hershey dream
THE BEGINNING!
I am 24 years old, happily married, mother of 3. My daughter is 2 years old, and I also have 2 step-children ages 8 and 9. I have always been overweight, but once I became pregnant with my daughter, the pounds started to pile on. Shortly into my pregnancy, I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, hypertension and severe edema and put on bed rest. By the time my daughter was born, I had added 82 pounds to the 248 pounds I already had, bringing me to a grand total of a whopping 330 pounds.
I knew I was dangerously overweight but it really hit me on 2 occasions. The first time, my daughter ran out into the street and I barely reached her before she would have been hit by a car that was flying through our apartment complex. Lord, I was so scared...I was huffing and puffing all the way down the street. The second time was when she brought me a food container to open for her and she went to get a spoon. By the time she returned with the spoon, I had eaten all the food. When she saw the empty container, she just started bawling and I just felt so horrible at the thought that I had robbed my daughter of her lunch.
I knew that I had to do something. Today, I have made the decision to have WLS, but not just for me, but also for my family.
With the help of this website, I began placing calls to surgeons in my area.
Pre-Op Photo: 376lbs.
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04/16/2004
I have quite a bit on my plate. I work full time, I attend school full time, I am an AVON sales rep (which I love more than anything)! In the midst of all this, I have put on 13 more pounds, bring me to 343 pounds. I am so upset with myself.
I am scheduled for a consultation with Dr. Celio Burrowes on 04-29-2004 and I am very excited as he came highly recommended. Will post again after the consult.
06/08/2004
It's been awhile since my last post. My AVON business is booming! I'm so excited about that! I had my consult with Dr. Burrowes back on 04/29/04 and he was great. The session was very informative. My husband Chris came along as he had tons of questions. We sat down and watched a video of Dr. Fobi performing the surgery, I thought Chris was going to faint and he looked so scared. Dr. Burrowes is a no frills kind of man, and I appreciate that about him. He tells it exactly like it is. Since my last post, I have also completed my psychological evaluation with Dr. Gary Santavicca, who BTW is also great! He did clear me for surgery although he recommends that I attend a couple of sessions to find ways to effectively manage my stress.
No problem there! He was right on the money and I will do whatever it takes to ensure a successful surgery and lifestyle.
I feel like the process is moving kind of slow for me because of money issues. But I pray that with AVON doing so well, that it will provide that extra money that I need to get moving. I want to be on the losing side before 2004 is over. I'm trying to make it into bikini season next summer!
05/27/2005
A lot has happened since my last post over a year ago. I lost a dear friend and co-worker of mine. I was so troubled by it that I had decided to put my WLS on hold, (but in the meantime, still gaining weight...I now weigh 355 lbs.) I kept telling myself..."I have children to live for and see grow up and accomplish great things." I said I would rather be fat and alive than to die and leave them. But when I really think about it...I'm not really living, I'm just existing. I was meant to do so much more. I started having anxiety about my weight and not wanting to go out. It was starting to put a strain on my marriage. I made the decision AGAIN, but with much more confidence and conviction that this is what I truly need. I have no more fears because God has promised me that I will make it through. The devil is a liar but Jesus will never fail you. I truly believe that. So here I am, preparing for the new me.
I contacted Dr. Celio Burrowes' office and I had good news! Since I had already completed my consult and psych evalutation, I can proceed with my nutritional consult and work on obtaining a clearance letter from my PCP (Dr. Michelle Sewell), who has been nothing but supportive from the very beginning. I have an appointment for June 08, 2005 to get clearance and to schedule a thryoid panel to rule out hypothyroidism. Will post more as things progress.
08/12/2005
I know that I have not been updating my profile as regularly as I should. I have made several appointments to see both my PCP to obtain my clearance letter, and the nutritionist. These are the only 2 steps left, before I seek approval. But for some reason or another, something always happens and I don't make it. Could this be a sign? Some of it is to be blamed on my husband. At first, he was thrilled with the idea and so supportive, but lately he has been strongly against it. So much so, that he states if I continue with the process I will be sacrificing my marriage. I have tried to talk, reason, understand his fears, etc. But the result is the same. Right before my appointment, he took the car, claiming to run a quick errand and didn't come back on time. Pissed me the hell off.
So now, after much searching within, encouragement from friends, and prayer I am deciding to continue on journey, with or without him. So, I will once again re-schedule my tests and this time, I vow to keep them no matter what!
09/23/2005
Ok, here I am feeling a little sorry for myself. My husband is now unemployed and the financial burdens are starting to take its toll on me. I still need to see the nutritionist, but I don't have the $100 right now to go. I still need to get a clearance from my PCP, but haven't been able to go there either. And you know what? My husband couldn't be happier. He is still against me having surgery and lets me know it just about everyday. Our relationship has gotten pretty sour...he sleeps on the couch most nights. Somedays we barely even talk and when we do, it's never constructive conversation. I have no idea where this is going...well, actually I do, but in my heart I sincerely hope things will get better. Right now, I am working overtime to get things in order and next payday I don't care what bill is due, I will be at the nutritionist's office and the PCP's as well. I was hoping to enter 2006 as a post-op, but Dr. Burrowes does not do any surgeries during the month of December, so at this point, it seems highly unlikely. I just hope my insurance does not exclude WLS for next year. After typing this, I feel somewhat better and I resolve to make my updates much more consistent.
10/01/2005
No real progress to report, but I just felt like updating. I spend so much time on here reading profiles and messages and let me tell you, these entries are really encourgaing me to me. I am so looking forward to my "rebirth" and I know that it will happen when God says it's time...but I really want to get my "lose" on. On another note, my husband is really getting on my nerves! He is not being supportive at all and on top of that his ass is unemployed and seems to have no interest in even looking for work. Inconsiderate is a nice word for him right now. I work three 14 hour shifts back to back and yesterday I went straight home, took a shower and got in the bed. He had the music on the computer playing so loud and the TV blasting and WOULD NOT turn it off, even after I asked him repeatedly. I was too pissed! So here I am at work, sleepy and tired with still 4 hours left to go on my shift. But on a good note, I had an unexpected blessing....my father sent me the money to complete my doctor's visits and I am so thrilled! Will post once I know about my appointments.
10/20/2005
Well, since my last update, I got some terrible news. I received my open enrollment packet in the mail and I start looking through it to renew my benefits and there in HUGE, BOLD letters it stated: AS OF JANUARY 01, 2006 BARIATRIC SURGERY WILL NO LONGER BE A COVERED BENEFIT. I couldn't believe it. I had spent so much time pondering the surgery, then decided not to do it after the death of my friend. Then, I decided to pursue it again, and now, I'm not even given the option. So now it really is a race against the timeclock. Because of all the time I had waited, I now have to re-do my psych eval, nutritionist consult, get my PCP clearance letter and get approved for surgery...all before the end of the year.
10/21/2005
I need to do a bit of testifying right now. GOD is SO GREAT! HE is TRULY AWESOME! I called all of those offices and I got all of my appointments back to back. I meet with my PCP and the nutritionist on the 24th, I have my psych re-eval on the 25th, and I am scheduled to complete pre-op testing on the 26th. Let me tell you, that was NOTHING BUT GOD!!! Things finally seem to be progressing and I am so happy! I just pray I can get all of my paperwork in to Blue Cross on time.
10/22/2005
I haven't been to my appointments yet, but I just felt like writing more. This journal is so good for my spirit. I have so many stresses in my life right now and I find that this is a good way for me to express myself since there is not really anyone I can talk to. I frequent the Black American forum a good deal (almost every day) and I observe the friendships that have been made and I really want that kind of support....no, I NEED that kind of support. It's very difficult for me to reach out to form new friendships because I don't know what it's like to have a good friend. I mean, we all have acquaintances in life, but I'm talking about a real true, blue friend. Someone that you can count on for whatever and vice versa. I really would like someone in my corner who understands.
But, it seems as if there are people whose sole purpose in life is to steal your joy, and I have 2 people like that in my family. I have reached out to my mother and husband searching for support only to be given a cold shoulder, and it hurts like you couldn't believe.
I met my husband at 19 and revolved my life around him and his happiness only to realize that is all he cares about...his happiness. People grow up and feelings change, at least I have. What I wanted at 19 and what I want now at 26 is totally different. At 19, he was just a boyfriend, I never thought about us in the future, but we just kind of fell into a routine once I became pregnant, so marriage seemed like the "right" thing to do. It is becoming painfully clear that HE is all that matters to HIM...not me, not his children, nor anyone else. He has a great deal of growing up to do and with that said, I have asked him for a separation. I have one child...not two and there is no way he can be a man and support his family if he cannot sustain himself, by himself. I feel that eventually, it will end in divorce, but so be it. I have to do what is spiritually, mentally, and financially best for me and my princess.
Now, about my mother. This troubles me even more because when I was going through serious marital issues and went to her for help, she turned her back. I am an only child, and growing up my mother was all I had, until she met my step-father (whom I've never really cared for). I respect the fact that he helped my mother raise me, but something about his spirit seems off to me...and children can tell these things. My mother lives 15 minutes away from me and I haven't seen her in months. My child is my mother's only grandchild but they have no relationship because she's just too preoccupied with my stepfather and his interests.
I realize this may be more than anyone could care to read about my life, but that's just it...it's mine and this works for me. I just give it all to GOD and allow him to do HIS WILL.
10/24/2005
Today, I met with my PCP to get the ball rolling. Since time is of the essence now, Dr. Burrowe's office told me to go ahead and get my pre-op testing scheduled. While I was in the office I had all of my labs drawn and my EKG done. That tech had me so scared, she kept saying that my reading was abnormal. Finally after moving some of the leads and the 3rd attempt, it came out normal....WHEW, THANK THE LORD! I am also scheduled for a sleep study on 11/07/05 which seems like so far off, but glad that I don't need that just to get approved. I also met with the nutritionist today. This was very informative and she gave me some great recipes to try. She had WLS eight years ago and looks great! Most of her information is from a natural, holistic point of view. Nothing wrong that, I will try to incorporate a great deal of those things into my new lifestyle although I can't say that everything will be from that point of view.
10/25/2005
Had to go back to the office for more blood work, will know my results next week.
10/26/2005
I am supposed to have my chest x-ray and upper GI series with small bowel follow-through today. My appointment time was a 9:45am. I get to Dekalb Medical at Hillandale on time, go check-in, only to be told that I am in the wrong place. So, I get to what is supposed to be the correct place and they tell me, "nope, take this corridor, make a left, pass this and this, make a right. What the hell!! I end up at the first place I was at! So now I'm late. Now they tell me I have to go to registration. Excuse me, but I did all that days ago. I'm frustrated, in tears because I missed my appt time and have to wait until 3:00 pm which is the same time as my psychiatrist appointment. There was another lady who was there for the same thing who offered me her time slot at 10:30am and would take the 3:00 pm. She was so sweet, she said that she didn't have anything else planned that day and it would be no problem. I could not believe it, I know that there are kind people in the world but to actually experience it warmed my heart.
So, I take my chest x-ray and they send me to a waiting room to wait for the other tech to complete my GI series. As, I'm flipping through a magazine I hear this BIG, STRONG voice call my name. I look up and see the prettiest set of teeth attached to the finest man I had seen in a looooong time. WHEW! Fast forward...I was there for approximately 4 hours, had to drink that nasty barium (uugh) and take all kinds of x-rays with my butt all tooted up in the air. I was kind of embarrased but he made me feel comfortable and was very professional. We chatted the entire time I was there. He was really nice, funny and sexy. I don't even remember his name...he was from Zimbabwe... did I mention that he was sexy?
Now, I'm off to my psychiatrist appointment which is just an update, since I had it done previously. That went well and now I'm done. I'm telling you the LORD works in mysterious ways. Had it not been for HIM, my entire day would have been wasted.
11/10/2005
I had my sleep study done and let me tell you....that was an uncomfortable experience. I had to sleep with all these wires attached to me. The technician kept waking me up to readjust the wires because they weren't reading properly. Around 2 am, he wakes my up again and tells me that I need to sleep with the CPAP machine on. Hello! After being awakened for the 3rd time, I doubt I can go back to sleep. When I put the machine on, I couldn't catch my breath...it feels really weird. Eventually, I do go back to sleep, but I woke up so stiff and with the biggest headache.
I have now finished all of my pre-op testing. I need to get my clearance letter from my PCP. Who know that this would be the most difficult step? I love my doctor to pieces, but her office staff stinks!!! They don't follow up on anything, I had to go to the office and babysit their bad attitude a*** just so anything could get done. I specifically told them that the letter HAD to say that I was medically cleared for surgery. Do you think that's what she typed...hell no! It has taken them almost 2 weeks to sit down for 5 minutes and type up a freakin letter. I tell you, I am so mad....I just feel like showing up and stealing some letterhead to type my own damn letter! Crazy thought I know. Now, I'm trying to complete my FMLA paperwork for time off, but the forms are so lengthy, I just get lost. I'll stop by HR tomorrow to get some help.
11/11/2005
After a great deal of battling with my PCP's office, I FINALLY got my letter. So, I fax it over to Dr. Burrowe's office and guess what they tell me? They already sent it to Blue Cross on the 4th, they were just waiting for the clearance letter. Ok, BCBS has had it now for a week and their turn around time is 2 weeks, so they better get on the good foot! I got some losing to do. I've been taking my protein samples trying to find a few I like, walking in the evening, cutting carbs....and I've lost 7 lbs. Oh yeah! It's on like buttered pop-cone (not popcorn, but popcone like the country folks say it).
11/18/2005
I AM APPROVED!!! I called BCBS because I hadn't heard anything and they said I was. I am so overjoyed right now. I got right on the phone to Dr. B's office and they asked when would I like my surgery. Get that....I get to choose! December 05, 2005 is my date and I am ready. I do have my moments of fear, thinking about the what-ifs, but I push them right out of my head. I am finally on my way...THANK YOU JESUS.
11/23/2005
I got a call from Dr. Burrowe's office stating that my Pulmonary Function Test wasn't completed and I need to do it right away before I meet with Dr. B on the 30th. But how about this test has to be scheduled and the earliest date I can have it done is on the 29th at 2:00pm. If my results are not back, my surgery will have to be postponed. But, I am not hearing that! I will get the test done on the 29th and if I have to give the tech a little "monetary incentive" to get my results STAT, so be it. I have my faith, so I believe everything will work itself out.
11/29/2005
Today, I completed my PFT test and it really wasn't that bad. I had heard so many stories about how much the blood gas was going to hurt. Bert (the technician) was so funny, he had me laughing I didn't really notice when he stuck me. My wrist was a little sore afterwards but not much. He promised me that Dr. B would have my results first thing in the morning in time for my pre-op session.
11/30/2005
Let me just say the devil is BUSY!!! I arrived at my pre-op with Dr. B and Monica tells me that I can't see Dr. B today AND they may have to cancel my surgery because they have not received ANY reports from my PCP's office (here we go again with those heffas).
So I drive all the way from downtown to Stone Mountain, fuming the whole way. Every hold up that I have had during this process is because of my PCP's office staff. As soon as I walk in the door, they notice the look on my face. I tell them my problem, they ask me to have a seat while they get the office manager. (She don't want none...I had to duke it out with her about my clearance letter). I'm sitting for damn near 45 min, I get up and say this is ENOUGH. I was so pissed they had to go get my doctor. All of a sudden after 45 minutes of waiting the office manager appears. "Mrs. Charlot, I am positive that we faxed all of your paperwork, the surgeon's office is lying, my office team is very reliable, we don't let things lie around like that". Oh yeah! How about they couldn't even find my chart, that's why it took her so long...and when she found it, there was nothing in it. They never even retrieved my pre-op testing results from the hospital, so what in the hell did this reliable office team fax to Dr. B's office....NOT A DAMN THING!!
So now with paperwork in hand, I go back to Dr. B's office, but he's gone for the day and I have to reschedule and hope that I can still get in for surgery on December. 5th.
12/01/2005
SURGERY DATE IS STILL ON MONDAY! Praise be to GOD! Pre-op was today, met with Dr. B, just signed a few consents, met with the anesthesiologist, did more bloodwork, registered, paid my copay, filled prescriptions and that's that. Surgery is at 8am on Monday!
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POST-OP YA'LL!!
12/08/2005
I am home and doing GREAT!! Still dealing with the gas pains but other than that, no problems at all. I had Open RNY but my incision is only about 2-3 inches long right under my breastbone and not painful at all. I know that I am losing, but I have decided that I won't weigh in until I go see Dr. B next week. It'll be hard, but I can make it. When I came home, I discovered I had a recliner waiting for me and that thing is my best friend right now. FEELS SO GOOD!
12/15/2005
Today, I had my first post-op appointment with Dr. B and drumroll please.....................at 10 days post-op I am down 19 lbs. I can't tell, but others say they can see the difference. On another front....I knew this was going to happen. A certain someone, getting back to his old self, I didn't think the caring side was going to last long. Him and his snide remarks, but who cares! I lost 19 pounds and a whole lot more to come!
12/22/2005
Had my second post-op appointment with Dr. B to recheck my incision and I am down 7 more pounds. So that make's a total of 26 lbs. I did kind of step outside of the liquid/puree diet just a little, but now I'm back on track. My next appt is on 01/05/2006 so unless something spectacular happens before then, that will be my next post.
01/01/2006
REFLECTION TIME: I told myself on 01/01/2005 that things for the new year were going to be different. I was going to finish school, get a better job, leave my husband...sigh. But for some reason or other...I let my weight get in the way. This year, I don't have that excuse. So I will definitely aim to fulfill these deferred goals.
I got a case of the stomach flu a few days ago and I was so ill. I was having diarrhea non-stop! It is better now, and I know I lost a few more pounds from it, so that's a positive. But you know what...I had to test the waters...and why oh why did I do that?
I had a little piece of BBQ rib and I chewed the crap out of it trying to tell myself it was just like my pureed stuff (yeah right). It went down well, but whew! A few minutes later..my mouth started watering like crazy, I knew I was gonna throw up so I ran to the bathroom and I was just dry-heaving for like 30 mins. Nothing came up though, but that was such a painful experience so you know I won't try that again. Sigh....good-bye BBQ Ribs...you will
be missed.
ATTENTION: GOALS IN PROCESS!! The husband is out! (So overjoyed, he was killing my spirit and blocking my blessings). I will return to school to complete my degree, and I'm still working on that more money issue, but I have faith that it will come.
01/05/2006
I had my 1-month post-op appointment with Dr. B today, and I am down 34 pounds. I was really shooting for 40 by now, but it is my own undoing. Due to budget constraints, I haven't been eating the way I should be. Everything better for you costs more too, so I have had to work with what I had. My BAF family is starting a serious protein train on Monday and I am onboard!
Month #1 - Down 35 lbs!
01/13/2006
Today was my first day back at work and let me tell you, I was miserable. I was so excited to go back after 5 weeks of being at home. I had packed my meals for the day (I work a 12 hr shift), sorted my vitamins in my little container, got my protein shakes ready but a sista forgot the Gas-X! I do a LOT of walking on my job, so I was in pain! On another note, I said I was only going to weigh myself once a month, but I couldn't help myself....especially since my co-workers were going to be asking how much I lost. So here goes...I am down 40 lbs. I know it could be more so I plan to join a gym, maybe Curves or something.
Eating is going ok, I've been able to tolerate everything I eat, but my problem is eating too fast. I get that horrible stuck in the chest feeling. A hard-boiled egg (the white part only) just about did me in yesterday. So, I really need to watch how fast I eat and concentrate on chewing well.
02/02/2006
I was rushing to get dressed to meet a friend for lunch and I banged the hell out of my elbow. And I felt it! It's been years since I've been able to feel my elbow. I was just standing in the mirror admiring my elbows and my 3 year old is looking at me like "mommy really lost it this time". Now when I hit it, it HURT....but it feels so GOOD...know what I mean? I am down 50 lbs since surgery and have gone from a size 30 pants to a size 24. OH YEAH! This means the smaller I get, the more clothing options I will have. I like that!
02/17/2006
Praise God, I am NO LONGER a part of the 300+ club! Today I weighed in at 298. But on another note, I have been SOOOOO lazy! I know this weight would just fall off if I get my butt up and moving. I've been eating right (for the most part). What gets me is when I don't plan my meals ahead, then I get caught up doing something else. I find that if I go too far between meals, I get a REAL BIG attitude and whatever I do eat just messes with me big time. So, I'm working on it, but working in a pediatric ER just makes things VERY difficult.
02/24/2006
Ok, this is for all the WLS post-ops who told me "you're gonna love to exercise afterwards". You BIG LIARS! Lol, I admit I don't exercise and I know my weight loss could be much more. So after, having read a post on the BAF forum, I have decided to re-commit myself to doing this thing right. I didn't have a $40,000 surgery,
just to have the weight casually fall off. True enough, that is what it will do in the beginning but it won't stay like that. So as of right now, Leslie Sansone "Walking Away the Pounds Express" is going to be my best friend....if Overstock.com ever delivers my daggone tape. I love the $2.95 shipping, but dang...can a girl get her stuff in a reasonable amount of time? Will let you all know how that goes.
On another note, I just see myself blossoming. My hair is getting longer, my skin is clearer, my clothes are smaller, I smile more, the heads turn and I just love it. I just can't seem to stay out of the mirror, am I on my way to becoming vain?
04/16/2006
HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!! Well, I missed my March update, so let me try and fill in the gaps. I'm going through some things right now and it has taken me off my exercising frame of mind. I need some motivation. I stopped exercising and the weight loss stalled big time. I'm still losing but not like I was before. So we've got to fix that, now don't we?
I like the way I look now and if I didn't lose anymore I'd be happy, but who really goes the trial of WLS and post-op tribulations to STILL be plus-sized? Right now, I weigh 275. I can fit an 18 top and 20/22 pants. My thighs really need some work, everything's going south, but you know a sista can camoflage real well with the right clothes on. I'm focusing on completing my degree and home ownership (now that a certain someone is no longer in my way). Please pray for me on that note.
As far as my eating goes...my stomach has really been finicky. Foods that were my saving grace early post-op, I no longer like. Eggs especially...oh lord, they make me ill! Cottage cheese, I can't stand it, I had to change my protein powder because I didn't like the taste anymore, it was making me gag.
On the social scene...I definitely get more attention. The men stare, and smile, and wave and send over drinks (that I can't have anyway). But somebody needs to step up to the plate, I wanna go out! It's been over 6 years since I've been on a "date". Now, I don't necessarily know if I'm ready for the LTC (long-term commitment) because I've been there and done that, but everybody is deserving of someone who treats them like a king or queen. That's about it....Blessings.
05/12/2006
Hadn't posted in awhile, been house hunting. That in itself is a very tiring experience, then add work, school, and single parenting...whew lawd! Not eating very good these days, grazing all over the place, no exercise in 2 weeks...i'm in a funk and it's time to get out of it. Just have to stay encouraged. Yet, in the midst of all this, I still lost weight...go figure? But, I realize that it could have been much greater had I been doing the right thing.
06/02/2006
Ya'll it took me 2 weeks to lost 2 lbs. What is up with that! At any rate, I am very excited...I AM NOW A MEMBER OF THE CENTURY CLUB!!!! I'm not pushing myself as hard as I need to. These past 2 weeks have been extremely stressful and trying for me, but you know what they say. What doesn't kill you, can only make you stronger. So am I proud to present to you...A STRONGER ME! I give GOD all the GLORY!! I am so much happier now, I feel great, looking wonderful and the best part is when people notice it. I get told all the time that I'm "glowing" and "floating on air". Well, I'm not pregnant, nor in love...so it must just be my new persona making an entrance. I like that.
06/30/2006
What a month this has been! Some things good, some not so good. I notice that as I lose more weight, I am becoming more of an extrovert...possibly the real me shining through? Whatever it is, I have NO complaints. My eating is going well....for the most part. My friend wanted to go to the buffet and I REALLY didn't want to go, but he was visiting, so I went. I got extremely sick, I thought he was gonna have to take me to the ER. I made really good food choices, but something there just did not agree with me. But it could have happened anywhere I suppose.
House hunting is on hold for possibly another year, just signed a lease on a new apartment and I'm loving every minute of it. No more roommates!
Right now, I'm in a 16W top and a 18W bottom. 7 months ago (before I had surgery) I wanted to be right here, now I'm going for GOLD!!! I want to wear a 12-14 and I'll be perfectly happy. Not really focusing on the pounds, but more on the clothes size.
09/02/06
Where has the time gone? I have been through a lot of things since my last update, and still I manage to smile. Thank God, for that! With my pending divorce, I have waken up to slashed tires, dents in my car, lug nuts removed on the wheels, spark plugs removed, missing items from inside the car, etc. I've been watched, followed, harassed. I just pray the Lord will see me through and he has and will continue to do so. These things were in the past and have subsided and I am thankful.
Now....weight loss, that's another story entirely. Not going well at all...I have completely fallen off the wagon. I've lost 9lbs in 2 months. My eating choices were outrageous and exercise was nil. I still want to be a size 14 by years end, so I have committed to doing that and getting myself back on track. Please pray for me. Whoever said WLS was the easy way out, did not talk to me.
I have been dating, as mentioned in previous posts. I have met a wonderful man who SEEMS to be what I need and want. I am definitely looking forward to seeing what God has in store for the future.
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RETURNING FROM A VERY LONG HIATUS - NEW UPDATES
04/27/2008
You know? I always said that I would not be one of the many people that stopped sharing their story after WLS and regrettably, I have. It's been a long time since my last post. I sat here and read my previous entries and thought to myself....WOW! I've come a long way and have been through a lot. But GOD is good, and I thank him.
So here goes....I am now wearing a solid size 12, I weigh 188lb (that's only 10lbs lost from my last entry) but that's my fault, I will vow to do better. I am healthy as can be, no side effects whatsoever. There is one thing I will stress to all pre-ops who may come across my profile. EAT RIGHT and EXERCISE!!! They do make a tremendous difference...yes, I lost the weight, and yes I look good (in clothes) but am battling the extra skin and it has made me a tad bit self-conscious, so please remember to stick to the plan.
12/05/2005 WEIGHT= 354 LBS TOTAL LOST= 0 LBS
12/15/2005 WEIGHT= 335 LBS TOTAL LOST= 19 LBS
12/22/2005 WEIGHT= 328 LBS TOTAL LOST= 26 LBS
01/05/2006 WEIGHT= 320 LBS TOTAL LOST= 34 LBS
01/14/2006 WEIGHT= 314 LBS TOTAL LOST= 40 LBS
02/02/2006 WEIGHT= 304 LBS TOTAL LOST= 50 LBS
02/17/2006 WEIGHT= 298 LBS TOTAL LOST= 56 LBS
02/24/2006 WEIGHT= 295 LBS TOTAL LOST= 59 LBS
03/10/2006 WEIGHT= 288 LBS TOTAL LOST= 66 LBS
04/16/2006 WEIGHT= 275 LBS TOTAL LOST= 79 LBS
05/12/2006 WEIGHT= 256 LBS TOTAL LOST= 98 LBS
06/02/2006 WEIGHT= 254 LBS TOTAL LOST= 100 LBS (ABOUT DAMN TIME...LOL)
06/30/2006 WEIGHT= 242 LBS TOTAL LOST=112 LBS
08/26/2006 WEIGHT= 231 LBS TOTAL LOST=123 LBS
04/26/2007 WEIGHT= 198 LBS TOTAL LOST=156 LBS (GOING MUCH SLOWER NOW, TOTALLY MY FAULT)
04/27/2008 WEIGHT= 188 LBS TOTAL LOST=166 LBS
