OnyxxBlazze
Hello all...
Here is a brief history of me.....
I'm 29 years old and am 5'7" and 310 pounds, though I do carry it very well...most people can't tell how much I weight just by looking at me...the problem is that I can tell.
I have tried diet, exercise, behavior modification, etc with no results. I am looking into the Lap Band procedure here in Chicago.
I am also a professional {certified} wedding & event designer (wedding & event planner) so I do alot of running around and need to be in good shape for that.
I really want to get this procedure so that I will be able to run and play with my 10 year old son without being tired or easily winded.
More info to come....thanx all for making me feel welcome here.
9/12/04
Well today was a big letdown....I called Medicaid and found that they do cover the Lap Band procedure, but the customer service rep that I spoke to {who was extremely nice} told me that I was going to have a hell of a time locating a doctor that accepts Medicaid.
I called the Cori Center and LivLite and to my dismay, neither one of them accept Medicaid. This going to truly be an uphill battle...but I am in it for the long haul....I need this.
I will give in and give it over to GOD!!!!!
9/21/2004
She is love
she is truth
she is real
as real as the stars that shine in the heavens
as real as the sun that bathes her body
as real as the moon that glows
and the birds that sing
and the rose that blossoms in spring
she is that rose
and not just any rose....
oh, but a black rose
Black rose
that stands taller and stronger than any other plant
black rose
that stands as creator of nations
black rose
that never loses its petals
and blooms all year round
black rose
sweet rose
thornless rose
eternal rose
please look my way
please look my way
please look my way
black rose
9/27/2004
Well I haven't found a surgeon yet....but I am looking. I got a tip about a surgeon in Indiana and I called and left a message requesting information {thanx Ms. LoLo}. Hopefully they will call with good news.
I talked with my sister last night and she is thinking of having surgery too...our oldest sister had her gastric bypass last year and has lost all of her desired weight...she looks really good when she fixes herself up and she says that she has no desire to have any additional surgeries to remove excess skin. I on the other had want to have any surgeries that will help me achieve my desired look and weight. I joined a gym last week and hope that this will help. I promised myself that when I get to my desired weight I am going to treat myself to a celebratory tattoo {I am a tattoo fanatic...so my father says} I currently have 12 and have vowed not to get another one until I loose this weight. I want a big one down my back real sexy like ;o) Maybe this will be the added motivation that I so desprately need {I average at least 2 tattoos a year...so if I can't get one for a while that should push me to get in shape so that I can get one}.
Well, enough of today's rambling....best of luck to everyone here.
10/2/04
Well nothing new has been happening in the world of Neda. I have recieved some really good information on the chat boards in regard to potential surgeons who accept my type of insurance in my area. I will be doinf preliminary phone calls Monday morning. I'll let you all know how it goes.
Wish me luck.
10/07/04
YYYAAAHHH!!!! I took that big step...I found and called a surgeon that is local, accepts Medicaid, and does the Lap Band procedure {Dr. Shayani @ Loyola}. Before I can meet with the surgeon for my consult I must attend a seminar this coming Monday {good thing I called because they only do this seminar once a month}. My sister is going to go with me....she is looking into WLS as well.
Thanx to all the ladies who posted surgeon info in response to my question on the Lap Band message board.
Wish me luck....I didn't think I would be this nervous just to be going to a meeting. I'm on my way.
GOD bless!!!!
10/12/04
I went to the pre-op WLS seminar {for Dr. Shayani moderated by Dr. Sharker} that is required for all patients, and it was great. I thought I had researched all there is to know....boy was I wrong. I ended up taking 4 pages of notes in just a 1.5 hour time frame. They provided sooooo much information that I could have sat there all day.
I got up this morning feeling good. I called the Dr.'s office and my initial consultation is scheduled for Oct. 26, 2004....I am so excited. At the seminar they said that when you come in for your consult, you can schedule all your other appointments right after that day {all the pre-surgery clearances...and they don't have a whole lot for individuals that are relatively healthy}. They also said that this process goes as quickly or as slowly as you make it. I plan on getting everything done ASAP...that way the only waiting I will have to do is for the insurance approval {hopefully that won't take that long either}.
I'll try to pop in and update more as things progress.
I need an angel.......any volunteers????? ;o)
10/26/04
I went to my consult today and was pleasantly surprised, I had actually lost 10 pounds since I last weighed myself...I am down to 296.4 and my BMI is down to 46.6....YYYAAAHHHH!!!!
The mini-physical exam went well as did my question and answer session with the doctor. I was a little disappointed when he told me that he didn't think that I was a great candidate for the surgery, he went on to explain that that though physically I am a prime candidate with no real major co-morbidities, and I am well educated on the procedure he feels that my weight has been dictated by what I not and not how I eat. Aside from that he said I was one of the best consults that he has had in a really long time. I really appreciate how honest and straight forward he was. He said that he is just brutally honest because he wouldn't want the band to fail so he just tells people how it is. He gave me his blessing and his okay and told me that he hopes that I do well with the band....I will...I am determined to do this right!!!!
I will be calling tomorrow to set up all my pre-op testing appointments. They say this process can go as fast or as slow as you make it....hopefully mine will go fast.
I'll keep ya'll posted!!!
10/31/04
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!
Well I got all my pre-op clearances scheduled except for 3 {sleep study, chest x-ray, and pap smear}. I'll get those scheduled as soon as some openings come up.
I'm soooooo excited....I'll keep ya posted.
11/24/04
Well I know its been almost a month since my last update so I figured that I would pop my head in for a minute.
So far I have had a few of my pre-surgery clearances comleted...I had my pulmonary function test {PFT} and my chest X-rays...I'm going to get the esophogram done monday or tuesday, then all I need is the psych eval, nutrition meeting, sleep study {dependant on my chest x-rays}, and my pap smear.
I just started another job...in addition to running my bridal consulting firm...so I'm not in a big hurry. Hopefully I'll have everything done and filed away before the end of the year. I'm hoping to have my surgery shortly after valentine's day or so. I have 2 weddings booked for june and I want to look fablous.
Blessings to you all!!!!
3/31/05
Well I haven't updated in a while....I've been super busy with my upcoming weddings {clients are driving me crazy but I wouldn't have it any other way}....my son is growing like a weed. Unfortunately, I went through a very bad break-up with my partner which led to some emotional eating...but I'm happy to say that I am back to normal.
Through it all I have managed to get some of my pre-op clearances done {seminar, pulmonary function test, chest x-rays, and lab work}. I have scheduled all my other clearances and will have everything done by May 11th. I hope to have surgery sometime in July.
In the meantime I have joined a gym {Curves} and have lost a total of 6 lbs. in the past month. Which I didn't think was much until I saw how it all breaks down. It broke down to the following losses....bust 2.25 inches...waist 8.25 inches...abdomen 5.00 inches...thighs 6.50 inches...arms 5.00 inches...body fat 2.40%. I gained 1.00 inch on my hips {AARGH}.
Hopefully by working out I will be able to "snap back" after surgery without having to have any plastic surgery after the weight is gone. Though realistically speaking I will probably have to have a tummy tuck.
05/18/05
Well all is well in my life...hectic but well just the same. I am fastly approaching my 3 upcoming weddings and one of my clients will be featured on the wedding reality show "Bridezilla"...so I'll have nationwide exposure sfor my business {so thats a plus}. I haven't been to the gym in over a month because of my busy schedule...hopefully I'll get back into it after the surgery.
I only have 2 more pre-op clearances to go {Psych consult and Nutrition consult}. I am still hoping to have my surgery in July and I'm supposed to start back to school in September {going for another bachelor's degree....YYAAHHH}.
I guess thats all for now.
8/10/2005
Well I have been the busy little bee. I have completed all my clearances...but somebody please tell me why its taking the nutrionist nearly a month to submit her report. All my other Dr's submitted their reports in less than 48 hours.
Since I last updated I have appeared on TV...the show Bridezillas on women's entertainment. I was pleased with my performance but I looked so fat. Everybody said that I looked good but I didn't think so.
All I'm waiting on now is the nutritionist to submit her report so that my file can be sent to insurance.
Wish me luck.
8/28/2005
Well the nutrionist finally submitted her report so my file is complete. My doctor was out of town for a week and now is "backlogged" in getting to looking over files...but his assistant {Angie...she is great!!!} assured me that he should be completed looking over things by the end of the week and then its off to insurance approval it goes....wish me luck!!
8/30/2005
Thoughts...Moods...Moments...
I don't apologize for my size
so don't give me the up & down when you walk by
cause I still can hold my head up high
see....
don't hate cause I'm proud to be me
the smile across my lips & the wiggle in my hips
sets me free
so that I no longer worry about what you think of me
cause the DIVA knows that she is sexy.
Not a size 6 but perfectly fit
Oh no, I won't apologize for my size
not as long as there is a fire driven heat between my thighs
you can't begin to grasp the divinity that is me
beautiful...bold...bountiful and boundary-less
intelligent & and an intellectual articulate
for lack of a better term...
I am a super B*tch!!!
To the men who gawk and say "oh no she's not my type"
who told you that this QUEEN was even thinking of you tonight...
ye, who have no job...no class....and not even your front teeth
who can only get around by way of your feet or by riding in someone else's passenger seat....
getting calls on your friend's cell phone & all the while wondering who I am by my sexy tone
Please...
be still....just chill & still I must say....
not only can big girls pay their own bills...
big girls...
buy their own meals....
make million dollar deals....
and still have time to tend to your every ill.
So again I say...I may not be a perfect size 6 but I am perfectly fit
so it is you who should be apologizing to me
for toying with the idea of you & I
PUUHHLEEASE!!!
10/4/2005
Well here I am a full year later after embarking upon this journey...I have made some head way so I am happy for that.
I have completed all my pre-op clearances and am now waiting on my file to be sent out for insurance approval. My surgeon requested that I take another chest CT because there was a spot on my chest x-ray...though he assured me that it was most likely an over read. I did that and am just waiting on him to get around to reading it and giving me the okay. I spoke with Angie at Dr. Shayani's office and she informed me that my file is on his desk and that he has just been a little behind due to alot of surgeries but that if he gives her the file back with an ok...that I should probably be scheduled for a date later on this month.
I'm so excited....so nervous...and so ready to get this done and get on the losing side.
10/12/05
Not really having a good week.....because something showed up on my chest x-ray and subsequent CT I am now waiting on my surgeon to get the okay from a thoracic surgeon. I'm sure its nothing serious though....now this means more time before my file gets sent off to insurance.
I've been looking on people's webpages and have noticed that most surgeons send your file to insurance for approval and give you a tenative date before you even start the pre-op clearances....so why does it feel like my surgeon is going in reverse??? I guess he just likes to have everything in order before he gets a person's hopes up.
Anyway....hopefully it will all work out and I'll get a quick insurance approval and be on my way to te losing side.
Keep ya fingers crossed for me.
10/30/2005
Well, I recieved an e-mail from Dr. Shayani this morning {he is so great about returning e-mails in a timely fashion....I know I chose the right doctor} stating that I am all clear for surgery and that all I'm waiting for now is the insurance approval. He said that the thoracic surgeon said that whatever showed up on my chest CT was nothing to be alarmed about and was not something that would impede my efforts to get the Lap Band done. I just have to get another CT in 6 months or so. I'm so excited!!!!
Since everything took so long I will not be able to have my surgery until the end of January because I recently started a new job {in addition to running my event planning company...which is what I always do in my off season} and I don't want to request time off so soon after starting, so I'm going to wait till I finish my 90 probationary period.
I wanted to have the surgery prior to my 30th birthday {Dec. 26} so that I could say that "life starts after 30"....lol....but I have been patient all this time another couple of months is not going to kill me.
Best wishes....and speedy recoveries to all!!!!!!
11/29/2005
Finally....my file has been sent out for insurance approval. The young lady who handles the insurance aspect for is great....she called and let me know that she sent my file over on Nov. 12 {which was a Friday} so my insurance company should have gotten it on or around the 14th. They say it takes about 2 weeks so I should be hearing something soon.
Wish me luck.
12/17/2005
I GOT APPROVED!!!!!
Just recieved a letter from from my insurance provider that they approved to pay for my for surgery costs...I'm so excited I can hardly sit still.
All I have to do now is call my doctor and see if he is open for the day I want to have surgery on.
Best wishes.
12/20/2005
I got a date!!!!!!
Jan. 26, 2006 will be the begining of my new life....I'm so excited!!! I'll be 30 next week {the 26th} and I will be on the losing side really soon. I'm feeling so many emotions right now...nervous...excited...scared...and happy.
Wish me luck.
1/5/2006
As my day quickly approaches, I feel compelled to document my journey as a way for others to see that this is not an overnight thing. I have read many profiles where someone has gotten discouraged because it seems like the process is taking a long time. Every situation is unique....with that said here is my journey...
10/11/2004 - WLS Support group {had to attend this before the Dr. would even meet me}
11/5/2004 - Pulmonary function test
11/16/2004 - Chest X-ray
11/18/2004 - Lab work
4/11/2005 - Sleep study
5/9/2005 - Esophogram & Pap smear
6/20/2005 - Psychological exam
7/21/2005 - Nutritional consult
8/22/2005 - Chest CT {had something on my chest x-ray that needed further investigation...turned out to be nothing major}
11/14/2005 - File sent for insurance approval {it took nearly 3 months for my completed file to be sent to insurance...but hey...least it got sent}
12/17/2005 - Got approval letter :0P
12/20/2005 - Scheduled surgery date ;o)
My Dr. is very thorough so even though I didn't have any co-morbidities, I still had to take the whole battery of tests. Due to the fact that my Dr. is at a very reputable hospital it seems like it took forever to get all my tests scheduled. I have seen where some people got all their clearances done in less than a week....there was no way that was going to happen in my case. Not to mention working a regular job, running a small business {and being on TV}, and raising a child....WHEW....I'm happy to be on my way....and a little glad that it took so long, that way I had enough time to be sure about my decision to do this.
1/22/2006
Well...4 days and counting
I swear I have to get better with the updating of my page, but I'm usually so busy that I just forget. There is nothing new in the land of Neda....I went this past saturday to get all my pre-admission testing done so now its just a matter of waiting for the big day.
I put in a request to have my page re-done so hopefully by the time I'm on the losing side my profile will be reflective of the new "divalicious" version of me...lol
I'll update more this week...
1/26/2005
Today is the big day.....its 6:20am and I am waiting for my daddy to come pick me up {he is soooooo supportive....gotta luv him }...surgery set for 10am....I'll update when I get back and am on the loser's side.
1/27/2006
I'M HOME!!!!!!
The surgery was uneventful....all I remember is that I got there at 7:30am...kissed my daddy and they took me back to the OR @ 9:45am...but a mask over my face and put something in my IV...I woke up and it was 1:45pm and I was on my way to my room {my daddy met me up there and then I sent him home 'cause I know he doesn't like hospitals}. I promptly went to the bathroom to tinkle....took a lil nap....got awakened around 4pm to go do the barium swallow {YUCKKKK} came back did some reading and then got out the bed around 7pm to walk around the floor. Had dome light burping so I asked my nurse if I could take some Gas-X...she checked with the doctor and came back and said that they would send some up {thanx to all the info I have gathered in this group....you know I had my own...the nurse was cracking up like "dang, you really came prepared, huh"}.
The pain wasn't that bad....felt like monthly cramps on one side of my stomach. I don't really sleep so I was just dozing off majority of the night and watching TV....finally cut the TV off at 3am and forced myself to go to sleep....funny thing is I felt like I was in the bathroom peeing like 2-3 times and hour.....go figure.
Got up this morning...took another stroll around the floor...had some water, broth, and apple juice and was good to go. Dr. Shayani came around 9am and told me that I had a very easy and unevetful surgery and since I had a BM on my own that I could go home as soon as I wanted too.
I'm so glad I decided to do this.....
~Lady Onyxx~
1/26/2006
288/???/180 (goal)
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2/1/2006
6 days out and 10lbs gone forever!!!!
Not much to update...I'm bored as all heck being cooped up in the house...LOL
Overall this has been a great experience and I am looking forward to embracing this new tool for the blessing that it is.
More to come.
288/278.3/???/180 (goal)
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2/12/2006
Nothing much to update....I'm feeling fine....energy levels are up and I'm going to start working out soon. Since I have such a hectic schedule....I'm just going to start out by walking a half mile each day during my lunch break.
Don't know if I have lost any more weight (though it feels like I have)...I have never owned a scale...LOL
Incisions are almost invisible now.....I have started back sleeping on my stomach (discovered this by accident)...but it hurts when I wake up so I will be making a concerned effort not to do this right now its still too soon.....only real discomfort I feel is when I sneeze but everyone says this is normal....even with no restriction I am getting full very easily (I think its my mind trying to condition me for what it will be like with restriction)
Well, thats all for now.....
2/17/2006
Went out and bought a scale today.....I am now @ 275lbs....so thats 13lbs gone forever. I thought that it would have been more but now that I look at it....the loss is actually really great. I had surgery 23 days ago...so thats a little over 1/2lb per day....YYYAAHHH!!!.
More updates to come.
2/18/2006
Saw this somewhere thought it made alot of sense so I decided to share....
1. WALK--no excuses
2. DRINK--if plain water bothers you, spice it up with lemon, lime, or orange slices---but get that water in...it does get better
3. VITAMINS--I have to get better with this, but please take your vitamins--vitamin defeciency is dangerous.
4. SMALL BITES--this is where I recommend the toddler silverware or plasticware Smaller bites mean putting less in your mouth...chewing and breaking down your food easier.
5. PROTEIN FIRST--protein is essential for healing! We need our veggies and good carbs too...don't leave them out. It will take time, but you will be able to eat a balanced diet again.
6. FOLLOW THE 30/60 MINUTE RULE--wait 30 minutes after drinking to eat and 60 minutes after eating to drink
7. CONSULT--the only dumb question is the one you don't ask...ask your doctor or nutrionist anything!!!! This is your life.
8. ALCOHOL--be sure to follow the alcohol rule---this is very serious this could kill you...no alcohol for 6-8 months is what I have heard...my surgeon really didn't touch on this but check with your surgeon for his/her time frame
9. DEPRESSION--it is going to hit---don't be afraid to admit it and don't be afraid to fight it
10. MIND OVER POUCH---Don't let your mind control you! Head hunger will set in...you will miss food...you will want food...you will crave food...but you are not hungry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! For this you must be MENTALLY prepared. Prepare to fail, b/c we all do at times...but rejoice in your success b/c you will succeed!
11. GET TO KNOW YOUR POUCH--this is your new best friend...he/she will not lie to you....listen to him/her
12. DON'T COMPARE---this is your journey...yours will not be like mine and mine will not be like yours, his, or hers
3/1/2006
Well a new month and 21.5lbs gone forever!!!! It has been a little over a month and I feel great. I still have a lil pain near my port spot whenever I do too much lifting (which I did this weekend while I was moving).
As soon as it gets warmer here in Chicago I will start my walking regimen.
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3/11/2006
------>>>>>>VENTING<<<<<<--------
Okay, as someone who has never owned a scale in my life.....I am upset with my scale. I am one of those women who got my monthly till I was dang near 18 years old so I never paid any attention to the whole weight gain during that time. So here I m today...30 years old...banded and losing weight with no restriction...then "Aunt Flo" pops her ass up and messes me all up. Something told me not to weigh myself this week but did I listen....NNNOOOOO....and now I am mad because its seems that I have gained 4.5lbs during this time :o( Hopefully this is just temporary.....
*Now back to your regularly scheduled program*
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4/6/2006
HAPPY SPRING!!!!!
Just popping in for a brief update....I just recieved my 1st fill yesterday ((2.2cc's))...and it went so quickly it was almost fun. I decided that it was time for a fill because my weight loss had stopped...I was teetering between 18-24lbs lost and it was frustrating the heck out of me...
Hopefully I'll jump start this losing again cause I can't wait till the summertime...I already have tattoo # 14 picked ((its a super sexy full back tribal tattoo))
tata till next time
288/272/175 <<<---goal
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4/10/2006
All I can say is this thing really works.....I got my 1st fill 5 days ago and I'm already down 6lbs....
I'm so excited...though I have a few mini "band-whuppins"...I'll go into that at a later time
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4/24/2006
I am no good at updating on the regular.....well things are going slow but steady....I'm teetering between 20-24lbs lost...I want to break into the 250's by the end of this month. I also want to be at least down to 240lbs by 6/25/06 ((gotta be supa sexi fo Chicago Gay Pride))...I think I can do it if I continue my exercise regimen.
Here is a recent pic of me @ 266lbs...I was feeling "DIVALICIOUS" this day...LOL
6/1/2006
Ok, I know I am no good with updating information but it has been super busy here in my world....
I have only had one fill...and I think I need another....I've hit a plateau in which I bob up and down with the same 4-6 lbs...so far my lowest weight has been 260lbs and I have not gone over 266lbs so thats a good thing...I know there are a few things that I could be doing better at....my water intake is definately one of them...and since the weather has finally broken I can step up the exercise...and I still get a lil weak (once a month) around the snacks so I need to cut that out completely.
I hope the losers are doing great and the soon to be losers are too...I won't say update coming soon because I really don't know when I'll get on here again ((internt is down @ home....starting a new job...and trying to quit smoking...WHEW...a sista's plate is overflowing)).
Stay blessed everyone....
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8/15/06
Hello everyone....well it has been slow going and at times I have been discouraged but I have to remain focused on this journey. I know what I have to do......everything else is going good....I'll pop in again and update more soon
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9/16/2006
MILESTONE DAY!!!!!!!
10 day til my 8 month bandiversary and I have reached my first goal of reaching 250lbs!!!! I haven't been this weight since I had my son ((12 years ago)).
I still need to bone up on the exercise...though I live a super busy (physically taxing) lifestyle, I need to focus. To date I have had 2 fills with no real setbacks....I have minor issues with getting chicken and bread down but nothing to be alarmed sbout. Haven't had any real "band whuppins" and for that I am truly thankful.
Well I'll update more soon.
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12/2/2006
It has been a while but I have been super busy lately. Well the year is fastly coming to a close and it has been a roller coaster. In a month and a half I'll be at my 1 year bandaversary.....I hope to be at or really close to my "ideal" weight....nothing much going on in the land of me except work which has been good for my weight loss...will update more later
Ciao,
Onyxx
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1/20/2007
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!
Well I was thinking of a nice well versed update for the page then I got a message from another member...so I decided to just post my response as my update...enjoy
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Good morning,
As I approach the 1 year point I would have to say that overall I am pleased with the results of my surgery thus far. What alot of us think is that the weight will just melt away (I thought that as well....LOL), but we really do have to work at getting it off and keeping it off. Sad to say it took me a year to realize that I have to "work" my band just as well as my band "works" me.
My problem over the years was not how much I ate but what I chose to eat. I run a busy yet small event coordinating firm as well as manage a 7-Eleven convenience store so I am surrounded all day with "improper" foor & drink choices.....I have started working out recently, gave up soda (which I have always drank by the boatload...empty calories I know but its sooooooo good), and have attempted to scale down the amount of junk food I consume (normally caused by the woman's once a month curse...LOL).
I have now said good-bye to 52.5lbs forever, and I'm good with that. Don't get discouraged with your journey....I am headed in this week for my 3rd fill (most posts you'll read will say that most people by their one year mark have had 5-6 fills but I chose to try to re-structure my eating habits as opposed to "tweaking" my band every time I felt I wasn't loosing fast enough). I'm going in for a fill because I have hit my plateau in which I have been teetering between the same 5lbs (230 - 235lbs) for the past month in a half and I need to "jump start" the losing again.
Everyone is different therefore each of our journey's will hold different obstacles. I have friends who have lost 85-100lbs in their 1st year....to that I give them my congrats but I cannot judge my progress by theirs.
Hope this helps...thanx for reading my profile and taking the time to reach out. Best wishes..... 
4/1/2007
Well another month gone by....a few more ponds lost. Getting closer to my goal.....
