peachymb
December 07, 2006
I am so excited !!!!
I got approved today !!!!!
I have been on this journey for quite some time now. I started in 2003 making the decision to pursue a new way of life. I researched the LapBand procedure and made an appointment with my PCP in November 03. Got the ball rolling and began preparing for this lifestyle change. Submitted all necessary paperwork in
Mar 04, then lost my job in April before I could get approval. I realized that maybe it was not the time …yet .
June 06 – began a new journey.
Went to Seminar held by Peachtree Bariatrics - Dr. Duncan.
Read great reviews and was very pleased and impressed by his desire for this field .
He was very enthusiastic about sharing the tools to make a lifestyle changes for the morbidly obese community. I filled out my packet, made the needed appointments and started on my way. I went to the nutritionist, dietician, psychologist, pulmonologist, cardiologist, and my PCP. I had to change to a new PCP – one that shared the same concern I had for my health and even had to make changes in insurance providers.
All paperwork submitted to insurance on 10/10/06 and the waiting began…..
I called daily, then every other day. I got to know the insurance coordinator quite well !!!
Finally the approval came and I got a consult date for 12/12/06.
A little bit about myself ….
We all have similar stories about our weight and how we got where we are/were.
I began to gain weight in high school. I was asthmatic and took a lot of different meds along with cortisone – which make you gain a significant amount of weight. I went up and down and went straight up to 150lbs once I entered college. I continued to gain weight no matter what fad diet I tried. After getting married and having children the weight piled on and I got up to 200lbs after the twins were born… I tried everything from Jenny Craig to Atkins Diet. Even tried the “starvation” diet !!! …smile.
When it came time to go to the kids’ school functions and sports activities, it dawned on me that I was carrying quite a load. I began to feel quite uncomfortable at school functions and sports games trying to find a seat and not bulge out of the chairs and stumble up the bleachers that were available for seating. I could never find anything appropriate to wear and I was always hot and sweating. So I started to make excuses that I could not attend…then I really felt like a “bad” mother..
In the past few years the weight has gone up and down and I soon developed diabetes and high blood pressure along with other medical problems.
I am now ready to make changes in my lifestyle so that I can enjoy the rest of my life. I want to travel with my husband. Spend time with my family without getting out of breath and making excuses about what to wear. This is a big issue with me. I rarely feel comfortable in my clothing so I do not enjoy going out socially.
My boys are growing up and they will all go their own ways and I would have missed the last few years with them at home. That saddens me.
I am now prepared to make changes to live differently for myself and my family !!! I want to be around to share the rest of my life with them.
~~
December 12, 2006
Today I went in for Pre-Op and to have consult with Dr. Hobson - who is actually performing my surgery on the 20th.
The office staff is great. They greet you so nicely and actually act if they are happy to see you. I got to meet the nice people that I have been talking to for the past months and driving insane !!!
All went well until I went to pre - op testing at Atlanta Medical Center....whew !!! There was some insurance mix up and I ended up having the worst day ever.... the intake person was so unprofessional and rude.....very uncaring and dismissive. She had to call someone else to handle the issue and resolve it. I ended up walking away, getting in my car leaving and getting on the expressway to go home. The coordinator called me to get me to come back. Going thru all of this is very emotional when you have waitied so long and you try to make sure you do all you can to get all your ducks in a row and have all authorizations and paperwork straight.
BUT !!!!!
The devil is a liar and he "tried" me today...he whipped me around his finger and caused me to almost loose my mind.
Then ... in comes the admissions intake coordinator... I will call her "CH". She got me to calm down and prayed with me and got me back on track. "No weapon formed against me shall prosper..." She revealed her spirit and we talked long enough for us to realize we have kindred spirits. She has become my "ANGEL".
On my way to the hospital I prayed for the Lord to bring someone to share this experience with me... and HE did. He is always right on time !!!! Thank you "CH" - my ANGEL .
December 20, 2006
My husband and I made it to the hospital early and had time to go to CVS - shopping for extra things I thought I might need.
We arrived at the assigned floor and were greeted nicely by the intake nurses. I was then moved to the waiting area and there it all began.....here come the nurses with the gowns and the needles and the labs and the instructions...whew....
Finally entered the surgery area and there I became nervous. Real busy, doctors, nurses and attendants all moving around.
They had to ensure that the operating room was "latex free" - so that took a lil time to get situated. Finally in the OR and everyone was soooo caring and nice, concerned. I guess I had " I AM SCARED TO DEATH" written all over my face !
Next thing that I remember was waking up in the room looking at all my boys...then here comes the pain !!! ouuuuucccchhhhh!!!
I stayed a little longer than expected. I had some severe bruising on my abdomen and arms. I could not pass my leak test - tooo nauseated and my blood count was extremely low.
I made it home on Christmas eve. I did walk around the hosp floor and weighed myself - 263 pounds..what ?
~~
Jan '07
Happy New Year to Everyone !
My surgery date was the 20th of December and I still have a tremendous amount of bruising and I am very tired and cannot even sit up without feeling exhausted.
Went to see Dr. Hobson on the 5th for labs and to ensure that all is well. Blood count still low, need more iron - no need for transfusion. My blood pressure was lil high BUT my weight was down to 235 pounds !!! yipeee.. that is a loss of 27 pounds.
What a blessing!!!!!
Went back to work, took baby steps. Feeling uneasy, worked from home most days. Hard to get in all water, it is still difficult to swallow sips of water.
Met with BAF friends on the 20th - had a great time.
Met Cookie, Bad Mama Jama, Trini Peach and Ms Nikki.
What inspirational ladies, great support and info for newbies and anyone for that matter.
Thanks ladies, you are the best!
~~
Feb '07
WEIGHT LOSS UPDATE:
Pre surg weight : ~269.5 ~ BMI: 49.7 ~HEIGHT: 5'1"
12/23/06 ~ 263.0
01/05/07 ~ 235.5
01/16/07 ~ 229.0
01/30/07 ~ 223.0
Total loss since surgery: 40 pounds
What a wonderful feeling. I feel different, moving around better and can breathe alot better also. Still having a hard time getting everything in that I am supposed to. Making sure I get in all the protein is hard. The powders are gruesome and causes me to gag. I do not seem to be able to tolerate. I have tried 2 different types. I got some Slim Fast Protein Shake, but they have a lot of sugar%. I just split the can into 2 meals. I also use the protein bars. They seem to help alot.
My clothes are starting to fall off, especially my pants.
I was wearing a size 24 and my husband just got me size 18 pants...WOWWWW. I cannot believe it ! What a miracle!
I can now say that this is the most fulfilling decision that I have made about my health and my life. I am truly blessed.
My PCP visit went well, also attended the Diabetes class.
My BP was down and I have been controlling my blood sugar for weeks now. My PCP decreased my meds and no need for insulin !!!
I am Changing !!!!!
~~
Mar '07
WEIGHT LOSS UPDATE:
12/23/06 ~263.0
01/05/07 ~235.5
01/16/07 ~229.0
01/30/07 ~223.0
02/17/07 ~218.0
02/28/07 ~212.0
Total loss since surgery: 51 pounds in 2 months !!!!
I had to go to get clothes altered...... smile
Clothes are still becoming loose. That is a weird feeling. Not quite sure how to feel about that. Don't get me wrong , I am very happy but I seem to be dealing with esteem issues. I look in the mirror and do not see any changes... I cannot tell - there is no measurement line on the mirror to see where you left off. I just see an overweight, obese, unhealthy person.
I did have a very personal moment this month. Not quite sure as to how to share or if I should.
ANYWAY....only a WLS loser may understand this moment....
....usually when I have to go to restroom, at work ( this job or any previous one), I have always used the larger stall. It is larger !!! and more convenient and more comfortable to do what ya gotta do. One morning feeling nauseated and woozy I hadda go...the stall was not available and I nearly lost my mind. My urge was great so I resorted to the next stall.. I prepared myself to anticipate knocking over the paper holder and the sanitary box and bumping into the wall, barely closing the door, grunting, grabbing my clothes, trying to get it all together to do whatta I gotta do....WELL, I went right in with a lot more ease than expected and began to prepare myself and WHAT...I did not KNOCK over anything and I closed the door and ...realizing I was in and safe without any embarrasment... I stood there in shock!
@#$%^&*&*)&(%^%$#@!#$%^
tears streaming down my face... I knew that this tool was the best thing that had ever happened to me. I could actually use the restroom like a normal person. Sorry but that was a moment.....
You do not actually get it - that you lose weight but you also take up less space in the atmosphere...I just did not understand that part...until it happens to you !!! What you see in the mirror may look the same but the actual space you take up is less....the space in the shower that you take up is less... in the chair, and oh boy .....the airplane......what a feeling !!!!!
I have started to walk on a a daily basis now and go to the gym 3x a week. PCP took me off all of my diabetes meds. I only take one med for BP and one for asthma along with my emerg inhaler.
I never knew what is was like to be FREEE..."set us free"....I was taking 22 meds this time last year !!!!! No longer a slave.....ummhh !!
THANK YOU DR DUNCAN AND DR HOBSON !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
~~
April '07
WEIGHT LOSS UPDATE:
12/23/06 ~263.0
01/05/07 ~235.5
01/16/07 ~229.0
01/30/07 ~223.0
02/17/07 ~218.0
02/28/07 ~212.0
03/19/07 ~203.0
03/26/07 ~199.0
Total loss since surgery: 64 pounds in 3 months !!!!
I am a LOSER !!!! down to under 200 pounds !!!!!!!!
THIS IS ONEDERLAND ???? I like the way it feels!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~
I was enjoying walking 2x a day and working on the machines at the gym....I had to go and get sick !!!
I got a serious case of diarhea and could not stop, could not eat and had to be hospitalized for dehydration and gastroenteritis - on the 2nd of April.
My labs were low also, low magnesium and potassium...had to have vitamin drips tooo... I WILL TAKE MY VITAMINS every day.
It is imperative that we stick to the plan and not lose ourselves in what we think we are doing right. We need to ensure that we follow the Dr's orders and WLS plan that is laid out for us.
FOLLOW THE RULES
EAT RIGHT AND OFTEN
TAKE YOUR VITAMINS
DRINK DRINK DRINK DRINK
THE MORE YOU EXERCISE THE MORE INTAKE YOU NEED !!!
IT WILL WORK but we have to work it !!!! - my learning experience. I thought I was on the right track....you can never stop learning.
~~
May '07
WEIGHT LOSS UPDATE:
12/23/06 ~263.0
01/05/07 ~235.5
01/16/07 ~229.0
01/30/07 ~223.0
02/17/07 ~218.0
02/28/07 ~212.0
03/19/07 ~203.0
03/26/07 ~199.0
04/23/07 ~187.0
Total loss since surgery: 76 pounds in 4 months !!!!
It really feels good to hear people compliment and say...wow you look great, you lost weight, you look good...mmmmhhhh.
I try to stay clear of the naysayers...haters....they look , snear and say nothing...oh!! I forgot the " your clothes are hanging off of you girl " - comments. Yea!!! you wanna donate so I can get some new ones.....thank you very much !
My husband and boys are my greatest fans. They are the best. They are all supportive and throw compliments my way all the time. My husband is a champion, he is so concerned about my mental health also. He makes sure I stay grounded and not beat myself up ... I get crazy at times and cannot deal with the amount of weight loss so quick/sudden. Thank you honey - for the support and dedication and wisdom.
Just figured out how to add some pics...never really like taking pics.....but the boys are always snapping me now !!!
~~
End of May 07
I do not seem to be losing anything- walking and at the gym consistently. Maybe this is the dreaded "plateau" that everyone talks about to expect. Funny that I do not have a significant apetite sooo I know that I am not eating much !!! But I will wait and be patient and stop trying to see how much I weigh...it can become obsessive. I do feel good though...anxious and happy that I have made this great decision to approach life differently...needto rally work on getting all the vits in on a daily basis.
Till later - take care!
~~
Jun '07
WEIGHT LOSS UPDATE:
12/23/06 ~ 263.0
01/05/07 ~ 235.5
01/16/07 ~ 229.0
01/30/07 ~ 223.0
02/17/07 ~ 218.0
02/28/07 ~ 212.0
03/19/07 ~ 203.0
03/26/07 ~ 199.0
04/23/07 ~ 187.0
05/20/07 ~ 183.5
Total loss since surgery: 80 pounds in 5 months !!!!
What a wonderful experience this has been so far.
I have been so blessed to have had the opportunity to be re-born.
I was a little frustrated by only losing 4 pounds in a month, trippin – cause I know I have been working my behind off to ensure that I work this tool to the utmost. But I do realize that things are slowin down a bit and my body is adjusting to its new life. The twins are graduating and my family will be here and I am stressing out – getting prepared for these events.
I still tend to look in the mirror and see that body of the “old” me--- trying not to look so much – it does get depressing to continue to see what you thought you left behind. Body Image is something when you are paying attention to it. Last year- I would run from the mirror – only checking to make sure I was pulled together when I had to go out the door. I know I need to seek counseling so I can maintain my mental health….these changes that happen to you are serious and it may take some evaluation and assistance to process it all …smile.
The counseling should be included in the approval process….after surgery we should be approved for sessions with a psychologist to make sure we stay together !!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
June 12, 2007
I just posted this on the forum and had to add it here !!!
Good Mornin BAF family
I was gonna keep this to myself but then decided I cannot hold it in any longer !!!!!
I was gettin discouraged since last week when I weighed in at my pcp office - I ran by there to check my weight. I thought the scale at the gym was wrong or somethin. The scale charted 180 pounds - ok that is 7 pounds since end of APRIL !!!!!! and this is JUNE !!! I have been workin like a dog - watchin what I eat and do not eat white or sugar--- what the !$%^&* ...... I was pissed.
Well I am going home for Fam Reunion next week and need some clothes - still scared to go out and shop at the little people stores ANYWAY a friend of mine , who is my spec DR's nurse and knows all about my situation drags me out...we went to some stores and I whined and acted a fool - could not find anything FINALLY she got me try on some clothes - just handed them to me and said GO..
WELL WHAT THE !$%$^&%*^ I CAN FIT INTO A SIZE 11/12 - with some room to spare
I HAVE NEVER been in that size... I passt it right by when I started having the boys...SIZE WHAT????
TEARS ROLLIN ALL OVER THE DRESSING ROOM, people thought we were crazy......we were laughin and crying ........ I got some capri pants and cute summer t-shirts .....ALL ON SALE/CLEARANCE
I even tried on a cute sleveless dress !!! and WOWWWWWW.....
LITTLE clothes are cheaper !! huuughghgh
NOTHING MAKES YOU FEEL BETTER THAN SHOPPING AND TRYING ON SOME REALLL CUTE CLOTHES THAT FRIGGIN FIT !!!!!!
sorry was so long but I had to let it out !!!!
~ lov ya'll
6th MONTH SURGIVERSARY - June 20, 2007
I am celebrating 100 pounds lost on my anniversary of my surgery - 6 months ago on Dec 20, 2006
Thank you Jesus !!!
HALLELUAH !!!!!
~~
Jul '07
WEIGHT LOSS UPDATE:
12/23/06 ~ 263.0
01/05/07 ~ 235.5
01/16/07 ~ 229.0
01/30/07 ~ 223.0
02/17/07 ~ 218.0
02/28/07 ~ 212.0
03/19/07 ~ 203.0
03/26/07 ~ 199.0
04/23/07 ~ 187.0
05/20/07 ~ 183.5
06/20/07 ~ 162.7
Total loss since surgery: 100 pounds in 6 months !!!!
Jul 1st
~~~~
Cannot believe I am at this point in my journey!!!
100 pounds lost and never to be seen again
Wowoooowoweeeee!!!!
QUES: Where do I get one of those nice "gold" cards that say I lost it ! - 100 pounds that is ?
Milestones for me:
1. fit in an airplane seat without hesitation and not be scared I will smother the person next to me – people have actually moved to another seat NOT to have to sit next to me …. Embarrassing and sad !!
2. I sat in the middle seat no probs and when someone had to get by they actually slipped by without me killing myself to get up and move !!! (hurray I am normal)
3. I always wanted to wear my cell phone on my belt/waist/hip….welll hello !! no more missed calls – my phone is on my hip and I can answer the calls HELLLOOOO THERE !!!!
4. In the past I had refused to purchase beach towels to use in the bathroom … I am able to wrap the dang bath towel ALL around me when leaving the shower….....feels good and looks cute too
(This is the small cheap Target towels that I buy for the kids !!!!!!)
Look at me - I am human and can wrap a towel around myself !!!! (TEARS FALLING.......)
5. When eating out – no one is looking or commenting on what I am eating …mmmmmmm WHY do people need to look at the fat girls plate to see what she is eating…I went out to dine ( with some friends ) and no one paid attention to my plate ---that is sooooo interesting.
6. Crossing my legs - in the car, at the restaurant, at the table, "in my sleep" - whhoooohhooo !! It seems to come so naturally. What a wonderful feeling.
7. Driving in the car without feeling as if you are buldging out the dang window. - there is no need to explain this one - if you know, you know!
8. In the ATL, it is HOT HOT ! - I have yet to break a serious sweat in this heat so far.
Before: I had to have a fan blowing on me just to get dressed in the morning.
~~~~~~~~~~
When you are large every body wants to eye ball your plate…even when you are on your way down they LOOK…well I noticed that no one even commented or asked what I was gonna eat……was it that they were comfortable with me now and NOT comfortable before??????? mmmmmhhhhhh
~~~~ we are so conditioned as a society that OBESITY is something that can be controlled by others. People actually feel that by de-humanizing a person that that will assist them into losing weight – those “put the fork down” and “pull away from the table” comments only hurt people and do not jump start them into a program that will help them to lose weight.
We are in a constant struggle with our obesity issues…. Not only do we have to educate ourselves daily in this journey - BUT the education of the rest of the world is very important also.
I will show them all !!!! ~ Peachy Style ~
~~
OOOOOWEEEEEE LOOK WHAT I GOT!!
I am a member of the Club
~MORE TO COME~
About Me
Peachy in Georgia,
Location
49.7
BMI
Surgery
12/20/2006
Surgery Date
Dec 20, 2003
Member Since
