Welcome to My Journey of Weight Loss ( Starting BMI 48.9)
I have finally decided that I want my life back! Being over weight at least 90% of my life and like many, I am sure using every diet in the book only to loss and gain again.
I am just now starting this journey and trying to learn what I have to do to get started. My husbands insurance doesn't start for another 2 weeks so at this point no idea if they will even consider the surgery.. Prays they will!
Doing my research now for a doctor also, that alone takes some time. I have read so much on this site and I am just overwhelmed at the strenght so many display. Some of your journeys made me cry, but tears of joy for you more then anything. I hope some day to add mine along side the rest. For now, I just want to say Hello from Chester SC :) and would love any help, information any care to offer!
08/15/04 I was able to learn which insurance my husband has Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tenn. and its a PPO. ( still 2 weeks before it starts)But from what I have heard most people have success with Blue Cross getting approved. I hope mine is !! Husband comes home today and we are going to discuss doctors and then I am going to make a call to set up an appointment. Anyone with information about BCBS of Tenn. more then welcome to contact me.
08/18/04 The past two days have not been happy ones. I learned no matter what my husbands insurance will not cover surgery :( Spent the day in bed feeling sorry for myself! Now, I have to seek self pay options. Husband is very supportive and said some how we will find a way! I so needed to hear that :) Listened to one of the chat Doctors talk yesterday and I think I have changed my mind and now want Lap-Band. Reason being because I have acute Osteoporisis and Osteoarthritis ( I know I spelled those wrong LOL)and since with this type of surgery it allows for your food to absore better, I think that would be best choice for me. And not have to worry about am I getting enough protein etc. So, with that also comes finding a new doctor to. I think the one I orginally chose does not handle lapband.. but I am not 100% sure on that either.
I wish I could mustard the nerve to go to Mexico, but I just can't go that far to have such a serious operation done. Ohh, well! More when I have some better news!
08/23/04 Since I last wrote my husband said lets do a house loan since we were going to do this in a few months anyway. So, we went and filled out the paper work 2 days ago. We also talked about Mexico and my fears. After reading so many profiles about people that have gone, I have decided to go ahead and try! Looks like the loan has gone thur! They called me today to schedule the house appraisel and as long as that goes ok, its a go! ( I have no worries about the appraisel)Wrote to Nina in Mexico and told her that the 30th of Sept. would be a great date for me, as long as it was good for them. Everything is looking good :)
08/25/04 Funny how I read back just a week ago and was so scared to go to Mexico! Now I can't wait to go haha! Mostly a big thank you to Karyn who helped me so much understand and feel good about going to Mexico. Big HUGS to you! I went shopping today .. diet shopping! I am going to start my diet now and try to lose at least 20lbs before surgery, and also going to stop smoking today or at least cut back 50%! and hope to quit within 2 weeks. I also started my journal today on my diet. Kind of a way for me to keep this in view mostly for myself.
No other news except I am feeling good about this and so ready !!
08/27/04 Today was the day that the Appraisel was done on the house for the loan. Should know something by Tue or Wed. of next week. This is worse then waiting for the surgery!!
I just want to say to anyone that reads this and thinking about going to Mexico. I was so scared back a week or so ago even thinking about it. But I have been in such close contact with Nina ( Dr. Aceve's Coordinator)I feel I know her already and have never met her yet. She is just wonderful! There isn't a question she will not help you with! This has made me feel so good about my choice in choosing Dr. Aceve. Nina... You deserve a big THANK YOU!!
To my Angel Kryan, you are a source of great information and a daily uplift to me! Thank you for offering to be my Angel and being there for me! .
09/04/04 Will its Labor Day weekend and husband is still out on the road :( He has been gone almost 3 weeks. Have been dealing with so much by myself lately, refinacing of home loan, dog, his mother in nursing home, my diet, not smoking.. and feeling a tad over whelmed. So, instead of feeling sorry for myself today, I got dressed went shopping and clean my truck! And yes I feel better!! :)
Friday I did get some good news, the loan is approved!! So, I got my plane ticket and wrote Nina letting her know the times. Im very excited!!! Even called Karyn Friday afternoon to tell her. She is going away for the weekend. Sure hope she has a great time!
Sticking to my diet pretty good, have not lost anymore weight but I think I have lost some inches. Clothes feel a tad baggy. I never was one to drink alot of water, but today I read about just how important water is to your body. I learned alot!! Have been drinking nothing but water all day now, and plan to contuine this. Might see some more weight drop hopefully before the 23rd. Thats all for now :) 19 days and counting!!
Sept 6 04
Last night my husband surprised me and got to come home for the night. Then back off today to Florida. Im not real happy about that as the hurricane is still very active there. Praying he will be ok.
We have our first anniversary on the 9th of this month and we are going to Maggie Valley for a few days. It will be nice to get away and stop thinking of WSL and Mexico for a few days. Funny though, not sure if I will ever not think about it again, as I know it will now always be part of my life.
I read something a couple of days ago that really made a light blub go off.. I never was one to drink water. I add this to my current reason of being over weight also. I knew how important water was to your body, but I guess not to the degree of this article I found. ( see below)
Importance of H20!
I found this off another board I go to and thought I would share it here also: The importance of Water "The Benefits of H20" By Donald S. Robertson, M.D., M. Sc. Water suppresses the appetite naturally and helps the body metabolize stored fat. Studies have shown that a decrease in water intake will cause fat deposits to increase, while an increase in water intake can actually reduce fat deposits. Here's why: The kidneys can't function properly without enough water. When they don't work to capacity, some of their workload is dumped onto the liver. One of the liver's primary functions is to metabolize stored fat into usable energy for the body. But, if the liver has to do some of the kidney's work, it can't operate at full throttle. As a result, it metabolizes less fat, more fat remains stored in the body and weight loss stops. Drinking enough water is the best treatment for fluid retention. When the body gets less water, it perceives this as a threat to survival and begins to hold on to every drop. Water is stored in extra cellular spaces (outside of the cells). This shows up as swollen feet, legs, and hands. Diuretics offer a temporary solution at best. They force out stored water along with some essential nutrients. Again, the body perceives a threat and will replace the lost water at the first opportunity. Thus, the condition quickly returns. The best way to over come the problem of water retention is to give your body what it needs---plenty of water. Only then will stored water be released. If you have a constant problem with water retention, excess salt may be to blame. Your body will tolerate sodium only in a certain concentration. The more salt you eat, the more water you system retains to dilute it. But getting rid of un-needed salt is easy---just drink more water. As it's forced through the kidneys, it takes away excess sodium. The overweight person needs more water then the thin one. Larger people have larger metabolic loads. Since we know that water is the key to fat metabolism, it follows that the overweight person needs more water. Water helps maintain proper muscle tone by giving muscles their natural contract and by preventing dehydration. It also helps to prevent the sagging skin that usually follows weight loss--- shrinking cells are buoyed by water, which plumps the skin and leaves it clear and resilient. Water helps rid the body of waste. During weight loss, the body has a lot more waste to get rid of---all the metabolized fat must be shed. Again, adequate water helps flush out the waste. Water can help relieve constipation. When the body gets too little water, it siphons what it needs from internal sources. The colon is one primary source. Result? Constipation. But, when a person drinks enough water, normal bowel function usually returns. So far, we've discovered some remarkable truths about water and weight loss: - The body will not function properly without enough water and can't metabolize stored fat efficiently. - Retained water shows up as excess weight. - To get rid of excess water you must drink more water. - Drinking water is essential to weight loss. How much water is enough? On the average, a person should drink eight 8-ounce glasses every day. That's about 2 quarts. However, the overweight person needs one additional glass for every 25 pounds of excess weight. The amount you drink also should be increased if you exercise briskly or if the weather is hot and dry. Water should preferably be cold. It's absorbed into the system more quickly than warm water. And some evidence suggests that drinking cold water can actually help burn calories. When the body gets the water it needs to function optimally, it's fluids are perfectly balanced. When this happens, you have reached the "breakthrough point." What does this mean? - Endocrine-gland function improves. - Fluid retention is alleviated, as stored water is lost. - More fat is used as fuel because the liver is free to metabolize stored fat. - Natural thirst returns. - There is a loss of hunger almost overnight. If you stop drinking enough water, your body fluids will be thrown out of balance again, and you may experience fluid retention, unexplained weight gain, and loss of natural thirst. To remedy the situation you'll have to go back and force another "breakthrough."
I will from this day drink my water!!! I guess it is the way this is explained that makes me understand just how important it is to your body.
Not alot more going on for now. Just counting the days!
09/20/04 It has been a while since I last updated. Basicly just playing the waiting game. And ohhh what a wait it has been.
This past Friday was the most upsetting day I have had in a long time. It was to be the closing date for my loan, and at the last min. they called and said sorry no closing!! The weather was so bad where the Lawyer was there office didn't open!!
My husband even drove 500 miles to be here to sign the papers. It really is not there fault about the weather, but over a month and a half they have dragged there feet so badly. We should have had the closing weeks ago! My husband being so upset at them, told them to keep there loan and we would go else where.
My heart was broken! Was not upset at hubby, as I understood how upset he was at them, and with good right. But to know I had to start over was so depressing! I even already had my plane ticket!!
Husband called a new company Sat. and got the ball rolling again. That was some comfort, but still it was so hard to think I wasn't going. He felt as if he let me down. But it was not his fault at all. Because I had to agree with him about this loan company and how poorly they handled our process.
I got over the weekend of being depressed and came to terms that I would have to wait another 4-5 weeks. Have you ever thought if real miracles happen?? Well they do!! Today, I found out that I am still going Thur. to get my band!! ( Thur 23rd). I can honestly say that it was a miracle that has allowed me to still be able to go. I can not go into details as to what happen, but know that if you beleive enough and pray God does answer!
Life is so good and I think this has to be the best gift I have ever gotten in my life! The Gift of someone caring.... Im truely blessed!
09/28/04 Back from Mexico! All I can say is this was the greatest experince! I was so happy with everything. Dr. Aceves and Nina are just wonderful! The Dr. is just so kind and caring, he sure could show american doctors a few things about bedside manner! hahah!
I started out on the 22nd going to Atlanta to see my Angel Karyn and spend the night with her. She then took me to the airport the next morning. The Atlanta Airport is a adventure in itself!
Once reaching Mexico, I was greated by Nina. We started our 2 hour drive to Mexico. The trip there was like chating with a old girlfriend I had not seen in years! She is just so easy to talk to. The scenery was so awesome!!! All the beautiful rocks!
Once at the Hosptial things moved very fast. Having to get all the testing done and surgery completed in the same day. But it was ok. Only thing I hated was the starting of the IV. I'm just a big baby over that. The male nurse that was doing the IV felt so bad because he had to poke me 3 times, and I bruse badly. He really did very well, and it was not his fault.
Then Dr. Aceves came in. Right away you feel his kindness. He tells you everything about the surgery, shows you the band, all details are coverd. Just very easy to talk to.
Now, its time for surgery! Everything went just as planned and when I woke, Nina was the first face I saw! Which to me was wonderful since I went alone. She stays there the whole time to make sure everything is going well. Then she is on the phone with your family to let them all know all is ok!!
This post could go on for ever, but I will end it here. All I can tell you is if you choose Dr. Aceves as your doctor you will be so happy you did. I have talked to so many of his patients and have yet to find one that has one neg. thing to say about there experince with him and his staff. I am a Happy Banded Person!
Hugs to you Dr. Aceves and Nina!!! You will forever be a part of my life !!!!!!!!!
09/30/04 Today is 1 week anniversary! And I am so proud to say I am down 15 lbs. in one week! I think there is a small difference between my scale and my doctors but only within a few lbs. so even still it is a great amount of weight for only one week.! I am very happy about this.
I am doing great except for the dirahhea I am having. Seems it is a good amount, but I was told it is normal and some people have it more then others. But I guess better out then in! hahah
I am sticking to my diet 100%, liquids... broth and jello. This morning I did add my first protein shake over ice. And it seems to be going down pretty well. So, this is a good thing!
The swelling is going down some as is the soreness. I think in another week I will be pretty darn good! This is the best thing I have ever did for myself and a very happy person!
Wow can't believe its Dec. already!! I have gotten so far behind in my updates.
I am now down to 248 lbs. Just at my 2 month mark. Have lost a total of about 35 lbs. Give or take a lb. Had my first fill just a few weeks ago, and can really tell a differnce in how much I was wanting to eat and what I can eat now. Hopefully this fill will last me another month.
I have been so unactive on the boards and even with friends. I honestly have not meant it to be that way. Just so much in life was going on, and now we are in mid stream of putting in the new kitchen. So much mess!!!!
One person I really want to say I'm sorry to and hope she understands, and that is my angel Karyn... I honestly didn't mean to just fall of the face of the earth so to speak, nor ignore you. Things just happen. And once I decided to stay away from the computer so much it just got to be a daily thing that it never got turned on. But I think of you daily and try to keep up to date as to how your doing.
After the first of the year things should not be as crazy for me I hope and can do better on my updates.
Hugs
Debi
4/24/05
Been a while since I have updated. Things are going great! I have now lost a total of 60 lbs since Sept of 04. And over all body inches of around 50 inchs. I still have a good ways to go, but honestly feel that reaching 100 lbs lost before my one year is a very workable goal.
I am planning to go back to Mexico for a fill on Aug. 29th. The Airline ticket is already bought, as this way it makes me work harder I think to reach a new goal before this 3rd fill.
I can still say this is the best thing I have ever did for myself. Not one day has gone by that I am ever sorry for the choice I made. Life is good, and I am happy to know that I made a choice that will extend it even longer!
Before and Now ( 60lbs lost) 4/24/05: 
9/6/05
Will its been a long time since I have updated! I am almost 1 year into my Band and offically as of today I have lost a total of 75lbs. I went last week back to Mexico to see Dr. Aceves for a fill.
When people speak of there sweet spot, I never could understand that until now. In one week I dropped 7 lbs! I am soooooo happy with this fill!
I was able to go with Karyn my Angel to Mexico, we had a good time even though both of us were very tired from our trip. It was wonderful to see her, as its been almost a year.
Not really much else to speak on at this time, just wanted to do a short update since its been so long! Now to just drop these 21 lbs so I can be under that 200 lb mark!!! Im going to do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hugs!
09/22/05
Down to 215!!!!!!! Im so excited about this last fill I got, think that sweet spot has finally been reached for a while. I go in tomorrow to have my gall bladder removed.. fun stuff! Maybe that will knock off a few more lbs. to! :) Not alot of other changes going on.
Just want to say to anyone reading this, if you are still searching for that weight loss system that will truely work, please consider the lap band! It's a tool to work with, and a tool that truely works.
Contact me at debi@bandafterwls.com if you have questions about going to Mexico for banding. I can get you going in the right directions and with one of the best Drs. I know!
Created by Patty, 9.02.04
This profile was made by an OH volunteer,
If you'd like to have your profile spruced up, email:
htmlhelp@obesityhelp.com
|
|
