Denice476
12/02/04
Yikes it's been almost two months since I last updated my page. Life is great what can I say. This surgery is one of the best decisions I have EVER made. I can now start believing that I'm never going back to that old me. I'm starting to feel comfortable in my new skin (and there is LOTS of it).
Tim is doing remarkably well. I hate men they just stop looking at food and loose weight! He has lost probably close to 140 pounds since May! GRRR We are all so very proud of him. He seems to be doing better to and getting into the groove of this new way of life.
Life has been busy on our end, Tim continues to attend seminary and is now working at Best Buy in the Appliance section. He really seems to love it.
My work has taken me overseas and back several times but glad to me at home again.
I am now finally in the NORMAL range and actually just a hint below. Size 6 petite fit and not just one cloth maker but multiple. You know in the beginning I told myself it was that clothes designer, because I couldn't believe I was actually in a 6. I've even gotten a 4 on. Now that's a designer thing still!
I look in the mirror and sometimes cry because I just can not believe what a wonderful and miraculous gift this has been. I get angry with myself sometimes that I didn't do it sooner and then am grateful that I had the ability to do it now.
For the past 6 months or so I've been dealing with some neurological difficulties in my foot and knee. I do have some damage according the Dr. this maybe from surgery but probably not. It could be from vitamin deficiencies but probably not. When I went to see the neurologist he said to me you know this surgery has some trade offs, there are pluses and minuses. I said if the one minus I get is that me foot is wobbly and numbs sometimes I'll take that minus any day over the list of illnesses before.
This is been such a great ride! I'm so proud to know all of you on this board and site. What a gift all of you are to me. Thank you for your ongoing friendship and support. And if you know me, I never say goodbye without thanking the ONE who made it all possible, Jesus. Thanks bud!
Denice
330-133 (-197 gone forever!)
07/14/03
Dr. Chuck Svendsen
Methodist
10/05/04
Okay I've been bad and haven't post. You know when the weight loss slows down the updates do to.
In the past few months I've been riding the scale up and down either way about 3 pounds. Today I was 139 but tomorrow I'll probably be back at 141. Here's the fun part IT DOESN'T BOTHER ME. No seriously it doesn't. I'm just so pleased and thankful for where I am at that it doesn't get me going nuts. It would have prior to surgery. I would start getting nervous that I was gaining weight -- OH my goodness. But it doesn't anymore. Not sure why but my hunch is I know that I'm never going back, I can do this with this tool. All other tools didn't work very well but this will I'm sure. And I've made my mind up not go back.
So overall I've lost 191 if you count today! I had set my first goal at 150 and when I past that, well everything else has been just icing on the cake (so to speak).
This site is such a blessing. I'm so encourage everyday by each and everyone on this site. You are all my inspiration.
I can't end my monthly update without thanking the one who has guided me through this wonderful journey - Jesus! Thanks Friend for being there with me every step of the way.
Denice
330-139
-191
07-13-03
Dr. Chuck Svendsen
Park Nicollet/Methodist
08/18/04
13 months have gone by since my surgery and what a wonderful time it has been. This surgery has saved my life I know it now.
This morning I got on the scale and was at 141 I couldn't believe it. My size 12's are now getting bigger!
Back in December I surprised my daughter with buying the same pair of jeans she had (but only in a lot bigger size (they were 24's). She was totally embarrassed but oh well she was 14. I made her wear them at Christmas and for the first time in her life we dressed a like!! I always wanted to do this. Well just other day, while going through her closet, I found her pair of jeans, so I tried them on!! They FIT. They are a junior's size 9. She was willing to give them to me because she doesn't wear them anymore, because I have the same pair, teenage thing!
It's times like these that are so awesome. Now my mind starts wondering on how I can keep this up! A little fear as crept in about "what if I can't stay at this weight or if I start gaining". I've lost the pounds so many times but only to add it all back and more. So I think this is my next mind game hurdle that I need to deal with. I know it's not going to be easy and it's still work to keep it off but it makes me a little nervous these days.
I feel so totally blessed by all of you on this site. What a wonderful group of people you are and totally supportive to everyone you meet. This site has done so much for and I want to thank all of you who continue to encourage everyone and me.
As you know it wouldn't be a post from me if I didn't thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. For without Him I certainly couldn't have done what I've done.
Blessings to each of you! Yippeee I'm almost to a Normal BMI!! Only a few more pounds. Life is certainly good these days.
Denice
07/13/04
330-141
-189
Dr. Chuck Svendsen
Park Nicollet/Methodist
07/15/04
Okay it's been almost two months since I put anything in my journal here. Naughty me! I'm always telling everyone to write, write, write!
So yesterday was my one year anniversary. Wow it's so hard to believe. I AM SO happy that I had this surgery. My life has changed so much for the better. I'm actually (starting) to have a difficult time remembering how it "felt" to be 330 pounds. My head still thinks I'm that big. I still find myself thinking oh. I can't do that or I won't fit into that. Then I remember YES YOU WILL!!
Last week we were at our family lake home and I was able to go out with my 15-year-old daughter and ride the go-carts. These mind you, where not powered by engines, but by legs. I haven't had that much fun in years! We laughed so hard going around the course.
I had my 1 year check up yesterday with the my nurse Barb (who is just simply the best). According to their records I'm down 162 pounds and have lost 22 inches from my waste and 22 inches from my hips. Wow that's almost two feet around!! Now I have a different amount, I have an additional 14 pounds or so that there records don't show. So this morning on my scale I was 149 that in total for me is 181 pounds gone. That's more than one person!
As I mentioned, we were on vacation at my husbands parents lake home. In one our closet my mother in law had her full-length mink. Now mind you, my Mother in law is a size 10 or so. So for fun I tried it on. IT FIT! I really thought for a minute it wouldn't, just because it is hard to comprehend some days. So I walked out to the living room with it on. I thought my mother-in-law was going to start crying. She was so excited; she thought she should give it to me. I said no, BUT I might want to borrow it sometime. Gee what a feeling that was.
In the midst of all this fun, there is also lost. We all lost Paula, AKA Momma Angel. I can't express how emotionally upset I was when I learned that she had gone home to be with the Lord. She was the first person to post on my page and she was my support pre-opt and post opt. There will never be anyone like her again. It was because of her kindness and love that I knew I needed to give back to others as she had given to me. So thank you Paula I know that Jesus' shining face is upon you and you heard well done my faithful servant.
I think my daughter is getting better with the weight loss. At first it was a change for her. Especially when I was in her closet looking for clothes. Yippee. She has cute clothes I bought most of them for her!
Tim is doing great. He has lost probably 80 pounds since May 7. I hate men! Why can they loose so fast? No seriously, I'm very proud and excited for him. You can already see a huge change in him!
I saw my dietician last month and she said I didn't have to come back anymore, "you are doing well, call if you need me." Then she said, you know we need to start thinking about if you begin to loose too much. I said LOOSE TOO MUCH! NO way. You know after being 200 pounds over weight, loosing too much just doesn't compute in my head. How could I loose too much? So after I stopped laughing, she said seriously, you shouldn't go below 120. Yeah right, like if I'm going to get there! Well maybe.....I will. I continue to be surprised everyday how this surgery has changed my life.
Okay so the weight loss is slowing down. Since my last post I only lost 12 pounds. Then I think ONLY!! Are you nuts, that a lot? Sometimes I struggled for months to loose even 5 pounds. But compared to 30 a month -- well I'm happy I don't have to loose that much anymore!
It is so fun to run into people who haven't seen me in awhile. I had a family wedding in May and some of my relatives who hadn't seen me in over a year didn't know me. They came up saying... gee we didn't recognize you! You look great. Today, I was at an association meeting where most people hadn't seen me for a year or so, many of them looked right past me, until I said HI! Then it was OH MY GOD, you look great. My first thing out of mouth is I HAD SURGERY!! I want people to know that the surgery was instrumental in my success. Yes I worked hard but without it I would not be here today.
So, life is good. I feel great. I wouldn't change anything. I have a wonderful supportive family and of course have all my AMOS friends. I couldn't do it without you. And I can't leave without thanking and giving praise to Jesus for all HE has done for me. Thank you Lord for your faithfullness.
Here's to the next year... let's see what it will bring.
Denice
330/149
-181
07-14-03
Dr. Svendsen
Park Nicollet/Methodist Hospital
05/17/04
Another month has come and gone, and what a month it has been! I've lost another 10 pounds and get this my BMI calculator now says..... moderately overweight.... and I'm NOT eligible for bar iatric surgery. Okay this is way too fun!
I've noticed in the past few months that I'm able to eat more but I'm still only at about 1/2 cup at the very most. I still stick pretty much to protein with ALOT of seafood. It still is the best option for me.
One of the best things that have come out of this surgery is all the new friends I have been able to meet. I love talking with people about this surgery! It is such a privilege to be able to do this. I could do it full time I think. Anyone want to pay me?? Okay it was worth a try......
As many of you know, my husband, Tim has joined the ranks of "LOOSERS". He had his surgery May 7 and after a few ups and downs is now doing great. You know how we all say "each of us are different” well let me tell you men react completely different to the surgery than woman. He is never sick to his stomach --GRRH, or feels like throwing up, he can drink easily with very little discomfort and so on. Okay do you hear a little jealousy? Well maybe. No, actually I am very proud and happy for him this will change his life. That's one thing I'm sure is the same for ALL of us.
I'm now in sizes 14 and some 12's. It is so hard to comprehend this! I still look at the larger sizes and then I need to hit myself on the head and say that's too big! It just all takes time to relearn.
I will be working on getting an updated picture. I've lost another 60 pounds since the last picture. 60 pounds is allot I guess.
Thanks to all of you on this site. Your support and encouragement brings fun into my life when sometimes life doesn't seem so fun.
And of course I will always give all the credit for this surgery to the one who gave me the idea. GOD! And for you Christians out there who someone has told you that this surgery isn't of GOD, drop me a line. We can talk. So thanks Jesus for being there and supporting me and encouraging me.
Denice
330-163
-167
Dr. Chuck Svendsen/Park Nicollet
Methodist Hospital
04/10/04
Just dawned on me that I should do my monthly update. This is my 9th month since surgery. I am down another 17 pounds since last month! I had a week of very quick loss this month. It was really fun. I have been noticing the inches coming off more than my weight going down.
So to date I've lost 157 pounds. That just floors me. I feel so blessed to have had this surgery and to have had minimal side effects.
My husband is also on the road to his surgery date. We just found out that it's delayed a week. We were a little bummed but all works out for the best. We leave it in Jesus' hands. He does a much better job with it then us.
I'm getting excited that soon Tim will be able to start doing more. He has terrible asthma and breathing problems that movement is VERY difficult for him. So I can't wait to see him up and moving and doing things he loves to do.
Overall, things are going great. My body, is feeling so much better I just wish my mind would catch up to my body. In my head I'm still big. This is SO funny to me. Going into a store to buy clothes I will go to the largest sizes and then realize I'm not that big anymore. Shopping in the regular sizes, or looking through shirts in the larges is such foreign to me. BUT I'm getting use to it. Thanks to Lori!!
I feel so blessed that I have such wonderful WLS friends on this site. The Minnesota Message Board rocks! Yes, we practice Minnesota nice! Recently, we had a luncheon where we all met and discussed our lives. If you missed it WE WILL DO IT AGAIN. Probably sometime in July! Keep watching the message boards for more information.
Again, thank you to everyone. This site has been such a huge support for me during my journey. All my WLS friends -- thank you I'm blessed beyond for knowing you!
330-173
-157 pounds gone forever
07/14/03
Dr. Chuck Svendsen (Park Nicollet/Methodist)
03/04/04
Okay I haven't posted for a while so I thought I do one more update. Well the weight loss is starting to slow down. But I don't care because I'm still loosing. I do have loooong periods where I don't have any weight loss at all but for some reason that's not bothering me either. I know that I'm sooo much more healthier than before and I just feel better.
So many things are happening on the home front. My husband has just decided to have the surgery. Now how exciting is that. He is actually schedule for 4/30/04 with our family surgeon (like that?) Dr. Chuck Svendsen. Who I believe is just simply the best. When someone helps to change your life so radically as he has, you have to admire that!
I'm very proud of my husband for moving ahead with the surgery. In the beginning he was totally against the surgery. I think by watching me and others he has come to the conclusion that the surgery is great.
Recently, I've had more opportunities to work with people who are thinking about the surgery. Now you all know that I have a strong faith so I believe this is God bringing people to me, so I can spread the blessings that has been given to me. Several people from my church, work and just friends have had questions. I love talking about how the surgery has changed my life. How couldn't I be?
As many of you know one of our local WLS AMOS friends, Hanna Gjerde, recently had surgery but is now dealing with some severe complications. Praise God that she is stable and is improving everyday. Hanna has been a very special person in my life and she is on of those wonderful people I've been able to share my love of this surgery with. Hanna is one of the most courageous young women I've met in a long time. If I was her mom (and mind you I'm old enough to be!) I'd be so blessed to call her daughter. I get the privilege to call her friend. Hanna we are all pulling for ya!! Keep up the good work and get back on line WE MISS YA.
I just love shrinking into smaller sizes. That is so COOL. At work my nickname is The Amazing shrinking woman. But gosh it can get a little expensive. Nice thing about it -- smaller sizes are cheaper. That use to bother me when I was large. Now I think it's great.
I'm now down to 190 as of this morning. That brings the total to 140 pounds. My goodness that's a whole person. That is more than I should weigh in total!! If I was to stop loosing tomorrow I think I would be okay. Because I feel so much better. I can't believe it I can walk up several flights of stairs and not have a burning sensation in my legs for several days and not able to move. That in itself is a huge blessing.
Anyways I think I can stop now. I'm so proud of all the wonderful people on this site. It has been such a wonderful support and inspiration for me. It's so great to read about people who are going through what you are going through. It's so reassuring to have others reassure you! And as always, I thank Jesus for making all of this possible. All glory and honor is HIS.
02/02/04
It's hard to believe another whole month has gone by and now it's been 6 1/2 months since my surgery. I must say that I'm beginning to understand that things don't necessarily get easier as time goes on. I'm feeling so much better, but my iron is down so I have to make an extra effort on keeping that up. Iron is that one thing I seem to miss because it causes such havoc in my system. But I'm going to try different types hopefully this will help with the side effects.
I'm down another 14 pounds since last month. I seem to be right at 15 pounds a month now. That just fine with me. However, last month I had a good two weeks were the scale never moved. But it didn't bother me. Why? I think it's because I don't feel I'm depriving myself of anything. I'm not starving all the time which use to lead to a feeling of depression. Most importantly, I believe it's because I've made my mind up that this is the last time I'm doing anything to loose weight. And finally, I have a great cheerleader on my side, God! He's there all the time cheering me on.
It's so fun now to be able to help those who are just deciding about WLS. I remember all the worries and concerns and now know what a life releasing miracle the surgery can be. I tell everyone I can about it.
I was at Lane Bryant this weekend, someone had given me a gift certificate for Christmas. I was trying on some tops. I actually had to go and get a 14/16 AND IT FIT. Can you believe that? Sometimes when I'm trying on clothes in the stores I stand in the changing room and just cry as I put on sizes I haven't been able to wear in years! Now I'm buying size 18 pants coming from a size 32 pant 18 seemed so far away.
Some of you might have seen a new name on the boards, Tim McMahon. If you’re wondering this is my husband. He is scheduled for surgery on April 30 with Dr. Svendsen at Methodist. I'm so excited for him. Watching him struggle everyday with breathing is difficult and frustrating. So there will be two losers in our home! Again, all thanks to Jesus who has helped each of us through this journey.
This site is so great and supportive. I enjoy reading and responding to everyone. Thanks ObesityHelp for being there and supporting all of us.
Denice
330-200
-130 (can you believe it?)
07/14/03
12/29/03
Well Christmas is over with and I must say it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I was able to really ignore the various foods that looked and smelled so great with little trouble. BOY I hope this continues forever. I really would hate to have to battle with this. But maybe if it does come back to want to eat everything in site I will have learned how not do it.
I was interesting to see how easy it is to slip back into old habits. I had a few instances where I knew I was being compulsive or just in a rush. Being in a rush just doesn't work anymore! This can be very frustrating.
Still I wouldn't change anything about the surgery. I would do it again in a heartbeat and even faster now that I know I can do it. I've lost 116 pounds since July 14. That is truly amazing to me. And I have said it before there is only One who is responsible for my success and it isn’t me! It's all God and if He weren’t on my side I wouldn't be in this position! So thank you Lord for trusting in me, being my friend and guiding me when the road got bumpy and scary!!
My hair is starting to fall out. Oh nothing major just a few strands here and there. There is one great thing about having thick hair --- you can loose alot and it doesn't show. My taste buds are coming back!! Oh I really thought this would never happen. But I can taste things again. That took forever! So I'm very grateful.
Thanks so much for all of you who support this site and encourage all the pre-opts and post-opts alike. Without encouragers like you this site would not succeed.
Have a great new year! I know I will.
Denice
07/14/03
330-214
(-116) Yippee
11/27/03
Well Happy Thanksgiving everyone! This was my first Thanksgiving as a looser. Only 4 1/2 months post-op. I am proud to say that it was not that bad! I was not feeling depressed because others were eating things that I couldn't! That's what makes me believe that this surgery was the right thing for me. It use to be if you took my food away I didn't deal well with it and got depressed. That doesn't appear to be the case anymore. I praise God for this!
Well I have more to be Thankful today I got on my scale today to learn that I HAVE JOINED THE CENTURY CLUB. I've read so many posting about making this milestone only to believe mine was off in the distance somewhere. Well no more! 100 pounds I just can't believe it. Life is good post op.
Thanks to everyone who have been wonderful supports the past few months. I have a great family and many friends who have stood by me through this and have been my cheering section.
May God Bless each of you during this Thanksgiving Holiday!!
Denice
330-230
7-14-03
-100 (wow)
11/11/03
Well it's been a little over a month since I last updated my profile. I am now down 90 pounds. I just can't believe it some days. 90 is the "unofficial" loss, the doctor's office says 75 because they don't count the 15 gain I had from when I first visited to surgery. I AM! There were 15 extra pounds that I lost so 90 it is. Getting close to the 100 mark is so exciting. I'm starting to feel so much better, I have more energy and I'm not so tired anymore. This month I started taking whole pills -- NO MORE CRUSHING!! Yippee. Wow this is great. I was really nervous when taking my Alegra-D pill but I simply cut it in half and a way I go. I seem to be able to tolerate more foods but intake is still very small. I wish I could stop and tell everyone about how wonderful this surgery is I sometimes just want to shout it. I have had some issues with head hunger and boredom hunger. I think I'm handling it okay. Every once in awhile I still grieve for some of my old habits. The one thing I miss is eating with people. Not so much the food but simply eating and not having to worry about it. But this is also manageable. I continue to pray that these won't be huge issues as I move along in the next year. Every day I thank God for this surgery and how it's helped me make changes in my life. These are going to be life long changes I can tell. This is different than anything I've ever attempted. So for those of you who are still looking and searching please know the road isn't always easy but it doable and the blessing on the otherside is worth it.
God Bless,
Denice
10/6/03
In total now I've lost 70 pounds! I actually went and brought an outfit at Wal-Mart. I can't believe it. I haven't been able to buy anything for clothing there in years. It was a size 26 not even the largest size they had. I actually tried on something that was too big!! It was a fun day. Each day gets so much better. I NEVER regret the surgery. It was the best decision I've ever made (aside from accepting Jesus as my Lord and Savior). People are beginning to notice the change. I really didn't do this to be noticed but it's nice that others see the change.
Food is still just food. I eat because I have to. So far I haven't had any vomiting and really only a few dumping episodes. I can't do sugar at all! Fat doesn't bother me too much I wish it would bother me more.
I had a couple of weeks of no loss. Yikes that was hard! I finally got passed it. It's frustrating because you don't change anything and you don't loose. It's hard to figure out why. I think it's just my body catching up. But during this I started to have a little battle with head hunger. YOu know ... if you are not loosing than why not eat ... that... this. I made it through without doing anything totally stupid. It was the first time I needed to deal with it. It went better than I anticipated. So I'm hopeful that the next time will be just fine.
For anyone who is still trying to decide about this surgery. Stop debating and go with it. You will be so happy you did. Or just email anyone of us we all love to talk about how this surgery saved our physical lives.
Denice
09/12/03
Today I'm finally not considered "Super" morbidly obese! Wow is that exciting or what. The other day I could actually cross my legs at the knee haven't been able to do that in some time. I'm feeling so much better and eating is now just something to do. It's actually very boring. It seems a waste of time. Oh well. I do notice I get weak if I haven't eaten. Not necessarily hungry but weak. I've lost 56 pounds in less than two months. I keep hearing -- is that healthy, like being 200 pounds overwieght was healthy! Thanks for everyone's support. Take care and God Bless.
08/27/03
Well I haven't updated my profile in almost a month. It's hard to believe that a whole month has gone by and 47 pounds are gone forever!! Things are getting better. Eating is getting easier as well as drinking. But boy am I tired a lot. I hear from others that this is common so I think it's just a matter of keep sticking with it until it goes away.
I can't believe I didn't do this 20 years ago! But no looking back now I need to concentrate on the future. I'm getting excited that this is really the final answer for my struggle with weight all my life.
You hear your not hungry.... I'm not. I haven't had to deal too much with emotional hunger. I seem to not really care what others are eating or what I'm NOT eating. I don't crave foods and if I do it's only for a few short moments. If I do feel some hunger it's different than pre surgery, now I can eat a few bites and it's gone.
I am missing the eating part. I can't believe how addicted I was to eating fast not really tasting. I get annoyed at how slow I need to eat now to make sure everything stays down. As of today everything has stayed down I consider that a success.
I returned to work 8/18 part time. I'm really tired during the days so I'm continuing this probably through next week. I've been adding time each day trying to get back up to 8 hours. I have a somewhat stressful job so I really need time to relax.
Finally, I continue to praise the Lord for what He has done in my life with this surgery. I thank Him for guiding me in the right direction. Without my relationship with Jesus Christ I certainly could have never accomplished any of this! He is the rock that I lay my foundation on.
7/25/03
Well it is now offically my 43rd birthday! If anyone had told me that I would have had this surgery a week before my 43rd birthday I would have told them they were crazy. I had my first post op appointment on the 23rd. I'm doing fine. I need to increase my liquids and do more walking. Both have been difficult for me. I truly have a difficult time drinking when I'm so full. And I have a condition called fibromyaligia that makes it difficult to move sometimes. But since then I've been working the movement. I still have problems drinking too much at one time. It's really hard to when you are thirsty to take sips. The nurse says I should be able to drink more the sips but so far can't do because I have pain when doing so.
I wouldn't change anything about the whole experience. This surgery is one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. I can tell already. Thank you Jesus for guiding and blessing my journey if not for You I couldn't be doing this.
7/20/03
Well I made it though. All my tests came back fine and the surgery went on as planned. I really got nervous when I thought the surgery wasn't going to happen to I thank Jesus that he made things right. And He did make a lot right. My surgeon, Dr. Charles Svendsen (just the best around) had booked the operating room for 4 hours. He was very concerned in the consult that they may need to perform open versus lap. Well, he performed lap and it was done in 2 1/2 hours. He was very pleased. The hospital stay was wonderful. Totally pampered for three days. The nursing staff and Methodist Hospital are the best. The accomodations are excellent. The nursing manager who overseas the bariactic section also had surgery so you know those little things no one else thinks of well she does and instructs her nurses on how to care for an obese person.
Home recovery is going a little slower than I thought. Still tired and require sleep, easing off on the medications but still need them at least one during the day and before bed. I've been sleeping in our recyliners most of the time. Tried bed one night and my sides still hurt to much.
Now getting tired of liquids the variety more than anything. But it's SO strange to dring a few sips of something and be FULL!!! Yikes thats really freaks me out. Just in the last few days food has looked good again. But it's not a fixation it's just oh yea that look good. Before it was an obession and I would have to have the food I saw shortly, especially if I wanted it or liked it. Haven't had that feeling and praying that is gone. So pray with me.
Finally updated my profile with a picture. It was taken the morning I went into surgery. My weight though has been up and down. At my pre opt visit I was 330 and at checkin at the hospital I was 316, now at home I'm around 318. So not sure what's going on. The nurses said I see some flucuations due to the liquids they were pushing thru me in the hospital.
So would I do it all again. After 6 days I must say YES!
Denice
07/10/03
Had my pre-opt exam and suddenly the surgery was in question! Yikes that was very scarey. My urine was showing protein in it. So I had to do a 24 hour collection of urine. That was real fun. Went back today my kidney's are fine!!! Praise God and my doctor cleared me for surgery. I also needed blood pressure medication. This is the first time. But it should go away after the surgery!! I'm actually getting excited about Monday. Can't wait to be a real looser!
07/02/03
Okay, so I said I wouldn't be one of those frequent writers but I'm finding this rather fun and theraputic. I am so thankful to all the people who send messages and prayers. I love taking time and going to different profiles and websites to learn about others and their journey.
I love to watch the message board and see all the different conversations going on and relating to most. That's really fun.
As of today, I haven't joined a support group. I will once I have surgery. I decided not to join because I was afraid that I could talk myself out of the surgery, and I don't want to do that so I thought I'd stay away. But reading profiles this last week... and sometimes I do that forever.... I have found that I need to get connected for sure with a group.
I have found it so interesting the reaction of people once you tell them you are having surgery. I have many friends who are very excited, supportive and caring. Then there are others who want to tell you about their great aunt or uncle George who had a terrible experience with gastric bypass surgery. Has anyone noticed that those who have the horror stories are usually obese themselves? You know I think I did it before finally deciding that I simply was not going to live like this any more. I'm sure somewhere deep down it made me feel better about myself when realizing that I should be looking into it. If it's so bad than of course I wouldn't consider it! Right? I just think it's all very interesting.
Thanks to all of you out there WLS members, friends, relatives etc who are supportive and have encouraged me from the time I told you. You have been a true support system to me.
Also to my nurse Barb. I call her my nurse because that is how she makes you feel. Like you are her only patient. Today she spent another 30 minutes with my 14 year old answering all her questions and helping clear up some of those "things" she has heard. Like over 50% of the people die. Gee I don't know where kids get this stuff. I know that she is going to be a huge motivator and support system as I begin changing my live.
06/30/03
This is the first time I've posted anything on my own profile since I met with my surgeon months ago. I'm two weeks away from my surgery date. It's hard to describe the feelings. I go between extreme hapiness to fear. My fear only lasts a moment when I remember that my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ is near me and walking with me through this new undertaking. I have had a peace that goes beyond understanding about doing this surgery. I know if I don't do the surgery my life is not going to be a very long one. Thank you Jesus for being there and supporting me every day when I'm afraid. And thank you for replacing my fears with your peace.
This site has been such a blessing to me and encouragment. I forget that I'm not the only one. So thank you everyone who consistently write and update your profiles. I love those who do it weekly. You'll never see that on mine but please those of you who do don't stop! It's great reading your progress and sometimes your stalls.
I'm looking forward to the surgery, so I can move again, walk again without pain. Besides my weight I also have a condition called fibromaylgia which is a connective tissue disease but it comes with lots of pain and fatigue among several other things. I'm not expecting the surgery to cure the fibro but it certainly will help it.
Like all of you, I've been overweight all my life. Since a small child. In my teen years I was thin for a brief moment in time after going to a "fat farm" for two weeks. That was the only time I actually attained by correct goal weight! (For about a week).
I'm almost 43, (July 25, 11 days after my surgery, married to a great guy and have a gorgeous daughter who is 13 going on 30. Both my husband and I are obese but our daughter has been blessed that she didn't get the genetics between us and her weight is just fine! She is actually a model.
In addition my mother lives with us. She has been so supportive through this entire process. She even went out and signed up as my angel. Thanks mom!
My husband is studing to be pastor and I work full-time putting him and our daughter through school. It's his second career -- it was God appointed so when God tells you to do something we have found it best to go along. We are all very proud of him. Going back to seminary is a very difficult undertakening at his age but he's keeping up with the young ones just fine.
Well once I get started I usually can go forever. Thanks for stopping by and reading. I will try to keep things updated once I'm out from surgery. God bless each of you as you walk through your journey.
