Jennifer Phillips

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I DID IT!!!

 

January 18, 2008 was the beginning of my new life. All the wondering if I’d made the right decision…all the anxiety over the changes that WLS would bring about…well, all I can say is, “This was one of the best decisions in my life!”

 

My diabetes has resolved itself. I already have more energy (and only 2 weeks after surgery!). And for the first time in years, I don’t feel “hungry” all the time! It’s great to have to remind myself to eat!

 

Seriously, if you are reading this and wondering if WLS is for you, I highly recommend finding a surgeon and attending their informational meeting. Do your homework…read as much information as you can about the procedures and other weight loss options available to you. The Discovery Health channel has many programs profiling people fighting morbid obesity in various ways. My surgeon, Dr. Hornbostel from Sedalia, Mo, said that because I was still relatively young (42) and in relatively good health, he expected me to do very well on this journey.

 

All the information I’d seen said to expect the surgery to last 2 or 3 hours, then one hour in recovery room. The scheduled time for my operation was 8 am. At 11:30 am I was IN my hospital room! The biggest surprise of it all is that the first night, I had more pain from muscle spasms in my back than from the surgery itself. The morning after surgery, they did X-rays with contrast to make sure there were no leaks in my new plumbing. One more night in hospital and I went home on Sunday the 20^th.

 

Whether you are considering WLS, waiting for your day, or have had your surgery…know that there are so many people you can get to know through this site, and we all want to help each other along. Interestingly, I’ve noticed that I’m trying to be an encourager in this new role…and the main thrust of my music ministry is to encourage people in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and to remind them that God loves them and wants to be a part of their lives.

 

I pray you will have God’s perfect peace regarding your weight loss efforts and your health in general. And if you don’t know Him, all you have to do is ask Him to come into your life. That’s one decision I know you’ll never regret!

 

Have a great day and Be Blessed!

 

Jenn

Ok, so it’s been like forever since I wrote a “blog” article…but there’s a lot going on in my life, so I guess I really should share (hoping that someone somewhere will be encouraged by my experiences).

 

I started considering gastric by-pass over three years ago, but didn’t decide for sure till January ’07. As I went through the qualifying, I’d have a day of “do I really want to do this?” or “am I really ready for this?” then a week or two of confidence in my decision. Not sure if that’s “normal”, but it’s been my experience.

 

In November I got my date set for January 18, 2008. I started telling the activities people at all the nursing homes where I sing that I’d be off for two or three weeks after surgery. Most of my friends and family have been very supportive and excited for me…that’s a real blessing! Not sure I could have stayed resolute without support.

 

Then in December, I fell and broke my upper arm and tore my rotator cuff. Oh my gosh has this thing messed with my life and my mind! Had surgery to repair it (three screws in the bone and a huge scar later, I’m starting to regain use of my arm). This has really been hard for me, because in addition to the plans for my gastric surgery, I had to stop singing because I couldn’t drive for three weeks and still can’t really manage my sound system by myself. So, all total, I’m looking at two MONTHS away from the work I love.

 

Anyway, so now it’s January, and time is drawing near. My emotions are like a roller coaster! One minute I’m looking forward to basically starting life over again, then the next minute thoughts of fear and doubt come racing at me. If not for my faith in Christ, this would surely have derailed me and I’d have cancelled the procedure. But I know that when I made the decision a year ago, it was the right one, and I’m not going back on it! I’m determined to get healthy, so I can be here to keep singing and encouraging people, and so I can be here for my kids (who aren’t really kids anymore, but might occasionally need me, right?).

 

It’s Tuesday night and surgery is this Friday morning…I’m nervous about all the changes, but really not too concerned about the surgery itself. Guess that’s because I know that my Heavenly Father has already worked out the details…I know that He loves me and has GOOD plans for my future!

 

I hope that you’re somehow been blessed by my sharing this with you. I’ll try to write a little more before surgery and then an update when I get home from the hospital.

 

Have a great day and Be Blessed!

 

Jenn