J. Wilson
My name is Joey (J.D.), I live in Burlington NC. I am 42 years old. I work in the medical field.
I have been a "Big Boy" all my life. My mother used to have to sew my pants for me till she found the "Husky" brand jeans at Sears. I was raised that you finish everything on your plate and you didn't get from the table till you did (cause there are kids in other countrys going to bed hungry- and your not going to do that). I remember getting bigger and bigger and when my mother passed away in 1984, I was so stressed out and depressed that eating was the only thing that brought me comfort. I got up as high as 370 lbs. I am now 330- I am a diabetic (thank GOD i'm only on pills), I have HTN and sleep apnea.
I went to the beach this past summer and went jet skiing and this is what got me to think about i have to do something to loose this weight-- i got kicked off the jet ski and have you ever tried pulling up 350 lbs of dead weight out of the water... it wasn't fun and it was very embarssing to me.
I started looking into the surgery a few years ago and this and that came up and i stopped looking into it.. since the jet ski incidient - i have started back.. i went to a class in Greensboro and heard Dr. K. Hardcastle talk- she seemed like she was really into all this for the patients - she was very passionate about helping obess people live a normal life.. I have never had a normal life - and it would be nice to see what it's all cracked up to be. I have been going back to Church since Febuary 12, 2005. I am excited about learning more about my Lord and his son Jesus Christ- I have become more at peace with myself about having the surgery after praying and truely understanding that my Heavenly Father has my home waiting for me (if it's my time to go- during this surgery). I have told my family that my mother, sister, and both sets of grandparents are over there waiting to see me and that love me and i have people here on this earth that love me so I am ready for anything that may happen. I know I will be happy and I will be LOVED on either side that I happen to wake up on.
In Sept 2005 I went to the fourm to hear about the surgery. Met Dr. K. Hardcastle and decided it was time to do this. I talked it over with my Drs. and one of them said--- Joey that's the BEST idea you have ever had in the 5 years I've known you.
I turned in all my paperwork in the later part of November and saw the Dr. on December 15,2005. My insurance company is a great company- I called to get the exclusions for the surgery and the lady I spoke with went ahead, since I knew all my information and sent in for a pre-approval for my surgery and it was approved the first time though. If I could have gotten it scehdualed before the end of 2005, my sugery would have been paid for 100%. Since, it's going to be in January, I now have to pay only 10% of the cost. WHICH IS STILL GREAT!!!! - THANK YOU UNITED HEALTHCARE.
Today is December 29, I go see the Shrink tomorrow and then again on January 5th. After that appointement I get my date.
I have been looking though "obesityhelp.com" and have seen some wonderful changes in people. I am amazed that there are some people in my own town or near that have had it done.
I will let you know more after the 5th of January 2006. This NEW YEAR will be a "NEW" year for me and new things will happen for me.
Thank you obesityhelp.com and THANK YOU LORD for giving us the people that are out there willing to help us have a better and healthier life.
Date: 30-December-2005
I was able to see the shrink before schedule due to a cancellation. I guess he thought I was sane enough to go on to the next appointment (I fooled him--my other voices told me what to say- ha ha). There is a lot of paper work to complete and then I have to make another appointment so I'm still hoping to have a set date by the 3rd week in January. Below is a picture of me - I will update the picture of me the night before surgery to get a more realist view of my weight loss.
Date: 05-Jan-2006
I saw the nutrisionist today.. and went for my surgery education as well-- I'm on my way...
Date: 24-Jan-2006
I just done a "HAPPY DANCE" today- I got my surgery date- it will be 07-Feb-2006. I am very excited but still a little nervous. I've turned my surgery over to the LORD and I know i will be alright.. the thing I'm dealing with now is NOT EATING all that good food-- they told me i had to give up my diet coke-- I think I can give up sex quicker then I can my diet coke.
Date: 27-Jan-2006
I saw the nutrisionist again today. I'm going to be going on a "Special Diet" on Sunday for a week. Can't wait--woohoo--:) said I should drink about 100 oz of water a day- I think I might float away.
Date: 04-Feb-2006
Well today is Saturday- I go in for my surgery on Tuesday. This "special diet" that they have me on is so much different then what i'm used to- I thought I would KILL someone but I didn't. I came close - giving up my diet coke and salt and my Double Whopper with Cheese and Fries.. but hey it's gonna pay off very soon. I'll talk to you later and let you know how the FULL LIQUID AND CLEAR LIQUID diet went.
Date: 10-Feb-2006
Today is Friday- I had surgery on Tuesday- it went very well. I could have went home on Thursday but i was running a fever -catching a cold in the hospital. The first day (Tuesday) and Wednsday- was rough- I was in a quite a bit of pain but I still got up and walked like i was suppose too. Thusday I walked about 1 1/2 hours around the hospital floor. I'm ready to go home. My temp is down some-- and I'm urine output is increasing so that's a good sign. :) I hope when the doctor comes by this morning she will let me go home. :)
Date: 14-Jun-2006
I'm sooooo sooorrryyy for not writing before now- I am doing great.. no complications- i"m off all my diabetic / blood pressure/ and sleep apneia meds and machine. I am going to the gym working out every day (well mostly everyday) for about an hour each day-- I'm even taking a "BOOT CAMP" class -- it's tough but I enjoy it when I'm finished. I got like 40 lbs to go before I'm at goal of 195. I don't remember when I was this size before. I have went from a size 50 waist down to a 38-40; XXXL shirt down to a XL and even in some L.. I'm now the smallest brother of my family- I went to my neices wedding and my oldest brother and also the smallest at that time.. took one look at me can just said "BITCH".. it was awesome. I loved it.
Date: 26-Sep-2007
Well as you can tell I've not written in awhile. Let's update a few things-- #1- I'm down to 198 lbs from 330. I am in a 33 waist pair of pants and a Medium to Large shirt. I am seeing someone very special in my life.
