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Gail E.
Plant City, FL, USA
Post Op - BMI: 41.8
Surgery Type: Other
Member ID: E1074266302
Surgeon: Michel M. Murr M.D.

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Hello my name is Gail,I am 51 years old. I am divorced with two wonderful boys. Will they are wonderful now they are older.Teen years were hard. I have two Grandchildren. One from each of my boys.A boy 8 yrs.and a girl 5 yrs. They are one of the reasons I what to live for ever,or at least much longer.My Grandson came along when I was very deep in depression. His happy little face brought life back into mine. Needless to say we are still very close. My Granddaughter came along to remind me who is boss.It sure is not me.God is my #1 boss and then her. She is my Princess Angel.
I have been heavy for the better part of my life. I am now learning new words I do not want to use to describe me. It is Moribidity Obese. And so I am here, to learn to change.

2004



January 2004 to June 2004
I have tried several times to write in this journal and keep up with it.I really do not know how to put it,or how to say it.I am so tired of trying to understand what the problem is and how to fix it.The problem seems so complex it is not easy to understand if you have not been on my side of the wall.I use the term wall instead of a fence as I truly feel trapped and can not see over the wall at all. At least with a fence you can see over or through it. Besides being over weight I have numerous medical problems. I have High Blood Pressure, take 4 medicines for this . I have Diabetes, I take 3 meds, Thyriod, another 1 pill. For my Lupus it is 2 meds at night,I have Sleep Apnea, so I have a Bi-Pap with Oxygen. Of course there is arthritc and allergies. I also my Chron's Disease, This could mean I am dreaming about getting to have WLS. I pray some how I can.
One bright spot has been finding this web site. The people on here are so kind,caring, and understanding. They are willing to share their knowledge.There is no judging only reinforcements and encouragement. I love this site.
I went to my first surpport meeting in April at TGH, another bunch of wonderful people.You get to talk to people that have already had WLS.They can tell you what it is really like, from the the start of IV's to the waking up in pain . Then they tell about walking and sitting the next day. They discuss the liquid diet and then on to real food.
There is the warnings about eating sugar and that you must chew and chew and then chew some more. Dr.Murr requires that you go to one surpport group meeting before the WLS. You can go every month if you want.I went to the April and May meetings and enjoyed them. I think I get more out of the friend on the AMOS boards. I also loved the Greet and Meet we had at the Altamonte Springs Mall in Orlando Florida. I meet 10 wonderful friends.
We will try to continue to have more, Jacksonville is next month.
I started thinking about the WLS two years ago. But decided to try WW again, I think It was three or four times and I finaly gave up on WW.So I tried Atkins and The South Beach Diet. They were OK, but............Just not right for me.I could not keep it off. I knew I had to do something and it had to be permanent, so I started to reading up on this procedure.I studied everything I could. Then I decided to tell my PCP. I was afraid he would say something like how stupid it was to have your stomach chopped up. After all. that is what I heard at WW. I must say my PCP is the GREATEST. He said "Great do you know who you want to do the WLS?" I told him I heard there was a USF doctor that does the WLS. He knew and agreed, since my PCP is also with USF.
Let me see, I called Dr. Murr's office, then got my package. I went to the meeting and after that got my phone call to set up my appointments for psychologist, dietitican and physical.I still have to see the dietitican again, this is ok as we are working on my diabetes. This brings us up to where I am today. I am still playing the waiting game.
I promise to try and up date a little better than I have been.
God Bless You all.




July 2004
I have been working on getting all my test and check ups out of the way so I can get to see Dr.Murr. This can take forever, it seems. I was not cleared by the nutritionist. This meant I must see a nutritionist for diabetic training. This has turned out to be ok. I do feel better, my blood sugar's are down. Of course she is also getting me ready for after surgery. I was finally cleared. Now if I can get Spectra to answer me back. I am trying to find out were my file is.
Happy 4th everyone.I am spending my day working out in the pool trying to get in a habit to excersise regularly.
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July 19th,2004 I made my appointment for my first consult with Dr. Murr. My appointment is for August 23rd. I pray he says yes. Then the hard part,getting Insurance to approve.I am sure that will take an appeal.Keep your fingers crossed for me.
God Bless you all.
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July 25th,2004 I had to go to the Nutritionist Friday.She was very pleased and so was I. My blood sugars are much better. Morning ones are great.I still have to work on my night ones.
It really is not as hard as I thought it would be to follow what she set up for me.She says I need to be in control when I have the surgery.It will make the changes in eating easier.




August 2,2004 WOW LOOK HOW GREAT MY PROFILE LOOKS!THANK YOU!

Another month has gone by, it is hard to believe that time is moving so quickly. Several of my friends are having surgery this month. I am not really jealous, but do envy them somewhat. I get to go to Dr. Murr's on the 23rd. I really hope that he will do the surgery for me. Then of course I'll be crossing my fingers, toes and eyes that the insurance will approve me having the WLS. I have met some of the most wonderful people on this journey. Some I have only spoke to in e-mails, and some I have met in person. They are all someone I would call a friend and do anything for if they needed me.
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August 12th
This has been the month for WLS. Several of my NEW friends have had their WLS. I am so excided for them. One of my best friends has decided to check into the WLS. We are going to TGH tonight so ahe can go to her first informational meeting. She is so full of personality and been through so much that I pray she is able to do this for herself. I will back her every step of the way.
*****************************************************************August 19th
My Daugther-in-law Paula graduates from Sonagraghic School tonight. She went through HCC. Paula is a very bright and caring person, but also very private. I really believe she loves my son Ryan. They have a beautiful daughter to make up their family. Paula will work at UCH in Tampa.
I will be going to my consult with Dr. Murr on Monday,the 23rd.
I am very nervous, not sure why I do not usually get nervous over things. I will let everyone know what the out come. PRAY for me.





August through September 2004 This is an awful Summer All the storms no power. I have been without power Three times 5 days at a time. Doctor decided I was to go for more testting. Then He'll decide if I can have WLS. I set up the appointments and due to the storms Tampa General Hospital Canceled my test. I can go next month. Once again Hurry up and wait.


October 2004 I got in to have my test at TGH. Now I need to go to the Hematology Doctor for some test. I can see him in Dec.
I am moving out of my house into an Apt. I can not keep up with the care of my house. then with the stress of the storms we had.
I can not handle it .



Nov. 2004 What a month. I got moved and ended up sick right off the bat. My oldest son and I decided to rent an apartment together. Helps us both with cost. I really felt sorry for him as he is not the type of person I have around when you are sick. He can not handle it and has no idea how to take care of someone.
As it turns out I had an infection that set off several problems. As I started to recover from that I injured my right foot and ended up at the foot doctor. On top of all that he informs me I have GOUT. That is one of the most painful things ever.



Dec. 2004 New Month almost New Year. I have been working on WLS for over a year now. I got in to see the Hematology Doctor Yesterday, the 13th. I have to have some blood work done and then see him again in three weeks. He seemed to be very caring and kind. He explained that he wants to see if I may be prone to blood clouts. He was very pleased to find I had not ever had any before.
I pray everyone has a wonderful Holiday and a great New Year. I hope you all stay LOSERS!



Oh My ! Here we are a new year and still trying to keep up. I worked all through the Holidays as my boss went on vacation. My grandson and I baked cookies and candies for Christmas gifts. I always give homemade gifts and the family expects it. I love doing it. Last year I did not have any trouble staying out of the GOODIES. This year boy oh boy. It was NOT easy. I think part of it is how hard I have worked to get this started or over or though it. I am not sure what it is called. I just know this is what I want for my New Year, a new Healthier ME.
I see someone every month to help me eat right and that is not easy. I look in the mirror and am scared to death. The person that looks back is not the person I know. I have been lucky my children are grown, but My Grandchildren are very important to me and I do not want them to go through the pain of a death at their young age. My children lost their father and he was younger than I am now. They worry, I see it. We talked about this surgery at long lengths and they would not try to talk me out of it. But one is an RN and he asked some really hard questions. When all said and done I told them it comes down to whether I live OBESE, UNHEALTHY AND MISEABLE and die. Or I try to be healthy and happy.
I continue my Journey Monday at the Blood Doctor. Then I will get to make an appointment to see my surgeon again. Keep your fingers crossed. I will keep everyone in my prayers.

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2005





January 21,2005
I call Dr. Murr's Office today to speak with Susan to find out what is happening with my files. She tells me they have not received the file from the blood doctor. I am not HAPPY.It has been ten days since I saw him. Had to call them and the promise they'll fax it over. We'll check to see Monday.



Today was our Meet and Greet. It is the first one this year. We meet in Altamonte Springs Fl. It is great several of us just get together to chat and share. We have a great time. This time Amy B. asked to be my angel. I was thrilled. She is a great person.



March 2005
I can not belive it is March already. I am still trying to get clearance to have WLS.It is finaly down to the surgeon to decide if he'll do the WLS on me. I have been working on this for over a year. I have to remind myself that it took longer to put myself in this condition. When I look back, it is hard to believe I have already lost over 500 lbs, 150 being the most at one time, only to have it all find it's way back LOL. The waiting is the hardest part. Somedays I think, is this really going to work and
then start to worry it won't. But I read the great stories of how everyones lives have changed, so it is back to waiting. One good thing as I wait I continue follow my Nutritionist and have lost 27lbs. and KEPT it off for about 3 months.


This update covers the balance of March through the middle of April. Today is April 15th. I went into the Hospital the 10th of March. I was in alot of pain and stress. For several months I had been fighting an infection under the stomach apron and the groin area deep in the creases of my legs. It had eaten into the layers of skin. I went to the Doctors for several months, taking antibiotics and lots of creams. It was so painful and bleeding my Doctor put me into the hospital for Wound Care.
I first went to TGH in Tampa for 10 days. They gave me antibioctics in IV's and cleaned the wounds. They decided to send me to an Acute Care hospital that specialized in wound care.
I was sent to Kinder Hospital, I must say these people were wonderful. It is an old hospital, so nothing really fancy. The people were very caring.
I got to come home on the 14th. I have to have Home Healthcare come in to help continue to clean the healing area.
When I was in the hospital I recieved word that my surgeon Dr. Murr had turned in my paperwork to my insurance. I had pretty much convinced myself I was not going to get the WLS.
I was surprised as my insurance cleared me first try.
I of course have to wait until I have this problem completely healed.
Please keep me in your prayers as I do you all.



WOW here it is April 26th. another month almost gone by. I had to go see my GI Dr. to make sure my little set back trip into the hospital would not RailRoad my plans for WLS. I am lucky I will have to wait until this problem is cleared up but should still be able to have WLS!!! Hey!!!
I will have a birthday in two days. No matter what, they keep coming year after year. LOL. I really will be glad when I can go back to work. Never thought I ever say that LOL. I see my PCP on the 9th of May and then hope to be back to work then.



It is May 9th. I went to the Doctors and I get to go back to work. I am very glad. Funny we sit at work and wish we were home. Now I am thrill to get to go back. I am all most healed and that means I can call and set up a surgery date soon. Keep your fingers crossed for me.


Will I have been back to work for a week. I am tired. Getting up at 4AM when you are use to sleeping until 8 or 9 is not easy. I went to the Meet and Greet in Altamonte Spring last Saturday. There were only a few people, but it was nice it was easy to hear everyone and not feel left out. I hope to be able to have my WLS soon now I have been approved. Still keeping fingers crossed.



I am not very good at keeping up with this profile. It has been several months. I have been back in the hospital,back to work back to the surgeons and back to a Meet & Greet since I last updated. So Let's see............I was in the hospital for another week. Same problem as before. I went back to work a week later so at least it was not as bad this time. I have to go back every 10 days or so to the doctors.
The good news is I saw my WLS doctor and he has ok'd me have the surgery again. Now I wait for the insurance to ok it again. They decided the last ok was to old. Thank GOD I do not have to go through all the test again. It has been about 18 months since I started doing the testing, trying to get the surgery. I have been researching for over 3 years. I now wish I had decided to do this earlier.
This has been a rough 4 months besides my health issues. July 7 I was told that my job was being elimated. I remeber the date because on July 9th I had 24 years in with this company. They told me they are trying to find another job for me.So I am still employed........for now.
The other day my youngest son came over to give me some more gad news. My Mother has cancer I belive I am still in disbelief. I am very calm I have talked to her and saw her yesterday. My boys and I went up to Georgia to see her. She also is very calm. She goes to Atlanta on Monday the 29th to see the specialist. He will let her know what can be done and will be done. So for now we pray.


Sept. 12th. I got a date.................HAPPY DANCE Oct. 11,2005.
I am ecited and full of fear. How can that be? I do know this is the right thing to do. So I'll be there with bells on, HA! HA!


OCT. 30, 2005
Will I am now a loser. Surgery went great. I did have a few problems but it was something not from the surgery. I had to go to skilled nursing care. I would have come home but there wasn't anyone that could come stay with me. My Mom was going to come,but she ended up sick herself needing surgery. I stayed two weeks and was glad to get to go home. I get tired, but other than that I feel great.
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Nov. 7th,2005
I went to Dr. Murr today for first visit after surgery. We were all thrilled with the lose. It showed 45 pounds since WLS. But my highest weight puts me at a lose of 98 lbs. All was great with liver check he did during surgery. I feel great.
My Mom and Aunt came down from Ga. to visit. My Mom has cancer surgery in Sept. She is doing great , was so happy she was able to come down.
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2006






Feb. 2, 2006..
I can not believe that it has been almost 4 months since my surgery.
The first month was the hardest. I could not keep anything down when I was aloud to eat.
So I Had to keep going back on liquids. I did loose 50 lbs very fast. Then once I was able to keep
food down it slowed up . It is now coming up on four months and I have lost 75 lbs. I believe I have
lost more inches. Before surgery I decided to let my hair grow. Not sure why other than I decided
if I was going to lose weight and change my life I should change everything. So last week I went in .
to have it styled. We did it in a Bob. Everyone seems to like it. I went to the Meet & Greet in
Altamonte Spring Mall. We had a great time as usual. Everyone look great it is amazing to see how
much were all have changed, of course for the better. The greatest thing that has happened for me .
is my MEDS list is shrinking as well. I was one 4 different Blood pressure pills, now only 2.
The diabetes had really grab on to me. I was doing shots of regular insulin 5 to 6 times a day, now ZERO
I also had to take an insulin at night called Lantus, I took 54 units, now ZERO. I do still take oral diabetes meds.
But that could change soon. I had blood work that other day and my A1C was 5.8 I have not been that low for
15 years or longer. Last one before WLS was 9.8. I see Dr. Murr the end of this month. Hope he is
as happy as I am. My highest weight was 425. I can not believe that I ever got that heavy. I denied it
of course as most of us do. I am a Carb addidict. But with this WLS I can not believe I have not be craving them.
As a matter of fact I do not crave anything, I have remind myself to eat.
I will try to keep up my profile but I am so bad at it. I do not like to talk about myself.
I pray for everyone to have continued success. To those that have not had the surgery remember it is a personal choose.
I would do it again, even with the hard time I have the first few weeks. If anyone wishes to ask questions e-mail me.


March 2006 Can not believe March is already over. I went in to see Dr. Murr and I am down 95 lbs since Oct surgery. I can not begin to tell you how wonderful I feel. To think back that One year ago I was so sick in the hospital and figured I would not be able to have my WLS. I remember the differnt emonation I went through. I was so sick I thought I'd die and then there were time I wished I would to stop the pain. Thank God I am a chicken and HE was not ready for me. To think I'll be having a birthday (Normal) and am turning 54 yrs. I feel better than when I turned 40 years old.
I bought a new house and never thought I'd want to do that again
I sold my last one because I could not take care of it. It is a Mobile Home this time . It is in a retirement park. It is a very nice park.
Yesterday I went in to see my PCP. He is the greatest. I get to cut more of my Meds. I took four types of bloodpressure meds. to start and now one. I also get to cut down on my diabetes pill. My cholestrol is way down so we are cutting back on that. Before I know it I'll be drug free LOL I can dream.


Today is May 17th. I had surgery to remo0ve a lump on my back. We are sure it will be nothing. But lab checking just to be sure. It has been a very busy time since I last wrote anything. My Birthday was in April and I turned 54yrs. My Dad came from Az. to visit. I was so thrilled as It has been a long time since I got to see him and my step mother. I was very impressed that he has taken very good care of himself. He too has diabetes and high blood pressure.
He turned 75 this year and really looks younger. may I 'll be as lucky LOL.



WOW!!!! I can not believe I have been so bad to update. Here it is Sept and a year has almost gone by since I had my surgery. I feel great. I take less than half my meds. I am no longer in the wheel chair I was in. I would do it again.
























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Member Interests:
  • Family & Friends - A Large Part Of I Life

  • Quilting - Machine piecing and quilting

  • Computer Games - Puzzles and word search on computer

  • Grandchildren - They mean the WORLD to me


    • Click here to see interests of other ObesityHelp members.

    Surgeon Info:
    Surgeon: Michel M. Murr M.D.
    Insurer Info:
    United Health Care, Select Plus POS