blessednblu
Hmmm... Where to begin, where to begin... I started my WLS journey back in 1998, researching the various procedures, deciding to do it, then not do it, then do it... You guys know how it goes! In August 2002, I was 242 pounds, having gained 10 pounds in three weeks from the blood pressure medicine I was taking, had asthma, lower back pain, the worst knees on earth, and the burden of fear for my life. I decided that enough was truly enough. The only way to get better was to take the step that could, very possibly, be my last step. I found a doctor in Rock Hill, SC and decided to go to my PCP to discuss my decision to have WLS. I was armed with all my information. I had a binder filled with statistics. I was ready to do battle. I told her I was interested in having weight loss surgery... and you know what she SAID?!?! She said she fully supported my decision and did she want me to have her refer me to a specialist. I told her I'd already chosen one and gave her the name of Corey Craine. I was on my way!! I went to see Dr. Craine and he said I was a good candidate. He prepared a letter to request auth for the procedure, I prepared a letter to provide the more "human" side of the need I had, AND my PCP prepared a letter to submit on my behalf as well. Everything went fabulously!! I got my authorization and called the doctor's office to let them know. They told me that they had the following Tuesday available for me to have the surgery!!! OMG!!! It happened so quickly!! It was the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, Nov. 26, 2002.
After the surgery is when the true journey began. The real work was still ahead for me. My doctor was very conservative in his approach. He had me stay in the hospital for an entire week. I was on clears for two weeks, fulls for two weeks, softs for one week, and then I was cleared to begin eating regular food. I was SO happy to get some real food in my mouth! 
My doctor considered me a textbook case. By my birthday, 10/18/03, I'd lost 102 lbs.! It was the best present I could ever hope to have. I started out 263 pounds and was down to 161! I couldn't believe it!
It's six years later now and I am still doing well. I tend to hang around between 165 and 170. I am FINALLY preparing to have plastic surgery to remove the redundant skin. I can't even pretend that it's medically necessary, so I'm working on the finances now.
I wondered many times how my life would be different after the surgery. I wondered how things would change. You know what? They really didn't. It wasn't some miracle that made everything in my life better. It didn't make anyone love me more or think more of me. I was fortunate enough to meet the man with whom I will spend the rest of my life, but that relationship has been hard work as they all are. I'm not richer, except in experience and love. I'm not smarter, except in the knowledge that God has blessed truly blessed me. I'm not prettier, except for the greater love I have for me, making my soul more beautiful.
I wouldn't have it any other way. This is a harrowing journey and there were moments of difficulty, of frustration, of discomfort, of just flat-out anger. I wouldn't have it any other way. I know I wouldn't be who I am now had I not gone through those things. Who could ask for more than health of the body and mind and love of the heart and soul? Not I... not I...
