Linda H.
December 2004
Dec 29, 2004
I am so glad to be posting. I have lost 100 pounds!!!!!! I did it right before Christmas. I am so happy. I started at 241 and now weigh 141. I want to loose down 125. I have always wondered what it would be like to be skinny and now I am starting to feel it. This has been a wonderful year. An amazing journey. I know next year will be even better. I love my family!! My Husband is so great. He is the best thing that has ever happened to me, aside from my kids. I am so blessed to have a husband that supports me in whatever I want to do and that loves me no matter what. There is no conditions on his love. I want to thank all of you who has been there for me. Without you I would be nothing. I really have no new year's resolution. I guess it would be that we call family and friends more. I want to thank my OH family!! They are the best. I also want to thank my best friend Robin Glover!! I love you!! We will get together soon!! I miss ya!! I meet my first goal of loosing 100 pounds. Now let's see how long it takes to get 125. Love to all!!!
Until next time....Linda
November 2004
Nov 14, 2004
It has been 3 months since I last updated my profile. I have lost a total of 88 pounds. I wearing size 8/10 shirts (or meduim) and size 12 pants. I can wear some size 10 dresses. I am so glad I had this surgery. I would do it over and over again. I have a new job. I get to see my family now. I love spending time with my family. My husband and I have gotten so much closer. We are a family again. I am hoping to have lost 100 pounds by Christmas. I think I can do it. Only 12 more pounds to go. I know I can do it. To those that are thinking of having surgery done, I recommend it. This has changed my life so much. I am so much more happier now. I am starting to love myself more and more each day. I am wearing things from Victoria's Secret that I thought I would never wear. I can play with my kids without getting winded after 5 minutes. I can walk with my husband without falling behind. My life is so wonderful now. Please feel free to email me if you have any questions. Love to all!! Until next time....
August 2004
Aug 15, 2004
It has been so long since I updated last. I have been really busy and there are not enough hours in a day. I am down 62 pounds and I feel great!! I have went from a size 22 pants to a size 18. I can fit into some size 16's as long as they are loose fitting. I am having so much fun. I started going to a gym. I love it. I am tanning. I feel like I am 20 again and I haven't even made it to goal yet. My husband and I so much closer now. We even cuddle. Cuddling is so nice. We are planning a trip for our 10 year anniversary. It will be the first time we have ever went on a trip alone. I am so looking forward to it!! I just want to shout to everyone how life is soooo grand!! I am falling in love with my husband all over again. I love playing with my kids. I am not afraid of what people may say about my weight. My mother even tells me that I look good and that means a lot. I couldn't have done any of this without the support of my wonderful husband, Frank. You are the light of my life. I love you so much!! Thanks to all my friends and family for your support!! I can't wait to go shopping again!!! Until next time....Love to all!!
June 2004
Jun 15, 2004
Well I know it is has been a long while since I have updated. I would like to start by telling you my experience on May 6th (the day of my surgery). I got up at 5am (had to be at the hospital at 7am) and got my kids and hubby up. I was nervous, but tried to make the best of it. We took my kids to my mother's house. And then we we were off to the hospital. My best friend met us up there. I was so happy she came. I love her to death! (You know who you are, RG!) We got there and signed in. We really didn't have to wait long. I gave my friend a hug and my husband a hug and a smooch and they took back to get me ready. The barely called my husband and mother in time to see me before they wheeled me off for surgery. In fact they came to get me and I said I wanted to see my husband before they took me back. And when Frank (my husband) came back there my mother was with him. So I kissed both of them and hugged them and told them I would see them in a little while. They took me into the operating room and got me all hooked up. I remember them putting the mask over me and then I was out until I woke up in recovery. I remember waking up and dozing off several times. I had the mask on me to help me breathe because for some reason I needed while I was asleep. I tried to take it off and they stopped me. I think it was just a natural reaction cause there was something on me that wasn't there before. So I finally woke up enough to talk to the nurse there. I could different beeps and all. But I guess everything was ok cause they didn't panic or anything. I was in recovery for about 3 hours because they couldn't get a room for me. It seemed as though they were all full. I was getting irritated. So finally they took me to my room and I saw my husband, step-daughter and my mother. I asked where my friend was they said she would be back. I was so happy to see my family. Dr. F told my husband that everything went ok. He had some trouble getting thru my scar tissue from my c-section, but in the end everything worked out. I couldn't not have anything to eat or drink until the next morning (Friday). All I could have was these cotton swabs with a citrus flavor to them. They worked though. And believe it or not I was not hungry. So it didn't bother me at all. I got up walked 4 times that day. The nurses were very proud of me. My friend came back and she sat with me so my husband and step-daughter could go get something to eat. We talked and I remember telling that I may not know what I was saying cause I still felt a little groogy. I remember Gail calling me (thanks so much for being my angel!!) and I got to talk to her. Thank you everyone for praying for me!! So that night I couldn't sleep that much. I was in and out of sleep. I tried not to wake my husband up, but I did a couple of times to go use the restroom. Frank spent the night with me. I love him so much. He slept on that uncomfortable couch thing. He is so very sweet. I did use my morphin pump. I was more sore than anything though. I never have been in any real pain. So the next morning the bariactric nurse came by and read us (my husband and I) discharge papers. She was great. She has had the surgery herself. Before she came by, I had to go for my leak test. I would rather eat dirt than drink that barium ever again. Fortunately I only had to take 2 sips of it. It made me sick. So everything was fine from that test. Oh, and the night before I got to change into my pajamas and was more comfortable. I got to go home around 9am. Before I left the hospital they gave me some apple juice. Only 2 ounces, but it was great. The first 2 weeks were the hardest. But after that is a piece of cake.
I am now feeling much better and have more energy. I have lost 30 pounds and I am now 6 weeks post/op. I know I made the right decision for myelf and for my family. I can't wait to renew my wedding vows with my husband, knowing that I am going to really GREAT when that time comes!! Until next time.....
May 2004
May 04, 2004
Well I have gotten through the day without "eating" anything. I have had nothing but clear liquids. It has been very hard. I don't know if I want to do it again. But I know after my surgery I will be doing it for a week. Some of you have said that the hunger feeling will go away. I sure do hope that is true. I opened the fridge tonight to fix my kids something for supper and saw the leftover mash potatoes, stuffing, and great northern beans I had a couple of nights ago. They looked so good. I could already taste them. I have had sugar free popsicles today. They were pretty good. Oh, and the Crystal Light flavored water, strawberry kiwi to be exact, is very good. I love them. I hope my taste for them doesn't change after the surgery. I am sure I will do well with this. I am looking forward to the day where I can start on soft foods. I am taking my step-daughter and her mother out to eat the day before her wedding and that is when I can start the soft foods. I plan on having scrambled eggs and grits. I know I won't be able to eat a lot of it, but I know it will be good. If I can just get through tomorrow and walk off all that gas I know I will be fine. Thank you all for your support. I weighed myself tonight and my weight for Wednesday, May 5th is 241. We will see if I loose any between now and when I get back home on Friday. I want to tell my husband that I love him so much and I thank him for being such a great person. He has supported me every step of the way and I only hope to be as good to him as he is to me. I love you Frank!! I also want to say to my 2 boys, Frankie and Chris, I love you so much. I would do anything for you. And that is one of the reason why I am having the surgery done. I want to love longer and be there you boys when you are older and have your own families. Robin and Heather, both of you have such blessings to me. It is an honor to be your stepmother. If I didn't have you 2 girls to talk to I don't know where I would be today. Now to the rest of my famly...Mom, you are the best mother a daughter could ask for. You have been with me through everything in my life. I want to Thank you for being you. I love you mom!! Dad, we have had a lot of rocky times in our lives, but finally I think we are on the right track. These few years have been so great. Knowing I have a father I can turn to now means so much to me. I love you Daddy!! And to all my brothers, in-laws, grandparents, and friends and other family, I love you all so much. Family and friends mean so much to me. I pray that God blesses each and everyone of you. I also want to thank my friends here at the bama boards. The support is so wonderful. All of you are truely Angels. I am going to bed soon, cause 5:30 will come early in the morning. I will end with this prayer...."As I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. But if I die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take. Amen." Until next time.......
April 2004
Apr 29, 2004
April 5th
I haven't updated quite as often as I would have liked. It seems like I am so busy these days. I am doing good. I found out on Thursday, April 1st, that I got promoted at work. I am excited and happy about it. I am a little nervous though. I am being transferred to another store. It is a lot to take in, but I believe in myself and know that I can do the job. I have a lot of people counting on me and I can't let them down. I really needed the news of me being promoted. I have been feeling down and that news just lifted me up. I thank God for everything in my life. I know he will be by my side when I go in for surgery. He will guiding the doctors hands and knowing that puts my mind at ease. God will also be with me after the surgery and starting my new life changing cycle. I want to be able to ties my shoes without getting out of breath. I want to be able run with my kids. I want to hike with husband on the mountain. And having this surgery will allow me to do these things. I will be able to watch my kids grow up and have there on families. I only have a month to go before I start my journey to the loosing side. I am getting a bit nervous, but God is with me and He is sooo good. Please pray for me. Until next time....
April 17th
I know it is a little while since I updated. I have been busy with my new promotion. I went on Thursday for my pre/op appt at Crestwood. It was a breeze. Just had blood drawn and an EKG done. It was simple. Frank and I did find out where he and the rest of my family would wait. I am going to give the hospital permission to let them tell anyone who calls that I am there and they will page a family member to talk to whoever calls. I only have a little under 3 weeks until my surgery. I am getting a little nervous. I know I have made the right choice for me. I am looking forward to being able to run with my kids. I have my pre/op appt with Dr. Foreman on Friday. After that I will have 2 weeks to go. I am starting to get prepared. I have bought my PJ's and bought some decaff tea nad splenda to go in it. I still need to buy all of my vitamins. Probably will do that within the next couple of weeks. Please pray for me...Until next time...
I haven't updated in a while, so I had better do it now. I only have 6 more days til my surgery. I am starting to have some real emotions here. I started crying the other day. My PCP told me today that depression after the surgery is normal. They don't why you have depression, but it is just there. She said that if mine got too bad to come see her and she would give me something to help me out. I had read something about that, but maybe it won't happen to me. And if it does then I will cope with it the best way I can. I have been so busy with my new promotion, new store, and with the wedding. The wedding is getting closer and we having more things to do to get ready for it. My husband and I went today to finalize the menu for the reception. Thankfully the lady at the Bevill Center was helpful and saved us some money. The wedding still costing an arm and a leg, but she is only getting married once (or better!!). And my step-daughter is well worth it. I have to be at Crestwood on Thursday at 7:30 and my surgery will begin at 9am. It should only take about an hour and a half. My wonderful husband is going to spend the night with me. I have ordered all of my vitamins, including iron, calcium, and B-12. I think I am prepared. Well I do need to see about getting the clear liquids stuff. I think I am going to go to the Baractric Wellness Institute to see what there prices are on the clear liquids are. My husband suggested that. My husband has been so great throughout this process. Frank, you are my rock. I love you so much. Thank you for being you!! Well I have to be at work at 4:30 in the morning, so I had better get some rest. I will try to update again before my surgery. Until next time.....
March 2004
Mar 19, 2004
I know it has been a while since I updated. But I must say I have some wonderful news today. I want to see Dr. Facundus yesterday and I got a date!!!! I start my journey to the loosing side on May 6th!! Just a little under 7 weeks away. I know it will be here before I know it. I want to say Thank You to my wonderful husband Frank. Honey, I love you so much!! I am so glad you are by my side thru this life changing event. I also want to say Thanks to my mom. She loves me no matter what I decide to do with my life. Mom, I love you!!! I hope to update more often now that I have a date. Until next time.....
February 2004
Feb 26, 2004
Feb. 5th
Tomorrow I will be going to my consult. I am nervous, but also excited in way. I am excited to get started with this process of being on the loosing side. I want so badly to be thin. My goal is to be a size 10. I know I can do it. I have to go to my family practioner's office today to pick up my medical records. I think I am ready for the consult tomorrow. Please pray that everything goes ok. I will update tomorrow after I get back from the consult. You guys are the best!!! I really am glad to have found this website!!!
Feb. 7th
My consult went well. Kristi was a big help in answering any questions I had. I have an appointment with Hunter on March 30th. He is the dietician. And my appointment with Dr. Facundus is on April 2nd. A little under 2 months away. I as hoping to have the surgery sooner than that. I will just have to be patient. I wanted to have the surgery before my step-daughter's wedding in May, but unless they give me a quick date then that won't happen. All I can say is Good things come to those who wait. I can wait.
Feb. 10--Look at my beautiful profile that Sherri spruced up for me. I love it!!!! Sherri, you did a wonderful job and sure do appreciate it. I thought my appointment with Hunter was on the 30th of March, but it is the 19th. A few days earlier is good. I can start doing what he tells sooner and maybe it won't be so bad after the surgery. I wish I could get in to see Dr. Facundus sooner. Oh well, this will give me a chance to have some "good food" before I have to start with the special diet after the surgery. I do plan on going to Dreamland before I have my surgery. My boss at work says they have really good ribs. And I love ribs. I have to say life is good right now. My husband and I have never been closer. I mean it just seems like there is something different. We have really needed each other the past few days and I think that has brought us closer. I love him so much. He is a wonderful husband and a wonderful father.
I just wanted to add that I have 2 best friends I wanted to thank. One of them lives here in Huntsville and she means to much to me. She has been a true blessing in my life. We have just recently become best friends and I thank God everyday for sending her my way. I love ya RG!!! Now, there is my best friend from high school. We have been through so much together. I don't know what I would do without her. I thank God for that first day we came became friends so many years ago. We were in flagcorps together in high school. "Lylas TA!!" These 2 friends are so wonderful and without both of their support it would be very hard to get thru all of this. I am so blessed!!!!
Feb. 17th
I found out today that Dr. Facundus's office faxed my paperwork to Blue Cross/ Blue Shield on Feb. 11th. I am going to starting calling Blue Cross tomorrow to see if it was approved. Everyone please pray that it does get approved. As soon as I find out if it did or didn't I will update and let everyone know.
Feb. 18th
Well I thought I would post the news here, right now, rather than waiting. I have been thinking about it all day and really don't know how to say it. But here goes.......I WAS APPROVED!!!! Yes I was approved by my insurance company. The first person I told was my best friend. She smiled when I told her. Thanks RG!! I love ya. I am so excited. I don't think it has really sank in yet. I mean now all I have to do is wait to see the surgeon. I am going to call them tomorrow and see if I can get an earlier appointment now that I am approved by Blue Cross. I hope they can get me in as early as possible. I am ready!!!!
My husband was happy for me too. I love you, honey!!!! Without your support I couldn't do this. I just want the hole world to know how much you mean to me. We have been together for 10 years now and I am looking forward to the rest of our lives.
I have gotten my approval letter from Blue Cross. So everything is a go officially. I am just waiting to see my surgeon now. When I go on the 19th he sould give me a date. I want to have it as soon as possible. I hear they have a cancellation list, I might ask to be put on it. The only hold up would be my job. I don't I will just have to think about it. I can't wait to be on the loosing side.
January 2004
Jan 25, 2004
I cannot wait until I go my consult. I just got all my papers I have to fill out and have ready when I go. I have learned a lot just by reading what Dr. F's office sent me. I won't get to meet Dr. F. on that day. I have to wait until he reviews my medial records and the paperwork they mailed me. I have read so many of your profiles and I am looking forward to having this surgery. I know it will change my life, but change it for the good. I just got an email from my father-in-law and his wife saying that they will support me, but were concerned because I am young. But I emailed them back and explained to them that this for me. I want to see my kids grow up. I already have a thyroid problem. So hopefully they will understand more clearly now. Until next time.....
