MarshaBeeee
Oh, where to begin? I always thought I was an overweight child and teenager. But when I look back at pictures of myself, I see a normal size child/teen. I grew up in sunny Southern California. I wasn’t thin by any stretch of the imagination, but I always thought I was fat. I was active in high school sports, gymnastics, tennis, field hockey, basketball.
I married my high school sweetheart when I was only 17, and had my first child soon after. Then another two children followed in the next 3 years. I gained a lot of weight with all three pregnancies and didn’t lose it afterwards. My son is soon to be 38 years old, two daughters 36 and 34. Over the years, I have lost a lot. But not the weight. I lost my first husband to another woman, a former good friend of mine. I was suddenly a single parent of 3 children at 25yrs old. But I gained also. More weight.
I have been on every diet known to man, WW, TOPS, Fen Phen, Atkins, etc, etc. I would lose some then gain it back plus more each time. With the Fen Phen diet I lost from 230 to about 150. That was the most I have ever lost, and I loved it. When it was pulled from the market, of course I quit. Then gained it all back. I did not have any ill effects from the Fen Phen, I was lucky.
I remained a single parent for 11 years, from 1978 to 1989. I did not date. I didn’t even try. In my mind, who would want to date a fat woman with 3 children?? Well, in 1989 I found out. I met my Gary. We have been married 20 years this October. He loves me whether I weigh 150lbs or 250lbs. But I just don’t feel I am who I want to be when I am fat.
I had a defining moment last July. My 85yr old mother had to have triple bypass heart surgery. She had high bp and diabetes (as I do) I decided then that I was not going have the same thing happen to me. Mom has had a remarkable recovery and is living independently once more. We have been so blessed with her recovery.
In September Gary and I had been to visit his mother and brother in Iowa, we were celebrating his mother’s 90th birthday. Lots and lots of pictures were taken. Every one that had me in it was horrible. We were putting together a slide show for his family, and I was so embarrassed of my appearance. At that moment, I decided I was going to have the surgery.
Last April my son-in-law Scott had the sleeve done. His Doctor was Dr Broussard with Weight Wise in Norman, OK. He is a fabulous Doctor. Scott has lost around 190lbs so far. He has done so wonderful, we are all so proud of him. I knew that the sleeve was what I wanted. I went to a seminar at Weight Wise in Edmond, OK, hoping to have Dr Broussard to do my surgery. His seminar was very inspiring. But they don’t accept BCBS Federal.
After researching other Doctors in the area, I found Dr Lana Nelson in Norman. I read a lot of testimonials about her on OH, and after attending her seminar, I was sure she was the one. Since I first decided to have the surgery, my best friend Debbie has been thinking of having it also. We have been friends for almost 24 years. We have worked together for the Federal Government for that entire time. She like me, has been over weight for most of that time. Up a little, down a little (or lot), then back up again. Our surgeries are scheduled for the same day, same doctor. We haven’t told many people at work, but a few know. My main reason for keeping it quiet was I didn’t want anyone to try to talk me out of it.
I have been to all of my required appointments except the class for the 10day diet and the pre-op visit with Dr Nelson. Last week, however I received a letter from BCBS denying coverage for the surgery. I was at Dr Nelson’s office today and spoke to their Insurance Manager. He was confident that he would be able to get this straightened out. He said that last year they had 8 sleeve patients approved for the sleeve, and since January has had one patient with BCBS Federal approved and they have already paid the claim for her. He was pretty irritated with them to be doing this. It is in his hands now, and I have confidence in him.
Our surgery is scheduled for February 24, 2009. I am so excited. I know the closer it gets, I will get nervous, but so far no anxiety.
I love the OH forums. I really appreciate all of the support and warmth of those I have "talked" to. Hopefully one day, I will be able to help others also. I hope to keep my info updated often. I see so many profiles that have only one entry (or none). I hope to not be like that.
Till the next time...
