G. Carter
2006
A year ago today I was admitted in the hospital to prepare or weight loss surgery (Gastric Bypass - RNY). As I prepare to celebrate my one year anniversary ... I celebrate life! The life that God has resurrected, restored, and revived. As I reflect over the past year all I can say is ... God is faithful and true to His word. He allowed me to live through WLS despite the complications and long hospital stays I encountered ... He really kept me and my quality of life has improved tremendously.
I have lost a total of 221 lbs. and have gone from a size 7X to a 4X. I no longer require oxygen or a wheelchair. I no longer require assistance with bathing, getting dressed, trying my shoes, and I can cook and clean my own house. I no longer have to take medication for high blood pressure or sugar diabetes. I still use my walker for long distance walking but I can do it without getting out of breath. I can also drive and looking for my own personal vehicle. I'm a lot more active and have resumed working in the church. I enjoy serving God in a much healthier body. I even have a job lined up that I will be starting soon.
I have had my time with regression and from time to time fallen back into some of my old eating habits. What has helped me regroup and get back on track were pre op pictures of me at 600 lbs. and post op pictures of me in the hospital. I never want to be at that point in my life ever again in my life and I have to continue to work really hard for continued success in my journey.
I am so thankful for this day and I am so grateful to God for where He has brought me from. I thank everyone who has hung in there with me ... I thank those who have supported me with your prayers and many acts of kindness. The next six months are very crucial because my weigh loss has slowed and I have about 150 more lbs. to lose before I reach my goal ... so DON'T STOP PRAYING FOR ME as the journey continues ...
January 28, 2006
Today I celebrate my 1st WLS anniversary and I am 221 pounds lighter ... GOD IS SO AWESOME!
February 22, 2006
As I continue in my journey I am excited to report that I can now do things that I have not been able to do in the past 6 years. On last week I was able to go into a store (WalMarts) and do my own shopping. I was even able to purchase an outfit and shoes that fit. This was a major accomplishment for me. I was like a kid in the candy store ... it was a great experience. I have been two more times since my first visit ... I'm loving it.
Now, for my second breakthrough ... drum roll please ... I DROVE A CAR! Whew, it felt great to be able to fit behind the wheel of a car and drive again.
While out on my new adventures I have made some new discoveries but one in particular was trying to figure out how to flush the public toilet and how to get the water to run so that I could was my hands. My daughter had to come to my rescue and show me how everything worked. I was so amazed that the toilet flushed by it self when I got off of it and washing my hands was as easy as putting my hands under the faucet. Things have really changed since 1999. I truly thank God for allowing me to live again and to enjoy life. Life is so sweet and my joy is complete because HE saved me!
March 21, 2006
As I prepare to leave Columbus/Whitehall, OH to attend a church workers meeting/conference in
March 30.2006
Well, I made it to
I received an email today from a lady that came across my profile. She was so encouraging and I want to take the time to thank you Lakeesha for your thoughtfulness. My prayers are with you as you begin your journey to a healthier and happier life. Keep the faith and hold on to God because only He knows the plans He has for you!
June 9, 2006 Praise Report!
God has blessed me to come along way and I thank Him for what He is doing in my life. I am now able to do many thngs that I was not able to do. It is now time to update my list of things I want to accomplish because my first one is almost completed.
These are the goals I have met from my first TOP TEN list of things that I want to do again.
GOALS I HAVE REACHED
1. Walk without a walker
2. Live without home/portable oxygen
3. Cook my own meals
4. Drive - (looking for a reliable car)
5. Attend church services and activities on a regular basis
6. Work in Ministry
7. Go shopping etc
8. Clean my own house
9. Traveling in state
10. Run my own small business (in progress)
MY NEW TOP TEN LIST
Work full-time in ministry
Purchase a car
Walk without a cane
Increase my workout session to 1 hr twice day
Reach my goal of 200lbs
Find a plastic surgeon (excess skin removal)
Finish writing my book/Testimonial
Go back to school
Travel by air plane
Praise God with a victory lap.
August 15, 2006
I praise God today from whom all blessing flow. I am so happy serving God in my healthier new body. I can truly say that God is a restorer. I have a new outlook on life and I know without doubt that I can reach my goal. I am so blessed to have such magnificent support from my family and friends who are cheering for me as I continue in my journey. I have so many WOW! stories until I can't tell them all.
To all of my dear Angeletts ... you are in my thoughts and prayers. Be encouraged and continue to trust GOD. May God's unmerited favor be with you through your journey.
September 12, 2006
I have joined the Protein Train on this week to restart my weight loss. I have been at a stand still for a while and feel the need to make adjustments to my nutritional plan..(Disclaimer: My new plan was designed based on my current weight, height and nutritional needs. This personalized plan was specifically designed for me by my nutritionist ... please consult your nutritionist for your own personal plan).
Low Carb Plan 1000 Calories per day
5 small meals per day
My Daily Nutritional Requirements
25% Carbohydrates - 62g per day - 12.4g per meal
40% Protein - 100g per day - 20g per meal
35% Fat - - 38g per day - 7.6g per meal
Based on this personalized plan I am expected to lose between 15 to 20 lbs. per month. I have to really work hard to lose the remaining 100 plus lbs I need to shed. I'm 19.5 months post op, the honeymoon is over and it's time for me to renew my vows.
I am posting this new picture that my son took of me on today. I am feeling great and if I may say so myself (not bragging) I am looking good for a 49 year old lady. I have been hitting the gym at least three days a week now. I am also walking much better and my standing endurance is getting better. I can walk without the cane short distances but I need it for long distance walking until my legs are stronger.
I have a personal trainer who is helping me with resistance weight training but water aerobics is my most favorite activity. I love the way exercise makes me feel mentally and physically.
I have not weighed myself and will not be doing so until my 2 year WLS Anniversary on 1/28/07. I had to stop focusing on the scales and work on mentally catching up with the physical changes that has taken place in my body. I feel so much better about myself but I still have to get use to the compliment and attention I receive now.
I do continue to get negative looks and stares from people because of my current size but I ignore them because I know where GOD has brought me from. Until next time ... May God's favor be with you!
2005
Jan 04, 2005
Happy New Year Everyone, I am so happy and I thank God for blessing me to see another year. God has blessed me to survive the winter storm that was here in
I am rescheduled for the Vena Cava Filter on Jan. 11 and will get a new date for surgery soon after. I will keep you posted. Thank you Pastor Di and Cheryl B for the phone calls and, Katrina thanks for the Christmas card and beautiful letter.
My life has calmed down now and I am glad to be alive and waiting to be revived in 2005 ... be encouraged and keep your eyes on the prize. Remember that no birth is without labor.
On yesterday I had the
While I was in the hospital Valerie Curry a very inspirational lady I met on the Ohio Forum came to the hospital to see me. She and her husband Earl are both successful WLS Post op's. I have seen them on local television telling their personal experiences with WLS and its positive benefits. She has a passion for helping others in their journey and I am now one of there biggest fans. Val you're a sweetheart!
I received a new date for surgery which is scheduled for
Norma Jean Lee,
Mom I miss you so much but I do understand it was your time to go. I thank you for raising me to be the woman I am today. I thank God for every day He allowed you to be in my life and I cherish every moment. I remember your concerns about my being obese and I know that you knew what I was going through due to your own personal experiences with obesity. I see now that as a mother you didn't want to see me continue to experience the hurt, harm and dangers of obesity. I know in my heart you would be so proud to know that I am having weight loss surgery. Mom, I'm finally doing something for me and I know that this is something you wanted for me too. Mom I'm going to finally have that full and happy life we both always wanted for me. I love you and will honor your memory for the rest of my life. ~Georgie~
(My Mom was a former WLS Post-Op who had surgery in 1973 ... her death was not surgery related. She lived 26 years after having surgery).
Today is the day I am admitted into the hospital to prepare for my surgery on tomorrow. In all honesty, I am a little nervous but I'm not afraid. My family and friends are so supportive and loving and I'm blessed beyond measures to have them in my life. These people are my support and without them I would not have been able to make it through this journey. These people have literally made major sacrifices to accommodate my needs and allowed me to have fun in the process.
My beautiful children Paul and Paula have always been there with and for me. My children have made so many sacrifices at an early age because of my morbid obesity. We have been thru thick and thin together. They love me for who I am and have proven that time and time again. They make me feel special and proud to be their mother. When I think about my children I think about the words genuine love, unselfishness, loyalty, dedication, caring and compassion. God I thank you for my children. My prayer is that God will pour out His blessings in every area of my children's lives. Ephesians 6:1-3 says: Children obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy Father and Mother; which is the first commandment with promise: That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. I have peace knowing that God is a God that does not lie and when He makes a promise blessings will surly come to pass for my children.
Adriene, Brenda and Michael are my weight loss coaches who made it possible for me to get to and from my many appointments during my journey. They have attended nutritional classes, pre-op exams, consultations and many other required appointments to help me complete the program. Getting me to these appointments meant parking their nice automobiles to drive my 1988 Plymouth Voyager (Vinnie the Voyager), pushing me in a wheelchair, lugging portable replacement oxygen tanks while having all of the patience in the world with me. They listen to my stories of back in the day. They listen to my fussing and they laugh when I'm clowning around. I love them so much for their genuine friendship and allowing me to be me.
Elder Patrick and Missionary Celeste Appollonio are the ones who provide the spiritual guidance for my family during my journey and in times of crisis. They adopted me and my children as their daughter and grandchildren after the death of both of my parents. They give us the loving parental security my family was missing. They are truly lovely and I'm happy to have them in my family.
Its and I am going to hit the sack because I only have 5 hour to go before I leave for the hospital. Thanks to everyone who signed my support page ... I appreciate the love. Hey Tam thanks for the prayer ... you're truly sent from above. I'll see you all on the losing side!
It has been two months since my last update. I thank God for blessing me to make it through my surgery. Like others I started this journey at high risk of complications because of my extreme obesity and co-morbities. I was willing to take the risk for a better life. I prayed for protection as many others prayed with me as I went into surgery on
I was informed by my surgeon that he discovered three hernias that he had to repair before he completed my RNY. My surgery took 2.5 hours and I was immediately placed in surgical ICU after surgery on a ventilator and NG tube which I did not look forward to.
I remember waking up in ICU but was unable to open my eyes. I could hear my family and friends voices and could feel them holding my hands. I was trying to talk to them and couldn't not realizing that the ventilator was preventing me from speaking, at this point I realized that I was alive and had made it through surgery. I spent two weeks in ICU without food or water by mouth with ventilator and NG tube. I was finally moved to a private room and was released on
I spent three weeks in the rehab facility and had to sign myself out because of the poor quality of care I was receiving. I noticed blood in my stool and mentioned it to nursing staff who did not think it was a big issue ... so I signed myself out on
On March 31st I had my first follow-up visit with my surgeon. During this appointment he removed my G tube and staples and I am happy to announce that I am 65 pounds lighter. It has not been an easy journey for me but my progress is worth every bit of what I had to go through. I feel like the incredible shrinking woman and I am one happy woman.
On Thursday of this week I went to my second post op visit with my surgeon. I was not only excited about going to see how much weight I had lost, but I was going without my wheelchair and I was riding in a car instead of a van. I was picking them up and putting them down with my walker and I did not get tired or out of breath. I truly thank God for my surgery!
Drum Roll ... I have lost a total of 85 lbs. and I will be 4 months post op in 6 days. My Dr. informed me that I am actually doing better than he anticipated due to my post op complications and limitations in mobility after surgery. My incision is almost completely healed and I will be released from home nursing services sometime this week.
I am taking my vitamins and eating 60-70 grams of protein everyday. I continue to do my sit-down cardio workout at least 5 days a week. I see and feel the changes the weight loss is having on my overall health ... such as the ability to move faster with less pain and no oxygen, normal blood pressure and glucose readings without medication and I am beginning to feel good about myself.
I have about 300 more lbs. to lose and I believe that with the help of Almighty God I will reach my goal one day at a time ... one pound at a time.
Today is my 4 month anniversary and I am encouraged to go on. Today I enjoyed talking with my daughter who is away at college. She is so encouraging and supportive. No matter what is going on my children are always there for their mama. I am so proud of my children and I thank God for our relationship. They are as beautiful inside as they are outside and got brains to boot. Mama love you Sissy and Junior!
Today I celebrate my 48th birthday and I am now 5 months post op. I am so happy to see this day because according to Dr's I should have died 5 yrs. ago from co-morbities from super morbid obesity. I can see a change slowly taking place in my body every week. I'm losing weight from the top down. My face, neck, shoulders and breast are noticeably smaller. I have lost in my arms, waist, buttocks and thigh/legs but I have a lot of hanging loose skin. However, I try my best to not worry about the skin. I just try to stay focused on making right food choices to get the needed nutrients, taking my vitamins/supplements, drinking plenty of water daily and working out everyday.
I feel so much lighter and I am able to do things I have not done in a long time. Here is a list of things that has changed for me since I have had surgery.
1. I no longer have to take meds for blood pressure, diabetes, allergy, and arthritis.
2. I no longer have to be on oxygen.
3. No longer need a wheelchair.
4. Walking with my walker is so much easier.
5. I can tie my shoes and I even painted my toe nails.
I have lost 115 lbs and currently I weigh 440 lbs. I have 240 lbs. more to lose before I reach my goal weight of 200 lbs.
This surgery is working for me and my quality of life is improving each and every day. I have lost 115 lbs. so far and I am amazed at how WLS has helped me change my whole attitude toward food. I am able to make the right food choices, I know when I am full and can stop eating. Food is not the main focus in my life anymore and I truly thank God for this. I am experiencing a little of Heaven right here on earth.
It is only a matter of time that I will be able to serve God in a healthy body. I will be well enough to re enter the work force and support myself financially without the struggle of living on a limited income. I look forward to moving from super morbid obesity to normal weight and from Social Security Disability to a job and financial stability. I want my life experience to touch the lives of others who are struggling down the same path I'm leaving ... letting them know that there is a way of escape.
We were created for God's glory and God uses different ways to help us, helps others through us and gets the glory for himself in the process. We must never under estimate God. He will and has used the most unusual circumstances to show His omnipotent existence. I thank God for giving our doctors the abilities, gifts and skills to do what they do. God can and will heal and send deliverance through natural means of medicine ... I am living proof. I thank God for my surgeon ... Dr. Charles Cook @ OSU Hospital.
I had a Dr. appt. on yesterday to get my lab work completed. The first thing I wanted to do is to get on the scales because I had not been weighed since June 28th. Well, I got on those scales and the nurse set the scales at 400 but that was too much. Then she set the scales on 300 and started sliding down the numbers and the scales balanced at 364 lbs. I was so surprised and happy until I thought I was about to faint.
HERE ARE MY CURRENT WLS STATS
8 Months Post Op
Pre op weight went from 598 - 523 = 75 lb loss
Post op weight went from 523 - 364 = 159 loss
My BMI has gone from 107 - 71
Clothes size from 6/7X to 4X
Shoes size from 10 WW to 9W
Total loss - 234 lbs
I now have 164 more lbs. to lose to reach my goal of 200 lbs. I have ten months to work this tool before the honeymoon is over.
My Motto for September is:
I refuse to just sit ... I commit to be fit!
Today I weighed in at 354 lbs. which is 10 lbs more gone making my total post op weight loss 169 lbs. I will be 9 months post op on 9/28/05. All I have to say is that I am enjoying everyday as though it was my last ... I thank God for the transformation that is taking place not just in my body, but my entire life. I AM SOOOO HAPPY!
As of today I feel like I'm on the TV show Starting Over. I have spent the last month and a half planning to better my life. I have joined a new ministry which I am excited about, I have moved into a new apartment in a very nice and quite neighborhood and I am looking for doors of opportunity to open up for me in the employment area.
My weight loss is at a stand still right now but I know that this too shall pass. I don't have to worry about over doing it with the eating this Thanksgiving ... my dentist has me scheduled for a cleaning and root canal the day before Thanksgiving. Both of my children are grown, have full-time jobs with benefits and I am learning how to cut the apron strings one thread at a time ... whew this is rough.
I now live 0.25 miles from Victory Fitness Center which I will be joining within the next two week. I will have a personal trainer who will help me with weight training and water
aerobics. Sometimes I don't feel that my mind has not caught with the changes that have taken place in my body and I sometimes think like I'm still 600 lbs. I have to periodically try things that I have not done in a long time just to see if I can do them. My next goal is to get off of this walker ... this will be a major accomplishment/milestone for me. I look forward to walking into my season.
2004
My name Georgeann and I am 47 years old mom of 19 year old twins boy/girl. As I was reading the different profiles on AMOS it brought back many memories that I can identify with from having the actual experiences. I know about the grave illness from super obesity when your body functions and organs are shutting down, 3-5 week hospital stays, the swollen body with my legs leaking fluid like a dripping faucet, oxygen tubing hanging from your face 24/7, sleep apnea, canes, walkers and manual wheelchairs as large as loveseats. This was me in 1999 when I weighed 600 lbs. At this point in my life I had two choices to make and they were to fight to live or choose to die.
Currently I weigh 545 lbs and all of my co morbities are pretty much under control. Seriously speaking I'm still not in the best physical condition but mentally I am a fighter. I refuse to give up without a fight because for the first time in my life I feel like I deserve the best there is for me AND I WANT IT! "I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me" as I venture threw my weight loss journey. May God's blessings be upon you. Georgeann
In the Beginning...
I started this WLS journey in January, of 2004; I contacted OSU Bariatric Program and received a packet explaining their program. From January 2004 to March 2004 I held on to the packet and researched. Once I felt I was ready to pursue WLS I submitted my application and started my journey.
March 2004
I am in the beginning stages of being determined eligible for surgery. I have completed my appointment with the nutritionist and had my Med Gem test. I have had some of my blood work completed. It took me almost two months to find a psychologist who accepted Ohio Medicaid. Thank GOD for the advice I received from a member who answered my post about finding a psychologist in
I went to Dr. Asbrooks office for my Psychological Evaluation on today. Everyone in this office was so very helpful. I got there at 8:00 am and did not leave until 1:30 pm. I answered a 178 question true or false test, IQ Test which included two parts. Part one was math, English, history and part two was memorization test using pictures and blocks. It would have been a two session test but I waited so long to get that appointment until I did not want to delay any longer and they allowed me to complete the test in one day.
Once the results of my evaluation are submitted to OSU, preparations will be made to submit documentation for insurance approval. I am being hopeful and depending on my faith to get me through this entire process of procedures.
I have been up all night reading the different post. Some were very encouraging and others quite sad. I realize that
every ones situation is not the same and I can only hope and pray for the best. I am going to contact OSU to check on the status of my paperwork. It seems like it has been a long time to get to this point and I am practicing my praise dance for the day I receive my approval and surgery date.
I received a call on today from OSU informing me that they have received the results on my psych evaluation and on Wednesday after next my case will go before a board for review and acceptance into the OSU WLS Program. If I am accepted then OSU will send a request for surgery to my Insurance companies. I am so excited because it took me 4 months just to complete this process and I am a lot closer to reaching my goals. I asked the program manager if I may include my personal letter to the board and insurance company and I was told yes. This is the letter I submitted:
Dear Representatives:
My name is Georgeann Carter and I am a 47 year old woman, mother of two, former child care director/social worker who is suffering from morbid obesity. The reason for this communication is to request approval for Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery. I am 5 feet tall and I weigh 545 pounds. I have been battling weight as far back as the age of 12. Since 1979 I have been successful in losing weight on the following diets only to regain the weight I lost plus more.
***Diets Since 1979 to Present***
Dick Gregory Weight Loss Program
(Liquid Diet)-1979
Shacklee Weight Loss Program
(Liquid Diet)-1980
Medfast Liquid Diet
(Medically Supervised)-1986
Richard Simmons Deal a Meal(1500 Calories)
Sweatin to the Oldies Exercise Video-1987
(Water Aerobics)-1988 to 1990
Jenny Craig (Semi Medically Supervised)-1989
Women at Large Exercise Video–1989
Food Addiction Online Support Group–1990
On and Off - 1500 cal. Diet-1990 to 1999
Riverside Family Practice Nutritionist
(Medically Supervised) 2300 cal. diet - 1999
Xenical (Prescription) - 2000
Overeaters Anonymous
Online Support Group - 2001
Weigh Down Diet (Christian Program) - 2002
Slim Fast and Ensure - 2003
2300 cal. Diet 2004
As a result of my extreme obesity I am almost immobile and my quality of life is very poor. I have developed sleep apnea, high blood pressure, arthritis, edema, boarder line diabetes and have been on oxygen 24/7 for the past five year. I currently take medication for all of these illnesses except for diabetes and I use a bi pap to help me breath while I sleep. I am unable to perform everyday task and require assistance with general personal hygiene procedures. I use a walker to get around in the house and a wheelchair when it is absolutely necessary for me to leave home.
I am not exaggerating about my condition. If I don’t have Weight loss surgery I am surely going to die and that is not what I want. I have completed extensive research on Weight loss surgery and understand the risk involved and compared to the present health risk with obesity, I believe there is hope for me through Weight Loss Surgery.
Weight loss surgery is by no means an easy way out but it is a last resort which would allow me to lose excess weight necessary to reverse the majority of my illnesses, reducing my need for medication and oxygen, which will greatly improve the quality of my life. Healthy, productive vibrant, and attractive is the goal I want to reach. I want to live my life with dignity. Please help me reach my goal by approving me for weight loss surgery. Thank you very much for taking the time to read my letter and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Georgeann
For some crazy reason I can not sleep and have been up for over 24 hours. I have a lot going on in my life right now (mostly financial) but GOD has made a way another month for me and my families ... He is so faithful.
I have not told a lot of people about my plans for WLS because I do not want to hear any negative comments. I even stopped my home nursing service because the nurse would tell me about the dangers of WLS and who she knew that had the surgery who died and I was on my way to depression when it was time for her to leave. My children Paul and Paula (twins) age 19 are really excited for me because they know first hand how our lives have been with me being morbidly obese. God blessed me to have two devoted and loving children. They do work my nerve sometimes but I would not trade them for anything in this world.
My friends Paula, Knee-C, Adriene, Candy and Brenda have been there for me forever. I am 47 years old now and I have known Paula since 1970, Knee-C 1975, Adriene 1975, Candy 1996 and Brenda since 1996. I thank God for this Sisterhood of Christian Women ... they are the bomb support system and I love them all just like family.
I thank GOD for my new online friends on the
Today is the day I find out if
If you have found this journal then you have something to celebrate. Take a few moments to think about your life. No matter what mental, physical condition or situation you might be in, GOD has a purpose and plan for your life; if he didn't I don't believe we would be here.
We are all unique beings and there is no other person like each of us. God's direction and will for our lives is not always in our carnal plans. We are going to experience ups and downs in life's journey. However, life is too short to be down and depressed over situations in our lives that we cannot change.
Always remember that GOD sits high and looks low and when we experience set backs it's just a set up for a comeback and the best for us is yet to come. GOD said that our latter will be greater so instead of wallowing when disaster comes we should give GOD every situation in our life and believe He is going to make everything alright.
GOD has a great big blessing in store for us as we take this journey to WLS. Think positive, having faith knowing that our obesity will not last always. While we're waiting for our help to come from GOD ... don't look down, instead look up and lift your head toward Heaven thanking GOD for each day of our journey and CELEBRATE life!!!
GOD, I ask that you look upon all of your children here at AMOS. I pray that you bless each and every person at whatever stage they are in during their journey to weight loss. We need you and can not make it without you. GOD all power is in your mighty hand and you have the final say in every situation. Let your will be done in JESUS name I pray. Amen.
In The Spirit of Excellence
Georgeann
Today I received a call from OSU informing me that I was accepted into the OSU WLS Program. On 8/18 I will begin the 1st of my 4 nutritional classes to prepare me for post op. My paper work has been sent to my insurance company for approval. My prayer is that by the time I finish my nutritional classes that I have approval from the insurance company. I thank GOD for bring me to this point in my journey to weight loss.
I got a call from my surgeon's office and my appointment with him is on September 23. Well, I made it through my first nutritional class by the grace of GOD. I stress when I have to leave the house because of all that I have to go through with the oxygen, wheelchair, walker and purse I tell you it is a mess. but my children and my friends don't mind helping old girl. Anyway, on yesterday I did not have any difficulty getting to my appointment ... it was a smooth transition. When I got there I had to weigh in and I'm happy to say that I have lost 8 pounds since my last visit with the nutritionist. Now here comes the drama ... halfway thru this class I got so sick until I almost passed out. Body cramps from head to toe, broke out in a sweat and was jittery. At first I thought I was having a personal summer (hot flashes), but discovered that my blood sugar levels were very low and I was dehydrated. After eating one of those protein bar and drinking lots of water ... I was so determined to finish the class until she allowed me to finish while sitting in the hallway in view of the class. I had another episode when I got home but I feel a lot better now. Lesson learned: Drink plenty of water and never miss meals or go without eating if diabetic or borderline.
I have to back track some because on yesterday one third of my entries were missing from my profile. One of the html staff read my complaining post and repaired my profile. From now on I will save all of my updates.
I have finished a total of three nutritional classes and I only have one more to go. I have learned a lot about pre and post op eating, portion control and the importance of protein. I was instructed by the dietitian to eat per day 80 - 90g of protein, 10 or less grams of sugar each meal and to eat three meals and two snacks. I am working on eating slowly and trying not to drink while eating. I have taste tested a few protein drinks, bars and looking for free samples of protein powders to try.
I have a lot of homework each week of annotating each bite of food that goes into my mouth keeping track of the amount of sugar and protein in each food and I have to complete a post op phase 2 (liquid and pureed) grocery list, three day menu including the protein and sugar count each meal. I feel like I am in school all over again but I know that I am receiving an in depth hands on experience of what I will actually be doing after surgery.
I finished my last nutritional class on Wednesday and I have also lost another pound. My Dietitian Nancy Weese at OSU Clinic did a remarkable job of teaching on post op eating. I really enjoyed this class and I believe I am now prepared for post op eating. I just have to mention how I appreciate my friends Brenda and Adriene along with my son Paul for adjusting their schedules to make sure I made it to every class ... I thank GOD for you all. I am so blessed to have the support that I have ... The support makes the journey to WLS enjoyable and exciting despite the road blocks.
Starting tomorrow I am going to begin testing out all of the protein powder free samples I received in class, from online and from friends. It has been one month since my paperwork was submitted to my insurance company and approval is yet pending. I have my consultation with Dr. Cook on the 23rd of September and until then I am just keeping busy and preparing for my BIG DAY. GOD bless you all in the spirit of HIS excellence!
Today has been such an emotional day for me. I am so ready to have WLS but I am still waiting on approval. I'm a pretty strong person and I can usually take a lot but right now I am so tired. I can't sleep because the waiting for approval from Medicaid/Medicare is taking its toll on me. I believe that God's will be done in my life, but I have to exercise patience. These were my thoughts on today; I'm tired of being fat, sick, broke and taken for granted and people looking at me like I am a freak. I'm tired of not being able to do normal things that people do daily without a second thought. I'm tired of having to depend on people for help. I'm not ungrateful because I appreciate the help I get; I just WANT TO BE ABLE TO DO FOR MYSELF AGAIN!
These are the TOP TEN things that I want to do again. I am going to put them in God's hands and ask for His guidance to help me reach my goals
1. Walk without a walker
2. Live without home/portable oxygen
3. Cook my own meals
4. Drive
5. Attend all church services and activities
6. Work in Visitation Ministry
7. Run my own business and pay my own bills
8. Go shopping etc
9. Clean my own house and redecorate
10. Gardening
MY DAILY PRAYER
Lord/God I thank you for all of your many blessings. I thank you for your love, grace and mercy, but most of all for your dying for my sins, saving my soul and filling me with your Holy Spirit. I thank you for life, health, strength, food, clothing, shelter and transportation that you provide to me, my family and friends. I ask you lord to forgive me for every sin that I have committed intentionally or unknowingly and help me to forgive those who have wronged me whether they did it intentionally or unknowingly. Keep me in the center of your will and help me to be open to the move of the Holy Spirit in my life. Help me to be content and satisfied in the place you want me to be. Bless your people everywhere. Send your healing power, deliverance and prosperity into every area of our lives. Let me not forget where you have brought me from and allow me to willingly give you the praise, honor and glory due your holy name. I praise you for sending me peace to my mind and joy to my soul right now. In JESUS name I pray Amen.
I have been waiting on approval from the insurance companies since
Hey Family and Friends,
I am happy to report that I have approval from my insurance company for Open RNY. I also had a consultation with my surgeon on today and before I get a date I must be seen by a cardiologist for test. Reason being ... in 1999 I had very high blood pressure which caused the left side of my heart to enlarge and he want to see if the condition has changed. The cardiologist must clear me before I get a date. The appt. is scheduled for Nov 2, and I will see my surgeon again on Nov. 17 for the final determination. I weighed in at 529lbs which means I have lost three more pounds making my total pre op weight loss 60lbs... Which is 29lbs from my short term goal.
I'm not down about not receiving a date but happy about his decision to investigate and I am trusting God that everything will turn out alright for me to have surgery. He did explain that because of my size that he would not be able to treat me like his other patients. I would have to be admitted a day or two prior to surgery, would be on a ventilator, and some other precautionary measures will have to be taken.
I felt like at this time of my journey I want an angel and I have ask Tammara Faye to be my angel and she accepted. Praise God! Tam is the person that invited me to BAF. She is young woman of GOD. She has encouraged me, inspired me, and impressed me with all that GOD has blessed her to accomplish. Tam has a very sweet spirit and is absolutely beautiful inside and out. I am truly blessed to have her as my angel. Love you Tam!
Well, I love you guys and I really appreciate all of your love, prayers and support.
Love you much,
Georgeann
Well ... it's been a while since I've posted because I have just been waiting on my cardiologist appointment which was on yesterday. I saw Dr. Patricia Caldwell at OSU Clinic who gave me a general vital exam and asked me a lot of family history health questions. Afterward she sent me down to the lab for an EKG which only took about 5 minutes. She said that everything seemed to be okay but, because of a past history of
From my research Echo is basically an ultrasound of the heart that will last about an hour to forty five minutes. This procedure is scheduled for November 10 at the
Today I went to the
I went to see Dr. Cook on today in hopes of receiving my date for surgery. However, the results of my EKG and Echo were not received from Dr. Caldwell the Cardiologist. I will have to wait for clearance before he will schedule me a date for surgery. The good news is that I lost 6 more lbs making my total pre op weight lost 66 lbs. I now weigh 523 lbs with 23 more lbs to lose before surgery. (My goal not Dr.)
During my consultation Dr. Cook went over the RNY procedure with me and what I should expect from pre op, during surgery and post op. Because of my size and my history of DVT, Pulmonary High Blood Pressure and Sleep Apnea he will have to take special precautionary measures. Because I am such a high risk for complications I will have a Vena Cava Filter inserted into my main artery to prevent blood clots, I will not go into a recovery room after surgery but directly into ICU for close observation and I will be on a ventilator for a day and a half to help me breath due to sleep apnea. My length of stay will probably be longer that the average WLS patient. Of course he discussed with me the risk of death and other complications.
He told me that once I get clearance, he will schedule me for the Vena Cava Filter, have me admitted into the hospital a day prior to surgery to keep track of my vitals and blood level since I take a blood thinner med and I should be good to go. He said that I would have my surgery scheduled before the first of the year once I'm cleared. I should hear something from him within the next week and I am looking forward to that call. In the mean time I am going to keep on praying and trusting GOD, oh and work on those 23 lbs. HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYBODY!
I have completed the following WLS prerequisites
1/04 Requested Application package
3/04 Application completed and mailed
4/04 MedGem Reading with Dietitian
5/04 2 letters: 1 from PCP 1 from dietitian
5/04 Blood Work from PCP's office
7/19 Letter to Psychologist/Psych evaluation
7/04 My Letters to: OSU, Medicaid, Medicare
8/13 Approved by the OSU Bariatric Dept.
8/18 9/12 - 4 week pre-op diet teaching
9/23 1st Consult W/Dr. Cook completed
11/04 EKG completed
11/10 2D Echocardiogram Completed
11/18 2nd Consult completed
12/07 Vena Cava Filter Outpatient Cancelled
12/12 Admitted for surgery Cancelled
12/13 Surgery Date 12:00pm Cancelled
THANK YOU JESUS ... I'M ALMOST THERE!
Today I received the news that I have been waiting for. At 8:30 a.m. this morning I received a call from the nurse at OSU informing me that I will go to the hospital to have a Vena Cava Filter put in on December 7th, be admitted into the hospital on December 12th and my surgery date is scheduled for December 13th.
I was so happy until I wanted to scream for joy while on the phone but I had to keep my composure. I'm very happy and I truly thank God from whom all my blessings flow. He has bought me from a long way and I owe my life to Him.
Today is Friday and this was one of those very trying weeks and the one thing I least expected to happen did. My surgery scheduled for 12/13 was postponed until sometime in Jan.05.
Dec. 7th I was scheduled for the Vena Cava Filter procedure but I received a call from the hospital on Tues. 12/6, inquiring as to how much I weighed. I informed them that I weighed 532 lbs and the nurse said "I need to transfer you over to your surgeon's office". Well, I talked to my surgeon's nurse that informed me that my appointment was cancelled because I exceeded the weight limit for the table I was going to have the procedure done on. She said for liability reasons the Tech did not want to take any responsibility for me falling or getting hurt on the table ... the table would only hold 450 lbs. I understood and asked what is plan B and she said that she would have to get back with me with the new plans.
My surgeon's nurse informed me that they will make arrangements to have this procedure done right before Dr. Cook performs my Open RNY. I asked her if this would hold up my surgery and she said" I can't be 100% sure but I don't think it will, being that you are going in on Sunday the day before surgery.
In the mean time I am going back and forth with my Medicaid worker who has not input my Medicaid co payment information into the computer for the month of December. Therefore, I am not considered eligible for paid medical services until this is done so, the Vena Cava Filter procedure would not have been covered anyway and God knows I can't afford to pay for it.
From Tuesday to Friday I call the surgeons' office and the Medicaid caseworker to resolve these issues before Monday because the Medicaid situation would also apply to my surgery not being covered as long as the information is not in the states computer indicating that I am eligible.
On today I called the Medicaid office to inform them of the urgency of having my information updated so that I could have surgery on Monday and they were just so about it like we'll get to it when we can kind of attitude. Mind you I still have not gotten word about plan B.
At 4:30 pm today I got a call for the nurse informing me to be at the hospital on Tuesday 12/14 to have a consult with the Dr. that is going to do my Vena Cava Filter. I was like but my surgery is on Monday, and she said to me "oh I thought it was Jan 13 let me call you back" Around 4:45 the nurse called me back to inform me that my surgery has been postponed and on 12/14 I have a consult with the Dr. for the Vena Cava Filter procedure. After I have the procedure done I'm to call my surgeon's office to get another surgery date for Jan.
At 5:00 pm I received a call from my Medicaid caseworker informing me that she had just put me into the computer so I would be covered by Monday. I told her that my surgery was cancelled and she said "I am so sorry to hear that Happy Holidays" I will keep my personal thoughts to myself for they were not pure toward these people. I yet believe that God has His reason and I am going to look ahead for my day will come. I'll keep you posted.
12/14 Consult for Vena Cava Filter
TBA Vena Cava Filter
TBA Surgery Day
I woke up early this morning thanking God for blessing me to live to see another day. Soon after, I began to reflect over the events that lead to the delay of my surgery but my mind continued to direct me to thanking God. I have received so many emails and telephone call from people who have had a similar experience of postponed surgery. I want to thank all those people for their encouragement, prayers and rational thinking.
I have met many new friends on my WLS Journey on ObesityHelp.com and I have a special place in my heart for them forever. I would like to take the time to honor those who have been a blessing to me and have directly touched my life.
Ms. Jean, Tammara Faye, Cheryl B, Pastor Di, Sunday Joy, Madame Rodriguez, Sunni R, Katie Moser, Katrina Shelam, Valerie Curry
THANK YOU ALL FOR THE LOVE!
Today I had my consult with the Dr. that's going to do my Vena Cava Filter. He explained the entire procedure as inserting a small tube into my main vein in my neck down to the middle area of my body and then inserts the filter. The filter is a precautionary measure to prevent blood clots from moving to my lungs after surgery. Since I exceed the weight limit for the tables in his office I will have this done in the hospital OR. I will be awake during the entire process and go home afterward. My date is TBA by the end of this week.
About Me
Before & After
rollover to see after photo
