Dixie_c
Well crap....was typing away, getting my story out there and bam...locked up on me. Don't know if it was my pc or the web site telling me that I needed to try again. But try again I will, saving along the way this time.
My story is probably not much different then most people on this site, at least the start of the story. I have spent most of my life battling my weight and mostly losing the battle.
The first, and very vivid memory, I have of my weight problem was in the 3rd grade. We were having a class weigh in, yep we did that even way back then. Not sure what the point of the weigh in was, maybe they were attempting to help us, really don't remember any actual help. Unfortunately the weigh in was done in such a way that not only was I told and it documented that I weighed over 100 lbs., 103 to be exact, but the rest of the class heard too.
In 2006, knowing people who had gastric bypass and done well, I began researching surgery options and information. After several months of self education, I approached my husband with the possibility that this was what would be right for me. He came on board and has been very supportive all the way.
My husband, daughter and I attended some seminars for more information/education and to find a doctor. Everything we learned confirmed that this was what I needed to do for my health then and for the future. We also found my doctor, one that the 3 of us all felt good about. His experience, "bedside manner", knowledge, everything seemed right.
In November 2007 I had my Rouen Y. Everything went well. Felt really good, lost over 90 lbs in my first 6 months. Was already off all my prescription meds. Amazing!
About March 2008 needed to start traveling for work again. This presented new challenges trying to pack up supplements and protein for international travel and eating out in restaurants 3 meals a day. It wasn't easy, but it was working with planning.
Then in May I had to call to change a doctor appointment because of a business trip. I was informed that my doctor had decided to retire in JUNE! Not only that, his schedule was full and between that, his retirement date and my business trip there was no appointment available. As you might guess, not only was this a big surprise, a shock and a disappointment. Asked if someone was taking on his patients "Nope", is he referring to someone else "Nope". So nothing, no recommendation? "No, the office will be closed and there is no one he is referring to". Well isn't that just peachy! Asked for my medical records to be sent to my GP, so that somebody would have access to them. Actually was surprised when they got there. Loved my doctor, well at least till he left my out there on my own before goal and not even 9 months post surgery. His office administrator/whatever you want to call her...well she didn't even make my christmas card list, lets just leave it at that for now. That probably should have been a big sign for me early on.
Told myself it would be fine, I had the tool I needed and could do it now. Truth was, I felt betrayed. Thought he was in this with me. Finally someone on my side to help me with the battle. To call on when I needed help, things were not going well. Help me stay on track and provide direction when things slipped. After all, this was a life long change and I was supposed to be seeing him for guidance, support and even ass kicking when needed.
After that I lost a few lbs, but basically hit a standstill. I was down over 90 lbs., felt good, off meds and maintaining. Based on that, i was happy with my results.
Then I started feeling drained Tired all the time and eventually not well. Initially, thought it was a combination of jet lag and not always getting my protein in. Worked hard to make sure kept my protein and supplements up. But was really just drained.
Started working with my GP to determine what the cause might be. Many test, blood, poop, because of my frequent travel consults with infection disease guy, even sent me to a bariatric surgeon to make sure my surgery wasn't some how the cause. Many tests, MRI's and bibopsies it was eventually determined that I have and autoimmune liver disease. Discovered early enough that there is no permanent damage.
Big down side here, is while feeling drained and generally not well I also began gaining weight. With medication for my liver started feeling better quite rapidly, which was great. Dropped a few of what i gained...not all of though.
As this turn around occurred, I unfortunately injured my back. Enough to cause reduced mobility and pretty regular pain. And yes, the spiraling up weight gain as I got stuck in a viscous cycle of pain, reduced activity and weight gain...well I think you get the picture.
During all of this bouts of depression became an issue.
So here I am, had surgery never reached goal Feeling like I have failed once again. But also realized that my doctor failed me also. Now trying to figure out where to go from here. I set my profile to Post Op - Planning a revision, but I am really not sure if that is where I need to go next or not. Don't know if I need to find another doctor...since they are surgeons and I may not be a candidate for surgery at this point...including not being 100 lbs over weight at this junction.
Well I guess this is pretty much the story, or at least my story mostly.
2009 sucked as it was the year of looking for what turned out to be liver disease.
2010 sucked as it is my back problem year.
2011 has got to be better. I am determined to make this the year of getting to goal and getting back to a healthier life.
Anyone out there who lost their doctor before goal and needed to figure out a new plan?????
