ObesityHelp

I am a 25 year old female. I am a teacher in the Baltimore Area. I am also a Graduate Student. I lead a very busy life and while I have always been a big child/teenager/young adult, I feel like my weight has been out of control this past year. I have been interested in this surgery for almost two years, but started to really consider it as an option this June/July 2004. I can to this site and researched as much as possible. In my search I found quite a few surgeons in my area. I emailed them all I recieved a response from two surgeons.

The first phone call I received was from a doctor out in Pennsylvania. I did love the personal phone call, but the distance was out of this world. I then was contacted via e-mail by Dr. Mike Sofronski in Salisbury, Maryland. While Salisbury is still a drive (about 1hr 45min), I was willing to travel the distance.

What initially attracted me to Dr. Sofronski was the information I read about him and his program on obesityhelp. The patient testimonials were extremely helpful as well. After contacting the office, I knew that this may be the place for me. Everyone that I contacted was so helpful and friendly! I felt comfortable calling if I had a question or concern.

Initially I was a member of Kaiser Permanente Insurance, but was basically told by my PCP that this type of surgery would not be covered. I heard that several people were covered through Carefirst so I switched insurance. I had to wait until Sept. 2004 for this change so I made my first appointment with Dr. S for Sept. 24, 2004. I figured this would also give me time to find another PCP who was surgery "friendly".

Praise be to God. One of the wonderful ladies I met here from the area directed me to her PCP. She had no problem getting her referral (which my insurance required for me to see Dr. S) and didn't think I would either. Isn't God good? I called my insurance and the recommended PCP was able to become my new PCP! I was lucky enough to get an appointment with her one week before my scheduled surgeon appointment.

On September 16, 2004. I went to see my new PCP and she readily gave the the referral I needed for my Sept.24 appointment with Dr. S!! I'm on my way!!

On September 24, 2004 I headed to Dr. S's Office! The drive was great and my older brother accompanied me. I enjoyed my experience at the office. Everyone was so wonderful! I talked with the nurse, Melinda, (also a bariatric patient) for quite a while about the surgery and all risks. I knew most of the basic information, but Melinda was truly informative and caring. My brother was with me the entire time and was able to ask questions as well. She talked to BOTH of us, which was important to both my brother and I.

I met with Dr. Sofronski after for over an hour. He took so much time to talk with the both of us which was so comforting. Again he talked about the risks and why most diets just don't work. He told me that he would be happy to take me on as a patient.

I praise Jesus because I left with a surgery date...December 20, 2004! I can't believe it! I'm still trying not to get too excited because I have not been approved through my insurance, but Melinda said that Carefirst BlueCross/BlueShield is usually very easy to work with. I figure they must be pretty sure of that because they gave me the surgery date. I do have to pay a 2500 dollar fee for my aftercare program, but to me that's nothing and look forward to coughing up the money!!

I will be going back to the office in two weeks to speak with Dr. S again. I will also be making some gradual lifestyle changes (as it relates to diet) and sharing that info with Dr.S at my next appt. He wants me to begin to make lifestyle changes now so that it will be that much easier after surgery! I will also need to have a psyc.evaluation and EKG between now and my surgery date.

I'm very excited and feel blessed that things have gone so smoothly. My family and friends have been so supportive during this time and I am greatly appreciative!

I will keep you updated! Please feel free to contact me if you need me! :) Keep me in your prayers as I will do the same for you!

Just wanted to write a quick note! I went to see Dr. Sofronski today Friday, October 8, 2004 for a follow-up visit! Among other things I learned that I have been OFFICIALLY APPROVED by CareFirst BlueCross/BlueShield of Maryland (Point of Service). So December 20, 2004 is now a reality! I just thank and praise God. He is truly the SOURCE OF MY STRENGTH. I lift my hands in total praise to HIM alone!! I'll be back soon to update!

Oh, by the way, I also had my chest X-Ray...that was painless. I"m not sure what the results were. I just know that info will be sent to Dr.S. I also had my EKG on October 6, 2004. That was also painless and quick. My EKG had a normal read so I guess that's a good thing! Okay..I will be back soon to reflect on the days events and this overall experience.




Sunday, October 10, 2004- I was just thinking about some of the things I'd like to be able to do post op that I'm not able to now...I can only think of a few, but I'll keep adding as I come up with more:

1. Cross my legs comfortably
2. Get on an amusement park ride (haven't tried in years)
3. Fly on an airplane without a seat belt extender
4. Wear a bathing suit confidently
5. Walk up 2 flights of stairs without being winded
6. Put my socks on comfortably (anyone know what I mean?)
7. Not always measuring to see that I am the largest one in the group/room/building!
8. Wondering if a guy is not interested in me because I'm overweight (though I'm sure once the weight is gone I'll think it's something else)

To be continued...

October 31, 2004-It's been a while since I have updated. The past few weeks have just been filled with me letting some people know that I will be having this surgery in December. I have told all that are close to me, but I've realized that now that this is a reality it's easier to talk to other people about it. I have already talked to my Principal at work and he was very supportive. I met with our secretary to work out my sick days and everything. I also talked to my department chair and she seemed to want to help in any way she could.

I intended on going back to work on January 18th after the December 20th surgery, but I have been rethinking that lately. I think I may try to take six weeks to rest and recover before going back to that "high stress" teaching position. I was so worried about my students and my co-workers and how they were going to deal, but now the focus has shifted back to me. My Doctor said that the last thing he would want me to do is rush back to work and get sick and end up out of work anyway. I'm going to plan (in my mind) to be out until the end of January. If it turns out that I feel that I'm ready to go back to work before...I will. It's finally all about me! I have to take this time to focus on me! I think that is what a lot of this surgery is about. Focusing on yourself and your health and your future!

I do have an appointment with Dr. S on this Friday, Nov. 5, 2004. I will also be meeting with the counselor for my psych evaluation. That should be interesting. I'm kind of excited to see how that evaluation goes. I am working on my Masters in School Counseling and right now I'm taking a techniques class...I am interested in seeing how this counselor uses the techniques I'm learning in class. Maybe I'll end up evaluating her! LOL Role reversal is a good thing!

I will definitely be back to tell you all about my Nov. meeting with the Dr. God Bless and Keep you all!



11/4/04...well, I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow. I've been feeling so strange lately. I feel very overwhelmed with work, school, and thoughts of surgery. I just don't know which end is up. As a result, my eating is crazy again. Well, it has been for the past week and a half. I did well for a couple weeks...eating better..journaling..then I just stopped. I let stress get to me and when the stress gets to me I do bad things that only end up hurting myself. I feel like this is important to realize as I have this surgery. I have been forced with having to re-evaluate when I eat and why? What I eat? How much? It's pretty stressful. It disgusts me that I do this, but I guess this is why I'm having the surgery. I am so nervous about what life is going to be like after surgery. How am I going to react to the stressors that are in daily life and not be able to "eat it away"? What will I do? I pray that God show me some better habits or ways of dealing with my stress. This is the scariest part of surgery for me. The surgery doesn't scare me...complications don't scare me...I know God didn't bring me this far to leave me. It just terrifies me to not know how I will cope in life without being able to eat greasy, starchy, sugary comfort food? What will I do? It's such a blessing to be having this surgery and I do want it. I am not changing my mind. I just wanted to share my feelings with you all...maybe those who are preop understand what I'm saying and I'm sure some of you who are post op know what I mean. Please share your experiences with me.
And to top it all off my PSYC Evaluation is tomorrow right before my DR. appt. I'm so unstable this week! What a great time to be evaluated! LOL I mean I know it will be fine, but we all have those bad weeks and this is it for me. I don't know exactly what's wrong or how to change it...I just know what I feel. Crazy...lol
Well, I just wanted to write this hear so that I could go back to this day in my mind later. I trust God that things will be fine...I just wish this surgery could come and go so that all the UNKNOWNS could be KNOWN. Well, I'm off..I'll be back after my Psyc eval and Dr. appt.

GOD BLESS!!

11/5/04...Well, let's just say that I"m feeling 100% better than I did last night. I got some much needed sleep last night. I drove to the Psyc. Evaluation. That went well. The counselor just asked me questions to make sure that I know what decision I"m making and all of that. She told me at the end that she thought I would be find and that my evaluation would not hold me back from having surgery. I'm CLEARED. Not that I was worried at all, but it's one less thing to work with.

After the Psych Eval. I ended up at the Dr office hours early and thankfully they got me in early. I talked to Dr. S...he looked at my Journal...criticized my fast food choices...I criticized the fact that he didn't even mention all the improvements I made!! LOL He laughed...I laughed...good times were had by all! I really like Dr. S and know that I'm very comfortable with him when I can joke around with him and ask him any question under the sun! I thank God that he sent me a surgeon that I like so much. I trust Dr. S to do an awesome job for me! I also asked him about the pre-surgery things...I found out I actually have to take two days off from work before my surgery so that I can get the vena cava filter in order to prevent blood clots. The procedure sounds crazy! I had the Dr. explain it to me...he starts telling me and then says "Do you really want to know?" LOL I'm not sure I understood everything he said, but it sounded scary! I'm sure it's not..he said that I will be all numbed up...this part makes me more nervous than the actual surgery...at least then I'll be asleep. So...that was about it. Just wanted to write a quick update. I thank God today for making this surgery possible for me and am thanking Him in advance for getting me through the procedure and on my way to the losing side. Thank you Father!

November 22, 2004 Hey all...I had another appointment with Emily (nutritionist and wife of Dr.S). We reviewed my journal. I'm doing better, but have to shake this fast food addiction I have! It's sick! I guess it just seems easier on those busy days...and the busy days are everyday! LOL That will all have to change soon enough!
I also got some of my pre-op appointment information this day because Melinda may not be at my actual pre-op appointment on Dec.3 so she wanted to give me this information. I got all the info regarding some blood work I had to do and I have to see my Doc for a couple more referrals that my Surgeon's office has already called in for me (they make things so easy). I also have to get some stuff that I have to drink for two days prior to surgery to help "clean me out". I have to purchase flintstone vitamins and tums for my calcium. I was told I will be taking a multivitamin and calcium for the rest of my life (flintstones until I can swallow a whole pill). I also got information regarding where and when I need to report on my procedure day (vena cava filter) and surgery day. My surgery is Dec.20th at 7:30am, but I have to be there at 6am. I also got some information regarding how I will be eating after surgery! I was just in shock with all this information! It's really happening! I'm really excited, but still a bit nervous. Not that nervous though because I know that God is with me in this! He's given me so much confirmation to let me know that He is here and that everything will be okay.
The "devil" has really tried to send people and situations my way to make me second guess this decision, but I had to stand strong in my God and my Faith...and my faithfullness in God had me so filled with His love and I know that He has not brought me this far to leave me.
The "devil" would never try to tempt me out of this if this surgery wasn't going to be a success. The devil knows that I will be so successful with this and be better able to serve God and he doesn't want that. Those of you who work in spirit know what I mean!
So, I'm just praising God all the way to surgery. He's taught me so much..too much to get into, but I will definitely share if you send me a message. I just know that He's with me and He loves me and I'm learning to love myself more and more as a result. I'm also learning to just give some things up and let God control things. We often think we have the power to change/fix things, but we don't. God alone is in control and if we'd just turn some of our burdens over to God we would be so much happier. I turned my weight problem over to Him a long time ago. That was a big thing for me because for some reason I didn't think God really cared about my weight! But of course He does! He wants me happy and healthy and once I understood that I was able to go to Him and ask Him to help me. That was over a year ago and look where He has me know! Don't tell me God doesn't answer the prayers of the righteous!
I don't deserve His blessings, but he loves me anyway. My ultimate goal...when this surgery is over and I'm in recovery is to remember how good God is and to really serve Him to the best of my ability! I can't wait!!
Well, I've babbled enough! I hope my words help someone in this goal. If this surgery is for you God will let you know (or your higher power..whatever you call Him). I look forward to my final appointment with the Doc next week. My mom is coming with me to meet him since she hasn't had the opportunity yet! She's gonna tell him to "take care of her baby"! It's nice to have support from family and friends too! I think it makes all the difference. As independent and I'd like to think I am...I could never do this alone!
Okay...I'm really done now...write to you soon!




December 13, 2004! Well, one week to go. I missed some info on here, but I was so tired of thinking about everything that was going on I wasn't motivated to write. I'm looking forward to the new me. I have some fears which mostly surround how my body will adjust AFTER surgery, but I'm just letting go ang giving it to God. I have almost finished everything I need to do for work. I think I will be at school all night on Wednesday (my last day there before surgery). I have an exam tomorrow that I don't even feel like taking. I don't have the energy to think about that test, but I'll get through it! Well, I've met some great folks here and lots of surgery buddies. I've even met my surgery partner. She will be having surgery right after me with Dr. S. She's a very nice lady. Her name is Jennifer. She is super excited and I love her energy. I look forward to walking the halls with her after surgery! Well, I am going to go to bed and prepare for tomorrow! Hugs all around!

DECEMBER 17, 2004- Yesterday I went to the hospital (PRMC) to have my filter put in. I don't want to bore you with those details, but everyone was nice. I had to wait around a bit, but everything went well. The most important and amazing thing is going to be written down here. I honestly must say I'm not writing this part for you all, but for me. I never want to forget this...
AS I ENTERED THE HOSPITAL I WAS ADMITTED BY A VERY NICE LADY. SHE SAT DOWN WITH MY MOTHER AND I AND BEGAN TO ENTER MY INFORMATION. SHE KEPT LOOKING AT ME FUNNY. I COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHY. SO WHEN I ASKED IF SHE HAD SOMETHING TO TELL ME SHE SAID THIS..."YOU ARE SO BLESSED, YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW HOW BLESSED YOU ARE. YOUR LIFE IS GOING TO CHANGE DRASTICALLY AFTER THE SURGERY. YOU ARE GOING TO ANOTHER LEVEL AND SOME FRIENDS WILL HAVE TO MOVE AWAY. THERE IS SOMETHING ON THE INSIDE OF YOU THAT YOU HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO GET OUT, BUT THIS WILL BE YOUR OUTLET. 2005 IS YOUR SEASON."

I just thank and praise God. Maybe sharing that will help someone else. I'm a bit hesitant, but I'm sure many won't understand how profound that was for me. No one more than me. Only I know my private thoughts and this sister hit so many nails on the head for me, I know it was God. So, if I was nervous before I'm not now. I'm ready to move on to this new phase in my life. I accept that with this change will come great responsibility and great challenges, but with God by my side anything is possible! Anything!

Surgery is 3 days away. I've just about completed my last minute shopping. Not really Christmas shopping, but just picking up things I will need after surgery. I also got this protein juice stuff and 40g in it. It's called IsoPure and I bought it at the Vitamin Shoppe. I tried one. It wasn't that bad. Reminded me of Gatorade. Other than that things are good. I'm not looking forward to the hospital stay though, but it's going to be fine. I can't wait to get home after surgery and just rest.

Well, I don't know if I will update again before surgery, but I will defintely be writing after. See ya soon!! GOD BLESS!

Saturday, December 25, 2004- MERRY CHRISTMAS ALL! I wanted to update you all on my progress. As you know, I had surgery on Monday, December 20, 2004. I had the open rny procedure. So first I'll tell you a little about that experience...

I got to the hospital a little after 6am (I was 10 minutes late due to my slow family). On the morning of surgery, I felt okay. I had a good meal the night before and was ready. I brought a walkman CD player with my new CD ISREAL and NEW BREED, a wonderful gospel album! Pick it up! I thought that would be the best kind of music to listen to as I prepared my mind for surgery. I went into the waiting room and they called me back for prep. Prep consisted of changing into a hospital gown and getting IV's put in. I also had some blood drawn and a shot or two I think. I was to have two IV's put in, but they couldn't find any veins in my left arm. They did get one in on the top of my right hand. After discussions they decided that they would put the other IV in when I was "out". After that the anesthesiologist (I spelled that wrong!) came in and told me what he would be doing. Then another aneste... came in and told me that she would be telling me to take deep breaths and stuff. So after they left Dr. Sofronski came in. I was nervous. I think sometime in there I cried a little. I put my arms out to Dr. Sofronski and gave him a big hug (he came in again later). I thank God for that man. After all of that I barely remember my mother and brother going to the waiting room and being rolled to the operating room. The only other thing I remember is the second anesthe... telling me to take about four deep breaths. I don't even remember doing it. I guess I did because I was out.

The next thing I remember was being in the recovery room. I hated that part! It was this big old room with beds filled with folks who I'm guessing just had surgery. There were people around me pokin' and taking my blood pressure and stuff. All I remember is wanting to go to my room. They kept telling me that someone was coming to roll me to my room, but it took forever. I don't remember much pain at this time. My mom later told me I was in recovery for three hours.

When I finally got to my room, I was in terrible pain. My mouth was so dry! My mom and brother were in the room. I remember trying to cry, but no tears would come. I remember breathing really hard. I remember calling to my mom "Mommy, I want to go home!" It was bad. I was waiting for the pain pump to go on. The nurse was doing it, but it was too slow for me. She told me to breath and relax. I tried, but I was in pain. They finally started the pump, but then she said that it would take about 15 minutes to get the morphine into my blood. I again told my mom I wanted to go home.

Finally, the morphine kicked in. I relaxed. I pressed that pain pump button every second I could. There was a continuous amount that was given to me, but I could press the button for additional morphine every six minutes. My mom helped me to do this. Everytime I could think about it, I pressed that thing! Felt good to me!! LOL

I hate the hospital. I will tell you that. I had a roommate who was an older lady. She talked to herself at times and moaned and groaned when the nurses would try to do whatever they were doing to her. Everyone in the hospital was very nice, but you can't sleep much because they are always coming in to check on you. Take you blood pressure...take your tempature...get an X-Ray...take your blood pressure...check your oxygen.

On the day of surgery my mouth was so dry (as I stated earlier). I could not drink anything. They simply gave me a cup of water and a swab. All I could do is swab my mouth to moisten it a bit. HORRIBLE! Fortunately, the girl that came in on a later shift put ice in my water. I was digging my hand in that water putting the ice in my mouth! It was like gold to me!

The next morning I asked the nurse for ice and she said I couldn't have any. I guess I got a lucky break the night before. Later that morning Dr. Sofronski came to check on me. He told me I'd have to get up and walk around that evening. He came to visit me about 2-3 times a day. I felt that he was there for me if I needed him and really appreciated that. I remember holding his had that morning too. Thinking about how great he is is actually bringing tears to my eyes. It was so funny because a day or two later some nurses came in to change some bandages. The one nurse wanted to change a certain bandage and the other nurse said, "no, we will leave that alone. Dr. Sofronski usually deals with that and we don't do anyting that he hasn't told us to do". She was so serious. Dr. Sofronski doesn't play! LOL I LOVE THAT about him! That makes me feel very secure with his work. He takes his work very seriously and cares about his patients very much.

To keep a very long story long, I went home on Thursday, December 23, 2004. Before leaving Dr. Sofronski fixed my bandages and stuff. I told him that was the most work I had seen him do! LOL He said, "what about that three hour procedure?" I told him I was asleep for that! He said he was going to make me feel bad for saying that. I laughed. So did the nurses. He was like "I even brought you juice!" Which he did. He was great! :-)

The ride home was long and a bit painful. When I got home, I wondered if I'd ever feel normal again (pain free and able to move around like normal). After a day or two of being home, I felt much better. I feel better every morning I wake up. Thank God. I can't wait to go to see Dr. Sofronski and tell him how well I'm doing. I drink my liquids, at least 24 oz of shake and try to squeeze in whatever else I can. I am supposed to have a total of 64 oz of liquids which seems impossible. It gets easier every day though. I think for Christmas dinner I'll ask my mom to strain some mushroom soup. That'll be a treat, right? :-( LOL Dr. Sofronski said that was something I could have, but I haven't tried it yet. I've been sticking to shakes and juice. I haven't had much water either so I think I better start getting more water in.

Well, all the praise and honor and glory goes to God. He is truly a faithful God and is solely responsible for making this possible. I thank him for my supportive family and friends. I thank Him for Dr. Sofronski and his staff and all the wonderful people on OH.com who have supported and helped me. Especially KIMBERLY from MISSISSIPPI (who called me in the hospital to check on me), CATHERINE who is so supportive and gives great advice! I also thank God for STACIE, CHRISTINE, HAGLER...and everyone else from the website who has helped me. I know I"m forgetting someone,but I will definitely place their names on this page. I thank God for everyone! There is not enough praise in this world for me to show my gratitude. I live for Him. I never want to forget that. I know when the weight comes off I may get a little excited, but I just ask God to keep me grounded. Well, that's all for now. There is tons more that I could say, but feel free to e-mail me if you want to know anything in particular! LOVE YOU ALL! GOD BLESS! ~JESSICA




January 5, 2005- Well, it's been 16 days since I've had surgery. I don't even know what I said in my last update, but today and yesterday have been rough. I think it's more emotional issues, but then the fact that I feel like my weight isn't moving at all doesn't help. I've lost 21 pounds so far, but my weight hasn't moved in like five days! I can't understand why. I hardly eat! I drink my protein. I have been walking too. I just feel like more weight should be coming off. Especially since it's soo soon and I'm supposed to be maximizing my loss the first six months. Am I doing something wrong? I've talked to two other young ladies who are around the same amount of days out and they are having the same problems. Is it that our bodies are adjusting? I have no clue. People who have had this surgery months and years ago just say it will pass. That's nice to hear, but I need to know why this is happening like this..or not happening. I don't know. I wish I had something more positive to say today, but I just want folks to know how you feel after this surgery. I want to be honest. I don't regret this at all this is just a difficult time for me. Next time I hope to have better news. I just have to keep trusting God. Can't forget that.

Sunday, January 16, 2005! Well, I must say that I am feeling 100% better than I was the last time I posted. I have put the scale away so that I am not weighing everyday. I am starting to feel like I'm eating like a "normal" person. I am almost on the last phase of my doctor's plan so that is exciting. As of this past Saturday I have lost 26 pounds. That's 26 pounds in 26 days! LOL I am excited about that. It's 26 pounds that I will NEVER ever see again! I have even done a little shopping. I think that will be my new vice. I don't know if that's a good or bad thing. I haven't bought a lot because I konw that I will be losing, but I had to get a basic black pant and some tops for work. I also got a couple pairs of black flats, a new coat with scarf and gloves. Not a lot...just things that I really needed. I'm not going overboard, but I'm just more aware of the way I feel and look. I feel so much better than I have for the past year or so and I also want to be put together. I see so many people on here who lose weight and are gorgeous, but they don't dress the part! I'm working it with every pound I lose!

Today at church I was able to reflect back on my day of surgery. I just thought about how good God is. I mean when you are going through this process no one close to me could REALLY understand what I was going through. I knew I had support, but no one was in my head. Actually there was someone...my Lord and Savior. He was with me through it all and I just can't forget that. I remember laying in that bed waiting to be rolled to surgery and no one could understand who I felt. No one could go with me...no family or friends. It was the spirit of the LIVING God that was with me and my Surgeon in that room. That is one thing that no one can take from us. This is my personal and your personal journey. Treasure that and thank God for that. We have become stronger people as a result of choosing this surgery (pre op) and going through with it (post op). What a wonderful gift. The gift of knowing that this terrible burden of weight and weight loss efforts all of my life is gone! I mean I know I"m not to goal and that I must work with my tool, but there is no more LA Weight Loss, Weight Watchers, Lemonade Diets, South Beach diets, Atkins diets, ShapeUp American Diets....NO MORE! It's over! What a wonderful gift!! Now I know that my life will be open to so much more. This horrible...terrible burden is gone! I can't wait to see what God has in store! I am dedicated to praising His name and always glorifying His precious and holy name! He did it all!


MARCH 26, 2005! Well, it's been quite a while since I've updated. I've been spending little time on the net due to just being busy and my computer was down for a bit. First and foremost it has been a little over 3 months since I had my surgery...actually 3 months and 6 days. I have lost a total of 66 pounds and a total of 20 inches from several areas of my body. I had been wearing 26/28 in clothing and am getting down to 22/24. Doesn't seem drastic, but I can really tell in my clothing. I have a long way to go to get down in sizes, but I am on my way. I am getting compliments and comments all the time and I love it! This surgery has to have been the best thing I have ever done for myself and I am nowhere near goal.
At my 3 month check-up I learned that I have lost NO MUSCLE and have only lost fat which is outstanding. Somehow I have managed to maintain my muscle mass and have lost 7% of my body fat. I credit a great doctor, my age (25 at the time of surgery) and my protein intake (100g per day). I have not started to exercise, but plan on tackling that challenge this week. My doctor said that eventually I will lose some muscle, but I am off to a great start! I am so excited about the future.
I have my moments when I wish I could eat more than I do. I wish I could eat faster. I wish I didn't throw up when I do eat too fast, but ultimately the results are what help me to get over those feelings quickly. If I was eating like I used to I would have gained 66 pounds!!
Well, I'm sure there is so much more I could say, but I'm going to end now. I just thank and praise God for this blessing! I thank Him for friends and family who have been so supportive during this change! Without the love of God, family, and friends I would be lost. Thank you, Jesus and HAPPY EASTER!!



SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 2005Well Ladies and Gentlemen, it's been almost a month since I've updated. I am doing well. I haven't lost much this month, but I am happy to report that I've lost 72 pounds in 4 months! God is good ain't He?
I went to the doc. this past Friday and he is happy with my progress. My goal is 28 pounds off by my friend's wedding on June 25. That would take me to the 100 pound mark.
I think I've lost some inches though. I get lots of comments from co-workers and after four months ONE of my 6th grade students finally noticed (and said) I was losing weight. I was like "DUH"...lol I was glad he noticed though.
I have old clothes that I'm getting into and I just cleaned out my drawers and closets of winter clothes that I will NEVER wear again!! Promise! FELT GOOD to throw those clothes away.
I have to tell you about this beautiful gown I bought too small last year (thinking I could get it tailored) and wasn't able to wear it to the function I was going to. I had tried it on since surgery and still wasn't able to wear it...WELL TODAY I tried it on and it fit!! It looks soooo good! I was sooo happy, but upset because I didn't have anywhere to where it, but thankfully my sorority conference has a formal function so I CAN WEAR IT THIS WEEKEND!! I am soooo excited. I'm taking lots of pictures! Maybe I'll post some!
Well, know that I'm very happy. If there is anyone out there reading this who hasn't had the surgery. Pray and ask God to reveal His will for you. I know that if surgery is that way that you will be happy and fine!! Gorgeous even!!
TALK TO YOU LATER...MAY MY GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU!!




SATURDAY, MAY 21, 2005! I just realized that my five month anniversary was yesterday!! DUH. I think I count my months by my monthly appointments and my next one is this Friday. Maybe that's why I am behind! Anyway...as always GOD IS AWESOME. I've lost 83 pounds in five months! That works for me. I am slipping with my protein and water though so my goal for this fifth month is to get back on my protein and water. I expect to get chewed out by Dr. Mike, but it's okay I deserve it. By Friday I want to be able to say I got side-tracked, but I got it back together.

In addition to the continuous weight loss and wonderful comments from friends and co-workers I am in the process of buying my FIRST HOUSE!! AIN'T HE GOOD YA'LL!!?? I have been wanting to do this for years and now God has just opened so many doors and brought so many people into my life to assist me with this wonderful process. I used to joke with my friend that I was going to be a "brick house living in a brick house"! I said this WAYYYY before surgery and now that this body is becoming a "brick house" I'm actually moving into a brick house!!! LOL hahahaaaaaaa...does it get any better than that????
GOD IS REAL!! So I'm just sooo happy and sooo blessed. I've had some people come in and out of my life trying to steal my joy in various ways, but to God be the glory. I'm still here and I'm still smiling...so no matter what stage in the process or even in live you are in DO NOT LET ANYONE BUT GOD QUALIFY YOU!! YOUR FAMILY DOESN'T QUALIFY YOU...YOUR FRIENDS DON'T QUALIFY YOU...YOUR COWORKERS DO NOT QUALIFY YOU...THAT INSURANCE COMPANY DOESN'T QUALIFY YOU...NO ONE BUT GOD CAN DICTATE WHAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU...DON'T LET ANYONE TRY TO STEER YOU WRONG!!
I LOVE YOU ALL AND HOPE THAT MY PROFILE HELPS SOMEONE ELSE BECAUSE MANY HELPED ME...ESPECIALLY IN PRE-OP. PLEASE CONTACT ME ANYTIME IF YOU NEED ME!! SEE YOU NEXT MONTH!!! ~J



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