people which was committed to changing their lives. The before and after pictures displayed was so amazing. My two angels Bill Parks and Bill Mills do not even look like the same people. Both guys were dressed in tuxs and looked like they had just step out of GQ. Bill Parks had a beautiful red cumberbund and tie. He had just completed his plastic surgery and was so trim and his suit fit him perfectly. Bill Mills, as always looked so confident and handsome. He has lost so much weight, his wife tells people he is half the man he used to be. (smile)
Dr Marema was not himself at the Gala. As he spoke of all the succuss stories, he ask people to please keep in our thoughts a patient that was having a very hard time. I have followed this gentlemen for a while and my heart is breaking. He started at over 500 pounds. He lost a bunch of weight before surgery and stop smoking at the same time. He is now in surgery ICU and needs all our prayers. I will attempt to keep you posted.
I am getting ready to travel to West Virginia on Wednesday due to my Mothers death on New Years day. I will keep in touch, I will need you most at this time of travel. I am sure my stress level will be higher. Dr Marema told me... "Don't eat junk" I smiled and thought ... I hope he knows that I wouldn't do that.
Stay on healthy,
Hugs,
Dreema aka Shelley
I'ts Been a Long Time Since An Update
Feb 02, 2009
Our group has a member which owns a clothing exchange and it makes it really handy, so you don't have to buy new clothes that you are going to be out of in weeks. They are moving to a bigger location this week and I can't wait to take up some of my clothes and get some new ones.
I see Dr Marema this Thursday and I am eager to see what he has to say.... I want to travel out of state and want to have a good report.
I am going to attempt to be better about keeping you updated.... Hope everyone is doing great.
Bunches of Hugs.,
Sunday, Almost A Week Since My Surgery
Nov 08, 2008
I am struggling to get all my protein and fluids in each day. The vitamins are a real struggle. They seem to tell my stomach a message of anger (smile)
I am a lil overwhelmed with getting my day to become normal, but this soon will pass.
It's Monday!
Nov 01, 2008
I really do not know how to feel... Excited or fearful. Tommorrow is my day and Iam so confused. I can't remember being this scared. I keep on thinking it will be over soon and the pain will be gone, I hope! I having a revision and I know this is different.
I so overwhelmed and trying to drink all my fluid. I think right now that is the hardest.
Please remember me in your prayers.
I will write more when I get home.
Shelley
The Journey Starts Again
Sep 30, 2008
Here we go again. I rush and jumped through all the hoops in February and the hospital did not have their Cetificate of Exellence. They have it now and all my certifications are over six months and must be done over. So now, I have my GP letter of necessisty and have had my EKG. Friday I have all my Pulmonary test over again plus all my blood test and a chest x-ray. If all the reports gets completed on time, I suppose my surgery will be October 20th. I still have classes to do, so it will be a busy month. I have so many mixed feelings. One is that it really isn't going to happen. Is this normal? Oh well, time will tell.
Sorry I Haven't Written But Life Has Been Rough
Sep 23, 2008
I do believe that the lose of this weight will improve most that seems to be popping up right now.
I have to complete my ekg, blood test, and chest x-ray as my next step for my surgery.
I will attempt to keep you more in touch with the happenings in this confusing time in my life.
Going Out To Dinner Without Going To The Golden Trough.
Feb 09, 2008
Friday, February 8, 2008
Today was a real success !!!! Paul and I went to Jacksonville to meet with friends for dinner. I was very fortunate to have be ask where I would like to go. I chose Red Lobster.
I was able to avoid the biscuits.!!!! I order broiled flounder, rice and broccoli. This met my dinner requirements except for a tablespoon of olive oil. I was so thrilled!!! On top of that I was the last one finished. I can’t believe I was so ecstatic about this simple thing. Now, I am off to my next adventure.
My First Meeting At Florida Hospital
Feb 09, 2008
Thursday, February 7, 2008
I finally got to attend my first seminar with Dr Marema and my friend, Bill invited Paul & I to the monthly support group meeting that followed. I found it very interesting and I learned numerous things. I did discover that since beginning my pre-op protocol on last Monday, I have lost several pounds. Dr Marema was asked to speak to the Florida Senate on the subject of obesity and shared many areas under discussion o the group.
THE DAY OF SIX MEALS
Feb 04, 2008
February 4, 2008
Today is my first day of attempting to get six meals in to my daily routine. I felt like all I did was eat.
I feel I need to start earlier in the day. So going to bed early and getting my rear out of bed at a decent time is my next goal. Retirement has given me the opportunity to sleep in and become a cuddle bug with my Doberman as noon approaches.
Again, I must commend Paul in his support. He measured all my food and packaged or vacuum sealed in individual servings. Now if I could have him drink my water 
. I am going to have trouble getting all my water in. 100 ounces seems to be a lake….. I did manage 48 ounces of water and all of those 8 ounces of protein drinks. I believe I had three today.
Well, tomorrow I am going to attempt to do some housework and eat in the same day. 
First Steps Are A Struggle
Feb 03, 2008
February 3, 2008
First Steps Are A Struggle
The reality harden as I prepare for starting my first step to my new life. Dr Marema has ask me to start on this Preoperative Nutrition Protocol Program ( can we all say DIET!) early rather than the usual two weeks before. The new plan of eating six meals a day is my first challenge. The vision stubbles though my mind of eating six snacks a day. I am researching protein drinks, what a mass of selections. This should be a search and destroy mission. I most likely will have shelves of unused items before I find the desirable one. I slowly, suggested to my husband that I travel to the grocery with him. He had planned to just pick up a few things and wouldn’t take a large amount time. WRONG!!! I traveled along and the trip was a real venture. He resorted to Aleve and demonstrate a lot of patience. As I pass through aisle after aisle checking sugar content, fat and sodium, I forgot one thing. Price!!!!! And the Time!!! I bought fresh vegetables and fruit with little concern. I did attempt to select the lunch box size of fruit and small amounts of both. Four ounces of each is a small portion and I am sure I have overstocked for my first trip. After finishing the chore and my lesson of good shopping, I departed the store with my scooter while Paul (my Hubby) moved to the check out cashier. As he approached the van pushing an absolutely full and over flowing basket of bags of shopping, I struggled to ask “How much did we spend?” His face turned a little pale and he looked away as he was just too busy to answer. The groceries were soon tucked away in their usual spot in the van as Paul moved slowly and painfully into the drivers seat. I again asked “How much did we spent” he reluctantly and gradually with not allowing for a momentary look, he said “one hundred eighty dollars”. Oh my goodness! I could not believe, I had put my hubby through all of this pain of walking on his injured ankle and now I realized he was now broke! I do know he loves me and will do anything for me but today was an example of what a great guy he is and the first demonstration of the support he is willing to give. How lucky I am to have found this man so late in life.
The lessons I have learned today to share is try to not get carried away. Start slow and gain knowledge of the correct amount and items you really want. Can you believe I bought a can of dill green beans? I wanted to think out of the box and really look for variety. Now, I know I will not starve and the next week will be a fact gathering undertaking on preparation.
