elleraheem
I was really not sure if I should post my information on this site, but then I thought about how much I access the site and get inspired by so many of you. I thought that it was only right to post my story and if my story along with what I plan to do inspires someone else, then I have done my good deed. Where do I begin? Well my name is Joelle, but please call me Elle. I am 30 years old, and the mother of 3 beautiful children.
My journey started February 18, 2008 when I dragged my older sister to the seminar with me. It was held at
I don’t know about you guys, but there are some Dr.’s that I wish I never went to, but this Dr. was so pleasant, he answered all my questions, listened to me didn’t cut me off, and he even gave me information that he thought would be good for me to have, not to mention he gave me a 3 ring binder full of all types of information. His office assistant, Pam also has a great attiude, she is beyond helpful. It really put me at ease. I was actually going to go around and scout some different Dr.’s but I feel that I made a great decision with the one that I have trusted my life too.
I am 5” 3 ½ and I weigh in at 262, and during the office visit the Dr. did mention to me that he wants me to lose 120 pounds, but I added 20 more his goal weight and the total is to lose about 140pds all together. He also told me that I have great muscle definition, you’re probably wondering how? Well there used to be a time that I went to the gym all the time, walked on my treadmill, and jazzercised all the time, so my sister and I thought that might be why. But just a little note to self that muscles weigh much more than fat. I asked him if I would be a candidate for plastics and he said “not really”, because if I work hard once I am discharged than I wont have to worry, but everyone is different and it actually depends on the person.
I was instructed to have 6mths of regular visits to my PCP, so being as though this started this month (April), it won’t be until the end of September or October before I hear anything about an approval, and that really freaks me out. I have looked into this surgery for 2 ½ years, and I believe that this is what I need to do for my health. I want to see my children grow up and become productive citizens in the world. I want to see them when they are successful and are managing their own families. I have tried all types of weight loss programs from LA Weight loss to Phentermine that was given by a doctor. I admit I lost about 30/40 pds but I gained back like 60 all together. I know that all that weight loss and weight gain isn’t good for your heart either.
Growing up I was a walking twig (Kate Moss) I clearly remember the being 12years old and weighing 90pds. My mother would always force me to eat, even if I wasn’t hungry, because if I didn’t then she would cry. I was a really active kid, a tom boy rather, I rode tricked out bikes, climbed trees, skateboards, played football, soccer, wrestled, ran track, and kick ball. Me and my sisters also used to do the Janet Jackson move on the chair from the video (Pleasure Principle) LOL. I can admit that I had an active childhood. Once puberty hit me, it knocked me on my ass. I have a total of 4 kids (one that I miscarried) but how does that saying go? “What don’t kill you will make you stronger”? I believe it.
Lately I have been really scared, and nervous that my insurance isn’t going to cover the procedure (they said they were). One thing with me is that when my mind starts to wonder, it’s also a done deal, I can’t get it back unless it’s tired of thinking. I was given a packet of things to do prior to surgery like the EGD, sleep apnea, and the appointment for the shrink. I have all those appointments already scheduled. I can’t make a promise to say that I will check back on a certain date, but I can say that as I get results and good news, I will check in with you guys. Keep me in your prayers.
Thank you to all of you who made your profiles accessible to me and others, which gave us hope and inspiration, from the depths of my heart and soul I do appreciate it.
PS, this has nothing to do with anything but I am a big fan of Raheem DeVaughan, his first album was great, but check out his 2nd album, “Love Behind the Melody”, its awesome. I am going through so much in my private life right now that hearing his music makes me believe that one day I too will find true love. I will let you know when I do find it.
On this site I wish and hope to keep, make and cherish friends. Until we speak again, everyone stay safe and stay positive.
Love
Raheem DeVaughan’s girl (he just doesn’t know it yet)
