Recent Posts
Hi everyone, I am new to this site. I am just amazed that we can go into ND and just chat amongst ourselves and ask questions about our area. The other site I go to is based out of FL and I don't think I have seen anyone from ND or MN on there.
Well, a little bit about me. My name is Sahlenia. I live in West Fargo. Had the surgery done on Dec 15, 2006. To date I have lost 100 lbs. Still want to try to get 30 more off. I started a Gastric Cooking Club. I just didn't felt like I was getting a true support by going to the Meritcare support group meeting. Yes it is informational but not supporting one another really. So I thought I would start this group, one for the support as we talk, and two we need to change our eating habits so I need to learn how to cook differently and still enjoy what I was eating and be satisfied with it. Since starting this group. I have to say I love to cook and try new recipes now that are low carb and High protein. My mom is having her surgery on Sept 10th. She has learned so much from me that I have decided to open up my meetings to all interested in having the gastric as well as those that have had it. I want to be able to help others so they know what they are getting into and to have the help afterwards if they need it. I hope to join in here more often. And if anyone is interested in joining the cooking club email me [email protected]
, then I was MAD
and now I am LIVID!!
!! I know at least 3 of the posters on my previous thread expressed an interest in enlisting in whatever branch. Me the Army because of age. And I researched the Army Medical Standards which were last updated FEB of 2005 and it was thrown in as an afterthought!
I know there are many who believe that I am on some kind of "special" diet and that this would in some way hinder me. BUT I AM NOT! I am 3 yrs post op, at my goal weight and aside from issues with gall bladder in the 1st 30 days out I have had no major issues. One poster on previous thread stated that if you are in and have it its ok, because you are already trained and have all of that under your belt and the military does not want to spend money to train us "IN CASE". Well I am not BUYING that BS. EVERY individual that joins is a risk. EVERY ONE!!! Whether a flight risk, a injury or some one looses it, there are always risks. Every employer including the military goes through this. Spending time and money to train individuals who may or may not make the cut. I am pissed that some entity that has not a clue of what I can do is not at least willing to talk to me and hear what I have to say. Especially when the recruit #'s are so low. When every person willing and able should be given the oppurtunity to serve thier Country!
I am willing to walk away from my job, my husband, my comfortable life and DEFEND this GREAT NATION and I am really ticked that I, because I made a decision to take control of my weight and my life 3 yrs ago, albiet considered drastic, now I can't do WHAT I wanted to do 21 yrs ago but was too Overweight to do! Would they have let me join at 330lbs, well HELL NO! But now I have a smaller damn stomach and I can't. My basic comment is this!
IF YOU COULD GET A WAIVER WOULD YOU JOIN! RIGHT NOW!!??
I ask because, BY GOD I am not taking this laying DOWN! I want to fight beside my Country MEN and WOMEN for my COUNTRY and I am willing to put a little Bee in the Big Militaries Bonnet to do SO! Would you do it too?
On my previous thread a responder stated the increase in militaries medical waivers would cover say an old Knee Surgery! HMMMM! Interestingly enough, my "little" Stomach would not suddenly give out on me if running in BCT or AIT or in the Sand, or mountains or out the door for Gods sake. I am pissed that they can take THAT RISK but not one on ME!
I have this special diet,that is very damn laughable, let's see............................. I ate scrambled eggs and toast this morning with coffee, then for lunch I had Chinese, a little of several items! and for dinner taco salad. Damn I am alot more different then all the non WLS's out there huh! Oh yeah, I had some Ritz crackers, 5 to be exact for a mid afternoon snack. DAMN ME for being so different! Oops I forgot I had Unsweet tea all day too!
If you are interested in stirring up enough of a voice to maybe get the Disqualifier changed, or given a case by case review, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE contact me. I have several friends already on it! I am gonna get a MEPS Dr to review my case and I am gonna get someone to sit up and take notice that just BECAUSE I don't eat as much as they do, that I can STILL FIGHT FOR MY COUNTRY!!!!
I am not a QUITER, never have BEEN and I am not about to START NOW!
If you are serious and want to make the BEE bigger and stronger PLEASE contact me. First I am teased and discriminated on because I was Obese and NOW because I did something about IT I am being discrimated against. Military does not want to spend money to train me in case, well last damn time I checked EVERY working individual was footing the bill and I want my small portion put to work for ME!
I appreciate all responses but please contact me personally if you feel the same. One person can't change much but 2+ can damn sure get them to take notice!
Thanks for listening, reading and supporting!
Angie
ps. I posted this exact post on the main message board but I know not everyone visits there. I am in Meridian. MS 
I did not have Dr. Howell, but I have a very good friend who did. He had nothing but good to say about Dr. Howell. The nurses and nurse assistants and doctors were awesome while I was in the hospital, which was 4 days. I had a different surgery last fall and was in the hospital twice for that procedure (infection the 2nd time) and again, the care of the staff was wonderful. Good luck to you.
Lori
248/137/140
Lap RNY 7/2/07
To the world you are just one person, but to one person you are the world.
The ulcer was small, and he medicated it he said *shrug*. He said the procedure should help with the eating and drinking, but I still have had some issues with the foamy feeling and once in a while and I still gag errr. I think it's getting better. But anyway, I have been able to eat and keep it down and taking the Protonics has been going ok. The pepcid AC I was on they said sometimes isn't enough for some peoples pouches (apparently I produce more acid than others). I don't know how long I'll be on this stuff but the meds say it's not a long term medication. I have my 6 week follow up with Dr.Kavlie and the RD on the 13th so we will see what happens.
I'm On my way!
