parleeb
December 29, 2006
It has been awhile since I have posted anything. Let me catch everyone up. I had the surgery March 20, 2006, and my starting weight was 379. AS of today, I weigh 242. I have lost 137 in just about 8 months. It had been such a long time since I was able to fit in a size 16 pants. I have been truly blessed. I must give all praise and thanks to GOD. For without him, none of this would have been possible.
I weight 330lb
I live in Greenwood, MS.
I work at a University in Mississippi for the last 3 years.
I am also going back to school majoring in Accounting.(May 8, 2004 Graduation, Cum Laude)
BlueCross BlueShield of Mississippi.(stinks)And for a state employee this insurance is the worst that I have seen. I have asked our representative if there was not a better plan that we could choose from. I did not get a very
good answer. And I can not afford any higher insurance.
I live in an apartment building.
I am from a family of 12. (10 girls and 2 boys)
June 27, 2003
My surgery has been re-scheduled. My insurance has decided that they would like to see my diabetes under better control before I have the surgery. So they will monitor me for 4 months to see how I am doing. So they will re-evaluation me in September. And if it is under better control they will approve the surgery. So I am very disappointment. But I can not disagree with them. I do not want any complications if I have the surgery. So this time will be helpful to me. I have an appointment to see my diabetes specialist on July 2, 2003. So hopefully I am doing better.
Hugs and kisses and thanks for your prayers. :)
August 8, 2003
Well I will be going back up for review or re-evaluation in September. Hopefully it will be good news. I know that I can not wait. I am doing very on keeping my diabetes better undercontrol. That was why my surgery was proponed in the first place. I thank all of you for your encouragement and prayers. I write again later. Bye, for now.
October 16, 2003
Well I was finally approved through Vocational Rehab. Service and went to my doctor, Dr. Mathis, to reschedule my surgey again. I was disappointed to find out that he said that they do not take Voc. Rehab. any more. He said that the decision was made about 3 weeks ago. So now I have to find another doctor that will take Voc. Rehab. because I can not afford to pay for the surgery with my little salary. So I asked around and I am trying to make an appointment to see Dr. Roger Blake. I would like to have the surgery in December because that is my next long break during the school year. I am a senior, last year, and can not afford to take any other time from school.
I will post later to tell you'll what has happened. Thanks for all of your prayers and good wishes. :)
October 24, 2003
Well I still have not been able to get an appointment of Dr. Blake. It is so hard. He will not see you until your primary doctor refer you to him. And it is so hard to get hold of my primary doctor and his nurse seems to be soo abscent minded or forgetful. This is a very so process. And I do mean slow. But I am trying to be patient and not let my fustrations show, but it is getting harder by the day. I thank everyone for their encouragments. I will keep everyone posted on any new developments.
:)))
July 17, 2004
Well it is another year and I still have not had the surgery as of today. Things beyond my control have had me to reschedule and change surgeons twice. I am working on my third one now. I have not had my first interview with him yet, but it is scheduled for October 18, 2004. Long ways off!! But I have been patient all this time might as well continue. I hope thing goes right this time. I would like you all to pray on the matter for me. It would be much appreciated. I would like to thank you all for listening to me eventhough I have not wrote for awhile. I will try to post at least once a week. Again thanks for listening.
July 20, 2004
I am still just scheduled again to see another doctor as I stated before. So nothing have changed. I was just feeling a little frustated today and wanted to vent. This is the third doctor that I am going to see, and I am getting frustrated, eventhough, I stated earlier that I am trying to be patient. I have had two dates scheduled for the surgery with two different doctor. Both at first had agreed to do the surgery, but for some reasons or the other had decided not to do the surgery. Well, with one I do know that the surgery firm had decided to stop taking patients from Vocational Reh just three days before my scheduled surgery date. I guess it was just not enough money in it anymore. The other one just decided to stop doing the surgeries altogether. He did not give a reason. You know how it is when you just have the time to sit there and think. Which could be a dangerous thing :) And not to mention the money I am out of for the visits and the tests that they have to run. This would be my third time going through that and I just wish that it would come around quickly. I am far from rich and can not afford to keep doing this. I would just like to thank you all for listening to me. I guess I just feel like another sad story. Sorry to bore you with my frustrations. But thanks for listening anyway.
July 24, 2004
Well I called Dr. Blake's Office Friday and asked if there was anyway that I can get an earlier visit than October 19th. His receptionist stated that the only thing that she could do was to put me on the cancellation list, which mean that I would be called if someone cancels their appointment. I am sure that I am not the only one on that list. So I am still waiting until that time or that call from the receptionist. Thanks for listening.
August 2, 2004
Well August has rolled in and I am still waiting for my consultation with Dr. Blake in Jackson. I have not heard anything regarding putting my date up any sooner. So all I can do in sit and wait. Looking forward to seeing the Dr. soon. Thanks for listening.
October 10, 2004
Well there is really no new news the report. This still have my consultation with the Dr. Blake in Jackson on the October 19, 2004. I just want all of you to pray for me and hope that everything goes well with the consultation. I really am looking forward to talking to Dr. Blake. This has really been frustrating on me since is the 3rd doctor that will have seen. So hopefully nothing goes wrong with this consultation or the the insurance matters. I am just so tired of carrying around this weight, frustration, and worry. Please pray for me and keep me in your thoughts.
October 18, 2004
Well got some bad news Friday and this weekend. My consultation with Dr. Blake has been postponed until I do not know when. They said that an emergency came up with the Doctor and that all of his October 19, 2004 appointment has been cancelled. This is just another disappointment in the long line of many for me. When things go bad, I guess they just go bad. So now I will have to wait to see what time the next appointment will be. I hope that it is a pretty close one. Thanks for listening and letting me voice my frustrations.
October 30, 2004
Well I still not have heard anything from Dr. Blake's Office about when they are going to reschedule my appointment. I called and the receptionist said to just wait for the annoucement in the mail. I wanted to tell her that I have been wait for year now, but grace got the better of me. So I just wait and wait. Sometime it is so hard to read other people story about how quick they got everything done. But, I have to have FAITH that GOD will work things out for me. Thanks for you'll prayers and good wishes. Hopefully, things will work out. I can not wait to be on the losing side and the healthy side. Thanks again everyone.
November 13, 2004
Well it is November, and I still have not heard from Dr. Roger Blakes Offices about the rescheduling of my consultation. I am trying so hard to not let this get me down, but it is getting so hard every day. This has been a battle for the last 2 and half years. But I do have faith the GOD will pull me through these times. I would like to think everyone for their encouraging words and thoughts. Hopefully I will hear something next week. GOD BLESS EVERYONE :)
December 20, 2004
Well it is now December and there has not been any progress in my case. Dr. Blake has not rescheduled my appointment as of yet. I did receive a letter from them stating that they are reconstructing their obesity and surgical program and that they will be sending me another appointment in the near future. I just do not know what to feel any more. I have been on diet and have been exercising and have lost 27 pounds. Even though I have lost the weight, I still feel so tired and my muscle are tired. It is like I do not have the energy to keep this up, but I am trying, with the Lord's help. I would like to go on and have the surgery so that with my diet and my change in eating habits, it could help me lose more weight. But I guess all things comes in due time. I hope to here from Dr. Blake's office before the new year rolls in. Well that is all the new information that I have for now. God Bless.
January 1, 2005
Well this is the start of 2005. Things did not change much in 2004 for me, but I am happy nevertheless. If you lived to see another year, then you are doing fine. I may complain about my situation, but I do not regret being here. I hope everyone have a Happy New Year (2005)!!!!
January 20, 2005
Well things are not going any better with regards to findings someone to do the surgery that are willing to accept Voc. Rehab. I went to a seminar given by Dr. Cleveland, which was very informative on January 18 in Vicksburg. Dr. Cleveland seems to be a very understanding, well-prepared individual. He also seems to be a very caring and kind person. But I also know that he will not being during my surgery unless I get a windfall of money in the near future, because he does not accept vocational rehab any more either. I guess I will still have to wait to hear something from Dr. Blake's office in Jackson. I read on another one of his patient profile that he in no longer at the University Medical Center. But I do not know for sure because I have not heard anything from the office except that they are going to reschedule my appointment soon, and that was as of October 19, 2004. I have not gotten a rescheduled appointment yet. I have been waiting to have the surgery for 2 and 1/2 years. And have been approved from Voc. Rehab for 2 of those years. Once I got approved I thought that I would have had the surgery by now. It was just my situation that things started to change by the time I got approved (doctors wanting more money). I guess I can understand the doctors wanting to get paid more money than what the program is offering. I understand it, but that does not mean that I have to like it. I am just so tired of being tired, the health problems, the medications, swollen feet, the shortness of breathe, sleep problems, and the emotional discomfort. But I know that GOD will make a way for this to happen. He has not let me give up hope yet. And as long as I have hope, I will continue to try and try again.
February 17, 2005
Well February has roled in and I still do not have any good news. I have found out that Dr. Blake has left the University Medical Center. So now I really do have to find another doctor and I am trying stay hopeful. It is getting harder. If anyone has any suggestion, I really would appreciate the help. I am trying to find a doctor who will still accept Voc. Rehab. I know that it slim picking. But if anyone know anything, could you please pass along the information to me. I would like to thank anyone who response in advance.
March 1, 2005
Well, March has rolled in and I still have not heard anything from the University Medical Center regarding the rescheduling of appointments that was cancelled. I thought that I had some good news about a week ago, but it did not turn out that way. Dr. Pernell, who I am seeing for my pulled muscle in my back, suggested that I see Dr. Carroll also in Jackson, but he no longer accept Voc. Rehab. any more. So, I guess that I will keep on trying. Thanks for all the encourage thoughts.
March 3, 2005
I may have gotten some good news yesterday. I was calling around to Doctors yesterday, and when I contacted Dr. Salameah in Jackson, I was told that he does accept Vocational Rehab. The only thing that I could say was when can I come in for a consultation! The only bad things is that he is not taking any new patients until July, but I figured if I waited this long another few months would seem like a piece of cake. GOD IS GOOD!! That is all that I can say. Thanks all for the encouragement, and I will keep you all posted if anything new develops, like if I get an appointment.
March 31, 2005
Well, it is just about the end of March. And I see now that I will just have to wait around until July to get an consultation with Dr. Salameh of Jackson, Mississippi. He is just about the only one who is accepting Vocational Rehab. at the moment. So, with God's help, I will be waiting until I get an appointment to see him. Well that is all I have to write about at the moment. Hope everyone is doing fine and continue to have success with their surgeries. God Bless.
May 12, 2005
Well, a lot has happened since the last time that I have updated my profile. Nothing regarding my surgery, just personal family business. Well my mom died on April 28, 2005. I have not come to terms with it yet, but I am working on. It is so hard. I have always thought that she would outlive all of her children. I just can not think of her as passed on. I did not take the funeral to well. I was always the quite one, the one who kept of feeling inside, but I just could not do it this time. I tried, but couldn't. That is enough about that subject. I have nothing new to report about the surgery. I am still waiting the get an appointment with Dr. Salamah in Jackson. But if I remember telling you, he is not taking anymore new patients until July. So I am still waiting. Thanks for the ear, and God bless.
October 10, 2005
Well, let me update you on the changes that has been going on. I thought that I was final getting somewhere with Dr. Salameh in Jackson. But look like things are not turning out as planned. I attend the required weight management classes that lasted six weeks and that I had to pay for. But now they are saying that the University Medical Center may not be accepting any more Voc Rehab any more unless they sign a new contract. There was several of us in the class the was planning on using Voc. Rehab. I just pray to the Good Lord above that the hospital signs that contract and we can go ahead and get started. It is just so frustrating to be waiting for such a long time and have this to happen now. But I know that it is not good to question things that happens. I just hope that GOD see fit to bless me with this surgery. I will write back later to let you know what has developed. GOD BLESS!!!
October 25, 2005
Well, I hope to have some good news tomorrow. I called Susan, at UMC in Jackson, and she told me to have my counselor contact her tomorrow. Hopefully, when I call my counselor back tomorrow I will have an appointment to see the doctor. This has been such a long process, and I would hate to give up now. God has blessed me so far and I hope that He continues to do so. I will update you all tomorrow regarding what my counselor and Susan said. God bless!
February 20, 2006
Well, I have some good news. The board, at UMC, meet last Thursday regarding my surgery. I call Lori, with Dr. Salameh's Office, and she informed me that I was approved through the the board. She stated that she will call me Monday, February 20, 2006, to set up my appointment with Dr. Salameh, and at which time my surgery date would be set. Thank you, God!! Hopefully, it will not be much longer. I will update my profille when I get my surgery date. I also would like to thank everyone who hung in there with me.
March 5, 2006
I HAVE A DATE!! I was approved through the hospital and I have my date, APRIL 10, 2006. I would like to thank everyone who have been through this journey with me and who have kept me in their prayers. I will be having the surgery at the University Medical Center, located in Jackson, Mississippi. I am scheduled for my final pre-op visit with the doctor on March 28, 2006. I am so BLESSED. I would like to thank everyone, but most of all GOD. Without Him, none of this would be possible. I will keep everyone posted of any new developments.
March 8, 2006
GOD has been good to me. Lori called me today to say that my surgery date has been moved up. The date now is March 20, 2006. I am so excited!
March 19, 2006
I am feeling a little scared, but I am also feeling a lot of relief to finally have this opportunity. I would like to thank everyone for their support and encouragement. I will let everyone know how the surgery went as soon as possible. I am looking forward to my weight loss journey. I will be checking into the hospital at 9:00 o'clock Monday morning at the University Medical Center in Jackson. Again, thanks and may GOD guide my surgeon's hands.
April 20, 2006
Hi everyone, sorry that I have not written in awhile, still going through this period of adjustment. As you know, I had the surgery on the 20th of March, and so far, as of a week and a half ago, I have lost 51 pounds. The only draw back is that I have being having a real problem with nausea and light-headness. Other than that, it has been running along smoothly. My doctor prescribed me some medication for it, and it seems to be working a little bit. I would just like to thank everyone for all of their encouragement that I receive. It really help me through the difficult time. I have to go back for a visit on April 25, 2006. I will write you about the results as they continue to unfold.
July 13, 2006
Hi everyone. I am feeling great!! Sorry I have not posted any messages in awhile, but have been very busy catching up at work and school. So far, at my last doctor visit, I have lost 82 lbs. Hooray!!! I have lost 10+ inches off of my waist. And I am fitting into some of my old clothes. THANK GOD!! I am only 3 and half months out from my surgery and my doctor said that I am doing well. Hopefully I will hit the big 100 this month. I can not tell you that I am so thankful to everyone who was so encouraging during my long road to having the surgery, but I am. From now on, I will try to remember to post at least once a week. Talk to you later.
August 6, 2006
Hi everyone. Just writing to say that everything is going very well. I am just waiting for the ok from the doctor to really start exercising. I do not know what I have lost in the past few weeks because I do not weight until I go to the doctor, so I will post it then. I will talk to you all later and GOD BLESS!!
December 29, 2006
I have posted on the new set-up. But just in case someone is still looking at the old one... I have lost 137 pounds in just about 8 months. I feeling like a millions bucks. My only complaints is that I am now anemic. My body is not absorbing the iron very well since the surgery. I trying to remember to take the iron pill twice a day and not just one. Other than that I am doing well. GOD has been very good to me. Will write more often doing the new. That is just one of my resolutions. :)
March 21, 2007
Well I have passed my anniversary date, which is March 20, 2006. I have lost a total of 149 lbs. so far and really not looking to lose any more. I am off all of my medications, except half of a high blood pill (10 mg). I am feeling so great and have so much more energy. Thought that I would not reach this stage just a year ago, and I so glad that I tough through all the set backs.
