Sept 2004

Sep 21, 2004

September 1, 2004
Wow, August just flew by! I am still doing great from the TT. I haven't lost anymore weight. I seem to be stuck at 173, that's a loss of 153 plus the 45 prior to surgery!. Not complaining though. I went to Sears on Friday and just for the heck of decided to try on a pair of Levi's. I tried on a size 14, knowing they wouldn't fit, but guess what! They fit!! I asked my husband if they looked okay and he said, "Oh, they look just fine!" So I immediately did not believe him. So I asked my son if I looked "slutty"; he said, "No mom, you look good!" From that I started wearing the jeans. I still can't believe it. Oh, I also went and bought the red gown at Dillard's. It is a size 12! I am a little uncomfortable in it, but Mike says it looks nice on me. We will see. I am not 100% sure that I will wear it, but it sure is pretty!

I have to bring up our support group meeting again. I want to thank everyone who took part in that meeting. It was a very special meeting and I know it meant a lot to Dr. Freeman and his staff. I would encourage everyone to become active in a support group in your area. I can't even begin to stress the importance of being involved and being an active member. People seem to do better when they attend support group meetings. If you live close enough to Anniston, I would encourage you to come out every third Tuesday night of the month. We begin our meetings at 6PM and they usually last until 8PM.

I hope to see everyone at the ball again this year. We will not be able to recognize each other. Will have to think of something so that we can pinpoint one another!

I will close for now. Take care until next time and remember if I can be of help to anyone please e-mail me. Skinny Wishes~Becky


September 22, 2004
Well, I am down to 170!!! (-156) Yeah for me!! Only 10 pounds away from where Dr. Freeman said he would like to see me. It is so strange though, I can't ever remember wearing a 12 to 14 and weighing 170! I guess it is just all shifted around!

Well, I took the red dress back and got black, but it is beautiful. Mike helped to pick it out also. It is very beautiful and daring if you will or should I say daring for me. The back is out of this one and it is sequenced all down the back. The only bad part is that I cannot find a one piece undergarment that will take care of these "JUGS"! We will do something because I am keeping the dress! It is too late to be out looking now. I have other things to get done before the ball. I am so excited to see everyone again this year. We had such a fantastic time last year. The only bad thing I can remember from last year’s event is that Tennessee Vols got beat that night! I love my VOLS!! It is hard to imagine just what can happen in a year!

I have had several emails in reference to my TT. I don't mind sharing information or before and after pictures. Just email me. If it will help someone else, I am all for it.

I will close for now and until then May God continue to Bless each of you. Skinny Wishes....
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Summer 2004

Aug 08, 2004

June 8, 2004
Well, I am 14 months out today and have lost 140 pounds. (wt. 186) I can't believe it!!! I am still 26 pounds from my goal though. On July 27th I will be having my tummy tuck in Gadsden, AL under Dr. Thomas Rumley. Please say a prayer for me. The children and I will be going back to Tennessee next week after our New Beginnings Support Group Meeting. It is funny how I plan my life around these meetings. I never thought I would do something like that. They are so rewarding though. You learn so much from listing to others. What better way to learn than to hear it from the person experiencing it! Our next meeting is June 15th, one week from today. I hope to see you all there!
Until then May God carry you in the palm of His hand. With Love ~~ Rebecca


July 28th, 2004
Thought I had better let everyone know that my surgery was rescheduled for Friday, the 30th. It is getting closer!! My mother is here with me from Tennessee. She seems to be doing better than I am without daddy. Our days just don't seem complete. I started going to a Licensed Professional Councilor in Rainbow City, Craig Boden. Craig is the newest member to Dr. Freeman staff. He is wonderful! If you are feeling down and out or have skeletons in your closet that you just can't get past, remember Craig. I have lost another 5 pounds. Yeah for me! I am down to 180, total loss now is 146. I am still amazed and so thankful to God that He allowed me to experience this wonderful tool. Just a word about our support group meeting in August, It will be to honor Dr. Freeman and his staff as he celebrates his 3rd year anniversary. At this time he has completed over 1200 surgeries. He and his staff are such a blessing! If you plan on being at the meeting please bring a covered dish. If you have questions please feel free to email me. I will update after surgery. Until then, skinny wishes to all of you. May God Bless you no matter where you are in your journey. With Love, Rebecca


August 2, 2004
Just thought I would update a little and let everyone know that I came through surgery okay. I was in surgery for 5 hours on Friday. Dr. Rumley said everything went well. We arrived home around 6 PM. I have not been in a lot of pain, just sore. Mike and my mother took me back to Dr. Rumley today for my dressing change and I nearly passed out from seeing the incision. I don't know what I expected; it was just kind of a shock. He said the incisions looked good and told us that he may take the tubes out on Wednesday or Thursday. He took a little over 9 pounds. I will update more later. If I can be of help to anyone please feel free to let me know. With Love, Rebecca


August 4, 2004
Well, I am still hanging in there! The drains came out today. No they were not as bad as before, but very uncomfortable! I go back on Monday for the removal of some of the stitches and staples. They said they would not take all of them just some of them. Dr. Rumley and his staff said they could not believe how well I was doing and how straight I was walking. Said most come in there and are just barely moving. I am not one for a sympathy act. I like doing things myself. Of course I can't do anything right now; mom is treating me like I am a child again. My son thinks she is hilarious! Oh, while I think of it, let me tell you what my 5 year old did yesterday. "WARNING" Hope it doesn't hurt you to laugh. If it does, STOP reading now! Sarah came upstairs to take a nap with me and I told her to be very careful getting on the bed. She said, "Oh Mother, I know! I had a tummy tuck today. Oh! Oh! Granny did it with a chainsaw!" I thought I would loose it. She is a character. I kind of feel bad for her kindergarten teacher! I have quit taking my pain medicine as of today. I started taking Genasec. I really have not had much pain from the surgery site. I have some burning sensation. I have more pain from my back than anywhere. Well, I will close for now. Skinny wishes to all. May God bless each of you no matter where you are in your journey. If I can be of help, please let me know. Love, Rebecca


August 9, 2004
Well, I went back to Dr. Rumley today and they removed the staples and all the stitches today. Mike watched in amazement! He said,” Did you know that was one big long stitch?" I just had to laugh at him. He is so funny, but he is also so very supportive of my weight loss journey. The Lord really Blessed me when He sent Mike in my direction! We will celebrate our 20th anniversary on the 25th of this month. How exciting! I am not far from the size I was when we married! Would I do it all again? You bet I would! It has been an adventurous journey. I have made several new friends through this journey and I am so grateful! Guess what I did over the weekend? I went looking for something to wear to the Ball! It is just around the corner you know! I saw this beautiful red dress at Dillard’s, but I am not sure of it. It looked kind of daring!! Mike said, "oh yes, get that one!" I'll wait until more of the swelling goes away before I buy. Well, the burning sensation is back so that tells me it is time to move a little. May God continue to Bless each of you in your weight loss journey. With Love, Rebecca
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1 year post op

May 05, 2004

January 15, 2004
Happy New Year Everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Holiday Season! We enjoyed every minute of it. I was able for the first time to get in the floor and play with my daughter and her Santa goodies. I can't tell you how that felt. I went to the safety deposit box on Monday and got my mothers first set of wedding rings out to see if they would at least fit my pinky finger and guess what?? They fit my ring finger. I was just bawling! They lady at the bank just looked at me like I was loosing it. Sarah, my five year old said to her, "it's okay, mother just does this!" Then I had to start laughing!!! I'm sure she thought I was crazy then. Cry one minute and laugh the next! Tuesday I worked in the house all day and when my son got home from school I went outside to help clean up the leaves since it was so pretty out there. Bradley said, "Mom, you can't do this." I just looked at him and told him that "can't" is no longer in my vocabulary! There are things that I am not suppose to be doing right now because of my arthritis and fibromyalgia, but if I feel up to it, I am doing it. I was exhausted the next day though! Well, I did not make my goal of being under 200 by the first, but I have lost 120 pounds in 9 months. (wt 206) Praise the Lord! It is slower now, but I will get there with the Lords help. Well, I will close for now. May God continue to Bless each of you. Love, Rebecca

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES
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May 6, 2004
Hello Everyone. It has been a while since I updated my profile and I do apologize for that. So much has been going on it just seems like the computer is the last place I go and then it is only for a second. My weight is still coming off, slowly but surely. I have lost 136 pounds in one year.(wt. 196) I now wear an XL pant and an M to L top, just depends on how it is made. I still would do this all over again as long as I had the same surgical team. Dr. Bryan Freeman and his staff are wonderful. I find myself in Wal-Mart (and other places) drumming up conversation with fluffy people just so that I can tell them how this procedure and this doctor has changed my life. It is like after you have allowed the Lord to come into your life, that feeling of wanting to tell everyone, wanting everyone to share in your happiness. Well, that is me! I am no longer held captive by my weight and I don't want anyone else to be either. Most all of my co-morbidities have gone away. I still have problems with fibromyalgia and arthritis. It is not as bad as before but it is still there. My fibromyalgia has really been acting up for the last month or so. I attribute that to the stress that I have been under. On March 29 I lost my very dear and best friend. My Dad. The Lord saw fit to call him home, but it has sure left an empty place in my life. I talked on the phone to daddy 5 to 10 times a day and any opportunity to go to Tennessee, I took it. There is nothing like being a daddy's girl. I thank the Lord that my dad did not have to lay and suffer that He took him suddenly. I also thank Him for allowing daddy to see the new me. Daddy would never say anything about my weight. When I would mention it he would say, "Why can't you be happy the way God made you?" I would tell him that God did not make me this away. After the weight began to come off I would go visit and he would just grin from ear to ear. I went home in February to stay with daddy so mother could go see The Gaither's in concert and he said to me, "Sis, I think you have lost enough weight!" I just smiled back at him and said not yet daddy!! I just ask that you remember me and my family when you pray. It is hard to loose anyone that you love and love so dearly. I lost my grandmother and my daddy in less than 7 months from each other. I have been staying in Tennessee with my mother since daddy's death. I plan on coming back to Alabama on the 14th of May until mid June and then the children and I will go back up for a while.

I guess I had better close for now. I wish each of you the very best with your journey. If I can be of help to anyone please don't hesitate to e-mail me at [email protected]. May God Bless each of you -- Love, Rebecca



May 28, 2004
Here is hoping that everyone is doing well. My family and I are adjusting to life without Daddy and I must say it is so hard. The Lord tells us that our days are numbered, I just wish He could have left daddy a little while longer. I guess He just needed another Angel to help in the gardens. On May 15th I received a call that they had found my dad’s brother dead. They said he also died of a heart attack. Daddy was 60, his brother was 57. He had another sister and brother to die of major heart attacks. His sister was obese but his brothers were not. That is really scary, they all died at such young ages. I miss my dad! They say every day gets easier, but I would have to disagree. I think it gets harder! I feel very close to daddy when I am out working in the yard. So guess what I have been doing, working in the yard. Daddy loved the outside and he loved flowers and so do I. I just thank God for Dr. Freeman and his staff for without this wonderful tool I would not be able to work out in the yard. It has so dramatically changed my life. Things that I once could not do I am doing them tenfold. I pressure washed the deck, the front porch and side walk, the curbing in front of the house and the driveway on Wednesday. I was outside from 7AM until 4PM and I am OK!! Other than being burnt from the sun and a little sore, I have no complaints; I am still able to move. I've been cleaning house the last two days; my father-in-law is coming down today and will stay until Tuesday.

I have really been working hard on our support group, "New Beginnings." I see the potential for it to grow and be a beacon of education for this community. So many people are still so uneducated about this procedure. If only they could come and listen to what our members say, I believe they would see that it is not a quick fix or an easy decision, but it is a decision that saved our lives. It has given many of us our lives back. A chance to live again, to play with our children, to be a wife, to enjoy the amusement parks, a chance to just be us! I walk away each month from those meetings feeling very Blessed that I have the opportunity to associate myself with such wonderful people. These are people who have touched my life. I am sure they will never know, for what we say in those meetings we don't know whose life it touches, but I can assure you that it touches someone. Someone can relate to where you are or where you have been. I think it so important to be active in a support group. You may think it is not for you, but think of it as you helping someone else. If you can't find a group in your area if you will let me know I will try and help you locate one. Also, if you would like to e-mail me recipes to go into our cook book you may do so. I hope to have them ready for sale by October. Another thing, if Dr. Freeman and staff and this wonderful tool has changed your life you may want to participate in the book of letters that we are putting together for Dr. Freeman to be presented to him at the Ball this year. If you would like to participate you may e-mail me your letter and it will be included. The deadline for this will be August 31, 2004. If I can be of help to anyone please feel free to e-mail me. May God Bless each of you no matter where you are in your journey.
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Oct, Nov, & Dec 2003

Dec 15, 2003

October 3, 2003
Sorry I didn't update on Monday like I said I would. I have been one sick cookie. It seems I have the H-Pyloric bacteria in my stomach. Let me tell you, it is more painful than the surgery itself. I thought I was going to die! Oh, I know I am exaggerating a little, but I was in a great deal of pain. Would I do it again? You betcha!! Just tell me when and where and make sure Dr. Freeman is my surgeon and I would be there! Getting back to Dr. Rumble, bad news first. He said he doubts that insurance would pay for a breast lift because I have already lost too much, but he was 99% sure they would pay for a tummy tuck. So he is submitting the request. He said that sometimes it takes 5 to 6 weeks to hear back from them and then I would have 6 months to have the surgery. That would put me out a year. Yes, I am excited!! Guess what??? I weighed in today and I have lost 100 pounds. That is right, 100 pounds! (wt 226.51) (total loss since prior to surgery 145) I can't believe it. I will be six months out on October 8th. I had to go buy a new pair of jeans today and they were a size 18! I can't remember when I wore a size 18! Praise God!! I am so thankful that He saw fit to see me through. The Ball is tomorrow and I can't wait to meet everyone. Be sure and look me up. I'll be making a presentation at some point in the evening, so I won't be hard to miss. I love hearing from all of you. You seem like family. Take care and may God continue to Bless each of you. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!! Love, Rebecca




October 14, 2003
I went to see Dr. Freeman yesterday for my six-month check-up. We decided that he was going to do another EGD today to make sure everything was okay. As it turned out the opening was just fine. He ran a mono test and it came back negative. We are waiting on the hepatitis C and the h-pylori test to come back. In the last few days I have been able to eat without getting sick. I still cannot do water. I drink decaf Tetley tea sweetened with Splenda. I've lost 101 pounds! (wt 225.51) Praise the Lord!! I still have a ways to go, but I'm sure I will get there. This surgery is by far the best thing that I could have ever done for myself. I feel like I had the best surgeon and his staff are absolutely wonderful. It saddens me when I hear negative talk about Dr. Freeman or his staff, especially when the people making the remarks have never met with them in person. I know anyone that has ever met this group would agree with me that they are just wonderful and very caring. The Ball was wonderful! I enjoyed meeting so many of you. If you live close to Dr. Freeman's office, I would like to encourage you to take part in our support group, New Beginnings. It meets the third Tuesday of every month at 6:00 PM at the Tyler Center in Anniston. I will close for now for I am still on the sleepy side. Until next time, May God be with each of you. If I can be of help to anyone, please e-mail me at [email protected]


November 18, 2003
Things are going better now. I seem to be able to eat just about anything without getting sick. I thought I would never reach that point! I had been on a plateau for the most of October and just started to loose again in the last week. I am down to 216.51! That is 110 pounds gone FOREVER!!! I am just so amazed! It is just too good to be true. We serve a gracious God and I am so thankful to Him for allowing this to happen to me. I am thankful to God for giving Dr. Freeman and his staff the wisdom and knowledge to help all of us. I don't think I could trust another doctor the way I do Dr. Freeman. He has a way of making you feel so comfortable. He seems more like a best buddy than your doctor. He has helped me uncover things about me that I thought were resolved and now I realize that I have not resolved those matters, but I am working and trying to sort through them. My arthritis and fibromyalgia have been giving me a fit in the last month or so. This is the first flare up that I have had since surgery. I am still trying to stay off of all prescription medication. I did start back on my hormones, as I just could not stand the hot flashes any longer. Well I will close for now. May God continue to bless each of you in your journey and always remember that if I can be of help to anyone, please feel free to contact me. With Love, Rebecca


December9, 2003
Well, I went for my check-up yesterday and everything went GREAT! After having to check in every month since surgery I don't have to return until April. That is my one-year anniversary! I was so pleased! I'll go for my 9-month blood work next month and if everything is okay then it will be April. I weighed in at 211, which is 5.51 pounds gone forever! The pounds are coming off much slower now. Even when the scales are not moving I can tell that I am loosing inches. My bracelet for the first time slides up and down my arm. Oh, it is the little things we get excited about! Praise is to God Almighty. I am so thankful and grateful for this surgery. Unless a person had been obese I really don't see how they can say they understand what it is like to be in our shoes. Too much is taken for granted. I put my Christmas tree up this year with a little help from my son. This is something that I have not done in years. I did not only my Christmas shopping, but also my mothers! And I must add that I did all the wrapping also. It took me a while on the wrapping because my hands hurt so bad with this damp weather. I had he best time! My son and I went shopping the Friday after Thanksgiving at 4:30 in the morning. We shopped and shopped and shopped some more and then we left the Mall for Wal-Mart. When we got to the van Bradley said, "Mom did you realize we did not sit down and take a break and you were fine?" I did realize that, but I was not about to say anything. It made me feel real good that he noticed and brought it to my attention though. I have the best family anyone could ever hope for. My daughter turned 5 on Monday and she says she is no longer a baby, but a little girl. She asked her brother and her daddy if she looked like a princess now. Boy did they get a laugh out of that. Well I will close for now. I wish each of you the very Merriest Christmas ever! Please remember to keep Christ in your Christmas plans this year for without Him we would be nothing. If I can be of help to anyone don't hesitate to email me.


December 16, 2003
Well, it is a GREAT DAY!!!! My girlfriend gave me some size 16 jeans and I thought I would try them on just to see how far up they would come. They just slid right over those hips of mine. YEAH!!! To top that off, they are actually a little loose. I have lost 115 pounds and it has been 8 months.(wt. 211) I wanted to be 199 by the first of the year. I have a feeling those 12 pounds are going to be hard to loose since.  I never thought I would get excited about my BMI, but today I am just obese and not super obese! I think that is great! Yesterday someone asked me how I lost the weight and a friend immediately spoke and said she had surgery. I couldn't help but to correct her. I told the girl that yes I had surgery, but it was the Good Lord that did it. Without His protective hands I don't think any of us could do it. I believe without a shadow of a doubt that He is with Dr. Freeman and Brother Tim every time they start a surgery and that is why Dr. Freeman's practice has been so successful. I'll always give the praise to God for this. Dr. Freeman is His employee and does a fine job, I might add. I had all of my hair cut off on Saturday. Up to my ears and it is straight. I've kept a perm in it for years. My husband came home Saturday and asked where his wife was! I do look quite different. I will have to send in an updated picture soon. Our support group meeting is today so I am going to go prepare for that and I will post more soon. May God continue to Bless you no matter where you are in your journey and if I can be of help to anyone please don't hesitate to email me.
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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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July & August 2003

Jul 17, 2003

July 14, 2003
Hello to all. I went and weighed in today for my 3 month check-up Yes, I feel good! This surgery was the best thing I could have ever done for myself. I am so grateful for my surgeon, Dr. Bryan Freeman, and his staff. I thank God above for giving them the knowledge to perform this procedure. May God Bless each of you no matter where you are in your journey. Rebecca

MY PRINCE BRADLEY ANDREW




August 18, 2003
I went in last week to see Dr. Freeman for my 4 month check up. I'm doing great he says. I have lost a total of 85, yes I said 85 pounds! Can you imagine 340 sticks of butter in front of you??? I can't believe it! He says I will probably loose another 80 pounds before my year is up. Gosh, I hope he is right. God has Blessed this man with a wonderful talent. He is such a good doctor and he has a GREAT partner with him at all time. The LORD JESUS CHRIST! That is what makes him and his entire staff so unique. I just Thank God for him and for all of his staff.

As for me, I feel better than I have in years. I've been doing my own housework, laundry and cooking. I've even worked out in the yard a little. It is so hot here I'm afraid of getting dehydrated so I try not to overdo it outside. I finally got rid of all my old clothes. I kept one pair of jeans, one shirt and one dress just in case we have a "Can You Believe It Show." I bought one pair of jeans, a pair of shorts and three tops. That should be enough to hold me through until fall and then I will buy sweat pants.

I've been a little moody here lately. I really don't know why. I have a wonderful, supportive husband and two wonderful children. I have not taken any medication since before my surgery in early April until yesterday, and I started taking my hormones again. I hope this helps. My hair has started coming out as of two weeks ago. I have a thick head of hair so I could stand to loose a little, not much though.

I have met some of the most wonderful people through this site and our support group and I thank God for each of you. If I can be of help to anyone please let me know. I travel to Tennessee a lot to see my parents so if I don't respond to your e-mail immediately I will as soon as I return. May God Bless each of you no matter where you are in your journey. Love, Rebecca

MY PRINCESS SARAH ELIZABETH


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May & June 2003

Jun 26, 2003

May 6, 2003
I had my one month check up yesterday and everything went well. I've lost 26 lbs. since surgery.(wt.300,51) (total loss since before surgery 76lbs.) I am still having problems getting all the water in and I do get a little sick at times. Some days I have lots of energy and other days I have none. Am I sorry I did this? No way, I would do it again. Dr. Freeman and his staff are a God send. I don't feel like I have anything to complain about. It is all trial and error as to what your stomach can handle and what it can't handle at this particular time. I am trying to walk a mile a day at the present time. Overall I feel great! I have had no medication for co-morbidities since two weeks before my surgery. That is hard to believe since I took a lot of medication every day. I am so pleased with this procedure. I want every one to know about it. I want everyone to feel the way I do on the inside. God is Good and I am grateful that He led me to this site and to Dr. Freeman. I am also grateful He gave me such a caring and loving husband. Mike has stood by me every step of the way. I could not have done it without him. He is even loosing weight. Although, I think he looks pretty darn good already! I guess we will be "loosers together!"

I'll write again soon. May God Bless you wherever you are in your journey.


June 10, 2003
Well, it has been 2 months since surgery (9 weeks) and I have lost 46 pounds! I feel great! (wt.280,51) (total loss since before surgery 96lbs.)  I am doing things that I could not have done two months ago. My family can see a difference in my appearance, but I can not see any big difference. I am still having problems getting in all my water. I have discovered that Fruit 2o (flavored spring water) and I really like the grape. I have found this at the Wal Mart Super Center and at CVS. They have several to choose from.

I am closing my cross stitch shop as of June 21st. The sales dropped in November and it has not picked up since. So I'm holding onto that saying, "When God closes one door, He will open another." I am praying that I find a job soon.

I'll close for now, I feel like I am rambling. If I can be of help to anyone, please don't hesitate to let me know. This surgery has been the greatest gift I could have given myself. I would do it all over again today. Yes, it has made a difference in my life and so has Dr. Freeman and his wonderful staff.

May God Bless each of you no matter where you are in your journey.


June 27, 2003
I went to see Dr. Freeman yesterday and he said I was doing Great! I had lost 52lbs. in 11 weeks.(wt 274.51) I can't believe it! My son pulled some pictures out and showed me the difference the other day and I can really see a difference in my face. Yesterday, my husband and I went to the Outback. The hostess took us around and was seating us in one of those two people "holes"! I didn't say anything, although I wanted to say, can we have a table please. I just sat right down, and guess what? I HAD ROOM TO SPARE!!!! First time ever. I ordered a salad and ate very little of it, the waiter came by and asked if there was something wrong and I told him no that I had surgery and I could no longer eat large portions. He was wonderful. He started asking questions so I got to education him on the surgery in a positive way.

I closed my shop last Saturday and now I just feel lost! I'm praying that I will be able to find a job. The month of July I am going to Charlotte, NC to see my grandmother. She has cancer and the doctors have given her 3 to 4 months to live. From there I am going to Bristol, TN to see my parents and then I am taking the children to the Smokey’s and then back to Alabama. I have so much more energy since my surgery. I was telling my friend that I have been to the mall more in the last two weeks than I have in the last 15 years. Thank GOD for a wonderful surgeon and his team. I would do it all over today.

Will close for now. May God Bless each of you, no matter where you are in your journey. If I can be of help to anyone please let me know. Rebecca
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April 2003

Apr 23, 2003

April 10, 2003
I had my surgery on the 8th and everything went well. I had no problems at all. Actually I am very surprised, there was more pain involved when I had my hysterectomy! I'm a little tired so I will right more later.


April 12th, 2003
I am 4 days post op and I feel fine. I would like to thank God above for taking such good care of me. I only had three doses of pain medication after surgery and I had it twice since I have been home. It is a little scary when you go to eat. I am afraid of doing something wrong. I don't think I will ever eat broth, Jell-O and popsicles again though. I am really sick of them. Looking forward to Monday, I go get the drains out. Will right more later, May God Bless each of you.

April 14, 2003
Well, I made it past the removal of the drains and boy was that an experience!! It did not hurt as in actual pain, but it did take my breath away! It felt like someone trying to pull start a lawn mower. I was fine after a couple of minutes. I had lost eleven pounds since surgery, seventeen total. The nurses were pleased with my progress. As I was leaving Dr. Freeman yelled for us to give me a hug and shake my husband’s hand. He said I was doing very well. I have not had any medication for co morbidities in over three weeks. Praise the Lord! I was afraid I would have a flair up with the fibromyalgia, but I have been just fine. I thank the Lord for that. (wt. 309.51)


April 15, 2003
I had an eye doctor appointment today and was so surprised. I have been blind as a bat and I just knew I was going to have to have bi-focals. No, I was blind because my eyes have improved greatly and my current prescription was too strong! I was there for four hours and then I went to the Super Center just to walk around a bit before our support group meeting. My husband met me later to attend the meeting. A plastic surgeon was there and it was very interesting. He explained several procedures and whether or not insurance was paying for them. Well, I am very tired so I am going to call it a day. May God Bless Each of you no matter where you are in this journey.


April 24, 2003
I just wanted to give a quick update. I think I am doing great since the surgery. I've really had no complications. I have gotten sick a couple of times, but it seems when choosing your food, it is trial and error for me. Most things I have no problem at all with and others give me a great deal of gas. No, that has been my main problem! I get so much gas and it gets trapped in my back! Pain! Pain! Pain! That has been the worst part of the surgery. Before surgery I could drink water just fine and now it seems that I can taste every chemical in it. I've been drinking Propel by Gatorade. I'm still not getting in the 64 ounces, but trying hard.

I seem to get tired very easy these days. I came back to work on Tuesday and it was slow so I did okay. Yesterday, I was busy the biggest part of the day and I was exhausted when I left here. So many of my customers said to me yesterday "my you are loosing weight", I just smiled and said, "I don't think so." I haven't told many of them about my surgery. I can't tell that I am loosing yet, but some are telling me they can see it in my face. I get depressed when I go to get on the scales, so I try and stay away from them. I'll weigh when I see Dr. Freeman on May 6th.

My husband has been wonderful through all this. He has been my right hand. At first he was a little nervous about it. Since surgery, I couldn't ask for more support. He took a week off when I had the surgery and he took such good care of me. He did things for me that I never imagined I would ever have to have done by anyone. If I got up out of the bed to go to the recliner, he got up and went to the sofa. He never left me alone. I am very Blessed to have him in my life. He will never know just how much I appreciate him for all he has done for me.

Well, I will close for now. May God Bless each of you no matter where you are in your journey. Fell free to e-mail me if I can be of help to anyone. Thank you AMOS for your continued support. Rebecca
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March 2003

Mar 09, 2003

March 3, 2003
I took that "big" step and called BCBS to see if they had received by paperwork. The representative put me on hold and I don't know why, but I became so nervous! She said they had received the information, but no decision had been made at this time. It has only been a week though. What could I have been thinking, no one gets results in a week! Well, got to run, my 16 year old just called and has hurt his neck in PE so I'll post more later. Take care and Love to my new AMOS family. My prayers are with each of you.

Update from earlier today: My husband just arrived with my son and thankfully the doctor said that he had pulled a muscle in his neck. No PE for two weeks. I'm sure he is jumping for joy! Not really, he likes working out and all. He has to wear a neck brace for a week. It scared me when he came in because he could not hold his head straight nor could he raise his left arm above his head. Even in times of stress we can always find something to be thankful for and I am thankful that it was not worse than what it is. Have a great week everyone. Prayers are with each of you, especially the ones who are preparing for surgery this week.


March 10, 2003
PRAISE THE LORD!!!! I AM APPROVED!!! I just got off the phone with BCBS and she told me that I had been approved on March 7th. I just started crying. I was soooo happy! I called my husband at work to share the good news. He was delighted as well and told me not to cry that everything was going to be okay. I called the doctors office and talked to Candice. I told her that I had been approved. She asked me if I wanted to schedule a surgery date!! Yes, Yes! She came back to the phone and said they had April 8,9,10 available and the rest of the month. So guess which one I chose? You're right! April 8th. Less than a month I will be on the loosing side. I'm so excited!! God is so good. I talked with my parents who live in Tennessee. Originally I had told my mom about the surgery, but told her to NOT tell my dad; to tell him that I was having my gall bladder taken out. She said what if he remembers that you already had it removed. Tell him it grew back!! Today my dad answered the phone when I called, but I just couldn't tell him. (He had a sister who had the surgery done in the early 70's who had several complications) Mom told him while I was on the phone and he said he knew because he remembered that I had already had the gallbladder removed. I don't think he was happy. I know that he is just concerned. I am a daddy's girl!!! I may be 37 years old, but I have always been very close to my dad. My parents will be keeping my 4 year old while I am in the hospital. We will take her there on March 28th. My 16 year old will be fine. He is just a fine young man. Very self-sufficient. I am very proud of him. He is an honor student. Well, I'll get off for now and will update more later. Thanks to all the AMOS family for keeping there profiles up to date and for sharing there experiences. It is because of you and this board that I have a peace with all this. I thank God above for giving these doctors the knowledge to perform this surgery. Please keep me in your prayers. Love to all.

February 2003

Feb 26, 2003

February 24, 2003
I went for my consultation visit today and everything went well. The office staff really makes you feel like they care. It was obvious for me that we had something in common other than weight and that was a mutual friend, Jesus! What a BLESSING!! I am being scheduled to see a pulmonary doctor and I go March 4th to see a Psychologist. I have talked with a representative at the insurance company and she told me according to the data that I shared with her I should have no problem being approved. I am so excited!! According to the results today I am 326.51 lbs at 5'5" with a BMI of 53.3. (I had lost 45 lbs. from my all time high)My liver looked good so the lap procedure is a good possibility. I will post more as I find out the results. Thanks for listening (reading) and May God Bless each of you. Rebecca


February 26, 2003
Hello to my new "Family". Just wanted to let you all know that I go for my psychological evaluation today at 4:00. I told my DH that I could save us a few bucks because I already now that I am only half sane!!! It would not be me if I couldn't joke around. I'm not quite sure what to expect, so for those of you who are new at this like me, I will tell you all about it tonight. Until then, May God continue to Bless each of you. Rebecca





February 27, 2003
I had the psychological evaluation yesterday and ........ let's just say it was different! If interested just e-mail me and I will explain later because I KNOW that not all evaluations were like mine. So let's put a smile on our faces and greet the world. I go to see the pulmonary doctor on March 18 and then we will go from there. I'm having a lot of headaches right now, I believe it is sinus due to all the damp weather we are having here in Alabama. Until next time May God continue to Bless each of you.
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About Me
AL
Location
25.5
BMI
RNY
Surgery
04/08/2003
Surgery Date
Feb 22, 2003
Member Since

Before & After
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First visit to Dr. Freeman's office. 2/03
325.5lbs
Jan. 23, 2005
161lbs

Friends 133

Latest Blog 21
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