dwoodman
~12-26-02~
Well, I guess since I have been a member of this site for sometime now, maybe I should tell you all a little about me and why I am wanting to have WLS. I am a married stay at home mommy, 6 years, to 3 boys, ages 5 yrs, 3 yrs, and 8 months. I play online alot...alot more than I should actually, but when you stay at home all day...well...anyway. My interests include camping, BBQs, singing, dancing, reading, writing, going out with my husband, playing with my boys, although that is a chore anymore...I just can't keep up with them...They are growing so fast! I think my main concern with this surgury is having it, and it not working for me...or worse. Like I said before, I have 3 small kids...if something should go wrong, I would hate to leave my husband in such a bind. I know I should care for me first, so I can care for them, but as any Mom knows, you want to make sure your kids are ok first, as in my case....I know, I need a change of thought...somehow. Not to mention, I am terribly afraid of pain! My pregnancy doctor said in not so many words that I was not too tollerant to pain, and that I should "suck it up" and deal with it. "BLAH, BLAH, BLAH!" What does he know about pain anyway? I think I have done very well, considering I had 3 children vaginally...with an epidural. lol But I have recently learned about the banding surgury....I think that is alittle more my speed...no major cutting of any organs...etc...I havent been this interested in a long time about getting the surgury done. I will let you know what more I find out about it as soon as I know more. Talk more later! Danetta PS: Since I have became a member, I have gained 9 lbs...and during that time I went on a diet, lost 30 and gain it all back plus some. Geesh!, when does it stop?!?
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~1/07/03~
Well, looks like the first surgeon I chose can't do the surgery for me...He accepts my insurance, but the hospital that he does the surgery in doesn't. Some luck. OK, on to finding a different surgeon. Since my last post, I have gained 3 pounds...and I am doing nothing different...why is this happening? (I dont understand that.) But I am in good spirits and I am gonna stay that way! I just hope that I find a surgeon within a reasonable amount of time. Last time I had my blood pressure checked, it was 160/110...pretty high, huh? So, now I have to be seen by another doctor that specializes in Medicine to put me on something that will stabalize it again. Not sure why my other medicine has quit working, I have taken it for the last 5 years or so. Pretty weird. Anyway, I am off to doc hunt again. Wish me luck! :)
 | You scored as Angel. Angel: Angels are the guardians of all things, from the smallest ant to the tallest tree. They give inspiration, love, hope, and positive emotion. They live among humans without being seen. They are the good in all things, and if you feel alone, don't fear. They are always watching. Often times they merely stand by, whispering into the ears of those who feel lost. They would love nothing more then to reveal themselves, but in today's society, this would bring havoc and many unneeded questions. Give thanks to all things beautiful, for you are an Angel.
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~1-08-03~
Today has been very depressing for me...I am learning and surfing and taking all this great information in and wonder, "Why am I doing all of this?" I mean...I really want this surgery, and I really NEED this surgery...I am just, well I guess scared, ok I'll say it, EXTREMELY SCARED! As I sit here typing, I have my oldest, which is 5 yrs old, talking away to me about wanting to play Sony, I have my 8 month old playing with his toys in the playpen here next to me and he is cooing and making cute little noises. I mean, he isn't even a year old yet...What if I have this surgery and something goes wrong? DO I really want to take this chance and lose out an anymore time with him, or do I want to take my chances with dieting somemore, and spend a few more years with him. I am so torn about this decision. Will someone please help me snap out of this??? I know I shouldn't look at it this way, but how can I not? I am a mother of 3, and I am needed here, and I am loved as I am right now, so why do I want to temp fate? Any suggestions? I could surely use a good ole slap in the face, if I say so myself. Any uplifting words of encouragement or enlightenment for this stressed out Mommy? I could sure use em.
| D | Devious |
| A | Ambivalent |
| N | Natural |
| E | Entertaining |
| T | Technological |
| T | Tame |
| A | Accurate |
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~1-09-03~
I am excited! I got a consult scheduled with Dr. Pitt in Columbia. (Anyone know him?) My date is February 27th, at 2pm. I can't believe it was that quick! First call I made today...Made my whole day! :) I want to thank everyone that emailed me reguarding my update yesterday; I really needed it. And I want to say a special "thank you" to my sweet friend that called me about it too. Shirley, you are the best! I always know I can count on you. :) (Note to pre-op patients and those learning about the surgery: Although this decision isn't to be taken lightly, and you should know about the risks as well as the benefits, I want to suggest something to you. Looking at the memorials is good, however, please try to keep your stay in there as brief a possible. I learned that I was freaking myself out because of what I read in there. We must remember that although that can happen, it isn't the majority. Just look at the difference between that and the successes we see in profiles everyday on here! HUGE DIFFERENCE! I just wanted to say that. I know there will be another "ME" to come in here and do the same thing I did...Just keep your mind focused on why you are having this done...for yourself, and for a longer and more healthy life; for you and for your family. (That is why I am getting mine done anyway) Hope everyone is staying on track with their dates, or learning, which ever stage you are at right now...congrats to all who have crossed over, can"t wait to meet ya there! :) Until next update...
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~2-20-03~
I was hoping to be able to write with good news, but....well, my Dr's offic called, and they are no longer accepting my insurance, so they had to cancel my consultation.:( Now, I am back to square 1. I am not giving up, just a minor set back. On a good note, my husband will be finally receiving his insurance in about 90 days, so hopefully, I will be able to use his and find a Dr. I am hopeing to have my surgury completed by the end of this year. (Hey, I can dream, can't I? hahaha) Anyway, wish me luck! I will still be researching, and striving for a Dr. Stay positive! PS: To Shirley Hooker...Thank you for the public acknowledgement, sweetie, but you know I would be there for you, and will be always. :) And I also wanna say "WOOOOOOHOOOOOO! CONGRADULATIONS ON YOUR APPROVAL!!! I AM SOOO EXCITED FOR YOU!" Big hugs, and lots of excitement to you!!! XOXO
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~1-14-04~
Hello all! Sorry it has been so long since I have made an update, but well, I am sure some of you know how this scenerio goes...I got turned down, and it depressed me...so I quit trying for awhile...well now I am back into trying again. My good friend Shirley looks so wonderful post-op! I am so very proud of her! I know that soon I will be feeling much better also...even if it means doing things the old fashioned way until I get approved. But today is a good day, and I am happy to be with my children. Talk to you all soon! xoxo
 | You scored as Fall. You are FALL. You appreciate all that you have, and are willing to share with others. You are a friend in the truest sense of the word, and can easily focus your attention on those who need you, placing yourself on the back burner. You make sure your responsibilites are met before you allow yourself \\\'free time\\\'.
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~12-5-05~
Man it has been awhile since I have been here. I am still wanting the surgery, still looking for a surgeon, and still looking at pre and post pics for incentive to go on. I do have a different insurance company now, so I am hoping this will make my journey alittle easier. I have found out that they do approve for this surgery, and that Dr. Hodges is the only Dr. approved in my insurance circle. So, that being said, I have made a call to get a consult with him, but they directed me to his surgery support assistant for the initial consult. I left a message 12-01-05 and still no call back yet. I am going to call them again today to see if I can get any farther. This waiting, jumping through hoops, and waiting again game is for the birds! I have reached 270 again, and am totally miserable once more. On a happier note, I have found some new products for me to check out. I have been taking Melaleuca products for about 3 months now. Not noticing any significant progress, but I havent been sick, which I guess is good. There have been all kinds of bugs going around in my town. Since my last post, I have had two jobs. One of them cleaning office buildings. I chose this to get more activity in my day. It did help! I lost 25 pounds in 4 months! However, the pay totally sucked so I found a better paying job and gained all I lost back in about 2 months. Such is life, I guess. I guess I am just one of the unlucky people that absolutely MUST do vigorus exercise daily for hours, to keep any progress stable. This is my main problem. My lifestyle doesnt include heavy exercise. And when it does, my body is always crying from painful joints, muscles, etc. I guess I am in an endless circle: exercise to loose weight, dont exercise to much or hurt, dont exercise and gain weight, etc... Will this ever end?????
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~12-9-05~
I finally got a hold of Mary! She is sending out my packet today! I am very excited! Not much else going on, this is really all I keep focusing on. Now that I found a Dr. and a hospital that are both covered on my insurance, and insurance that actually covers this type of surgery, I just cant keep myself from thinking non-stop about the next step. My mother has always said that there is a reason for everthing in life, and that maybe I wasnt really "ready" to have the surgery back then. Maybe that is true. My children can all walk, talk and are potty trained now, so that is a big duty off of me that I wont have to worry about while recovering. 2 of them are in school full time, and one half time, so that is also a huge benefit. Hmmmm... makes me wonder. LOL :) Well, I better get, I will post more later!
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~12-14-05~
Well, here it is 2:30 AM and I am sitting here in front of this computer with my brain going in 20 different directions. I received my packet from Mary today. (she is such a nice lady) I read everything in it, and began filling out my paperwork. I completed most, then went to look for my previous records of weightloss attempts. I can not find my folder! I had everything for my journey in this folder, and since I had given up the last time, I have misplaced it somewhere. I have moved also since then, so it could be absolutely anywhere! :( I feel almost defeated about this. None of it of course was Dr. observed, so I can't go and get copies made or anything. This was all of my home attempts for like the last 4-5 years. (minus this last year...I have been in a bit of depression) So I am not realy sure what to do about this situation. Mary stated that my insurance company looks at all of this stuff and requires it for their decision for the surgery....so now what? I bet they will have me put on a Dr. observed diet for 6 months or something, so I can have something documented to show them. What a bummer. Not like I havent been through all of this before...just seems like a waste of time. Dont they realize that if diets worked for overweight people that there wouldnt be any overweight people? Geez! It's not like we WANT to be this way. OK, enough of all that. So I guess my next step is to turn in what I do have, and hope for the best. It will all work out...I have to believe that.
I told my children about the WLS over the weekend. My oldest, 8 yo, is really the only one who mostly understood. He said he hopes I will be ok, and it will be neat to have a mommy that can run to the park with him, and practice basketball. I cried, which made him cry, and we hugged. He told me that he loves me, and that he will be my helper when I come home from the hospital. He is such a sweetheart. I get so emotional at the thought of not being here for them if I dont get this WLS done, and then even more when I think of what can happen, if things go wrong during the WLS. I know the closer I get to completing pre-op things, the more scared and more doubtful I will feel, but I keep coming here and reading other posts, pre-op and post-op, looking for ways to keep me focused and firm in my decision to get this done. I really have no choice. Anyway, I am going to try and go to sleep. 6:30 comes really early when going to bed this late. Till next time...
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~12-22-05~
Hello everyone. I was referred to Dr. Morgan for a PCP from Mary Trampler (Bariatric Coordinator for Dr. Hodges), and had my first appointment with him today. I am really impressed with him. My blood pressure was up, which I knew it would be, to 160/90. He prescribed me more medicine for that. I told him my main reason for seeing him was for the surgery. He gave me a referral to Dr. Hodges for an appointment. He also gave me referrals to see a nutritionist, as well as a program called New Images...not real sure what it is all about, but I am game for anything at this point. I went in thinking that I weighed around 270...not even close. Today, I weight 287lbs. I about fell off the scale, and immediately started crying. I can not believe that I have gained over 60 lbs since I left my job cleaning in June of 04. (I had to visit the ER for hurting my wrist on the job, and they weighed me; 225lbs at the end of May, 04) I am not sure, but I am really starting to believe what they say about weight gain after age 30. I dont seem to be doing anything different, but I am all of a sudden gaining more weight now. This is really devistating me, yet pushing me to be more determined to get this surgery. (I firmly believe that once I get some of this weight off of me, exercising won't be a painful experience anymore, which is my main goal...to incorporate walking, and cardio exercise into my daily routine.) Everyone I have talked to say that I am a great candidate for it, and the only thing that may hold me back would be the fact that i dont have a doctor directed diet behind me. (not from lack of trying, because I have. All that I have seen have told me to eat right, and exercise, period. No come back and see me, nothing. And "No, we cant prescribe you any weight loss prescriptions because of your blood pressure." Ughhh!!!)
So, here I am today, more determined than I have ever been to be a healthier me, and I have finally found a set of Doctors that I believe will help me reach my goal, by teaching me and coaching and CARING enough to make a small effort to see that I get this done....I hope. I have a husband that is very supportive, my grandmother and mother both are worried, but know how badly I need to get this done, so they are encouraging as well. My sister is totally scared because of listening to her boyfriend's mother tell her horror stories she has heard, and therefore she is discouraging me all the way. My distant family that knows is supportive as well as my friends. I seem to have a great support group here. I am greatful for that.
I go back to visit Dr. Morgan on the 5th to discuss my lab results, and to see how this new depression medicine is working for me. I also will be getting appointments for the rest of the referrals Dr. Morgan gave to me. I will keep you all posted at my results. Till next time...
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~12-27-05~
I had a pretty good Christmas with my husband's family this year. My family went all their seperate ways this time. My children are well, my husband has got a cold from somewhere. I ate way too much for Christmas, as usual, and feel terrible about it. On the up side, I told a few more of my family members on DH side about the surgery, and as suspected they are supportive as well. I am really glad that most of my family have heard good things about this surgery and are supportive. I can't imagine trying to go this alone.
I have an appointment with a nutritionist on the 9th of January, but not real sure I need this appointment. I alredy know what I should be eating...it is just having the will-power to stick to it that is my trouble. I have been reading self-motivational books, and have learned that my main problem is I have no "self-discipline." I am not sure if this is a learned trait or if you are born with it, but I am hoping it is learned, so I can obtain the strictness I know I am going to need for the journey ahead. I have cut done on my smoking, which I was told must be stopped before Dr. Hodges will perform the surgery on me. I am working really hard on this, but my fingers are paying for it, for I have chewed my nails to the quick. I have alot of cleaning up around the house to do today, so I better get off here and get something done. Until next time...
~12-29-05~
So, I called Mary today, to see if she received my packet and had a chance to look at it, and she is out on vacation until Jan 3rd. As I suspected, I will be into 2006 until I even get a consult. This is fine though, because of all the vacation time of my kids, it would have been hard for me to get the consult right now anyway.
Since I have been steadily here daily reading profiles, reading posts on various forums, and researching more into the RNY distal, which will be my surgery of choice, I have also been consiously aware of what I am eating. Focusing on this surgery has made me aware of times I eat subconsiously, like while watching TV at night, or sitting here at the computer. I have also been focusing on what I am actually eating, and making better choices. Now that most of the holiday food is gone, I have less chances to grab junk foods, and more incentive to make something better for me. I realize that Mac n cheese isnt the best, but it is better than a bag of potato chips and a soda, or so I think. And cottage cheese n tomatoes is wonderful with dipping crackers. I still have soda as my morning coffee, since I cant stand coffee, and it is a wonderful wake me up drink, so I am working on the amount I am having daily. Yesterday I had 4 sodas...today I am on #3, and I know it is because I havent filled my water jug today...a habit I am trying hard to get going. My main issue, other than soda, will be dinner. In our home, as I am sure it is in others', dinner is the main meal/family time together. I usually cook a full meal complete with meat, potatoes or pasta, and veggies. Dinner is usually around 6:30 or 7pm. Slowly I am fixing smaller meals, not leaving many left-overs to grab, and my end goal is to make this meal the smallest, while still having the feeling of making the meal for the family, and having the family time together as usual, by making dinner a snack time to wind down with, rather than a full blown meal to sleep on. I will keep you posted how it comes along.
Smoking....now this is one issue I am struggling with. I did really good over this last weekend while being at relatives that do not smoke, nor let others smoke in their homes. We do not smoke in our home either, but the garage is right next to the computer room and the living room, so it is really easy to run out grab a few drags and run back in during commercials or whenever. I am finding that many times I smoke out of boredom, wanting something to do.
I am having a problem with being tired all the time. I had this issue before, and when I lost 35 lbs, I felt so much better! It is back again, and once more I am taking a long nap with my baby during the day. I hate that, because then I lose hours when I could have got something do around the house. I am just so sick and tired of being sick and tired!!
As you can tell, I have fun with the small quick tests that I can find online. I choose to post my results herre in hopes that you can see alittle more about me other than words. Anyway, I have lots to do before my husband gets home from work, and no time to get it done, so I better get off here. Until next time....
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~1-4-2006~
Hello all! I just spoke with Mary Trampler at Dr. Hodges office. According to my insurance requirements, I must have a supervised weight program by my PCP for atleast 6 months. So, I have been referred to New Images, and should be hearing from them soon. I also have a Dr apt tomorrow with Dr. Morgan, my new PCP, and will be discussing to him the importance of complete documentation for insurance purposes, as well as having him write a letter for approval to the New Images program. Mary is such a sweet heart! As I am going through the 6 month program, she is also going to have me going through the Bariatric pre-op part, that I can get done. If all goes well, I should be having the surgery sometime in Late June, or early July. I am soooo EXCITED! I have been requested to call her back next week with results from my Dr apt tomorrow, as well as setting up my initial consult with Dr. Hodges. Wish me luck!
I am still having some trouble with my soda and smoking. I sure wish I could learn the mind frame that my husband has...he quit cold turkey, and was only grouchy about it for the first few days. My fingernails are bitten to the quick, and if I chew anymore, they will definately be to the bone! Anyone have any neat ideas that may help? I am open to any and all suggestions! Until next time...
~1-6-06~
Hi all! Well, yesterday's Dr. visit was great! My blood work all came back fine...no high cholesterol, no high blood sugar, thyroid is fine, blood pressure is under control! Weight has somehow slipped down 2.5 lbs since my visit 2 weeks ago! (I am puzzled about this one) I have my 6 months of weigh in checks scheduled, and my 6 month check up with the Dr scheduled. Everything is going as planned so far. (keeping my fingers crossed!)
My depression medicine is working miracles! I have more energy and more stamina through the day, and my thoughts are in abundance! I havent just thought of sitting and watching TV, wasting the day, which is a HUGE improvement! The only bad thing I am finding with this prescription is the price... that leaves alot to be desired. But it is working, so I hope to not have to be on it for very long.
I am taking my vitamins daily, eating something every couple hours like pretzles or cottage cheese, and my soda intake is going down. It is amazing how water will curb your need for a drink! LMAO (I already knew this, just didnt want to drink bland 'ole water!) Dinners are getting smaller, and no one seems to mind, which I am really excited about. DH is grateful for the limitations being set for him, then he wont get extras that he really doesnt need!
I am happy today, and life is good...for the most part anyway.
I have been reading my friend Shirley's profile to keep up with how she is doing since we havent seen each other in a very long time, and I am sad for her. She is struggling, and I am not there to support her. I hope she reads this and finds that I am still here for her, cheering her on in her journey, hopeing for the best for her and here wonderful family. I LOVE YOU, GIRL!
Until next time...
~12-10-06~
I guess the main reason I do not update this thing very much is because it seems at every corner I turn, I am getting blocked. It is either the insurance having an issue, or the Dr. having an issue, or my husband having an issue, or myself. It is always something anymore. Ever since earlier this year when our most recent insurance told us that they only pay if I go through a 1 year Dr supervised weight loss program. OK, fine, but then they send me all of the fine print of this weight loss program. If I do not lose 2 pounds a week, they will not cover the program, and I will be paying out of pocket. So either way, I will be paying largly for something; the program, or the surgery. Dont get me wrong, if I had the cash, it wouldnt be an issue, because I think it would be worth it, but when you are broke and raising 3 boys on a one person income, some things are put on the back burner for awhile. I just hope I last long enough to get the surgery without having to get major health problems.
On a sweeter note, life hasnt been all that bad for us...we are getting by. Others around us arent so fortunate, and I am saddened by that. I help all I can, with what I got. I am still going on, and dealing with what life has to offer. On one hand I feel blessed, on the other I feel a bit cursed, but who can complain...I AM still breathing today, so this is a great day. Till next time...
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