schmikam
I have been battling my weight since childhood and have tried all the usual stuff diets, drugs, support groups, various exercise programs and more "natural" remedies than my bank account cares to remember. At 44 I am overweight and really needing to change things. Most of my family suffers from obesity and all the medical maladies that go along with it. I lost one sister to heart disease and have two others with a multitude of health problems. The same health problems that await me if I don't do something. This became clear last November when I discovered that I had high blood pressure. As a smoker weighing 250 pounds I knew I was at risk, but the reality of it did jar me into action. I quit smoking in February with the help of chant ix, have started walking daily and doing strength training on a regular basis. I should be doing strength training more often than once or twice a week but this going healthy thing takes time to make changes. I have gone through evaluations at Park Nicollet Bariatric and am waiting on the insurance response. The insurance company does not require pre- approval and I meet their guidelines so I am not worried about that as much as just impatient to get on with it. I guess the waiting and worrying that something will go wrong with the plan is the hardest part. I have no doubt that surgery is my best bet , possibly my only bet but I do have some feelings of failure at not being able to lose the weight on my own. It isn't for lack of effort, I know that. When I found out about the hypertension I decided to try for six monthes, really try and if I couldn't manage it I would check into bariatric surgery. In June I had to admit that I was getting no where and went to an informational session and went on with the evaluations. I am fortunate to have a very supportive husband and son as well as a lot of support from family, friends and co-workers. My husband has gone with me to all appointments and my co-workers have come in early and worked around my appointments. I have people that are willing to help with whatever I need during and after surgery and for that I am very grateful. The wait and see game is frustrating but I am holding on. My story continues to be a work in progress.
