princess82
5-30-06
I have been researching wls for a few years now and I finally feel like I am getting closer. On the 15th I met with Dr. Haggerty at Highland Park Hospital in Highland Park Il (part of the Evanston Northwestern group) and he seems nice. I guess I wasn't too impressed at first. My cousin who I currently live with is going to be my surgery buddy so to speak. We have been to every appointment together and more than likely will have our surgery on the same day. The drive to Highland Park is incredibly long and boring but its worth it. Long for me is 2hrs one way on a highway full of people that can't drive. But hey that is normal around Chicago right? I am at my highest weight ever 248 and only 5'3". I know and expect that my weight is only going up until the actual day of surgery since I am trying so hard to quit smoking. I am really not too sure if I can do it. Without my smokes I become this mean person and I feel so bad that everyone around me has to suffer. So far to date my cousin and I have had our consultations with the surgeon and the nutritionist and on 6-1 we go for our psych eval. After those reports are in it all goes to insurance. I can't wait!!!!! I have read alot about people with Illinois medicaid and how they were approved within 1 week. That would be so wonderful!!! It could be my last summer being MO and I can start to really live and be healthy. Well I think that I have rambled on long enough for today. Sorry if this bores anyone but I think that I will probably use this as a journal through my journey of wls.
7-3-06
Well my cousin and I completed our psych eval and as of the July 1st she has been approved!!! I am so happy for her but I wish my letter would come soon! I thought for sure that I would get mine first since I actually have comorbs and all but I am happy for her. Maybe a little jealous lol.
7-13-06
I have a date!!!!! I am so happy, nervous, excited, anxious and scared but I can't wait!!! My cousin has decided to wait until the end of august to have her surgery and she is kind of dissapointed that I chose not to wait with her. I told her from the start that for me it was the sooner the better. Less than 2 weeks away seems like its too good to be true. I'm asking for everyones prayers that I make it through this. My support system isn't what I thought it would be. My dad is so stubborn and he isn't going because my mom is going. I think it is time for everyone to just get along. But that is enough for today. Trying not to think about surgery and maybe it will calm my nerves but that isn't going to happen if I can't get off this website!!! lol Have a good day all.
11-24-06
It has been 4 monthes since surgery and I think I am doing great!!!!! I am down 71 pounds and my energy level is sky high! I am starting to have issues with skin mostly under my arms and my inner thighs. My size 14's are falling off and I have only been in them for a couple of weeks. I really need to update pictures but that has to be done later.
12-24-06
Merry christmas! Tomorrow will be 5 months for me and I have now lost 83 pounds!!! I'm wearing a size 7/8 in jeans and I could probably go smaller. I am really starting to learn about this exercise thing. Its amazing when you have always thought that u knew how to exercise and then found out that you were completely WRONG! I have now consulted with a personal trainer but I can't start working with her until I see my surgeon since she wants a signed release. I will be seeing him again on the 27th and hopefully my blood work comes back ok. I haven't been there since september due to being so far away and it being the winter months. It will be nice to see 2006 end and even better if it takes my extra skin with it! lol
03/12/07
Just a quick update and I have added new pics too! I am now down 117lbs with only 10 little pounds to go! I am now wearing a 3/4. I only have two issues: ONE being the saggy skin! It is everywhere! Today I tried on a pair of my 15yrold sisters "hoochie" shorts and I will never be able to wear them, the skin on my inner thighs is so very depressing! All of the skin is depressing. Which brings me to my 2nd issue that I thought would pass by now: I don't see the "real" me when I look in the mirror. All I can see is fat and extra skin. The only reality check are the numbers on the scale and the size tag in my jeans. I know that they say this is normal but when will it stop? I am seriously considering seeing a shrink. My mother is worried that I will lose too much weight as she sees me as "thin enough" already. She seems to think that there is no possible way that I have any fat on my body now. If she only knew about these demons!!!! Other than going crazy with body image issues everything is great! Hopefully in my next update I will be at goal!
Hospital Reviews
Surgeon Info:
At a first impression I really didn't know what to think about Dr. Haggerty but over time his education and confidence shined through. His staff is very helpful especially Lisa.
Insurer Info:
Medicaid
