Jean L.
Where do I begin. I have been overweight my whole life (52 years old). Although I was the smallest baby in our family (I have 2 sisters), I started growing and kind of never stopped. Yes, I have lost weight many many many times. Lets see, weight watchers in High school - gained it back, weight watchers again (many times) always to gain it back plus more. Phen Fen (lost 125 lbs) only to gain that back, plus some. Jenny Craig (twice), gained it all back. Hypnosis - didn't really work. Acupuncture - didn't work, weight watchers again, over the counter drugs, prescription drugs, need I go on.
So now, I have finally decided to have WLS. I am just so tired of being this size. Getting winded while walking any distance, Always having to sit at a TABLE in a restaurant, worrying about fitting in ANY chairs ANYPLACE, and well, airplane travel is a nightmare. I automatically ask for the seat belt extension immediately upon entering the plane. That works but boy, oh boy, is that seat tight on my BUTT.
I have put this off because of other medical issues. You see, back in 2002 I had carpal tunnel surgery, then 3 weeks later had a blood clot in my leg that resulted in a massive bilateral pulmonary embolism. As you see, I lived. Although the Doctors told me had I not gone to the Dr when I did, I probably would have been dead the next day. SCARY to say the least. So, I have avoided any kind of surgery. But I am at my witts end now.
After talking with the people at Smart Dimensions (Dr. LePorts group) and finding out that they can put in a "vena cava filter" before surgery to block any clots from entering my lungs, I am encouraged that I can safely have this surgery.
Although its very scary, what are the alternatives? To continue to YO-YO with my weight and each time get bigger and bigger? The health issues with morbid obesity are just as scary.
I have been a lurker on this sight for a while now. Everyone here is such an inspiration.
I have started the process: Nutrition class, Talk with Dr, Psych eval (Dr. Bolivar - you are awesome). I need to get a little therapy before they will submit for insurance approval. I have been through so much the past 5 years that my depression has gotten the best of me. You see, after my brush with death, I returned to work (since I had been off for the carpal tunnel surgery on workmans comp) and was laid off that same day. So, I almost died, lost my job, was taking care of my parents (mom had alzheimers, dad had lost his license), then, we had to place mom in an Alz facility and dad passed away a month later, mom passed a year later. Enough said. Gee wonder why I am depressed. Through all this I kept gaining. So.....
I am looking forward to getting my head straight, getting my surgery and beginning a new healthy life.
If you actually took the time to read this, thanks. I will keep you posted on my journey.
