Rachel J.

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Ok, so I know that most of you reading this are going to freak, but I have a really big question!

Why does gastric bypass immediately disqualify a person from joining the military?

Before you comment and give me a list of all of the "possibilities" please make sure that you consider both sides of the coin.  I'll explain.  I've not lost all of my weight, but when I reach goal or military standards for joining, I was thinking about joining the service.  Yeah, it sounds crazy, but I really feel like I was meant to do more than just be a housewife.  I am earning this degree, and I want it to work for me.  IF I join, I would definitely want to become an officer from the get-go. 

Now, the next question is...which branch of service.  I'll start with the Marines.  When I spoke with a recruiter yesterday asking the "tough" questions...I wanted to know what their policy is for prospective people who have had gastric bypass.  The Marines just said that they needed to be 1 yr post op and non dependent on any medications from the surgery.  So far, neither applies to me..which is ok, because I won't have my degree until March 2010.  Looking ahead though, I will be 1 yr post op in November and 4 months after I will graduate with a degree.  So, I would qualify to join by March 2010--YAY!  So, that's the Marines.

Next, is the Navy.  The recruiter I spoke with early in the day said that I would not be able to use my online degree for any of the Naval Officer Programs.  So, I called another person.  He said the other guy was whack.  He said that as long as my school is regionally accredited...my degree would qualify me for any of their programs.  SO, check!  The bad news is that the Navy consideres gastric bypass as an immediate disqualifier.  The recruiter DID say that their policy changes often, and I should check back in 6 months to see if there is a change.  So, here's my idea...if things work out and I meet Navy requirements, and I am working on my degree....take all of my medical documentation to the recruiter so they can submit it to the Docs.  I am really hoping that will give me the chance to get a waiver.  If so, and I continue to have no problems from surgery, I could join the Navy.

Next, is the Air Force.  I called and spoke with a recruiter yesterday.  They will accept my degree and they want me to come in when I have met weight standards for the Air Force (which is about 77 lbs from now).  They want to submit a package up to the Docs and see if I will be eligible to join once I have reached my 1 yr post op.  Basically, we discussed that gastric bypass patients will have to be determined on a case by case basis because not everyone gets out smoothly without little to no complications.  I'm all for that. 


*Which branch of service would most benefit my family's needs?
*What will I do with the kids while I am in bootcamp?
*What will I do with the kids while I am in OCS?

So far, I've been thinking that the Navy would be more able to place me in an area with Curt (since he is a Marine).  I don't want him to give up his career because I want to pursue one, but at the same time...why do I have to sacrifice all of my dreams so he can accomplish his?  What would be the happy medium?  The Navy would provide the ability for us to stay together easier than any other branch of service.  The turn-off is the dismissal from the "jackass" of a recruiter that I first spoke with yesterday.  He didn't want to give me the time of day.  I don't want to hear NO as an answer.  For this reason, the Air Force looks really good.  They were helpful, considerate, and willing to do anything to find the answer I was looking for.  The problem is that the possibility Curt and I will be stationed together is highly unlikely.  Again, I am faced with that whole "change your job" thing.  The Air Force is more dedicated to families, deployments are roughly 3-6 months, and they have a lot more benefits for the families.  The other choice I have is to join the Marines.  It would be very likely that Curt and I can be stationed together, more-so than any other branch.  They have the longest bootcamp (and I'm scared).  We've been associated with this lifestyle for almost 6 years, and it might be an easier transition over the other branches of service. 

You are probably wondering WHY I am even considering the military period.  Ok, here's my logic.  I've really been wondering about what to use my degree for.  I could struggle to find a job that MIGHT pay for my student loans, but in this economy...the chances are slim that I will find the right fit.  Next, if we get orders, I lose that job and have to start all over.  Also there is the possibility of lay-off because of the economy.  If I chose the military I would be guaranteed: repayment of student loans, a paycheck for the length of my contract (which would allow me to re-up as needed), BAH-(half for me or Curt-depending on branch of service), BAS (same as BAH).  I would have free medical for life, so whenever the kids are grown we wouldn't have to pay for health insurance.  If we both stay in until retirement (that's 2 retirement checks) and whatever else we decide to do after military. 

Long story short, I don't want to look back on my life with regret.  I've always held a special place in my heart for the military, and it would be awesome to share in that service experience. There is a song that speaks of looking back over your life with regret, and it's Carrie Underwood's Wasted.  Here is the chorus:


 

Last was the Army.  They told me that gastric bypass was immediate disqualifing, and so I told them...BYE. Who wants to join the army anyway...LOL!
Now I am faced with more questions:
 

Cause' I don't wanna' spend my life jaded
Waiting to wake up one day and find
That I've let all these years go by
Wasted

Oh I don't wanna' keep on wishing, missing
The still of the morning, the color of the night
I ain't spending no more time
Wasted

 

Now, please understand....I don't think I've not been successful because I DO have a beautiful family, loving husband, and two precious children.  However, we each need self-fulfillment and feel that our lives have purpose.  I know I was meant to be a Mom and wife, but I really feel I was meant for more, too. 



 

Thanks for reading.....and I want to know your thoughts about a) me joining the military, b) which branch, c)gastric bypass disqualifying someone from joining



 

Hope to read your comments soon!  Have a blessed day!


 

Until next time.....PEACE!

Hmmm, ok...so you all know that I want to figure out why things are going SOOOO SLOW for me.  I know it's because I am not getting in enough protein, but I am trying...I promise!  I've been exercising, too, just not as much as the Doc says she wants me to. 

Anyway, since surgery, these are my results:

276.5 = before surgery

241= as of 01/06/09

13 = inches lost


Kinda slow go for now, but I sure hope things will pick up speed soon!

I'll post more later!

Yeah, so everyone who has this surgery has to have one.  And mine just happened to be scheduled for 0630 in Downtown Atlanta...*CrAZy* and here are the details:

We get up at 0445 ---yeah....that's freakin EARLY--and left here about 0530.  We get to the hospital ...surprisingly early...at like 0610.  I go, check in, and wait in the waiting room next to some STANK ASS lady......OMG....she smelt like 40 day old body odor + rank ass twat!  It was seriously....PUKE WORTHY!  Thankfully, Curt and I had only sat there for like 2 min and I was called back....*hehehe*...he was left out there with old Stanky!  Anywho, I had to strip down, put on this weird hospital gown (not the usual thin cloth one), and some of them damn slip-preventing socks.  They took my Blood pressure, my temp, and started my IV - and BOY...was I ready to punch that lady in the face!  She got my right hand....about an inch lower than my index finger knuckle.  So, I wait....and after about 10 minutes...some dude comes and escorts me down to the 1st floor where they do surgeries and all.  He directs Curt to the waiting room (and he's carrying all my crap--poor thing)...and roll me in the double doors.  I get in there, and see the Anast--oh hell..the KNOCK ME THE HELL OUT-- dude, and he asks how I am feeling.  I tell him fine.  He asks if I have eaten anything or had any drink....I say NO, but I did brush my teeth! 

He laughed.  Next, he told me that his assistant Mark would be coming over to give me the medicine.  I'm like, "Okie Dokie".  Few minutes pass, and this nurse comes over and begins this series of questions about myself (btw, I forgot to mention....every person I spoke with today...had to ask me the SAME DAMN questions...I was thinking--people...I didn't jump off the freakin bed!!!!!)  Then Mark comes over.  He introduces himself, and tells me about the medicine.  He says, " The first medicine I am going to give you will give you dry mouth.  The next medicine is going to be the "I don't give a f*ck about dry mouth", and the third is going to be a numming spray that we put in your mouth/throat to help prevent gagging."  I said, Ok, hit me up!  He laughed, and started putting them in my IV.  He explained it all again.  I asked him if the "Don't give a f*ck" one was gonna make me NOT taste the spray crap..he said NO...I'll still give a f*ck at that point...LOL!

He sprayed *what looked like WD40* in my mouth and my throat, and I had to swallow after each time (he did it 3X).  It tasted like a horrible cherry cough medicine.  I only really tasted it the first time...because hell..my mouth was starting to go numb..LOL.  Not to pick on old folks...but you know whenever they have no control of their mouth being open.....and drool is going everywhere....that's kinda how I felt....for like 3 seconds. 

Next, I lay my head back, he leaves, and I look up at the ceiling.  I notice the light directly above me, and I take a deep breath.  I think to myself, "Well, I suppose I will go ahead and say a prayer--it wasn't the last thing on my list--but it seemed a really good time."

Ummmm, I NEVER got through with that prayer.......

I was O-U-T!  The next thing I know, I feel that nasal oxygen thing on my face....and I need to cough.  The nurse starts talking to me, and thank the LORD, I am in the recovery room!  I didn't wake up during the thing...and I am so damn happy!  I am talking really slow...and soft....and SHIT...my mouth feels like I have paste stuck inside....*YUCK*  I ask for a barf bag...cause I get a tad sick...but never actually threw up.  I just needed WATER!  I layed there for about 5 more minutes and someone else came to get me.  He took me back upstairs to the room I orginally started, and the nurse took my blood pressure 3 times- once laying down, once sitting on the edge of the bed, and once standing.  I then, was asked to pee, and if I could go do that...I could go home. Oh, then she took out my IV.  And I headed to the bathroom... I change clothes, trashed that gown, and peed.....Ahhh, thank GOD! 

Anyway, when I went back in, I asked Curt if Dr. Rasheed said anything to him.  He said that she came out there, and told him that "EVERYTHING LOOKED GOOD.  THERE WERE NO OBSTRUCTIONS, AND SURGERY SHOULD BE EASY ON MONDAY!!!!!!"

So, I guess God does answer prayer intentions -- even if they don't get finished....he knew my thoughts!

She also told Curt that I have to be at the hospital @ 0530 Monday Morning....OMG!  These people want me to have NO SLEEP!  lol...nah, it will be the FIRST case...and I am SUPER excited!

So, just 2 more days....and less than a half....to go...and I will finally be on the other team.  Wahoo!

Until Next time.....

Peace!

Ok, so for those of you who have been through this before.....the DIET pre-surgery SUCKS--well, not totally, but somewhat.  It's so hard to NOT eat whenever you have toddlers, but I have to mentally make myself realize that I am making this decision and change for the better. 

So, I found out my Endoscopy is going to be at 6:30 AM on Friday...OMG...in DOWNTOWN ATLANTA???  R U SERIOUS?  We are going to have to leave here at like 5 to get there before rush hour!  Geesh!  I am excited at the opportunity regardless! 

This coming Saturday will be the hardest because I can only have liquids and I have to drink this *body-cleansing* stuff --you know, to get the CRUD out--haha!  I have to do this for Saturday and Sunday.  I am not sure just yet what time I have to be at the hospital Monday morning, BUT I am sure it's going to be early.  My surgeon is a female....and beautiful at that....and she's from the middle-east, but you could never be able to detect that from her accent.  She sounds just as southern as I do...lol..well, maybe a little more intelligent --haha!  Anyway, she told me that my surgery would be about 45 min-1hour long, depending on what they find once they get in there....the difficulty they have getting in, etc.  I'm good and received all of this wonderful information to read and digest by my Pre-op.  Don't forget...it's this Thursday - the 6th - and you know me...I'll blog about it. 

I was wondering something though....and I need my friends help.  I have some before pictures, but I am NOT one to take full length photos.  I get disgusted everytime I have to "see" them.  I really want to take some though, because I want to REMEMBER how I felt overweight....so I never let myself go back to that.  I am also thinking of writing myself a note/letter explaining all of the things I feel right now....so whenever things get hard and the doubt of doing this all comes knocking.....I can REMEMBER why I did it all to begin with.  I know that I won't regret this decision long term, but for the first couple months...I might wonder why I put myself in this position.....and it's going to be emotional.  I really need that support from myself, family, and you guys!! 

Well, for now...I suppose that's about it.  I have so many things going through my head right now, and I am not sure when things will calm back down again....lol!  Hopefully, it won't be too long before I can look back on all of this anxiety and remember how grateful I am to have been given this opprotunity.  Until next time.....

 

Peace!

Hey Yall! 

I know the last time I wrote was the waiting period for Tricare to receive my file and make a decision.  Needless to say, they didn't receive my file until the following week, which would have been the 20th and luckily a decision was made on the 23th.  I WAS APPROVED!

Can I even believe it? NO!  So, I have my insurance fax the approval to my Surgeon's office.  They did, and I got to talk with the Dr's office the Monday after (which would be the 27) and we discussed times and dates.  This was the schedule I was given:

Consult - Thurs. Oct. 30 @ 11:30 Am

Pre-op - Thurs. Nov. 6 @ 8:30 AM

Endoscopy - Fri. Nov 7 - Time TBD

Surgery - Mon. Nov. 10 - Time TBD

Sooooo, this is my schedule.  I had to start a diet after my consult with the Dr.  I can only have one meal a day (at dinner) and I have to drink two protein shakes a day (breakfast and lunch).  NOT fun!  She wants me to make sure that my liver is smaller for the procedure.  Anyway, starting Saturday and Sunday...I can only have liquids and I have to drink this "body-cleansing" stuff.  YUCK!

So, the next step....to take pictures of me.....BEFORE pictures.....and write myself little notes/letters to help boost my confidence when I start to get depressed about making this huge change.  It's going to be emotional, and I need the support!  So, I am going to do whatever I can to help me remember why I did this, and what I want to accomplish by losing the weight!

I will post again after my surgery.....and maybe after my pre-op and stuff.  Until next time......

Peace!

Hey Yall!

I know it's been awhile...but my life has been going 90 to nothing....and it just finally starting to slow down.  Hopefully, that won't be the case while I am waiting for my approval from insurance. 

Yep, you heard it right.  I am waiting on my insurance (TRICARE - PRIME) to approve my insurance.  WAHOO!  One step closer to having surgery!  I am so excited. 

Please keep my in your prayers that I could have surgery before Turkey Day--a few weeks before Turkey Day -- if possible.  Anyway, thanks for checkin in on me!  Yall have a great holiday weekend! 

HAPPY COLUMBUS DAY!!  LOL!

~Diva

Man, have you guys heard that Sugarland song?  Geesh, talk about getting something stuck in your head and NOT getting it out!  UGH!  Well, I have a few updates, and I have posted them in another blog area, so I will just copy and paste to here.....get ready!

Hello everyone!  So, I know there have been about a MILLION questions coming from all of my friends about the job, weight loss surgery, and just me in general...so I decided to provide an update for your reading pleasure..lol

First, with the interview - job stuff.  Well, I went....and all I can say is WOW!  I have never been SO confident in myself.  I was blown away at my own ability to finally let someone see the desire I have when it comes to working with families associated with the Marine Corps.  I had to answer LOTS of questions, and then I had a chance to ask my own.  I then had to do a document that stated my personal and professional goals in life.  I had to do this in 15 minutes.  I printed the letter, and they made copies for each panel member (there were 5 btw- 2 LtCols, 2 SgtMajs and 1 FRO).  Next, I had to review a 5 slide powerpoint, take notes, and present the slideshow to the panel.  Talk about nervous!!!  However, I did great.  One of the things I think impressed the panel is the fact that all of my paperwork had been completed prior to coming for the interview.  I completed the application, background check paper, and other documents prior to the interview so I wouldn't take time away from getting to know the panel and vice versa.  I was told that it would be about 2 weeks before I know a decision, to which I found out today that only the candidate selected for the position gets the phone call -- all the rest get letters in the mail!  I was the first person to interview --at 8 Am on the 4th of August -- and let's just say that it felt good to set the bar high for other applicants.  I still don't have a decision, but I am praying that God will allow this opportunity to be in his will for me, because I can truly (and finally) see myself doing this type of work for the rest of my life.  Isn't that amazing?  To be 25, and have discovered the thing you LOVE to do....and want to do until retirement?  I feel immensly blessed!

Moving on....with the surgery updates:  I went for my psych tests results today, and discovered that "I did extremely well for someone who has experienced as many stressors (within the past 5 yrs) as I have."  He was pleased with my test, and wants to encourage me to come to counseling after the surgery to maintain the progress that he has seen over my life in just the short times we have met.  I can't help but be overjoyed, because that is one more clearance that I have finished and will be anticipating the document that verifies my OK for surgery.  I am scheduled to meet with him again on August 25, and I also have a few more interesting things to share -- but not about this same doc.  I scheduled my nutritionist appointment today, which is for Friday (15th) at 10 AM.  The Nutritionist has assured me that once I see her, she will fax my clearance to my Dr's office that day!  So, I will just be waiting on the Psych paper to get to my Dr's office.  I also go for my physical on Wednesday (13th) at 8:45 AM.  Wahoo, once I receive my Dr's ok for the surgery.....I am pretty much set.  I just have to wait for the final clearance to come in, and then fax them all to Dr. Duncan's office.  Immediately following, they will review my information and approve it.  Then it will be submitted to Tricare....and I will wait.  Once I know it's been submitted, Tricare isn't going to know what hit them, because I am going to be on them like white on rice!  I want this surgery, and I want it NOW!  My goal....try to have it before October.  Now whether or not it happens, I am pushing greatly for it!  I can't wait for the opportunity to become an "After" Success story!  Wahoo! 

So, please please please....say a little prayer for me.  I know you all support me...and it's fabulous having such great friends!!!!  I love you all so much....and words just cannot explain!  I can't wait to post pics of a before and after me.....so for right now....keep checking back at least once a week to find out if any UPDATES have been posted!  trust me, you guys are too wonderful to not keep yall in the LOOP! 

I LOVE YALL So much!!!!!!!

((((((((((((((((((( My Homies ))))))))))))))))))))))))  LMAO!

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And here is the most recent entry.........are you ready?
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Ok, so I should fill yall in on some news I just got..........

Most of you know...I am ANXIOUSLY awaiting to hear about the job.  So, I couldn't take it anymore.  I called the HR guy in New Orleans.  He made things WORSE for me.  He couldn't tell me anything yet, because paperwork is being processed for the candidate they chose (the UNIT DID CHOOSE A CANDIDATE).  He was so good at not letting the cat out of the bag.  I mean, this put me on an even worse emotional peak.  So, I asked how long after the process do we hear anything....regardless if we got the job or not.  He said that once the paperwork goes through, he contacts the command and let's them know.  Then he will contact the candidate to make the offer.  The command will then contact the other applicants to let them know that they were not selected for the position. 

talk about really making me sweat!  I am just so confused right now.  Do I cry because ...I am worried that I don't have the job?  or do I celebrate..??  because I might be the person he is running a background check on.  WHAT DO I DO??????  *sniffles*....I JUST DON'T KNOW!

I feel as if I am having a life-crisis.......and I am trying so hard to not let this get to me or devastate me if I don't get the job.  I really put so much into it.....that you all would be amazed! 

I really really really need your support.......so please, offer me any comforting tips or thoughts you have about how I should approach this all......with or without the job. 

I NEED YALL!!!!!!!

With all my love....and until next time.....

Peace....cause Lord knows I don't got any right now!!!!!!!!!

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Last but certainly NOT least, I am going to the Doc today....for my physical....and let's cross our fingers.  He has already told me that he believes I would be a great candidate for surgery (new PCM)....and so that's all I need.  I almost have all clearances, so surgery will be soon!!! I AM SO EXCITED!

Talk to ya later!

 

All I can think of is that oldies song....that uses those lyrics....and it's slow!  I have no idea what the name of it is, but I bet it's LONELY!  HA! 

Yeah, I am lonely...the kids are away for the week with the in-laws, and I am spending my time alone for today and tomorrow...while Curt is at work.  He was off yesterday because of drill weekend being last weekend.  They give back two days off.  Anywho, I wanted to update about the Dr's appointment yesterday.  She just prescribed me with 75mcg of Synthroid generic and I swear the whole visit lasted like 5 minutes; however, the wait....lasted for 2 hours!!!  She didn't do my physical, which I believe has to do with her wanting to wait for two months to see how my body reacts to the medicine.  She is hoping that it will help my "problem" with not being able to lose weight, etc. 

I am not sure, but I told her I would see her in two months after I get my labwork drawn for my physical.  I am really sidetracked though.  As I was leaving the Pharmacy with my new medicine, I was reading some side-effects....and it was like "if you experience increased heart rate, anxiety, or seziures, please contact your doctor immediately" and I am like....what?  Did it really just say that?  What in the hell will I do if I have a seziure??? OMG?  I was freaking out.  When I got myself to calm down, I just decided that this medicine better not give me seziures, or I will beat the Doc's bootay!  *LOL* 

Anyway, I am here, by myself, ALONE........and I hear the clock ticking, and that's pretty much it!  It's scary, but hey....I am managing it!  Well, yall have a good day, and I will update this thing as soon as I can -- which will probably be in a week -- so yall can know how the medicine is going!

Until next time.....

Peace!

Yeah, well.....I had a great visit at my Psychologist appointment yesterday morning.  However, when I came home, I had a call from my Dr's office on the caller id.  SO I called to see who had called me, and the lady couldn't find the person.  A few minutes went by, and that same number called back.  It was my Dr. -- Dr. Chang -- and she proceeded to tell me that my lab results were in.  My thyroid was VERY low and that I had a condition known as hypothyroidism.  She suggested that before I proceed with surgery period, that I give taking medication for 3-4 months a try.  She said that this is fabulous news, and now we know why I have not been losing weight.  

Needless to say, I cried like a baby.  I told her that it wasn't because I was mad, but I have truly tried everything, and this was disappointing because I was geared for having the surgery.  So, Monday she will give me my first medication for this problem, and we will see how it goes!  When I had a chance, I got online and researched "hypothyroidism" to see what it meant and what medicine would be prescribed.  I was also fearful because a lot of the people I know who take thyroid medicine gain weight from it.  I don't want to gain any weight....I am TRYING TO LOSE it...and that just frustrated me more.  I found out that I have all but like 4 of the symptoms, which are:  

           *Fatigue
           *Dry, coarse hair
           *Dry pale skin
           *Weakness
           *Irritability
           *Irregular menstral periods
           *Hair Loss
           *Depression
           *WEIGHT GAIN OR INCREASED DIFFICULTY IN LOSING WEIGHT!

Yeah, you guessed it.  I was just so damn aggravated.  I am really hoping that if I start this medicine, it will help me get back in sync so I can lose weight OR ELSE...I will be having surgery asap!  

Anyway, I am kinda depressed about the news, and I know it's just another bump in the road, but I just don't want to deal with it.  I will have to take this medicine for the rest of my life, and that is not something I am happy about!

Yall have a great weekend!  i'll write more later!  Adios!

I had to change my first appointment today from 4:30 today until Thursday at 8am!  I was disheartened, BUT...thankfully, I will be able to get it done soon enough.  

I also have my cardiac clearance appointment scheduled for next Wednesday.  I have my nutrition and physical appointments scheduled for Monday the 30th.

Please pray that everything goes smoothly, and that I get the letters the day of the appointments.  I would LOVE to get this stuff done ASAP so I can be given a date soon.

Until Next post....

Peace!