Sis'ta "T" Bone
9/11/06
I'm so excited until I can barely contain myself. On yesterday I received a phone call from a young lady I met during one of our WLS seminars. I learned that she was also a teacher and employed with the same school district as my sister and me. OK, OK, my point was she got approved by our insurance company in just - get this - 3 DAYS!!! She gave me some valuable info and promised to send it through school mail. So of course I couldn't wait for my lunchbreak in order to make our doctors' appointments. I'm scheduled to see the pulmonologist, gastroenterologist, psychologist, and my PCP all within the same week. I'd say, next Wednesday and Thursday will be pretty busy for us (my sister and me), but well worth the time off. Stay tuned, there is just to no end to Sis'ta Thick-Bone.
9/20/06
Today I had appointments with my PCP and completed my PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION. My PCP wants to schedule a physical for me and do blood work. I also submitted my Diet History for the last 12 months. The psych eval determined that I was stable enough to have WLS (WHEWWW! I thought for a minute he would recognize that I am really an escapee from the funny farm - LOL).
There were many indept questions covered both in the eval and the interview. One was how will I deal with folk questioning my weight loss. My response was that at one time in my life it really mattered what people thought of me, but today, I can truly say that I can care less about other's "ISSUES". Later that evening, I also found out just how sensitive and somewhat insecure "Poppa Bear" really is. In so many words, he was concerned if I would act "brand new" once I had the surgery. I assured him that I would be the same person he fell in love with before the 100+lbs. weight gain and that I am with whom I choose to be with. Furthermore, we made a vow to love through it all, you know, like,"til death do we part". Boy what a man!!! I love this man more today than when I first realize that he is my soulmate.
9/21/06
Today I had appointments with the GASTORENTERNOLOGIST and the PULMINOLOGIST. I am scheduled to have an EDG on Tuesday, 9/26, and the sleep apnea test done on Saturday, 9/30.
9/20/06
Today I had appointments with my PCP and completed my PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION. My PCP wants to schedule a physical for me and do blood work. I also submitted my Diet History for the last 12 months. The psych eval determined that I was stable enough to have WLS (WHEWWW! I thought for a minute he would recognize that I am really an escapee from the funny farm - LOL).
There were many indept questions covered both in the eval and the interview. One was how will I deal with folk questioning my weight loss. My response was that at one time in my life it really mattered what people thought of me, but today, I can truly say that I can care less about other's "ISSUES". Later that evening, I also found out just how sensitive and somewhat insecure "Poppa Bear" really is. In so many words, he was concerned if I would act "brand new" once I had the surgery. I assured him that I would be the same person he fell in love with before the 100+lbs. weight gain and that I am with whom I choose to be with. Furthermore, we made a vow to love through it all, you know, like,"til death do we part". Boy what a man!!! I love this man more today than when I first realize that he is my soulmate.
10/22/06
Can you believe this? On both Thursday, 10/19, and Friday, 10/20, I was taken for a loop! Thursday's appointment revealed I have a mild case of sleep apnea. But with WLS, this should be rectified. The Pulminologist and her staff were looking forward to our review(my sister and I have been running the course hand-in-hand) - mentioned something about the two of us being a riot, guess it had something to do with our last visit! Dr. Brenda Gonzalez said she will be sure to visit us during our hospital stay and told her staff that as soon as we gave her our surgery date to cancel her appointments for the day. Daymnnn, what an impression!!!
Friday's appointment with the 2nd opinion doctor is what really floored me!!!Our appointments were at 2:00 - 2:15pm. Due to a pressing issue, we were late. We called the office to see if it was OK to come or if there was a need to reschedule. We were told as long as we arrive by 3:00pm we were good. We made it by 2:45pm. After signing in and while completing forms my name was called. After only seeing the doctor for less than 2 minutes, I returned with a strange look on my face. My sister wanted to know what was wrong, I said little but continued to stare blankly. By this time she was called in. Two minutes later she returned ready to leave. We began discussing our conversation with the doctor and were both astoned by his response; he had ask for proof of our Psych Eval. and Diet History - neither had the Psych. report with us, but explained that it had been forwarded to Dr. Fleites' office. He reviewed the Diet History and said, "You're APPROVED!" Now we are waiting for the insurance company to give its OK and our date should be set.
(LOOK AT GOD!!!)
Stay tuned, the best is yet to come!
Look out size 12 here I come.
Forgot to mentioned, that we started walking Mon, 10/16. I've also given up Cokes. Now I'm sipping Crystal Lite!
10/26/06
Imagine this! I've pretty much had my response for nearly a week and had not a clue. The tenative date is...(Drum roll, please!)
Monday, November 27th, for both my sister and me!!!
Mom will be in town to help with the children - Thank God for Momma!
06/18/07
WORDS OF THANKS
God has been soooo good to me!!! Nearly everything I've ever asked for in life has been granted. I can remember just like yesterday praying feverently for a husband that would be loyal and supportive and on November 24,1999, He did just that! Prior to meeting my husband, I ask God to give me two wonderful, healthy boys whom I could shape into gentlemen - through teaching, I learned could never teach them to be "men" for that is the responsibility of a father. And on December 6, 1999, He blessed us with Carrington Ali'zander. Then on August 9, 2005, He again blessed us with Corbin RonnieMyles. My husband and I recently brought a wonderful home. And for this too, I am eternally thankful!!!
GETTING 2 THE "SKINNY" OF THINGS
Nearly 7 months out and down 32 lbs. For me, the hardest thing is staying focused and eating right. I am DEFINITELY a junk-food junkie, sweets being my down fall. Since my surgery, I learned that my insurance company has not provided a billing code for fill (band adjustments), thus forcing me to pay $300 for the procedure and $100 for out-patient care. So far I've had two fills - thank God, both being agressive. The first fill was 3cc and the second, 4cc totaling 7cc in a 10cc band. My goal for the summer is to drop at least 20 lbs and drop another size (started out a size 24, currently, a 22). The amazing thing is the weight loss is so gradual that folk are not all up in your business trying to figure what you are doing to drop the pounds. I must admit, I have since encouraged several women at my job to utilize the benefits offered by our insurance company for WLS.
MY ONLY REGRET: not having done this earlier!!!
My overal goal is to weigh between a 155-160 lbs and get into a size 14 again and maybe even a size 12 -something I've never done!
WORDS OF THANKS (cont.)
I can't stop thanking Him for his many blessings! After all I went through last school year, I received a new assignment that has given me redirection in my career. I accepted a position at a wonderful school-site (where the principal is a spiritually grounded leader) thas has afforded me the opportunity to advance in my career and the possibilities are endless!!! God has once again shown favor and granted me the desires of my heart. And for this, I am eternally greatful, TO GOD BE THE GLORY, Amen!!!
10/20/07
This journey has been an interesting one! For some reason I thought this would be a journey of "ease" and that I could eat just about anything - as with diet pills - and still watch the weight fall off. Boy was I in for a rude awakening! After finally getting the billing code for band adjstments, I had my third fill on 8/6/07. Prior to this fill, I prayed to God that this fill would hit my "sweet spot" and I would see changes. And as faithful as He is, I was shown favor and finally broke my plateau of several months. This favor did not come without a price; I can truly say that I now know what restriction is! I've had several episodes where either I brought food / drink back up (when I didn't wait long enough after eating) or I had an annoying case of hiccups. Buth overall, I finally was able to get pass the 260's (hung around 264 for a monthsssssssssss).
As of 10/15, I weighted in at 259 - Yay, me! In all honesty, I must admit that a part of me is a little disappointed that with little over a month shy of my 1st bandiversary, I am no where near my goal of losing 100 lbs. However, I am most thankful for the 34 lbs I have lst with no re-gain. I now have new meaning to the phrase that nothing worthwhile comes easy! I have gone down from a size 24 to a 22 and am beginning to see a difference in this size. Instead of beating myself up over the situation, I've refocused and set new goals: to get down to a size 20 by year's end and join the Century Club (wl of at least 100 lbs) by next summer's family reunion.
I think what really messes with my head is watching my sister shrink right before my eyes - she's now down from a 22/24 to a size 14 (and again this did not come without a price). I understand that I should not compare myself to anyone, but the human side of me wishes I was there too! After recently learning that my husband has diabetes, we both have committed to changing our eating habits. We try to work out either at home or while at work by doing more walking than usual. I think his diagnosis has been an eye opener for the both of us. We have to do better in order to be around for the boys. Now the real challenge comes in teaching them to eat better. The oldest is a picky eater and the youngest eats anything that isn't nailed down! Stay tuned, cause IT AIN'T OVER TIL IT'S OVER!!!
01/02/08 THE NEED TO SEEK REDIRECTION
One year out and I haven't reached my desired goal. I have no one to blame but myself!
REJECTION?? NO, REDIRECTION!!!
I will say this, as long as there is breath in my body, I won't stop fighting!!! I going to dust myself off and get right back on my grind. No guts no story! I will be realistic with my goal for this year, at least one dress size by the summer. As said in my previous edit, "Stay tuned, cause IT AIN'T OVER TIL IT'S OVER!!!"
***A NEW BEGINNING***
Surgery went well - with the exception of excessive post-op gas
. I went today for my follow-up and was totally blown after stepping onto the scale. Thirteen pounds (13 lbs) gone since surgery and and a total of 21 lbs since my inital visit with Dr. Cruz! I can't wait to return to work on Monday - 1) to get into a regular routine, and 2) Watch the reactions of my collegues as I "melt" away into the beautifully sculpted chocolate princess I am!!!09/12/09
Here it is 9 months out and I am
the new me! I haven't felt this good about my self-image since God-knows when! It's interesting to see and hear the comments of "spectators" ( Yes, I said SPECTATORS!!!). But I constantly tell myself, "Those are your issues not mine!" Stay tuned, for God is still making me over!
03/03/2010
Happy New Year! Loving the new me and wouldn't take nothin' for my journey! Nearly 15 months out and not only have I reached my goal, I have actually surpassed it! That's right, my desired weight was 160 lbs. but as of today I am between 153 and 155 lbs. I must admit, I don't want to lose another pound. I now wear a size 7/8 - THAT'S RIGHT, A SIZE 7/8 !!! Who would have "THUNK" it?!
IT FINALLY HAPPENED!!!
Over a year out and my husband finally commented on my weight loss. He's the type of man that is careful which words he uses to express his concerns. Howbeit, he told me this morning that I'm getting too SKINNY. He wants me to see the doctor to make sure everything is ok and that there are no deficiencies. The old Gale may have been offended and viewed it as jealousy. But the new me knows that this weight loss journey must come to an end and proper maintance is imperative. At this stage in the game, I am eating at least 4-5 meals a day ( I seem to want something to eat every 3-4 hours). I even eat and drink simultaneously. Honestly, I haven't been watching my caloric intake with food nor beverages yet the weight is still coming off!!! I am not totally worried though, because I have noticed a major decrease in weight loss - I would even venture to say that maybe I've finally hit a plateau.
Stay tuned the best is yet to come!
01/10/12
Thank God for another year of good health! So let's see... My lowest weight since surery was 149 lbs - kinda scary because I looked sickly and everyone kept telling me not to lose ANYmore weight ( Like I had control over the situation - geez). With three years out, today I am 159 lbs and holding steady given 5 lbs here or there.
The strangest change in events... you ready for this??? My husband, who initially swore that he would 
NEVER, NEVER,
EVER, EVER 
(in my Smokey from "Friday" voice) "do such a ridiculous thing to lose weight" is now preparing for RNY surgery soon. Yeap, that's right, MISTER wants in on the action now. And guess whose been his biggest 
cheerleader?! Three days before the new year, he was notified that our doctor would not be accepting our insurance the upcoming year. We have completed everything except the psych eval and awaiting approval. Dr.Cruz's office is trying to work out the kinks, but just in case we have 2 other consultative appointments scheduled this month.
Stay tuned because things just get better from here! (Check out more recent pics)
