Dea J.

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9-9-04 
This is a prayer that a friend sent to be while I was going thru Divorce - it really helped me through some tough times then. I found it again today and could relate to what it was saying as I am 6 days away from surgery.

 

 

Dear Heavenly Father, I trust you to write my tomorrows and file my yesterdays in a place that will not harm me. I will await your direction.

 

 

Give me the courage. Though I long for freedom and victory, I am afraid to venture into such unknown territory. I have forgotten how to laugh, truly laugh and kiss the wind, so bowed over have I been in my despair.

 

 

You are the lifter of my head. Raise me now and lead me on. I am ready. Ready for change. Ready for deliverance. Ready to experience the fullness of the joy and peace that you have ordained for me. Yes, I am ready.

 

 

Lead the way in Jesus's name.

 

 

Amen

9-15-04
This is the day I had WLS - the beginning of my wls journey - I got to Crestwood at the time Dr F's office advised me to be there - after waiting around for a long time someone called my name and told me I was NOT on the surgery schedule.  I was NOT an happy camper - I pulled out the paper from Dr F's office and showed them I was supposed to be there and that I had already had my mag citrate cocktail the effects of which I was still suffering from and that I could not/would not go through this again.....long story shortened - they went ahead and did my surgery but I was the last one of the day instead of the 2nd - most miserable experience but I was very thankful that they went ahead with the ~procedure~  Yeeeehawwww I got a place on the wls losers bench!

8-17-04

Can you believe it - I got another call from Dr. Facundus office - they have another cancellation for next week -would it be possible to move my surgery up to 8-25-04?  Hahahahaaha - I'm confident now - I reply it would be great with me - but I have to check with my supervisor. It's late evening now - I asked if I could call back 1st thing in the morning as my supervisor is not in the office today.

8-18-04
 Its my birthday today! ~Thinking to myself what a nice birthday gift if my supervisor would approve early time off~. Well....NO - they are not prepared for me to be off approx 2 weeks yet. That's OK - It is in the Lord's hands and His timing is perfect timing. Feeling so much better that at least this time I was mentally prepared - and also have some vitamin and protein supplements on hand.

 
8-25-04 
Received call from Dr. Facundus office today - they need to change my Pre-OP visit with him from 9-1-04 to 9-2-04 - that's OK - in the big scheme of things I don't think One day is a major hurdle.

 
8-26-04 
Went to Crestwood for Pre-OP tests - EKG and bloodwork. These tests were not bad at all. It was kinda nice to see familiar faces there (I used to work there) when I was once again feeling a little nervy. Everyone was soooo nice and helpful - worked Hard to put my fears at ease. Hey - they did a GOOD job.

Also meet with the "put me to sleep" doctors. Believe me - these folks are gonna be my friends. When going under the Knife - NO WAY do I wanna be awake. The first gentleman that I spoke with - said there might be a problem with the Endo Tube - because of a overbite and receding chin. The 2nd doctor that came in and was brave enough to look into my BIG ole mouth - asked if I'd every had problems with anesthesia  in the past. Well.....NO....I cannot recall any problems from my hysterectomy in 2002. He said there should be no problems this time either. Now, that's what I wanted to hear.

  
They were very helpful - advised me to drink plenty of fluids 2-3 days prior to surgery - it would help prevent severe dry mouth after surgery. Nothing but tylenol a week before surgery for pain. Nothing to eat or drink after midnite before surgery. And, God Bless his little ole heart - he gave me rx for patch to help with nausea. Advised me to place behind my ear before beginning the appetising mag citrate cocktail (now this part - i've been having nightmares about) and that it should help with nausea for 2 more days as well

7-1-04

Had consultation with Hunter the nutritionist @ BWI - he was so nice. He was an ole meanie when he said I had to give up my Coke's for life and to start cutting back now. Well this is a small price to pay for a better (healthier & thinner) me. He went over the vitamin and protein requirements after surgery. I'm getting excited, Yet, at the same time a little nervous.

 

 

7-16-04

Had first consultation with Dr Facundus - He is so confident. He was willing to answer all my questions and did not seem to be in any hurry. He made me feel so much better about this decision. Surgery set for Sept 15 as long as additional tests are ok. WOW! - It has been 3 months since I first talked with my family physician - the time has seemed to crawl yet fly by.  Also, I spoke with my supervisior today regarding my decision for gastric bypass surgery and requested 2 weeks off in September. I had been DREADING this soooo bad. She was very supportive and encouraging.

 

 

7-22-04

Went back to Dr. Facundus for H Pylori test. Had about made myself sick worrying about it - was told the stuff you had to drink was nasty, nasty, nasty. I was prepared for the worst. Well it was not Coca-Cola by any means - but it really was not that bad. Maybe this is what I need to tell myself about the surgery - it was be awful - horrible - unbearable - then - HEY - maybe it won't be so bad after all. I know this is major surgery - but if I'm prepared for the worst. Maybe, I'll be pleasantly surprised.

~Oh Yeah - the technician told me the test was just fine! Alright - one more step accomplished on this journey.

 

 

7-27-04 
Received a call from Dr. Facundus office - they have a cancellation for next week - would I like to have my surgery 8-5-04? Ummm...stammer....stammer - well, I replied - let me see if I can work it out with my employer and I'll call you right back. Let me tell you - I FREAKED! Had a little crying spell. Had a little ~Pep~ talk with me, myself, and I. Sucked it up and went looking for my supervisor - told her about my phone call with Dr F's office and ~shyly~ asked if it would be possible to take off early for my sick leave.

 

 

Well..... you can imagine my relief when she said NO - I'm sorry I wish I could say yes - but we have not trained anyone to take your place yet. I said ~giggling~ that's ok - I don't think I'm ready yet - I'll call and let them know. Called Dr. F's office back and said thank you so much for the opportunity but I'll have to decline because of work restraints.

 

 

OKAY - now this was a wake up call - Time to get up off my duff and get busy. Went on a vitamin and protein scavenger hunt. Do you remeber that little children's book about the little train - i think i can, i think i can, i think i can....Oh my Gosh- Jesus - help me - with your help I can. Feeling better now. Ok - i'm gonna be ready by September

 

 

6-7-04

Called BCBS to check on status of pre-determination request for surgery. They have not received the paperwork. AAAARRRRRGGGGHHHHHHHH! Called Dr. Facundus office - they sent the paperwork in right after my consult with Kristi on 5-20-04. They are refaxing today.

 

 

6-14-04

Meet with Dr. Harriman regarding abnormal mammogram - he said he was confident everything is OK ~WHEW!~ I'm feeling much better today! :-) I will have to have another torturous mammogram this November just to confirm the OK diagnosis.

 

 

6-21-04

Called BCBS AL to see if they have received pre-determination request yet. Wooohoooo! They received it 6-14-04 but the customer service representative states it could take up to 30 days for decision. I will be calling back weekly now for status.

 

 

5-11-04

Had my 1st Mammogram. Gracious - a man had to come up with this torture device. And the technician placed parts in a vice and said take a deep breath - YEAH RIGHT! Oh, well - I survived this as well.

 

 

5-20-04

Had 1st consultation with BWI counselor Kristi - she was soooo sweet. She answered all my questions. She was very informative and helpful. It was amazing to see her B4 pix - I just could not believe this beautiful lady sitting in front of me today was the same one in that picture. Now, I'm anxiously awaiting word from BCBS AL as to whether they will approve or not. Keeping my fingers crossed.

 

 

5-21-04

Had repeat mammogram that was even more intensive. And, to think I thought it could'nt get any worse. This one has me worried.

 

 

4-16-04

Spoke with my family physician today re: weight loss surgery. She was very optismistic and encouraging. She just dx'd me with diabetes today and put me on avandamet. She also says my blood pressure is elevated. She stated that both conditions would be helped if not elimated with wls. She is setting up consultation with Dr Facundus in Huntsville as soon

as possible - she said it could take up to 3 months. I also went by to see a friend at her job today - her boss has the surgery last year and has lost 96lbs. She said BCBS will stop covering the surgery next year from what she is hearing. I guess that means if this is meant to be this is the year.

 

 

 

4-30-04

Had abdominal ultrasound @ HealthSouth today. Was expecting this to be a breeze - WRONG - it hurt. Oh, well - I will survive

 

 

 

11-21-05 Mark & I just returned for the Smokey Mtns - it was beautiful and my darling honey surprised me with renewing our vows. First time around we lost all our pix so.....here's our nice & naughty ones from this time....















discover what candy you are @ quiz me

DO IT ANYWAY ! (Mother Teresa)

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, People may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway.














Somebody died today

Somebody died today of DENIAL
Because they would not see that their weight was out of control.
Somebody died today of EMBARRASSMENT
Because they did not want to be weighed at the doctor's office.
Somebody died today of SHAME
Because they believed they lacked willpower.
Somebody died today of LONELINESS
Because they could not reach out and ask for help.
Somebody died today of FEAR
Because they thought they could never live without their favorite
foods.
Somebody died today of GUILT
Because they felt they disappointed their loved ones.
Somebody died today of REGRET
Because they did not live a full and active life.
Somebody died today of DESPAIR
Because they thought there was no hope.
Somebody died today of OBESITY.
Pray for them. Pray for us.

Believe. You have the power to change your life. --Trish Foley

Thanking God everyday for the blessing of WLS - except for the grace of God here goes I.

Your Icecream Flavour is...Neopolitan!

You aren't satisfied with just one flavor. They say variety is the spice of life and this shines through in your Ice cream of choice! Just don't eat all the chocolate and leave the strawberry and vanilla behind!

What is your Icecream Flavour?

Find out at Go Quiz










After The Rain

Whatever your cross, whatever your pain,
There will always be sunshine after the rain.
Perhaps you may stumble, perhaps even fall,
But God's always ready to answer your call.
He knows every heartache, sees every tear,
A word from His lips can calm every fear.
Your sorrows may linger throughout the night,
But suddenly vanish at dawn's early light.
The Savior is waiting somewhere above
To give you His grace and send you His love.
Whatever your cross, whatever your pain,
God always sends rainbows after the rain.

~Author Unknown~

10-23-05 We went back up to Green Mtn - the colors of fall are breaking out! Hiked around the trail and took some more pix...

















10-27-05 Well just wanted to report.... 157.5 lbs recorded today @ work for our weekly weigh in - down 1/2 from 10-10-05. But......WoooHoooooo I wore a tight size 12 suit yesterday and today tried on a size 10 pants and low and behold here I sit in these gray wool size 10 britches - Never, ever, ever can I remember having my hiney in a size 10. I know the 12's were snug yesterday and the size is probably messed up - but hey I was excited. Hope ya'll have a GREAT & blessed week - hugs - dea

9-15-05 – It’s my WLS Anniversary. As I reflect back on this past year I find myself getting extremely mushy and teary eyed. I’m so thankful to God for opening the door and allowing me this adventure to re-invent and re-discover Dea – thankful for my wonderful surgeon Dr. Facundus, my new tool that I must use wisely and so very, very thankful for the loving support of my family and friends.

So many accomplishments……..

-107 lbs – HALLELUJAH!!!! Yeah – Yeah I gained 4lbs this month but they are soon to be gone!

Off diabetic and blood pressure meds!!!!! YEAH!!!!

Down 8 dress sizes

Comfortably able to use a seat belt

Moving the car seat up to where my feet actually reach the pedals without monster BELLY in the way

Not having to ask for help to tie my own shoes

Being able to walk further than across the room without getting out of breath and sweating like a pig

Being able to Hike with my teenagers

Being able to cross my legs!

Being able to sit in a booth – not requesting a table so I could push back the chairs

Being able to wear cute matching bras and panties – bye bye grannie drawers

Feeling comfortable in my saggy skin

Feeling healthier and happier than I have in years

Sharing clothes with my teenage daughter

Wearing cute and stylish clothes

And on, and on, and on, and on…..but ya know what it’s the little things that mean so much

For all you guys – pre-op - post-op – researchers YOU can do it!

I found this and thought it was too good not to share

TO ACHIEVE YOUR DREAMS REMEMBER YOUR A B C'S

A VOID NEGATIVE SOURCES, PEOPLE, PLACES, THINGS AND HABITS.
B ELIEVE IN YOURSELF
C ONSIDER THINGS FROM EVERY ANGLE.
D ON'T GIVE UP AND DON'T GIVE IN.
E NJOY LIFE TODAY, YESTERDAY IS GONE, TOMORROW MAY NEVER COME.
F AMILY AND FRIENDS ARE HIDDEN TREASURES, SEEK THEM AND ENJOY THEIR RICHES.
G IVE MORE THAN YOU PLANNED TO.
H ANG ON TO YOUR DREAMS.
I GNORE THOSE WHO TRY TO DISCOURAGE YOU.
J UST DO IT.
K EEP TRYING NO MATTER HOW HARD IT SEEMS, IT WILL GET EASIER.
L OVE YOURSELF FIRST AND MOST.
M AKE IT HAPPEN.
N EVER LIE, CHEAT OR STEAL, ALWAYS STRIKE A FAIR DEAL.
O PEN YOUR EYES AND SEE THINGS AS THEY REALLY ARE.
P RACTICE MAKES PERFECT.
Q UITTERS NEVER WIN AND WINNERS NEVER QUIT.
R EAD, STUDY AND LEARN ABOUT EVERYTHING IMPORTANT IN YOUR LIFE.
S TOP PROCRASTINATING.
T AKE CONTROL OF YOUR OWN DESTINY.
U NDERSTAND YOURSELF IN ORDER TO BETTER UNDERSTAND OTHER.
V ISUALIZE IT.
W ANT IT MORE THAN ANYTHING.
X CELLERATE YOUR EFFORTS.
Y OU ARE UNIQUE OF ALL GOD'S CREATIONS, NOTHING CAN REPLACE YOU.
Z ERO IN ON YOUR TARGET AND GO FOR IT! ! ! ! !

9-20-05 I found this ~Protein Train~ and I'm gonna hop on board and try to get back on track....

========

#1 Do this for 10 days to break plateau

#2 Drink 2 quarts of water a day

#3 You must have 45 grams of protien supplement and all your vitamin & mineral supplements each day

#4 you may consume up to 3 oz. of the following high-protein foods, 5 times a day:
• beef
• pork
• chicken
• turkey
• lamb
• fish
• eggs
• low-fat cheese
• cottage cheese
• plain yougurt or artificially sweetetened,
• peanut butter
• beans/legumes

You may also have:
• sugar free popiciles
• tea or coffee
• sugar free sodas
• sugar free jello
• broths and bullions
• crystal lite drinks

#6 IF IT IS NOT ON THE LIST YOU CANNOT HAVE IT FOR 10 DAYS

#Keep a food diary and try to get up to 30 minutes of exercise daily.

============







9-26-05 We are starting a weekly weigh in @ work today - I was so excited ~~~~161~~~~ YEAH!! Lost those 4 lbs I'd gained & an additional 5 lbs - Not exactly sure what I've done different but sure want to keep it up. My goal for this week is to go to the gym at least 3 times. Until next time - God Bless each of you! hugs - dea

8-9-05 - Oh my goodness - I did'nt realize it had been so long since I'd updated. 11 months down the road -111 lbs life is good. I've been stuck at the same weight a little over a month now. It's been a difficult month - not much time for me. I really need to get back to exercising and increase the water. I also gotta get back on track and make sure I take my vitamins daily and especially the calcium - but that stuff sure constipates me - LOL - I'm full of ~IT~ anyways. I guess the thing that is bothering me the most is an identity crisis - I've lost all this weight and some of ~me~ too - trying to figure out who in the world Dea is - what she wants/needs to go on - cannot use her old crutch ~food~ when the stress comes piling on - and believe me stress has surely piled on this month. Well enough rambling for now.










8-12-05 Oh what a happy, happy day - my shrinking bootie fit in a NON-stretch size 12 jeans - I'm dancing, dancing - so happy! Who would've thunk it?






8-21-05 We had our family reunion today.....Just wanted to share a few pix with yall




My family & special friends - Kara, Wayne, Me, Mark, Andi, Josh, Amber & Nannie Jones