the1ruth2000
I have been overweight my whole life. I am one of seven children, five brothers and one sister. I am probably the biggest out of all of them. I am 5 foot 2 in and weigh 270. Not my proudest moment or accomplishment. I have always embarrassed about my weight. Even more so when my sister is around, pointing out my faults. It is just something I have always lived with; when it comes to my weight I have no voice and take whatever comments she dishes out. I was married on September 9, 2006, and did not feel like a beautiful bride. I had on a sleeveless dress with an incredibly long train, it should have been the happiest day of my life but I was just hoping and praying that no one would point out my stretch marks on my arms. I really have no real good self-esteem and try to be either the funny fat girl or the mean big girl. I have not told my family about my decision to have wls, only my husband and some of his family know. My husband would like me to at least tell my mom, but understands that my mom lives with my sister and would eventually tell her. My real fear is that she will ridicule me and makes sure that everyone we come across knows that I have had surgery. My sister makes a point-to-point out all my faults whenever we are around people. I just want to have this surgery because it will save my life and make me a healthier person, unfortunately my family will not view it this way. It will look like I gave up and took the easy way out. I know that nothing about this surgery is easy but you can't tell them that. I have to do what is best for me.
In May I had my swallow study and my cardiac test done. The swallow study sucked and was horrible. I had to swallow this stuff that tasted like chalk and it was even worse when you are lying down. I did it and lived through it. The cardiac test wasn't bad but it was a long hurry up and wait process that really lasted all day long.
In June I had my nutrition class and then two weeks later I had a nutrition test. I was so worried about this test that I studied the material like mad. Studying didn't help; I forgot everything when they gave me the test. I passed but it still scared the death out of me to take it.
Finally on July 9, I met the surgeon who didn't tell me anything new because I have done A LOT of research. The surgeon did not sugarcoat anything and was very up front about everything. I was very at ease with him and my husband was as well. My husband is not comfortable not telling my mother about my surgery. I gave him the option to lie and tell her I was having hernia surgery instead but he is against that too. He understands my reasoning for keeping it to myself but he is just unhappy that it has to be this way. I hate that he is uncomfortable about my decision, but I do not want to change my mind. I love my husband and may change my mind eventually about telling my mom but not right now.
7/16/7
Well believe it or not Mom guessed what I was in the process of doing. She would not listen to me about the procedure but she listened to my husband. Go figure. Anyways I have told my stepdaughter and my neice about the surgery. It is all good. When I was telling them about it, I told them about the health benefits. They understood everything and actually want to go with me for my neXt appt. I am anxiously awaiting the call.
7/17/7
I got the website for my husband to check on the progress of my claim with Tricare and it was just posted with a P for pending. LOVELY. Can't complain. Want to. But can't because it wont do any good. Still on pins and needles waiting. I hate waiting. I am kind of scared that hubby is going to try and micromanage everything, when he gets scared he tries to take over and have some kind of control somewhere. I don't know Yet if this is the case or not. Just afraid that I will have to tug on his leash and tell him to sit and calm down. lol. Anyways I am taking a wait and see approach even though it is killing me.
8/16/7
I had my surgery at 10:30am wasn't very nervous in front of my husband and my Mom. Wasn't nervous until I was in the operating room. I went to sleep and woke up with extremely horrible pain in my back and then went back to sleep. I later woke up in my room at the hospital looked around and went back to sleep. Woke back up and had to pee didn't know I had a catheter in and walked to the bathroom. Mom and stepson was right there holding the IV pole and the catheter. Decided I didn't have to pee then went back to bed. I think that was funny watching them jump up to help me. Anyways I slept most of the time and my stepson helped out greatly with going to the bathroom with my pole. I am so proud of him. Anyways I got to go home. I slept alot there too. The only walking I did was to the bathroom. My husband went and rented a recliner so I could sleep. I took the stepson on his very first drive with his permit while I was still medicated not very smart but it was fun!!
8/23/7
First visit with the Doc. since surgery. He took all of my staples out and I was so friggin happy I could have danced. I have only lost about 7 pounds but it is a loss with all the fluids I retained from the IV. I was advanced to the mushy stage. I still kept with liquids for awhile.
9/5/7
I went to the Doc for my 2 week check and lost 23 pounds I am so excited. I can't tell myself yet but my husband can. Mom went with me and Judy told me to add some pureed protein to the diet. I am up to the soft part of the diet. She wrote me a work excuse for light duty starting the 10th. Unfortunately that means only 3 hours a day for me.
10/1/7
I had to call Judy and ask her to put me back on regular duty because I cannot handle working only 3 hours I want to go back full time. Anyways she did it and I was so thankful. I had an appointment on the 5th and weighed 233 not very happy with this little loss, it was only 14 pounds. Anyways a loss is a loss, I need to work harder.
10-23-7
I got Judy to give me a script for B12 shots and Brooke shot me in the arse. I just hope that I can remember the date for future shots. It wasn't bad but it was still a shot. I had a doctor's appt on the 17 and my weight is down to 225!!! I am so very greatful for this surgery. I put on a pair of shorts the other day and they were baggy!!!! Anyways I am kind of worried about Don leaving for Iraq but I know that I cannot show fear in front of the kids, so again I have to be the strong one even though I am miserable.
