JeriBrown
I am 43 years old and have been struggling with my weight since I had my son 16 years ago. I had a very difficult pregnancy and ended up on bed rest. I gained a lot of weight during pregnancy and have steadily grown bigger every since. I have had the usual ups and downs, some very dramatic, many failed attempts.
My heaviest weight came after a very serious series of illnesses about 2 years ago. I was up to 560lbs! Then, two years ago, it was discovered that I have Uteran Cancer and need a total Hysterectomy in order to remove it and keep it contained. I must weigh 350 lbs. or less in order to have this procedure done safely.
So I began on a quest to find a Doctor that would take Medicaid to do the surgery. I lived in Fort Pierce, Fl at that time and was led to the Cleaveland Clinic in Weston Fl. My health grew worse and I was not yet approved for Disability, was unable to take care of my children and was desperate to be near family again. My brother had moved up to Lake City, FL area about a year before and was bugging me to move up near him. (Him and my children are very close) Also my 20 year old daughter is soon to start working towards her BA at UF.
Anyway, Cleaveland Clinic stopped taking the kind of Medicaid that I had up here and I was soon approved for Disability and Medicare. Dr. Schilling at Community Cancer Center of Lake City referred me to Dr. Brient's office. One thing led to another and I am now scheduled for surgery next Monday. I am having the gastric eny procedure instead of the lap band due to the need to loose the weight as quickly as possible (to get rid of the Cancer).
When I got pregnant with my son I weighed 150 lbs and wore a size 9. I rode my bike 20 miles a day and loved every pedal I took. I used to water ski, ice skate, roller skate, hike, camp, canoe, and much more. I have continued to push myself for as long as I could. I was involved in Girl Scouts as a leader, large events planner and more for 14 years. I love the outdoors and I love to camp...
Now I spend my days in my bed for about 90% of the time. I started a Jewelry business to keep busy and hopefully to earn a little extra money. I am just getting started but am doing well so far. I can not clean my house or even cook for myself. I have problems standing so I use a chair in the shower. I use a wheel chair when I go out of the house, so I can not go anywhere without one of my children. I am totally dependant on others and I HATE IT!!! It is so difficult and this is not me. I am a different person trapped in this obese body.
I feel like one of those people walking around in a fat suit as an experiment, except at the end of the day, I am STUCK in it! I want to be free. I want to not hurt anymore when I stand or walk. I want to date and maybe meet someone to share my life with. I want to ride a bike again and live to see my Grandchildren. I want to see my children graduate college and make lives of their own. I want to go canoeing and fishing in a skip jack down the river. I want to get involved in Girl Scouts again or Boy Scouts. I want a life. I want to be me again. And most of all I want to beat this Cancer and LIVE.
My Mom died at the young age of 41 from Cancer. I refuse to give in to this and intend to beat this. I am so excited about my surgery. I am ready to take my life back! I would love to meet some others who live close to excercise with and for support. So whether you are looking for a friend, cyber pal or a local person to get together with and talk to on the phone for support, Contact Me. Let's Start Living Again Together!
