ObesityHelp

I should have joined a Yo-yo contest years ago. In my adult years I have weighed as much as 309# and as low as 163#. Both were awesome weights for me, but I much prefer the later.
I'm an almost 56 year old wife of 19 years married to the most tolorent man alive. In fact he fell in love with me at 309#. I am a Mom to a 36 year old daughter and (Bubbie) or grandmother to Jacklyn (9) and Wayne (8).
I have struggled with my weight almost all my life, except for when I was born, weighing in at 5lb.5oz., then my mother fed me and I never stopped.
My weight made it very difficult in school as I was heckled and had few friends. It was painful because I love being with people.
My weight (at least when it has been high,it was only low once at 163-for a very short period of time) has made me miserable and has given me self esteem that I always struggle to find.
I have been on many diets, pills, programs and fasting. They always seem to fail. I'll loose weight and gain it back, plus. I have lost as much as 115# to gain it back in just a few months.
Then I found out about bariatric surgery (from a friend)and a GREAT light of hope dawned on me. This would be the permedant answer!
I got in touch with Tina P. (from this list)and she shared how well she was doing.
And so the journey began. I made an appointment with Dr. Cole (March 13th,2003)and at my follow-up appointment, I was so pleasantly surprised to hear that my insurance (PA medicade for SSI) approved me without a single problem. I went through 3 hours of counciltation and was ready to set up my date for the surgery when I came to a HUGE stumbling block. I have a small diabetic ulcer on my big toe. They stopped everything. It seems that I can contract a staff infection and can not have the operation until it is closed. This hole in my toe is not doing we at all in as much as it is not closing. I go to a wound care cener nearly weekly. My prayer is that it would close so that I can get on with my life. I was on Atkins for almost 4 months and lost nothing, only to find out later that I have a slow metabilism. Being on Atkins was really good for me though because I was able to maintain my weight. When I got off of it I gained 15#. So I'm back on it so I don't explode the little bit of clothing that I have.
Please keep me in your prayers that this toe will heal and I can get my needed surgery. Would love to get some encouraging words. These last few months have be so very frustrating. We've tried everything to get an electic wheel chair so I can get off my foot. I'm not able to use a manuel chair myself because of past shoulder surgeries and arthritis in my neck. But my husband is always ready willing and able to push when we are out.
Thank you for reading my post and may our Heavenly Father bless each of you as you journey to your goal.
Ilene (aka Bubbie)

June 20th,2004
I've been back to the doctor. I'm using Dr.mcKane from the same office. Nothing wrong with the other Doc only I heard so many excellent reports about Dr. Mc Kane. Their was no problem making the change.
When he came into the examining room was I surprised by his comment. We can't do your surgery. Why?....Because Pa/Ma has not paid for the previous eight surgeries that they submitted. I immediatly went to my State Reps office. She made some calls to the right people in Harrisburg. They are now working on setting up payment. Waiting can really be rough. Although my toe is still not completely healed he said that he will still be able to do the operation.
Went on a cruise with my hubby for 5 days, a last splerge! Met a woman hat had her bariatric surgery done 2 years ago and lost 100 pounds. She looks wonderful and will soon be having some reconstructive surgery. The neatest thing happened when we went to the dining room (with assigned seating) you'll guess right if you said she was sitting right next to me. She was such a big help with answering questions.
Well, thats all for now. Hopefully my next posting will be when I get my surgery date.

January 7th...I have my date....February 3rd and will hopefully wait patiently till it arrives and that there will be no snow storm ;-). My husband though concerned (naturally) is supporting me and so is my daughter Lorayne. Marge who is first my dear friend and home attendant is a BIG help to me in my home is of tremendous help on the emotional side. I've gotten mixed bags of thoughts from others. I only wish that they would be more supportive. I understand their concern but I only wish they would only not look to dissuade me. I'm not seeking approval only support. Oh well....you can't please all of the people all of the time, but you you can please some of the people some of the time.
That's about all until next time.


January 29th....The final countdown is upon me. 5 days until the GREAT DAY.
I have had all my testing done. Saw Dr. McLane on Friday. It was a great appointment. All (or at least most of) the antsiness
is disipated. He really put my heast at rest. He does not put me in a high risk for this surgery. Only gained one # since I last saw him. I must admit I have found myself on a binge.
Spoke to some of my friends that were hesident of my having the surgery. Although not crazy about the fact that I'm still having it done they will raise me in prayer.
I'm just about as prepared at home as I can be. We've taken from the attic my comode that fits over the toilet to raise me up and make it easier to get back to a standing position. We also got out the shower seat.
Will send out an E-mail message to let the rest of my family and friends know that thursday is "the day".
Called a few of my friends and family personally to update them.
I'm so grateful to have so many prayer worriors.
Well....at least for now that's about all.
I must remember to take pictures and measurements before the "day"!
I naturally request the prayers of those that visit here. Until later Byeeeeee
Love and Hugs,
Ilene (aka-'Lenie or Bubbie)
To all of you that post your journey "Blessing to you ALL". You have truely been my inspiration.

February 1, 2005
Three days from my Deliverence Day! "D-Day".
I can not believe that my day for deliverance is almost here. Sometimes I'm nervous, sometimes I'm not but I'm always excited. I was so happy when I found the by-pass family on Yahoo on Saturday. The support between this page and theirs has been wonderful. When I get crazy ideas in my head I know that they are from Satan's angels and I quickly suppress them. I know that my Abba is permitting this experience and because of that I know that He will be with me and protect me from harm and danger.
I know that He is allowing me to have this surgery so that finally I can leave the frustration that I have lived with each day of my life, living in this body as it is. I realize that I will also have to have additional plastic surgery down the line and knowing that I am His child He will also make a way to have that done. I am also convinced that I will a be the person of security that I have always hoped to be and as a result not allow people to walk all over me. That is something that I have disliked. I WILL put that behind me.
And so dear Abba continue to walk with me as you have always walked with me ALL of my life and protect me from harm and danger. Baruch Hashem Yahwah my Messiah. (Blessed be the Name of the Almighty my Creater and Redeemer).

February 2nd.2995
Well, here I am 24 hours before I get ready to get up and leave for the hospital. Last night I finally sent out my E-mail letter to friends and family, notifing them that I'm going in for surgery. I waited this long because of some of the negitive feedback that I got from some that I already spoke to. Just want to keep the negitives away from me. Will hopefully get back at least one more time before I leave.
Hugz,
Ilene
Got a very positive e-mail from a friend that had the surgery about a year ago, amazingly she has lost 210 pounds and is wearing a size 16. Way to go Dorene!

February 16
First I need to apoligize for not updating my profile sooner, especially to those that have been concerned.
Absolutly all is going very, very well. I had no fears going into surgery, what an answer to prayer. The operation went extreemly well and I was off pain meds by the third or forth day. Doc McKane kept me in the ICU for the first 4 days (I think) because of a comprimize of my lung capacity which was pre-op. Twenty-five years ago was the first time that I had cancer and then three times afterwards. It was a mass that came of of my sternum (breast bone). As a result I lost a sufficent amount of my lungs capacity, leaving me at 38%. So with the help of the doctors and the touch of the Master Physicians hand my lung opened up and I must have about a 50% capacity now. It happened one evening(very late) when a nurse was in my room and I had a low frequency vibration feeling from the tip of my head to the tip of my toes. I thought that some machine was on.....there was nothing on. Concerned to go to sleep with this feeling I called my husband and he came to the hospital to stay with me. In the middle of the night the nurse came in for vitals and when she left I decided it was a good time to pee. Not wanting to disturb my hubby who was perched between two chairs, I went to the other side of the bed. The knee area was up, so I grabbed hold of the trapeze, got on my knees and swung around onto the bed. It really exhausted me and my heart was pounding. When I settled down to a normal heart beat I felt as if I was breathing deeper into my right lung. I woke my hubby and reached for my spiromitor and sure enough there was a difference. I could barely inhale to 1,000 origionally and now I suddenly could inhale to 1,250. HALLELU-YAH! I realize that I had been touched by the Master Physician's Hand. How very, very, grateful I am and how wonderful this is to share with you.
I was discharged on Wedensday and all has continued to go very well. I have had no trouble at all with anything, pain, drinking, or anything else. I'm very grateful that my dear friend Marge is here as a home health aide, so I don't have to tax myself. She has been hear for the last 1 1/2 years helping me in my home. I have a diabetic ulcer on my toe that doesn't want to heal. I must be off my feet. I also have multi-back problem. As a result of her help I have to go to the chiropracor much, much less often. I'm so grateful to have her here.
I've had the rest of my staples out on Monday, it really feels great, the pulling has stopped. I was also happy to loose another 10 pounds from when I left the hospital (for a total as of Monday of 13 pounds).
Today we went to see Coleen for our first nutrician class (I lost another 5 pounds-YeeeHaaa!) Our diets have changed to a more solid yet sipable diet. Blended soups, thin Farina, hi-protein shakes and the like. My next class is on March 7th. Then we will go to soft foods-scrambles egg etc. Looking forward to see how my body reacts.
Oh yes, before I foreget I have an Angel. She's Lisa Everly. She's a really nice gal, who I hope that I can really get to know. She had her surgery the day before me with Dr. McKane.
Well, I guess that this will be enough for tonight, you've had enough to read. Bye for now.........Hugz, Ilene


2/3/05-day of surgery
270 #'s, Measurements-55 1/2"-bust
53" waist
55" hips
17" neck
23" thighs
What a shape!!!!!
2/10-leaving hospital-267#
2/14-257#
2/16-252# and going strong
Goal 170#

Sept. 10th 2005
It's hard to believe that I haven't been here in all these months. I'm just over 7 months out and all has gone so very very well for me. I'm so grateful to say that this is the very best thing that I could ever have done concerning my weight problem that is now behind me.
I'm about to break 200 pounds. Went to see Lonnie my PA and weighed in with jeans that are typically a size 18 and weighed in at 205. So without them and shorts instead I'm probably about 202. Looking forward to being officially under 200. My goal weight is only 30 pounds away. When I checked my weight on the BMI scale it tells me that I'm just overweight. WOW WEEEEEEE!
I'll try and do better with keeping up with my profile but I just seem to forget about it, I'm feeling so good. I've learned to limit my meals and Randy is so good at putting my food together if he's the one serving. I'm so very grateful to YHWH for being here with me through this journey. He has been my everything!!!!!
Sometimes when I look in the mirror I can see the weight lose sometimes I can't, but the inches do confirm that I'm doing so well.
Bust-46
Waist-42
Hips-45
Thighs-18
Neck-15
37 1/2 inches total Isn't that incredable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And what is also so very wonderful is that my toe after 2 years 4 months has healed HALLELU-YA


December 4 2005
Where has the time gone to!
The last few months have had some rough edges. Aug 1 I fell down my stairs (7-9?), lots of pain but thankfully I didn't break anything. I've had some additional wonds on my feet, but they were minor (so thankful). Had a friend visit for a period of time (was to stay for a few months) but he came with a terrible attitude and we were forced to ask him to leave. As a result there has been lots of stress in my life and as a result I have found myself "grazing". Nit good! Since when I asked my doctor at the beginning of my journey if I could stay on a liquid diet for a length of time and he said yes, I've decided to do just that to try and breal this cycle. I have such a hard time handling stress. It was so very difficult to put a friend out, it breaks my heart. We really had no other choice.
So here I am trying to get back on the saddle so that hopefully I can reach my goal of 100 pounds of weight loss by my 1st anniversery. Two months-25 lbs. WHEW! Lets see what happens.

February 3rd, 2006
It's hard to believe that a year has passed since my surgery. All has gone so very well and I'm so thankful to YHWH for His ever presence during this journey.
I am feeling very well. I did not quite reach my goal of loosing all 100 pounds in the year, but I did come pretty close. My good health is the most important factor. My starting weight was 274 and today my weight is 188 pounds, what a wonderful accomplishment. H A L L E L U-Y A !!!!!!!!!
My insulin requirement was 200 units before surgery and is now 40 per day. I am off of my blood pressure meds and other than my hormone patches al I now do are my supplements.



These are my body measurements before and after......
Loss of
Neck............17 14 1/2 2 1/2 inches
Bust ............55 46 1/2 9 1/2 inches
Waist...........53 39 14 inches
Hips.............55 46 9 inches
Thighs..........23 18 5x2=10 inches
________________________________________________________
Total 203 152 45 inches

BMI..............
Dress size 24-26 16-18