September 2003

Sep 28, 2003

September 11, 2003
First of all let me say that my heart is with the victims and families of the tragedy two years ago. May God Bless Each of you.

On Wednesday, August 27th, I lost the most wonderful person, my Mamaw. She had such an impact on my life. I have no idea of where I would be today without her. She had a good hand in the woman I am today. She taught me how to love, how to be compassionate, how to respect others among other things. I miss her so much. My life seems so empty. If there was ever a "Virtuous Woman", she was it. She was a Godly woman. I just knew she would be against the surgery, so she was one of the last people I told after I was approved. Guess what? She was always supportive of my decision and the best cheerleader!! As a matter of fact, her last words to me were, "little boobies!" I said, ?Not yet Mamaw, but we are getting there!? I pray I can be half the woman she was and touch the lives of others as she did. May you rest in peace Mamaw, you will surely be missed.

I've lost another 5 pounds, total of 90. I am so amazed!! I never dreamed it would actually come off. I get compliments from everyone. The one thing that I hate is people saying to me that they bet I feel better about myself and that I must be a happier person. I was a very happy person before the surgery. I did not like the way I looked, but I was happy. Maybe it's just me being a little moody, I don't know.

Well, I am working hard on loosing the next 10 pounds. My goal was to try and loose 100 pounds in 6 months. I am still having problems eating chicken. I can eat pot roast and steak just fine. (Itty-bitty pieces) I love fresh produce from the garden. I need to be getting more protein and concentrating on getting all my water in. The last couple of days my fibromyalgia has been acting up. I guess it is the weather change. I still have not taken any medications since before surgery. Praise God! I just switched vitamins from Flintstones to Centrum Silver. (No I am not close to 50 yet) I also started taking the Hair, Skin and Nails vitamins from Wal-Mart. My hair is coming out by the handfuls. I went to my beautician yesterday and she said I had probably lost close to half of my hair. Thank God I had a thick head full before surgery!! I just hit my fifth month. Maybe the vitamins will help. I know for the last several weeks I have not been taking care of myself. That is getting better though. My life is gradually getting back to normal.
I'll close for now. If I can be of help to anyone please let me know. May God continue to bless each of you no matter where you are in your journey.


September 16, 2003
Hello to everyone. I just had to update and tell you the latest. No, I have not lost any more weight. I guess I have reached that dreaded "P" word!!! For Sunday dinner I made a new recipe with chicken and guess what, I was able to eat a little of it. I was so excited! Not only did I eat it Sunday, I ate it on Monday too. My mom said, "You better be careful, you will make yourself sick of that too!" I have a habit of finding something that I can eat and then every day that is what I have. Yesterday I was looking for something quick to make for dinner since it was our support group meeting. My daughter asked for spaghetti. I thought to myself I hate fixing this since I can't eat the beef. Well, I was able to eat a very small serving of it and I did fine. I got a headache afterwards and that may have stemmed from the pasta.

I am going to Tennessee tomorrow so I will be out of pocket until Monday. Take care everyone and have a BLESSED weekend. May God put His healing hand on all those having this wonderful surgery.


September 26, 2003
In our support group, "New Beginnings", we were asked to write something as to what Dr. Freeman and this procedure means to us. I had shared it with a couple of people and was asked to place it on my profile page. I pray that it may help someone have peace as they enter into their journey. Listed below are my personal feelings.

When asked the question, What does Dr. Freeman and staff mean to you? I have all kinds of emotions and thoughts about the entire group.

This group of people has given me my life back. At the age of twelve the Lord Jesus Christ gave me eternal life. I never imagined I would have the opportunity to have a second life here on earth. That is what this procedure did for me. It gave me a second chance at life.

You see, I was taking anywhere from 18 to 24 pills a day just to function. I could not do my housework, I could not care for my children, I could not be a wife nor could I take care of myself. There have been many days when my husband would have to dress me. The doctors told us that within two years I would probably be in a wheel chair. Those were very encouraging words! I had a son, a new daughter and a husband who needed me. I was not about to give up. So I started researching WLS again. I had been to several doctors all along the East Coast in years past. We moved to Jacksonville in 1995 and I started checking into the surgery again, but never had peace with the doctors that I spoke with. It was in January 2003 while searching on the Internet that I came across ObesityHelp.com. It was there that I came across Dr. Freeman. I read everything I could read and then I made that first step, I made my consultation appointment. I did not get to meet Dr. Freeman at that time, but was not disappointed for his staff was wonderful. They were able to answer all my questions. No one tried to rush me out the door. More importantly, instead of trying to sell me on all the good of this procedure, Susan and Candice told me of all the bad! I was impressed! I had already made my mind up to have this for I had prayed and asked God if it were meant to be then to please pave the way. He did just that for me!

I was not afraid when I went into surgery. My last memory was the surgery team gathered around my bed, holding my hands while I prayed. I went to sleep praying, the last thing I remember was say "AMEN"! I had only minor complications from the surgery. Dr. Freeman, Tim and Joyce were right there for me. Always concerned about my well being, I have never met another doctor like Dr. Freeman. He is more than my doctor. He is my brother! He is my friend! No one will ever find staff like I found at the Freeman Center. God’s unconditional love was present in all of them.

I feel great! Today I am at 231.51 lbs. at 5'5. I have lost 95 lbs in 5 months.(plus the 45 prior to surgery!) I take no prescription medication! Praise God! I can run in the yard with my daughter, go to ballgames with my son and walk up the steps like a normal person. I can clean my own house, do my own laundry and be a wife to my wonderful, supportive husband. I have been to the mall more in the last 5 months than I have in the last 18 years. I can go into regular stores to buy clothes. I can go to any restaurant and not worry about sitting in a booth. I can order my food and eat without feeling guilty because now I always carry a doggy bag out.

For me, WLS has been a life saving wonderful tool that has definitely given me a new lease on life. I am very thankful to Dr. Freeman, Brother Tim, the surgery team, the behind the scene team at the office, for you all work together like a well-oiled machine. I am thankful to my family, to my children and to my husband who stood beside me and supported me through this journey. I love each of you and you all will always have a special place in my heart.

To God Be the Glory for He has done Great things through Dr. Freeman and his staff. May He continue to bless each of you as you all have blessed me.

If I can be of help to anyone please let me know. I may not have all the answers, but I have a good ear. May God Bless each of you. With Love, Rebecca


September 29, 2003
I just wanted to give a quick update. Last Monday, September 22, 2003, I woke up so dizzy that I could barely stand. I had a hair appointment and it was just at the bottom of the hill so I drove myself. (I shouldn't have!!) The whole time I was there I kept telling my beautician how dizzy I was. I called my husband and he took me straight to Dr. Freeman's office. The minute I walked in Carla said to me, "what in the world is wrong with you?" I told her how weird I was feeling. They decided to put me into the hospital. (Outpatient) The nurse who gave me my IV said it looked like I had not had anything to drink in two weeks! I was so dehydrated!! While there I had another EDG and yes, I had to be dilated, again. I feel so much better now. I still get sick drinking water. I drink decaf, Splenda sweetened, ice tea and Crystal Light. I have been able to eat a little chicken and turkey, also. It was delicious!!!

I go to see Dr. Rumley today at 3:30 PM. I know it is too early to have anything done, but he said to not wait until your breasts are all gone to come see him. So, I figure if I can get approved I'll just wait a few months before having the procedure done. They really need it!! It is "Sag City" here if you know what I mean!! I'll post what the results are tonight.

I am really excited about Dr. Freeman's Ball this weekend. I got my outfit and found the perfect purse on Saturday. My husband went for his tux fitting last week and is to pick it up on Friday. I'll post our pictures when I get them. I hope to meet a lot of you there for I was told that over 500 of you had responded to the invitations. I go on Wednesday to pick up the gifts from the support group. Can't wait to see them.

I'll close for now. Remember, if I can be of help, don't hesitate to e-mail me or if you would like my home number, just e-mail me and I will give it to you. Take care and May God continue to Bless each of you. Love, Becky

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