I have been researching this surgery for the past 9 months and had talked to my Dr. about it. While I have been trying to jump through the hoops that the Dr. wanted me to do before he would give a referral, my insurance has changed through my employer and my current Dr. is not a provider of the new insurance (PacifiCare PPO). So, now I am looking for another Dr. in the Modesto area that is "WLS Friendly". 4/15/04 - I first learned about WLS last July when our Church Nurse held a seminar with Dr. Coirin. I was moved to tears when I listened to the stories of the people that came to give their testimonies. It was mind boggling to me that these women had just a short time ago been my size and were now wearing like a size 12! I was amazed...could it be possible for me as well?? The next day I called my doctor and made an appointment to talk about having the surgery. He warned me of the risks and suggested that I go back to Weight Watchers and join water aerobics and then come back in 3 months to see the progress I had made and then he would consider giving me a referral. Well...at first I was all psyched...and then the next thing I knew three months flew by and I found myself sitting in his office again and I had done absolutely nothing that he had suggested. I procrastinated (as usual)AND I had gained 12 pounds. (not the results he was looking for) I think that subconsciously I was thinking that if I was really going to go forward with the surgery that I wouldn't get to eat this, that and the other thing ever again...sooo...I'd better eat them all now! Anyway, this time the Dr. wanted me to see a counselor to find out why I was sabatoging myself. This is what led me to Dr. Morgan. In my meetings with Dr. Morgan, he was very understanding to my struggles with weight loss over the years. I have been overweight most of my life, and have the usual history like many others. Many diets, some success, gain everything back and then some. I have attended one of the support groups at Memorial and also went to another Seminar with Dr. Coirin. Both times I brought friends/family members with me to also listen (just in case I was nuts...I knew they would tell me) Both my best-friend and my sister-in-law are in support of me going for the surgery. I know that this will change my life. I have spent many hours on this website reading all the profiles of so many people. I have laughed and cried as I related to so many of your struggles. Now, mid-stream in this quest, my employer has changed our insurance policy to PacifiCare PPO (used to be PacifiCare HMO) and my current Dr.'s office does not accept the PPO plan. (Unfortunately for me that means instead of $250 co-pay, I'm probably looking at more like $2000 out of pocket!) Soooo....now I have to search for a new Dr. If anyone in the Modesto area has a recommedation of a Primary Dr. that is Pro-WLS..please let me know. I was waiting to make another appointment with my Dr. until I had managed to accomplish SOMETHING that he had asked me to do. I have met with Dr. Morgan several times and I have started water aerobics (best thing I've ever done...should have done it a long time ago!) And now I'm more ready than ever to get this thing going. Thank you to all that have posted their progress regularly...it has been a great encouragement to me. 4/18/04 - I have just finished reconciling my checkbook...I am amazed at how much money I spend on FOOD!! I couldn't help but think about all the money I will save after I have the surgery. I've been telling my friends that after surgery, I can just eat off of their plates. I need to start changing my eating habits now, to prepare myself for surgery (after I finish the Starbucks ice cream that I have in the freezer lol) I know that they talked about shrinking your liver at the seminar, I can't remember how they said to do that...A friend at church had the surgery several months ago, I saw her this morning at the alter area and she looks fabulous! I can't help but wonder if this is really something attainable for me as well! I pray that it is, I need to get focused! I emailed the surgeons office, it is so hard to make these kind of phone calls during the work day. I hope I hear from them soon...I'm ready to get the ball rolling. 4/20/04 - LIFE REALLY STINKS!! Every time I think I'm on my way, the goal slips out of my grasp! This is my life story! I called my insurance company today to see if I needed to get a referral to see the surgeon. Well...no I don't (which should be good news) BUT....she then proceeds to tell me that our new insurance plan does not cover WLS!! I couldn't stop crying all afternoon at work...I even cried while I was getting my hair cut tonight. I didn't go to water aerobics....I just want to order a pizza! Why can't anything ever work out in my favor! I don't know what I'm going to do now. I was getting really excited about the surgery...that I could actually have a chance to live the rest of my life as a normal sized person...never to ask for a seat belt extension on the airplane again! I really believed that this is what God wanted for me. He lead me to Dr. Morgan of all the shrinks in Modesto! Then my boss had to go and change our insurance! I have to keep pushing and not give up. It is so hard...I just want to go for the Starbucks ice cream and pull the covers over my head. Life always seems to be for everybody else. When is it going to be my turn? Maybe I need to finish reading "The Purpose Driven Life" IT'S NOT ABOUT ME! I guess that's enough whining for one night. 4/22/04 - Well...I'm in a better mood :-) I am not going to give up! If I can ever get through to the surgeon's office I am going to set up an appointment for a consult and see where it goes from there. I talked to my daughter today, and she is concerned about me having the surgery. Sounds like her and my mother are conspiring to talk me out of it. I understand where they are coming from. Yes, it's a risky surgery. Yes, there are things I could do on my own...bottom line is, if it were so stinkin easy, I would have done it years ago. She is in a focused mode of losing weight right now and doing well. God knows I hope she is one of the lucky few that can lose it and keep it off. She is so young (25) and she weighs quite a bit more than I did at her age. Each generation seems to be larger at a younger age. (very scary prospect for my granddaughter). I hope she can keep it under control and not be faced with this decision some day. 5/15/04 - I haven't updated in a few weeks...and what a roller coaster ride these past few weeks have been. I learned the end of April that our new insurance (PacifiCare PPO) specifically excludes WLS. I found this out about a week before I left to go on vacation. After the emotions subsided, I figured I would check out some of the resources that Mark (one of the OH volunteers) emailed to me regarding appeals, etc. I decided that I was just going to enjoy my vacation and deal with it all afterwards. Well....when I returned from vacation I found out from a co-worker that our employer is looking into changing back to the HMO (hopefully the beginning of June). As soon as I know for sure I will be making an appointment with my doctor and get things back on track. I hope he doesn't give me any trouble with giving me a referral to the surgeon. I need to focus, I was doing water aerobics before I went on vacation, but I haven't started back yet. I also need to get disciplined with my eating...Lord give me strength! I hardly ever go to the grocery store..I buy milk at the gas station or Walgreens. I need to stock up on Lean Cuisine or something a little more healty than pasta and sauce from a jar or peanut butter and jelly on toast. I'm lazy...that's what it boils down to really. If I want this bad enough I have to be willing to work for it! It's that "D" word again....DISCIPLINE...never has been on my list of priorities. My mom has been here for the past couple of weeks, she is concerned about the surgery. She questions that if I could make the changes I would need to make after surgery, why I couldn't discipline myself to make those changes now and lose the weight without surgery. Believe me...I have asked myself the same questions. I just pray that if I go through with this, that this will be one tool that will work..that it will FORCE ME to do what I need to do, as well as inspire me to stick with it because I will be losing the weight so fast and seeing drastic results. Well...that's it for now. I will post again when I know more. God Bless everyone on the California board...you guys have been a great inspiration! 6/6/04 - I haven't updated in a while. I had a weird thing happen last week on the message board. I posted a Bible Scripture (Jeremiah 29:11)"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD , "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." because I feel that it really speaks to the heart of how I feel about having this surgery. Anyway...I posted the same message on the California Board, the Main Board and the Christianity Board. I received several very nice responses from people who were touched or inspired after reading the post, even one lady who said that she had been feeling uneasy about having the surgery and after reading my post, she knew she was doing the right thing. Well...to make a long story shorter, someone at OH took the post off of the main message board and after I posted it a second time I received an email stating that it was against some rule to post messages of a religious nature. I cannot find anything on this website that prohibits posting spiritual/religious comments. I see all kinds of posts, and info in people's profiles that are of a religious nature! Nobody every touched the post I put on the California Board (and they say that California is full of heathens!) I complained...and was told that they would have to pass it on to someone else, who I have not heard from! I know that the Bible says that in the last days Christians will endure this type of thing, but I had never had it happen to me before. I was outraged! I do have some good news! My employer is switching to a new insurance as of July 1st! We will have Blue Shield and we will be able to pick the plan that works best for us. Soooo....I will be doing some heavy duty research to make sure that the plan I choose will cover WLS!!!! WOOOHOOOO!!!! I may be on the road again very soon! I have been walking with my neighbor in the mornings, and if I could just change my eating habits...I am soooo bad, I live alone and I just eat whatever is easy...usually high carb, I've got to start changing my habits now, so that it won't be as hard later. That's about it for now. 7/28/04 - Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I am addicted to the darn message board...I can't seem to pull myself away! It is so encouraging, the support on the Cali Board in awesome. Well...I finally have some good news! Our insurance at work was officially switched over to Blue Shield as of July 1. We didn't get our cards until the middle of the month, so I rescheduled my appointment with my PCP from 7/8 until 7/22. My doc agreed to move forward and put in the request for approval for the referral to Dr. Coates! I am finally on my way!!! PRAISE GOD! I don't even care how long the trip is, I'm just glad to finally be in the car and on road! My daughter and granddaughter were here visiting from Michigan for two weeks in the beginning of July and that kept me busy and out of my normal routine. We had a nice time (for the most part...sometimes my daughter and I bring out the worst in each other). My granddaughter is just the most beautiful thing....(no prejudice here)...and what a pill! She is 4 1/2 and she has no fear (ok...just of the dark) We spent quite a bit of time at two of my brothers homes who both have pools and she was like a little fish! I will need to figure out how to do one of those yahoo albums so I can share some pictures with everyone. Anyway....I went to the support group in Manteca last night, I really enjoyed it...there are several people from this website that were there, so it was like I actually knew people there (well...sort of) I am getting to know a lot of wonderful people from this website. My angelette Pam Roberts and I have been discussing the possibility of starting a Christian support group. We are going to get together next week to discuss it further. If anyone is interested in being involved, please email me so we can update you with details as they become available. My other angelette Diana Salinas was supposed to have surgery in September but at the last minute found out that even though Dr. Coirin accepts her insurance, Memorial doesn't because she lives out of the area. She was very upset, but then I received a message from her today that she may be able to have the surgery at Stanford (which is closer to San Jose...which is probably better for her and her family). What originally appeared as a closed door, God opened a window and made a way. Just as in my situation, all in God's timing....OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD!!! 8/4/04 - Just a quick update (hopefully this works and my profile doesn't get eaten like others have...some people need to get a life!) Anyway...Just a quick note to anyone that may be reading my profile...there are a couple of us that would like to start a Christian Support for WLS here in Modesto. If anyone is interested...please email me. The current support groups are great as well as the get-togethers but some of the topics of conversation can get a little "worldly" and it would be inspiring to be able to join together with other believers and be able to share freely about how our faith plays such a big part in our decision to have WLS. So far there are three of us, but we are praying for more. God Bless! 8/22/04 - Well, things are moving along...YEAH!!! A week ago Friday I received my referral letters in the mail. One to the surgeon (Dr. Coates) and the other for the psych eval (Dr. Huckaby). Who says good things never happen on Friday the 13th! So you know that come Monday I was on the phone and made my appointments...Dr. Coates on Sept 1 and Dr. Huckaby on Sept. 13! Not bad at all. I am anxious to know what other things Dr. Coates will require before I get a date. I am hoping for the end of October or beginning of November...I'm not really sure if I am being too optomistic or not. Bottom line is everything will happen in God's timing. I will be patient.....I need to start preparing at work so things are as organized as possible. The gathering at Danni's yesterday was really nice, I felt much more comfortable than the first gathering I went to. I have gotten to know people better in the last few months and am starting to form friendships. This is an awesome website. We have one more person that is interested in joining our Christian Support group, that makes a total of four...not too bad....I am hoping to start in September, probably on Tuesdays...maybe the 3rd Tuesday of the month. If anyone else is interested, please let me know. It will be a time to get together and pray for one another and share how God is working in our lives through our WLS journey. Well....I guess that's it for now. 9/1/04 - Well, I had my consult with Dr. Coates's P.A. today. Other than them insisting that I have shrunk nearly 2 inches, I guess everything went well. They made appointments for me for the Nutritionist and also with my oncologist (both for later next week). Jessica was very helpful. So, I'm really picking up speed now! We have had quite a bit of interest in the Christian Support Group, we may combine efforts with one of the Pastors at my church who had surgery recently. I will keep you all posted if we change anything. For now, the first meeting will still be on Sept. 14...I'm getting just a little nervous now...things are moving awfully fast! 9/13/04 - I just had my psych eval today with Dr. Huckaby. I went to him because my insurance covered it...now I'm wishing I would have paid the $$$ and went back to Dr. Morgan. I left his office today feeling so defeated! He basically confirmed by worst fear that I don't have what it takes to be successful with the surgery. That if I haven't been disciplined enough to lose weight before, I will not be successful long term after surgery and he suggested that I should get counseling. Ok...I'm not saying that what he said is all wrong....but isn't that the point after all??? If I was sooo disciplined, I would have done this myself years ago...I wouldn't have lived a long lonely life up to this point because of my weight... I'm not sure if he is clearing me for surgery or not....I was just stunned when I left his office! Talk about bursting a persons bubble! I wonder if I can get a second opinion?!?! Thanks for letting me whine....would anyone like cheese with that? lol Love you guys! Thanks for listening! 9/14/04 - Well, we had our first WLS prayer group tonight, and as I kinda thought would happen, it was just me and Pam Roberts. But, that is ok...we have gotten a lot of response from people and we will stay focused and I believe that God will bless this group. We have talked about moving it to the 3rd Tuesday of each month, since there seems to be other groups meeting on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. Hopefully, more people will join us next month. We prayed for the upcoming surgeries and for the recent post-ops and for several others that have been going through trials recently. Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." 10/31/-04 - Yikes, I can't believe it's been so long since I have updated my profile! I went to Michigan for my granddaughter's birthday in October (hers is the day before mine) and while I was gone I got THE call from Hillary at Dr. Coates's office telling me that I was approved and wanting to schedule me for the 28th or 29th of this month! That was just a little too fast for me, I needed to get back home and discuss things with work, etc. So, when I returned from vacation I called and scheduled for November 3rd! The time has just flown by! I have received so many well wishes from people and I have not had the time to respond to everyone, I feel so bad about that. I have saved all the emails with the anticipation of sitting down one day and responding to each and every person. Hopefully I will be able to do that afterwards while I am at home recuperating. My mom has decided to come out to be with me, I am very thankful for that (it was doubtful for a while that she would be able to make it). Our second WLS Prayer Group took place on Oct 16th and we doubled in size Praise God! We had two others join us...thank you Jim & Rebecca for joining Pam and I pray for the needs of our OH family. I will post more after I am home. I just wanted to update quickly before I become an offical LOSER!! YAHOOOOO!!!! THANK YOU JESUS!!! I will see you all on the other side! God Bless! Sara 11/17/04 - Hello all! I'm an official LOSER! YEAH!!! All in all, things have gone pretty well. My surgery took a little longer than expected, which freaked out my parents...but thanks to Kathy Stoaks (who drove all the way from Lodi) their fears were calmed a bit when she mentioned the possiblity of scar tissue being the reason for the extra time in the OR. So many people from this board either came by the hospital or called, it was amazing! Thank you all soooo much! I have had a little bit of an issue with gas and naseau since I've been home, seems like I end up tossing my cookies (no....i've not eaten any cookies) about every other day. I'm not sure what the problem is. I need to try to pay attention to what is bothering me and when. It does seem to always be in the evening for some reason, maybe I need to eat something lighter at night?? Who knows, trial and error I guess. I'm having a hard time getting in the liquids, and also it's been difficult to get in all my vitamins, especially on the days I get sick. We had our third WLS Prayer Group last night. It's been going well. We have different people interested every month. And many who have asked us to pray for them or someone they know. There is power in prayer and it is very exciting to see the response we are getting. God is Good! Well, that's about it for now...I think I will go rest for awhile. Blessings to all! 4/1/05 - WOW! I can't believe that it's been so long since I've updated my profile. I am 5 months out and I am down to 223 lbs, 85 lbs total lost since my highest weight last summer , I can't remember how long it's been since I've been this close to being under 200 lbs...it won't be long now!!! I am down from size 26/28 to 14/16 on top and 18/20 on the bottom...I am very close to not being able to shop at the plus size stores anymore! I have been busy living life. My main struggles at this point is drinking fluids...I got a urinary tract infection a couple of weeks ago...I need to drink, drink, drink....it is very hard for me. Also, I have lost momentum in the exercise department. I think I've gone once since the cruise. I feel like a baby elephant, all things swaying to and fro. I really need to focus on trying to firm things up as much as possible, I know that plastic surgery is definitely part of my future....but in the mean time I need to do what I can. Clothing hides a lot Praise God! I just gotta love the No Nonsense Shaper pantyhose...sucks it all in...now if they only made something like that for my arms! LOL The Prayer Group has faded away...it ended up being just me and Pam the last few times. I am enjoying all the compliments that I receive from people, I get a real "high" when I see people that I haven't seen in awhile. I'm trying not to let it go to my head, there is still a lot of work to be done. As far as eating goes, I have very little problems at all, I still can't eat eggs but that's about it. I am truly blessed! That's all I can think of for right now....again I am sorry that I waited so long to update....I will try to do better. Blessings to all! 8/22/05 - Well....here I go again...it's been nearly 5 months since my last update. Life is good....I'm busier than ever...still struggling with exercise (or the lack thereof!) and getting in enough fluids. I can pretty much eat anything (good news/bad news) sweets make my heart race and too many carbs will make me really sleepy...but other than that I haven't experience any problems at all. I am so thankful that the Lord allowed me to have this surgery, it has given me a new lease on life. I feel normal for the first time in my life! I don't have to think about "can I fit in that chair", or avoid going to the theatre or a concert because I don't know if I can fit in the seat. I find myself sitting in chairs "with" arms on purpose...JUST BECAUSE I CAN!!! The people in my life that were not supportive of my having surgery have now done a complete turn around. My dad puts me display to everyone that comes over "doesn't she look great"..."this is my daughter, she's lost over 100 pounds", etc. It's almost nauseating...like a freak show or something. Several people are showing a bit of jealousy...."I can't be bigger than you" kind of thing....it's motivated some people to go on diets to lose their excess weight. My daughter periodically asks (with trepidation in her voice) "how much do you weigh NOW???) I now weigh less than her for the first time in her life. She is 27 years old and she is heavier than I ever was at her age. She has started talking about having the surgery herself....which I think would be wonderful! It would give her a better chance at a normal life at a younger age....instead of waiting until she's 45 like I did...I have lost so many years. I am just now starting to think about dating. I'm considering going on a Christian singles website or something...it is very scary though. I have done very little real dating my entire life because of my weight. But, I think I'm ready to put myself "out there" and see what God has in store for my future. I did have interesting thing happen last week....I was at the lab to pick up something for a test I need to do and I ran into a guy that I used to date several years ago. He had dropped me with no warning and no explanation....anyway...he looked right at me and turned away and went and sat down. I had to walk past him to leave the building....I almost just walked by without saying anything, but at the last minute I looked over at him, said "hi how are you" with a little wave and just walked out the door. The sad part is that he didn't look well at all....he is diabetic and he was walking (or should I say shuffling) with a cane. He looked embarrassed to see me....I walked out and I felt GOOD! I knew that I looked good....way better than the last time he saw me...part of me was like "look what you through away" and the other part was like "Thank you Jesus". I'm glad that he dumped me when he did...I want to be with someone who can get around and go places and do things. I felt bad that I felt to good sort of at his expense....but what the heck. My daughter and granddaughter are moving to California! I am very excited about that! My daughter moved to Michigan (where I grew up) seven years ago...she is now going through a divorce and has decided to move home. My granddaughter will be six in October and I am looking forward to being able to build a relationship with her. They will be living with me until Bridget gets a job and on her feet. She will be getting her Bachelors Degree in December so she should be able to find a job here pretty easily. She has been having a hard time finding work in Michigan (highest unemployment rate in the country). I pray that we can manage to live together for whatever amount of time is necessary...I have been living alone (and loving it!) for the past seven years...I have a pretty small place (2 bdrm ONE bath) and my daughter and I are usually ready to scratch each others eyes out after being together for a day or two....PLEASE PRAY FOR US! All in all it will be great to have them here. I am praying that she will begin to come to church with me, she said that she liked the church that I go to. Either way, I will be taking Elizabeth to church whether her mother chooses to go or not. I'm sure that the move will be difficult for her, leaving the people that she knows. I am only 30 lbs away from my goal of 150! Hard to believe....it is sooo close I can almost taste it! I actually bought a pair of pants in size 14!!!!!!!! HELLLOOOO.....haven't worn that size since high school. I'm wearing large (and sometimes MEDIUM) in tops.....a long way from the 26/28 (and some 30's) that I was wearing nine months ago! My bra size has gone from a 42DD to a 34DD, and I've actually gone down 1/2 a shoe size as well! I will be going to Michigan in October to pick up Elizabeth to bring her back with me (Bridget will be driving out a couple of weeks later). I am going to be fulfilling a life long dream. I used to dream of moving to California, losing weight and coming back to Michigan and people seeing me in a different light. OK....so it's taken me nearly 24 years to accomplish this....and I probably won't see half the people that I'd like to see and stick my nose up in the air at....but it will be sweet all the same! I haven't been back to Michigan since last October (right before surgery)...needless to say...I'M GOING TO ENJOY THIS!!!! That's about it for now. Blessings to you all! 2/28/06 Ok...now it's been 6 months since I last updated....I'm not very good at the long winded journaling. My daughter and granddaughter have been living with me since the beginning of November, we have had our ups and downs, but we are adjusting. Bridget's divorce was final the beginning of February and now she is engaged to a great guy Andy...he is still in Michigan, they are planning a wedding the end of April and him and his kids will be moving here in June. I am enjoying having my granddaughter near me and developing a closer relationship with her. Bridget is looking into WLS, her consult was supposed to be today, but it got rescheduled...she was really bummed...I just have to believe that when the time is right all the details will fall into place, God doesn't make mistakes. She is so miserable with her body right now, I can't wait for her to experience the freedom of being thin. I am kind of looking forward to shopping for an outfit for the wedding, since the first time she got married I had to have something specially made and I hated it! I looked like a big fat purple plum. Now I will be able to wear something sleek and classy...how fun is that! As for me, I'm doing well...other than I have been experiencing numbness in my fingertips when I get the least bit chilled. I haven't gone to the doctor for it yet...probably should. I dumped the other night for the first time in a year and a half....it was really weird....I was just eating cheese and crackers, like I do quite a bit...and it came on me just like that out of no where.....I thought for sure I was going to be sick....I got all hot and my jaw was quivering...it ended up passing without actually barfing...it was really weird. Other than that, things have been great...I am down to 146-148 lbs (depending on the day) and I'm wearing size 8 dress slacks and small tops....amazing...I would have been a happy camper in a 12!! I would love to have some plastics done, but I really doubt that I will get insurance to cover it....arms are horrible...talk about bat wings! And I have no breasts left to speak of.....just hanging skin. Between the two I nearly knock myself out when I'm brushing my teeth! lol But, even with the skin issues I am one happy girl...I can wear lots of cute things that cover up the not so pretty stuff and no one knows but me. It will be kind of a bummer come summer though...I think I will be more self-conscience in a bathing suit with the hanging skin than I was being fat! I want to thank everyone on this site for their support and friendship. I have met so many wonderful people and made several great friends....WLS and OH have truly changed my life. God bless you all! 1/30/08 Now this is embarrassing....it's been nearly 2 years since I've updated my profile. This morning I received a message from another member who had her surgery several months before I did over 3 years ago....I had posted to her surgery support page right before she had surgery and I shared with her (as I did with so many) the scripture that had been my lifeline throughout my journey. Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD , "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." She was writing to thank me because she was apprehensive about her decision to have WLS and was praying that the Lord would give her peace about her decision, and as always the Lord answered her prayers as she read my message just prior to leaving for the hospital, she told me that my message was a divine affirmation that she was doing the right thing and brought her the peace that she was looking for. It gave me goose bumps to think that a simple message shared over 3 years ago, still had an impact on her. It also reminded me how important it is for us to share our experiences with one another. I haven't been on OH much this past year. My life has changed dramatically. On 2/13/07 I met a wonderful man and we have been inseperable ever since. I have relocated to Brentwood from Modesto with him and his 16 year old daughter and we are making plans for our future together. The downside to this is I gained a bit of weight over the past year, now that I am cooking meals instead of popping the Lean Cuisine in the microwave...not to mention all those stinkin "scooby snacks"....but in a strange turn of events I have lost a bit of what I gained when I ended up in the hospital with burst appendix in December. I think that a week on the ice-chip diet kicked my pouchy back into gear! I didn't loose everything I gained, but I think I have hit a happy medium. I was actually looking too thin at 135 (at least in my upper body) I have leveled off at 145 which I think I like. (Funny this is what I weighed in high school). I think that the only thing that will get rid of the thunder thighs is major reconstructive surgery, which I hope will be in my future along with getting rid of the batwings and adding something to the breast area....then my transformation will be complete...and even if that never happens...I continue to be one happy woman and ever so thankful on how much having WLS has changed my life. And I continue to be amazed at how my experience has impacted others along the way. So, if you are a newbie I encourage you to read as many profiles as you can to educate yourself and also gain inspiration from those that have traveled down this road before you. And if you are an old timer, I pray that you will continue to check in here from time to time and share your experiences with the community....and what a community this is!!! I have made so many friends here on OH...and although I don't check in on here as often as I should I want you all to know how much I love and appreciate all of you and how much you have impacted my life along the way on this most amazing journey. GOD BLESS YOU ALL! Helpful Links American Cancer SocietyCancer develops when cells in a part of the body begin to grow out of control. American Diabetes AssociationDiabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. American Heart AssociationHeart disease is America's No. 1 killer and stroke is No. 3. Sleep Help USAA site dedicated to helping you find information and resources dealing with the subject of snoring and sleep apnea. NDDICGastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly and stomach contents leak back, or reflux, into the esophagus. Arthritis FoundationArthritis is one of the most prevalent chronic health problems and the nation’s leading cause of disability among Americans over age 15. Profile designed and created by Linda Mongillo A volunteer of the ObesityHelp.com HTML team. Completed on 04/26/04 If you would like to have your profile spruced up Please contact the HTML Team at htmlhelp@obesityhelp.com
I have been researching this surgery for the past 9 months and had talked to my Dr. about it. While I have been trying to jump through the hoops that the Dr. wanted me to do before he would give a referral, my insurance has changed through my employer and my current Dr. is not a provider of the new insurance (PacifiCare PPO). So, now I am looking for another Dr. in the Modesto area that is "WLS Friendly".
4/15/04 - I first learned about WLS last July when our Church Nurse held a seminar with Dr. Coirin. I was moved to tears when I listened to the stories of the people that came to give their testimonies. It was mind boggling to me that these women had just a short time ago been my size and were now wearing like a size 12! I was amazed...could it be possible for me as well?? The next day I called my doctor and made an appointment to talk about having the surgery. He warned me of the risks and suggested that I go back to Weight Watchers and join water aerobics and then come back in 3 months to see the progress I had made and then he would consider giving me a referral. Well...at first I was all psyched...and then the next thing I knew three months flew by and I found myself sitting in his office again and I had done absolutely nothing that he had suggested. I procrastinated (as usual)AND I had gained 12 pounds. (not the results he was looking for) I think that subconsciously I was thinking that if I was really going to go forward with the surgery that I wouldn't get to eat this, that and the other thing ever again...sooo...I'd better eat them all now! Anyway, this time the Dr. wanted me to see a counselor to find out why I was sabatoging myself. This is what led me to Dr. Morgan. In my meetings with Dr. Morgan, he was very understanding to my struggles with weight loss over the years. I have been overweight most of my life, and have the usual history like many others. Many diets, some success, gain everything back and then some. I have attended one of the support groups at Memorial and also went to another Seminar with Dr. Coirin. Both times I brought friends/family members with me to also listen (just in case I was nuts...I knew they would tell me) Both my best-friend and my sister-in-law are in support of me going for the surgery. I know that this will change my life. I have spent many hours on this website reading all the profiles of so many people. I have laughed and cried as I related to so many of your struggles. Now, mid-stream in this quest, my employer has changed our insurance policy to PacifiCare PPO (used to be PacifiCare HMO) and my current Dr.'s office does not accept the PPO plan. (Unfortunately for me that means instead of $250 co-pay, I'm probably looking at more like $2000 out of pocket!) Soooo....now I have to search for a new Dr. If anyone in the Modesto area has a recommedation of a Primary Dr. that is Pro-WLS..please let me know. I was waiting to make another appointment with my Dr. until I had managed to accomplish SOMETHING that he had asked me to do. I have met with Dr. Morgan several times and I have started water aerobics (best thing I've ever done...should have done it a long time ago!) And now I'm more ready than ever to get this thing going. Thank you to all that have posted their progress regularly...it has been a great encouragement to me.
4/18/04 - I have just finished reconciling my checkbook...I am amazed at how much money I spend on FOOD!! I couldn't help but think about all the money I will save after I have the surgery. I've been telling my friends that after surgery, I can just eat off of their plates. I need to start changing my eating habits now, to prepare myself for surgery (after I finish the Starbucks ice cream that I have in the freezer lol) I know that they talked about shrinking your liver at the seminar, I can't remember how they said to do that...A friend at church had the surgery several months ago, I saw her this morning at the alter area and she looks fabulous! I can't help but wonder if this is really something attainable for me as well! I pray that it is, I need to get focused! I emailed the surgeons office, it is so hard to make these kind of phone calls during the work day. I hope I hear from them soon...I'm ready to get the ball rolling.
4/20/04 - LIFE REALLY STINKS!! Every time I think I'm on my way, the goal slips out of my grasp! This is my life story! I called my insurance company today to see if I needed to get a referral to see the surgeon. Well...no I don't (which should be good news) BUT....she then proceeds to tell me that our new insurance plan does not cover WLS!! I couldn't stop crying all afternoon at work...I even cried while I was getting my hair cut tonight. I didn't go to water aerobics....I just want to order a pizza! Why can't anything ever work out in my favor! I don't know what I'm going to do now. I was getting really excited about the surgery...that I could actually have a chance to live the rest of my life as a normal sized person...never to ask for a seat belt extension on the airplane again! I really believed that this is what God wanted for me. He lead me to Dr. Morgan of all the shrinks in Modesto! Then my boss had to go and change our insurance! I have to keep pushing and not give up. It is so hard...I just want to go for the Starbucks ice cream and pull the covers over my head. Life always seems to be for everybody else. When is it going to be my turn? Maybe I need to finish reading "The Purpose Driven Life" IT'S NOT ABOUT ME! I guess that's enough whining for one night.
4/22/04 - Well...I'm in a better mood :-) I am not going to give up! If I can ever get through to the surgeon's office I am going to set up an appointment for a consult and see where it goes from there. I talked to my daughter today, and she is concerned about me having the surgery. Sounds like her and my mother are conspiring to talk me out of it. I understand where they are coming from. Yes, it's a risky surgery. Yes, there are things I could do on my own...bottom line is, if it were so stinkin easy, I would have done it years ago. She is in a focused mode of losing weight right now and doing well. God knows I hope she is one of the lucky few that can lose it and keep it off. She is so young (25) and she weighs quite a bit more than I did at her age. Each generation seems to be larger at a younger age. (very scary prospect for my granddaughter). I hope she can keep it under control and not be faced with this decision some day.
