Steph_G73
42 years ago, I was born a 10lb 8oz beautiful, bald head, light skined African American Butterball bundle of joy. They say that usually if a child is active, she tends to drop the "baby fat". I proved that to be untrue...i continued to gain through all grade levels, through college, through my professional endeavors. The only times I didn't gain or lost weight, I was on a diet. When the diet and exercise experiments were over, the lost weight came back plus more. The most successful try was in 1998 when i lost 22lbs in 8 weeks...unbelievable...338lbs down to 316lbs on the old Weight Watchers points system. Financially unable to go through the maintenance program, I regained the 22lbs plus another 26lbs within 5 years. During that time, I started to push away from the possibilities of the joys of life. I didn't want a special person in my life; I didn't want children; and I just knew i wouldn't live to see my 35th birthday. But all other "normal" thoughts and activities were still there. I wanted to make money at a job that meant something to me. I wanted a car and a house. I wanted to enjoy my friends and family. I wanted to do my favorite things. Unquestionably confused, I engrossed myself in this world of all work, little play, and neglect of myself. It was easy to see that there was a possibility that, frankly, I COULD BE DECEASED BY AGE 35.
Thinking about leaving a thumb print on this earth, i got serious about my health...no way could i have a baby safely at the last known weight of 316lbs. That's when I started looking into WLS options.
I guess you could say i was desperate, but absolutely serious about getting my health in check. So I made an appointment with the doctor. October 2002, weight was 359lbs and BP was above stroke level. I was medicated immediately and scolded royally. It was ugly. I dove into WLS research...types, complications, mortality, cost, long term pros and cons, everything. Looked into insurance and found my company had a program where it would pay after a drop in the bucket copay. Excited, i found my surgeon and hospital of excellence and was on my way. The appointment was in April of 2003. I weighed in at 364lbs; a gain of 5lbs since that October visit. However, I couldn't go through with it because of several reasons.
Still wanting to have WLS, I got back into research mode in 2007. Satisfied with my findings and at peace with putting my life on the line to save it, I got my journey underway on April 4, 2007. I weighed in at 402.2lbs. WOW!!! 38lbs gained in 4 years. At that point, i said NO MORE! That day I sincerely bidded a farewell to my SUPER MORBIDLY OBESE body. I knew immediately changes that could be made and I MADE THEM. On surgery day February 20, 2008, I weighed 352.2lbs...a loss of 50lbs.
Yet the trek to surgery day was difficult and uncertain. It was changed 3 times. Seems being a chronic anemic can put a halt to things. The first postponement was November 2007 after finding my hematocrit and iron in the tank. Surgery was rescheduled for January 2008 after an iron infusion. Levels checked again before the liver shrink diet and found it low again. Rescheduled surgery for February 4, 2008 after another infusion. Having all requirements met for surgery on February 4th, I got sick that weekend; doctor said sinus infection. OMG!!! Antibiotics for 2 weeks. At that point, all i could do was pray and acknowledge that all things are in God's hands. I accepted that whatever day i have surgery is the day He chose for me and that day would be perfect. AND IT WAS.
My Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery was done laparoscopicly in 52 minutes without complications. I woke in recovery to a surgeon grinning from ear to ear complementing on how well the surgery went. My liver was shrunk perfectly. And recovery looked excellent. I was all about business in that hospital, doing exactly as i was told and praying for all things good. I was home in three days and at work a week later.
I ccontinued on my journey of defeating SUPER MORBIDLY OBESE me. I was an obedient patient...learning, practicing, and living a new lifestyle. I decided to lose slowly because through my research, i just found that i would be more comfortable with that. As the pounds fell off, I then engrossed myself into the plan of not just having a baby; I wanted to get married and have BABIES. Eventually i would meet a handsome Gemini with several other children. After less than a handful of conversations, he told me that i would be his wife and he would give me my heart's desire. We've been together 6 years. He has fulfilled my heart's desire twice. Our son is 2 and baby girl just turned 1yr old on May 23rd. Both pregnancies were difficult and dangerous without any weight issues. I and my babies are BLESSED to be on this earth. However, their dad and I have not wedded yet. I WANT A WEDDING and it cost money. Besides, it will happen when God says so. He knows my desires and have come through every time.
Now that i have my babies and unfortunately can't have any more, it's time to get back on track. All i want to do is get to a weight that is comfortable physically, psychologically, and EMOTIONALLY. I'd love to have reconstructive surgery. That would be the most excellent gift flaunted in the face of a defeated SUPER MORBIDLY OBESE me.
I will try and blog my progress. You can also follow it looking at the various tickers on my profile. If you have questions or would like to just converse about WLS, inbox me.
Good luck and God bless you on your journey to a life He has for you...