beachesgal

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Yep, today is my one month update.  I'm very happy to be through the liquids..although, lately, I need at least one shake and one bullet to supplement my protein intake.  I honestly hate the shakes..but I'm not getting in enough protein yet.

And now for the GREAT news!  I have lost 25 lbs!  I could have never lost this fast before surgery..Isn't the sleeve amazing?

I had my first foaming episode yesterday.  I was eating a small piece of leftover baked fish.  I know what happened.  I "got into TV" and just ate way too fast.  I had to run to the bathroom.  I wanted to puke so bad..All that came up was alot of water..then I burped, and all was well again!  I WILL be slowing down from here on out.  That was a wake-up call.

Other than that, things are going very well.  I really am MUCH happier!  I leave my house now.  I walk every day...In fact, I look forward to it.  Unbelievable!  I actually look forward to every day.  I used to sleep as much as possible.  NO MORE!  I am ready to face the day...every day, and I know I won't feel this great every day, but I'm taking each day with this renewed outlook, and it makes life enjoyable.  Others around me even comment on how much happier I seem..My sister said she worried about me all the time before surgery.  She told me yesterday she doesn't worry anymore.  Said she's real happy I got the surgery.  SO AM I!  I'm finally living and have much joy and happiness!  I'm easier to live with!  That's for sure.

To anyone thinking of getting the sleeve...Don't hesitate!  Sure there are a few struggles along the way..but OH the PAYOFF just can't be beat!  Love you guys...my sweet support team. 

 

This is just all I know to call it...A miracle!  My surgery was the 20th of May, 2008.  When Dr. A. weighed me, I weighed 239.5....Today I weigh 225!  It's my personal miracle.  Anyway, my son went with me to Mexico...I have been to Mexico..just not this part, and my son (15) has never been...Sweet little Rosy came in the Obesity van (or whatever it's called) and picked us up.  I had a surgery buddy named Catherine.  She was a very kind and loving person...but back to Rosy...What a sense of humor....what a doll face with those LONG beautiful eyelashes...so concerned...so caring, and gentle.  I met her mother during our trip back to San Antonio...Now I know why Rosie is the person she is...takes after mom!!  The ride to Eagle Pass, Tx took about 3 hrs...I was very happy to arrive.  The next a.m. we were picked up around 8:30ish, and drove about a mile into Mexico.  Dr. A. greeted us..."So, this is Donna and Catherine"....I went in first.  I was crying...don't really know why..probably just fear...oh, and the IV I HATE so much.  I really didn't feel like talking very much...but he did, and relaxed me almost immediately!    Then Catherine went in....We were taken to get blood drawn (easy), and a chest xray...All is good!  Then, we went to our rooms.  Dr. A's assistant  put my IV in...Piece of cake....Then, I knew my surgery was first...So I kept waiting and waiting...hooked up to that IV God awful POLE that I adore!  I lost count how many times I got tangled up in it....One of the last things I remember was this guy coming in my room giving me something in my IV.....OK....later on I go to the restroom...still twisted up of course...and I was a little pissed off...I told my son...MAN! I wish they'd get this show on the road, and get this surgery over with already!!!!!!  My son looked at me, and said in a dumbfounded voice....MOM, they did your surgery 4 hours ago!  I opened my gown and looked down, and by golly, he was right!!!  What a trip!!!!!  He said I woke up fighting the oxygen mask...I asked him for the little throw-up bowl...I heaved very little with a small amt. of water coming out....then, I slept for hours.  Dr. A. checked in on me quite frequently, and of course the nurses.  The next day I felt good...I started walking the halls, and thinking I MUST be in a desert...My mouth must be STUFFED with cotton...and cactus....Oh...the eve before surgery, we all went to Medermo's Mexican Restaurant!  And you talk about some great, authentic food...OMG....What a food funeral I had!  It was a wonderful experience!  So, anyway, it seemed like a hundred years before I could have ice chips.  Dr. A. was SUPER pleased with my leak test...He said something about using it to post somewhere???showing how the sleeve should look after surgery!  It was quite an experience seeing my tiny LONG banana!  I 'm pretty sure I left the hospital Thursday a.m.  All meds were talked about...all phone numbers listed...especially if I had an emergency...Although I hated to leave Dr. A., I was READY!  We were driven back to San Antonio, where I took a shower, and walked around a bit.  My son and I stayed until Sunday...We had an early flight out..OH...I didn't even need the wheelchair...They were so nice to me...I told them no.  On Saturday, we caught the shuttle to North Star mall!  What a nice mall....saks, dillards, nike, I can't remember all the stores....But it was great.  I walked and shopped a good 31/2 hrs!  I really had a great time there.  SO.....ALL I CAN SAY IS:  WOULD I HAVE THE SURGERY AGAIN????  One thousand times yes!!!! YES...Too bad I didn't do it sooner!  I feel SO GOOD!  And the MAIN thing that's blowing my mind....I'M NOT HUNGRY!!!  OMG...What a blessing.  Dr. A. said the grealin (sp) will NOT grow back....and as far as the stomach stretching....only 3 %...if you "push" it!!!!  How wonderful is this surgery?  My miracle..Thanks to ALL on this board who answered questions, put up with my asinine questions and comments...and were so kind to me.  God Bless you all!!!!

I really am afraid to post...I feel like my surgery will be jinxed somehow AGAIN.  That's because I've TRIED so many times to have it, and it never panned out for some reason or another.  In just 5 days I'll be on the operating table...Ya know...I am scared of course, but I also feel excitement.  These are normal feelings.  God I just want it to happen.  PLEASE GOD LET IT BE, AND MAY YOU WORK THROUGH DR. ALVAREZ SO I MAY HAVE A SUCCESSFUL SURGERY.  PLEASE DON"T ALLOW ANY LEAKS....EVER.....AND MAY I HAVE AN EASY RECOVERY.  I LOVE YOU..AND PUT MY TRUST AND FAITH IN YOUR HANDS NOW.. MY GOD  AMEN.  I am so ready to have this surgery.  I just hurt all the time.  My feet are swollen today.  My back hurts....I'm not gonna bore you with it all...I know you already know...most of you have been there, or are going through it now.  I can't wait to sit on that loser's bench...I will be posting more about the surgery when I return home.  I hope all my OH friends are healthy, and I wish you ALL much happiness!

Today is April 25.  In less than a month, I'll be sleeved.  I'm slowly gathering up all the things I'll need when I return home.  I feel like this surgery is such an amazing gift from God.  I will follow the rules, and hope for success.  I have been inside my home for much too long.  The curtains are closed, and I live mainly in the dark.  There are days I'll go outside and enjoy the birds singing.  Though few and far between.  I want so bad to feel good about myself.  I want to LIVE instead of EXIST!  I want to leave the fear and worry behind.  God help me.  He will help me when I'm incapable of helping myself.  He always has.  Happiness and laughter...it's just around the corner.  I'm very grateful I found OH.  You have helped me too.  In so many ways...you are dear to my heart.

Well, today is 4/11/08.  THREE days ago I was supposed to be having surgery!  At times like these, I feel like the whole world is against me and WAY not on my side.  DH (which is really EX H) and I aren't seeing eye to eye these days....even though he is helping me fund this surgery.  Long Story!  I just pray every day that I'm doing the right thing, and God will lead me through these rough waters.  I SO want to be going into this with a positive attitude and feeling happy.  I would imagine a lot of you are thinking....isn't he your EX?  Why are ya'll  even together?  I suppose the answer is....I'm sick, mentally and physically.  I'm beat down.  (NO he doesn't beat me)...BUT his words can cut like a sharp sword...I haven't developed that backbone yet...You know the one I'm talking about...I honestly believe after surgery, I will regain my lost self esteem...my lost independence...my loss of SELF!  At this point, I just put one foot in front of the other, and kinda stumble along.  I'm so tired of stumbling.  I want to WALK with my head up and be proud...proud that I overcame!!!  IT IS POSSIBLE.  My day is around the corner..and I have that day in sight...It shines with such beauty.

March is my favorite month.  It has been windy with beautiful blue clouds and sunshine...Just makes my spirits soar.  Well, my husband landed another job last month..We are happy and doing well.  I called Susan (such a sweetheart) with Dr. Alvarez yesterday.  She penciled me in on the 8th of April.  We spoke late, so she needs to get the OK from him first, and will call me back this AM....I am patiently waiting...What a crock!  PATIENTLY?  I'm SO out in left field...it ain't  even funny!!!!  I'm TRYING so hard to be calm.  I just can't think straight.  I cannot Believe I'm going to do this....BY MYSELF!  I'm such a whimp...HA  I'll show everybody, including me, I CAN and WILL do this.  Others have done it alone...I'll meet people there...It will all work out!  God is by my side...always.  If the date changes for some reason, I'll update here.  Thanks for allowing me to be me!  I love you guys....YOU ALL ROCK....Donna
BTW....I originally thought I'd have to get the RNY because my Insurance doesn't cover VSG...Man I tried...I finally gave up and realized some way,  SOME HOW I'd be self pay....I'm VERY glad I didn't "settle."  And I'm very glad it all worked out the way it did...I feel extremely grateful today.  Yes, I went through some rough water....but in the end, I'll be getting the surgery of my choice!

I did not get to go thru Dr. Hargroder.  I don't even want to THINK about that episode, much less write about it.  Anyway, let's just say it didn't work out>  :(  So this a.m. I called Dr. Lord's office at Sacred Heart in Pensacola, and spoke with a very nice lady there.  I found out the reason I didn't get accepted last time was this hospital is in the process of becoming a Center of Excellence.  She said it will come to pass in January, 2008.  I cannot believe it!  All this time I thought they were a COE!  She even called my Insurance Co. today. They told her I need a 12 mo. diet history from my PCP, and I shouldn't have any problems getting approved!  I am SO happy to hear this news.  At least I have some kind of HOPE now.  I have been through so much.  But I have asked God to lead me, so it must be all HIS will!  And things happen in HIS time. NOT MINE!  I forget.  No matter how quick I want things to happen, I must be patient. Wow, that's hard!  SO,  today I made an appt. with my PCP.  Maybe it's MY time....Oh how I hope.  God Bless you all.  Love yourself and take care.

Today is Oct. 17, 2007....As of Nov. 1, DH will no longer be working.  He was laid off, along with his partner.  I don't work outside the home.  I am on disability, and have been since 1998.  He tells me not to worry...something will come up.  I suppose he's right.  God has always taken care of us.  I may feel like I'm struggling, but I KNOW it could be a lot worse.  I'm one of those people who has had a LOT of $, then something happens, and I'm in the "hole"....so to speak.  But ya know, God has really been good to me.  I must never forget where I came from...and that's life...up and down, raining and sunshine, tears of pain and tears of joy...But the ONE thing we can count on....yep...CHANGE!  It will happen sooner or later.  That's a given.  I don't do well with change, never have, but I do get through.  We all do.  What other options do we have?  I try to be prepared for it...but seems I never am.  Oh well, I don't mean to dwell on this.  LIFE GOES ON!  I'm really trying hard to see the glass half full...and I want to make it a habit of seeing it that way!  I found out at Dr. Lord's seminar they don't take my insurance.  I was angry (at myself) for going through all that for nothing.  Anyway, I have family in Denham Springs, La., and I'm trying to see Dr. Hargroder.  They have an online system which speeds things up somewhat...Waiting on insurance clearance...Some of us are very familiar with that game...are we not?  hehe  Anyway, whatever God has in store for me, (which may be nothing)...I'll try my best to be patient.  In the meantime, I'll do all I can to make this surgery a reality.  Take care and thanks for reading!

I have been fighting this weight for 14 yrs.  My son is 14.  He was born when I was 40 yrs. old.  Pre pregenancy, I weighed 130...I weigh 225, with a BMI of 36...I have other issues like Hypertension, High Cholesterol, Fatty Liver, Arrythemic heart, bad back, GERD, Fibromyalgia and so on..I am SO tired of fighting it.  I lose and gain, and gain and lose.  For all these years, and frankly, I'm just worn out.  When I think I might need to go outdoors, I freak...I have turned into a total recluse.  It has to be a dire necessity for me to leave this house.  In 1998 I was diagnosed with "Major Depression Recurrent" with "PTSD".  I take medication for this, and actually I feel pretty stable on it, but once again when I eat and gain weight, I get very depressed, and once again turn to food for comfort.  Like being on a merry go round...You will note I've been a member since 2003...I was able to lose 70 lbs. by not eating dinner.  It took a year.  But hey, life happens...and SOMEHOW....just SOMEHOW I regained that plus....IMAGINE THAT!  So, here I am again facing all the obstacles once again.  I have met some great people on this board.  Seems I LIVE on it now..People are very helpful and encouraging.  Seems no matter what you post, SOMEONE has been there, done that!  I love it.  I have my first seminar in Pensacola with Dr. Lord Thursday the 19th...Although I hate to "get out"...I KNOW I NEED to!  Thank you to ALL who have become my friend, and for your help and encouragement.  It means the world to me!

Geez...I was just reading my first post back in 2003....I DID end up losing 70 lbs., but of course I've gained it back and working on more!!!  I'm having insurance problems....I have Humana thru Medicare....Medicare only approves a "Center For Excellence" hospital...My hospital is "in the process" of becoming one...Office manager took my name and number for the waiting list...so all I can do at this point is search for another hospital, and seems there's not one close to me that accepts medicare....Oh well, I'll keep praying God will lead me through this mess.  I am so depressed.