ObesityHelp

Garden Sanctuary
You who walk,
Maybe with troubled thoughts,
Come, enter here and rest;
And may the sweet serenity of growing things,
And the heavenly peace
Be mirrored in your soul.
-Doxis M. Palmer







February 24, 2003
I went for my consultation visit today and everything went well. The office staff really makes you feel like they care. It was obvious for me that we had something in common other than weight and that was a mutual friend, Jesus! What a BLESSING!! I am being scheduled to see a pulmonary doctor and I go March 4th to see a Psychologist. I have talked with a representative at the insurance company and she told me according to the data that I shared with her I should have no problem being approved. I am so excited!! According to the results today I am 320.51 lbs at 5'5" with a BMI of 53.3. My liver looked good so the lap procedure is a good possibility. I will post more as I find out the results. Thanks for listening (reading) and May God Bless each of you. Rebecca


February 26, 2003
Hello to my new "Family". Just wanted to let you all know that I go for my psychological evaluation today at 4:00. I told my DH that I could save us a few bucks because I already now that I am only half sane!!! It would not be me if I couldn't joke around. I'm not quite sure what to expect, so for those of you who are new at this like me, I will tell you all about it tonight. Until then, May God continue to Bless each of you. Rebecca





February 27, 2003
I had the psychological evaluation yesterday and ........ let's just say it was different! If interested just e-mail me and I will explain later because I KNOW that not all evaluations were like mine. So let's put a smile on our faces and greet the world. I go to see the pulmonary doctor on March 18 and then we will go from there. I'm having a lot of headaches right now, I believe it is sinus due to all the damp weather we are having here in Alabama. Until next time May God continue to Bless each of you.


March 3, 2003
I took that "big" step and called BCBS to see if they had received by paperwork. The representative put me on hold and I don't know why, but I became so nervous! She said they had received the information, but no decision had been made at this time. It has only been a week though. What could I have been thinking, no one gets results in a week! Well, got to run, my 16 year old just called and has hurt his neck in PE so I'll post more later. Take care and Love to my new AMOS family. My prayers are with each of you.

Update from earlier today: My husband just arrived with my son and thankfully the doctor said that he had pulled a muscle in his neck. No PE for two weeks. I'm sure he is jumping for joy! Not really, he likes working out and all. He has to wear a neck brace for a week. It scared me when he came in because he could not hold his head straight nor could he raise his left arm above his head. Even in times of stress we can always find something to be thankful for and I am thankful that it was not worse than what it is. Have a great week everyone. Prayers are with each of you, especially the ones who are preparing for surgery this week.


March 10, 2003
PRAISE THE LORD!!!! I AM APPROVED!!! I just got off the phone with BCBS and she told me that I had been approved on March 7th. I just started crying. I was soooo happy! I called my husband at work to share the good news. He was delighted as well and told me not to cry that everything was going to be okay. I called the doctors office and talked to Candice. I told her that I had been approved. She asked me if I wanted to schedule a surgery date!! Yes, Yes! She came back to the phone and said they had April 8,9,10 available and the rest of the month. So guess which one I chose? You're right! April 8th. Less than a month I will be on the loosing side. I'm so excited!! God is so good. I talked with my parents who live in Tennessee. Originally I had told my mom about the surgery, but told her to NOT tell my dad; to tell him that I was having my gall bladder taken out. She said what if he remembers that you already had it removed. Tell him it grew back!! Today my dad answered the phone when I called, but I just couldn't tell him. (He had a sister who had the surgery done in the early 70's who had several complications) Mom told him while I was on the phone and he said he knew because he remembered that I had already had the gallbladder removed. I don't think he was happy. I know that he is just concerned. I am a daddy's girl!!! I may be 37 years old, but I have always been very close to my dad. My parents will be keeping my 4 year old while I am in the hospital. We will take her there on March 28th. My 16 year old will be fine. He is just a fine young man. Very self-sufficient. I am very proud of him. He is an honor student. Well, I'll get off for now and will update more later. Thanks to all the AMOS family for keeping there profiles up to date and for sharing there experiences. It is because of you and this board that I have a peace with all this. I thank God above for giving these doctors the knowledge to perform this surgery. Please keep me in your prayers. Love to all.


April 10, 2003
I had my surgery on the 8th and everything went well. I had no problems at all. Actually I am very surprised, there was more pain involved when I had my hysterectomy! I'm a little tired so I will right more later.


April 12th, 2003
I am 4 days post op and I feel fine. I would like to thank God above for taking such good care of me. I only had three doses of pain medication after surgery and I had it twice since I have been home. It is a little scary when you go to eat. I am afraid of doing something wrong. I don't think I will ever eat broth, Jell-O and popsicles again though. I am really sick of them. Looking forward to Monday, I go get the drains out. Will right more later, May God Bless each of you.

April 14, 2003
Well, I made it past the removal of the drains and boy was that an experience!! It did not hurt as in actual pain, but it did take my breath away! It felt like someone trying to pull start a lawn mower. I was fine after a couple of minutes. I had lost eleven pounds since surgery, seventeen total. The nurses were pleased with my progress. As I was leaving Dr. Freeman yelled for us to give me a hug and shake my husband’s hand. He said I was doing very well. I have not had any medication for co morbidities in over three weeks. Praise the Lord! I was afraid I would have a flair up with the fibromyalgia, but I have been just fine. I thank the Lord for that.


April 15, 2003
I had an eye doctor appointment today and was so surprised. I have been blind as a bat and I just knew I was going to have to have bi-focals. No, I was blind because my eyes have improved greatly and my current prescription was too strong! I was there for four hours and then I went to the Super Center just to walk around a bit before our support group meeting. My husband met me later to attend the meeting. A plastic surgeon was there and it was very interesting. He explained several procedures and whether or not insurance was paying for them. Well, I am very tired so I am going to call it a day. May God Bless Each of you no matter where you are in this journey.


April 24, 2003
I just wanted to give a quick update. I think I am doing great since the surgery. I've really had no complications. I have gotten sick a couple of times, but it seems when choosing your food, it is trial and error for me. Most things I have no problem at all with and others give me a great deal of gas. No, that has been my main problem! I get so much gas and it gets trapped in my back! Pain! Pain! Pain! That has been the worst part of the surgery. Before surgery I could drink water just fine and now it seems that I can taste every chemical in it. I've been drinking Propel by Gatorade. I'm still not getting in the 64 ounces, but trying hard.

I seem to get tired very easy these days. I came back to work on Tuesday and it was slow so I did okay. Yesterday, I was busy the biggest part of the day and I was exhausted when I left here. So many of my customers said to me yesterday "my you are loosing weight", I just smiled and said, "I don't think so." I haven't told many of them about my surgery. I can't tell that I am loosing yet, but some are telling me they can see it in my face. I get depressed when I go to get on the scales, so I try and stay away from them. I'll weigh when I see Dr. Freeman on May 6th.

My husband has been wonderful through all this. He has been my right hand. At first he was a little nervous about it. Since surgery, I couldn't ask for more support. He took a week off when I had the surgery and he took such good care of me. He did things for me that I never imagined I would ever have to have done by anyone. If I got up out of the bed to go to the recliner, he got up and went to the sofa. He never left me alone. I am very Blessed to have him in my life. He will never know just how much I appreciate him for all he has done for me.

Well, I will close for now. May God Bless each of you no matter where you are in your journey. Fell free to e-mail me if I can be of help to anyone. Thank you AMOS for your continued support. Rebecca


May 6, 2003
I had my one month check up yesterday and everything went well. I've lost 26 lbs. since surgery. I am still having problems getting all the water in and I do get a little sick at times. Some days I have lots of energy and other days I have none. Am I sorry I did this? No way, I would do it again. Dr. Freeman and his staff are a God send. I don't feel like I have anything to complain about. It is all trial and error as to what your stomach can handle and what it can't handle at this particular time. I am trying to walk a mile a day at the present time. Overall I feel great! I have had no medication for co-morbidities since two weeks before my surgery. That is hard to believe since I took a lot of medication every day. I am so pleased with this procedure. I want every one to know about it. I want everyone to feel the way I do on the inside. God is Good and I am grateful that He led me to this site and to Dr. Freeman. I am also grateful He gave me such a caring and loving husband. Mike has stood by me every step of the way. I could not have done it without him. He is even loosing weight. Although, I think he looks pretty darn good already! I guess we will be "loosers together!"

I'll write again soon. May God Bless you wherever you are in your journey.


June 10, 2003
Well, it has been 2 months since surgery (9 weeks) and I have lost 46 pounds! I feel great! I am doing things that I could not have done two months ago. My family can see a difference in my appearance, but I can not see any big difference. I am still having problems getting in all my water. I have discovered that Fruit 2o (flavored spring water) and I really like the grape. I have found this at the Wal Mart Super Center and at CVS. They have several to choose from.

I am closing my cross stitch shop as of June 21st. The sales dropped in November and it has not picked up since. So I'm holding onto that saying, "When God closes one door, He will open another." I am praying that I find a job soon.

I'll close for now, I feel like I am rambling. If I can be of help to anyone, please don't hesitate to let me know. This surgery has been the greatest gift I could have given myself. I would do it all over again today. Yes, it has made a difference in my life and so has Dr. Freeman and his wonderful staff.

May God Bless each of you no matter where you are in your journey.


June 27, 2003
I went to see Dr. Freeman yesterday and he said I was doing Great! I had lost 52lbs. in 11 weeks. I can't believe it! My son pulled some pictures out and showed me the difference the other day and I can really see a difference in my face. Yesterday, my husband and I went to the Outback. The hostess took us around and was seating us in one of those two people "holes"! I didn't say anything, although I wanted to say, can we have a table please. I just sat right down, and guess what? I HAD ROOM TO SPARE!!!! First time ever. I ordered a salad and ate very little of it, the waiter came by and asked if there was something wrong and I told him no that I had surgery and I could no longer eat large portions. He was wonderful. He started asking questions so I got to education him on the surgery in a positive way.

I closed my shop last Saturday and now I just feel lost! I'm praying that I will be able to find a job. The month of July I am going to Charlotte, NC to see my grandmother. She has cancer and the doctors have given her 3 to 4 months to live. From there I am going to Bristol, TN to see my parents and then I am taking the children to the Smokey’s and then back to Alabama. I have so much more energy since my surgery. I was telling my friend that I have been to the mall more in the last two weeks than I have in the last 15 years. Thank GOD for a wonderful surgeon and his team. I would do it all over today.

Will close for now. May God Bless each of you, no matter where you are in your journey. If I can be of help to anyone please let me know. Rebecca


July 14, 2003
Hello to all. I went and weighed in today for my 3 month check-up and guess what???? I am 63 pounds lighter!!!!Yeah!!! Yes, I feel good! This surgery was the best thing I could have ever done for myself. I am so grateful for my surgeon, Dr. Bryan Freeman, and his staff. I thank God above for giving them the knowledge to perform this procedure. May God Bless each of you no matter where you are in your journey. Rebecca

MY PRINCE BRADLEY ANDREW




August 18, 2003
I went in last week to see Dr. Freeman for my 4 month check up. I'm doing great he says. I have lost a total of 85, yes I said 85 pounds! Can you imagine 340 sticks of butter in front of you??? I can't believe it! He says I will probably loose another 80 pounds before my year is up. Gosh, I hope he is right. God has Blessed this man with a wonderful talent. He is such a good doctor and he has a GREAT partner with him at all time. The LORD JESUS CHRIST! That is what makes him and his entire staff so unique. I just Thank God for him and for all of his staff.

As for me, I feel better than I have in years. I've been doing my own housework, laundry and cooking. I've even worked out in the yard a little. It is so hot here I'm afraid of getting dehydrated so I try not to overdo it outside. I finally got rid of all my old clothes. I kept one pair of jeans, one shirt and one dress just in case we have a "Can You Believe It Show." I bought one pair of jeans, a pair of shorts and three tops. That should be enough to hold me through until fall and then I will buy sweat pants.

I've been a little moody here lately. I really don't know why. I have a wonderful, supportive husband and two wonderful children. I have not taken any medication since before my surgery in early April until yesterday, and I started taking my hormones again. I hope this helps. My hair has started coming out as of two weeks ago. I have a thick head of hair so I could stand to loose a little, not much though.

I have met some of the most wonderful people through this site and our support group and I thank God for each of you. If I can be of help to anyone please let me know. I travel to Tennessee a lot to see my parents so if I don't respond to your e-mail immediately I will as soon as I return. May God Bless each of you no matter where you are in your journey. Love, Rebecca

MY PRINCESS SARAH ELIZABETH




September 11, 2003
First of all let me say that my heart is with the victims and families of the tragedy two years ago. May God Bless Each of you.

On Wednesday, August 27th, I lost the most wonderful person, my Mamaw. She had such an impact on my life. I have no idea of where I would be today without her. She had a good hand in the woman I am today. She taught me how to love, how to be compassionate, how to respect others among other things. I miss her so much. My life seems so empty. If there was ever a "Virtuous Woman", she was it. She was a Godly woman. I just knew she would be against the surgery, so she was one of the last people I told after I was approved. Guess what? She was always supportive of my decision and the best cheerleader!! As a matter of fact, her last words to me were, "little boobies!" I said, ?Not yet Mamaw, but we are getting there!? I pray I can be half the woman she was and touch the lives of others as she did. May you rest in peace Mamaw, you will surely be missed.

I've lost another 5 pounds, total of 90. I am so amazed!! I never dreamed it would actually come off. I get compliments from everyone. The one thing that I hate is people saying to me that they bet I feel better about myself and that I must be a happier person. I was a very happy person before the surgery. I did not like the way I looked, but I was happy. Maybe it's just me being a little moody, I don't know.

Well, I am working hard on loosing the next 10 pounds. My goal was to try and loose 100 pounds in 6 months. I am still having problems eating chicken. I can eat pot roast and steak just fine. (Itty-bitty pieces) I love fresh produce from the garden. I need to be getting more protein and concentrating on getting all my water in. The last couple of days my fibromyalgia has been acting up. I guess it is the weather change. I still have not taken any medications since before surgery. Praise God! I just switched vitamins from Flintstones to Centrum Silver. (No I am not close to 50 yet) I also started taking the Hair, Skin and Nails vitamins from Wal-Mart. My hair is coming out by the handfuls. I went to my beautician yesterday and she said I had probably lost close to half of my hair. Thank God I had a thick head full before surgery!! I just hit my fifth month. Maybe the vitamins will help. I know for the last several weeks I have not been taking care of myself. That is getting better though. My life is gradually getting back to normal.
I'll close for now. If I can be of help to anyone please let me know. May God continue to bless each of you no matter where you are in your journey.


September 16, 2003
Hello to everyone. I just had to update and tell you the latest. No, I have not lost any more weight. I guess I have reached that dreaded "P" word!!! For Sunday dinner I made a new recipe with chicken and guess what, I was able to eat a little of it. I was so excited! Not only did I eat it Sunday, I ate it on Monday too. My mom said, "You better be careful, you will make yourself sick of that too!" I have a habit of finding something that I can eat and then every day that is what I have. Yesterday I was looking for something quick to make for dinner since it was our support group meeting. My daughter asked for spaghetti. I thought to myself I hate fixing this since I can't eat the beef. Well, I was able to eat a very small serving of it and I did fine. I got a headache afterwards and that may have stemmed from the pasta.

I am going to Tennessee tomorrow so I will be out of pocket until Monday. Take care everyone and have a BLESSED weekend. May God put His healing hand on all those having this wonderful surgery.


September 26, 2003
In our support group, "New Beginnings", we were asked to write something as to what Dr. Freeman and this procedure means to us. I had shared it with a couple of people and was asked to place it on my profile page. I pray that it may help someone have peace as they enter into their journey. Listed below are my personal feelings.

When asked the question, What does Dr. Freeman and staff mean to you? I have all kinds of emotions and thoughts about the entire group.

This group of people has given me my life back. At the age of twelve the Lord Jesus Christ gave me eternal life. I never imagined I would have the opportunity to have a second life here on earth. That is what this procedure did for me. It gave me a second chance at life.

You see, I was taking anywhere from 18 to 24 pills a day just to function. I could not do my housework, I could not care for my children, I could not be a wife nor could I take care of myself. There have been many days when my husband would have to dress me. The doctors told us that within two years I would probably be in a wheel chair. Those were very encouraging words! I had a son, a new daughter and a husband who needed me. I was not about to give up. So I started researching WLS again. I had been to several doctors all along the East Coast in years past. We moved to Jacksonville in 1995 and I started checking into the surgery again, but never had peace with the doctors that I spoke with. It was in January 2003 while searching on the Internet that I came across ObesityHelp.com. It was there that I came across Dr. Freeman. I read everything I could read and then I made that first step, I made my consultation appointment. I did not get to meet Dr. Freeman at that time, but was not disappointed for his staff was wonderful. They were able to answer all my questions. No one tried to rush me out the door. More importantly, instead of trying to sell me on all the good of this procedure, Susan and Candice told me of all the bad! I was impressed! I had already made my mind up to have this for I had prayed and asked God if it were meant to be then to please pave the way. He did just that for me!

I was not afraid when I went into surgery. My last memory was the surgery team gathered around my bed, holding my hands while I prayed. I went to sleep praying, the last thing I remember was say "AMEN"! I had only minor complications from the surgery. Dr. Freeman, Tim and Joyce were right there for me. Always concerned about my well being, I have never met another doctor like Dr. Freeman. He is more than my doctor. He is my brother! He is my friend! No one will ever find staff like I found at the Freeman Center. God’s unconditional love was present in all of them.

I feel great! Today I am at 230 lbs. at 5'5. I have lost 95 lbs in 5 months. I take no prescription medication! Praise God! I can run in the yard with my daughter, go to ballgames with my son and walk up the steps like a normal person. I can clean my own house, do my own laundry and be a wife to my wonderful, supportive husband. I have been to the mall more in the last 5 months than I have in the last 18 years. I can go into regular stores to buy clothes. I can go to any restaurant and not worry about sitting in a booth. I can order my food and eat without feeling guilty because now I always carry a doggy bag out.

For me, WLS has been a life saving wonderful tool that has definitely given me a new lease on life. I am very thankful to Dr. Freeman, Brother Tim, the surgery team, the behind the scene team at the office, for you all work together like a well-oiled machine. I am thankful to my family, to my children and to my husband who stood beside me and supported me through this journey. I love each of you and you all will always have a special place in my heart.

To God Be the Glory for He has done Great things through Dr. Freeman and his staff. May He continue to bless each of you as you all have blessed me.

If I can be of help to anyone please let me know. I may not have all the answers, but I have a good ear. May God Bless each of you. With Love, Rebecca


September 29, 2003
I just wanted to give a quick update. Last Monday, September 22, 2003, I woke up so dizzy that I could barely stand. I had a hair appointment and it was just at the bottom of the hill so I drove myself. (I shouldn't have!!) The whole time I was there I kept telling my beautician how dizzy I was. I called my husband and he took me straight to Dr. Freeman's office. The minute I walked in Carla said to me, "what in the world is wrong with you?" I told her how weird I was feeling. They decided to put me into the hospital. (Outpatient) The nurse who gave me my IV said it looked like I had not had anything to drink in two weeks! I was so dehydrated!! While there I had another EDG and yes, I had to be dilated, again. I feel so much better now. I still get sick drinking water. I drink decaf, Splenda sweetened, ice tea and Crystal Light. I have been able to eat a little chicken and turkey, also. It was delicious!!!

I go to see Dr. Rumley today at 3:30 PM. I know it is too early to have anything done, but he said to not wait until your breasts are all gone to come see him. So, I figure if I can get approved I'll just wait a few months before having the procedure done. They really need it!! It is "Sag City" here if you know what I mean!! I'll post what the results are tonight.

I am really excited about Dr. Freeman's Ball this weekend. I got my outfit and found the perfect purse on Saturday. My husband went for his tux fitting last week and is to pick it up on Friday. I'll post our pictures when I get them. I hope to meet a lot of you there for I was told that over 500 of you had responded to the invitations. I go on Wednesday to pick up the gifts from the support group. Can't wait to see them.

I'll close for now. Remember, if I can be of help, don't hesitate to e-mail me or if you would like my home number, just e-mail me and I will give it to you. Take care and May God continue to Bless each of you. Love, Becky





October 3, 2003
Sorry I didn't update on Monday like I said I would. I have been one sick cookie. It seems I have the H-Pyloric bacteria in my stomach. Let me tell you, it is more painful than the surgery itself. I thought I was going to die! Oh, I know I am exaggerating a little, but I was in a great deal of pain. Would I do it again? You betcha!! Just tell me when and where and make sure Dr. Freeman is my surgeon and I would be there! Getting back to Dr. Rumble, bad news first. He said he doubts that insurance would pay for a breast lift because I have already lost too much, but he was 99% sure they would pay for a tummy tuck. So he is submitting the request. He said that sometimes it takes 5 to 6 weeks to hear back from them and then I would have 6 months to have the surgery. That would put me out a year. Yes, I am excited!! Guess what??? I weighed in today and I have lost 100 pounds. That is right, 100 pounds! I can't believe it. I will be six months out on October 8th. I had to go buy a new pair of jeans today and they were a size 18! I can't remember when I wore a size 18! Praise God!! I am so thankful that He saw fit to see me through. The Ball is tomorrow and I can't wait to meet everyone. Be sure and look me up. I'll be making a presentation at some point in the evening, so I won't be hard to miss. I love hearing from all of you. You seem like family. Take care and may God continue to Bless each of you. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!! Love, Rebecca




October 14, 2003
I went to see Dr. Freeman yesterday for my six-month check-up. We decided that he was going to do another EGD today to make sure everything was okay. As it turned out the opening was just fine. He ran a mono test and it came back negative. We are waiting on the hepatitis C and the h-pylori test to come back. In the last few days I have been able to eat without getting sick. I still cannot do water. I drink decaf Tetley tea sweetened with Splenda. I've lost 101 pounds! Praise the Lord!! I still have a ways to go, but I'm sure I will get there. This surgery is by far the best thing that I could have ever done for myself. I feel like I had the best surgeon and his staff are absolutely wonderful. It saddens me when I hear negative talk about Dr. Freeman or his staff, especially when the people making the remarks have never met with them in person. I know anyone that has ever met this group would agree with me that they are just wonderful and very caring. The Ball was wonderful! I enjoyed meeting so many of you. If you live close to Dr. Freeman's office, I would like to encourage you to take part in our support group, New Beginnings. It meets the third Tuesday of every month at 6:00 PM at the Tyler Center in Anniston. I will close for now for I am still on the sleepy side. Until next time, May God be with each of you. If I can be of help to anyone, please e-mail me at w8tloss4803@yahoo.com


November 18, 2003
Things are going better now. I seem to be able to eat just about anything without getting sick. I thought I would never reach that point! I had been on a plateau for the most of October and just started to loose again in the last week. I am down to 215! That is 110 pounds gone FOREVER!!! I am just so amazed! It is just too good to be true. We serve a gracious God and I am so thankful to Him for allowing this to happen to me. I am thankful to God for giving Dr. Freeman and his staff the wisdom and knowledge to help all of us. I don't think I could trust another doctor the way I do Dr. Freeman. He has a way of making you feel so comfortable. He seems more like a best buddy than your doctor. He has helped me uncover things about me that I thought were resolved and now I realize that I have not resolved those matters, but I am working and trying to sort through them. My arthritis and fibromyalgia have been giving me a fit in the last month or so. This is the first flare up that I have had since surgery. I am still trying to stay off of all prescription medication. I did start back on my hormones, as I just could not stand the hot flashes any longer. Well I will close for now. May God continue to bless each of you in your journey and always remember that if I can be of help to anyone, please feel free to contact me. With Love, Rebecca


December9, 2003
Well, I went for my check-up yesterday and everything went GREAT! After having to check in every month since surgery I don't have to return until April. That is my one-year anniversary! I was so pleased! I'll go for my 9-month blood work next month and if everything is okay then it will be April. I weighed in at 211, which is 114 pounds gone forever! The pounds are coming off much slower now. Even when the scales are not moving I can tell that I am loosing inches. My bracelet for the first time slides up and down my arm. Oh, it is the little things we get excited about! Praise is to God Almighty. I am so thankful and grateful for this surgery. Unless a person had been obese I really don't see how they can say they understand what it is like to be in our shoes. Too much is taken for granted. I put my Christmas tree up this year with a little help from my son. This is something that I have not done in years. I did not only my Christmas shopping, but also my mothers! And I must add that I did all the wrapping also. It took me a while on the wrapping because my hands hurt so bad with this damp weather. I had he best time! My son and I went shopping the Friday after Thanksgiving at 4:30 in the morning. We shopped and shopped and shopped some more and then we left the Mall for Wal-Mart. When we got to the van Bradley said, "Mom did you realize we did not sit down and take a break and you were fine?" I did realize that, but I was not about to say anything. It made me feel real good that he noticed and brought it to my attention though. I have the best family anyone could ever hope for. My daughter turned 5 on Monday and she says she is no longer a baby, but a little girl. She asked her brother and her daddy if she looked like a princess now. Boy did they get a laugh out of that. Well I will close for now. I wish each of you the very Merriest Christmas ever! Please remember to keep Christ in your Christmas plans this year for without Him we would be nothing. If I can be of help to anyone don't hesitate to email me.


December 16, 2003
Well, it is a GREAT DAY!!!! My girlfriend gave me some size 16 jeans and I thought I would try them on just to see how far up they would come. They just slid right over those hips of mine. YEAH!!! To top that off, they are actually a little loose. I have lost 115 pounds and it has been 8 months. I wanted to be 199 by the first of the year. I have a feeling those 11 pounds are going to be hard to loose since I have only lost 15 pounds since October. I never thought I would get excited about my BMI, but today I am just obese and not super obese! I think that is great! Yesterday someone asked me how I lost the weight and a friend immediately spoke and said she had surgery. I couldn't help but to correct her. I told the girl that yes I had surgery, but it was the Good Lord that did it. Without His protective hands I don't think any of us could do it. I believe without a shadow of a doubt that He is with Dr. Freeman and Brother Tim every time they start a surgery and that is why Dr. Freeman's practice has been so successful. I'll always give the praise to God for this. Dr. Freeman is His employee and does a fine job, I might add. I had all of my hair cut off on Saturday. Up to my ears and it is straight. I've kept a perm in it for years. My husband came home Saturday and asked where his wife was! I do look quite different. I will have to send in an updated picture soon. Our support group meeting is today so I am going to go prepare for that and I will post more soon. May God continue to Bless you no matter where you are in your journey and if I can be of help to anyone please don't hesitate to email me.


January 15, 2004
Happy New Year Everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Holiday Season! We enjoyed every minute of it. I was able for the first time to get in the floor and play with my daughter and her Santa goodies. I can't tell you how that felt. I went to the safety deposit box on Monday and got my mothers first set of wedding rings out to see if they would at least fit my pinky finger and guess what?? They fit my ring finger. I was just bawling! They lady at the bank just looked at me like I was loosing it. Sarah, my five year old said to her, "it's okay, mother just does this!" Then I had to start laughing!!! I'm sure she thought I was crazy then. Cry one minute and laugh the next! Tuesday I worked in the house all day and when my son got home from school I went outside to help clean up the leaves since it was so pretty out there. Bradley said, "Mom, you can't do this." I just looked at him and told him that "can't" is no longer in my vocabulary! There are things that I am not suppose to be doing right now because of my arthritis and fibromyalgia, but if I feel up to it, I am doing it. I was exhausted the next day though! Well, I did not make my goal of being under 200 by the first, but I have lost 120 pounds in 9 months. Praise the Lord! It is slower now, but I will get there with the Lords help. Well, I will close for now. May God continue to Bless each of you. Love, Rebecca

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES



May 6, 2004
Hello Everyone. It has been a while since I updated my profile and I do apologize for that. So much has been going on it just seems like the computer is the last place I go and then it is only for a second. My weight is still coming off, slowly but surely. I have lost 136 pounds in one year. I now wear an XL pant and an M to L top, just depends on how it is made. I still would do this all over again as long as I had the same surgical team. Dr. Bryan Freeman and his staff are wonderful. I find myself in Wal-Mart (and other places) drumming up conversation with fluffy people just so that I can tell them how this procedure and this doctor has changed my life. It is like after you have allowed the Lord to come into your life, that feeling of wanting to tell everyone, wanting everyone to share in your happiness. Well, that is me! I am no longer held captive by my weight and I don't want anyone else to be either. Most all of my co-morbidities have gone away. I still have problems with fibromyalgia and arthritis. It is not as bad as before but it is still there. My fibromyalgia has really been acting up for the last month or so. I attribute that to the stress that I have been under. On March 29 I lost my very dear and best friend. My Dad. The Lord saw fit to call him home, but it has sure left an empty place in my life. I talked on the phone to daddy 5 to 10 times a day and any opportunity to go to Tennessee, I took it. There is nothing like being a daddy's girl. I thank the Lord that my dad did not have to lay and suffer that He took him suddenly. I also thank Him for allowing daddy to see the new me. Daddy would never say anything about my weight. When I would mention it he would say, "Why can't you be happy the way God made you?" I would tell him that God did not make me this away. After the weight began to come off I would go visit and he would just grin from ear to ear. I went home in February to stay with daddy so mother could go see The Gaither's in concert and he said to me, "Sis, I think you have lost enough weight!" I just smiled back at him and said not yet daddy!! I just ask that you remember me and my family when you pray. It is hard to loose anyone that you love and love so dearly. I lost my grandmother and my daddy in less than 7 months from each other. I have been staying in Tennessee with my mother since daddy's death. I plan on coming back to Alabama on the 14th of May until mid June and then the children and I will go back up for a while.

I guess I had better close for now. I wish each of you the very best with your journey. If I can be of help to anyone please don't hesitate to e-mail me at w8tloss4803@yahoo.com. May God Bless each of you -- Love, Rebecca

How BLESSED I am for God to send such TREASURES into MY LIFE

Meet my adopted parents, Glenn & Brenda Abernathy & brother, Randall Culpepper





May 28, 2004
Here is hoping that everyone is doing well. My family and I are adjusting to life without Daddy and I must say it is so hard. The Lord tells us that our days are numbered, I just wish He could have left daddy a little while longer. I guess He just needed another Angel to help in the gardens. On May 15th I received a call that they had found my dad’s brother dead. They said he also died of a heart attack. Daddy was 60, his brother was 57. He had another sister and brother to die of major heart attacks. His sister was obese but his brothers were not. That is really scary, they all died at such young ages. I miss my dad! They say every day gets easier, but I would have to disagree. I think it gets harder! I feel very close to daddy when I am out working in the yard. So guess what I have been doing, working in the yard. Daddy loved the outside and he loved flowers and so do I. I just thank God for Dr. Freeman and his staff for without this wonderful tool I would not be able to work out in the yard. It has so dramatically changed my life. Things that I once could not do I am doing them tenfold. I pressure washed the deck, the front porch and side walk, the curbing in front of the house and the driveway on Wednesday. I was outside from 7AM until 4PM and I am OK!! Other than being burnt from the sun and a little sore, I have no complaints; I am still able to move. I've been cleaning house the last two days; my father-in-law is coming down today and will stay until Tuesday.

I have really been working hard on our support group, "New Beginnings." I see the potential for it to grow and be a beacon of education for this community. So many people are still so uneducated about this procedure. If only they could come and listen to what our members say, I believe they would see that it is not a quick fix or an easy decision, but it is a decision that saved our lives. It has given many of us our lives back. A chance to live again, to play with our children, to be a wife, to enjoy the amusement parks, a chance to just be us! I walk away each month from those meetings feeling very Blessed that I have the opportunity to associate myself with such wonderful people. These are people who have touched my life. I am sure they will never know, for what we say in those meetings we don't know whose life it touches, but I can assure you that it touches someone. Someone can relate to where you are or where you have been. I think it so important to be active in a support group. You may think it is not for you, but think of it as you helping someone else. If you can't find a group in your area if you will let me know I will try and help you locate one. Also, if you would like to e-mail me recipes to go into our cook book you may do so. I hope to have them ready for sale by October. Another thing, if Dr. Freeman and staff and this wonderful tool has changed your life you may want to participate in the book of letters that we are putting together for Dr. Freeman to be presented to him at the Ball this year. If you would like to participate you may e-mail me your letter and it will be included. The deadline for this will be August 31, 2004. If I can be of help to anyone please feel free to e-mail me. May God Bless each of you no matter where you are in your journey.


June 8, 2004
Well, I am 14 months out today and have lost 140 pounds. I can't believe it!!! I am still 25 pounds from my goal though. On July 27th I will be having my tummy tuck in Gadsden, AL under Dr. Thomas Rumley. Please say a prayer for me. The children and I will be going back to Tennessee next week after our New Beginnings Support Group Meeting. It is funny how I plan my life around these meetings. I never thought I would do something like that. They are so rewarding though. You learn so much from listing to others. What better way to learn than to hear it from the person experiencing it! Our next meeting is June 15th, one week from today. I hope to see you all there!
Until then May God carry you in the palm of His hand. With Love ~~ Rebecca


July 28th, 2004
Thought I had better let everyone know that my surgery was rescheduled for Friday, the 30th. It is getting closer!! My mother is here with me from Tennessee. She seems to be doing better than I am without daddy. Our days just don't seem complete. I started going to a Licensed Professional Councilor in Rainbow City, Craig Boden. Craig is the newest member to Dr. Freeman staff. He is wonderful! If you are feeling down and out or have skeletons in your closet that you just can't get past, remember Craig. I have lost another 5 pounds. Yeah for me! I am down to 180, total loss now is 145. I am still amazed and so thankful to God that He allowed me to experience this wonderful tool. Just a word about our support group meeting in August, It will be to honor Dr. Freeman and his staff as he celebrates his 3rd year anniversary. At this time he has completed over 1200 surgeries. He and his staff are such a blessing! If you plan on being at the meeting please bring a covered dish. If you have questions please feel free to email me. I will update after surgery. Until then, skinny wishes to all of you. May God Bless you no matter where you are in your journey. With Love, Rebecca


August 2, 2004
Just thought I would update a little and let everyone know that I came through surgery okay. I was in surgery for 5 hours on Friday. Dr. Rumley said everything went well. We arrived home around 6 PM. I have not been in a lot of pain, just sore. Mike and my mother took me back to Dr. Rumley today for my dressing change and I nearly passed out from seeing the incision. I don't know what I expected; it was just kind of a shock. He said the incisions looked good and told us that he may take the tubes out on Wednesday or Thursday. He took a little over 9 pounds. I will update more later. If I can be of help to anyone please feel free to let me know. With Love, Rebecca


August 4, 2004
Well, I am still hanging in there! The drains came out today. No they were not as bad as before, but very uncomfortable! I go back on Monday for the removal of some of the stitches and staples. They said they would not take all of them just some of them. Dr. Rumley and his staff said they could not believe how well I was doing and how straight I was walking. Said most come in there and are just barely moving. I am not one for a sympathy act. I like doing things myself. Of course I can't do anything right now; mom is treating me like I am a child again. My son thinks she is hilarious! Oh, while I think of it, let me tell you what my 5 year old did yesterday. "WARNING" Hope it doesn't hurt you to laugh. If it does, STOP reading now! Sarah came upstairs to take a nap with me and I told her to be very careful getting on the bed. She said, "Oh Mother, I know! I had a tummy tuck today. Oh! Oh! Granny did it with a chainsaw!" I thought I would loose it. She is a character. I kind of feel bad for her kindergarten teacher! I have quit taking my pain medicine as of today. I started taking Genasec. I really have not had much pain from the surgery site. I have some burning sensation. I have more pain from my back than anywhere. Well, I will close for now. Skinny wishes to all. May God bless each of you no matter where you are in your journey. If I can be of help, please let me know. Love, Rebecca


August 9, 2004
Well, I went back to Dr. Rumley today and they removed the staples and all the stitches today. Mike watched in amazement! He said,” Did you know that was one big long stitch?" I just had to laugh at him. He is so funny, but he is also so very supportive of my weight loss journey. The Lord really Blessed me when He sent Mike in my direction! We will celebrate our 20th anniversary on the 25th of this month. How exciting! I am not far from the size I was when we married! Would I do it all again? You bet I would! It has been an adventurous journey. I have made several new friends through this journey and I am so grateful! Guess what I did over the weekend? I went looking for something to wear to the Ball! It is just around the corner you know! I saw this beautiful red dress at Dillard’s, but I am not sure of it. It looked kind of daring!! Mike said, "oh yes, get that one!" I'll wait until more of the swelling goes away before I buy. Well, the burning sensation is back so that tells me it is time to move a little. May God continue to Bless each of you in your weight loss journey. With Love, Rebecca


September 1, 2004
Wow, August just flew by! I am still doing great from the TT. I haven't lost anymore weight. I seem to be stuck at 173. Not complaining though. I went to Sears on Friday and just for the heck of decided to try on a pair of Levi's. I tried on a size 14, knowing they wouldn't fit, but guess what! They fit!! I asked my husband if they looked okay and he said, "Oh, they look just fine!" So I immediately did not believe him. So I asked my son if I looked "slutty"; he said, "No mom, you look good!" From that I started wearing the jeans. I still can't believe it. Oh, I also went and bought the red gown at Dillard's. It is a size 12! I am a little uncomfortable in it, but Mike says it looks nice on me. We will see. I am not 100% sure that I will wear it, but it sure is pretty!

I have to bring up our support group meeting again. I want to thank everyone who took part in that meeting. It was a very special meeting and I know it meant a lot to Dr. Freeman and his staff. I would encourage everyone to become active in a support group in your area. I can't even begin to stress the importance of being involved and being an active member. People seem to do better when they attend support group meetings. If you live close enough to Anniston, I would encourage you to come out every third Tuesday night of the month. We begin our meetings at 6PM and they usually last until 8PM.

I hope to see everyone at the ball again this year. We will not be able to recognize each other. Will have to think of something so that we can pinpoint one another!

I will close for now. Take care until next time and remember if I can be of help to anyone please e-mail me. Skinny Wishes~Becky


September 22, 2004
Well, I am down to 170!!! Yeah for me!! Only 10 pounds away from where Dr. Freeman said he would like to see me. It is so strange though, I can't ever remember wearing a 12 to 14 and weighing 170! I guess it is just all shifted around!

Well, I took the red dress back and got black, but it is beautiful. Mike helped to pick it out also. It is very beautiful and daring if you will or should I say daring for me. The back is out of this one and it is sequenced all down the back. The only bad part is that I cannot find a one piece undergarment that will take care of these "JUGS"! We will do something because I am keeping the dress! It is too late to be out looking now. I have other things to get done before the ball. I am so excited to see everyone again this year. We had such a fantastic time last year. The only bad thing I can remember from last year’s event is that Tennessee Vols got beat that night! I love my VOLS!! It is hard to imagine just what can happen in a year!

I have had several emails in reference to my TT. I don't mind sharing information or before and after pictures. Just email me. If it will help someone else, I am all for it.

I will close for now and until then May God continue to Bless each of you. Skinny Wishes....


November 14, 2004
I can't believe it has been this long since I updated last. The Ball has come and gone and we had a wonderful time. I really enjoyed meeting everyone and hearing all the success stories. Looking forward to next year's already!

Mike and I went Christmas shopping today. While we found some really good bargains for Sarah it became really depressing after a while. It seems that everything I looked at reminded me of my dad. He loved the holidays. Gosh, I miss him so much! I know the holiday season will be extremely hard for me this year and I really am not looking forward to it, but when you have two children life does go on. Daddy would want me to be my happy self and to enjoy life to its fullest and that is what I will try to do.

The weight is still coming off. I have lost around thirty pounds or so since August. I thought I had stopped loosing! I am in a size 12 and at 164 pounds. My goal was 160. I am very happy where I am, although I would like to loose the last 4 pounds.

Well, I will close once again. May each of you have a very safe and Happy Thanksgiving. It seems every year we have a little more to be thankful for. During this time of year may I remind you to keep our troops and their families in your thoughts and prayers. Skinny Wishes ~ Becky


December 25, 2004


January 3, 2005
Gosh, I can't believe I haven't updated in so long! I survived the holidays! It was hard, but I did it. We stayed in Alabama for Thanksgiving and we went to Tennessee for Christmas. It just did not seem right without Daddy there. I got up early on Christmas Eve and went and picked up Mother and we all went to the Cemetery. I know my dad is not there, but I just had to go. After that I was okay. I went back to mothers and made dinner. We always had Christmas on Christmas Eve and Mike's parents always had theirs on Christmas Day so it worked out great for us. We had Christmas breakfast at Papaw Bellamy's and I was up at 3:30 cooking! I was slap exhausted. After being sick it seems that the least thing I do I get so tired. I will be so glad when it all clears up.

I have to tell you something though. I got a couple of things for Christmas that I have always wanted. One I went and bought myself a leather jacket before Christmas. I have always wanted one, but could never find one that fit. I love it. Then I have always wanted a gold and diamond watch, but after Mike bought me my tennis bracelet and it would not fit, I never asked for the watch again. What a surprise when I opened my gift from Mike and it was a Michael Anthony 14kt gold watch with diamond around the face. Absolutely Beautiful!! It is too big!!! I couldn't believe he remembered that I wanted one. I have the greatest hubby! He is always doing something nice for me. He is so supportive of me in everything that I have ever done. He is my best friend and has been for over 20 years now. I am blessed!

I am still loosing! It is slow, but I am working very hard at trying to loose just a little more. I am one pound away from the goal that Dr. Freeman set for me and 12 pounds from the goal that I set for myself. I am not giving up; I believe I can do this. Mike, Sarah and I were at the mall shopping and Mike walked by us three different times and didn't recognize me. I finally yelled at him and he said, "Oh, I just didn't see you." I told him he just forgot what I looked like! I am in a size medium shirt from a size 28/30 and a size 12 pant from a tight size 26/28. This has not been an easy road. It is not the easy way out or a quick fix. It is something that you have to work at for the rest of your life. For me, I have never looked back! I would do it all over again. Call Dr. Freeman and Tim and I will be there! If I can be of help to anyone please email me. With Love, Becky


February 12, 2005


March 16, 2005
Oh my, I did not realize it has been so long since I updated. Life is just grand! I get emails from people from all over this great country of ours and I am so honored that you have taken the time to contact me.

I have lost a total of 164 pounds and my two year anniversary is around the corner. April 8th, 2003 was my re-birth! The only regret I have is not having it done sooner, but then I would not have had the BEST surgeon. The Best was worth waiting for!!!

The past few months I have been working really hard at trying to get new things going for our local support group, New Beginnings. Everything just seems to be falling right into place. We have an online yahoo group, now so if you are interested here is the url to that site: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/newbeginnngs/

We will begin to meet the first Saturday of each month from 10-2 at the Tyler Center. Also, we have a yard sale planned for April 23rd from 7-3. Here is the letter I sent out in regards to that: Hello Everyone!

Warmer weather is around the corner and what do you think of at that time??? YARD SALES! YARD SALES! YARD SALES! New Beginnings is looking forward to hosting our first “F.F.P. (Former Fluffy People) Plus Size Yard Sale”. We will be advertising this in the Anniston Star, Gadsden Times, and Buy Sell Bulletin and on local radio and television stations.

Our “F.F.P. Plus Size Yard Sale” will be on Saturday, April 23, 2005 from 7 AM to 3 PM. It will be at The Tyler Center Parking Garage, compliments of Regional Medical Center. We will use the first floor for parking and the 2nd and 3rd floor for vendors.

Vendors need to arrive at 6 AM and be READY TO GO at 7 AM. We will donate any clothing/items that people don't want to take home to an organization that assists disadvantaged people. So -you can take your leftovers home or leave them for donation.

We will be collecting the money for your space as you enter the sale on Saturday morning. There is no need to prepay. We will confirm spaces via email before the sale. (Please send an email to myself at w8tloss4803@yahoo.com and copy it to Louise at louacrews@yahoo.com to reserve your space.) Spaces are 10 feet long and will accommodate a regular size folding table. You may purchase more than one space but must have a minimum of 15 pieces of plus size clothing for sale per space. Regular size folding tables will be available for you to use. You are certainly welcome to use your own tables and or clothing racks if you feel this would work better for you. At the end of the day you will donate 10% of your sales and receive a tax deductible receipt for your space fee ($15.00 per space) and for your 10% donation. It's a wonderful way to sell your clothes, buy others and enable our support group to fund social events and other benevolent causes. Reserve your space today as spaces are limited and will be available on a first come first serve basis. In event of rain we will still be able to have our sale here without having to reschedule.

In addition to selling plus size clothing you are welcome to sell household items, collectibles, regular size clothing, shoes, handbags, baby clothing and other baby items, DVD's, CDs and small electronics. Just remember - you must have a minimum of 15 pieces of plus size clothing per space. All items for sale should be clean and in good condition. Ask yourself: Would I buy this item or this quality item? You will price your own items and collect your own money. It will also be necessary for you to bring your own change as change will not be available. You should also provide bags for your customers to have something to carry their purchased items in.

Remember that each of you represent the entire weight loss surgery community. There will likely be individuals at this event who may consider weight loss surgery. Please be mindful of what you eat and drink and avoid junk food and carbonated beverages. You are role models.

With all of this being said...Let's go shopping!!!

Please join our New Beginnings Yahoo Group at: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/newbeginnngs/

Well, I will close for now. May God continue to bless each of you in your journey and as always, if I can be of help to you please email me. Skinny Wishes ~


Bradley going to his Junior Prom ~ April 9th, 2005


June 17, 2005
Oh my! I can't believe it has been so long since I have updated once again. Life is just wonderful! I have had a sick daughter that has taken up some of my time and the other is devoted to our support group. I put everything I have into our group. It has doubled since I took over and I just feel so blessed to be a part of something so special! My weight is holding between 165 and 170. I am happy with that, although I would have loved to have gotten down to 149! I am still trying, maybe not as hard as I should! I feel fine with where I am at this time. I still have the stomach pains at times but no one can figure out why or where it is coming from. Sometimes it makes me think I am nuts!!! The children are doing fine. Bradley will be a senior in the fall and now has a SPECIAL "friend", so we are seeing very little of him! Now that takes some getting use too! Sarah is a mess. She poured water into her TV last night because she said it kept dying! There is never a dull moment in my life. I just wanted to say a quick hello since I have not updated in a while. If I can be of help to anyone please let me know! Love to all~~



August 18th, 2005
Gosh, I can't believe I fail to update my profile. This is such an important thing to do. I apologize to those of you who have been following me and my journey. I am doing fine with my weight loss; maintaining, although I would really love to loose another 20 to 25 pounds. I am working very hard at that now. My husband and I have started working out every night. That is fun, gives us some quality time together and we both enjoy that! I have been real busy with our support groups! Yes, I said groups! I started one for here on Saturdays and we will be expanding to the Muscle Shoals area in September. Gadsden, Montgomery, Huntsville, look out because New Beginnings is coming! What better way to give back to those that are beginning their journey. Get involved in a support group in your area. I know people hate hearing me talk about support groups all the time, but that is the key to LONG TERM SUCCESS! We have seen it locally! Those who stay involved with the group seem to maintain their loss. Once they quit coming to the group they start to gain. If that happens to you, go back to your basics. Protein FIRST, Water (80 to 100 oz.), NO SNACKING, exercise and make sure you take your supplements. I cannot stress the importance of the last. If you fail to take your supplements you are going to run into all kinds of health problems down the road.

Well, I am supposed to be doing my laundry so I will close for now and I promise to update more regularly. Skinny Wishes~


Mike and I

FREEMAN BARIATRIC BALL 2005



Angel of Healing presented to Dr. Freeman at the Freeman Bariatric Ball on September 10, 2005


October 20, 2005
Well, I don't quite know where to begin! I have had excruciating pain in my abdomen ever since having WLS! You know, after a while you just get tired of telling people that you hurt when no one can find anything wrong. Besides that I NEVER wanted to hinder someone else from having this surgery by posting negative comments! Dr. Freeman has ordered tests after tests and NOTHING has ever showed up! A couple of weeks ago I had this terrible pain while rolling my hair and passed out! The curling iron burned my neck and thumb. I had second and third degree burns from that! Mike insisted that I go back to see Dr. Freeman and he firmly suggested that we do exploratory surgery to see if anything was going on with my surgery. Well, we scheduled surgery, and he found several adhesions as to which he took care of and also my intestine had a kink in it. I am not quite sure as to how to explain it to you. The important thing is that Dr. Freeman and Tim fixed the problem and now for the first time in over two years I can eat without hurting! Praise the Lord! Doc told me that I would probably gain twenty pounds after this!!! There is NO way!!!! Gosh, I sure hope he is wrong. I still have weight that I want to loose! Until next time, God’s blessings to all of you! Skinny Wishes~





November 2005
I continue to do well with my WLS. October was a bit depressing for me and by the end of this month I realized that I had gained 17 pounds! I went back in my mind to try and re-evaluate myself to see where I was messing up and it was then for the first time that I realized that I AM and emotional eater! Things are not going well with the relationship I have with my mother. She has a man (boy) in her life now and she wishes to not have anything to do with me! That cuts like a knife! At first, I was very sad and hurt, then I was angry and now, well; each day gets easier. During this time I realized that instead of eating like I am suppose to, that I was grazing ALL day! I was eating lots of peanut butter and saltine crackers and cheese. I was not getting my protein in nor my water! I am starting back to the basics to see if I get loose the weight that I have gained. I was so close to my goal of 160 and know I have messed it all up! Through all of this I have always tried to be positive and only write about the good and never any negative, but I have come to realize that sometimes it is good to post the negative for someone may learn from our mistakes. I hope this is the case here.

I had my "new" family with me for Thanksgiving along with Mike's dad and we had a wonderful time! Glenn and Brenda were here from Guntersville. I thank God for them. A person could not ask for better "parents". Sometime I have to remind myself that they are really not my parents. I believe God puts people in our lives for a reason and I know that is the case here. Randall and Joie and the kids were here too. Everyone ate until they were stuffed and then all disappeared while Mike and I were cleaning the kitchen. We walked into the living room and EVERYONE was asleep, even the children!!! LOL Saturday we went to Guntersville for our "New Family Get-Together" We had such great fun. Shelly and Malory were there. It was Malory's birthday! Tammy and three of her children, Jackie and Tim and two of her children, Carolyn~, Aunt Mary, Randall & Joie, Torey & Allison, Diane came by later. We had fun sitting around singing hymns and Christmas Carols. We all hated to see the day come to an end!

I wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May God continue to bless you no matter where you are in your journey! Skinny Wishes~


December 30, 2005
Boy, did this month ever fly by! Bradley turns 19 tomorrow! Sarah turned 7 on the 8th and I turned 40 on the 18th! Do you think we have enough activity for December??? I have lost three pounds of the seventeen I gained. Mike and I gave each other a membership to the gym for our birthdays! I really enjoy going! Some days is harder than others especially if my fibromyalgia is acting up. I went to Tennessee Christmas night and saw mom before Christmas Day was over. We stayed a few days with Mike's dad and then came back home to take down Christmas decorations and to get ready for Bradley's birthday. I thought the holidays would be hard for me since I can eat now without my stomach hurting, but you know what? It wasn't!! It was like I didn't even want what I knew I couldn't have. So weird! Do you think I would have walked on by chocolate fudge two years ago???? I think not! LOL When I want something sweet I try to eat an oatmeal cookie. I eat the regular ones. I would rather have one of the real thing than two or three of the others. So, what did Santa bring you all for Christmas? I got a new digital camera and I KNOW I am going to love it! Well, I better go for now and get busy or I could sit here for hours. Visit the Alabama Board sometime, which is where you will find me. Drop me an email and let me know how you are doing in your journey! May God continue to bless each of you! Skinny Wishes~


April 19, 2006
As promised I come to you today with my story. Mike got my laptop back last Wednesday, but I have been waiting to share my story with you until after my local group heard it first. No disrespect to my family here, it is just that I felt like I needed to share it with my group first.

I would like to clarify a couple of things first though. Someone started a rumor that I have cancer; I DO NOT HAVE CANCER! Praise God for that. I have also received several emails advising me to and asking if I am going to sue MY doctor. That is the most hilarious thing that I have ever heard! ABSLOUTELY NOT!!!! I love him just as much today as I did the beginning of March. I feel God gave him the knowledge to save my life and that is exactly what he did. Dr. Bryan Freeman and his personal team saved my life with God’s help.

Now, to tell you what happened; I had seen a gastroenterologist on March 7 who advised that I needed an EGD (if you remember I had been sick since 2/20 with a stomach virus). He wanted to make sure that I didn’t have stricture. He also wanted to do a lap procedure to look for adhesions since I was having a great deal of lower abdominal pain and while he had me asleep he was going to do a colonoscopy. I listened to all of his advice and told him that I respected everything that he had to say, but since I work for Dr. Freeman I would like to discuss this with him. On the way out I told Mike why have second best if I can have the BEST!!!! So, I went straight to doc’s office. As Mike and I were going in Doc and Tim were coming up the stairs. He said, “What’s wrong Precious?” I told him that we needed to talk and he put me in room three. Within a few minutes Doc, Tim and Dr. J. (my joke) were in the room with Mike and me. We told them what the other doctor said and all that was going on with me and Dr. Freeman said, “Well, let’s get this taken care of, we can do it tomorrow!” So on March 8th he did the EGD and told me that I have a very beautiful stomach (pouch)! The lap procedure for adhesions, I only had a couple, but during the colonoscopy a hernia shot out! So he repaired that. I was doing fine in short stay so Mike was allowed to bring me home. The next day I started to develop PAIN!!! Mike called poor Tim several times. I tried to just stay asleep because when I was awake I just hurt to bad for anything. The only thing that I was eating was the broth off of chicken noodle soup and vegetable soup at that time. Mom (Brenda Abernathy) called and said she was coming down Monday to stay with me. She stayed the night and got the children off to school the next morning.

That brings us to March 14th. I woke up at 4 AM and told Mike that I was dying. I remember telling Bradley good bye and to carry on with his dreams and to take good care of his sister. I remember calling my real mom trying to tell her good bye, but she was too sleepy to talk! As Sarah came in to tell me good bye for school I will never forget kissing that little forehead and telling her goodbye. I truly knew that this would be the last time she would see me. Mike had called the office and they told me to be at the doctors building at 8AM for blood work. Mom/Mimi had me there at 8! I didn’t think I would ever be able to walk to just get inside the building and we were not parked that far away. They told me to go back home (nearly a 20 – 30 minute drive depending on traffic), I told Mike and Mom, heck no, I was going to the office and would go to sleep on doc’s sofa. The ride to Anniston was miserable. I had nothing that would fit for I was swollen so badly. I do remember going to the office and doc coming in telling me how bad I looked and that I was going to the hospital. Because of all the hog wash with insurance I had to go to through the ER to be admitted and there were people lying everywhere. I remember telling Mike that there was no way that was going to be able to sit there log. About that time they called me back; told us that they had no rooms available, but within just a couple of minutes I had a room! I remember the nurse who gave me my IV because she was so good I didn’t even know she had it in and I have terrible veins. I don’t remember much after that until I was inside the OR and I remember Tim coming in with new head gear, of course it was Alabama and everyone was making a big deal over it! I remember Doc coming up to the left side of my bed telling me that I was going to be fine and he and Mary just squeezed me tight. Then they prayed with me.

Next I was in recovery of which I don’t remember being there at all, but I had a WONDERFUL experience while there! A couple of the staff came up to my room and asked me if I remembered talking in the recovery room. I told them that I didn’t remember being there and they told me that I had an awesome experience. Well, when they said that I told them not to tell me to let me tell them what I saw. I saw MY Lord Jesus Christ! No picture that you would ever see here on earth compares to his beauty. He never spoke to me He only looked at me with such a huge smile and a glowing light. I kept going toward Him to touch Him and He kept backing up. My dear Mamaw passed away August 27, 2003 of cancer. When she died she did not have one hair on her head. I want you to know that my Mamaw walked right through Jesus and took both her hands and placed them on my face and pulled me forward and kissed my forehead. She said, “Go back home, there is work to do!” That is just like her, she was always the person to push me to do my very best. I could hear someone singing and standing back behind the right of my Mamaw. It was Wynona Judd singing How Great Thou Art. This was so strange because this is the song that was playing on my Mamaw’s tape player when she went to be with the Lord. A few nights ago, I woke Mike up and told him that I now knew why my Mamaw looked funny; she didn’t have her glasses on! Of course not, when you get to Heaven you are PERFECT, she didn’t need those glasses and oh, her hair. She had baby fine black velvet hair that she used to roll on those tiny sticky black rollers. Well, she had a head full of hair and every curl was in place. I can still feel her touch and smell her sweet breath. I know that many of you think I am crazy and you are right, I AM, but what I experienced on this day was REAL.

Now, back to returning to my room from the recovery room; Mike said I looked like a corps. My blood pressure at one time they said was 50 something over 40 something. I don’t remember any of this. Mike said I received 6 units of blood. Mom/Mimi never left my bedside that first week. She stayed right there with me. The only part I remember of that is taking the call button one night and knocking on the table for her and now I don’t remember why I wanted her. She and Papa stayed several nights with me. Bradley stayed with me during Spring Break during the day so his dad could work. Mimi and Papa had Sarah. I am being told that several of you visited and called and I am so sorry, but I don’t remember any of it. I remember getting so upset with Doc because I missed my first support group meeting and they had to give me something to calm me down. I was 3 years out on April 8th and I have been going to support group meetings since 2/03. I was in the hospital for two weeks. I know Doc and Tim came in everyday and talked to me, but I only remember bits and pieces. Doc came in on that Monday morning and said,” Do you want to go home?” Of course I said yes! He told me that over the last THREE days that miraculous things had happened with my blood work!

After returning home and getting off of the strong medicine while at a doctors visit I asked Doc what exactly happened to me? He said that when they did the CT scan it showed fluid in my abdomen that should not have been there. He said that he thinks that he nicked my small bowel while repairing the hernia.

I would also like to mention Tim! I NEVER really realized what all Tim did until this visit to the hospital. Tim is a very special person. How many people would call all hours of the night to check on you or to offer to drive you nearly two hours to someone’s home? I will tell you this and of course it is only my opinion, but Freeman and Company would not be Freeman and Company without Tim and Joyce Johnson (Dr. J.) I have very deep feelings for the entire staff. They each have a special place in my heart. Just one word of advice whether you are a patient of Dr. Freeman’s or of another doctor, if you are in pain, DO NOT put it off; call them! That is what they are for and they can’t help you unless they know you need their help!

That is my story! I am not angry with anyone. If anything I have more respect for the entire Freeman team. The only thing I ask from you is to stop the rumors. He is a wonderful, very competent doctor. He is human! At least he was honest enough to tell me what he thought happened where many doctors would try to cover up. If anyone in my family or myself needed surgery and it was something that Dr. Freeman could handle you bet your bottom dollar he would be the surgeon of choice.

I have not mailed out any Thank You cards yet, but I do thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the cards, flowers, stuffed animals, candies and all the other goodies that you sent to me and my family. I still get weak at times and have been told that if will take a while to get over this. I have been very sick, but God sent me home so I know I am going to be okay and eventually I will be back to posting just as before. I love each and every one of you more than you will ever know. That goes out to you “lurkers” who email me from behind the scenes too. You are very important to me also! Have a Blessed Day!


June 14, 2006
I went into see Dr. Freeman for my three month check up today and all my labs were good! He changed my medicine for two weeks to see if it will help with the pain and I go back to see him in a couple of weeks. These last months have been very hard for me in more ways than one. Getting over this last surgery has been very difficult. Please know that it had nothing to with my weight loss surgery. I would do that all over again right now. So much has happened this year it is just hard to believe that it is half over. My son graduated high school with honors and my daughter is going into the second grade. Gosh, they grow up too fast!!! Bradley is now working in Dillard's as a Men's Sales Associate. This is a full time job and he kept his job at Chick Fill A as a part time job. He is staying busy!

May God Bless all who take the time to read my profile and if I can ever be of help to you, or if you need someone to talk with or just someone to say a prayer for you, please email me. My address is w8tloss4803@yahoo.com. Please remember me in your prayers. Skinny Wishes~ Becky




July 10, 2006
Just wanted to drop a note on here to let everyone know that I am doing fine. Battling headaches these days and I have had a flair up with my fibromyalgia. Other than that the new medication that Dr. Freeman on is working wonderfully. I continue to get stronger everyday. I am now doing my housework, well; most of it! LOL I have been enjoying these days with my daughter who is forever attached to my hips! It is great watching her grow and become interested in new things. We went shopping last week for school clothes and low and behold what did we end up shopping for???? Baby clothes!!!!ROFL I told Mike it kind of felt good, but there is no way we can have more children! Bradley said to not look at him, he didn't have time for girls; they cost too much!!! LOL So I guess for the time being I will just play babies with Sarah. Bradley works ALL the time! He worked 16 hours yesterday! I told him to do it while he was young, because once he got 40 he would not have the energy to do so!

We had a wonderful July 4th holiday. Bradley was able to spend it with us. Spending time with family is so important to me and I enjoyed our long weekend so much. I hated to return home! God has blessed us so much.

I continue to maintain my weight loss! YEAH!!!! I got down to 3 pounds from docs goal and then back up 2. I'm not giving up though!!! I will make it to 160 and then I hope to go on down to 149. I am big boned so I know that I will never be a "teeny tiny person" like some of my dear friends! I love watching the success of others! It just thrills my heart when a new person starts to post their journey and we are allowed to share in there journey!

Well, I guess I better get back to work. I posted a new picture that Bradley found a few weeks ago. That was my all time heaviest! My aunt said she believes I was at 373!! The picture was taken in July of 1999. My total loss is over 200 pounds!!! Gosh, that is so hard to believe! Until next time, May God continue to bless each of you and as always if I can be of help to anyone please feel free to email me at w8tloss4803@yahoo.com. Skinny Wishes~ Becky


These were taken July 18th, 2006. That was the last pair of jeans that I bought prior to having weight loss surgery! Allison, Sarah and I had a BLAST getting into them. I could not believe that I could get my ENTIRE body in ONE leg!!!


September 8, 2006
It saddens me greatly to be posting my feelings here today. I’ve been avoiding updating my profile because I always thought that I should be strong for everyone. I have thoroughly enjoyed my WLS journey. What an amazing ride it has been and yes, I would do it all over again. Like I have said numerous times in my profile, I would want Dr. Freeman, Tim and his surgical team to be the one to do it. I have had many obstacles on the road to losing the weight. Many that I have not shared on my profile because I believe so much in this procedure that I didn’t want to disappoint anyone reading my profile. God has always been there to help me pull through the trying times. If you don’t know Him, please take a moment to ask Him into your heart. He will NEVER leave you nor forsake you.

These past few months I have felt all alone. I can put up a good front and appear to be such a happy person, but finally my feelings have come out. I am going to share with you only in hopes that someone will gain comfort from this and it might be of help to someone else. I don’t want pity or sympathy from ANYONE, but I will tell you what I do want. I want EACH of you who read this to remember me in prayer. Please ask God to give me peace where I need peace and the strength to carry on.

You see August 27, 2003 I lost my very best friend. My Mamaw; she was really no blood kin to me at all, but was a neighbor of mine. At the age of 5 she became my Mamaw and I learned to have faith in God and how to show love from her and many, many more things. She was my protector and my comforter. she was my everything! You see, I came from a very poor abusive family. I was raped many times from family members and my dad beat me beyond measure at times. It seemed like the more he beat me the more I loved him. I don’t understand it; that is just the way it was. I spent my life trying to gain his acceptance. I loved my dad so much and I lost him just months after losing my Mamaw. Dad passed away March 29, 2004 while sitting at the breakfast table. He fell out of his chair with a massive heart attack. Dad did apologize for my childhood and I thought I had forgiven him, until his death and then I realized I still have all these feeling bottled up inside. Sometimes I want to hate him and then I get to feeling guilty about the way I am feeling. Dad and I talked everyday several times a day. He was my football buddy and my news buddy. I don’t like TV, but I do watch Fox News and daddy always watched CNN or MSNBS. We were always on the phone talking about what was going on in the world. I loved football season because that meant that I was going to be spending more time on the phone with daddy! I miss my dad something terrible. As I type this tears are just rolling down my face. I really can’t believe I am sharing this with you. I am the oldest of four children. I practically raised my siblings as mom was always at work and daddy was usually drunk. (He stayed this way until my son was born and I told him that I would not bring Bradley around in that type of environment) Thank God, for He heard my cries and daddy found the Lord! My baby brother who seemed like my own child, died in a car accident July 27, 1999. I never told my dad, but he was drunk when he died. That just broke my heart, but being the strong person of the family I took care of EVERYTHING! At that time that was the hardest thing that I had ever had to do. I’ve struggled and I’ve often wandered WHY, but I KNOW that God’s plan is the PERFECT plan and I MUST accept it.

I had promised my dad that I would ALWAYS take care of my mom. Mom and I were never close until after I married and moved away. I could not stand her. She was so mean to me. My sister was her pride and joy, still is! (My sister is on drugs and has been since she was 15) Mom and I became close over the years and I considered her such a good friend. I enjoyed taking mom shopping and buying her nice things. I loved doing for her. She worked very hard to provide for us and never had anything for herself. Giving her attention and things that she liked was my way of giving back to her for all she had done for me. After daddy died, mom and I spent so much time together. If I were not in Tennessee with her; she was here in Alabama with me. We were constantly on the phone with one another. She was the first person I talked to in the morning and the last person that I talked to in the evening. In October of last year (2005) all this changed. She met some guy that is my husbands age and not of good character. My sister n law and I had encouraged her to meet someone because she is too young to spend the rest of her life by herself. We just didn’t know she would meet this guy. I did background checks on him and found out that he was a criminal. I called mom and shared with her what I found out and she overlooked it saying that he had changed! Over a couple of months I saw my mom drifting away from her family and it was killing me. There was nothing that I could do. Just in the last few months have my assumptions become facts. She is hooked on drugs and alcohol. Crack cocaine and meth!!!! Now she is losing everything that she and dad worked so hard for. She is selling all her belongings. I have not talked to her in months. She told me that she hated me and my brother and wanted no part of us. Her friend has threatened to kill us and he threatened to rape my precious daughter while I watched and then he was going to kill me while she watched! He is a sick pervert! I just can’t believe that my mom is doing this. She was never like this. I have contacted the police and her medical doctor for she is no longer taking her medication she is selling it! Her neighbor called me last week and told me that if I had done more for her she would not be in the shape she is today. God knows I did everything I could for her. I stopped giving her money in December because I suspected something was going on when I went home for Christmas and found out that he had moved in! I replenished her cupboards with groceries and made sure she had everything that she needed. I bought enough groceries for several months. I have been told that she has lost so much weight that she is nothing but skin and bones. The neighbor asked me why I could not buy her groceries every month. If I did that then I would be contributing to her drug problem and I refuse to be apart of that. I doubt that I will ever have my mom back and it breaks my heart. I miss her so much.

All of this brings me to where I am today. Some of you know I was near death in March and have really struggled overcoming all my health issues. To be honest, I am still struggling with that, but I don’t like for people on the outside to see my pain. Only a few (three) of you know that my daughter is “special needs”. She takes so much of my energy and some days I just don’t know if I am even doing her any good. My son just started college and although he is going to the university here in town, I still have emotions with that. Bradley and I have a wonderful relationship and I am so proud of him. I have a wonderful husband. God knows I could not do anything without him. He has been by my side through many, many things. We lost six children due to miscarriages, I have had a brain tumor, and the list just goes on and on. I can’t imagine my life without Mike Bellamy in it. When God sent him into my life he sent me a Guardian Angel. I was really afraid to marry Mike for our paths were so different. I was very, very poor and Mike was raised with money. I will not say that his family was rich at the time, but they were well off. We just celebrated 22 years of marriage. We have had our struggles as most married couples do, but God has always remained in our lives. I finally reached out to Mike this past week. I sent him an email to work to say goodbye. You see, I have set here many, many times trying to figure out how to kill myself. I tried and tried to get the gun cabinet unlocked. Well, I finally found the key to it, but daddy has some kind of locks on all the guns. Just this week I found myself on the internet trying to figure out which artery I needed to cut in order to die quickly; I scared myself so bad that I just went out and sat in the hot car for hours. I was afraid to come inside because I was afraid of myself. Thursday night I had terrible chest pains. I really thought that I was having a heart attack. Mike wanted to take me to the hospital, but I refused to go thinking that if I stayed here that I would die and it would all be over. Well, I woke up Friday morning and the first thing I did was call a doctor. I realized that I needed help! My appointment was at 9:30 and Mike came home and took me. He prescribed a couple of medications for me and I will be going to see other doctors as he will call me on Monday and let me know. I always thought that because God had blessed me with such a wonderful family that I could not be depressed and that it was just in my head. Well, God did bless me with my wonderful family, but this depression is real and it has a strong hold on me right now. I was told that writing would be good for me. I decided to tell you all about it just in case there is someone out there like me. Don’t wait, go get help now. PLEASE pray for me that I can work through all of this. I am always the strong one and being the one that needs help is something different for me. I am learning and it may be a long road, I don’t know. What I do know is that God is my Savior and through HIM, I can do all things! If you should want to email me you may do so at w8tloss4803@yahoo.com. Again, please know that I did not share my life with you in order to get pity, I only hope and pray that it will be of help to someone else. With Love ~ Becky




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