LadyD808

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Alrighty all!!  Sorry it has been a while but figure I would update.  Now this is one I went to because A) it was closer to where I live (driving to Castle from Kalaeloa on a weekday after working for a school is killaz k? just fyi -_- dun feel like travelling out there in the middle of the week) and B) my little cousin is an RN there and suggested this to me that he thought it was awesome I was checking it out!  

So I went there with all kinds of questions after work.  Lists and lists of things to ask.  My first impression with the lady helping to set up for this info session-- very welcoming.  I know there are lots out there with this 'errr I'm fat and well I don't like to be in public'...not me to be honest (I have a very engaging personality-- chubbiness and all WOOHAA!!)  but for those that are a bit self-conscience and whatnot the people were genuinely nice.

When it started you meet the Head director of the bariatric program, Christy Keliip'o.  Very gregarious personality and just a laugh riot!  She puts you at ease first off then begins to give her testimony of being, in fact, a WLS patient.  For me I liked hearing it from her ya know?  It is different when you hear it from a 'professional' with a degree and expertise, but when that same person has been through the journey...it becomes an light of hope and encouragement.   She was honest of the ups and downs...the side effects of not following what your doctors tell you to do...stressed the importance of going to see the support groups and such.  She also explained how she would be with us 'every step of the way BUT she is there to help, it is US we have to make that decision and press on for ourselves and get up to do it too!'

Enter after Christy, the serious but very educated Dr. Grief.  He is definitely Yin to her Yang.  He was calm and collected but the man hit on every possible answer for all my questions before I even asked them!  He has 20+ years in surgery (regarding anything to do with the stomach) and I can honestly say I feel as though I could defintely trust him.  

Hearing testimonies from the first guy, Cleeson, omg the way he thought...was SOOOO ME.  See at the time I thought, 'pfft they jus lazy fo' lose da weight'-- but they just needed a 'tool' to help them along the way.  That is what I think of it.  A tool to helping me get healthier^^  Cleeson was down to earth and just like every regular person...he did it...why can't I?  Definitely an inspiration to us all!!  He and Brian (#2 guinea pig).  One day Imma be proud like dem!! hehe

The Bariatric Program is just coming out and it is still in its infancy but it looks to be promising.  I'm gonna call over the weekend and see where I can go from there.  I am having a good feeling about it and after praying on my way there...I think I have found where I wants to go and, God willing, I'll be able to do everything and wishing (hoping) to get the surgery done (covered and such) by ending of May/beg of June!!  


If you are thinking about WLS and are in Hawaii check em' out and such XD  LATAZ~~

After doing a bit of research here and there and reading about others that live in Hawaii...I found many options that I haven't really looked into yet.  For me, the research is also part of the journey....it is the 'Know what you're getting yourself into and deciding whether you want to go through it or not' stage.  You really have to look at all the good and the bads, the pros and the cons and determine for yourself what route to take, if you're ready, AND never look back once you've made that choice of continuing.  

There have been lots of great testimonials and such about Dr.C, Dr. Fowler...and Dr. Grief...and a few more but to tired to type em all >< so sorry if I forgot your surgeon =/.  I want those that are new, like me, wanting this surgery...that it isn't impossible AND also know the options are out there if you LOOK hard enough.  If you want something bad enough you'll stop at nothing right?  Take that same voracity and put it to that!!!  Well that was my thought of the day time to go do my laundry YAY!! *end of sarcasm*  Have a good one peeps!!  AHUI HOU!!  

So been doing some research online and signed up for the info session on the Pali Momi bariatric program.  I'm trying to weigh ALL my options first.  I love Dr. C, don't get me wrong, but trying to figure out how to come up with the money and still sustain living here in Hawaii as well.  After all with all the freakin furloughs it freakin sux and just yea *grumbles* ><...

With bills and living and oweing and everything else it is becoming bah...I'm looking on the positive and praying every day and trying to stay hopeful^^

I have figured that I would like to do the RNY and that I know once I choose this path I can't go back.  I am embracing the idea but it will all depend when everything happens ya know?  I need this done for me and my health.  My info session is on February 10th so I'm going.... looks like by myself =/ but I'll bring my bible along with and technically I'm never by myself because I know He will always be with me XD  anyways...will keep you posted^^
   

So the day had finally come.  I had my sister take me even if I could drive myself.  I just wanted someone with me and chose my sis.  Errr I was running late making sure I had everything.  Over and over making sure I had the questions I wanted answers to, going over it in my head saying 'okay this is gonna be good for me.  I'm just going in for a consultation''...I headed to the car and at the door I stopped.  My sister looks at me as I stood there with the door open and she was sitting in the driver's seat saying, 'c'mon..what..did you forget something?'  I started chickening out.  "I'm scared," I said.  Then she smiled and said, 'look we are going there to ask questions and talk about things okay?  It isn't a 'sure deal' this is for you and this is the reason I'm going and not him. (my brother)'  'I'm the big sister for a reason doh!,' and I took a breath and we were off!

The receptionist, Natalie, was very nice.  I couldn't believe I was so nervous.  All these thoughts were going through my mind...questions of 'is my insurance really gonna be paying this?' 'how much are they gonna pay?' 'Am I gonna be able to pay for everything?' 'Am I gonna even qualify for any health coverage?'...and the list of questions go on and on and on.  I started to get teary-eyed.  Natalie calmed me down and said, in a sincere, polite, and re-assuring voice, 'You know if you weren't a bit nervous or had many questions...THAT would be something to worry about....but it is okay to have fears.  This is a big decision and you took the first step by coming to check it out.'  

From upon meeting Dr. Cirangle he was very personable and very informative.  I was looking at the LapBand procedure but after talking to him alot about my past failed efforts and my reasons and the WHY...he suggested the RNY form of WLS.   He gave me the pros and cons of both and I had all the questions I think I wanted answered.  I felt comfortable with him to be honest.  I was glad my sister came with me because it was hard saying my reasons and what I really want to say and also-- she said things that I hadn't really been honest with myself ya know?  I had done a lot of 'binge eating' which we realize was some of my setbacks in my goal of trying to lose weight and also when I eat and what I eat...not very much the portion size but what it IS I DO eat.  

I do still have some researching to do but overall I feel much better now that I can figure out what to do next.  I think I'm convinced on the RYN (sorry for those who been helping check out the lapband...ty ty for your support either way XD MAHALO NUI LOA [ THANK YOU VERY MUCH!]).  All this is coming into play and the cost does scare me some.  For most of the people I read on here, they either have good awesome jobs or significant others...what does a single girl do?  All I know is...the way I look at it this is an investment in my life.  To live just a bit longer than it would say I have--to be able to see my nieces and nephews grow up and one day..have kids of my own and collect on that 'free babysitting' my sister told them I was entitled too !!!  

I walked in the door to that office a bit scared and unknowledgeable with many fears...I walked out with a bunch of pamphlets of info on LapBand and RNY and a bit more confidence in why I am choosing to take my life back...and I felt Blessed to go there.  One thing I liked about Dr.Cirangle...and I told him, 'wow..all your other patients...come in with a smile.'  Dr. Cirangle's response:  "They made a change in their life to take it back and lose the weight...wouldn't you be smiling too?'  

Anyone in Hawaii thinking about it...see Dr. Cirangle.  He's personable (and so his receptionist, Natalie ^^), informative, has very nice and polite manners, if you have fears and doubts he breaks it down for you.  He does walk you through it all as well with going about what pays for what and the whys.  I like at the end he lets you know that you can contact him for any other questions too!

Well this is just a baby step, to get informed, I'm taking it one step at a time XD  Wish me luck!!!    The best thing for me too is...I have a family ready to support me through it all whom I love very much!!! ^^ ALOHA ALL!!
     

I started thinking about it and thought to myself...hmm...every year we make these 'resolutions' and break them anyways just because...this year try not to focus on the 'resolution' but rather a GOAL worth achieving.  This is a year of beginning anew.  A year of doing instead of 'saying you will do it'....GO OUT THERE AND DO IT!!  You want change in your life...don't wait for it go and get it!

REACH FOR YOUR GOALS AND PERSEVERE!!  Times may get tough but just don't give up!!  Challenges will come and it is how we deal with them...and that we DO deal with em that matter!

Wanted to thank all of you for such welcoming words of encouragement, words of wisdom with your shared stories, and making this island girl feel comfortable and well informed on my humble baby steps towards what I want to achieve myself-- A happier and healthier me!!!-- 

Island Girl's Food for Thought:  If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.
Henry David Thoreau

My first blog anywhere but I wanted to do this.  I went and decided to seek advice from my ex-fiance's mother who recommended this site to me.  I am going to see my surgeon (hopefully to be my surgeon) on January 9th and his name is Dr. Cirangle.  I'm kinda nervous and let's just say I have tried everything to get the weight down.  I had been overweight through my years and tried my best at everything to get it down but nothing worked.  I love being physical but at this point in my life, being 33 and wanting more out of it than what my body is providing at the moment...I have finally decided to try the lapband surgery procedure to aid me on my weight goal journey.  

Reading other peoples testimonies I feel better to strive for this and, with a strong sense of trying to do it with Jesus in my life I know that anything is possible!  I mean seriously who can give you better support than that I say???  

I pray that everything goes through and I can work at it once I get approved!  I am determined to lose the weight get healthy for myself first!!!

Keep you all posted and updated^^

ALOHA FROM HAWAII!!