lisaweisenbach
Living As An Obese Person part 2
Feb 21, 2008
I've said it before, I will say it again -
living this way is NOT living..it is only existing. I am miserable this way.
I am so thankful that there are doctors and surgeries that can help obese people lose the weight and become healthier, more productive individuals.
Pain - I continue to suffer with pain. I am in pain right now. I can't remember a day recently that I haven't experienced pain. The pain right now is primarily in my legs. My stomach, at this point, sits on top of my legs. The enormous weight presses down on my legs, cutting off circulation and pressing on nerves, causing terrible pain. I find myself moving from side-to-side and switching positions frequently just to get some relief. When it becomes unbearable, I stand up and walk around. I lie on the bed to stretch everything out.
Driving- Once upon a time, I enjoyed driving. But now, my belly rubs against the steering wheel, my arms are short and fat which makes it hard to reach over my belly to reach the steering wheel to turn it. I have to push the seat back so far, my short legs barely reach the pedals. I have to twist and turn to reach them and only with the tips of my toes - how safe is that? Yeh, i know. I only drive when I absolutely have to. It's the law to wear a seat belt - mine is too short to reach across me. There are seat belt extensions, but the seat belt itself is so confining that it makes looking in all directions very difficult. So, I don't even attempt to wear it. I've been ticketed once. I don't think its fair. I now have a letter from my doctor explaining that I can't wear one. I haven't had to use it....yet. I'm hoping that I won't.
Walking - ok, this isn't the actual act of walking that I'm talking about. I'm referring to the fact that I'm very clumsy at this size. I can't see my feet or the floor right under me. I have to pay attention to what is in my path and stay on that path if it is clear...otherwise, I trip. I also shuffle my feet. I'm not sure when I began doing that. I guess it is easier than trying to lift my legs to move them forward. I have had many falls because of these problems.
My surgical date is drawing near. Someday, I won't be plagued by these obesity-related problems anymore.
living this way is NOT living..it is only existing. I am miserable this way.
I am so thankful that there are doctors and surgeries that can help obese people lose the weight and become healthier, more productive individuals.
Pain - I continue to suffer with pain. I am in pain right now. I can't remember a day recently that I haven't experienced pain. The pain right now is primarily in my legs. My stomach, at this point, sits on top of my legs. The enormous weight presses down on my legs, cutting off circulation and pressing on nerves, causing terrible pain. I find myself moving from side-to-side and switching positions frequently just to get some relief. When it becomes unbearable, I stand up and walk around. I lie on the bed to stretch everything out.
Driving- Once upon a time, I enjoyed driving. But now, my belly rubs against the steering wheel, my arms are short and fat which makes it hard to reach over my belly to reach the steering wheel to turn it. I have to push the seat back so far, my short legs barely reach the pedals. I have to twist and turn to reach them and only with the tips of my toes - how safe is that? Yeh, i know. I only drive when I absolutely have to. It's the law to wear a seat belt - mine is too short to reach across me. There are seat belt extensions, but the seat belt itself is so confining that it makes looking in all directions very difficult. So, I don't even attempt to wear it. I've been ticketed once. I don't think its fair. I now have a letter from my doctor explaining that I can't wear one. I haven't had to use it....yet. I'm hoping that I won't.
Walking - ok, this isn't the actual act of walking that I'm talking about. I'm referring to the fact that I'm very clumsy at this size. I can't see my feet or the floor right under me. I have to pay attention to what is in my path and stay on that path if it is clear...otherwise, I trip. I also shuffle my feet. I'm not sure when I began doing that. I guess it is easier than trying to lift my legs to move them forward. I have had many falls because of these problems.
My surgical date is drawing near. Someday, I won't be plagued by these obesity-related problems anymore.
Surgery Date Changed
Jan 30, 2008
Due to a conflict, Dr. Joya asked to change my surgery date.
It is now March 17. This works out much better. Because this was an oversight on their part, Dr. Joya is taking care of any additional costs. I am flying down there on March 16 and having surgery the next day. This gives me almost a complete day in Puerto Vallarta to sight-see, shop, and relax before surgery the next day. This is wonderful. I had wished I could do it this way..to get a little R & R there as well.
I have my Passport, but still waiting on my husbands. When we went to get them done, we didn't have his original birth certificate. The Passport office mailed him a letter requesting an original, which we had sent off for...then we mailed it back to them. So, now, we just wait. I'm hoping it will be in this week or the next. It makes me nervous having to wait. It only took me 2 weeks to get my Passport in, but I had my original birth certificate. So, I urge anyone to make sure they have the original before going to obtain a Passport. The original has the embossed seal at the bottom.
Waiting is the hardest part of this process!
It is now March 17. This works out much better. Because this was an oversight on their part, Dr. Joya is taking care of any additional costs. I am flying down there on March 16 and having surgery the next day. This gives me almost a complete day in Puerto Vallarta to sight-see, shop, and relax before surgery the next day. This is wonderful. I had wished I could do it this way..to get a little R & R there as well.
I have my Passport, but still waiting on my husbands. When we went to get them done, we didn't have his original birth certificate. The Passport office mailed him a letter requesting an original, which we had sent off for...then we mailed it back to them. So, now, we just wait. I'm hoping it will be in this week or the next. It makes me nervous having to wait. It only took me 2 weeks to get my Passport in, but I had my original birth certificate. So, I urge anyone to make sure they have the original before going to obtain a Passport. The original has the embossed seal at the bottom.
Waiting is the hardest part of this process!
Living Life As An Obese Person
Jan 17, 2008
I'm feeling inclined to put down some thoughts about what my life is really like. At 390 lbs on a 5'1" frame, I am just functioning in my life...just barely. I'm not really "living". I haven't had that opportunity in a long time.
The first thing I want people to know is that I realize that I did this to myself. No one else placed the food in my mouth that prompted my obesity. I don't want anyone's sympathy or pity. I don't need it. I have enough of that for my own self.
I live each day in a state of depression. Some days are really bad, while others are just mediocre. Some days, it is so hard to get myself out of bed, but I do it because I have no choice. Thank God for my family; my kids keep me going. If not for them, I would probably be bed-ridden.
I have pain 24/7, from head to toe. I have many comorbities due to my obesity: sleep apnea, diabetes, hypertension. Other problems I have; arthritis, asthma, neuropathy due to the diabetes. I take 2 Insulin shots and 6 pills per day just for my diabetes. I take pain medication as I need it. I also take high blood pressure and high cholesterol medications every day.
Walking has become increasingly more difficult. The summer of 2006, I finally got a Power Wheel Chair from The Scooter Store. I use it when I go to the Mall or places that require a lot of walking. It is difficult to handle, so I never venture out with it on my own. Because of my size, I had to get a very large chair. I wasn't able to get a lift put on my car because there wasn't one large enough for my chair that would fit on my car. Therefore, I had to have a trailor built just for my chair. Mostly, I just go to stores that have the handicapped scooters that I can use while I'm there.
Personal Issues - those are my biggest problems. Dressing myself and hygiene presents multiple problems with an obese person. It is really difficult to reach certain areas on my body. Fitting inside my shower is difficult these days. I find myself twisting myself like a pretzel just to wash those hard-to-reach areas. If you are reading this...you know what I'm talking about.
Work - By profession, I am a Registered Nurse. I haven't been able to work since 2002 when I became disabled. That was one of the toughest things that I've went through - Giving up my career. I really miss it.
Household chores - being an obese mom and wife is extremely difficult. At least 100 times each day, I have to tell my sweet daughter that I don't feel good or I don't feel like doing certain things. She has never known me at a time in my life that I was able to do all of those things "normal" moms can do. Cooking dinner for my family, doing the laundry, cleaning my house - these are all foreign to me now. I can't do any of them without help.
Public - whew, where do I start there. People are so cruel. They either stare at the fat woman or they pretend that I don't exist. I don't know which is worse. I hate that public places are not fat-friendly; movie theater seats, restaurant booths, public restrooms, public seating (seats with arms).
I want to be normal. I know there is a normal person inside of this fat body.
The first thing I want people to know is that I realize that I did this to myself. No one else placed the food in my mouth that prompted my obesity. I don't want anyone's sympathy or pity. I don't need it. I have enough of that for my own self.
I live each day in a state of depression. Some days are really bad, while others are just mediocre. Some days, it is so hard to get myself out of bed, but I do it because I have no choice. Thank God for my family; my kids keep me going. If not for them, I would probably be bed-ridden.
I have pain 24/7, from head to toe. I have many comorbities due to my obesity: sleep apnea, diabetes, hypertension. Other problems I have; arthritis, asthma, neuropathy due to the diabetes. I take 2 Insulin shots and 6 pills per day just for my diabetes. I take pain medication as I need it. I also take high blood pressure and high cholesterol medications every day.
Walking has become increasingly more difficult. The summer of 2006, I finally got a Power Wheel Chair from The Scooter Store. I use it when I go to the Mall or places that require a lot of walking. It is difficult to handle, so I never venture out with it on my own. Because of my size, I had to get a very large chair. I wasn't able to get a lift put on my car because there wasn't one large enough for my chair that would fit on my car. Therefore, I had to have a trailor built just for my chair. Mostly, I just go to stores that have the handicapped scooters that I can use while I'm there.
Personal Issues - those are my biggest problems. Dressing myself and hygiene presents multiple problems with an obese person. It is really difficult to reach certain areas on my body. Fitting inside my shower is difficult these days. I find myself twisting myself like a pretzel just to wash those hard-to-reach areas. If you are reading this...you know what I'm talking about.
Work - By profession, I am a Registered Nurse. I haven't been able to work since 2002 when I became disabled. That was one of the toughest things that I've went through - Giving up my career. I really miss it.
Household chores - being an obese mom and wife is extremely difficult. At least 100 times each day, I have to tell my sweet daughter that I don't feel good or I don't feel like doing certain things. She has never known me at a time in my life that I was able to do all of those things "normal" moms can do. Cooking dinner for my family, doing the laundry, cleaning my house - these are all foreign to me now. I can't do any of them without help.
Public - whew, where do I start there. People are so cruel. They either stare at the fat woman or they pretend that I don't exist. I don't know which is worse. I hate that public places are not fat-friendly; movie theater seats, restaurant booths, public restrooms, public seating (seats with arms).
I want to be normal. I know there is a normal person inside of this fat body.
It's Official - I have a Surgery Date!
Dec 27, 2007
I made my decision. It is carved in stone! well, sorta lol
I called Gerald at Dr. Joya's office. He made my travel arrangements and sent me all of the information that I will need prior to surgery.
March 14, 2008..that is the day. It seems like such a long time to wait, but I know it will go by fairly quickly. I do wish I could do it now, but thats ok. I have time now to prepare and get all the preperations made.
I am so excited and nervous all at the same time. I have never been on a plane before and I am so nervous and scared about that. Luckily, Gerald was able to get me a non-stop flight from Memphis to Puerto Vallarta, so I wont have to stop and catch another plane. It will be hard enough getting me on the first one ..LOL.
It all seems so amazing. I can't beleive that it is going to happen. I pray that nothing happens to change my plans.
I called Gerald at Dr. Joya's office. He made my travel arrangements and sent me all of the information that I will need prior to surgery.
March 14, 2008..that is the day. It seems like such a long time to wait, but I know it will go by fairly quickly. I do wish I could do it now, but thats ok. I have time now to prepare and get all the preperations made.
I am so excited and nervous all at the same time. I have never been on a plane before and I am so nervous and scared about that. Luckily, Gerald was able to get me a non-stop flight from Memphis to Puerto Vallarta, so I wont have to stop and catch another plane. It will be hard enough getting me on the first one ..LOL.
It all seems so amazing. I can't beleive that it is going to happen. I pray that nothing happens to change my plans.
Christmas Eve 2007
Dec 24, 2007
To begin with, I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas - Happy Holidays to all..
I think I have chosen a surgeon. I continue to have 2nd thoughts - not about the surgery because I know I absolutely have to do that...but about where to get the surgery and what doctor.
I have tentatively chosen Dr. Joya in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The reason that I am having doubts, mainly, is that I am absolutely terrified of flying. I've never been on a plane and have a huge fear of heights. I don't know that I would be able to get on the plane and take off. I have medicine that I can take to help with the nerves, but I fear that it will not be enough, because my fear will be so high.
Also, I am afraid that I have chosen a surgery that will not get me the full benefits that I am looking for. I have researched the Gastric Sleeve and truly think it is a fine surgery. However, with my super high BMI, will I be able to reach my goal of being under 200 lbs? I don't have a crystal ball so I really have no idea. Any psychics around here? lol
From all the testimonies and research, I think Dr. Joya is a fine surgeon, so that is really not an issue. I haven't ever met him but I feel I can trust him.
Oh, the worries, the 2nd guessing, the sleepless nights I am having.....and the surgery is still 3 months away at this point. There is no way that I can get the surgery before the middle of March - Spring Break 2008. I think this increased time will be to my demise. The more that I think about it (and I can't seem to think of anything else), the more I doubt my choices.
What should I do? That is the question....
I think I have chosen a surgeon. I continue to have 2nd thoughts - not about the surgery because I know I absolutely have to do that...but about where to get the surgery and what doctor.
I have tentatively chosen Dr. Joya in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The reason that I am having doubts, mainly, is that I am absolutely terrified of flying. I've never been on a plane and have a huge fear of heights. I don't know that I would be able to get on the plane and take off. I have medicine that I can take to help with the nerves, but I fear that it will not be enough, because my fear will be so high.
Also, I am afraid that I have chosen a surgery that will not get me the full benefits that I am looking for. I have researched the Gastric Sleeve and truly think it is a fine surgery. However, with my super high BMI, will I be able to reach my goal of being under 200 lbs? I don't have a crystal ball so I really have no idea. Any psychics around here? lol
From all the testimonies and research, I think Dr. Joya is a fine surgeon, so that is really not an issue. I haven't ever met him but I feel I can trust him.
Oh, the worries, the 2nd guessing, the sleepless nights I am having.....and the surgery is still 3 months away at this point. There is no way that I can get the surgery before the middle of March - Spring Break 2008. I think this increased time will be to my demise. The more that I think about it (and I can't seem to think of anything else), the more I doubt my choices.
What should I do? That is the question....
New Doctor?
Dec 12, 2007
Well, the "liquid diet" didn't work for me. I suppose it would have if I had been able to tolerate the taste and other side effects that I got from it. I did lose 15 lbs but at the cost of puking a few times...it just didn't seem right. So, I have discontinued it.
I tried doing a low calorie, higher protein, lower carb type diet. It lasted about 4 days, but I didn't lose any weight on it. So, I stopped and re-evaluated. I have never been good at diets, thats why I'm here seeking WLS. I just dont understand why I should have to lose weight just to get the WLS. Some doctors dont require any weight loss, even with us high BMI' ers...while other doctors do. What's the difference? I guess its a surgeons preference only. I know its safer if the patient has less body mass/fat...but is it absolutely necessary? No, I dont think so..otherwise every doctor would require it...Right?
So, I think I am in the market for a new surgeon. I'm also looking into the financial part as well. Being on Medicare, I would love to find a surgeon who accepts the Medicare. If I have to self-pay, then I have to be diligent in finding the least expensive...but I wont give up on quality just to get something cheaper...that may work on some things, but not with a surgical procedure.
Right now, Mexico is looking like an ideal destination...but Im still doing research in that area...so no definite plans yet.....
I tried doing a low calorie, higher protein, lower carb type diet. It lasted about 4 days, but I didn't lose any weight on it. So, I stopped and re-evaluated. I have never been good at diets, thats why I'm here seeking WLS. I just dont understand why I should have to lose weight just to get the WLS. Some doctors dont require any weight loss, even with us high BMI' ers...while other doctors do. What's the difference? I guess its a surgeons preference only. I know its safer if the patient has less body mass/fat...but is it absolutely necessary? No, I dont think so..otherwise every doctor would require it...Right?
So, I think I am in the market for a new surgeon. I'm also looking into the financial part as well. Being on Medicare, I would love to find a surgeon who accepts the Medicare. If I have to self-pay, then I have to be diligent in finding the least expensive...but I wont give up on quality just to get something cheaper...that may work on some things, but not with a surgical procedure.
Right now, Mexico is looking like an ideal destination...but Im still doing research in that area...so no definite plans yet.....
Liquid Diet
Dec 03, 2007
I'm on Day 7 of my "liquid" diet. I've lost 15 lbs! Yeah for me! I'm excited about it. I havent lost weight in a long time. It is really had, this "liquid" diet. The reason Im calling it a "liquid" diet is that its not just shakes...there is pudding, bars, and soups. Im having the puddings and bars...they are what taste the best.
I have 14 days left on this diet...then I go to the 1200cal/day diet. Dr. Jones wants my BMI down before he will do surgery. I'm just hoping it doesnt take too long. Its so hard to sit and wait...but I guess I will.
I have 14 days left on this diet...then I go to the 1200cal/day diet. Dr. Jones wants my BMI down before he will do surgery. I'm just hoping it doesnt take too long. Its so hard to sit and wait...but I guess I will.
About Me
Jonesboro, AR
Location
63.5
BMI
Surgery
03/17/2008
Surgery Date
Surgeon
Feb 15, 2005
Member Since
