Jeralyn Merideth
30 April 2005 ~ weight: 137#
Apr 30, 2005
Hi everyone. So sorry it's been so long since I have updated. I have been going through some very personal upheavals in the last few months that has just left me emotionally and mentally exhausted. I'm now trying to find another job as the "dream" job I did have is now caput.
I have wanted, for some time now, to upload my journal in another place but have not had the presence of mind to do that either. I haven't really been journaling like I should so...that may be the problem lol. I did start a journal at my design site but I don't journal there much either lol. Guess I should just stop trying to journal since i'm not very good at it :-)
On the WLS issues...I am doing fine. I have had some high parathyroid readings and my Endo thinks it may be due to low vitamin D levels, so we did some tests and I should be hearing back in a few days about that. Other than that I'm doing rather well. Have lost about 13# in the last month but I think that is due to all the stress. It's funny that when I was heavier I ate to comfort myself and now when I'm stressed or otherwise emotionally distraught, I could care less about food and, actually, the thought of eating makes me kind of ill. Is this normal?? I don't really eat much anyway. Didn't I read somewhere that my hunger was supposed to return? I'm still waiting lol. Here's what my daily eating (as it's been lately) is like:
Wake up: make a frapp, take my iron
in 2 hours, take my calcium
in another 2 hours take more calcium
about 4pm take a bite of something
take more calcium and other vites
about 5pm take a few bites of food while fixing the kids supper
try to drink other liquid besides coffee - choke it down
bedtime: take the rest of my vites and try (failing, mind you) to sleep
Wake up and do it all over again
I must say that in the last 2 days I have drank 90 grams of protein although I'm still not eating well. This might help keep me healthy.
Anyway, sorry this entry has been a bummer. Someone email me some encouragement. Thanks Jen :-)
I have wanted, for some time now, to upload my journal in another place but have not had the presence of mind to do that either. I haven't really been journaling like I should so...that may be the problem lol. I did start a journal at my design site but I don't journal there much either lol. Guess I should just stop trying to journal since i'm not very good at it :-)
On the WLS issues...I am doing fine. I have had some high parathyroid readings and my Endo thinks it may be due to low vitamin D levels, so we did some tests and I should be hearing back in a few days about that. Other than that I'm doing rather well. Have lost about 13# in the last month but I think that is due to all the stress. It's funny that when I was heavier I ate to comfort myself and now when I'm stressed or otherwise emotionally distraught, I could care less about food and, actually, the thought of eating makes me kind of ill. Is this normal?? I don't really eat much anyway. Didn't I read somewhere that my hunger was supposed to return? I'm still waiting lol. Here's what my daily eating (as it's been lately) is like:
Wake up: make a frapp, take my iron
in 2 hours, take my calcium
in another 2 hours take more calcium
about 4pm take a bite of something
take more calcium and other vites
about 5pm take a few bites of food while fixing the kids supper
try to drink other liquid besides coffee - choke it down
bedtime: take the rest of my vites and try (failing, mind you) to sleep
Wake up and do it all over again
I must say that in the last 2 days I have drank 90 grams of protein although I'm still not eating well. This might help keep me healthy.
Anyway, sorry this entry has been a bummer. Someone email me some encouragement. Thanks Jen :-)
1 November 2004 ~ weight: 147#
Nov 01, 2004
Hey everyone. Sorry it's been a while since my last update. So much has been going on! I am down a few more pounds and my hubby bought a bycycle and I've been cycling around the neighborhood and I feel lke I'm 16 again!
I've also been working outside the home as a graphic designer for a sign company in Athens, GA. I LOVE this job!! Sitting all day doing graphic...are you kidding me?! This is my dream job. NOT a dream pay...yet...but that will come with time and experience :-)
My brother and his wife came to GA to do some construction work for this guy and came by to see us while they were here. I have mixed emotions about his visit. My brother is the kind of person that has a need for control and I'm SO not this way and neither is Bill and it was just very uncomfortable. I mean...for instance...we made this really nice dinner and they didn't like the salt I had on the table (kosher btw)...so they went out to their van to get their own. Salt?! What's up with that? And then we had on some jazz and he didn't want that either...wanted to play his own music...*sigh* I was sort of relieved to see them go lol.
Anyway...enough rambling about my dysfunctional family lol. Everyone take care till next time....J
I've also been working outside the home as a graphic designer for a sign company in Athens, GA. I LOVE this job!! Sitting all day doing graphic...are you kidding me?! This is my dream job. NOT a dream pay...yet...but that will come with time and experience :-)
My brother and his wife came to GA to do some construction work for this guy and came by to see us while they were here. I have mixed emotions about his visit. My brother is the kind of person that has a need for control and I'm SO not this way and neither is Bill and it was just very uncomfortable. I mean...for instance...we made this really nice dinner and they didn't like the salt I had on the table (kosher btw)...so they went out to their van to get their own. Salt?! What's up with that? And then we had on some jazz and he didn't want that either...wanted to play his own music...*sigh* I was sort of relieved to see them go lol.
Anyway...enough rambling about my dysfunctional family lol. Everyone take care till next time....J
21 May 2003
May 21, 2003
Well, I'm home again and I feel GREAT! Things were so uneventful, there's not much to tell LOL. When we arrived at the hospital, I met 4 other women...Christi, Krystal, Sabrina, and Michelle. We were all having surgery the same day. Anyway, we sat for a while and talked and got to know one another and it was so good to talk with others that were about to make the same commitment as I was. Krystal's sister was there and she had just had surgery with Dr. Duncan 2 months before and looked just beautiful! Sabrina's mom came with her and she had also had the surgery (though not with Dr. Duncan) and had lost 90#. She looked awesome! She told us girls the next morning that we were all going to be so fine that folks would have to use a flashlight to find us in the daytime! LOL. Anyway, they soon called me back and took me to a private room where I changed into a HUGE gown (way to go Atlanta Medical Center!) and waited for the nurse to start an IV. I always hate getting those because my veins are not as large as they use to be since I have gained so much weight. They usually have to stick me more than once to find a good vein, but this lady was great. Got it on the first try...much to my relief! After this, it was no time and they were coming to get me for surgery. I was taken to the "holding room" where I saw all my WLS sisters being wheeled in beside me and it wasn't long...maybe 15 minutes...and they were wheeling me to the operating room. The whole time, I was in such peace and knew I was doing the right thing. I had prayed and many others had prayed and I just "knew" things were going to be ok. After moving me from the gurney to the table, they started making all the necessary preparations for monitoring and such. Someone put a mask on my face with plain ole oxygen and then the anesthesia started going in. I commented that I could feel the effects and started drifting off....the next thing I knew, I was waking up in the recovery room.
After waking up enough to be coherent, they took me to my room. Other than some mild discomfort, I wasn't really in any pain so this was a good thing! lol. The thing I remember most is the DRY mouth. Man...I was so dry I could hardly speak properly. There was just no saliva to help facilitate good speech. I was SO ready for those ice chips! lol. Later that night I was up and walking and doing great...still minimal soreness. I never even used my morphine pump. They came in and gave me some Toridol (sp) through my IV about every 8 hours, but this did me well enough that I didn't really need the pump. Now, I know others don't get on quite so well, so I have to tell everyone that I do have an extremely high tolerance for pain. I had 4 out of 5 children natural childbirth and that didn't phase me so...this was a walk in the park compared to that! lol. The next morning I discovered my vein had rolled and my fluids were going into the tissues instead of my vein so they took out the IV altogether because I was just minutes away from going downstairs to take the second leak test and if everything was fine, they would be taking it out anyway so they did it sooner. This is something else about Dr. Duncan that I find SO neat. While his patients are still on the table, he does a leak test sort of like you would for an inner tube. He submerges everything in water to see if any bubbles are coming from anywhere and when they are satisfied that all is ok, they close you up. Then later, you get to do another test after drinking some vile liquid and when all goes well there, you are on to actually getting to drink something! YEAH!! So, my test was good and I went back up to my room and they brought me some water in a little medicine cup (30cc) and I have never in my life tasted anything so good LOL. It went down great and 30 minutes later I had more. 30 minutes after that I had 30cc of juice and that went well so they told me I could go home...and I did! No NG tubes, no drains...it's been a great experience. Not once have I questioned why I did this or had feelings of "what did I do to myself". I am so thankful I have come though and am going on from this point excited about what my future holds.
Also, wanted to let you all know that I'm getting in my water fine...no taste change so far. I had some broth in a coffee mug last night with 15 grams of procel in it, it went down fine and this morning had my first 4oz. shake! Proscore 100! Plus, I have taken all my vites like a good patient and I attribute my feeling so well to this. Course, this will only go up from here...but it's better than none at all!
Okay...going to close for now. Keep me in your prayers and I will do the same for those on their way to this decision. Take care and thanks again for all the wonderful encouragement you have given. It means so much to me.....J
I forgot to mention that my friend Alda came to visit me on Monday night. I hadn't seen her since the class we took together 9 months earlier in August at our initial consultation. She had her surgery in December and has now lost 70# and is absolutely beautiful!!! I almost did not recognize her when she walked into the room. What a difference just a few months have made...and for the better! Congratulations Alda! YOU GO GIRL!!
After waking up enough to be coherent, they took me to my room. Other than some mild discomfort, I wasn't really in any pain so this was a good thing! lol. The thing I remember most is the DRY mouth. Man...I was so dry I could hardly speak properly. There was just no saliva to help facilitate good speech. I was SO ready for those ice chips! lol. Later that night I was up and walking and doing great...still minimal soreness. I never even used my morphine pump. They came in and gave me some Toridol (sp) through my IV about every 8 hours, but this did me well enough that I didn't really need the pump. Now, I know others don't get on quite so well, so I have to tell everyone that I do have an extremely high tolerance for pain. I had 4 out of 5 children natural childbirth and that didn't phase me so...this was a walk in the park compared to that! lol. The next morning I discovered my vein had rolled and my fluids were going into the tissues instead of my vein so they took out the IV altogether because I was just minutes away from going downstairs to take the second leak test and if everything was fine, they would be taking it out anyway so they did it sooner. This is something else about Dr. Duncan that I find SO neat. While his patients are still on the table, he does a leak test sort of like you would for an inner tube. He submerges everything in water to see if any bubbles are coming from anywhere and when they are satisfied that all is ok, they close you up. Then later, you get to do another test after drinking some vile liquid and when all goes well there, you are on to actually getting to drink something! YEAH!! So, my test was good and I went back up to my room and they brought me some water in a little medicine cup (30cc) and I have never in my life tasted anything so good LOL. It went down great and 30 minutes later I had more. 30 minutes after that I had 30cc of juice and that went well so they told me I could go home...and I did! No NG tubes, no drains...it's been a great experience. Not once have I questioned why I did this or had feelings of "what did I do to myself". I am so thankful I have come though and am going on from this point excited about what my future holds.
Also, wanted to let you all know that I'm getting in my water fine...no taste change so far. I had some broth in a coffee mug last night with 15 grams of procel in it, it went down fine and this morning had my first 4oz. shake! Proscore 100! Plus, I have taken all my vites like a good patient and I attribute my feeling so well to this. Course, this will only go up from here...but it's better than none at all!
Okay...going to close for now. Keep me in your prayers and I will do the same for those on their way to this decision. Take care and thanks again for all the wonderful encouragement you have given. It means so much to me.....J
I forgot to mention that my friend Alda came to visit me on Monday night. I hadn't seen her since the class we took together 9 months earlier in August at our initial consultation. She had her surgery in December and has now lost 70# and is absolutely beautiful!!! I almost did not recognize her when she walked into the room. What a difference just a few months have made...and for the better! Congratulations Alda! YOU GO GIRL!!
18 May 2003
May 18, 2003
Well, here it is less than 24 hours till I have to be at the hospital. They called me on Friday to tell me to be at Atlanta Medical Center at 5:30am Monday morning. I am to be the first patient of the day. My husband has taken the kids bowling and I have some time on my hands since I'm not running to the bathroom every 10 minutes (you remember the phospho-soda??), so I decided to update my journal and fix some stuff I've been meaning to do for a while now. Also, I thought I'd let you guys know that I finally got someone to call me and I went for my nutritionist consult on Thursday. It went GREAT! I was so impressed at how savvy she is on the eating habits of post-ops. She disagrees with the CIB and Tums regimen for "healthy" post-op nutrition....much to my relief! I mean, I am going to be in control anyway...it's my health...but I'm just so glad to know even my surgeon's nutritionist is on the ball! I educated her on several other points concerning protein ingestion for life (if you want to keep from regenerating) and she was eager to learn.
Well, it is now 6:30pm and I need to get some things ready to go for the morning. The next post I make will be from the other side. Thanks to everyone who has prayed for me and wished me well...it means so very much to me. ~hugs~ Jeralyn
Well, it is now 6:30pm and I need to get some things ready to go for the morning. The next post I make will be from the other side. Thanks to everyone who has prayed for me and wished me well...it means so very much to me. ~hugs~ Jeralyn
10 May 2003
May 10, 2003
Well, the days are closing in and I'm nervous/excited/scared...all those crazy emotions one feels before jumping out of a plane...I mean before having surgery :-) I still haven't gotten my clearance from the nutritionist. No one will call me back. I have called them three times and still nothing. I called Dr. D's office and they said they'd have them call me...and I'm sure they've given them the message...but I haven't heard one thing. I called Dr. D's office again yesterday and talked with a really nice young man that told me not to worry, that he would get SOMEONE to call me. They better, because if they don't and I don't have that clearance before my surgery and it gets cancelled an account of it, someone is going to hear from ME!!
On a personal note, I got a call from my 16 year old son Caleb this morning wishing me a happy Mother's Day. I always get excited when I hear from him. His dad and I are supposed to be sharing custody, but it hasn't really worked out that way and I am the one who got the short end of the stick. So, Caleb has been more like a visitor than my son for the last 8 years. Well, I've known for some time now how selfish his dad is about some things and Caleb is getting old enough that he sees it too. I have offered for years to have him come live with me but he turns me down because he says his dad would be lonely and he doesn't want him to be unhappy. I always say what about YOUR happiness?? Well, I know his dad has had a lot to do with why he feels this way. Anyway, this morning when he called he told me that things are really bad around there and his dad has essentially checked out emotionally. They don't do anything together anymore and his dad just slinks off when he gets home from work and doesn't really want to be bothered. A couple of years ago He started cruising the bars and having a new girlfriend every other week...even leaving Caleb alone for the weekend to go somewhere with these women. Now, he doesn't do that but just wants to be alone all the time and Caleb said he's grumpy all the time. I have always wanted him to come live with me so bad and begged him every time I talked to him....but Caleb has been old enough to make up his own mind for a while now and just couldn't bare the thought of leaving his dad alone. If things had been different, I would have had him outta there so fast it would have made Tom's head spin! Anyway, he wants to come live with me now and I'm SO thrilled I don't know what to do with myself!! His plan is to come for a "visit" like he does in the summer...and just not go back. He doesn't want to tell his dad till he gets here and I hate to say it, but I agree with him. Normally, I'm not that kind of a person and if I felt his dad was in his right mind, I would definitely encourage Caleb to talk it over with him...but this is not the case. I feel Tom has kept him from me all these years by emotionally blackmailing him and I'm not about to ruin my chance of getting him and finally having some influence in his life in favor of taking the "high ground". I might change my mind in a week or so once I have had a chance to think about it but right now...my mother's heart is concentrating on the fact that her baby is coming and wants to stay here and nothing else really matters.
On a personal note, I got a call from my 16 year old son Caleb this morning wishing me a happy Mother's Day. I always get excited when I hear from him. His dad and I are supposed to be sharing custody, but it hasn't really worked out that way and I am the one who got the short end of the stick. So, Caleb has been more like a visitor than my son for the last 8 years. Well, I've known for some time now how selfish his dad is about some things and Caleb is getting old enough that he sees it too. I have offered for years to have him come live with me but he turns me down because he says his dad would be lonely and he doesn't want him to be unhappy. I always say what about YOUR happiness?? Well, I know his dad has had a lot to do with why he feels this way. Anyway, this morning when he called he told me that things are really bad around there and his dad has essentially checked out emotionally. They don't do anything together anymore and his dad just slinks off when he gets home from work and doesn't really want to be bothered. A couple of years ago He started cruising the bars and having a new girlfriend every other week...even leaving Caleb alone for the weekend to go somewhere with these women. Now, he doesn't do that but just wants to be alone all the time and Caleb said he's grumpy all the time. I have always wanted him to come live with me so bad and begged him every time I talked to him....but Caleb has been old enough to make up his own mind for a while now and just couldn't bare the thought of leaving his dad alone. If things had been different, I would have had him outta there so fast it would have made Tom's head spin! Anyway, he wants to come live with me now and I'm SO thrilled I don't know what to do with myself!! His plan is to come for a "visit" like he does in the summer...and just not go back. He doesn't want to tell his dad till he gets here and I hate to say it, but I agree with him. Normally, I'm not that kind of a person and if I felt his dad was in his right mind, I would definitely encourage Caleb to talk it over with him...but this is not the case. I feel Tom has kept him from me all these years by emotionally blackmailing him and I'm not about to ruin my chance of getting him and finally having some influence in his life in favor of taking the "high ground". I might change my mind in a week or so once I have had a chance to think about it but right now...my mother's heart is concentrating on the fact that her baby is coming and wants to stay here and nothing else really matters.
16 April 2003
Apr 16, 2003
Well, it's been a while and thought I better write some stuff down before I forgot it! On the 12th of March, I had two appointments. Early in the afternoon I went to the cardiologist office so he could talk with me about the echo I had and what it showed...and I also had a sleep study that night. I had gotten a scare a couple weeks before when I got a letter in the mail telling me that there was a slight abnormality in the echo. See, I have had to do all this pre-op testing in preparation of my surgery...and since they knew I had been on Phen-Fens in '98, they had me do an echocardiogram. Anyway, they sent me to the specialist and he said it looked like my heart wall was too big (tall) and that there was some "wiggle" in it when the blood passed through so they wanted me to come back and have a stress test to get a better idea of what was going on. So...I went back on the 19th for the stress test only I didn't do it the regular way, they had to do it with medication. They dilated my heart and then took pictures so they could see. the good news is the next day they called me and said that everything was ok and that my heart was normal! YEAH! This was worrying me because I have heart disease on both sides of my family.
The sleep study (on the 12th) went ok except that I barely got any sleep with all that stuff taped to my face and head! I got a letter in the mail about two weeks ago telling me the results of that. It said that I had significant obstructive sleep apnea. For those of you unfamiliar with sleep apnea, it's a condition that causes you to stop breathing several times a night. The lack of oxygen and the fact that it wakes you up just a bit every time it happens causes you to be extremely tired and lethargic every day and you feel as though you have not been to bed when you wake up in the morning. At least I found out why I am so tired all the time. No wonder. Anyway, Last Wednesday I went in for a second sleep study. This time with a CPAP machine breathing for me. I STILL didn't get any sleep because I was just not used to the mask on my face. I'm still waiting to hear whether or not they're going to get me one for home. This and the fact that my pre-op appointment with Dr. D has been moved up from May 8th to April 24th is about all the "new" news I have. Still haven't updated my photos page. Sorry about that....with school and kids and so many appointments, it's hard to find the time....but I promise I will. Keep checking back. Lots of luck to those starting this journey or those getting ready to have surgery. If anyone would like to chat, drop me a line and I'll be glad to talk with you. Ciao ......J
The sleep study (on the 12th) went ok except that I barely got any sleep with all that stuff taped to my face and head! I got a letter in the mail about two weeks ago telling me the results of that. It said that I had significant obstructive sleep apnea. For those of you unfamiliar with sleep apnea, it's a condition that causes you to stop breathing several times a night. The lack of oxygen and the fact that it wakes you up just a bit every time it happens causes you to be extremely tired and lethargic every day and you feel as though you have not been to bed when you wake up in the morning. At least I found out why I am so tired all the time. No wonder. Anyway, Last Wednesday I went in for a second sleep study. This time with a CPAP machine breathing for me. I STILL didn't get any sleep because I was just not used to the mask on my face. I'm still waiting to hear whether or not they're going to get me one for home. This and the fact that my pre-op appointment with Dr. D has been moved up from May 8th to April 24th is about all the "new" news I have. Still haven't updated my photos page. Sorry about that....with school and kids and so many appointments, it's hard to find the time....but I promise I will. Keep checking back. Lots of luck to those starting this journey or those getting ready to have surgery. If anyone would like to chat, drop me a line and I'll be glad to talk with you. Ciao ......J
7 March 2003
Mar 07, 2003
Wow...time sure flies when you're havin' fun huh? I have been meaning to get back here to update, but there's not anything to tell really. I'm just waiting for my surgery date which, by the way, is May 19th! How exciting!! I'm glad it wasn't any sooner than that. It has given me time to reflect and prepare myself wholeheartedly for this extreme change that's going to happen in my life.
On a more personal note, I have switched degree programs. Instead of Information Technology, I'm getting a degree in Visual Communications. This way I can do what I really love and that is graphic and web design. I have learned SO much from doing this site and also my business site and I know that is only the beginning. I'm SO looking forward to learning more as time goes on. I've decided it's time to update my photos pages...(I know, I know...it's about time huh?) Anyway, I'm putting up some pictures of Bill and I and pics of me when I was younger....just pre-op sort of stuff. If anyone reading this has ANY questions that I might be able to answer, please do not hesitate to email me and we can chat. I'll be happy to pass on any and all info that I know about this procedure.
Something else that I wanted to write about.....is that I was thinking about the things I want to accomplish by having this surgery. I mean, yeah....I used to be thin. I was not overweight until after I married my ex....but for me personally, why am I doing this? So, I've compiled a little list of things that I want out of this surgery.
Till next time.........Jeralyn
On a more personal note, I have switched degree programs. Instead of Information Technology, I'm getting a degree in Visual Communications. This way I can do what I really love and that is graphic and web design. I have learned SO much from doing this site and also my business site and I know that is only the beginning. I'm SO looking forward to learning more as time goes on. I've decided it's time to update my photos pages...(I know, I know...it's about time huh?) Anyway, I'm putting up some pictures of Bill and I and pics of me when I was younger....just pre-op sort of stuff. If anyone reading this has ANY questions that I might be able to answer, please do not hesitate to email me and we can chat. I'll be happy to pass on any and all info that I know about this procedure.
Something else that I wanted to write about.....is that I was thinking about the things I want to accomplish by having this surgery. I mean, yeah....I used to be thin. I was not overweight until after I married my ex....but for me personally, why am I doing this? So, I've compiled a little list of things that I want out of this surgery.
- The number one reason I want to lose this weight...above being able to breathe easier, and hurt less...is to be able to play with my children. Do you know how long it's been since I have been able to run and play with my kids? A very long time.
- I want to be able to bathe my daughter without crushing my ribcage and stomach when I lean over the tub.
- I want to be able to tie my shoes without having to hike my leg up over the bed to do it.
- I want to walk through a crowd of people without feeling like everyone is staring at me and thinking how disgusting I look.
- I want to be able to eat in public without thinking people are staring at me.
- I want to look in the mirror and be proud of the person staring back at me.
- I want to have pride in my appearance and have my self-esteem back.
- I want to feel ALIVE again (physically) and not be fatigued every day of the world.
- I'd like to go on simple outings with my family and not have to think about how many seats along the way there will be because I'll need to rest.
- I want to be able to keep my house clean.
- I want to take up jogging.
- I want to be physically fit.
- Last, but certainly not least, I want to wear my wedding rings again!
Till next time.........Jeralyn
7 January 2003
Jan 07, 2003
Hey everyone! I have some GREAT news!! I'M APPROVED!!!!!!!!!!! HAHAHAHHA YEAH!!!!!!!!! I am so excited I don't know what to do with myself!! I just found out today. Okay...to back up a bit. You know that I completed my last weigh-in on the 12th of December. Well, after that, everything was sent in so I was just waiting to hear something. Well, one day while working on my site for The Baker's Pantry, I noticed an envelope on the floor. I looked at it and it was from Cigna! So, I opened it and it said that they had received my appeal and that they would get back to me within 15 days. Well...by the time I had opened the envelope, it had already been over a week, so I called the number. The rep was Donna Ryne and she told me that they didn't have a decision made yet, but they might as soon as the next day (which was Friday...3 January). So I called back but she wasn't there. I thought ok...I'll wait till Monday. Well, Monday I called and her voice mail kicked over and I hung up and called the services number on the back of my insurance card. After finding all my stuff, they told me that Cigna was upholding the original appeal. I said WHAT?!?! She said she had no idea why...couldn't see that screen. So I called Donna back and she answered this time. I said what's going on? She said she didn't know and that she would check it out for me. Well, while waiting for her call, I got the letter from Cigna! It said that I hadn't met their criteria of having at least 2 supervised weight loss plans for a period of 26 weeks each!!!!! I couldn't believe my eyes!! The FIRST denial said that I didn't meet the criteria of having 3 supervised diets of at least 12 weeks each. What was this...are they upping the ante on me or what?? So, I called Donna back and said NO WAY....she said that Cigna has changed their criteria (effective November 2002) of diet attempts for 26 weeks each. I said well I started this appeal BEFORE that happened and there's no way that it's fair for them to hold me to that. So, she said she agreed and that she would talk to the board the next day (which was today). I waited till about 1:30pm and when I hadn't heard from her, decided to call. She said that the person she needed to speak with had not been in her office all day and she had just checked again 30 minutes before. So, she said she'd go check again and call me back. WELL......not even 5 minutes later, my phone rang and it was Donna telling me that I was indeed APPROVED! I SCREAMED into the phone and started laughing...I know I sounded like a mad woman! haha. Anyway...that's the story. Before we hung up, she gave me the authorization code and told me to call Dr. Duncan's office, give it to them to get a date...and then let them know. So, I did all that and they said they would call me back...maybe by Friday....and give me a date. So there you have it. It's really going to happen for me.
A friend of mine that I have been in contact with was at the same consultation "class" at Dr. Duncan's on the 15th when this whole thing started. We swapped email addresses and have kept in touch ever since. She had her surgery on the 9th of December and is doing FANTASTIC! She has lost over 30# so far and has had NO complications...can eat everything. I SO hope that's me in a few months! haha Well, signing out for now. Will update when I get a date. Lots of love, Jeralyn
A friend of mine that I have been in contact with was at the same consultation "class" at Dr. Duncan's on the 15th when this whole thing started. We swapped email addresses and have kept in touch ever since. She had her surgery on the 9th of December and is doing FANTASTIC! She has lost over 30# so far and has had NO complications...can eat everything. I SO hope that's me in a few months! haha Well, signing out for now. Will update when I get a date. Lots of love, Jeralyn
21 December 2002
Dec 21, 2002
Wow...time sure has gone by TOO fast! I have been meaning to get back here to update....so much has happened since I last wrote. First off, Thanksgiving was GREAT!!! I was so excited to see my mom and brother. Curt looks really good after all these years. We had a great time. When they first came off the escalator (sp) Curt eyed me and came straight over and hugged me so tight! The first thing he said was, "Your hair smells good". haha Anyway....we had a really good time.
Then, I went into the hospital on 4 December because I had finally decided I had had enough children. So, I spent about a week mourning my fertility. Then, I started making Christmas presents for everyone when my best friend Tammy emails me with this idea she and another girl had for making extra money through the holidays. They were making those cute cookie jar cookie mixes and selling hot cocoa. She said they had already made over $400 in a week! So, my wheels got to spinning and I decided to come up with an original recipe for gourmet hot cocoa...and I did just that! It tastes soooooo good that we have decided to sell it! We have our own domain (no content yet) and have named our business The Baker's Pantry®. We're so excited about the prospects. We might even add gourmet flavored coffee's later. I have made some contacts and things are rolling along really well. Well, that's about it. I'll definitely keep everyone up to date on what's going on. OH!! Almost forgot to tell you that I had my last weigh-in on the 12th of December and the office has sent off the paper work for review. WISH ME LUCK!!
Then, I went into the hospital on 4 December because I had finally decided I had had enough children. So, I spent about a week mourning my fertility. Then, I started making Christmas presents for everyone when my best friend Tammy emails me with this idea she and another girl had for making extra money through the holidays. They were making those cute cookie jar cookie mixes and selling hot cocoa. She said they had already made over $400 in a week! So, my wheels got to spinning and I decided to come up with an original recipe for gourmet hot cocoa...and I did just that! It tastes soooooo good that we have decided to sell it! We have our own domain (no content yet) and have named our business The Baker's Pantry®. We're so excited about the prospects. We might even add gourmet flavored coffee's later. I have made some contacts and things are rolling along really well. Well, that's about it. I'll definitely keep everyone up to date on what's going on. OH!! Almost forgot to tell you that I had my last weigh-in on the 12th of December and the office has sent off the paper work for review. WISH ME LUCK!!
19 November 2002
Nov 19, 2002
Sorry it's been so long since I have updated. I have been busy getting ready for the Holiday's and enjoying my time off from school. I received my paper degree in the mail the other day and I was never as proud of myself as when I read my name on that paper. What a wonderful feeling!! My heart just welled up. Anyway....in other news....my mom, Curt and Tammy are coming to my house for Thanksgiving! I'm so excited! I have so much sewing to do in the next week...I'm almost beside myself haha.
In the weight loss department, I have been to my second weigh-in and have maintained the original loss, so that's good. If all goes according to plan, next month we'll be able to re-submit everything to the insurance company and I'll be approved!!! Well, not much else to say. We're painting Jared's room tonight so....gotta go. Later......J
In the weight loss department, I have been to my second weigh-in and have maintained the original loss, so that's good. If all goes according to plan, next month we'll be able to re-submit everything to the insurance company and I'll be approved!!! Well, not much else to say. We're painting Jared's room tonight so....gotta go. Later......J
About Me
Columbia, MO
Location
21.8
BMI
Surgery
05/19/2003
Surgery Date
Oct 04, 2001
Member Since
Before & After
rollover to see after photo
Caleb's Graduation!! He's going to GA Tech this fall!
131#lbs
