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"A New Me in Progress”
My "Journey" began May 16, 2013. I attended the "Information Seminar" by Carolinas Weight Management in Rock Hill SC. My cousin Laura attended with me to provide emotional support. The purpose of the seminar was to provide an overview of the programs that are available which included surgical and non-surgical. I made my decision that night that surgery was the direction I must take.
The following day I started the process and scheduled my initial consultation on May 30, 2013 with the doctor who conducted the seminar, Dr. Ian Villanueva. His knowledge and experience along with his approach in helping each patient succeed made it easy for me to choose him as my surgeon.
As of today I have completed the program and am 3 days into my 2 week liquid diet or 12 days away from my surgery date. I am “A New Me in Progress” and will view my surgery date as the day I begin my new life. In conclusion I would like to share with you “My Personal Statement” which I was required to write and share with my surgeon regarding the reasons why I was pursuing weight loss surgery. I look forward to the day when I can read my personal statement and see that the reasons no longer exist.
"MY PERSONAL STATEMENT"
As I am nearing my 54th birthday, I look back over the years and see so many opportunities and events I missed due to my excessive weight. With a BMI of 55, along with high blood pressure, sleep apnea and severe knee pain my life is no longer my own as I am a prisoner in my own body.
These combined medical issues have forced me into a sedentary life style. I am no longer the outgoing person I use to be…I no longer look forward to social events due to fatigue and the aches and pains I experience daily. Special occasions have become a burden as they require proper attire that is difficult to find. Something as simple as sitting in the floor with my granddaughter is an impossible task …I fear the sight of stairs or sometimes just one step…Tying my shoes has become a monumental task…I no longer attend events held in arenas and auditoriums due to the possibility of not being able to fit in a seat. Taking a bath is rare as most tubs are too small.
I have considered weight loss surgery many times but due to exclusions in my insurance policy surgery was not an option. You can imagine how elated I was when I found out my current policy does cover the procedure. For the first time in many years I have hope of being able to take control of my weight. I have hope in being able to overcome my limitations but most importantly I now have hope for the future.
As I begin my journey in taking my life back I realize it will not be easy. Along with surgery, major lifestyle changes must be made for me to see optimum results. Making sure I have a strong support system in place is crucial as well. Setting realistic goals are also important as they will challenge me daily and encourage me to stay the course as I reach each goal.
With that said, my first goal will be to complete the process in preparing for and having surgery. My second goal will come once I start the recovery process when I leave the hospital. As each goal is met I will be that much closer to having a healthy mind and body and being able to enjoy life to the fullest. Ultimately, I cannot wait to introduce myself to you as the “NEW ME”!
