10/17/06

Well here I go. This is my first entry. Where do I start?. I just recently decided to have surgery. My insurance doesn't kick in until 1/1/2007. So right now I am in the research stage. I truly thank God for allowing me to find this site. It is INCREDIBLE. I have Anthem BC/BS PPO Blue Access. I found out that they will cover 80% of the procedure. I am just praying these people will allow me to do a payment plan for the other 20%, Lord knows I aint even got it like that. I am so glad that I figured out how to post on this page. I find it very theraputic. I do have an appt for the intial wl seminar on 11/28/06. I have an appt for my pcp on 10/19/06. I called Anthem about 5 times already..lol. But they were very informative and nice. Cause see I can go wit Shug... I know how to talk to folk...lol...Anyway this where I am so far. I am so tired of being tired. I am 45. 5'5 apprx 350lbs. We all know that aint even cute. My back hurts so bad ALL the time, my knees hurt.Well you all get the picture.. I just hurt. I am so excited about beginning my journey, I have gotten so much valuable info on here. Well I guess thats all for now. I will keep you guys posted. Be blessed...In Jesus' Name.....

 

10/19/06

Well today I went to see my pcp. Just for a general check up and to inform her about my decison to have wls. Ok, at first girlfriend was sho-nuff tripping. She actually gave me a title on some book to get about eating right. I'm sitting there thinking, ok she must really be smokin, did she not READ what the scale said. HELLO LADY...BEEN THERE...DONE THAT...GOT THE T-SHIRT TOO.. Anyway once she realized that I was not understanding, nor receiving the words that was coming out of her mouth we were finally able to conversate. She is actually telling me all this stuff I already know, but I'm thinking ok, let's just go along with her program and make her think she is acually telling me something I don't know. My appt was at 1pm, so I did'nt eat anything just in case she wanted some blood work. She did. So of course I am like starvin. And she gives be this bright idea of what to eat when I get home. I am like yeah right. Anyway I got the ball rolling for now. Gotta go back in about a month. Gonna shoot for at least a 5lb loss by then. Wanna get into the habit of healthy eating. But for right now sista is gonna cook her some pork chops and greens. So there. The scale said 348. Oh well I am not gonna sweat it. Be blessed....

10/21/06

Well, it's official. I am addicted. Addicted to this site. My God, I can't wait to get on here. This wls has absolutely consumed me. I do love reading the storys about REAL  people. I am gonna go on ANOTHER diet on Monday. Jesus, I am so sick of saying that. My mother teases me all the time. She is like ok, what diet are you on this week. LOL... oh well what can I say. I can only pray that by this time next year I will officially be done with "diets", and be on "a way of life". I gotta say this. Every since I decided to have wls my appetite has skyrocketted. What's up with that. Dang! I eat ALL THE TIME. And all the wrong stuff. Then I got the nerve to complain about how bad my back feels. Jesus! Help me...Please. Oh well I guess this is all a part of the process. I am learning a lot about myself tho. I am addicted to food, I never thought I would say that. But I  am. I have yet to put up some photos, I did try but I am challenged when it comes to the computer. I am not gonna sweat it tho. I wanna wait til Jan, then I will know exactly whats whats. Besides I sure aint in no hurry to put up before pics till I KNOW I'm gonna have some "after". I am really sweatin this psych thing. I guess because I don't want them to tell me I need some serious therapy before I have surgery. I gotta get my mind right. I mean I know that this is a life altering surgery, I know I won't be able to eat the way I am used to eating. But I want to be able to tell these people what they wanna hear. It's such a ways off, don't know why I'm trippin. So in the mean time I'm gonna get all the info I can. God knows I am soooo happy I found this site. I have called my insurance co. about 6 times already. They have been very helpful, just hope this is a sign of things to come. Oh well til next time... I'm out...Be blessed my family....

10/26/06

I don't really have an update. But I was just sitting here lurking as usual. I read a lot of post from various forums. I'm feeling truly blessed to be able to do the research on wls, while yet waiting. When I first started my journey, I was truly obsessed, who am I kidding, I'm still obsessed. But I am starting to put things in perspective now. Theses past few weeks I have been doing nothing but thinking about the day I hear those words, "you are approved". So much so that it has literally consumed me. I mean that is all I think about. The entire Surgery process had started to take over my life. Well today I had an outing with my co-workers, and we went bowling. Now I am not a bowler, and at 348lbs, I must say I was sweating like a Hebrew slave. But I gotta admit, I had a ball. And during the time we were bowling, wls did cross my mind, but it did'nt consume me. I have to take a step back and live the life that God has given me. I know that my day will come. And until it does I will continue to educate myself about wls, before, during and after. But I am also gonna get back to doing the things I was doing before wls became an option. You see the devil is sooo very sneaky and tricky. It has gotten to a point where my thoughts of wls had started to take away my time with God. Well as you all know the devil IS A LIAR. I can't and I won't fall into that trap. I find that if I continue to take care of God's business, he will continue to take care of my business. So as of today, I will continue to give God all the praise, and live my life for him. I know in my heart that if it be God's will then it will happen. I just wanted to share that, put it writing not just for someone else to read, but for me to read from time to time. I do love the Lord, and I want everything that I do to be pleasing in his sight.No just everything I do, but everything I think. And I do pray for his forgiveness as far as my selfishness and laxity. Miss Veronica had her surgery today. And God dropped a blessing in my spirit concerning her. Now I really don't even know her. But I can already feel her victory. Be blessed Miss V...Thank you Jesus...Thank you Jesus.....Be blessed all.... In Jesus' Name....

11/28/06

Well it has been a minute since I have posted. I have been here, just lurking and reading profiles. I finally was able to attend the wls seminar. I'm telling you, I was so hyped I was 45 minutes early. It was a great seminar, very informative. I got to meet the surgeon, besides being gorgeous he was very upfront about the procedure. He did not try to sugar coat anything. And his team OMG, these ladies were so on top of their game. I must say Dr. Kerlakian will definitely be my surgeon. I'm gonna call tomorrow and make my appt for my surgical evaluation. I know that will go well. My God they give you this binder LOADED with paper work to complete. But I can handle it. I am starting to get really exciting again. I can hardly wait to post my surgery date. I am really shooting for an early Feburary date. Well til next post. Be blessed all...In Jesus' Name....

12/21/06

Here it is, almost Christmas. My My.. I must say time is moving along. I don't post much on here. It just seems that I really don't have much I want to say right now. I am a SERIOUS LURKER tho on baf and the ohio forums. Some of the other pages really depress  a sista. My God, the regrets and the addictions. Whoa! Gotta stay clear of those forums. Anyway , not trying to dis anybody, just basically trying to live and learn here. Mainly educate myself as much as possible. This is truly an incredible site, and I am so grateful to have found it. I have read my info from the wl seminar over and over again. I pretty much know it verbatim. But that's a good thing. I have my intial surgical evaluation on 1/3/07. There is a $500 program fee, but it includes the psych evaluation, nutritionist and excersise therapist. So I'm not gonna sweat it. I am getting so excited about seeing the surgeon. I soooo wanna be on the loser side. But until that happens I will continue to educate myself on wls, the risks, the advantages and disadvantages...and all points in between. I am cooking a ton of food for Christmas, my whole family will be at my house. I am really looking forward to that. I know tho its gonna be fun, cause my family puts the "FUN" in dysFUNctional. LOL...But it's so cool tho, cause I am all about family and I love those nuts. My mother is truly a blessing, she is 72 years old. And she ain't no joke. She also lives with me. I do thank God for her. Well, I probably won't post again til after my 1st appt. I am on vacation next week. Praise the Lord.... Well I guess this is all fo now... gonna go lurk for a few, get some tips, education and some laughs... Be Blessed...In Jesus' Name......

1/2/07

Well here it is a brand new year. I have my surgical consult on tomorrow 1/3/07. I have been sooo looking forward to that date. Well today I decided to make some phone calls to anthem. I just figured what the heck, let's just make sure all my ducks are in a row before I go to this intial consult. Well I called about 6-7 times, each time I get conflicting information. They tell me "yes" your are covered, and then the next call "no" it is an exclusion in your policy. Well I decided to dig a lil deeper, because at this consult there is a $500 NON-REFUNDABLE program fee. Well I spoke with the Dr. office and the young lady said for me to keep my appt, but not pay the fee. Of course if I don't pay the fee I can't proceed with the program...DUH!!!!. I finally get in touch with a supervisor at anthem, an sure nuff... she says that it is an EXCLUSION in my policy. Let me back up. Oct 6, I was told that wls would be a covered benefit. At the time I had anthem ppo. I switched to the hom because I figured I would get better coverage with all the Dr. appts I would have. Guess what, the surgery is covered under the ppo, and NOT the hmo. OMG!!!!!! I called and called anthem several times over the last 3 months just making sure I had everything straight. On 11/22/06 I specifically asked " Will I be covered under the HMO?". Yes, is what I was told, I even asked the young lady to enter that info in the system, and she said she would. Now I have gotta wait until they pull the tapes to listen to the actual conversation. I don't even know if I will be able to switch plans at this point, because open enrollement is over. At thsi point I am ready to just cry, but then again, it's kinda funny. WHAT ARE THE CHANCES. I do know that I refuse to be defeated, the devil is a liar. I should have known this was not gonna be easy. Oh well, that's about it for now. I will see what the next few weeks will hold for me. To all BE BLESSED...IN JESUS' NAME....

 1/3/07

Well first of all I must say...TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY!!!!. After I posted last night, I got a call from the supervisor at Anthem. Girlfriend tells me how sorry she is for the mix up, and YES...WLS IS A COVERED BENEFIT. Well you could have knocked me down and called me shorty. She goes on to say that she pulled the tape and verified what I had originally told her was true. Not only that, that if it were not a covered benefit, Anthem would still have to cover it, because that is what I was told my the rep. LOOK AT MY JESUS.....Well of course after my mental anguish I was not about to hang up that phone without some more clarifications. So she put all the info in the system for the other reps to see. Now mind you... I still don't have my 2007 card or benefit package, all I got his her word. Well I go to my initial consult today and all went well, I telling you Dr. Kerlakian is not only a babe, he is very compassionate about his work. He tells me that I would be a great candidate for the Lap RNY. He was also suprised that the only meds I was on was Zyrtec-for sinus. Anyhoo... I paid my $500 program fee and got scheduled for my psych and my nutrition evaluation. BOTH NEXT WEEK...LOOK AT GOD!!!! Things are surely moving along now, I know that God is gonna see me thru all of this, it may not be easy, but I know for sure that I am truly COVERED UNDER THE SHADOW OF THE ALMIGHTY....Be Blessed...IN JESUS' NAME...

1/29/07

Well, I wasn't gonna post again until I got my approval, but that has not happened yet and I really need to vent. I have had a nasty cold for about 5 days now. On 1/23.07 I called Anthem to see if they had my paper work, I was told no . So I called the surgeon's office to see what was going on, the young lady who handles the insurance took my info and told me she would call me back asap. well obviously asap aint got here yet, cause girlfriend has not called me back yet. But it was cool ,because I felt like at least they know I am on top of things. Well today I got into a car accident, and of all things it was my fault, cause I rear ended this lady. This is the first accident I have ever had. I felt really bad too, I was coughing and sneezing, nose running. I was one big sloppy mess. Now I know these people are gona jack my rates up. Anyway every time I read a post, it's about someone getting a surgery date, and I am thinking...what about me? But yet I am still happy for those who have come so far. I finished all my testing on 1/10/07, and yet I wait. But even thru all of that I am still so very grateful to God for bringin me this far. I am grateful for being in my right mind. I am grateful that no one was hurt in the accident. I am grateful that even tho my car is ten years old, I have full coverage insurance. I am grateful that the insurance company is gonna pay $50 a day for up tp to 10 days for a rental. I am grateful that even  my mess God grants me mercy and grace. I am grateful for BAF. I am grateful for my family, even tho they got jokes. I am grateful to God for giving me yet another chance to give him all the Glory. Yes I am still pre op, yes I am still waiting, yes they are gonna raise my insurance premiums, yes my body is sore. And yes I yet still love Jesus. I am GRATEFUL.........BE BLESSED...IN JESUS' NAME....  

2/12/07

Well...Well...Well. I'm home this week with bronchitis that has been giving me the blues for about 3 weeks now. My moms is under the weather, my sister in law is just out of the hospital, in need of a kidney transplant. I wrecked my car a couple of weeks ago, but not enough damage for the insurance to pay.(sister got a 1000 deductible). Thank God no one was injured, and yes it was my fault. Got cited, had to go to court at 8:30am, had a doctor's appt at 10:00 am, got out of court at 11:45am. Could'nt call an cancel drs appt, no cell phones allowed in the court room. I'm in court coughin up a lung. Got hit with a $100 fine and $70 court cost. Well needless to say sista went to court with about $15.00 to her ENTIRE name. But they were cool and gave me a month to pay. This is really quiite comical, because in hind site all I can think is "WHAT ARE THE CHANCES". Anyway between the wreck and the bronchitis a sista was feelin mighty bad. I go to the drs office almost 2 hours late, prayin these people would see me, cause I needed meds desperately. I get there and she says she has one opening at 12:15. All I can say is LOOK AT GOD. I am so unworthy of his grace and mercy, and yet he still got my back. I don't post often but I LURK EVERYDAY. And everyday I see someone's post "I AM APPROVED"...Well my OH family I can FINALLY SAY THAT..."I AM APPROVED" WHEW HEW!!!!!!!!!! I got my phone call today from anthem. I actually asked her to say it again.  It still doesn't seem real to me. As soon as she said it I had to say THANK YOU JESUS!!!!! I am so excited, I am about to bust. I just had to share this post. I still don't have a date yet, but thats ok...cause I know the BEST IS YET TO COME...BE BLESSED...IN JESUS' NAME.....

2/14/07

Hello my family,

This has truly been a day of all days. Yesterday I got a call from my surgeon's office telling me I had a date of 3/5/07. Then she calls back a lil later and says oh no he will be out of town and wants to do it on 3/1/07. Okay sounds great even sooner. Well TODAY she calls back and changed it again, he wants to do it 2/27/07. So now I am like freakin out, cause I have had no time to process any of this. I'm scared, nervous, excited, basically a bundle of emotions. I have 5 Dr appts to attend in the next 7 days. I really am grateful for all the favor God has shown me, but that human side is  whew no joke. Right now I just want it to be all over with. Cause I know that God did not give me the spirit of fear, and the devil is a liar. I hope the phone doesn't ring tomorrow, they may say cmon in today lets do this.LOL....BE BLESSED...IN JESUS' NAME....

2/23/07

Hey there family,

Whew! First of all I just gotta say Thank You Jesus! I am 4 days til loserville. I am so excited, but know longer scared. I have that peace that passes all understanding. I have really been going thru some stuff these past few weeks. I had an acute case of bronchitis. then my mom had to be rushed to the hospital and put in ICU. I had to get clearance for my bronchitis, have an IVC filter put in. Make frequent visits to the hospital to see about my mom. Continue to maintain my household and deal with all this snow we had. But through all of this, the Lord reminded me... "IN ALL THINGS GIVE THANKS". Not somethings, not the good things, but ALL things. The good, the bad and the UGLY. So I say "THANK YOU JESUS". My mom is still in the hospital, but out of ICU. My sister has decided to move in with me to help with my mom. I am truly a blessed woman. So I continue to look forward to my journey, I have lost 11lbs pre-op, thus far. I am motivated and excited about working my tool, and taking full advantage of this opportunity. God has work for me to do. And having this wls is in His will, this has been confirmed. So I am ready....God has blessed me with a very special friend, Treena, love you girl. I can't say that enough. Thanks again... Til next post...BE BLESSED...IN JESUS NAME....

2/27/07

Well here it is, MY day! It is about 2:30 am (est). I am to be at the hospital at 5:30 a.m. Needless to say I wont be sleeping tonite. I'm not even sleepy. I am so excited. Oh give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good for his mercy endureth forever. I thank God for bringing me this far, thru all the trials and tribulations, I know He was just getting me ready. For the REAL work is about to begin. I am not scared. I am prayed up, and I know that Jesus has me covered. Compared to alot of other people, the process for me was quite short and simple. I am ready to begin a healthier lifestyle. Well I think I will go take a nice hot shower and then get my praise on. I will have to leave here by 4:30. And I feel the need to spend some quality time with my Lord. Take care my family...See ya on the loser's bench. BE BLESSED... IN JESUS' NAME.....

3/08/07

Hello fam,

Well here it is I am 9 days out and feelin not bad at all. I have been doin my liquids like a good girl. Well let me just share the day of surgery with ya'll. First of all I stayed up all nite before surgery, sleep was not in the program. I am scheduled to be at the hospital at 5:30 a.m., I get there at about 5am. They take be right back to get me ready. Surgery is not scheduled til 7:30 am. Read me my rights and all, sign some stuff, put IV in. Well me and my sis kick back, and watch a lil tv. Then they come to take me to surgery. I never was really nervous or scared at this point. The anethesiologist guy comes in, introduces himself, doc assts do the same...doc comes in, ask me if I am ready...next thing I know...lights out. I wake up in happy happy joy joy land. Still full of the joy juice.Sis comes in makes sure im alive and well...told me later I was getting on her nerves, cause I kept askin her the same questions over and over. So she dipped. Later on in the day, all @#$% broke loose. BP went up to 180/120, blood sugar 287, temp 103. Oh yeah sista was a hot mess. Well they poked and stuck me ALL nite long. The next day I had to have an upper gi, good thing about that is I could only drink a little of that barium crap, because of my small pouch. I had to turn this way and that way..THANK GOD FOR THE MORPHINE PUMP. Well they found no leaks, but there was still an issue. I was only allowed ice chips.  Which was cool with me because those ice chips were INCREDIBLE. But I was still concerned about this other "issue". So after insisting they call the doc, I was told that my bowels were "asleep". Go figure. Anyway the bottom line was...I needed to fart..and not just any ole fart...Iam talkin a MEGA FART. Well I asked, what is it that I need to do to make this happen. I was told to use my breathing lil thingy and to walk...walk...walk. So.....that is what I did. And before I knew it the farts were a flyin...whew. I hate to sound crass but this is how I feel, and if I often anyone, not my intentions. But after what I went thru I AINT GOT NUTTIN BUT RESPECT FOR FARTS!!!!! So there! It may be disgusting, but it is a natural body function. Well needless to say they got me stable, so far so good. Through it all I yet Praised the Lord. And I am still giving Him the Praise....BE BLESSED...IN JESUS' NAME...

03/26/07

Wow, it sure has been awhile since my last post. I guess I really didnt have a desire to post. I have just been lurking around. I dont know..maybe it's me..but it seems like the forums have gotten just a tad retarded. So I dont even bother to post on there anymore. It seems you have to belong to a specific club to get any kind of response anymore. Oh well...whateva...Anyhoo...I am doing this for me, and anyone who reads this, that may find help along the way. I am now almost 4 weeks out. I have lost 35lbs...I dont see it..but I sure do feel it. I feel so blessed that God has given me this chance to get healthy. I can still only do liquids and maybe a lil fish from time to time. But I have learned that Lucy is in control..(my pouch's name). This is a major learning experience for me. I have learned that everyone is different. And if there is any pre ops that happen to read this...advice...research...and research...And by all means FOLLOW YOUR DRS. ORDERS. I read some of these forums, and it just blows my mind some of the advice that is given. So if you are a newbie and pre op...read those forums with a grain of salt..word to the wise. Other than that I still love this site. It has been a tremendous help to me. But I have learned to not take things so seriously. This is a lifestye change, and I know it is gonna take some time to get to a healthy weight. But as long as I continue to give God the glory...I know he will make a way. For me this is not about getting skinny and gorgeous. Cause first of all, I am already pretty. It's about getting healthy and doing the work God has ordained me to do. This is so theruputic for me...Well I guess that is all for now...Be Blessed...In Jesus' Name....

6/3/07

Well it has been a minute since I last updated. I am almost 14 weeks out and I am down a total of 75lbs. I have officially said goodbye to the 300's on the scale. I am feeling great...and oh so grateful. It's amazing but I hardly ever get hungry, I do alot of protein drinks, and of course take my vitamns an water. Excersise is a must fo me. I am so on a mission here. For me...failure is not an option. It never ceases to amaze me when I read stories of how people go back to there old bad habits. I am in no way saying I am better than anyone, nor to I have this thing licked. But I do take it one day at time. Follwing dr's order is a must. I did not put myself thru all this to turn back now. It's all about getting healthy for me. I have totally cut pork out of diet. And I eat very litte beef. I read labels, anything with more than 6grams of sugar, stays in the grocery store. I still have alot of weight to lose, but I am up for the challenge. Fruits and veggies are a must. Well I hope this helps someone out there. Until next time, be blessed...IN JESUS' NAME...

 

About Me
Hamilton, OH
Location
30.1
BMI
RNY
Surgery
02/27/2007
Surgery Date
Oct 11, 2006
Member Since

Friends 39

Latest Blog 8
I'm still here
WOW
1 year Surgerversary!!!!!!!!!
Hello Everybody
long overdue update
update for june
May progress report
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