Shawnie S.
JANUARY 2002 - I am a 25 year old married mother of four children. I am in college full-time hoping to go to Law School within the next two years. I have been overweight all of my life. I was a big baby, a chubby kid, a fat teenager, and now an obese adult. I am hoping that by having this surgery I will be able to lead a more healthy and active life with my family. I want my children to be able to go bikeriding and hiking and sledding with their mom, without her gasping for air! I want to live life to the fullest, and at my current weight it just is not possible!
I started researching weight loss surgery a few years ago, but with so many pregnancies...it always got put on the back burner. Now that our family is complete...I am ready! I had my first consult with Dr. Todd in January 2002, and it went great. I really loved the entire office and staff. Very uplifting expereince! I believe that with God, all things are possible, and I know that if this is meant to be and it is his will...then it will happen. Hopefully next year, I will be updating as a post-op!
JUNE 3, 2002- I GOT APPROVED!!!!!!!!!!! I am so happy I don't know what to do! My insurance was billed in January, and it seems like it has been a pretty long wait, but well worth it! This is right up there with one of the happiest days of my life. I still have to get a colonoscopy done and some blood work...but besides that, I am pretty much done...and then I get my date! I am hoping for surgery in July or August. That would be so great! Well..I will keep you all updated!
JUNE 26TH, 2002- I got my surgery date today!!! It is set for July 23rd! I just can't believe it is almost my turn. I am so excited and I thank the Lord for his blessing on me! I will update later, and as surgery gets closer.
JUNE 29TH, 2002- I am driving myself crazy already counting down the days until my surgery! I am so nervous that something might happen that will prevent me from having the surgery. Call me paranoid...but, it is just so hard for me to believe that I am really doing this!!! I am so excited! I can't wait until this time next year when I will be able to wear a pair of shorts or short sleeved shirt without feeling embarrassed about how fat I look. WOW! The idea just amazes me. Thank you so much to Dr. Tood for being here in Alaska and helping make my dreams come true. I know this surgery is just a tool, and not a miracle, but for the first time in my life...I have real hope of leading a NORMAL LIFE. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
JULY 5TH, 2002- I went out to dinner with my husband tonight. We went to Stuart Anderson's Cattle Company (my favorite restaruant) My 26th birthday is August 1st, and since I am having my surgery on the 23rd of July, we decided to celebrate a little early this year. In essence, it was my big "last meal" out. I have to start my low carb diet in four days in preparation for the surgery, so life as I know it (at least my diet) will soon change forever. I am looking forward to it though! My surgery date is fast approaching!
JULY 10TH, 2002- I am now officially on my low carb pre-surgery diet. I already miss the junk food I want! HAHA I have been spending a lot of time reading over everyone else's questions and answers and really trying to prepare myself for the surgery. I ventured to the WLS Memorial board and cried for an hour. I knew I should have never clicked on it. Just made me really sad for the families who lost their loved ones, and worried for myself! But, like someone said...would you never get in a car again just because people die in car crashes every day? Admittedly, I am scared to death that something bad will happen to me and my four little babies will not have a Mommy. But, then I remind myself of how terribly unhealthy I am by carrying all this extra weight. I won't be alive to see my children graduate high school or have children of their own at this rate. They deserve to have me around for a really long time. I just have to keep putting my trust in the Lord and know that he will take care of me and my family. It is so amazing how many issues this surgery brings up in your life. I am nervous,excited, happy, scared, weepy..you name it! But most of all...I am READY! I just want to get the surgery done and make the most of my new life. Talk later...
JULY 12,2002- I decided that I should take some of my measurments before I get my surgery. I don't want to concentrate on just a number on a scales. I don't know how accurate these measurments are, since I took them myself..but I think they are pretty close. So here goes :
Neck- 16 1/2 inches
wrists- 7 1/2 inches
upper arms- 18 1/2 inches (the same as my calves! UGHH)
Waist- 53 inches
Bust- 56 inches
Hips- 58 inches
upper thigh- 31 inches
Calf- 18 1/2 iches
ankel- 10 inches
I figure that if I check these once a month or so...then it will be more important then what I weigh. I plan on working out a lot and doing some weight training when I am able too, and I know that muscle weighs more than fat, so I can't go just by weight alone. Of course, my goal weight is anything under 150 lbs., although I would be very pleased to get to about 135-140 lbs. I have had four babies, so I don't have an unrealistic goal of 110lbs. or anything. As long as I look good and feel good, I will be happy no matter what the scales may say!
