TinaRe
Here is my wls story so far...
I actually have been on this site site 1999. I made a decision in 2000, based on mostly fear, that I didn't want to have the surgery and I got a personal trainer and started a very intense routine. The whole time I told myself if I can't do this THEN I will consider surgery. Even though this routine was the most successful one I have ever done, as usually it was not long term successful. I worked out one hour every day.. saw a trainer at least once a week and did the food journal. After losing 80lb's and hitting the wall- looking down at the scales and knowing how much more work was needed. Since 2002 a lot has happened (no excuses) but I totally stopped working out and after starting back ended up with an injury. I just v egged out for a while and didn't realize what I was doing to my body.
So in the 6 or so years since I started researching WLS it's gotten safer and seems like every knows someone that has had it. I got back on this site and started getting serious with the fact that I am 33 and want to be around a long time. I had to admit to myself that I am not getting this done "my" way. I still believe moving more and eating less. I believe the time I spent working out in the past will help me after the surgery. As one can see - I am not mentally ready to do this. A friend helped me come to the realization that I was scare of the wrong thing, this whole time I have been scared of surgery complications, mostly death! And this friend tells me.. "Do your research and get a good doc and know that the surgery is the easiest part! It's living with the surgery and using the tool correctly for the rest of your life that you need to be thinking about more!" It was like a big push to me so that has helped me get over some of my illogical fears.
So in May 2006 I went to the Edmond Regional seminar for the WLS program and weighed in at 411 --- I never would have thought I would hit the FOURS. I was of course devastated. And knew that I needed some help for real. So the staff explained I would have to do the 6 month pre-cert diet so I got right on it. A week later I changed primary docs (my last doc wasn't going to give the go ahead for WLS, so I had to move one) I am 5'6 and 411 lbs... even tho my list of co-mobs are not the big ones. my BMI alone will let you know I qualify. My new doc in OKC is DR Jerri Ellis, and I love her. She is a larger woman and gets both sides. I explained what I needed and she sees me once a month on a supervised diet with some pharmaceutical assistance I have lost about 40lb's since May. I just wanted to get as far away from 400 and quick.
During this time I have started telling family and friends. That is a odd experience. I have had to struggle with my decision because I have felt like it was the easy way out. I know that is not the truth now. But I just wanted to do without help I guess. I feel like deciding to have this elective procedure that will probably be the biggest thing I ever do, is really scary. So some people are so excited for me, a little too excited. But oh well. During the first 3 months on my diet the Edmonds Reg. WLS side closed down stating that the profit wasn't high enough. So that was a hit to me and I kinda wavered around a little bit but after some more research I am glad everything has happened the way it has because I am now going with Dr Broussard at the Weight Wise Clinic. The staff and facilities are great. So I started consults with them about a month ago and they are pleased with my progress. The surgeon wants me to lose about 40 more lbs before the surgery since I want to have it in March (due to work issues and insur. stuff) So I feel like I can do that and he thinks it will really help to lower the risks of surgery on a big gal like myself.
Also in the middle of this time to pre cert I had to take some time away from the site. I think most of you agree that sometimes you can get so emmersed into the boards and posts that you go into over load. So I am back and see the changes here and had to re do my page. I like the changes and am glad my old settings saved. I am getting closer to my surgery and going through the motions and emotions a lot of you are having are will have. So I love this stie and plan to start using the blog.
GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE OUT THERE WHETHER YOU DECIDE TO HAVE SURGERY OR NOT. This is not for everyone and I still sometimes struggle with my decision but promise to not change into a superficial wacko after the surgery. Thanks for reading my ramblings!
Tina
