DebH
First, I will tell a bit about myself... I am now 49 years old. I have been "an above average weight" all of my life. My Daddy always told me I was "A healthy Gal". I have always been very active. (Daddy passed in June of '91; Mom, in April '81)
I Married my hubby on Nov. 16, 1974 and we have 4 fabulous kids... 3 boys and a girl... ages between 28 and 22... I gained a lot of weight with each of my 4 pregnancies, and never succeeded in loosing the weight.
Besides being a wife and stay at home mom... and running a cake decorating business, I was very active in our Parish, I was the person who could not say "no"... I co-led the folk group with my hubby for 10 years...and then, after we relocated with his job, I became that Parish's music director, leading both folk group and choir for 10 years, and coordinating all parish music. Along with this, my Hubby and I were members of several area bands, one bluegrass and folk... to the latest one... classic rock...
In late 1997 I suffered a bad back injury moving a big, heavy piece of furniture. This injury caused me to stop doing many things. I had to resign from my job as Parish Music coordinator and give up my cake decorating business. I became very depressed. The only saving grace in all of this was still being in a Band with my hubby. Music kept me from totally crawling in a hole!
I have spiritually grown immensely over the past 8 years having discovered Earth Spirituality and it's many facets.
Over the years I have done Jenny Craig (2 times), Weight Watchers, Richard Simmons, Susan Summers, Atkins, South Beach Dr Phil... along with various over-the-counter diet suppliments... and a couple of tries with Dr. prescribed weight loss meds... (not w/my current PCP)
My weight has not affected my mobility or social life until recently. Yes, over the years I have been "mooed at" while exercising in a gym... and have had other not so nice things said to me... you know, it is funny... I am 5'2" and weigh 245-250... I don't actually feel fat... the state of mind thing...
But I know I am way too heavy...I have been over 200# for 22 years. And, ever since I had the back injury, I have become more and more immobile. The back Surgery helped a bit, but the thing I hear most from my doctors is to loose weight.
May of 2004~
ANSWER: WLS !! I began this journey 18 months ago. That is when I decided that WLS was the answer for me. After months of research, I decided on Barix Center in Groveport. I had a consult with Dr Barbara.
June 2004~
A bump in the road.... Dr Barbara requested that I have a Pysch consult... I am having a really hard time finding someone to do this consult.
Then. I get a call from Barix... they do not even mess with OUR insurance... Ok.. Barix knew this from the start... why didn't they tell me in the begining before I paid for a consult... psyc.. and they wanted me to shedule other pre op tests at their facility... Glad I didn't do that yet!!!
Now, the journey has become bumpy. Between our insurance (Aetna PPO) and My Hubby's employer's "extra" requirements... I somehow "do not qualify" for them to pay for WLS. So, my darling Hubby has decided that, even if we have to struggle and pay out-of-pocket, it will be done.
Hubby (and a lot of message board members) suggest I may want to look into another Dr and clinic.. This is what I have decided to do!!! So, a BIG thanks to everyone who gave me names of WLS doctors!
June 28. 2004
The finances do not look good... everything is on hold. I am very depressed
August 2004.
I have a consultation appt with Dr Curry on the 23rd!
August 24, 2004
I met with Dr Curry and his staff yesterday. They are awesome! I also found out that I will most likely have the lap-band procedure, which is what I really wanted to have when starting this journey to WLS a couple of years ago. I am so EXCITED!
October 2004
Denial letter sent from Aetna... it left me very depressed.
December 2004
giving it all to higher powers... hoping for a little magic...from the season, I wrote a very detailed letter to Aetna... a few weeks later, another letter denying my surgery... I just about gave up...
January 2005
but magic happens... a few days after the second letter..
in the midst of a horrid ice storm came wonderul news about my Appeal... "denial overturned~Surgery Approved for RNY!"
I had to hustle my fanny into gear! calling Dr Curry's office on my cell phone (electric, phone, internet/cable tv all out due to the ice storm on Jan 5) and get things rolling. AND THEY ARE!!!
I meet with dietician Erin on the 18th, my pre op testing on the 28th and surgery on Feb 4 2005 WOW
Jan 19,2005
We made the long haul to Cincinnati yesterday, it took 3 HOURS with the rush hour traffic! I had a nutrition class with Erin and several other people that will be having surgery in February. We were given a notebook that has every question under the sun answered! I have already started on my "homework" ... making menus and shopping lists, I also have a list of vitamins and supplements and other little things to buy before my surgery. I made an appointment for the 20th with my PCP for my Medical clearance. I also made a list of all meds I am on and put it in my notebook!! Can you tell I am excited???
January 25, 2005
Started my 10 day pre op liquids today. so far, so good I am VERY excited... just 10 days away from my surgery, and my new life! weight today 251.5#
January 28th, 2005
I had all of my pre-surgery testing done today. I also had visits with Dr Curry, Nancy & Erin. Also made sure we are on the list for a Guest room (we live about 2+ hours from Deaconess) Now, to finish shopping and start packing!!!
February 3, 2005
I am packed and ready to go! Hubby and I will be staying in Cinci tonight as my surgery is at 7:30am in the morning! I know we will stay there a few days after I am released from the hospital too. I will update as soon as I am home and get back online!
A BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS SENT WISHES, PRAYERS AND GIVEN SO MUCH SUPPORT!!! You are all so appreciated!!! Blessings to Everyone!!
Feb 3 evening...
We arrived at Deaconess and will stay the night in the "Guest Rooms" on 8. I have to be downstairs at 5:45am... seeing Dr C at 7:30!
Feb 4 2005
Today is the first day of a new me, a new life!!!
I went down to the surgical sign in at 5:45... all paperwork was in order! I was then sent up to 1 for my surgery prep. iv's and lots of questions... Dr C came in to see my hubby and I to see if there were any last minute questions. I feel VERY confident!!! I was then wheeled into the O.R. ...zzzzzzzz
I awoke in Recovery and they said everything had went great! I would be moved to my room on 7 very soon.
I slept a lot the remainder of the day, not really much pain. I had that really nice pain pump (Though I really didn't use it much!) My kids and their spouses drove down to visit in the evening. Hubby spent the next 2 nights in the room with me.
Feb 5, 2005
I had my IV & cath removed today. Got to walk around a little and got my first...jello. I still felt tired but was not in any pain.
Feb 6,7, 2005
Today I was "discharged" from the Bariatric Unit and allowed to go up to the "Guest Room" with my hubby for a few days. I spent my time napping, taking walks all over the 8th floor, and having jello and juice/water.
Feb 8, 2005
I had my post op appt with Dr Curry and my drain removed. One more night on the 8th floor and I can go HOME!!!!
*** My days at Deaconess were really wonderful! Be it on the 7th floor bariatric Unit or up in the Guest Rooms!
The staff on 7 were FABULOUS! I especailly want to thank Brenda, Marsha and Damiean... I know there were others the first night but my mind is so foggy from then...LOL Thank You ALL!
and, Dr Curry!!! my biggest thank you goes to him! I didn't have one moment of "jitters"! Every question answered!!!
And a big thank you to His Staff!
Feb 9, 2005
we left for Russells Point about 10am... got home about 12:30. the ride wasn't too bad. I remeber anticipating every bump in the road. Luckily, I slept a lot on the way home! I immediately retired to the bedroom and took a big snooze!
Feb10, 2005
Had to Call Dr C's office... my drainage site was a bit ookey. I was concerned about the colour and odor of the discharge.
I was put on A Z-pack and... problem solved!!!
Feb 12, 2005
tried my first bite of pureed food today... it didn't sit well... I went to protien drinks for the next few days... by Monday evening, I was able to eat about an ounce of pureed tuna... it was yummy!
***Over the next week, I felt stronger each day, able to eat tablespoon sized pureed cottage cheese, tuna and filled in with protien drinks to keep my count up. I also had some baby food vegis and fruits. and water... water... water... LOL
Feb 19, 2005
My first 'solo' car trip! I drove down to OSU to pick up my son for the weekend. We also went to a couple of stores. I really kept a close eye on how I was feeling. I was very tired when I got home...zzzzzz....
Feb 20, 2005
Today is Hubby's 50th Birthday!!! The kids and I are throwing him a party at a local restaurant. Everything went great for the party! a Party room and restaurant food... good times and no work for ME!
weight today 228# WOW!
March 2, 2005
I had my 1 month appt with Dr Curry today. Also met with Erin & Nancy. I am down a little over 25# !!!
March 16, 2005
I am down to 219!!!! WOW! and in a size 18!!! I am so happy with my "new life"
May 4, 2005
wow, long time~ no post!! My Bad!!!
I have been so busy~~ so much energy!! gardening, house cleaning, painting... all that jazz!!!
I went for my 3 month check up today~~ I HAVE LOST 50 POUNDS!!! I am walking on air!!! made me want to go out anr run around the block!!! whooopeeeeee!!
May 6, 2005
Last night I attened my fisrt WLS Support Group meeting. I finally found one close by!!! The group is "Bypass to a New You"
and it is held at HillCrest Baptist in Bellefontaine, OH... just a few minutes down the road from my home at the Lake!!!
The Lady that runs the group is so warm and caring!! I thuroughly enjoyed mysef! They had a WLS Dr from Springfileld Speak, along with several pos-ops... and I got up and intoduced myself & told about my journey. I will definately be a regular member of this group! Next month's meeting is for post ops only. I am going to be posting this meeting on the Ohio board just to let folks know it is available in our area!!!
May 25, 2005
It has been a while since I updated. Mostly because this website has been so very slow at loading. also... someone has changed my 'surgery'date' to read 1/2/1995!!! Screwy!!! My surgery was Feb 4, 2005...
I am down almost 54 pounds. I am encountering some snotty remarks and petty jealousy about my weight loss from 'some' family and friends. My Hubby & kids say I haven't changed a bit personality wise.... This "treatment" that I am getting from some people is very depressing.
June 25, 2005
Ahhhh, Summer... and it's a hot one today! Our band is back out playing... a Block party in North Lewisburg, Ohio this afternoon. did I mention it is HOT today???
I am down 60 pounds as of this past Thursday! I have NEW swimsuit... a size 16!!!! better than last year's 24-26!!!
July 18, 2005
I have been having so much fun this summer!! THANK YOU DR CURRY AND STAFF!!!! today my wieight is 190.5
I went to a party on Saturday ~ SO many people didnt recognize me.... they commented on how young I look and that my daughter & I look so much alike now! YEA!
Our family went to the Dayton Air Force museum yesterday.... I loved the walking... they had a hard time keeping up with me...
One thing that I kept noticing was the amount of really BIG people in the crowd.... I so wanted to run to them and tell them MY story.... how I am escaping obesity, and how HEALTHY & HAPPY that has made me
Even though my weight loss is just above 60 pounds at 5 months post surgery... I have been keeping up with eating RIGHT and exercising regularly... even if it just dancing for an hour or so!
I am still losing sizes !!! so I must be gaining muscle!
I actually enjoy cleaning my house... I love being able to garden without pain... help my hubby in remodling our home... hanging out with our kids...playing with three very active grand babies!!!
I am wearing shorts again!!! and spagetti strap tops!!! Bathing suits!!! I have very little hanging skin (but I have needed a tummy tuck ever since my last child was born in 1982... he was a whopping 10 pounds 15 ounces and 24" long... and I am only 5'2"!!! thought I gave birth to a toddler!)
I am posting pics on my personal web page... address is above, I believe
Our band has been back together and is playing monthly gigs... THAT is a big WHOOOPEEEE for me... I so missed the music!!
( just starting a band web page ~ geocities.com/hairyberryjam/info just put the www @ the begining of the addy)
now, to get my rear in gear and get back to some "laid aside" art projects!!! wow... I AM having FUN!!!!
FEBRUARY 17, 2006
WOW it has been a LONG time since I Updated!!! I guess I have been having way too much fun and enjoying my new life!!!
I passed my 1 year mark on Feb 4th!! I have lost just over 87 pounds, hoped I would hit the 100 mark, but this is GOOD! I am in a loose size 12!! My BP is NORMAL, Cholesterol 160, HDL 58!!!
I am enjoying life SO much!! I feel AWESOME!!!
August 15, 2006
I have been on a long plateu.. but my weight loss is moving again. I so want to hit the CENTRUY mark by my birthday in September. I am feeling great... my labs are NORMAL!!!
JULY 2007
My goodness. a long time since I have updated. I have been so busy this past year with my family... hubby, kids & grandkids. Still trying to find that "ME" time... I am still bouncing between 165-170 lbs and in a size 12. THAT is just fine with me. My labs have all been normal. I am very happy with that! I DO need to excercise more.
