ObesityHelp

-- Weight Loss --
6/30/03 231 Pre-op Doc visit
7/11/03 226 down 5 lbs (from bowel prep)! Surgery Day
7/18/03 218 down 13 lbs! Drain removal 1 wk post-op
7/23/03 216 down 15 lbs! Doc visit
8/11/03 206 down 25 lbs! 1 month post-op
8/18/03 203 down 28 lbs! Doc visit
9/11/03 191 down 40 lbs! 2 months post-op
9/16/03 191 still! Doc visit
9/25/03 187 down 44 lbs! Doc visit
10/6/03 181 down 50 lbs! Doc visit(sinus) 12 wks out
10/11/03 181 still! 3 months post-op
11/11/03 172 down 59 lbs! 4 months post-op
11/18/03 173 ok, wrong direction! Doc visit/labs
12/11/03 163 down 68 lbs! 5 months post-op
1/5/04 155 down 76 lbs! Post op Dr visit
1/11/04 153.5 down 77.5 lbs! 6 months post-op
2/11/04 149 down 82 lbs! 7 months post-op
3/11/04 145 down 86 lbs! 8 months post-op
4/11/04 141 down 90 lbs! 9 months post-op
5/13/04 141 still down 90 lbs! 10 months post-op
7/11/04 139 down 92 lbs! 1 year anniversary!
9/21/04 136 down 95 lbs! 1 year follow up (late!)
10/12/04 134 down 97 lbs! Endoscope
03/09/05 136 down 95 lbs! 20 months out
4/21/05 134 down 97 lbs! 21 months out
7/11/05 136 down 95 lbs! 2 Year Anniversary!

-- 7/11/05 --
Happy anniversary to me! I couldn't be happier! I've gained 2 lbs from the last post but am also due for my monthly visitor so I guess that's ok.

I have no regrets from anything I've gone through thus far and am very happy where I am today. I truly believe God has his hand on my life and has walked with me through out this entire journey. And will continue to be with me until my days are complete.

Good luck to all of you in your endeavors for a happier, healthier life!

-- 5/16/05 --
Well, I finally had exploratory surgery on 5/9 after 1 year of periodic stomach pain. Would you believe they found a very large internal hernia! It involved 2/3rds of my small bowel! I'm so grateful that I didn't loose any of it or any intestine, this really could have been bad but thank God it wasn't.

The surgery was done lap and the problem has been fixed, so again I recover. I still don't have any regrets with having this surgery and feel wonderful...


-- 4/21/05 --
I had a follow up with Dr Snyder today. Thankfully, I'm doing fine... As you can see by my weight as listed above, I've been maintaining for quite some time now.

-- 3/9/05 --
Gosh, it really has been a while since I've checked in but all is well. I've been maintaining my weight for many months now and am ok at where I am! I'll be getting another iron IV in April to maintain my thankfully normal level but since I don't absorb iron I'll probably have to get an IV atleast 1 time per year so I don't become anemic again. Other than that I couldn't be happier.

I would love to have some plastics done but without winning the lottery I don't see that happening anytime soon.

I did have another spell with that awful pain I get in my stomach on 1/3/05 and it honestly was the worst one yet. I truly think it was from eating rice the day before and feel it may have gotten stuck in my intestines. After 5 hours of excrusiating pain I could actually feel the pain move lower into my abdomen and then the pain completely stopped! I did notify the Doctor but by the time I could get an appt. the pain is always gone. As you can imagine, I'm really being more careful with what I'm choosing to eat now and am grateful I have not had anymore problems.

Life is good though and I'm still smiling...

-- 10/12/04 --
My HIDA scan (10/6) came back normal, so my Gallbladder is ok. My Endoscopy performed yesterday came back good as well. Now we have to talk about exploratory surgery which I'm not ready to do. I'll see my Doc on the 26th to discuss this but plan on waiting until the pain is more frequent. I just don't want to go under anthesia again, it's just too soon for me! When I can't take it anymore we'll go for it, until then... your prayers are coveted! Blessings everyone!


-- 9/21/04 --
Hi everyone!

Back in April I started having some awful pains under my ribs on the right side. The Dr. sent me for an upper GI and gallbladder scan. The results turned out that all was normal. In time, I felt better and life went on.

Well, it started again last thursday. It was a pretty consistant pain until mid-day Friday but then became sporadic. I decided to go to my Dr. as it has continued on and off for 5 days now. I orginally thought it was a stomach bug but have since decided otherwise as did my Dr. I'll be having a HIDA scan w/CCK, an Endoscopy and possibly an exploratory Lap procedure. Through the process of elimination the Dr. will determine if it could be 1 of 3 things:

1. Gallbladder (CCK/Hida scan - 10/6)
2. Ulcer (Endoscopy - awaiting a call w/date)
3. Internal Hernia (Laproscopy - to be determined)

If the results of 1 and 2 come back negative, I'll be having exploratory Lap!! YIKES...

If your familiar with my profile then your aware that I am now nervous about anything done Lap as I had a very routine Lap procedure go bad last Dec. Being cut from stem to stern due to internal bleeding!! Now having to get iron IV's to keep me out of anemia... my 1st transfusion was in April, the 2nd was in August.

So please keep me in your prayers y'all. It's appreciated!!


-- 8/7/04 --
Well, I had to go back to the Hematologist last week for a check up. My blood was drawn and it was determined that I'll be getting another IV iron transfusion 8/13/04.

I'm really ok with this as it does make me feel better and I love the renewed energy I get. Even though my blood count came back within the normal range (13) my symptons such as tiredness and fatigue possibly mean my iron stores are becoming depleted again. I took prescription iron for 3 months without any change in my blood work, so this may be how it will be for me forever... IV iron!

He did tell me that when I had my 1st iron treatment (it was a 7!) that I pretty much had NO iron! Not only was I severely anemic but my iron stores had been depleted as well. I can't tell you how awful I felt and Lord knows, I don't want to end up there again.

Take care!

-- 7/11/04 --
Happy anniversary to me! I didn't update last month as I had nothing significant to report other than I'm continuing to maintain my weight. I'm still satisfied but more than that... GRATEFULL! My shirt size is a Large (belly flubber to hide) :( and my pant size is a 10 without stretch or 6/8's with stretch. I'm truly happy with that!

I can eat anything including sugar, but always in moderation, I can and do drink carbonated diet drinks but always let it sit awhile first and have have no problems. I don't feel that I'm being deprived of anything but rather enjoying life!

My marriage which wasn't great before, unfortunately hasn’t improved! I now have to deal with jealousy issues with my husband which are completely unfounded. I’m truly not even looking! He wishes I was still fat as he didn't have to worry about guys looking at me before. But I can say with 100% assurance that this will forever be his problem as I refuse to go back to that lonely place where my self esteem was non-existant, I was depressed, angry and refused to take part in life! I’m happy now and will continue to be. Even if that means just me and my son.

My prayer is for God’s will to be done in my life for continued health and happiness not only for me but for our son as well. I refuse to allow his life to be ruined by hatefullness and arguing. Your prayers are appreciated as well! Thanks!

-- 5/13/04 --
Well here I am 10 months out and this is the 1st month since surgery that I haven't lost any weight! I still feel that a 90 lbs loss is absolutely acceptable and I'm very happy with that but... ya know, feeling a bit down about not losing.

One thing I have learned for sure, is that exercise must now be a lifestyle for me and not just an "if I feel like it" kind of attitude. I skipped out on my exercising for the past 3 weeks and honestly feel like that is the main reason for not losing this month.

I can't say that my eating habits have changed although I did have my 1st dumping episode on May 1st! We took my Dad to Capt. Georges for his birthday which was just great, but unfortunately I'm one of those dang post-opers that can eat sugar. So feeling invincible, I decided to celebrate with a much too large portion of "real" rice pudding. It sure tasted good going down but believe you me... after about 15 mins. my mind was completely changed! There was no being sent over the edge, it catapulted my tale over! I didn't know if I wanted to poop or puke! Thankfully, I did neither but I did have a hot flash, heart palpitations and just an overwhelming feeling of yuck! It lasted about 20 mins. then thank God I was healed! Was quite a lesson learned! AND DEFINITELY NOT GONNA DO THAT AGAIN!!

I'm still more than thankful for what I've accomplished and refuse to beat myself up, but will instead remove myself from the crumbs of my eating and get back on that blasted wagon!

Until next time...

-- 4/11/04 --
Well here I am 9 months post op and down 90 lbs! My prayer and personnel goal is to be down 100 lbs by my 1 year anniversary. I hope I can make it. I'm only losing about 4 lbs per month now but am thankful that I'm still losing.

I went for my IV iron 1 week ago Friday (4/2) and can't say that I'm even feeling close to my old self! Today I'm feeling especially fatigued, but I'm also due for my period in about 1 week so that could play a part.

I started tanning a few weeks ago because I was so dreadfully tired of hearing how sick I looked! I've gotten a lot of compliments on how I now look healthy! I must say it's a nice boost in the ole' self esteem department! Being anemic for the past 3 months can really make you look pale and sickly so I decided to do something about it, fake or not!

I went to our support group meeting last Thursday where we had a Plastic Surgeon as a guest speaker. After their presentation was over and the meeting was rapping up, I had a gentleman say to me that he thought I was visiting with someone as their support because I didn't look like I should be there! How cool was that! Another lady there told me that I looked really toned and healthy.. I had come to the meeting from the gym and had on a sweatshirt and bike shorts with my new tan I might add!! It was so nice to hear and really encouraging when you gain and lose the same 3 lbs for weeks!

Chin up everyone, we're in the race of our lives and we WILL make it to the finish line!

-- 3/11/04 --
Well folks ... the honeymoon is definitely over! I'm finding I must struggle (literally!) for every pound I loose. I have even been exercising like a fool for the last 6 weeks. I do 1 hour of cardio, at least 4 times per week in addition to lifting weights (for toning not building!) My goal is to loose 101 lbs., which would put me at 130 lbs. That’s 15 lbs. to my goal! I WILL do it; I just wonder how long it will take me! I'm only loosing between 4-5 lbs. per month now, so even though it's seems an attainable goal... it's still several months away!

So close but yet so far!! How true that saying really is!

I'll be getting IV Iron on 4/2/04. It seems I've become completely anemic since my 12/29/03 surgery. Yet I've still made myself workout! I am very proud of myself for following thru and not letting the car just drive me home after work each night because I'm tired! I'm still taking my multivitamin w/iron as well as a prescription iron supplement but I'm just not absorbing it. The Hematologist says this can be common in Gastric Bypass patients. I'm not making enough acid in my pouch to break down the iron for absorption, then it doesn't get absorbed properly in the small intestine either. I hope this isn't something I have to do on a regular basis, he did mention maitanence is usually twice a year. I'm just hoping my levels will remain in the normal range and I won't need it anymore! Ok, there's nothing wrong with positive thinking ... It's a 6 hour procedure to get the IV so they advise you to bring a lot of magazines!

There are no words to express how good it'll feel to get my energy back and feel like my old self again ... just a smaller version!

-- 2/10/04 --
Well I'm 7 months post op today and the scale was at 149 this morning, I'm down 82 lbs thus far! It is nice getting out of the 150's though :) However, my loss for the month is just 4.5 lbs and to me this is just awful. I'm definitely going to be taking note of what I'm doing or should I say what I'm NOT doing! I'm working out more and with the added exercise, has come added hunger. Instead of eating, I should be drinking more which I'm not doing. I fear my food choices haven't been the best lately either. I'm snacking way too much. I definitely need to get a handle on this pronto!

Each day I need God's help to not give in to food temptations; but instead, seek strengh through him!

-- 2/6/04 --
Well, it's official ... I'm on the longest and most dreaded plateau since the start of my weightloss! I'm just NOT losing weight this month! I was down to 148 lbs (2 1/2 weeks ago) and began a new workout routine using weights. I have now gained 4 lbs! Making my weightloss ONLY 1 1/2 lbs so far this month!!! I DON'T like this at all, as I've averaged atleast 9 lbs each month! I've needed to incorporate weights in my exercise routine as I have lost a lot of muscle over the past 7 months.

My friends have been referring to me as a bobble head as my neck and shoulders seem so small!! I'll even be changing my birth control (nuvaring) to Yasmin birth control pills after this cycle to see if this could also be contributing to my stalled progress.

Hopefully, I'll have a better report in the near future!

Also, I'll be returning to work on Monday (2/16/04). I've been out since my surgery 12/29/03 that unfortunately went bad. Not looking forward to it, but that's not an option. It'll be hard leaving my son as I've been able to take him to school and watch him daily for 7 weeks. It's been a joy but now I must get back in to the working world! More later ...

-- 1/21/04 --
Happy day, I weigh 148 today! I needed some pants and would you believe a size 10 fit ... I KNOW! I can't even believe it! I'm so excited, I haven't seen this size in years.

-- 1/11/04 --
Well today is my 6 month anniversary and I'm down almost 78 lbs! I do seem to be losing slower than some of my friends but am happy I'm losing at all! I had all intentions of starting my new year with some intense ab workouts but instead have been set back 6 weeks. I'm recovering well according to my Dr but do experience some pain daily. I refuse to let it slow me down and have been trying to do some walking everyday. Even if it's just around the mall or Walmart! Moving is moving and I'll do it anyway I can! My hair is still thinning but I continue to use the Nioxin every other shampoo and a moisturing shampoo on the alternate days. I'm just worried now what the 2 "new" surgeries will do to me ...

-- 1/6/04 --
Hi everyone, thankfully I'm still able to write! I had a lap procedure done by my GYN last monday 12/29 which went bad. The actual procedure went fine but while in recovery my heart rate went into the 120's and my blood pressure dropped to 64/48! I was bleeding internally and had to be rushed back into surgery. While I'm truly grateful to be alive I'm devastated to now have such a huge scar clear up my belly! My scars from my Lap RNY are so tiny compared to what I now have!

My weight is currently 154.5! I'm down 76.5 lbs and am glad to weigh much less while I'm again on the road to recovery!

-- 12/11/03 --
Today is my 5 month anniversary and I'm 163 lbs, down 68 lbs! I've lost 9 lbs this month just as I had last month. I feel very comfortable in my clothes but do find my stomach area does have some loose skin. I really need to start concentrating on a good ab workout and hopefully it will help. My ultimate goal would be to have a tummy tuck but don't know if I'll be that fortunate!

I've not had any bouts with food coming back for over a month now; so thankfully, I think it's passed and I've healed! Now my problem seems to be eating too fast! It does give me some pain but NO throwing up! I don't miss that at all! I really have to be careful as I don't want to stretch out my pouch too much.

I've been losing hair now for about 5 weeks or so but am taking vitamins (Vita-Sprout Caps, MSM and Biotin) and have been using Nioxin shampoo. Some days the loss seems to be higher and some days I don't lose very much at all. The shedding does appear to be all over instead of specific areas which I'm glad about as it doesn't seem as drastic!

Other than that, life has been great! I don't seem to have as much energy as I did the first few months but am having some issues with my iron levels. Which I assume could contribute. So I just have to remember, then make myself take all my vitamins everyday!

-- 11/19/03 --
Yippee! I got on the scale this morning to be greeted by 169 lbs! It was a nice surprise to say the least to be out of the 170's, but I've got to stop weighing every morning! I realize the scale goes up as the day progresses but still splendid to see! Once a slave to bad food choices, and now a slave to that blasted scale! It can really take a toll on the emotions to see it either not move or God forbid go in the wrong direction -- up!

My doctors appt. went well yesterday. He thinks I'm doing great even though I complained about my slowing weightloss. It's expected he says! And here's an interesting tidbit -- I asked the nurse to check my height and would you believe ... I'm taller! I KNOW!! Prior to surgery, I was 5'3 and now I'm 5'4! I really think the weight was pulling me down or atleast preventing me from stainding up straight!

I had my labs done yesterday and can't wait to see where my levels are. I decided to give myself a B12 shot this morning as I'm actually 1 week overdue. I can't imagine that you can do it wrong but geez my side hurts where I did it! There's been a constant burning there! OUCH!

Glory be, I think the vomitting is done and over! I've started eating meat again and so far it's been going down and staying down. I haven't gotten sick for over 2 weeks, which is a record for me! I think my new tummy just needed extra time to heal.

-- 11/11/03 --
Today is my 4 month anniversary and I'm weighing in at 172 lbs. that's a loss of 59 lbs! I really wanted to be at 60 lbs for a 10 lb loss this month, like it was last month but won't complain! I am very grateful for this surgery and the ability it has given me to conquer my weight, but I do sometimes get discouraged when I read of others around the same height, weight or surgery date who lose so much faster. It makes me wonder why my metabolism hasn't taken off or could I be doing something wrong and not using my tool as I should? I try to be consistant with my exercise (2 or 3 times per week), but need to be better at my fluid intake and watch my calorie consumption. The weight loss definitely seems to be slowing down with each month. I was hoping it wouldn't have happened this soon out though. I had heard we have a 6 month "honeymoon" phase where we can lose weight pretty effortlessly but not here!

On a better note though, I took my measurements today and have lost a total of 38 inches and was able to buy 2 pair of size 14 pants!

-- 10/06/03 --
Well, I've lost 50 lbs! I'm so excited, I just can't stand it! I'm 12 weeks out and had to go to the Doctor today to be treated for my seasonal change sinus infection. The scale at the Doctor's office showed 181 lbs. at which point I couldn't control myself and yelled out in glee! Knowing that I had obviously just made a fool of myself, I felt the need to explain my outburst to the nurse, which in return prompted her to join me in my excitement! All in all, a good day!

-- 9/30/03 --
I just had to share what some co-workers said to me coming into work today. As I walked through the parking lot, Sue yells to me, "Shelly, I can't believe how good your looking!" Then after I was in the office and headed out to wash my coffee cup, Sheila calls to me from her office. She says, "Shelly, as I was coming through the parking lot this morning, I was trying to figure out who this person was in front of me, I didn't think it was you because they were too small!" Guess what ... it was me! This makes me feel so good you just can't imagine ... ok, well maybe you can! I really needed to hear something so encouraging as I've been on such a long and dreaded plateau with only 5 lbs lost since the 11th!

-- 9/25/03 --
The results are in and according to the Upper GI, I'm absolutely fine! Good news, yes! But, it would be nice to have some answers as to what's been happening and why! The Doctor has decided to put me on Nexium as the upper GI showed I still have reflux and Reglan to help my stomach empty. So cross your fingers, I'm really hoping this works! Also, I've finally lost 4 lbs since my Dr's appt. last week! It's about time, i've been on this darn plateau for 2 weeks! I'm now 187 from 231! I pray my weightloss picks up this month, it can be so frustrating!

-- 9/16/03 --
Well, I finally broke down and went to the Doctor today, i'm still 191 lbs (hello plateau!). For 7 weeks now I've been getting sick about 2x's per week and it's getting kinda old if you can imagine! Last night was the straw, I had about 6 fries, oven baked without grease or a coating of anykind, just 100% potato and 30 minutes later the fries came back for a visit! Now they were cooked soft and not greasy, so to me something needs to get checked. My stomach has ached since last night and periodically I'll get stabbing pains. Today I've noticed nausea whenever I eat. An Upper GI is scheduled for Monday 9/22. Could I have a stricture or possibly an ulcer? I'll keep you posted, wish me luck!

-- 9/11/03 --
Well, I'm officially 2 months post-op today and down 40 lbs and weigh 191 lbs! I am very grateful for this surgery but today I'm so very weepy. Today 9/11, is an emotional day to begin with as I remember all those lost 2 years ago. Then to top it off, I start my cycle this morning which makes things even bigger than what they are.

Would you believe last night before bed, I try to check my email and my computer boots up with no icons, I can't get into any of the programs as it just sits there blank! What happened to my hard drive? This is an expense we just can't afford right now!

Then today when I get to work, I decide to have a protein shake for breakfast and would you believe it's gone ... Well of course you would because today is just that kind of day! I don't want to blame anyone but I don't remember drinking it either!

I just need to find my quite safe place and rock back and forth a few times! Either that or take a Xanax! I hope you all have a better day than mine has started out!

-- 9/2/03 --
Today my one and only child starts school! I could weep because my baby is growing up so fast. My mom will be taking him to Kindergartnen as I'm at work. But he said he'd call me when he gets home. God love him!

Last week I worked in the house every night as I had family come in town for the Labor day weekend. Had lots of fun! My sister Terry who has been wanting the surgery but having a difficult time with her insurance company had to witness me get sick 2 days in a row! Talk about scaring someone away. I don't know what has happened. For some reason I've been getting sick about once or twice a week but 2 days in a row ... come on! The worst part is one of the times was from taking communion at church! Now you'd think God could have spared me that one! I'm thinking I may have pulled off a bit too much bread, which then turned into a big ole dough ball in my stomach. Then when I tried to each lunch about 30 minutes later it had blocked up the works. Live and learn! And prayerfully God will see my heart and understand if I don't partake from now on.

I hadn't weighed in a while and decided to check it out. I'm 7 weeks post-op and down 36 lbs! I now weigh 195 lbs! YEA!!!

-- 8/21/03 --
Today i've reached my 1st goal!! The scale is at 199 lbs! I know you weigh more as the day goes on, but I choose to weigh in the morning after I've showered without cloths and the scale positioned just right next to the fridge! I'm so excited, I just can't stand it! I will definitely be going to the gym tonight to walk.

-- 8/18/03 --
I had my first meeting with my new surgeon today for a follow up, as my orginal surgeon has moved to AZ! Dr Boustany was very nice, listened intently and was reassuring to all my questions and repeated regularly, "It'll get better, I promise!" I haven't really been having too many problems to speak of, just the occasional getting sick. I may need to slow down or chew better. I still can't seem to get my fluids in and when I do drink I get nauseous. Which as you can imagine concerns me, I don't want kidney stones. I'm getting in enough protein but in my opinion not flushing my system like I should. But it'll get better he promised!

Anyway, I'm down 28 lbs. today! And I feel good!

-- 8/11/03 --
I'm officially 1 month post-op today and have lost 25 lbs according to my home scale! Which, for the most part is very accurate! After my last Doctor's appt. I promptly got on my home scale and it reflected the same weight. I've already become painfully aware of plateaus and how discouraging they can be. Now, I can truly understand why there are so many posts on the Q&A and message boards about them. I have been walking 2 miles several times per week and increasing my protein. But I'm still having the hardest time getting in all my water. This could very well be the reason for my plateaus!

-- 7/20/03 --
I'm home and on the road to weightloss! As of today (9 days post-op) I'VE LOST 15 lbs! I CAN'T even believe it! My surgery was 7/11 and thankfully textbook! The pain was minimal and controlled well by the pain meds. I would say my worst days were #3 & 4 post-op. Between the gas they used to inflate me and the Lovenox shots to keep the blood thin (to avoid bloodclots) it took its toll! The rumbling in my intestines and the horrible menstral cycle were awful! I have endometreosis and I can honestly say I had more pain from that, than the actual surgery! The shots were discontinued and within 1 day all was well. The hardest thing is trying to get in all my fluids. Although, with each day it gets better. Thanks for all your prayers and wonderful comments on my surgery page!

-- 6/30/03 --
I had my pre-op with Dr Doxey today and my weight was 231 lbs, it appears i've gained 5 lbs during the wait for surgery! Not bad in my opinion! Didn't quite like the front/side photos that were taken as it's not exactly the last memory I'd like Dr Doxey to have as he's moving to AZ and won't see the end result of this surgery, but I'll get over it! I got lots of last minute instructions and prescriptions from him! I'll be going Thursday 7/3 to get registered at the hospital and complete my tests for surgery (Bloodwork, EKG, Chest X-ray etc...) I can't believe next week is it! I have so many emotions balled up into one it's really quite strange. I am doing ok though, but would covet your prayers for continued peace, health and safety! I'm so very thankful for the great friends I've made through Dr Doxey's support group (a shout out to my buds: Kathy, Dawn, Deb, Judy, Beaver, Kelly and the list could go on!) I don't know what I'd do without them and would encourage anyone who has a local support group to attend, it's totally worth it! I'll even be starting a new job next week (7/7) so that will certainly keep me busy until surgery! Take care :)

-- 6/24/03 --
So much has been going on since I've last updated, I'm not even sure where to begin! Cathy is doing extremely well with her weight loss and has already dropped 13 lbs! Through prayer, an online nutritionist, counseling and working with a trainer at Bally's, I know she has the determination and willpower to make her dreams come true! You go girl!!

My surgery is 17 days away! My son Ethan and I were at the hospital visiting our friend Kathy Wheeler who had her surgery 6/20. It gave me the opportunity to discuss my upcoming surgery with him and let him know that's where I'll be staying. His immediate reaction was to cry and say he'll miss me! My precious child! I told him he could visit me whenever he wanted and that I would only be staying a couple of days. I am really excited about it and must have Faith that God will protect me so I can return home to him!

-- 6/13/03 --
My friend Cathy had a very touching, heartfelt message regarding her surgery that I've taken upon myself to share with you all. My feeling is that if it helps one person realize we all have issues in our lives, still knowing that we have hope in God and CAN succeed. Sometimes, we may need the help of a professional and that's fine, that's why their there! Everyone has to make decisions that's best for them and I respect her decision, and as my friend I stand behind her 100%.

Her message is as follows: My Gastric Bypass surgery was scheduled to take place at 7:30 a.m. today. The peace of God never came. A few hours before surgery I called the hospital and cancelled. I realize my challenge is more than an oversized body. I have emotional hurts and pains from the past that I have been medicating for years with food. I wholeheartedly believe that with much prayer, counseling, exercise and patience on my part, that I CAN and WILL get the results I am longing for.

I'm sure that the surgery would have helped me get all the excess pounds off. But chances are I would still be hurting on the inside, and most likely find another unhealthy way to medicate. I am worth more than that.

Please keep me in your prayers, and agree with me in Jesus' Name for the healing I desire.

I appreciate you all,
Cathy

-- 6/4/03 --
Hi all! I'm getting so excited about my upcoming surgery even though it seems so far away (7/11)! I have 3 friends who are having their surgeries over the next 3 Fridays! That should keep me busy helping out in any way that I can. Lynzy Hoffler is 6/6, Cathy Mc is 6/13 and Kathy Wheeler is 6/20. Please say a prayer for each of them for God's protection and quick recovery without complications. If possible, an encouraging word sent to their surgery page would truly be appreciated. Bless you all!

-- 5/22/03 --
Well, my surgery date has been changed :(
It will now be on Friday July 11th. There was a management concern with my coworker's surgery and recuperation time, as we cover a portion of each others job and shouldn't be out extended lengths at the same time. Her surgery is Friday June 13th, only allowing her a 2 week recovery. So, if by chance she wasn't able to return, I'd be expected to reschedule or cancel! Although she's very determined to be back to work, Management doesn't want her to come back out of obligation (due to my surgery) but come back because she's physically ready. The problem being, our Surgeon Dr Doxey gave his patients the very sad news, he's moving to Arizona! He'll no longer be performing surgeries after the 2nd week of July but will continue to see patients until the 3rd week. I couldn't take the chance of not having him at all and thought it best to reschedule. I'd rather do this, than start the process over again with a new surgeon! The likelyhood of getting a new date would be slim if I were to wait, so I rescheduled right away.

This will definitely be memorable in more ways than one! Not only will this be my "new" birthday but also the last day Dr Doxey will be performing surgeries in this area. So I'll be one of his last patients. I'll have my 1 week post-op appt. with him, but all other visits will be to the Norfolk Surgical Group as this is where he's referring all patients he's unable to get to.

-- 5/16/03 --
I'M APPROVED!! My surgery is June 27th at 7:30 a.m. at Chesapeake General! I can't even stand it, yesterday I was all grumpy and complaining and now I'm approved with a date! YIPEE!!

-- 4/21/03 --
My Gallbladder is good and negative for stones (who would have thought!) and no stomach ulcers. All letters have now been received, all that's left is a call to the insurance co. for approval! Keep your fingers crossed and whisper a prayer for God's will be done...

-- 4/15/03 --
I had my Gallbladder scan and Upper GI today. Pretty uneventful, the tech who performed the scan wouldn't even give me a grunt indicating if she "saw anything!" So now I must exude patience, which I really don't have, and not bumbard the office with phone calls! How will I be able to wait until next week? OH MY!

-- 4/11/03 --
I met with Fran (the dietician) and all went very well! She gave a lot of useful information for after care eating. She was really nice and thankfully didn't make me feel like I should beat myself up for making bad food choices most of my adult life!

-- 4/10/03 --
I went to the Chesapeake support group meeting tonight which I found totally informative and actually quite fun! I have met the nicest people there (Michelle, Debby, Kelly and Courtney) to name just a few! I look forward to the next meeting to see them all again.

Dr Doxey has been at the last 2 support group meetings I've attended. "Dreamy!!" is pretty much all I can say! I really do try to pay attention though... He also has a great sense of humor and was actually joking with Cathy (Happy Birthday Girlfriend!) and myself in between all the questions that were being thrown at him! But hey, that's what we're there for right? We want to have ALL the answers. But as individuals we must remember, we all respond differently to the amount of pain experienced after surgery, to the speed at which we recover, and also how quickly we might lose our weight. Although some might take a bit longer to reach the finish line, we'll eventually all get there! So be encouraged, knowing we're ALL success stories!

-- 4/8/03 --
Received a call yesterday from Vicky the scheduling nurse for Dr Doxey. I'll be meeting with Fran (the dietician) 4/11. Cathy McCormick (my best bud!) is scheduled for the same time! I can't even tell you how helpful it is to be able to go through this kind of life altering experience with not only your friend but also your co-worker! We can laugh together, cry together and most importantly PRAY together! Then we really do need to get back to work! HA!

I'll be having an Upper GI and Gallbladder scan at Chesapeake General on 4/15. Looks like the ball is beginning to roll! Now if I could just get an Insurance approval...

-- 4/4/03 --
I had my 1st consultation with Dr Doxey on 4/2 and prayerfully will be approved! I've researched WLS for over 2 years, and have several friends who've had great success with it. I've only been between obese and morbidly obese since getting pregnant with my son in '97. I can't stand it anymore! It's as if my metabolism has come to a complete stop! Diets only work if I starve myself and I still have to work out constantly! This is not a decision I made in haste but I'm ready to do something drastic and take back my life!