sweetangel2002u
July 16, 2003
Like many of you I have battled with my weight all of my life. After much consideration (waivering back and forth) I have decided to go ahead with the surgery. My husband and family do not support this decision. My mother (who is a nurse) is strongly against it. They say that I have not 'really' tried to lose the weight,and if I just 'put my mind to it' I can do it on my own. I have decided to do what I feel is best for me! I am ready to change my life and I feel this is a step in the right direction.
I have already been approved for the surgery and need to complete the rest of my Pre-ops!! I hope to get those done by the end of this week.
One of the drawbacks has been that my surgeon (Dr. Raymond Capps) was deployed! I did not want to switch surgeons so I decided to wait. Good News! he will return on Monday! I know it won't be long now. I am getting very excited.
Please, Please pray for me and send any words of encouragement to my email.
I will post my before picture soon!
July 21, 2003
Got the rest of my pre-ops done last week. My doctor said I am such a good candidate for this surgery. He was very encouraging and supportive which made me feel great!
The BTC has scheduled a revisit with Dr. Capps since he is back from deployment {July 29, 2003}. This waiting for my surgery date is killing me but I am sooooooo excited!!
July 30, 2003
Ok, I have had some minor setbacks but I am still determined nonetheless. I went to have the revisit with my surgeon yesterday. As I said he was deployed to Iraq in February. He said in reviewing the numbers from my Sleep Study that he thinks I need to have the C-Pap Trial. UGH!!! Now I will have to where this thing to bed every night for a month or so. I almost cried!! I understand why I have to do it, he wants to make sure I can breath!! Not only that, I got my blood work back and I am anemic, so I have to get on iron... I am discouraged but yet determined. My C-PAP Trial is scheduled for tonight!!! So hoooooopefully after all is said and done, I can have my surgery around mid to late September. I submitted my before pic so it should be on here anyday now.
Ok, repeat after me...The glass is not half empty, it's half full.
July 31, 2003
I just have to tell you all about my sleep study fiasco from last night. First of all, the place I need to get to is a one hour drive from my house. I follow the instructions on how to get to this place; get there on time, and knock on the window for the tech to let me in...all the while thinking whoo I made it! She escorts me to the room to get prepared for the C-Pap. I am getting settled and also telling my husband goodbye and I will see him in the morning. The tech says, wait a minute, I will have you here for tonight and half the day tomorrow. I say nooooo, I was told the C-pap would only take until morning. She goes to pull up my information...she says oh, I thought you were another lady that's supposed to be here, you are supposed to be up the street at the hospital!!! AAAAARRRGHHHH!!!!
Ok, I get to the hospital emergency waiting room and was told to have a seat...tick tock 15 minutes roll by until someone finally comes and gets me. I get to yet another stopping place where I register and fiiiiiiinnaly get back to where the C-pap test is going to be. The tech gets the equipment ready and I'm looking at what he is doing and talking to him. I say, 'that's funny that looks like all the equipment from my first sleep study.' He says 'your first sleep study?'I say, 'yes, I have had the initial test and am coming back for the C-pap.' He says 'uh-oh, let me check my paperwork.' He comes back and says, you are not even on my schedule tonight, and what's worse, I am not prepared to do a C-pap test because it's not on the schedule!!!!! Ok you can imagine my outrage at this point! I say, 'do you know how far I have come to get here, and how badly I need this done TONIGHT?' Anyway to make the rest of this story short he calls back down to the Sleep Center down the street for a C-pap machine and my paperwork (which was at the first place I went to)and I get the C-pap trial done! Amazing!!! Today I am tired and exhausted from running around and not getting much sleep. But I am determined and glad I got it done...To all the rest of the Pre-Ops out there...this is what it takes, sheer determination! Call, Call, Call. Ask questions! Get clarification! Follow-up, Follow-up, Follow-up! Never give up! I know I won't! Please Pray for me. I will pray for you.
August 4, 2003
I go get the dreaded C-Pap machine tonight. ARGH! GASP! I can say that my husband is coming around. He says that while he doesn't agree with the surgery, he will support me in what ever decision I make... I can live with that. I put my photo on here. I am not sure if you will be able to see it or any of my other pretty background pics, because I linked to my page on geocities.
August 7, 2003
Ok, since I can't get my pics to work when I link to my site on geocities, I will post in both places for now... follow this link if you want to see me. :)
August 8, 2003
See how impatient I am...my pic is up!!! LAUGH! Well I ripthe C-pap off my face everynight from feeling like I am sufficating! It is so awful. But I will keep on trying to wear it...
Last night I was watching this movie called Pay it Forward. Never have the words to a song been so prominant in my mind. It's a song that fits our situation sooo well that I just have to put it on here. Here is a part of it. I hope it touches you like it did me...
Calling All Angels by Jane Siberry 
...calling all angels, calling all angels
walk me through this one
don't leave me alone
callin' all angels callin' all angels
we're tryin' we're hopin'
we're hurtin' we're lovin'
we're cryin' we're callin'
because we're not sure how this goes
August 18, 2003
I got a call from BTC today...My heart started pounding from excitement...I just knew that they would give me a surgery date. ...well guess what...NO!!! She just wanted the date I started using the C-Pap Machine. but, 'it won't be long now', she says. ARRRRRGHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!
August 22, 2003
Ho Hum...still no date... Do I feel discouraged? YES! :( This is the pits. I am ready to start my new life, and that's probably not a good thing to say, because I am thankful for everyday that I wakeup in the morning. I know it's coming, but I just feel like my life is delayed on somebody's desk right now...
September 3, 2003
Two more weeks to go on the C-Pap Machine. I will go next Wednesday to get my blood work redone for the Anemia. Whoever said patience was a virtue?
September 15, 2003
Wait...Wait...Wait...for a date, date, date...Hope it won't be to late, late, late...This is my week! I am declaring the victory!
September 18, 2003
Yet another setback. My blood work counts came back and the numbers barely moved. I guess I picked the wrong iron/mg's. I just didn't think it was that big of a deal. My doc didn't either. He wants to retest me in a week. I am going to buy a higher dosage of iron today. Needless to say, I am way down in the dumps today.
Then I think about people like Krystal and Big Pete who have passed away recently, and I wonder what it's all for. Is it all for naught? I know the successes out weigh the bad, but what if I am in the 'bad' group? I have a son 13, who is the apple of my eye, and I am the apple of his. He loves me so much. I wonder sometimes am I being selfish and doing this all for me. What if I leave him motherless. And then my husband, he would be devastated, my mom and brothers too... What am I doing to them? What if this just doesn't work out? All I can do is pray that I am doing the right thing... I am going to stop writing now because I am depressing myself even more. I hope I feel better tomorrow. This is such a big gamble...
Insurance company giving you the blues? Visit a webpage of an AMOS Member who FOUGHT BACK!!!!!!!!!!
TAKING MY LIFE BACK!!
Pouch Rules For Dummies
10/02/03
Well, went to have bloodwork redone again last night. I am praying that this will be it and my final clearance for my date will be over. Please say a prayer for me that it comes back good. I will have the results friday.
10/9/03
OK, I made it, my bloodwork came back good and Dr. Capps signed off on everything and it went to the scheduler to get me a surgery date. She should be calling within the next few days with my date!
All things work together for the good of them that love the Lord.
10/10/03
And so here it is...I HAVE A DATE!!!!!! 10/21/03 will be the rebirth of me, I shouted, I cried...I have run the gammett of emotions!!! I am mentally drained right now, I am so excited though!!!! Somebody pinch me! God is good all the time!
10/16/03
Surgery cancelled, failed blood pressure test in pre-op. blood pressure 160 over 110.
10/30/03
Shortly after my last post, (very same day) my new blood pressure meds did a number on me. I don't think I have ever felt so bad in my life. Needless to say, I was hauled off from work on a stretcher and carted to the nearest hospital. As you can see (or read) I survived the whole ordeal and am fine now. They changed my blood pressure meds and they seem to be working well, thanks be to God.
I feel like if I don't hurry up and get this done, I am going to keel over from sheer stress. Some say you have to go low before you can go high...well, I am scraping the bottom of the barrel. I go to dr on Saturday for three week check up on blood pressure. I think it will be ok, although I hve been arguing with DH a lot lately, so I am sure that's not helping. As you can see, I need a lot of prayer, LOL!!! Anyway, the beat goes on.
November 4, 2003
I would like to thank Ann B. for volunteering to be my angel. Hopefully we can meet soon!
January 20, 2004
Oh My Goodness, I cannot believe it has been that long since I have updated. My apologies to anyone who has wondered what happended or was concerned about me. I will make a diligent effort not to do that in the furture. So where am I in my journey... Well, I still have not had my surgery. The whole process has been disheartening. I am on my third blood pressure medicine. Metropolol. First one made me sick, the second didn't work, now I'm on this one. I decided to take a step back from the whole process and be patient. Coming to this site everyday almost all day was starting to get to me. I love AMOS, and would never have gotten through much of the process if it hadn't been here. I still feel like I am in the race trying to get over that last hurdle. I prayed about it. I know it will come, I am just waiting on the Lord. Continue to keep me in your prayers, I will keep you in mine.
January 26, 2004
I found a great website that has a lot of wonderful health related information and tools. Check it out
Blueprint
February 6, 2004
Ok, time to update what's going on with me. I went to Cardiologist and Hemotologist on 1/30/04. I just thought enough is enough and it is time to get this stuff squared away so I can move on to the next part of my journey! The Cardiologist gave me an EKG which came back perfect. The medicine I was prescribed for high blood pressure is working also. I have a follow up appt on Monday 2/9/04 with him to recheck blood pressure. After leaving there I went to see the Hemotologist. They drew about 7 to 8 tubes of blood to test for everything...even did iron studies to see what type of anemia I have. I was diagnosed with microcromic iron deficient anemia either due to heavy menstruel cycles or bleeding ulcers. I was scheduled for an iron infusion right away for 2/4/04. This went very well!! I was scared I would have an allergic reaction to the i.v. iron. I didn't though thank God! Today I am feeling so much better. I am more alert and not so tired, and this will only get better as the nurse said. If you are having problems with anemia and can't get clearance because of it, I highly suggest you go to a hemotologist and get checked out. Especially if taking oral iron is not working. It seems I am turning the corner. I went to regular doc that same day and he prescribed me protonix to help with the ulcers. This experience is teaching me some valuable life lessons...Things happen in God's time. You can't go off half-cocked...it took us a while to get ourselves in this bad of shape and it will not get better overnight. You have to have sticktoitness and perserverence. You have to make up in your mind to see it through till the end. Without you all, I know I could never, ever do this. ttfn...san
February 10, 2004
Went back to Cardiologist yesterday. Blood pressure is 110 over 60. YESSS!!! HAPPY DANCE!! HAPPY DANCE!! THE DOC IS GOING TO FAX A LETTER CLEARING ME FOR SURGERY... WOOOHOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
February 12, 2004
I have another date! Surgery date-February 23, 2004. Pre-op testing is February 19th 2004 @ 8am. I am excited now, but when I get through the pre-op testing I will get really excited. Please keep me in your prayers.
February 20, 2004
The second times the charm! Pre-ops went well yesterday so surgery is on for Monday the 23rd. HAPPY DANCE! HAPPY DANCE!
March 4, 2004
It's official! I made it to the loosing side! Thank you Lord. I can finally say I am post op. Surgery was a success on 2/23/04. Baratric Treatment Center is the best. Dr. Capps and all the nurses gave excellent care. I am home now and recovering well. I am on full liquids now and getting by making these dreamy peanut butter and banana protien smoothies. It is hard to get it all down because I am not hungry and have no desire to eat. I never thought I would ever say that! I got a little dehydrated last week trying to get in my fluids. It is harder than I thought it would be..anyhoo The only thing I would have them change from all th things they give you at BTC is the binder you have to wear. That thing is sheer torture. They should make it a little bigger so you can breath or design it better. I experienced great relief when I was able to take it off for a few. Other than that everything was an a plus. Well that's all for now. TTL
March 8, 2004
Today was two week follow up. I am down 14 pounds!! 27 if you count the water weight I gained in hospital. I feel great about that. I can tell a little bit in my clothes and in my face. I am on my way...went to walmart to by some stuff to walk in...that's all I have to report for now. I hope everyone gets to where they want to be in their journey. God Bless!
March 30, 2004
Yesterday was my (little under) 6 week follow up and I am down 35 pounds!!! Dr. Capps said he is pleased with my progress and so am I. I can really tell in my face. I really can't see that much difference in my body yet, only that my clothes are a lot loser and more comfortable. Three outfits I bought about a month before surgery just fall right off of me. I am only disappointed that I didn't get a chance to wear them (Not unless I pin them on me). I still have issues with head hunger and trying to not let certain things trigger my wanting to eat. Old habits die hard! Especially when it is something that I didn't give much thought to before now. I am getting about a cup of food down now, but only stuff that goes down easily like soups and soft foods. I tried to eat one bite of hamburger patty last night and I paid for it dearly. It was excrutiating!!
It wouldn't come back up but did it hurt. I just had to sit there and wait for it to pass. The only thing I have thrown up is cantoulope. It didn't make me sick, I just didn't chew it well enough or it was to fibrous for my little pouchy. Up it came. I have had a few dumping spells. The most significant was when I tried to do a peanut butter/banana from the Smoothie Factory, which I thought was a good choice. WRONG! It had honey turbinado in it, and I thought it would be tolerated ok, but it made me sick as a dog. I had the yuckies for an hour and had to lay down. I resolved to making my own at home that way I know what is going in it. Anyhoo, until next, GOd Bless.
April 2, 2004
It FEELS like I have lost some more. I went to put on some jeans I baought prior to surgery and they are wayyyyyyyyyyy to big on me. That's a good thing. I tried to update my pic, but it didn't work, so I will have to wait for Kricket to do it. I can start to see a difference in my body appearance. I think I have done better this week than in previous weeks. I did a lot more moving around and activity so I know that helped!
April 13/04
Nothing new to update with. Just sprucing up my page a little. I kinda get bored with the same thing all the time so I like switch the backgrounds and pictures. Now, if I get too bored, I might change the whole theme.
April 26, 04
Hi Amos friends!!
I am under 300 pounds now, weighing in at 298!!! My first milestone :) I have dropped 3 dress sizes down from 32-34 to a 26. Which is really too big now but the 24 is a little tight. Almost there. So far, I have no regrets from having had this surgery. I am still struggling with rearranging my thinking on how I view food. Once you have the surgery, food should be viewed as a tool to refuel your body and not so much as for pleasure. That's preety hard to undo 31 years of training on 'celebrating everything with eating'. Anyhoo, I hope everyone is where they want to be in their journey. Don't give up the the fight or the faith!
p.s. hey Jennifer A. I saw your new pic from your trip to San Anton...looking good gurl! Ann B, I have read your recent updates and it seems you are turning the corner and are in better spirits!! way to go!!! Cristal, haven't heard from you in a while... email me gurl!!!
April 30, 04
must resist urge to buy scale...must resist urge to buy scale...arrrrgh....it is driving me crazy, but I know if i get one I will turn into a scale slave. It will also make me cry if I get on that thing everyday and I have not lost anything. so....i am resisting!!!!!!!!!!
May 24, 2004
Oh My, haven't updated in a while. Well, life s going pretty good. I have dropped two more dress sizes. down to a loose 22 now. That's 10 dress sizes I have lost now!!! Can't wait to be in the teens!!!!! I am not obsessing about this weight loss too much. I know it will come off. losing anywhere from 2 to 10 pounds a week depending on how well I get my protien in. Some weeks are better than others. until next time...
May 25, 2004
Got on the scale yesterday....drum roll please..... -69 pounds gone forever!!!!!!! looks like I will hit my next goal of -70 by the time of my birthday on June 9. Thank you Lord for this gift you have given me.
June 28, 2004
weighing in at 269!!!! yes! -80 pounds gone forever. Next goal is to be below 250 by 8/28/04. I think thats a realistic goal. nothing much to report just enjoying life's new surprises.
July 28, 2004
8 pounds away from my goal of being below 250. it is going slow, but then again I am not doing everything I am supposed to be doing. Maiking a new commitment to get back on the protein train. Also joining Balley's today to get exercise going. I am now in size 18's. Pretty proud of that. until next time....
August 12, 2004
weighing in at 252! Almost below 250... started exercise at Bally's. Bit off more than I can chew...here is what I did first time out... 40 minutes on treadmill, 1 hour of circuit training and 30 of water aerobics. Felt good doing it, but paid for it the next day!!!!!! I was so sore. I have to remember to pace myself. I am doing better on protein and water. Still not where I should be but I am getting there.
September 10, 2004
Weighing in at 244. was on a little plateau but finally started moving again! woohoo!!! total loss 109 pounds!
October 12, 2004
weighing in at 233. going ever so slow. I have to admit that I have slacked off on doing what I should. I have made a new commit this week to get ALL of my protien in EVERYDAY. also to get in ALL of my water EVERYDAY. last but not least, to exercise AT LEAST 3 times a week. I need a good kick in the butt. Nevertheless, I am picking myself up and getting back on the train! until next time...
November 3, 2004
I finally broke the plateau and the scales finally moved--down of course :). Moving this weekend. HAPPY DANCE HAPPY DANCE!!! A lot of you asked if I did my own HTML to spruce up my page. The answer is yes. It is very easy. It just takes practice and a little time and determination. You can start out with a very helpful website called www.draac.com. He gives the lowdown on HTML writing from start to finish. IF you need help on the basics, just let me know. Main thing to consider is, HTML is a set of rules. You are telling it what, when, where, how, and why. TTFN San
November 10, 2004
Down another 8 pounds, weighing in at 225. Maybe my dream of being under 200 pounds by Christmas will come true. Wait, what am I saying. If I get off my butt and work a little harder it will be a reality!!!! Somebody slap me!
November 29, 2004
weighing in at 217lbs. beginning to see the light at the end of that less than 200 tunnel. I did a chart of my weight loss to date. total lost 136 pounds. I am so grateful that I did not combust over the thanksgiving holidays. I had a few cookies and one piece of pie. compared to last thanksgiving...thats a milestone in itself!
January 3, 2005
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and stuff... I hope and pray that everyone made it safely into the New Year. Well, my goal was to be at or below 200 by Christmas. well, I didn't make it. I just totally lost during the holidays. I didn't lose any ground thankfully. I am weighing in at 206. Which brings me to another subject... I am wondering if malabsorption is starting to play apart in the equation and if I will be one of those people who can't stop losing. I just feel this way because I am doing all the wrong things and I am not gaining at all. The weight loss is slow but it is still dropping. I know I am playing a dangerous game with myself that could lead to total failure. So with that said, I have resolved to get back to the basics and load up on my protein (totally slacked off on that) and water (that's a laugh). any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
January 28, 2005
I can wear a size 14!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! woohoooo!
April 1, 2005
Sorry I have not updated...bad girl!!! lol. Well I am just enjoying life right now. I am on a plateau right now weighing in at 194. I don't worry about it. I The loose skin is bothering me. Other than that, I can't complain. ttfn
April 15, 2005
THe scale says I have lost 1 pound. However, I can get into a size 12. I think I broke the plateau. I know I am still shrinking. I am doing better with getting protien and water in everyday.
May 4, 2005
I have lost 10 pounds! Got on the scale today and it said 183!!!!!!!! I am sooooooo happy. 12 and 10's here I come!
July 18, 2005
I have a consult with a plastic surgeon on 8/10/2005. Send a prayer up for me that I get approved and all goes well.
Jan. 3, 2006
Shame on me... I have been neglecting my amos family. Well let's see, my life has been turned upside down. Needless to say, I am glad 2005 is over, with car wrecks and breaking up with hubby... yeah, it's been crazy to say the least, but God is still good, and I am content with the decisions I have made. I am weighing in at 175. I have not lost much since last time, because I feel if I get the loose skin off my body, I will be where I want to be. I cannot afford to lose anymore weght in my face!! I started to look funny to me. Don't get me wrong, I like what I see when I look in the mirror. People are always commenting on how beautiful I am. That starts to get on your nerves after awhile... Never thought I would say that!!! lol... anyway, I wear a 10. If the loose skin was gone, I would be in a 8. my midsection is the worst. ugh!!!! I have a consult later this month. I had to put it off the first time because I have so much going on... THe storm is coming to a calm, finally. well that's all I have for now... I will let you know how consult went.
1/20/06
My consult is on 2/8/06 with Dr. Hackney. I am a little worried because my company switched from Cigna which approved my g-bypass to United HC. The coordinator told me my chances for approval were very good. Let's hope she is right. Send a prayer up for me.
February 13, 2006
Had consult with Dr. Hackney on 2/9/06. It went very well. I am very confident in his ability. He said he thought I had a very good chance of approval. Praying that everything will go smoothly. Holding it down at 160. 10 pounds to go!
April 12, 2006
No answer from insurance company yet getting antsy. arrrrrgh! this waiting is getting on my nerves. I'm at 163 I been a bad girl!
wearing 8/10 (medium tops) 10's bottom! : )
Just thought of something--- 2 years ago, I was trying to have this surgery! I have kept the weight of and continue to lose pounds here and there. I have had no major problems to speak of. All in all (people ask me this all the time) I would do it again in a heartbeat. Best decision I have ever made in my life! I can sit in a regular size seat. I can ride an amuzement park ride. I can sit in a booth. I can cross my legs! (I cross my legs so much they get numb!) I no longer have high blood pressure, sleep apnea, diabetes, joint pain, knee pain. Nothing! Thank God for giving me this gift!
May 26, 2006
Bad news, I got turned down for my TT... Not bad enough they say...not bad enough? WTH??? I am going to appeal...but not right now...I just don't have the fortitude to fight right now...been through too much within these last few months. Anyway, maybe I will try a body wrap or something... I got 20 pounds to go...dang it...that sounds so easy but yet so hard! I am 160. My size 8 tops are getting too big!!!! OMG!!! Me? In a size 6? that seems so unreal to me! I was in Wal-Mart looking for a pair of cheap jeans...So I hold up this size 8... It looked so small to me. I was like, I can't get in those...no freakin way! I take them to the dressing room and by jove, they fit!!!!!!!!!!!! It still amazes me! Ok, I am realizing that I have body image issues...like, I still see a fat girl in the mirror sometimes... The hardest part to work on is the mind! So I just have to decide...if I never lose another pound, if I never get that TT, I can live with it. Because the reflection staring back at me in the mirror is really a-ok! Let's work on this people...I know I ain't the only one. Talk to me!
