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Dee L.
Berwick, LA, USA
Post Op - BMI: 38.9
Surgery Type: RNY
Member ID: L996428434
Surgeon: Karl LeBlanc

Click here for Dee's surgery support page
Click here for the 07/2003 Reunion Page
Click here to print Dee's cards
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July 29, 2001
Hello Everyone,
My name is Debra, but all of my friends call me "Dee." I am 35, married to a wonderful man for 9 years, and I have 4 wonderful children,
3 girls and 1 boy. I was born and raised in Southern Louisiana and still reside here. I would like to think that I am a warm compationate person who will listen to anyone needing a friendly ear or shoulder to cry on. I am funny and would like to think fun to be around :-)
I look forward to talking to others here in Louisiana about the surgery and new changes made. So please feel free to email me at any time. Also be prepared for questions....LOL I have lots of them.
Hope to talk to you all soon......
Dee




July 30
Good morning everyone!!! Well I woke up this morning looking at my ceiling, and it hit me! I am having this surgery done in 30 days!!! Gosh it is happening so fast. I have worried though, becasue I have no clue as to what I am supposed to be doing. Do I need to start taking vitamins now? How do I prepare for this big day on Aug 30? I am really at a loss and confused. Guess I need to call my Dr. today.
It is cloudy here and has been raining off and on.
Hope you all have a great day.
Dee



July 30 (evening)
What a day it has been for me. Just when I thought I was ready for this, I go and get nervous. I guess I am so nervous because I never did receive a packet as of yet from my Dr. and I am scheduled to have surgery Aug. 30 in just 31 days. Maybe I am making too much out of this? Gosh, just seems like I am supposed to be doing something. Like watching certain foods. Not eating certain things? Eating more of certain things? I just dunno. I feel like I am at a loss.....Wish there were a support group here near by. Would help out so much.
I'll wake up feeling better I am sure. So in the mean time I will just breath in and out and know I'll be just fine :-)



July 31
Good morning!!! Well I am glad to report that I woke up in a much better mood and higher spirits!! I am ready for this change. Ohhh I am so ready. I have only 30 days left now until my big day. Count down begins :-)
Here is a story a friend of mine from Fla. wrote. I asked her permission to share with all of you because it was such an inspiration to me.

(Story from My Friend Ana below)


Hi group,
This is another one of those long ones. Joyce asked me
to share my story in the event that it may help inspire or encourage any who read, so in an effort to inspire faith, if anything, here I go:
I was born in Cuba with a bone deformation called claw feet. Both my feet were affected and my family was told I would never walk.
I came to this wonderful country in 1970 in search of a miracle.
I was handicapped until the age of 11 when a special orthopedic tried a new procedure and through various injections of calcium and other vitamins aside from many, many surgeries, he gave me the gift of walking. I lived and enjoyed many, not all, but many of the wonderful things an 11 year old can live, and I was very grateful.
At the age of 21 I married a wonderful man who made all my dreams come true, he is my best friend, my lover, my partner for
everything.After many years and many dollars, I was told a child
would never come. I accepted and thanked the Lord anyway for I had already received alot in my life. In 1998 I had a drastic change in my life, we lost our business and went from having everything to having nothing overnight, again I thanked the Lord for at least I had everything at one point in my life, and I continued. That same year, as in almost a gift to replace it all, a stomach virus turned into the pregnancy of my precious son Joshua.
At ten weeks of pregnancy, I acquired the chicken pox and was advised by Jackson Hospital here in Miami (the supposing best hospital in high risk pregnancies in the US) that I should abort my child to avoid a deformed fetus. I refused to listen to everyone, including family and friends, and my husband stood by my side and we believed with our hearts that if God sent us a child under so many odds, it was meant to be. I spent 8 months in bed, I felt terrible and had every complication in the world because of my weight, and I hung in there, I was in it for the long haul.
On January 25th, 1999, I went for my 8th month check-up only to be sent to the hospital for an emergency c-section. During my preparation, my husband and I were asked to "choose", because things did not look good for both of us, so they wanted to know our preference. We both agreed we could not play "God", it was him who had brought us here and he would decide what was best. We prayed as I was rushed into the O.R. I was in the O.R. for less than 30 minutes, my blood pressure would not tolerate anesthesia, and I was rushed to ICU without seeing my precious baby. I cried all night and fought against all medication until I saw he was alive and had all his toes and fingers.
Then and only then did I rest. I had pre-clampsia, and it was killing my baby and me, and thank goodness, the doctor's were quick and we are both here.
My son was born healthy with no complications to so many pediatricians and specialists waiting to see "what" was coming out. Amnio was never right, and my son is proof that even the best medical tests can fail.
I named him Joshua, after the great Jewish leader that
fought against all odds to get his message across, regardless of the price. Today I am proceeding with this surgery because I feel I have lived my life "against all odds", and being able to live a healthy life is my new conquest, and I am sure, I will beat the odds.
If anything is understood from my life experience, is that you
should never give up, no matter who or what is against you, always go forward and give it your all.

Ana
(End of story from Ana)


I hope Ana's story is able to be as much as a blessing to you as it has been for me. I know God is walking with all of us through this Journey and I know he'll be right beside me through every step.



August 1, 2001
WOW!! What a difference a day makes. Well, today is even a better day that yesterday. I have learned more about what I will be facing in the weeks to come. I am more at ease now. I spoke with a lady near by where I live and she had the surgery July 24. She is doing great so far. It has only been 8 days for her and she said her scale shows a loss of 15 lbs!!!!
That's Fabulous!!!
She said it is not as hard as she even thought it would be.
I am becoming even more excited.
I do need to find a support group though. I know it'll benefit me in the long run.
Hope you all have a WONDERFUL DAY!!!



August 2
Well, another day has passed and I have made it through with no problems. I just hope that I do this well after my surgery.
I have not had a cigarette for 3 days now.
Even though I only smoked 2 or 3 a day :-)
I have not had much of an appetite the past 3 days either.
Like this morning, I had breakfast at 10:30 and I didn't get hungry until close to 5:30. That was 7 hours I had gone without
eating anything. I don't know what is going on, but it is ok with me...lol
I have read some profiles where people say that when they found out they ere having the surgery, they over indulged.
I am thankful to say I have not! I have talked to my family and asked about Thanksgiving dinner 2 weeks before my surgery.
LOL ...Thanksgiving is one of my favorite Holidays. I love
Mom's cornbread dressing and candied yams and ham!!! Oh my gosh how GOOD! This weekend I am hoping for a crab boil. It'll be
my last one for a long time!! Hey, I am Cajun! That's going to be hard to deal with :-) But as other things, I am sure I will adjust well to doing without. I am not a big sweets eater, so that I'll deal with well. But COOKIES!!! Now THAT is my weakness!! LOL But I know that I will overcome that weakness as well.
I am so looking forward to a healthier life. One where I can spend time with my daughter and watch her cheering in pep-squad at the football games.
Well, I have carried on enough for the night. I am going to close here for now.



August 6
Well, it has been 4 days since I last written. Lets see, what have my few days been like? Well, it has been 6 days since I stopped smoking. I have had my lil craves where I thought, "Well just 1 won't hurt." That's all I really smoked a day was 1-3 cigarettes. But what stopped me was knowing I was not supposed to smoke to start with and I know it would just make surgery harder if I did smoke that 1. So with that in mind, it has made it easier.
My appetite has been really good. I have not been eating much at all. I am not quite sure why, but it has been very minimum. I spent the weekend at my Mom's though, and I am not sure why it made a difference, but my appetite was a bit bigger than it had been in 4 or 5 days prior. I am not sure if maybe it was because I was around more smoking and in a smaller area or what? I hope it fades off though, now I am home. No offense Mom, I Love Ya!

WOW only 24 more days till the "Big Day" I am so excited and cannot wait.



August 12
Wow, it has been nearly one week now since I have written. Reason being is because on Wednesday, August 8 I found out that my insurance company denied my surgery due to not meeting with the criteria and said that my coverage does not cover obesity surgery. Well, needless to say I broke down after that phone call.

Here is what I wrote, but never posted it:

August 8, 2001
MY JOURNEY ENDS!!!

You know, being over weight all of your life is tough!! Then when you get encouraged and someone says you can have this miracle surgery done to help you enjoy LIFE.
You begin thinking of all the wonderful things that you will be able to do that you have never been able to do before. You think of things you'll be able wear and feel so confident about life for a change.....
Then BOOM!!!!! It gets taken right from you in an instant.
I DID NOT prepare for this!!!!! I was not prepared for my Insurance to DENY ME of my surgery.
I was scheduled for surgery on Aug 30 this year. In just 22 days.
Now I am scheduled for just a regular day.......
I wish you all the best and may God walk beside you on your new Journey to a New Life!!!
Dee

But after I wrote this, I said "NO!!" I was not going to let them toy with MY life like that!!!
So I appealed the same day they denied me.
I called my Doctor and the lady that handles the insurance told me he was writting up an appeal letter.
So, come Monday morning Aug. 13, I will call and see what's what!!
I have had a rough few days, but I am ready for this.
I'll be sure and write as soon as I find out about my insurance.
Hope you all have a blessed day!!!!
Until next time........
Dee



August 22, 2001
Well, it had been confirmed! NO surgery for me. Simply because the policy my husband has at work does NOT cover "Obesity Surgery." Even if the Doctor writes 100 appeal letters stating that it is Medically necessary for me to have this surgery done.
The policy simply will not cover it.
I'll take this as a sign that it is not meant to be for me to have this done. Am I ok with it?? NO!!! But I have no choice.
To all of you blessed being able to have this, may your Journey be a blessed journey.
I hope to see you all on the other side one day. Just now I have to fight harder...
Best of luck to you all and know you are in my prayers
Dee



May 14, 2003
Wow!! It does not seem like it has been a year and nine months since I have last written. I just stopped and never looked back once I was turned down for the third time.
Well, I am back now and I pray I am back to write until I get down to at least 175 pounds.
I have been seeing an Orthopedic DR for my knees now for over a year. To make a long journey short, I have to have 2 total knee replacements and I am only 37 years young :-) Well, when I saw the DR this past Monday he reffered me to see about the Gastric ByPass. Of course I was all for it. I called this New Weigh place he reffered me to on my way home from my app. and they took all the information down that they needed and said they would be back in touch with me within 48 hours. Well, in less than 24 hours they called me back and said my Insurance gave the OK for the surgery. So now I go to Baton Rouge for my first app and see where we go from there.
I am excited, but not getting my hopes up. All I can do is pray that all will go well and I will soon be on my way to loosing my weight really soon. I write on how well my app goes when I get back from B.R. on Monday the 19th.
Have a great week!!!
Dee



Tues. May 20, 2003
Wow!!! What a day it was yesterday!
For my Surgery I am going through a program called NeWeigh in Baton Rouge Louisiana. I was there yesterday morning for 8:30 to talk to my Counselor Peggy for the first time. The entire Staff is absolutely wonderful!! The program call their Staff Members Lil Sisters and Lil Brothers. Simply because they are no longer Fat. They have all had the procedure to loose weight.
After I filled out lots of paper work and talked with Peggy, I saw the DR. who is going to do my Surgery. His name is DR. Karl LeBlanc. He is simply wonderful!! He explained everything that was going to happen in steps and stages. I had a few questions to ask him and he answered them all best of his ability. I was very much so satisfied.
After speaking to the DR. I went into the patient room and the Lil Sister took my Blood Pressure and asked more questions. As I said, there were a lot of papers to fill out :-)
Then the DR came in and examined me. It only consist of listening to my heart and lungs (which were all good) and then he told me where I would have the 6 small incisions for the surgery. After that, I went into another room where more questions and paper work had to be answered and filled out. Jennifer, the lady whom I was with explained to me about the steps that were going to be taken as far as all the testing was going to go and even made my app. for Lab work and Sleep Test.
I am scheduled for my sleep test on Monday, May 26, 2003. Then when I wake up I will go for the Lab work. I am hoping for the Psychological Evaluation to be done that same Tuesday of my Lab work. As of right now, I am scheduled for 5pm that evening. I live about 85 miles where I will have all of this done. So I am trying to have it all done the same time to save on the trips.
Then on Wednesday's the have Group meetings. They said I have to at least attend one, but if I can help it, I will attend as many as possible.
They say that once you go to one, you'll wanna attend them all.
For those of you who are thinking of having this surgery done, I suggest that you go to NeWeigh first. They are now in Baton Rouge Louisiana and in Huston Texas. They have only been in B.R. for about 9 months now and have been in Tx for I think 10 years.
You can contact the Baton Rouge office @ 225-768-1400 and the Tx. office @ 713-795-0200...
Good luck to you and if I can help in any kind of way, please feel free to email me DeeLeGleu@excite.com
I will be in touch as I have any apps.
Thank You Jesus for giving me a new chance at Living Life!!!
Until next time,
Dee



May 22, 2003
I sit here at 12:20am and not quite sure how I am feeling. I have been on line now for right at 3 hours researching and reading other peers stories.
Well, I read this one story on a girl in the same State I am in (La.) and she too is going through NeWeigh for her surgery. Well, as I was reading her story, I read she saw DR. LeBlanc also on her first visit and he told her he was surprised she made it as far as she did because he did not do patients who's BMI is 55 and over. Then pretty much said he was sorry and walked out of the Office. Needless to say, she was pretty darn pissed and refused to go back. She began checking on another DR whom she had great reviews from and was insistent on getting to him to see if he would do her surgery.
The day after all of the let down from first visit she gets a call from NeWeigh saying that they had a new DR. coming to town and wanted to set her up with him. She said Thanks BUT NO Thanks I have DR. so and so going to take me in and do the surgery. She said the Nurse just laughed and said, "That's the same DR coming here!" So, she has seen the new DR...
The fact of DR. LeBlanc being supposedly a newbie and seeming so rude to her scares the heck out of me!!!!! I put him on a high pedestal yesterday here and now I am not too sure. So I will be calling my Counselor at NeWeigh first thing in the morning and see what they say and I guess just go from there.
I mean, this is MY body!!! I want to be smaller, but I want someone who knows what they are doing also. Ohh gosh, will I ever get to sleep now?!?!?
Until later today,
Dee




May 28,2003
Goodness, It has been nearly a week since I have written.
Well, lets see what have I been through these past several days. For the weekend,
I pretty much hung out outside all day and just was not on line much at all.
Monday the 26th I was in Baton Rouge for 7:30pm to take my Sleep Test. Tuesday morning
when I woke at 6am, I went for Lab Work. Then 5pm that same day on Tuesday, I went for my Psychological Testing. I will not even begin to get into what I went through all day Tuesday before that appointment. I will say it was VERY Stressful and Thank You Jesus for sending Ms. Bonnie to the rescue :-)
Now all I have to do is wait :-) Wait for when the Insurance sends the Approval to go forward
with the surgery!!! It is a day I have prayed for, for what seems forever. When I tried nearly 2 years ago to have this surgery, I was so let down and didn't even write here for 21 months. I did not realize it had been that long....LOL.... But here I am and I have Faith this is finally going to happen.

I asked my daughter a few days ago if there had ever been anything she wished I could have done with her, but couldn't because of my weight? She said, "Yeah Mom, there are a lot of things!" I told her I have always had one thing I wanted to do. I told her when I loose 75-100 pounds, I just want to be able to "RUN!" Needless to say, she giggled. I told the DR. that when I was for my Psychological Visit and I told him it may sound silly, but that's what I want to do. He said it wasn't silly because it was something important to me. He did ask why I choose running and I told him because I will finally be free. I will be free from being fat and for feeling like I was trapped somewhere I did not want to be. When I run, I will be running from that old body and old life into a new body and more importantly, MY new Life!!! If you are over weight, you know what I am talking about. Ohhh yeah, I forgot to mention that I have even loss 3 pounds. Go Me!!! LOL Ok, I am going to close here for now. I am still beat from yesterday.

Remember to pray. God answers all prayers. It may not be right then and there, but he eventually answers them all.
Until Next Time,
~Dee~




June 4, 2003
OMG!!!! Can you believe it?!?!?! I have been approved!!! It only took one letter to my Insurance!!! "Thank You Jesus!" "Thank You Jesus!" No doubt, God answers prayers!!! "Thank You Jesus!" This whole Procedure started on May 14, 2003 and I was APPROVED TODAY on June 4, 2003. Not even a complete Month I had to wait. It'll be close to 5-6 weeks from start to Surgery Date..... Sorry, this just blows my mind! I am so excited and cannot wait to go to my first Support Group Meeting next Wed.
OK, I have phone calls to make and things to find out.... giggle
So I will write more during the week.
If you are waiting to hear from your Insurance, have Faith!!! Thank Jesus everyday!!!
Until Next Time,
Dee



June 5, 2003
What a day it has been. I have spent pretty much of my day soaking this all in. This is really going to happen for me. I have never been one to wear a dress, for Christmas, I told my husband that I want to go shopping for one. He said a dress??? I said Yes...giggle
I want to buy one a few days before Christmas. I cannot wait to be able to wear one and feel good about wearing it. I could go on and on, but I know for the most of you, you know just what I am talking about.
I've got an Angel now :-) A friend of mine from Alabama said she would be my Angel. She used to live here near me and we walked together and attended a weight support group together called T.O.P.S. and we were both loosing weight. Then she moved and well, that about sums it up. Thanks Tracy for being my Angel. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I appreciate it.
Ok, time to finish cooking dinner. I have company coming over.
Until next time,
Dee



Friday, June 13, 2003
I must stop waiting so far apart to update my profile. It has been over a week since I have written. Well, once again my surgery date has changed; But, this is the last time it will change. So they promised me :-)
It has been changed to June 30th now. Which only puts it off by 6 days. The way I look at it is, God has his reasons and what ever it may be, is fine with me! I do not question his reasons, for I know they are good reasons :-)
On the 18th of this month I go for a visit to see the Doctor who gives the exam to make sure my tummy and lungs are all ok. Then that same evening I go for my Group Meeting. Then the following week I go for more lab work and have all the test like upper GI, Sonogram, and whatever else they have to poke at me for :-)
That will be a 4-5 hour procedure. Then later that afternoon, I will see DR LeBlanc. He is the Doctor doing my surgery. Then the following week, My "Big Day!" Soon I will be on the other side.
The new side of life. I am so excited and cannot wait to get started. I am very much looking forward to the walking. I have lost 9 pounds on my own in the past 3 weeks and me knees have been doing so much better. I have tried imagining getting around without all of the pain and I can so see it happening!!! Thank You Jesus!
Well, I am going to
close here for now.
Until Next Time,
Dee



Sunday, June 15,2003
Happy Father's Day Gentlemen!!!
I was looking over my pofile and thought I would just pop in and say "Hi."
I am going to be meeting a Lady near the same town as I am from and her surgery is on the 24th of this month. I cannot wait to meet her so we can go through this journey with our new lives together. I am so excited and cannot wait! And to be able to go through this with someone who will know just what I am going through. I am crying at the thought....lol
God has blessed so many of us with the chance to change our lives and I Thank You in Your Son Jesus' Name!!!
Have a Great Day Everyone!!!
Until Next Time,
Dee



Tuesday, June 24, 2003
Well, I am now only one week from my surgery date now. That's 7 days. Actually as of right now, I am only 153 1/2 hours from surgery time....lol I know, that's silly isn't it. Anyone going through this blessed surgery, knows what I mean :-)
I finished with all of my visits with DR's today. I will not see another DR until July 1 at 7am and it will be DR LeBlanc. He's just so darn kewl.
What I need to start doing right now, is start getting food preparations done and ready for when I get home. I am so ready for this change and at the same time I am scared to death!
I have never been thin a day in my life and I am scared to be I guess in a way. I am sure I will be just fine though. I have Faith in my Lord Our God.
OK, it has been a very long and stressful 2 days and I think I am ready for sleep. May you all have a very blessed night and I will write more later.
Until Next Time,
Angel Hugs,
Dee



Wed. Jume 25,2003
10:10pm
Here it is Wed. night and now I only have less that 6 days before I leave for my surgery. I realized today that I am scared. I am, I am really scared. Only for the reson that I have been over weight all of my life and to know that I will be in a thin body scares the crap out of me!!! LOL I am not going to lie.
Don't get me wrong, I am tickled pink about the Journey, but at the same time I am SCARED!!!!! lol
I know I will be just fine though. My health will be so much better. Ahhhh just to be able to walk around and not moan from pain. I might have to do it anyway so I'll feel normal....lol
I want to ruuuunnnn. I want to be in an open field and just run in circles. Only over weight understand that statement.......lol
Well, I am going to close here now. I have some last choc. cookies in the oven smelling very good ready to come to momma.... lmbo....
Will be the last of sweets I'll have. Come to Momma good ole Protein Drinks!! hehehe
Until Next Time,
Dee



Friday, June 27, 2003
11:20am
Well, just 4 days left. Actually only 3 days left. Am I nervous? Not too bad. Am I scared? Scared to death...lol Only because I along with many others will be changing into a new life. Lik ei told my husband, I am scared from going to being over weight all of my life to being thin. That would be like being a female 37 years and changing to a male. That's a scarey thought. Use to one way of life for so long and now a huge change.
Don't get me wrong now. I am totally estatic about it all and cannot wait to be able to wear a pair of jeans that button and zip.....LOL How neat will that be!
This may be the last I write into my profile until I am able to get back home and get here to say, "HEY I MADE IT!"
Thanks to everyone who has sent me email with their blessings.
They are deeply appreciated......To those of you not far behind me, just know God has his hands on us blessing us with a new chance a a happy life. May you go through your surgery with many blessing and love.
Take Care and God Bless!!!
Angel Hugs,



JULY 5,2003
Wooooo Hooooo I am 4 days out and I never thought I would be so proud to say I am a "Looser!!" Yeeeew Hawwwww!!!
How do I feel so far? So far so good. When they say it hurts to be beautiful, Honey, they were not fibben!!! (giggle)
Today is the better day than the past 3-4 now. I was able to take a really good shower and it made me feel like a million bucks. (if it were only in green) hehehe
I went to my nephew's birthday party and was able to stay there right close to 2 hours. It was really nice.

I do have to admit though, this morning when I was going to shower, I was hurting so bad from where the drain tube is at, that all I could do was beat myself up for having this done. I hated myself, I cried, I asked God why did he let me go on with this (forgive me for questioning you Lord) and just everything else wrong I could think of, I questioned....lol I was in pain, hurt like hell and DID NOT WANT TO!!!! (giggle) But of course my sweet hubby that he is, comforted me and said it will all be ok honey, give it time and at the end you'll be thanking him for feeling like the true one million dollars and not the counterfeit. I laughed and laughed at him!!! Then I hurt from laughing, cause see, my hubby just doesn't come out with funnies like that often....LOL
So needless to say he picked my spirits up and I feel better. Once the drain tube is out I will be even better. Okies, I have sat here long enough now. I just wanna go back to my little cubby on the sofa and get comfy again.
Thanks Everyone for the powerful prayers and touching words.
Now look out all of you other loosers, I am right behind ya (wink).
Until Next Time,
Angel Hugs,
Dee



July 9
Wow, what a rough week it has been. I am now 8 days out and so far 17 pounds lighter. I wasn't feeling too well on Monday the 7th and went to get what I thought was going to get my drain out. Well, I ended up back in the hospital that night and released the following day.
when I went to see the DR I was hoping to get the drain out, but the stuff that was draining was night a normal color and started with a bad odor early Mon. Morning. Needless to say I felt like S---!!!! All I wanted was to have that dang drain removed and to come HOME!!! I had not been sleeping at all either. I was maybe only getting 2 hours of sleep a night. So, that also had me down. Well, while in the hospital DR LeBlanc had tons of test run on me and when they took me in for the upper GI and I had to drink that nasty drink, oh my gosh I threw what I thought was my stomach up (giggle)....I know, gross but I did. I told the staff I had been doing wonderful holding down everything I would intake and go back to the hospital only for them to make me sick :-)
Anyway, all of the test came out really well except for some of the blood test. My Potassium was low and I was a bit dehydrated. I am doing a whole lot better now though and feeling SO much better!! Thank You Jesus!!!
OK, I am closing now. I have sat at this computer long enough now. I'll write more later in the week.
Have a GREAT Week!
Until Next Time,
Dee



July 12
Good Afternoon Everyone!!
Well, I am here to report that I am doing so much better. The first week was very hard for me to handle. I hated the fact that I even had the thought of having the surgery done! But, of course today I have NO doubts about it at all :-)
The only problem I seem to be having, is getting in my protein drinks. Anyone with any suggestions?? Please feel free to toss it my way. I would really appreciate it. I only seem to get in right at 30g of the drinks. They are all just gross!!!
Besides that, all is well and so am I. I will write more on Monday when I get back from the DR from getting this damn drain tube out!!
Hope you all have a great weekend and for those of you whom have had surgery, Good Luck and keep up the good work!! For those of you going to have the surgery, Good Luck and know You are in our Prayers!!!
Until Next Time,
Take Care,
Angel Hugs,
Dee



Wed. 7-16-03
Well, I was NOT able to get the drain removed once again. Reason? Because last week I found it funny that when I drank red sugar free kool-aid, that the draining turned a pinkish color. I even told my husband that I found it to be strange that what I drank would turn the drain fluids the same color. So, DR LeBlanc wanted the JP Drain to stay in until Monday coming so we can see what was what. He has me drinking more red kool-aid and also grape kool-aid just to see what happens. If it changes colors, then that means I have a leak somewhere. Monday morning I have to go in for 9am for a CAT Scan just to be on the safe side. He said that if I do have a leak, that it will heal on itself, but that I will just have to stay strictly on liquids and NO solids at all. So, that is what I am doing this week. Trying to stay on liquids.
I am feeling so much better though. I woke up in such a good mood and feeling so good about myself. It's been a long time since I felt the way I did this morning. I have even been off of all of my meds. Such as Blood Pressure, Paxil, and Mobic. Being off of the Paxil due to the depression has made a HUGS change in my life too :-) All I will say about that one is that My Husband is a very HAPPY Man!!! (laughing)
Well, I am going to close on that note for now and get to doing some chores. Oh yeah, I wanted to say that I think I have finally found the protein drink for me. It is Myoplex Strawberry Creme and I blend it in a blender with fresh strawberries and half of a banana. I find it quite delicious!!!
"Thank You Jesus!"
Until Next Time,
Angel Hugs,
Dee



Tues. 7/22
Good Morning Everyone!
Well, I am in week 3 now and I am feeling so much better and doing even better than last week. I went to the DR yesterday and had my CAT Scan at 9am and saw my DR at 1pm. There was a little inflammation there he said, but it was due to the tube still being in. So we were finally able to REMOVE THE TUBE!!! Thank You Jesus!!! I have a pretty good gash though from the tube being in for 3 weeks, but that's ok, it is OUT!!!
I am up to 29 pounds loss now and it is just awesome for me!
I should have lost more, but I have not been getting my protein in much at all. While waiting for the 1pm appointment, we took my daughter and her friend to the Mall of Louisiana and let them shop. While they were shopping, my hubby and I went into the GNC Store and looked around. Well, I found a new protein drink there that I really love!! It is 100% Whey and comes in Fruit Punch and Cherry. I LOVE IT!!! So, now that I am going to be getting in my protein, maybe I'll drop a few more pounds in 3 weeks when I go back for my 6 week check up. I get my meal card then too! Whoooo Hooooo I get my meal card...LOL
Well, I am going to close here for now and I hope you all have a wonderful week. Now that I am feeling 110% better, I plan to so as much as my handicapped knees will allow me. Now I am limited to what I can do because I have no cartilage between them. They are bone to bone; But, it will not stop me from doing more than I could 4 weeks ago :-)
Angel Hugs,
Until Next Time,
Dee



Wed. 7-30-03
Well, it has been 8 days since I have reported and I have a lot to report. Lets see, where do I start? Lets see, on Thursday the 23rd I started with what I did not know then but know now was blood. I thought then that it was just a black tar type stool and that my body was just going through changes from surgery. Well, I was experiencing weakness and dizziness and thought it was all just part of my recovery. Well, as the weekend got nearer I felt weaker. I felt fine as long as I was lying down, but as soon as I stood up, I would get dizzy and bump into walls. So, long story made shorter, Sat. I attended a Family gathering, only stayed 90 minutes and was ready to come home and lay down. So I did just that. Sat. night I tossed and turned and I was miserable! I felt like crap!!
I finally got out of the bed and went to go to the restroom and by this time my poor husband had done found his way to the comfortable sofa that did not toss and kick him out (cheesy smile). He heard me go to the bathroom and asked me if I was ok. I yelled back and said I needed a cold damp rag for my head. By this time I had watered bowels and throwing up on the floor. Ends up being blood clots I was throwing up and we were off to the Hospital in Baton Rouge. On our way, I told my husband that I did not feel like I would make it to Baton Rouge (which is 85 miles from home) and that I felt we needed to pull into the local Hospital. Well, he rushes in and tells them that I am hymraging(?) and needed help.
The Staff rush out and get me into the ER (where they view I am whiter than a ghost) they connect me to machines from out of nowhere and find out I should be close to death if not dead. My Blood Pressure was 49/50 and I end up in ICU over night and getting 5 units of blood. Yes, a Blood Transfusion!!! Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would end up in that situation. It was WILD!!!
As soon as I was stable enough, they shipped me by Acadian Ambulance to Baton Rouge so I could be near DR LeBlanc who did my surgery......
Sorry if you read this before Thursday, but I am not done with this story and I need to log off for a rest...lol
Will be back soon...
Dee
Ok, as Paul Harvey would say, "Now, the rest of the Story" (giggle) I get to BR and they admit me into the Hospital and have my room already set up. They next morning I am scheduled for surgery at 7:30am for them to go in with a scope to see where and if I am still bleeding. An ulcer and possible a second one was found, but Thank God I was no longer bleeding. The whole procedure takes right at an hour and I was back in my room around 10 or 11am.
I was released from the hospital Tuesday afternoon at 1pm and I was Blessed to be coming home. I could not wait to get here. When I left the Hospital, my blood count was 91.2 and they told me to be sure and follow up with my Family DR on Thursday.
Well, Wed. (today) rolled around and when I woke up and started moving around, I began feeling dizzy and was pale. So, needless to say, I called My Family DR and went in just to be on the safe side. Thankful my blood count had gone up from 9.2 too 10.3. So I was Thankful to hear that and to hear my BP was 128/82. I was scared to hear those numbers, but was Thankful when I did.
The DR just told me that it will take me some time to get better and that with the Transfusion, it will take a while for it to adjust in my body. So, for now I am taking it one day at a time and counting my blessings.
Until Next Time,
Angel Hugs,
Dee
OOPS PS--I have lost a total of 35 pounds now :-)



Thursday 8-14
Gosh, it has been 2 weeks since I have written.
Well, I am glad to report that I am doing so much better than I was the last time I wrote. I am feeling alive!!!
Yesterday I started a new job. Unfortunately I had to quit it today. I have really bad knees and I really thought I was able to do something part time. I just pray I didn't let my friend MaryJo down. She had her surgery one week before me and is a wonderful person. Maybe after I loose another 50-75 pounds, I can try again. My knees just need more time I guess and I tried to push myself. Besides my knees, I am doing great.
I have very dear friend Yvette Tingle who has her surgery tomorrow. I am so excited for her and want to wish her all the best. She is in for a ride she will never forget. She too has a lot of health problems and I am looking forward to her not having to deal with them any longer really soon!!!
Mrs. Yvette, know you have a friend who loves you a lot here in Berwick!!!
Well, I am going to close here now and go eat my soup.
Hope you all have a Blessed Day and Weekend!!!!
Until Next Time,
Angel Hugs,
Dee



Tues. 8/26/03
Been quite a few days since I have written. Not too much has been going on to really report. I have been feeling good and my energy level has picked up a lot since this past Wed. on the 20th. That is when I really started taking in my protein like I am supposed to. I get in any where from 85-100 grams of protein faithfully everyday. I am taking Proteinex and 100% Whey drink called cherry berry. I make 2 glasses a day, each glass consisting of 4tbs of the Proteinex and 11 oz. of the cherry berry mixed together and I have that for breakfast and lunch. Two glasses total.

Like I said, I started this last Wed. and today is Tues. (6 days later), and I have lost 10 pounds. I am now down to 277 pounds. I am only 27 pounds from my first goal, which is 250 pounds. I am so excited. This time last year I was at my ultimate high of 347 pounds. That's 70 lighter since last year!! Awesome! Thank You Jesus!! After I get to 250 lbs, I am going for 200 lbs. My second goal.

I am eight weeks out today and feeling like a whole new person. I want to thank my 2 friends Mary Jo and Mrs. Yvette for being my rocks. Without MaryJo in the beginning, I don't think I would have made it and still be sane :-)

Mrs. Yvette had her surgery 6 weeks after me and so has too been a great support for me and an even bigger help helping me to be able to even get my Proteinex. Lord knows I HATE the Proteinex, but it is doing the job! Usually I take my protein in the morning for breakfast and lunch, then I eat something light, like tuna and crackers for supper. Or when I cook a big meal for the family, I'll get in 3 or 4 bites, depending on what it is.
So, that's what I have been doing for the past several days now. I will be glad to start walking, but due to my issues with my knees, I think I will have to wait until more weight comes off to be able to tolerate it.

Mrs. Yvette, in time you too will pick up with the energy level, I promise you that! It just comes as a side effect from the surgery. I look forward to next years S&PF for us to hang out. Joe and Mike will have to guard our bodies (giggle)!!!
Have a great and blessed week.......

(I am up to a total of 46 pounds loss since surgery)

Until Next Time!
Dee



Monday Oct. 13, 2003
Wow, I did not realize it has been nearly 1 1/2 months since I did an update. I guess we just get so caught up in doing more than what we could do before the surgery, that we don't think to take the time to update.
For the past 6 weeks or so, my life has really changed a lot! As of Oct. 3rd, I have lost another 8 pounds. I am now at 269, making it a total loss of 56 pounds. I never thought I would ever make it to the point I am right now with my weight. I feel so good about myself and I am now always thinking positive. I swore I would never cut my hair short, because I personally always thought it made us plus size gals faces look more round. Well, on Friday Oct. 10th, I cut my hair short just below my ears. I am still in shock over it, but I am so glad I choose to. I even feel better about myself with it short. Now I strut around like I am more of a somebody (sarcastic smile).
I have gone from a size 30 jeans to a size 24 petite. LOL I never thought I would get into a "petite" anything!!!
Anyone who reads my profile and is considering having the surgery done, I strongly advice you to. Especially if you are 100 or more pounds over weight. I will not lie, it is a very rough surgery, But once you get past the first 8-12 weeks, it only gets better.
I am going to close for now and maybe I will not wait so long to update my profile next time :-)
Until then, God Bless...
Dee



Friday Oct. 31

Hi Everyone,
I thought while thinking about it, I would do an update on my weight loss. I went and popped in at NeWeigh (since I was in the area) and weighed myself. I am now down to 258. That is 11 pounds loss in 18 days. Which makes it a total loss of now 67 pounds!! It is awesome. I am close to 70 pounds loss!!! How neat as that?!?!?!

I am feeling really good about myself everyday. I bought some sweat pants this past weekend and found out I have gone from a 3x to a XL!! I could not believe it when I tried them on. Plus, that is a $3 saving on sweats (giggle). The 3x cost $8.84 a pair and now all I pay is $5.84 a pair!! Yippeeee lol

Hope you all are doing great on this Halloween day and may it be a safe one for you all.
Have a Blessed weekend!!!
Until next time,
Dee



Friday Nov. 21, 2003
Well it has been 3 weeks or so since I have updated and not really much has changed to report. I have lost an additional 7 pounds though, which makes it a total of 74 pounds loss!! Wow, 74 pounds less than what I weighed nearly 5 months ago!!! As my friend Mrs. Yvette would say, "How Neat is that?" :-)

I really do need to work on finding another protein drink to consume though. I have been having too much hair loss. I had to stop taking the drink I was taking, due to it irritating my Ulcer. So, now, I need to look for one I will be able to enjoy and start taking it soon!

Well, I am going to close here for now and I hope all of you are doing well....
Take Care,
Dee




Wed. 12-10-03
Wow, what a ride this has been for me. As of right now, I am at a total loss of 80 pounds. I could not tell you when I last remember weighing under 250 and I am now at 242. What a Blessing!!!

I have been keeping busy and my life has changed quite a bit in the past several weeks. My daughter and I are now living apart from my husband due to issues she was having at school with the kids and we had to switch schools, which we ended up having to move to another Parish, which has us in an Apt. away from home. It has been really rough and has truly put my husband and I's relationship to a test by being apart. So far it has drawn us closer together in many ways.
He has been such a wonderful support to me and my weight loss. I would have never made it through this without him! I thank God for him everyday.

Well, I hope all is well on your end of the world.
Take Care and I will be back in touch.
Happy Holidays to you all!!!
Dee



Sat. 12-20-03
Well, a week ago today, I went to my first Christmas Party. The program I went through, NeWeigh, gave the party and I had a BLAST!!! I never thought the day would come that I would associate with the public the way I did that night. I have only dreamed of the experience in the past before my surgery. It was a a night I will never forget.

I have dropped another 4 pounds and feeling even better. That puts me at 238. Now I only have 38 pounds to get to my personal goal. I am sure I will loose more, but if I were to stop here, I am really satisfied and blessed. I would do it all over again if I had to turn back time for anything. This surgery has really changed my life for the better.

Well, not much more to report on today, but I will update again soon when I get down to 225. What a celebration it will be :-)
Happy Holidays to you all and may you have a Blessed and Safe New Year!

Until Next Time!
Dee



Sat. 12-27-03
Am I glad that Christmas and Thanksgiving are over? YES!! Especially Christmas. I think I ate more for Christmas than I did for Thanksgiving. Which was not good to do at all :-) I have to say though, I did not eat too much to make me sick :-) That is the good thing; But, I did probably eat more than I should have, because I hurt a few times Christmas Day...lol
Yesterday I told my husband that I was NOT eating unless I was really hungry. I felt I was only eating because it was so darn good! So today I am turning away from all those goodies that are left over. I did have a few boo boos though. Who could resist just a few of those delicious sweets, such as fudge? Not me! I had 3 or 4 pieces (shame on me) and it was soooo good :-) But, as I said, I was lucky not to be sick :-)

I hope all of you had a great Holiday and my New Years Resolution will be that I will not cheat on any more sweets :-)
I did too much this past week. Way too much! So now I really need to concentrate on that.

I have come to a stand still on weight loss (I wonder why--giggle) I am still at 238 last I checked. Wait, let me go run and weigh and see if by chance it has changed...Nope, still 238. That's ok though, this time next week that will change. I make darn sure it changes! Time to get back to the serious side of it all :-)

I have a friend (Mrs. Yvette) that had the surgery 6 weeks after I did and she is down 99 pounds and looking GOOD!! I am so proud of her and she is so deserving of it. Well, actually, we all are!

Ok, I think I am going to close here for now and I hope you all have a "Happy New Year!" Good luck to you also on your surgery and weight loss!!!

Take Care,
Dee



Sunday Jan. 4, 2004
Finally!!! The Holidays are so over! Well, the most of it anyway. Here in Louisiana we have Mardi Gras right around the corner after Valentine's Day; But those aren't anything compared to Thanksgiving and Christmas and New Years :-)
The food we ate was unreal! Yet so good!

I am down now to 235 pounds. One reason I was so excited about those numbers, was because that puts me 3 pounds under my husband :-) Pretty neat to me and I look forward to going even lower. I am not quite sure if I am looking forward to the summer or not now. I seem to be having a hard time even now finding clothes. I mean, I'm not complaining (wink) at all, because I have gone from a size 28 in pants to an 18!! I guess I was just being picky maybe. A friend of mine is always complaining about me being in T-shirts all the time and says I need to let those go. Which I do agree, But at the same time, I am having a hard time finding anything else but those. Maybe I need to try and look in a non T-shirt department? hehehe I dunno....

Anyway, I hope you all did well for the Holidays and may this year be even a better one
Take Care,
Until Next Time,
Dee



Sunday, Jan. 25, 2004

28 days since last update and finally below 230! I am now at 228!! YES!!!

What a weekend it has been for me. I have NO clue as to what is going on with me, but I was at the Hospital 6 hours and irritated! I was feeling great all day Sat. and then all of a sudden I got dizzy, had a short cold sweat, weak, light headed and wanted to pass out. I tried calling neighbors for help, but no one was around. So, I sat in my chair after struggling to turn my supper off and just sat there until someone called me or came over. Which I knew it wouldn't be too long!

Finally my best friend from down stairs came over with her blood pressure cup and took my BP. it was 120/90 and my pulse rate was 60. I knew that would be low, because when I checked it, it was slow. Well, after my Apt. filled up with wonderful friends, First Responders, Police and the Ambulance showed up. Heck, I thought there had been a Party planned and I was not told about it.... hehehe Anyway, they checked me out, I had no energy what so ever and they hauled me off to the Hospital where I ended up staying for 6 hours. Unfortunately there were 2 cardiac arrest patients and a stab wound to the chest.

Well, needless to say, I became very irritated and a bit cranky (haha). My back was killing me, I was weak, hungry and just wanted to come HOME!!! Well, the blood pressure cup come off and I took off the oxygen thing off my finger. Next was the IV if they didn't say or do something. I know, I should be ashamed, but I was NOT feeling well and was ready to leave.

The strangest thing that has been going on with me is, You know how sometimes something happens and it seems like you have already seen it happen? You know, been there already? Well, all day Sat. and today it has been happening with me. I don't understand it and it has really become very irritating!!!
I see the Dr. tomorrow and I hope we are able to figure it all out.

Ok, I have written enough for now and I am going to log off here and get some sleep. I am now burnt out.
Hope you have a great week!

Until Next Time,
Dee



Wed. Jan. 28, 04
family doctor on Monday. He diagnosed me with Vertigo. I personally had never heard of such thing until then, but sure have learned a lot about it.
I am a lot better that what I was on that Saturday, but I am still dealing with being light headed and a bit of dizziness. When I stand up for about 5 minutes, I have to go and sit down due to the dizziness. I have no clue what is going on, but I will just sit back, wait and see.
Take Care and I will be in touch,
Dee



Tues. 2/10/04
Well, it's been only about 2 weeks since I have written and not too much has happened. Then again, maybe not true (giggle)
Ok, where do I start....Lets go to the Nutter Butter Cookies. Yes, they were YUMMY!!! But man oh man did I do some dumping! I hope to never want another sweet anything ever again. I was so ill. How could I have been so foolish?!?!?! Well, we live and learn I reckon.

I saw my Surgeon today about the stomach pain I have been having. I do not know if it is the ulcer acting up or if it is something with my pouch. He seems to think that I could either have a hernia or it could be scar tissue. So he had me go down for Lab work checking my Blood level, B12, and the function on my Liver and Kidney's. He also has me scheduled for an Upper GI.
Gosh how that has got me worried. But I will try not to worry too much, because whatever it is, it just is.

I did gain back 8 awful pounds from enjoying my nutter butter cookies, but have lost 5 pounds of the 8. So I have gone from 228, to 236 and now back down to 231. Shame on me shame on me! We learn the hard way sometimes. God knows I sure have.

Ok, I am going to close here for now.
I'll be in touch soon,
Until Next Time,
Hugs,
Dee



Thursday Feb. 19, 2004
Well, The results from my blood work all came out good and the Upper GI was good also. So he wants to do a CAT Scan. He seems to think I may have a hernia or scar tissue. So, we'll wait and see what's what.

I am finally starting to loose a few more pounds. I had gained back eight pounds from enjoying the heck out of my nutter butter cookies and was back up to 236/238. I am HAPPY to say that I am now down to 228 today! I am so excited. That puts me at only 53 pounds from my goal. I want to get down to 175.
It is just awesome isn't it?!?!? To think that a 7 months and 18 days ago I was weight 323 pounds. WOW!!! Makes me smile after looking at those numbers :-)

I am now able to drink my water like I need to. I was not able to drink it before like I am supposed to. Every time I would drink my water, I would hurt SO BAD like heartburn or something. I started taking Nexium every morning and now I have no problems with the pain! "Thank You Jesus" It was awful pain too.
Slowly things are coming back to normal :-)

Hope you all have a Great and Blessed Day!
Hugs and Love from Louisiana!!!!!
Dee



Thursday, March 4, 2004
Been nearly three weeks since I last updated my profile. Once again, shame on me! Not too much new going on to report really. Same ole same ole!
The nexium worked on me for a few days and then the pain started right back up. An Upper GI and a CAT Scan were both done and nothing! So, I don't know what is going to happen now. I just take it day by day. It is all I can do.

I am down to 225 though :-) It makes a total of 98 pounds loss!!! Wow, that puts me close to my first century mark! Isn't this FUN?!?!?! Exciting too. The real fun is going to begin when I am able to go out and buy me some NEW clothes. Gosh, to be able to take $200 and buy a new wardrobe?!?! What fun that would be :-)

Maybe one day soon..That will be my makeover gift to myself :-)

Until next time :-)
Dee



Monday, March 15, 2004
Well, as I was supposed to, today I saw my PCP DR.
I have been dealing with a lot of pain below my breast bone and he refereed me to go back to my Surgeon, DR. LeBlanc and see about him scoping me. We are thinking it may be ulcers. I sure hope not, but we'll find out and see. According to the scale there, I am at 227 pounds. DR. Daniel's told me exactly one year ago today, that I had lost 97 pounds. It is just an awesome journey for me and I am having a blast with it. Even though I have had some minor issues, I would do it all over again with no questions asked.
Well, tomorrow I will know what is going to happen as far as the scope goes. I'm really not looking forward to having be put under again; But we'll do what we have to do :-)
Until Next Time,
Dee



March 22, 04
It's only been a week since I have posted, but guess what has happened in that one week?!?!?! I HAVE HIT MY 100 POUND LOSS MARK!!! Yessss!!!!! As of today I have lost 101 pounds. What an awesome feeling it is. I have 47 pounds left to get to the goal I WANT to get to. That will put me at 175. I'll be estatic if I stay at 175 too :-) I do not know where I would be either if it were not for a lot of the wonderful people at ObesityHelp Site. Thanks for everything!!
Until Next Time,
DEE









Here I am at my
highest weight, 347
I never thought I
would reach this high
weight of Obesity!!



Sunday April 11, 2004
Happy Easter Everyone! Wow, I did not realize it had been a couple too few weeks since I have posted. Oh well, here I am :-)

Not too much to report on though. Lets see, well, I tried to go back to work and I did work right at a week. I was working in a Bakery/Deli Dept. and I really enjoyed the work. My knees were doing pretty good and I was glad to say, yeah they hurt but I am able to handle it. Then as I was going onto my second week, I just could not handle it anymore. I hurt too bad and am still dealing with the pain of it and it has been a week since I have been at work.
I hate it though. I enjoyed the job SO MUCH and loved being out of the house a few hours out of the day and here I am back to square one. I mean, don't get me wrong, I like being home, but I also like being able to be out doing something. It's too depressing sitting at home sometimes! Oh well, we'll see how things go in the next couple of weeks.

I am starting to notice my skin/flab sagging. I cannot help but laugh when I put my leg straight up in the air and it all falls down. (laughing) I know, it seems kinda gross, but I can't help but laugh. I looks like a big roll of dough. Just shows me how much I am loosing :-) It's a fun journey for me!!

Ok, guess I need to close up here. It is Easter and I need to dress and do something with this gorgeous hair of mine (wink).
Hope you all have a Blessed Easter!!!
Until Next Time,
Dee



Monday, May 17, 2004
Wow, it has been just over a month since I have posted and so much has changed. I am now down to 215 making it another 5 pounds I have lost. It has slowed down quite a bit on the weight loss, but that is due to issues I am having.
On May the sixth, the DR. put me in to see if maybe I had a hernia causing a lot of pain I have been dealing with for several months now, but it ended up not being that. So, it looks like he may have to go back in and basically do the surgery over.
I have a hole in my pouch and then there is a connection from my pouch leading to my old stomach, which it does not have any business being there and it could be the reason I have not been loosing more weight. So, as I said, he plans on going in to remove this. When? I'll find out on May twenty-fifth when I am scheduled to see him again. I will try and keep posted.
The Family and I had a really tough weekend this past weekend. We lost two family members on the same day. My husband;s Uncle and my husband's Sister. His uncle choked on a piece of sausage and it suffocated him and his sister lost her life due to a drunk driver whom hit her head on. So, like I said, it has been a long weekend, but we are moving forward. It's tough, but we are doing it. I want to thank all of you who sent us your prayers and support.
Well, I am going to close here now, for I have grown very sleepy :-) Thank You Xanax :-)
Take Care Everyone and until next time ....
Hugs from Louisiana,
Dee



Wed. May 26, 2004
Well, I saw my Doctor yesterday and he is going to meet with the other 2 doctors in his office to discuss what to do for me next. He is thinking to cut the hole in my pouch and then stitch it back together. OR, he may have to just remove the pouch completely and do the surgery completely over. In other words, making a new pouch entirely. The only thing bad about that, is that this will be a lot more risky than the first surgery. So, I am now waiting to hear back from him and if I have not heard from him by Monday, I am to call him and see where things stand.
Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. Right now I am going through a lot of other personal family problems right now and could really use the extra prayers. I'll try and keep my profile up to date as things will only GET BETTER!!

Thanks and God Bless,

Dee



June 26, 2004
Wow, I had no idea it had been so long since I have updated my Profile!
Not much has changed really. I have talked to my Doctor and he has decided to leave things as is for now.
He said he does not think I need any additional surgery now. He has also suggested that I do liquids for a week or two to throw my body into shock and says it should trigger it into start loosing weight again. It has been a while since I have lost anything, but, I have not gained :-)
So, that is a good thing I guess. NO! I know it is a good thing not to have gained.
I am still dealing with the issue of this knot where I had the last surgery to remove the fatty tumor, but he said it is also normal, but will be and is very painful at times.
So, I am just taking it one day at a time and taking as best care f myself that I can.
My Husband has been a GREAT Support to me!!! Without him I do not know where I would be. He has truly been my rock!
Well, I am going to close here for now and will try to update sooner next time!
Until then,
Dee



Thursday, July 22, 2004
I seem to wait entirely too long before doing an update...LOL
Well, not too much to really report. I have had a rough two weeks and working on getting better.
I saw my Gastrologist Monday and he is requested that I have a CT Scan which was scheduled for today,
But, I rescheduled for Monday the 26th. I woke with a stopped up head and just was not up to making the appointment.
I know, shame on me. I am down to 208 pounds though, making it a total of 139 pounds loss from my highest weight of 347!
Ok, going to close here and hope to report back after the 26th CT Scan.
Have a GREAT weekend!
Dee



July 31, 2004
Well, I did not keep my CT Scan app. and have it scheduled now for Wed. the forth of Aug. (wow, we are already only 5 months from 2005).
I started getting treatments to block some nerves and I am getting injections for the next two weeks. I had my first injection this past Thurs. and what a bitch it was for 2 days after. But, I have not had any pains in my chest area since he has started the treatments. I guess we'll see.
Otherwise I am doing really good. Nothing to really report on. Hope all of you are doing good and feeling great.
Until Next Time,
Dee



August 6, 2004
Well, it's been a couple of days since I have posted and thought I would hollar out a GM to YOU ALL!!!!!


OK, for all of you who care and even don't care, here is how things have been going here in Southern Louisiana with ME :-)


Well, I have gone through 2 procedures so far consisting of injections through my back to my abdomen to block some nerve damage I am guessing is from my Gastric Bypass. Anyway, I know that so far it has helped my pains out. The stiffness in my back sux though for about three days after the procedure. But, all in all it seems to be helping.


Today I have an appointment with the Oral Surgeon to start working on cutting a few teeth out and work on some dentures. Grrrrr I hate a toothache and I am, went at the same time, NOT looking forward to today's visit; But, it has to be done. So I'll do it.


My weight loss has been doing really well. I have lost a total of 139 pounds and I have only 34 pounds to get to my goal. My ideal weight for my height is 133, but I am a big boned person, so I really would like to stay at my goal I have set, which is 175 pounds. I am now at 209 pounds.


Ok, I think I have said more that enough about me and now I look forward to hearing how you are all doing.
I know that this Group has been an awesome group for me and for so many others also. This has been a journey I once could only dream of and I am now blessed to tell my story about my wonderful journey.


May you all be as blessed as I am feeling today.


Hope you have a
Blessed Weekend,
Dee



Sept. 2, 2004
Wow! It has gone on to 4 weeks since my last update. I have to start learning to update more often. Well, with this post, I cannot say that not much has gone on. For the simple reason that SO MUCH has been going on.
No, no I am not complaining at all! The more that I am able to do things, the happier I am. I had just been a rough road with the depression and illnesses; But, I think I am FINALLY onto the road of recovering and LOVING LIFE!!
OK, lets see, where do I start?
I have been feeling REALLY GOOD for the past week and I have been keeping myself busy. My Husband (Joe) has been home with me for the past 2 weeks now, due to being laid off from work.
I was worried and wondered how in the world we are going to make it, (afterall, he was employed there for 27 years) but with his support and positive input, I am surviving the mental break down. LOL
The first week he enjoyed it by just lounging around. He deserved it and then some. This week we have finished up with all the moving from my Apt. back into my house. That was a huge job all in it's own. We spent 2 days unpacking and picking things up.
On Monday, the week of the 23rd, I went and enrolled for school. I went to an Adult Education School and signed up to get my G. E. D. Then, the unexpected happened, my husband also registered to get his G. E. D. With us being 49 and 38, it has been a dream of ours. So now we are fulfilling a dream together and we are LOVING IT!!!
We started classes on Monday the 30th and we attend class Mon-Thurs 8am-10am. Oh how things have changed since 1981 for me and 1969 for him, BUT, we are persistent to learn and earn :-)
I have had a GREAT week in feeling really good health wise, making me feeling great mental wise. Like I said earlier, it has been a tough road, but I am getting better with each passing day. Yesterday Joe and I had a very busy day. After school, we went and cut grass at an Apt. Building.
I spent 5 hours on a riding mower and Joe did the weed eating and blowing of the grass. Today we go back and do a little bit of maintenance for the Complex's' inspection on Friday. I LOVE the fact that we are working together and going to school together.
I pray everyday is as wonderful as the past week has been. I am feeling good and my energy has been GREAT!!!
OK, I guess I will have to close here for now. Time to wake my daughter and time for me to get dressed to start my wonderful blessed day. May you all have a Great-Blessed Day yourselves!!
Until next time,
Dee



Wed. Sept. 15, 2004
It is shortly after 3am and I am wide awake sipping on my coffee and listening to the weather channel. We are in a Hurricane Watch with Ivan. Right now, we are going to be blessed not to get a direct hit. It looks like we'll have some winds and rain. We were going to leave, but it looks like it will take more of an eastern turn.
We cut grass this past weekend again and Joe and I ended up suffering with our allergies. Joe was the lucky one to only suffer with his for three days. I on the other hand am still holding on to the head cold with coughing and sneezing. I never thought I would sound so manly :-) I'll just be glad when it has passed me and I am able to breathe!!
Our schooling is going really well and Joe and I are still enjoying going together. We both retested last week and each went up a point higher. I have been SO PROUD of my husband!!! He has really made an effort at working his brain to get to where he is right now. He has pushed himself and not given up!
My daughter Samantha is also going to school with us now. We have had to drop her from High School due to issues with girls harassing her; But we have dealt with those same issues for the past 3 years now. Day 1 at school it started.
We took all the precautions, reported to the school and school board.It continued until finally I went to the school board and requested that she be able to attend with us. I know, she's missing her BEST YEARS in High School,
but she was not able to concentrate on her studies. She was constantly looking over her shoulders. This is also what she wanted, so she could do well. Oh if you all knew what we have been through for the past three years. She took her test at Adult-Ed and she scored fairly high. So, I feel she'll graduate this year.
OK, I am going to close here for now and anyone reading this and you are in the eye or the East side of the storm, please be safe and know I will be keeping you all in Prayer!!
Until Next Time,
Dee
-129 pounds



Thurs. Sept. 16, 2004
What a week it has been. I have been so sick with a head cold now for just over a week now and I am ready for it to be GONE!! I am feeling like crap!! I have the entire allergy symptoms and my voice sounds so manly. LOL

We left for New Iberia yesterday to get away from Hurricane Ivan, But, thing was, we were not even in danger :-) My Sister-in Law felt the need to get away. I think she was just wanting to go out on a camping trip. So, we all loaded up and took off with her camper out of town to Belleview Camp Grounds in New Iberia. Don't get me wrong, we had a GREAT time, but I would have rather stay home. We enjoyed fishing in the Teche and cooked outdoors. Maybe I'll be feeling better come the next camp out.

I will be keeping everyone in the path of Ivan, in my prayers and pray that all are safe and well!
Until Next Time,
Dee



Wed. Sept. 29,2004
Not too much in changes since I last posted. I just really like to keep my little diary here going. I have been doing pretty good I guess. I am having to learn that my pouch is in control of me now and not me :-) The past two weeks I have really been stubborn and eat like I have control, But my pouch is quick to remind me that I AM NOT!!! LOL This past weekend Hubby and I took my oldest daughter, my granddaughter and my youngest daughter to Chuck E Cheese. We had a blast watching the grandbaby enjoy the Chuck E Cheese Show and watching her playing the games. Grandkids are such a blessing!!
Anyway, I enjoyed a slice of pizza. Well, I know NOT to drink with my food and I did it anyway. (That is the stubborn part of myself) On our way home, I wanted a snowball. Should I be enjoying a choc. snowball? NO DEBRA!!!! But, I did and 5 minutes into what was a delicious snowball, I had to ask my husband to pull over. Need I say more? I HATE when I throw up and I so knew better. Funny how we fuss our kids when they do something they knew was wrong to do, but yet we adults are no better....LOL I'll learn one day!!
A dear friend of mine, Yvette and I, are working on starting up a Support Group. We have to travel about an hour and 20 minutes away to the nearest support group, so we decided to start out own. We know a few locals whom have had the Gastric Bypass and thought it would be a good idea to go local. So far we have had three people call. I really feel it will be a success.

Well, that about does it for me and this report :-)
Until Next Time, Dee



Tues. Oct. 5, 2004
Today, lets see. So far I have been up an hour now and I must say that it was nice to sleep past 2am. I have been suffering with insomnia really bad. Today I don't know if I am just not feeling too well or if I just do not want to go to school. Yes, Hubby and I are still hitting the books hard. So, I sit here sipping on my coffee and waiting to decide what to do.
Nothing much has really changed with me personally. WAIT!! Something has changed! My oldest daughter has been coming around with my granddaughter quite often. My Lil Elizabeth is soon going to be 2 years old. How fast they grow. I had been really enjoying my time with my grand baby. She is such a blessing and a joy in my life. Ahh I must say that she loves her pawpaw too! When she sees him, she tilts her head off to the side and says, "Hey My PawPaw!" It's just too darn cute!!!
OK, guess I will close on that note and decide what I will be doing this morning.
Until Next Time, Dee



Sat. Oct. 16, 2004
Good Morning!!! Well, lets see what has been happening since I last wrote. My DH has finally started closing in half of our carport. I have been begging now for two years and it is finally happening :-) I must say, it is looking good :-)
My daughter Amanda has been coming around a lot more. Last week she had us over for supper. It was really nice to be there and I enjoyed cleaning her kitchen after we were all done. I don't know about some mother's, but I looked forward to the day I could be there to clean her kitchen after a meal. You would have to know the past history of she and I to understand I guess.
Last week I missed all week I think, I had a bad week of feeling bad and just needed to do things around the house; But, come Monday, we'll start back in full force and will make it priority one! We're all doing really good in our courses. My daughter Sami, took her first retest in Math and scored a 12.9! Now she needs to complete English and Reading and then she can take her G.E.D. test. I am very proud of her. She has really been doing well. I retested my Math last week and scored a point higher. I was really surprised, since there were things on the test I had not even learned yet. My teacher told me he had done that for a reason. He felt I was advanced enough to know it and I guess I did good, because I scored a point higher :-)
Not much more really has been happening. My heart was broken yesterday though. By a sibling of mine. I won't go into details, but it is really sad when someone who means so much to me turns to greed instead of having a good heart. All I can do is say a prayer for him and pray he can change. God never sleeps. I just hope for him, he can sit back at think about what has happened to him in the past and realize how blessed he has been with not being somewhere where he really should be. He should be VERY thankful just to be HOME with his Family!!
Oh well, that is about all going on here and I will write more next time, Until Then, Dee



Oct. 27, 2004
Once again, I am at a hault on my weight loss; But, that's ok with me :-) I am very comfortable with my weight of 208 right now. My heighest weight ever, was, 347 pounds. This will be my first Christmas where I can really look forward to looking for a nice Holiday outfit. I might even look for a dress :-)
Not too much has been going on. I have still been attending school and I am doing really good with it. This past Friday I retested in my Reading. It has always been my worse subject in school. I passed it with flying colors!! I scored a 12.9 on it. I was shocked, but yet very proud of myself! I was so proud, that I taped my folder on to my front door...LOL Now I am working on my Math, then there will be English to complete. I am shooting for a goal to graduate at the end of the school year.
Wish me luck :-)
Until next time, Dee



Nov. 22, 2004
Things have been really crazy lately, but I have been keeping busy. I started working about 2 weeks ago. I am glad that I have been able to keep my job. I am working at Subway making Subs :-) I actually tried working there 5 weeks after my surgery, but due to my knees being as bad off as they are, I only worked 4 hours and could not walk for 4 days afterwards. So, I had to quit the job then. I guess I was just too excited about loosing 40 pounds and thought I was physically ready to work. I am now happy to be back and able to deal with the public without being in pain, but mostly the mental state. I am not dealing with panic attacks. I am really enjoying my job and feel blessed.
I am still loosing a pound here and there. I won't complain at all because it is better loosing than gaining :-) Thanksgiving is just around the corner and I am looking forward to all the good food :-) I like the ham! Hope you all have a Great and Blessed Thanksgiving!!
Until next Time, Dee



Dec. 19, 2004
Wow, how time flies. Well, another month has gone by and I am still doing well with my weight loss. According to my scale, I have lost another two pounds :-) I have been working now for about 6 weeks and so far so good. I am so proud of myself that I have been able to stick with it. As I have said before, I first tried out working 4 weeks after my surgery and worked 4 hours and then could not walk for 4 days. My knees are shot due to being over weight for so many years. I am having to depend on Vicodin though and have been on them for the past 8 weeks and take one 4x a day. I am really enjoying the independence of going to work daily and getting out meeting new people. I have always had issues on starting a task and completing it. So far I am VERY PROUD of myself and I pray I will continue doing well with it.

This past week has been a tough week for us all here. My birthday was on the 10th and an elderly lady I once sat for, died on my birthday. Then we got a call from my sister Rebecca telling us her husband was in need of a liver transplant and has cancer. Last week he went to Oshners Hospital in New Orleans for tests and they said that the cancer has spread and they give him 6 months too 3 years. It's so sad. One day you are doing well and then the next day you go to the Dr. feeling bad thinking it might be the flu, only to hear you have cancer and such a short time to live. Please keep he and the family in your prayers.

OK, I think I will close here now and in case I do not write before Christmas, Hope all of you have a safe and prosperous Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Until Next Time, Dee



Tues. Dec. 28, 2004
What a wonderful Christmas we had. It snowed here in Morgan City Louisiana and it was beautiful. I think they said in the 175 years they have been recording weather, this was the first Christmas snow we have ever had. What a neat blessing to share it with my family. I'm not sure how much we had, but I would have to guess it was about 2 inches. For Southern Louisiana, that was awesome :-)
Here is an updated picture of me taken Dec. 11th, the day after my 39th Birthday. As you can see, I was very tired. We were waiting for dinner at a seafood restaurant.



Jan. 14, 2005
Wow, can you believe it is 2005!!! Wow how time passes by. Well, it has been seventeen and a half months since my surgery and I am FINALLY down to 200 pounds!! I cannot believe I only have one pound to go and I will be below the 200 pound mark. The great thing about it, I will NEVER see it again :-) It has really been one heck of a journey I will remember for a life time. So many things in my life has changed for the better and I am very blessed :-)

I Thank God for this Blessing he has given me!



Jan. 31, 2005
Well, I have lost another 3 pounds and I am finally UNDER TWO HUNDRED POUNDS! As I stated earlier, it has been a wild and blessed journey. I have my job to thank for the past three months of weight loss though. It has kept me on my feet and moving. It's soon coming to an end though. It's a good thing, yet a very depressing thing. Back in Aug. of 2004, my husband was laid off from his 27 year job and was without work for five and a half months. That was the whole reason I started working at Subway. To help out with the bills. My job ended up helping me in so many ways though. It helped me with my self esteem and dealing with the public. I would have to say that with the few jobs I have had in my life time, it was the one job I truly loved. The Subway I work for, is "A Team!" No one person ever said, "No, that is not my job and I will not do it." It was always a team effort. About 4 weeks ago my husband (Joe) took an offshore job. Neither of us liked him being away from home and could not wait until he found a land job. Anyway, we had two vehicles, ran into financial problems and we had to sell the smaller car. About five days after selling it, Joe got a call for a much better paying job and it was on land doing what he had been doing for 25 years. So, now we are with only one car (but Thank God for that one) and I am having to put in my two weeks notice with Subway. It is just tearing my heart in two to have to do this. I've done so well without my Paxil and I feel like I might need to get back on it. God has his reasons for this happening the way it is happening and I know I must not question it. I just really wish I could have kept my job.
Until Next Time, Dee



Thursday, March 24, 2005
Wow, it has been nearly 2 months now since I have done an update. I am happy to say I am now down to 193 pounds. That puts me at just another 18 pounds to loose to get to my goal. I want to be 175. I'm sure I will loose more than that, but I am a big boned person and do not want to look like a skeleton. I am still working with Subway and I am still enjoying my job. I had a couple of bumpy roads, but everything has smoothed out for now. My Husband is still working at his new job and doing what he enjoys. Being a Crane Operator.
Since my last post, I lost a brother n law to liver cancer. I made a trip to Miss. to be with my sister for the funeral. The one good thing about his death, was that they were able to prepare for it. He went to the Doctor thinking he had the flu, to walk out with the Doctors telling him he only had three months to live. He was able to talk to their Preacher and settle himself with God. He is now in a much better and peaceful place.
Not much more to report, but thought I would pop in and update my profile. I hope all of you are doing well and until next time, Dee



May 16,2005
I had no idea it had been nearly two months since I last updated. WOW!! Since my last post, I have quit my job due to Vertigo. I suffered with it for three weeks and I seem like a life time to get over; But, I am doing better now. Bad thing about dealing with that mess for so long though; I did NOTHING!! I laid on the sofa and nibbled on this and that and put back on ten pounds. Talk about made me depressed! But, I am happy to say I have taken six of those ten back off :-) I was finally down to 189, then bounced right back up to 199. I hated it and it made me feel like I was back to my 347 pounds. I'm feeling a lot better now though since I have taken six pounds off. I'm really looking forward to the Support Group Meeting next week. I've missed the last 4 or so.
Until Next Time, Dee



Tues. June 7, 2005
Well, I have taken those pounds off and I am now down to 188 pounds. I have lost 11 pounds in three weeks :-) :-) I think the gain was due to steroids I had to take when I had vertigo really bad. I'll use that for my excuse ... LOL Here is my updated picture.
Image hosted by Photobucket.com
Hope all you new losers are doing GREAT!!



August 4, 2005
GOOOOD Morning My Fellow, OH Family!!!!!


It's always so nice to pop in unannounced and say Howdy to the board
:-) :-)


I hate that I have drifted away from the family, but I just do not log on to the Internet much at all anymore :-( Maybe I am outgrowing it?? lol


I really need this group and need to get back involved. Sooooooo many things have been happening in my life, that I could sure use the support. I am even a part of a Support Group here local that a friend of mine and I started and I am ashamed to say that I have only attended 3 or 4 of maybe 20 meetings ..... I don't understand myself sometimes ....


I have been down in the dumps all week long. I had to have Bi-Lateral Arthoscopy on my knees and came home with 8 pounds added to myself. I know it's just fluid, so I need to drink my water. I was down to 188 and as of yesterday I am back up to 200 :-( :-( That itself is very depressing. I promised myself that I would never see that 200 pound marked on my scale again. To me it is almost like being back at my highest of 347 pounds. So, I guess I will start drinking my water a lot more. If I had to be honest (which I prefer to be) I do not drink much at all during my day. I'm lucky if I get 16ozs. of any fluids at all.


My seventeen year old daughter has been gaining weight too. She has/had one of those hour shaped bodies I'd love to have and she has gained about 22 pounds in the past 3 months or so. She's not happy about it and wants to lose it. She hated the stretch marks she has on her hips. Last night I set out our big 32oz cups and said we will start with getting in our 64oz. of water. We are going to do this thing together. God knows I sure do not want her to get to the point where she cannot take the weight off on her own. I figure she is about 21 pounds or so over weight (I'll have to do her BMI) and it will be a lot easier for her to take that small amount off better than she would be able to take off 50 pounds or more.


OK, I think I have written this book long enough for now, but I am glad I finally sat down and wrote in my journal. It felt good to finally write about it. Now I need to start taking my steps and put them in to action!!! I'll post again next week, for as the world turns .... LOL
Until Next Time ....



Aug. 27, 2005
Well, it looks like we are going to be heading out of town and preparing for Hurricane Katrina. Last time I remember leaving for a hurricane was in 1992 for Hurricane Andrew. I think we'll be heading up toward Texas. Not sure yet just where we are going.
Well, it has finally happened. My 17 year old daughter has moved out and in with her father. My week has been awful!! But, I am told I will adjust and get use to it. I don't think so
:-l I am kinda worried about this ulcer that formed three weeks after my bypass too. I have been having a terrible burning sensation and for the past four days, I have been throwing up. Maybe I should have it checked out? I know I was literally on my death bed 3 weeks after my bypass. I'll mention it to my Family Dr. on Mon. when I go in for a check up. If they suggest me seeing my Surgeon, then I'll do that. Of course it looks like it will have to be done AFTER this Hurricane passes through. Grrrrrrrr looks like it will be coming through on Monday. So, I guess I won't even be able to talk to my Dr. until thereafter. Oh well ....
Guess I will close here for now. I really did not have much to report on. No major changes my way. Good Luck to all of the new comers and as your new journey begins.



Saturday Sept. 10, 2005
Well, we made it through Hurricane Katrina and we did not have any damage. But I would like to send my thoughts and prayers out to the ones who were effected by it.

Well, since my last post, my daughter has returned home!! She realized the grass was not greener on the other side. She called me at 10:30 pm Monday night, 2 weeks after she left and told me she wanted to come home. I explained to her that she would not be able to run the roads like she did at her Father's house and she needed to know that the rules I had still would be there. She asked if we could make a fresh start and I told her of course. One of the biggest issues we had was that she would lie. She knew she could trust me with anything! I may give her a good talking to about the mess up, but I would and will always be there. There aren't many parents that listen, but I am one who listens and gives the best advice possible. So, so far so good. She has been home 5 days now and she's doing good. The other issue was she and my husband are always arguing. They are BOTH bull headed and it seems I am always in the middle trying to break up the fight. I let both of them know I will no longer do it. It's too darn stressful. She needed to realize HE is the adult. NOT HER!

I have started baby-sitting with a sister of mine 3 days a week. I have to travel 20 miles one way to do it, but it has been a blessing for me. I have been able to get out and it helps with me missing my 2 granddaughters that I am unable to see. We baby-sit 5 too 8 kids a day. They range from 4 months old too 2 during the day, then after school we have 3 that come in off the bus. I really enjoy the kids. They are a very funny bunch and keep us laughing. My oldest granddaughter turns 3 Sept. 20 and Samantha and I are going to Ms. on the 16th to celebrate it with her. I am looking forward to it. We get to see her once a year and it has been for her Birthday.

Well, I am going to close here now and read the Message Board. Hope you all are doing well and loads of prayers going your way!



Sept. 27, 2005
Well, I am happy to say we also survived Hurricane Rita!!! Thank You Jesus :-) We decided to ride Rita out. This is the first time I rode out a Hurricane. I have to admit though, it was very spooky. We had up to about 80 mph winds and only went 20 hours without electricity. We were very blessed!! I was able to sleep through part of it, but the time I was awake, the winds were very scary. Many times I thought a tornado was passing because of the sounds. The winds sound like a horn blowing from a train. I don't think I will chance one that close to us again though. We were blessed not to have any damage to our home or property. Like I said, we were very blessed. Nothing more to report. I'm just happy we survived it. For all of who suffered damage, know I have you in my thoughts and prayers!
Until Next Time, Dee



Oct. 19, 2005
My last update was after Hurricane Rita and here we go again. Another MAJOR Hurricane brewing. Hurricane Wilma is kicking butt and looks like it will be hitting Florida. Wilma is now a CAT 5 with sustained winds of 175mph. I think they said this is the 21st Storm of the year. Making it a record.
It's been a crazy month for me. I have been so sick with sinuses and have a small case of walking pneumonia in my right lung. Ahhh it's been painful. Today has been one of my better days in 3 weeks now. I will be so glad when I am done with this mess. I help my sister with baby-sitting up to 9 kids 4 days a week, but have not been able to help for 2 weeks now. I really have missed the kids. We watch about 5 two year olds and they are just such a joy to watch and listen to. They are sometimes just too funny! My daughter watches a 13 month old at night and she has been such a joy to our lives. She's hardly ever cranky and is just such a happy child. Very comical!!! (I love ya Mia)
Yesterday my daughter had to see a Judge for the first time ever in her 17 years of life. She went to our yearly Shrimp and Petroleum Festival when she wasn't supposed to and was out past curfew with her cousin who is a minor. So, being 17 she is considered an adult and was responsible for her cousin. She was very lucky and pretty much got off with a slap on the wrist. Well, that's about it for this post. Hope all of you starting your journey have a safe and successful one!
Until Next Time, Dee



Wed. 11/16/05
It's been nearly 4 weeks since I last posted. Lets see if I can remember what has happened or changed since my last post.
OK, not much that I can think of ... lol I'm still watching our sweet lil Mia and she has just brought such joy to our lives. Ryan returned from Texas on Monday, but I have not been out to see him yet. We haven't seen him in I know at least 3 months. Can't wait to hug his little neck! Samantha has been doing fairly well since returning from her little adventure. She had got a job about 2 weeks ago with Popeye's but only lasted 1 week. She said it was too stressful :-( She has since been looking for another job, but no luck yet.

I have something really exciting happening to me and many other OH Members. We're going to the Convention in Houston Texas. I think there are 5 of us traveling together with Kat in her RV. That's going to be loads of fun!!! Frances has reserved a suite with a kitchen so we can save in eating out. I just learned this afternoon also that one of the ladies is giving us facials, message treatments and spa treatments :-) I am Soooooo excited about going and cannot wait to meet all these wonderful angels.
Well, I going to close for now, but will report back at a later time. Until then, Group Hugs!!!



Friday, 11/25/05
What a WOW of a Thanksgiving I had.
My Thanksgiving was spent with approximately 200 Family members this year.
There was more food there to feed an Army and then some. On Thursday we started about 9:30am. Family came from all over. I was able to meet cousins I have never met before and cousins I have not seen in 23 years. There were skits that were soooo funny and a cousin of mine and his 4 beautiful children all played instruments and sang. It was awesome!!! Then there was a video of the past 94 years of my Great Grandpa and Great Grandma where it all began. I always knew we had a crazy family, but when they showed the video of about 50 family members (mostly adults) entered on side of a car (which you could not see) and exit through the other side looking like it would never end. It was too funny!!!


On Friday our day started at 9am with a dedication to my Grandfather. A plaque was presented in honor of him for being responsible for starting our local Lake End Park in Morgan City. The Mayor gave a speech and then my Uncle's and Aunt spoke of their memories. It was a real touching event. From there we went to my Uncle's where we all visit for a while, had coffee, more music and singing was shared. A few played a little one on one basketball then we headed out for the Civic Center once again where we had some left overs for lunch, more video sharing, a hay ride for ALL the kids (yes there were more adult kids lol) and a huge circle of us while several played their guitars and more singing where we remembered some of our relatives that have passed away. It was beautiful and we all shared lots of tears. The day ended about 5pm and a lot of us shared our final farewells until the next time and yes, a lot of tears were shed.


Today and tomorrow the rest of the family in town have private access to the family gym to exercise and relax. So, we had a four day Thanksgiving and Family Reunion. It has been a beautiful, blessed and joyful one for us.



Sunday, 11/27/05

It's now 10pm and I got home from the hospital about an hour ago. I went to the hospital around 4pm due to pains in my right side midway. I have slept part of the day and thrown up twice today. When I got there, they started an IV on me and gave me Phenegan for the nausea and Demerol for the pain. The nausea is a lot better, but the pains are still there. An X-Ray was done and it showed that I have bowel in my intestines not passing. An ultra sound was done, blood was drawn and a urine sample was taken. Besides the bowel issue, all the other test were seemed OK. I will call Dr. LeBlanc in the morning and make an appointment to see him A.S.A.P.


Other than that, I am doing great. Our Thanksgiving was one I will always remember and cherish.



Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2005
11:45 PM
Well, I made an appointment and saw Dr. LeBlanc on 11/29 and he admitted me into Our Lady of Lakes Hospital for test to be ran. They did blood work 4 different times and Dr. Shaban Faruqui, a Gastroenterology in Baton Rouge, La. ran a scope and found 2 really bad ulcers. I knew I had one, but was surprised to hear I had a second one and that they were as bad as they are. I spent 2 1/2 days in the hospital and was glad to leave that Thurs. I was a bit upset with the night nurse I had. I had told her two different times that my left arm was in pain and the pain meds they had me on was not doing any good. Well, the Doctor ordered me a morphine pump and I was able to push the button every 10 minutes if needed. Well, I found it irritating that the relief of pain was not as long as I thought it should be. Nothing was done for a day and a half and I loss sleep and was restless. Well, 3 hours before being released from the hospital, the morning nurse came on to her shift and I told her about my arm being in pain. She saw the swelling and immediately told me is was caused from my IV not being inserted correctly. Everything they were giving me through the IV was going half through the veins and half under the skin. So she removed that IV and they stuck me FOUR TIMES in my right arm to get it going like it was supposed to be. I was so angry with Alice (the night nurse) for NOT tending to me the way she said she would. She was supposed to come back on two different occasions to check on my arm and never did. Well, needless to say, it took 9 days for my arm to be completely out of pain and for the swelling to go down. If ever I have to go back to OLOL Hospital, I will request NOT to have Nurse Alice tending to me. I was not happy with her at all!!!
I saw Dr. Faruqui on Monday, Dec. 12 and he has me taking 40 mg of Nexium twice a day for the ulcers. I just know I hope it does as well as I have heard it to be. My husband has been taking Nexium now for over a year and he cannot go more than 2 days without it. When he does, he suffers with it.

Besides my journey to the Hospital, I am doing fine. I just had my 40th Birthday on the 10th and I feel no older than 21 :) My husband and I had plans to go to the Casino with Ashleigh and Liz, but I was sick all day that day and did not even get out of my jammies. What a way to spend a birthday :) It's OK though, I'm just happy to be alive and well!!!
OK, I think I will end here for now. It's coming on midnight and it is way past my bed time.... :) Hope you all are doing well.
Until next time, Dee



Wednesday Jan. 11, 2005 9:30am
Oh where do I begin??? It's been a long month, but I will try to make this short. I went back to work around the first week of Jan. I am working with an Answering Service mid-night to 8am shift. It's taking me a lot of adjusting, but I'll adjust. I am a morning person more than a night person. I like to wake up at 5am to start my day and around 7 or 8pm is usually my down time. I like the job though. Can't get no easier than answering a phone and passing on messages.

So much has been going on here at home. My 17 year old daughter has left home once again. She thinks the grass is greener on the other side. Oh she has NO clue. Anyway, I have been so depressed and down in the dumps. I've also been sick. I am guessing it could either be my nerves or I have a little virus bug. I've lost 6 pounds in a matter of 6 days. Not good and I am concerned. I might make a doctor's appointment for later today. I am scheduled to work tonight and Mon. morning at 4am I had to call my boss in to finish up my shift. I went in throwing up and did my best to make it through my 8 hours, but just couldn't do it. I did get some rest though. I was lacking sleep to go along with being sick. The combination do not go good together at all. Right now I am more concerned about my state of depression than being sick. I am by far stable right now and do not like where I am. It is not too often I worry about myself, but right now I am at the point to where I am ........ I just called to make an appointment, but they are all booked up until Friday and the Dr. I want to see will not even be there until Monday. Grrrrr it's just how my luck runs. I hate to take off the next two days or so, but I just might have to. Just not happy with the way I am feeling at all!
OK, I am going to close here for now and see what I can do. I think I'll say an extra prayer!



I can't believe it has been nearly two months since I have updated. It's been kinda crazy, but things are getting better. Sami Jo is finally back home where I know she is safe and sound. We had a problem a week or so, but it got settled and we're at a level state right now, which is good. My Son came back home from Maryland about two weeks ago. He and his wife separated, but it looks like they are trying to work things out. I don't know my about my daughter n law, but I hope to soon find out. I think she is going to try and come down for a visit and test the water so to speak. I'm hoping they are able to work out and maybe even move here to Louisiana. We'll keep them in prayer.
OK, I have an hour before I have to be at work and still need to dry my hair. Hopefully it will not take me so long to update. Just have not been on line much.
Until Next Time, Dee



Wed. March 15, 2006
Hi LiL Family of mine :-)
Well, I thought I would post and fill you all in on
how things are going here in the little town of Berwick.
I had the gastric bypass nearly 3 years ago. The reason I was able to have the surgery was because the Orthopedic Dr. I was seeing for the pain in both knees suggested the surgery in hopes to save my knees. Both knees are bone too bone and I have no cartilage. So, anyway, a 3 year story summed up, I am scheduled to have a total left knee replacement Tues. the 21st of March. Today I went to Terrebone General to do my pre-op tests. Got registered, more ques. to answer, had blood work done then the EKG was done. Ended up they had to do it a second time. Both show I had a heart attack. Talk about blew my mind!!! The nurse looked at it as did the anesthesiologist and said that they will have to fax the results to the heart specialist and one other doctor to read the results. So, I'll hear from them one way or another. To schedule an appointment with heart doctor OR with a time to be at the hospital for Tuesday's surgery. Of course I am praying that I am able to go through with the knee replacement. I'm looking forward to being able to get around better than I am now and with NO pain. I have dealt with the knee issues long enough! I do have one thing going for me, I am still very young and want to enjoy a pain free life now.
I'll be in the hospital 6 or 7 days and then 6 weeks recovering. I'm a tough cookie and I can be VERY stubborn! LOL So, I will be bouncing right back up and ready to face anything tossed my way.
I had a long day yesterday with three different appointments. First was my PCP to get a shot for a touch of virus I had, then my pain and specialty doctor for my knees and from there I went to the hospital to preregister for surgery on Tues. It was a long 6 hour day of traveling and when I got home I kicked back, relaxed and watched TV. I crawled in bed around 1am and got a good nights sleep. Well, it'll be a few weeks for sure before I am able to post again, but as soon as I am able, I'll post.
Hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful weather and until next time,
Deb



Saturday April 23, 2006 10:20pm
OK I will try my best not to get into a novel here. As most of you know my daughter Samantha is a handful and looking for attention and love in all the wrong places. Well, as soon as she hit 17, she had it in her mind she could move out and there was nothing that could be done about it. Well, a couple of months after turning 17 she thought she would take her first journey away from the nest. It was hard to do and I went through a bad state of depression for 2 or 3 weeks and than I began working on my sanity for myself. I did, and was finally had my heart and head back to where we needed to be. Samantha came home after 4 1/2 weeks of having her own little traveling party and wearing her welcome out at 4 different homes (due to not wanting to abide by rules). She called us and we went for her and told her that this would not happen again. She turns 18 July 20 and until then I was keeping her under my wing and she had no choice. I had the police dept. here a few days after her coming home and they explained to her that just because she was at that iffy stage damn if you do and damn if you don't age, if I say no, no is no.


Well, without writing another chapter, Wed. night (the 22nd after spending 3 nights at a friend's) she decided not to come home. She and her "friend" called the Sheriff's Dept. and they told her she DID NOT have to come home because of her age. BUT!!! If she gets into any trouble until she is 18, guess who is responsible??? Huh huh, ME! Go figure.
I did ok yesterday with keeping myself busy and so far today I am doing ok. I do suffer with depression and sometimes it is not a pretty thing to share or view. I'm very blessed to have Joe (my husband of 13 years) in my life. I have taken her clothes (the night of this happening) and tossed them into the yard across the fence and not allowed her to have any of her other things such as her TV, VCR, etc. She is now living with her boyfriend and I thank God he is a decent kid and he really cares about her. There is SO MUCH more, but, I guess I should continue to keep it to myself.


(April 21)
This is the second time in the past 4 months that I am going through this and I have decided it to be the last! As I told her, I will never turn her away from home, but I will not allow her to move back in. It's too stressful for me and it has really taken a toll on Myself and Joe's relationship. We are working on that already. I was always the center referee. She called me this afternoon and told me that when she goes Tues. to see her Dr. I needed to be there. Well, I told her, both the Dr. and her Counselor told her she was considered an adult being 17 and if moving out was what she wanted, then she could. I called the clinic after talking to her and let them know just how I felt. If they can advise her she is old enough to be an adult and make her own choices, then by gosh she is old enough to get medication from the Dr. I'm not much of a happy camper this evening. I did really well yesterday and part of today, but now, just not to kewl. I guess now I can have my computer room and get that treadmill I have been dreaming about.


(April 22)
It's been a tough few days, but I have stuck to my decision on her not moving back in. She cried wanting to come home and it broke my heart into pieces. But I had to do what I had to do. It's HARD! But this is the second time in 4 months and I'm tired of the arguing with her and trying to be the middle man to keep peace between she and Joe. Joe and I love one another so deeply, but our relationship has really taken a beating and we have grown distant from one another. Now it is time to pull my marriage back where we need and want it to be. Honestly I feel I am now being selfish, but I know this is what needs to be done. I told her I have never turned any of my other children away as I will never turn her away. But for her to step foot in here and planning to move in, It's not happening. She has a lot of growing to do. It's all kids games right now and she is use to me picking her up and guiding her with protection. Now it's time for her to start growing up and realize she is in the world of reality. (Damn this parent thing is hard)


(April 23)
It has been 3 long days since SamiJo has left home and I am proud to say I am still holding strong. So far, she has asked to move back home twice and I refused her. I told her that this was the choice she made about taking on the world and that it was time she grew up and realized that she thought she was ready to face reality in the real world. It was the hardest thing I think I have ever done, but I had to.

Today Sandra, James, Chuck, Jennifer (Chuck's Girlfriend) and Chris' Girlfriend Sara came by spent the day and Joe boiled crabs. Sandra and the two girls helped me out by doing a little bit of house chores for me. Then the hard part came. They helped me to clean out Sami's room and I sold the bed and entertainment center to Sandra. We packed the rest of her things up and I plan to make the room my computer room and in a couple of months I hope to get a treadmill. Some may think it is too soon I have done this, but I had to do it for me! I called Sami to let her know the rest of her things were packed and that next time they were on this end she could pick them up. I only have one closet to go through and it's done. She answered the phone in a peppy mood but hung up in a down mood. One day (as even I) she will understand and I hope she'll thank me. Tough love is a tough call, but I knew it was something I had to choose.

Joe and I have really never been the couple to argue. We talk things out, but lately we have not seen eye too eye on a lot of things and it has been because of Sami. A marriage is a life long relationship and now Joe and I can work on our eternity while we watch our children and grand children grow.




Friday, May 12, 2006

I'm doing really well with keeping my weight down and below the 200 pound mark. At times it can be really tough to do. It's been 7 weeks since my left total knee replacement and I think that was a trying time for me. Especially being confined to the house and not being able to do too much. Getting bored was a daily thing and I had not been working. But, I must say I did well. I had lost 17 pounds the first week or two and I felt it falling off. Then I had trouble with fluid retaining and I made it a point to drink a lot of water. I have not been drinking as much water this past week like I should be. Just a stage I am going through and I guess it is time to break it and get back on the ball. I am still at the 190 mark and wonder if I will ever make it to my goal of 175.
I am back at work though. I went back this past Tuesday. I started the return back with a bang too (laughing). I had opened the gate for my husband to pull out our truck to bring me to work and my dog was going after a cat and as I was going to stop her from getting out of the yard, she knocked me to the ground. The first thing that went through my mind was, Gosh I hope I did not fall in dog poop!! The second thing I thought about was, gosh I am glad I lost weight because I know I can get up without a crane for help (laughing). I brushed myself off and I thought I was ok. Until I woke up that next afternoon. My entire body hurt like I had been in a bar room brawl. I didn't think I injured my left knee, but I guess I did, because I felt it! It is still inflamed from surgery and it has been running a fever on a daily basis. I saw the Dr. on Monday and he said it was ok. I think I will call him next week if it is not any better. I just worry about the fever part. Seems like after 7 weeks it should not be running fever.

Not really much of anything else has been going on. Sami is doing better since she has been on a new medication. She was diagnosed with Bipolar and is being treated for it. Like I said, she is doing better since she has been on it. It had made a huge difference. We are actually able to sit down and have a conversation. Whereas before, she was always in a crabby mood and we could not talk to her without wanting to snap our heads off and she and her dad were always arguing about something! She'll be 18 in two months and she is planning on moving into the Apt. we have behind our house. She is working and so far she has been able to hold it down. It's been hard to keep her focused and hard making her understand that it is time she grows up and be responsible. But, like I said, she's doing good so far. I keep praying she continues down the road she is going.
Well, I guess I'll close here for now. Not much more going on. I hope the next post I will be able to report that I am closer to my goal. At least minus 5 pounds.

Until next time, Dee



Sunday, Sept. 24, 2006
It has been too long since I have been here to update. I guess I did not realize how I have put ME on hold to deal with my daughter's issues. Needless to say it has taken a toll on me in many ways. I should look at it as the past and work on making a fresh start from this day forward.
Well, I purposely put on 12 pounds because I felt I looked anorexic. Well, I end up putting on 20 pounds and I am miserable! I need to get back on track and now I know I will have to work even harder to get the pounds back off. My sister and I are going to start walking tomorrow. I like a buddy system thing, not by myself. This way I know I will have someone there to push me. If I were to try and do it alone, I wouldn't do it. I do not know how to discipline myself.
Well, I am going to close here and I'll write tomorrow and let you know how I did. Today I am working on getting more of my water in.



Sunday, Oct. 29, 2006
It's been a month since I have written. It's time I start being honest with myself. Something I have not done in a couple of months now.
I have gained back 32 pounds of the 154 pounds I had lost. I have really been down in the dumps about it and each day that has been going by, I would only get worse into depression. Once again I have crawled into a shell. A shell I thought I was forever rid of. I question myself about why I have been so depressed. After taking a week weighing it all out, I finally know why. For now, I will keep that to myself so I don't hurt anyone's feelings. Nothing like pissing off a Family member! LOL
Well, after doing a little of begging to my Husband and Son, I was finally able to get my Treadmill!!!! Yayyyyyy My house had once again come to be my permanent safe haven. So, why not get a treadmill. I'll be happy being home and now I finally have something I know I will devote myself to doing daily and even have my sister here with me to share it with. I'm happier now and I look forward to reporting one week from today just how much I have lost. I know not to make it a big amount. Lets go with ..... 2 pounds. I HOPE it's more, but I am shooting for the 2 pounds.
I'm going to close here for now and I look forward to reporting back one week from tonight. Hope you all have a blessed week.
Until Then ....



Thurs. Nov. 30, 06
I made a trip to Baton Rouge yesterday to see Dr. LeBlanc. I have gained back 34 pounds and I was getting a bit concerned. Come to find out, I have been drinking the WRONG protien drinks. Atkins Shakes have way too many carbs and calories. So I have to stop drinking those and find another. I see the Dr. again in May 07 to do an update. I plan to work really hard on getting those pounds off. He was as disappointed as I was about the gain.



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    Surgeon Info:
    Surgeon: Karl LeBlanc
    I think my doctor is pretty cool. He is the serious type, but at the same time has a bit of humor :-) Staff is ok. I am having my surgery done at Tulane Medical, so there are a lot of different Med. Students I meet. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5-21-03 I wrote the above statement around April in 2001. I am now seeing DR. Karl LeBlanc in Baton Rouge, La. My first impression was, WOW!! Yeah he was cute and very very polite! My impression after meeting him was even better. He explain everything to me to a Tee. Any question I asked him he had the answer. The Staff at NeWeigh is simply awesome! I have no complaints about he or the staff at all. 90% of the Staff there have all had the surgery also and told me about their story and showed their before pics. There was nothing that I did not like about none of them. They are all wonderful!!! I think future patients should know that if they go to NeWeigh, they will get nothing but the BEST Care with the DR's and Staff!! The DR. emphasizes aftercare strongly. He strongly lets you know how important it is to follow the rules after surgery. He let me know how imperative it is to follow the directions and rules after surgery. Yes, he has a very good structured after care program. He let me know how important it is after the surgery to stick with the food list the first 10 days after. When I went to DR. Jafee in New Orleans at Tulane, None of the above issues I have talked about with NeWeigh were discussed with me. There was nothing told to me on what to eat before nor after the surgery, And with NeWeigh there are classes to help teach you and understand what to and not to expect. I believe that God always has a reason for the way things turn out. I firmly believe that I did not have the surgery in 2001 because I was meant to be brought to NeWeigh. "Thank You Jesus!!!" He held nothing back about the risk of this surgery. He went straight forward and wide open about this surgery from start to finish. I would rate DR. Karl LeBlanc on a scale from 1-10, a 100!!!! Without a doubt! His Surgical Competence and Bed Side Matter are both Great!! He also has a wonderful sense of Humor And ALL of his Staff are Great!!! I thank My Lord and God for sending me to NeWeigh.
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    So far they are working well with me. They called NeWeigh within 24 hours after NeWeigh called about scheduling for my first appointment. Which is a very good sign. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I would have to say honestly my Insurance has really surprised me so far, But I am deeply Blessed!!! "Thank You Jesus!" As I mentioned before, NeWeigh has been handling everything for me so far. This Group of Wonderful People work very hard to get Us what we need. Bonnie, the little sister at NeWeigh handles the Insurance and she made up to 4 phone calls to my Insur. to get my Psychological Evaluation approved for coverage and stayed 90 minutes on the phone telling them how bad I need this surgery. Well, needless to say, Bonnie got a phone call in less than 24 hours from my Insurance saying that they would cover my evaluation and all I needed to pay was my CO-pay of $20!!! Bonnie did it!!! She was even pleased with herself that she pulled it off for me. NeWeigh is without a doubt "Angels sent from God!!" "Thank You Jesus"