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I've always considered myself a beautiful person and not really concerned with what other people thought about my weight. The reason i'm doing the surgery is due to my health, which is a criticial factor for most morbidly obese individuals. I am a Chef and the weight impacts me greatly causing me to not perform at my best. My expectations are that I will turn a new leaf in my life and gain those things which I feel I should have. My career, fabulous love life (husband where r u) and more active.

Update - February 9th, 2006
Hello - Since i've created my profile, I haven't been here to update my progress. Well here we go!

I'm in the pre-op phase and i'm going to a million doctor's appointment or so it appears.
I've had my psyche evaluation. I've seen the nutrition and she was absolutely encouraging and a big help. She understands my weight history with trying so many different diet plans. She is supportive of the surgery but most importantly provided a ton of advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle after surgery.

I went to see my PCP today and guess what guys....I gained four stinking pounds. I am at 294!!!! I was in shock. He looked over my file and pointed out that I've been going up and down between 288 and today 294. So I've got to really focus and lose this weight. I have to lose at least 10 pounds prior to surgery.

The other disappointing news from my doctor's visit is that I am borderline hypertensive and it was particularly hight today therefore he prescribed water pills. YIKES!!
I am not happy about this, especially since I don't like to take pills.
Well I will take it watch my salt intake and prepare to lose weight before my next appointment.

Next week I will have Echocardiagam test, appointment with cardiologist, Xray's up the wahzoo and then a visit to the dentist. I figure everything else is getting poked and prodded why not my teeth.

Did I mention that they think I am anemic, soo I had to give up some blood today for a Iron profile. Well, I'd rather find out aboiut this today instead of on the operating table. Due to my family history and my weight I will feel better when I see the cardiologist and my EKG and Echo return back normal. I trust in my God and know that he will make everything work towards my good. He is my source of inspiration and loves me.. It's good to be a child of God.

Well that's all for now..... Keep the faith.

February 22, 2006.

I am currently in the process of going to a bazillion pre-opo testing appointments as well as seeing my Medical doctor. Lets see we'll start with medical since that's the one which is giving me a headache. I went to my primary doctor and guess what!!!! I gained weight. I gained 4 pounds. Can you belive it? I was supposed to lose 4 lbs not gain it. So I have to lose this and more by the next visit which is on March 16th. He also didn't like my blodd pressure and since it keeps playing yo-yo he gave me water pills to take (this is easier to say than hydroblah bla). He also didn't like the fact that I said sometimes i'm outta breath and my chest feels heavy when I walk a couple of blocks so he sends me off to the cardiologist. Well, I gotta make an appointment to go see the cardiologist. I haven't done this yet. I'm a little aprehensive to do this but knowing myself I will get it done because i don't like the unknown.

Any,how I went to get the Sonogram of the Pelvic, liver, gallbladder and all of the stuff that makes you female, the ovaries, uterus and everything else. The pictures were fine although I didn't drink enough water, they had to do one of those inny sonogram, ladies you know what I mean (like a visit to the gynocologist). She said she say some little fibroids...Now I know I had one little one but a few? YIKES!!! I was like what. I will be calling my gyn tomorrow for a visit.

Well - I have to do the Echocardiogram and the chest x-ray and then that will be it until the pretest blood work needs to be scheduled. I am exhausted. I've seen the inside of this hospital more times than I care. The good thing is the people at the hospital who administer the test only have good things to say about Dr. Gorecki...it made me feel really good.

Well untill next time folks...Se la vie


March 1st -

*whew*...I was at the docto'rs office almost all day today. It was just ridiculous...There were only three bariatric patients there to see Dr. Gorecki but since he was caught up in whatever wherever, we first say his assistant Rachel. Rachel is pretty kewel she answers all of your questions and is very thorough.

WEll here is the update:

1 - I had a different PCP last year and they did a sonogarm of my thyroid and therefore Rachel and Dr. Gorecki suggested I see an Endocrinologist just to make sure that the node isn't cancerous and all is well. I know that the lord is on my side and i'm not claiming any cancer. Thank you lord :dance:

2 - We reviewed the different test that I had to take and what is left to do. therefore this week I will be scheduling to go to the Endocrinologist clinic, Foot doctor (don't ask, I've got heel pain),
Chest X-Ray, Echocardiogram, Cardiologist, and then back to Dr. Gorecki where I will have to bring a family member to the appointment.

That's about it and i'm done! It'll be a waiting game because I also will see my medical doctor to write the letter to the insurance company. ...pray for me! but I know God is able.


oh, and can't forget I gotta lose 5lbs more.....it'll be a breeze (yeah right)

later guys

March 9th, 2006

Hello folks, I've been a little lax but I'm here to update my journey.
ok, I left off with going to the doctor on March 7th, this past tuesday. I was supposed to also have the echocardiagram..I'll tell you about that later. Well I went to the doctor because I wanted them to write the medical clearance letter to the insurance company..that is the biggest thing that I need to get over now. Well, I went to the doctore and they were like you really need to finish all of the testing before we write the letter. I was likeman I wish ya'll would have told me. So, they aske me did you have this and that and then we get down to the Echo test and I explain......This is the Echo part...I explain that I was set to come in this morning to have it done and they cancelled on me. So the doctor hooks me up and calls downstairs and they say they can take me now. I hop down there and get the run around for a minute because it is after 3:00 and the lady there is like, "I'm leaving for the day and i'm not able to get into my computer"...I was pissed, so I go to the tech and she asks me to go back down to registration and finally I get the paperwork necessary and they do the test. It was a little painful...I mean they pressed that monito thingy under my breast and it hurt like crazy. The tec which I had two of them a Asian lady and an Indian man. He couldn't get it right for nutting. The lady was more gentle and then made the crazy comment..."You know your are blessed" referring to my breast size. I'm like If you wanna you can chop half of this sucka off and have it because it is killing my neck and shoulders."

So anyhow, I get the echo done wooppeee!!!

March 8th, 2006
I go to the hospital because I need to do the Endoscopic test. I'm a little aprehensive but it's not becauise of the surgery but because they will put you under a little anethesia and you'll need someone to pick you up. Initially everyone i asked was busy with work and the timing was all wrong. I was bummed out..but my BAF community inspired me and I prayed. Well my brother inlaw was able to come and sign me out and drive me home.
The test went well because I dont' remember a thing about it. One minute I was talking to the doctore about the test and then he says, "April they are about to administer the medicine..I said ok, and then I woke up in Recovery. that was quick. ON the way home I had the hiccups and my throat was a little gritty. I tried eating later that day and got a little nauseous. Well, it's over now.

Now, all I gotta do is go sometime this next week to do the chest x-ray and that's it. The blood work for the pretesting is already set for march 20th. and then that's it it's just amatter of sending the letter and waiting for approval and surgery. I'm supposed to go back on March 13th, so they will do the letter.

I can't wait until all of this is over and I can just prepare for surgery. During all of this running back and forth to the hospital I have also been trying to get a job. It's been rough, I have been offered a job and I go for the health screening on tuesday the 14th. I have to speak to them so they are aware that I will be needing time off for surgery or that Iwon't be able to start until after my surgery. I'm really putting it in the lord's hand. I need the income...I've been out of work for months and times are really hard. It's tough to have to choose between your healt and work. The fact is though that this surgery will make me a better employee because I won't hurt so bad going through my day. This job will require me to work between manhattan and brooklyn. the day I had to go for the interview I was so tired and hurting all over from my feet to my head. It was terrible. I need this surgery just to continue with life. The crazy thing is people who have always seen me and have known me since I was younger don't understand the necessity of this surgery. They say well you know you aren't that big and blah blah... the thing is I used to say those things to myself until the scale started tipping at nearly 300lbs....OMG>...i was tripping....I couldn't walk down the street at a brisk pace without knees, back or something hurting.

Well, this surgery is in the lord's hands...I really believe that he is going to make it happen...During this time off from work..I gotta tell you..I've gotten soo much closer to the lord. I worship him more, I pray more, I praise him more...I needed this. I needed to slow down and hear God. I'm happy in more ways than one. Everytime I think about how good God has been my sad days turn into Good days. THANK YOU JESUS!!!! THANK YOU JESUS!!!

I owe it all to the lord. I'm excited about losing the weight. I really believe that I'm going to look the same..but smaller. I don't have a fat face and I really do have a figure 8 shape. I've always had big rounded breast a small waist and wide hips. This shape really was foolin me and alot of other people because I dress well and was able to attract the fella's even though I was gaining weight....Well, i'm grateful that I will know lose weight and have a svelt shape.

Well, wish me luck....


March 22, 2006

Hello -
I'm here to update my profile....it's a very difficult road.
I contacted my doctor to have him prepare the insurance letter and he lets me know that the letter only reports four months of documentation. I spoke with the doctor's assistant her name is jessie and she also says that the insurance has a new rule of three months documentation with a nutritionist. I'm like why haven't you told me this. I've only seen the nutrtionist one time. I'm so in shock. I'm just trusting in the lord to help me. I feel so stressed. I'm also trying to stay on this two week liquid diet which has not been goint too well. I did order samples from unjury and i'm trying those out to see which one I like.

Well, all of the preop testing is done. I'm preparing myself for the surgery even though it hasn't been approved it. I pray that it will. I think at worse what I may be looking at is two more months of doctore monitoring and nutritionist. I hope that i won't have to do this. Jessie said that they will fight it. I can only put my turst in the lord and pray that he will move his hand over the situation and provide the words I want to hear....You are approved?

Well, pray for me....there are so many other personal obstacles that are really working on my mental and i'm just trying to stay prayerful and focused.

I don't have too much more to say...I hate being negative and right now i'm in need of motivation. It's the anxiety of waiting for the approval and surgery that pretty much can make you feel wasted. I'm so prepared and ready to work hard, take my vitamins and supplements, drink my water and get in the protein. I wanna hit the gym, see the weight drop so i can not worry about becoming arthritic at such a young age....to think the worst could be this crippling and dibilitating joint problems just takes me out.....totally takes my breath away.

Yet...God is good and i'm looking forward to a bright future..I will have this surgery, I will get to my goal weight and live the full life the lord intended for me.

Thank you Jesus!! Thank you for keeping me. Thank you for watching over my and my family (BAF)...I thank you Jesus for blessing me to wake up every morning with a mind to serve you and worship your holy name. I give you glory, I honor your name, I put you first in my life. As I seek you I know you will keep me...thank you Lord.



March 23rd, 2006

Hello - Well, today is thursday and I went to ee my medical doctor to hav a look at the pulmonary function test and to get the medical clearance done. Well they looked at it and gave me clearance for surgery. YIPPPEEEEE!!!... That was good to hear, however they noted that one of the levels were a little low and there was concerned about the amount of carbon monoxide and other whatever getting into my lungs so i'm off again next wednesday to the pulmonary clinci. They want me to get check out before surgery. I'm thanking God because he is keeping watch and it is all in his hands, he sees into the future and not me so i'm going and my spirit is lifted today because I know God is on my side.

I've been praying and literally just holding onto my faith. God is real and he understands what I am going through, he never leaves me nor forsakes me.

I also went to the support group meeting they had tonight. My sisters came there with me and I gotta tell you it was pretty insightful. I'm so grateful for Dr. Gorecki he is very confident and knowlegeable without being cocky, he understands our concerns and doesn't dismiss them as if they are simple or insignificant. There was a Plastic Surgeon there who answered alot of questions also. I was so happy to know that he said "young" people who lose the weight may need liposuction and not a bodylift (abominoplasty)...I'm like Yippee...I'm no spring chicken but he did say young meant in the 30's and younger....I fall right in that catergory. So I'm still praying that all goes well and the surgery happens with the blessing of the Lord. Every step that I make in life must be done with the lord ordering my steps.. I've been trying to lead the way and God is showing me that I must follow him.....it's a tough lesson to learn, but I'm realizing that God is simply trying to carry me and how can that be hard. He is Jehovah Jirah, my provider....he takes care of all of my needs and demands. My vision may not always see what is done the road but that's why we have the Holy Spirt.


Well folks, thats all for now....I'm still looking into protien drinks and I'm sampling Unjury and profect... It appears that I will use a combination of both of these to get in the required protien before and after surgery.

may God continue to bless you all

My treat to myself is after the surgery i'm going to send and email in the day before surgery and try to get my profile spruced up..... It would be something to look forward to. And perhaps folks will like to read my profile.


March 31, 2006

Ok. In a nutshell....Surgery that was once set for April 3rd...is not going to happen.

I'm so throught the roof with this that i'm just terrible despondent.
I went to all of the pre-op testing.
I went to my PCP consistently.
I requested all of the right paperwork.
I did my research.
I've put everything on hold...work, travel, externship, catering jobs...every damn thing.
I maintained contact with the coordinator to make sure all requirements for the insurance would be met.

In one week, I've been so distraught that all I want to do is sleep.

Why was surgery cancelled?????

1 - Jessie the secretary for the surgeon tells me that she didn't submit my paperwork to the insurance because it only reported four weeks of supervised doctor visits. Now check this out. I was told in the very beginning that my insurance didn't require a six months rule.....Why would the need six months of visits now. This chick is lying to me. I feel like she is purposefullly setting me up for failure. I've called her almost every week and never once did she tell me this was a new requirement.

2 Jessie then tells me that the insurance also wants three consecutive visits to the nutritionist. This again was never made known to me. I went to the only visit I was told would be necessary.

3 - They did see something wrong with the numbers on my Pulmonary Funtion test. Ok, this is my health...I understand that i should follow up with the pulmonary doctor, however, i was under the impresssion from the PCP that I was medically clear for surgery. He says, "Oh i'm sorry for the confusion but i want the Pulmonary doctor to clear you." I nearly fainted. Well, I will be going to the pulmonary doctor on April 12th. I couldn't get an earlier appointment.

So where do I stand now?
Well, I will see the nutritionist, PCP, pulmonary doctor in April and May. Then the letter for the insurance will be mailed out.

I will speak with Dr. Gorecki on Monday...I'm too upset to talk with him now. He will give me a new surgery date and then I get the pleasure of going throught pre-op testing all over again.

Lawd help me.....


June 29th, 2006

Ok, alot has happened since I last posted my comments here. I've had a trying time but since there is so much to say I'm going to give the hightlights and when I have more time I will come back and flesh out the story even more.

1- I had to get more testing for pulmonary and thyroid. All of the test came back negative YIPPPEEEEE.
2- I had to see the nutritionist for the month of April, May & June.
However, my surgery date was moved from the end of June to June 15th because the doctor was going on vacation and they were accomodating me. I was thrilled. but oh yes there is a butt. I was set to have another nutritionist appointment on June 19th. The nutritionist and the supervisors would not move my appointment up, they were so nasty about the entire procedure. They weren't trying to work with me or make any exceptions. I was very dissappointed. This was the only obstacle stopping the surgery from happening....I was devestated. Well, I called the secretary for my Dr. and she said the prettiest words that took my breath away. " Mrs. walker we submitted your paperwork to the insurance since you have six months of supervised visits"....I was like "What!".....she said , I hope to hear something from them this week.....mind you this was like four days before the surgery was to take place.


Well, halelujah!!! I was approved in one day. I was walking high in the sky.

3 - Well, I ran to get prescriptions, broth all the stuff on my list right and check this out. I get a phone call that I gotta get my medical clearance updated before the surgery. This was June 14th the wednesday. I'm freaking out you know. I go to the clinic and tell them that I just need the paperwork updated to show a more recent date. They were like oh no you gotta see a doctor to get clearance...ok somebody catch my i'm gonna faint.

Well, they all knew I was having surgery and I had been there so many times. They rushed me into to see the doctor and thankfully they wrote the medical clearance without any problems.

Well, my reward came........
Surgery day. Dr. Gorecki is wonderful...I love this man soo much.
He is just the best. God has blessed his hands. He was a great doctor. His bedside manners are impeccable. He explained everything to me, was by my side throughout the entire process. Even in the recovery and came up to see me when I discharged from the hospital which was the very next day.

I was well enough to go home and Dr. Goreck was happy with my progress so far.

I came home and it's been 14 days since surgery. The biggest obstacles are learning the rules of the pouch. I've been trying to not overdue it but did. and suffered the consequences of it. I had some cramping, constipation but they were tolerable.

I can't wait to see Dr. Gorecki at my 1 month post op.
I weighed 298 when I went in for surgery and at my 1 week visit I lost 10lbs...so I'm at 288.

ok, I'll stop by on a regular and update.....


298/288/150?.......138 to go....lawdy that's ambitious

nepo

July 12, 2006

Hello - It is good to post on here today.
God is in the Blessing business and he surely has included me in the family. I truly love the lord. You know you gotta give God the Glory...I will not do anything in my life without the Lord.

I had my 1 month post op visit today with Dr. Gorecki. I love this man...did I say that before. He is just a wonderful person and makes you feel that way too.

I weighed in at......277.....It was just a wonderful feeling to see that little marker on top go farther and farther over. The nursing assistant was just as thrilled as I was. She looked at me and said, " wow your face is different"; "in no time you are going to be a model" I was laughing and said to her hey; "I'm way too short to be a model but having a model figure is alright with me."

It was just such a good feeling to have people look at me in an appreciative way. I've always turned heads, I just have a curvy shape but know the curves are softer and not so sharp and obnoxious.

I am happy with the amount of weight that I have lost.. Some people trip out on the numbers and I'm thinking hey, as long as I look good i'm happy with that. Besides, I recalled when I was on weight watchers for six weeks I lost 20 lbs....I went to a smaller dress size...I was happy with that...to lose 21lbs in 29 days is excellent. Now that i'm cleared to do more exercises I know that the weight is going to fall off and I want to make sure that I don't have any lose skin. Although, this may not be an issue for me since i'm young.


My next plan of action for the next month is this.

1- Get 100 grams of protein per day.. going to purchase the Unjury and/or profect. I'm single and can afford to splurge on myself.

2 - Join a local gym near my house..I found one for $25 dollars a month and that works with my budget.

3 - Learn how to swim. oh, purchase a swimming suit.

4 - Totally put into action the recipes i've created from the following books; Dr. Phil, Superfoods, The healthy You.

5 - Goal for the month of August is to lose 20lbs minimum.

6 - Follow all WLS rules (supplements, vitamins, water etc.)

I am taking a vow to treat myself like a queen and what that mean is a healthy lifestyle on all levels.

Healthy Lifestyle Rules -
1 - Put God first in everthing that I do, say, think and my hands touch.

2 - Use my financial resources to pay my tithes, reduce/eliminate debt, investments, purchase my condo or house.

3 - Eliminate the negative...whatever or whoever it, they, he or she is.

4 - Surround myself with the positive....ambitious, God minded individuals


I'm totally motivated and ready to do battle. I always knew that once the weight would begin to come off that it would be a great motivator for me to pursue the things in life that my weight always inhibited me. I feel lighter and way more flexible. I plan on traveling alot more and doing all those white boy things I use to say from my fat coach potato position...... Not anymore..

Three months postop visit will happen in September. I hope to be 40lbs lighter by that time......" I can do all things through Christ whom strengtheneth me"

Se la vie
298/277/150?

September 6, 2006
Hello - it's been a while since I have been here to update and I have alot to say so please be patient with me.

Ok.....drumroll please.... I am now 40lbs lighter....yes, now listen I totally forgot that I wrote in my last post that I wanted to be 40lbs lighter by my 3rd month visit well, I am and my appointment is six days from now...I will most likely be lighter than 40lbs...I'm so thrilled, everyone can tell that I'm losing weight. I am glad that I also have no loose skin or anything like that. I don't look sick at all. I look healthy and younger.

I'm still struggling with the vitamins, protein and supplements. oh and the water...lawd help me but somedays I barely get enough in to drink.
OH and i gotta say that chicken, peanuts or peanut butter, are sadly not my biggest friend. I've had some issues with eating slower and taking my time eating, some days I can eat very well and others nothing at all.

I'm grateful for this surgery and i'm glad that I've had a wonderful post op time thus far.

The pain in my knees are virtually gone, I do have some pain still in my heal and I will go to the foot doctor and get that check out.

I amd working out alot more now but not enough. I don't really have set routine. I am still trying to get a trainer and gym that I will commit to.

Right now riding the bike, lots of walking and activity have done me really good.

ok, well I'll be back to update sooner after my appointment next week and i'm going to make sure I go tot he support group this month.

298/277/258/150???

Happy New Year!!!!!

January 5, 2007

This is my year People!!! God is in the Blessing business and I am a happily employed partner. I have so much to tell you all. I have been very busy and negelected to update it's been about four months since my last update and I wanna tell you what's been going on in my life.

Weight -

I now weigh.....235lbs!!! YIPEEE!!! I am so happy. My cloths are all but falling off of me. My face has gotten so slim that I am being mistaken for a teenager can you belive that madness...I've always looked younger than my age but a teen lordy. I am so glad that this weight hasn't makde me look like I am sick. I am healthy. I went for my three months visit today (only because my insurance was taking forever to renew and I wasn't able to see the doctor last month on the 15th. Well, I went in today and the said that my lab work was really good. My hemoglobin is up and all levels are normal. Since I was low in iron it's good to see my levels go up like that. Blood pressure is normal with a slight elevation but nothing to be concerned about. I was told to continue to take all supplements, drink only water and to take my iron pills.

Exercise -

I need to do it more! I have a bike next to my bed and it was basically good for holding clothes and my purses. well that's gonna stop..my legs are getting smaller but a little too loose for this sistuh so i'm stepping it up and riding the bike. I will be joining the gym so I can get some personal training but i'm not going over board with it.

Protein -

I don't do nothing out of the ordinary and that's the truth. I try to eat lots of food with protein first and then everything else.

Food -

I have good days and then I've got icky days. Sometimes I can eat all day with no problems and it seems as if my stomach never got hacked in half, however those days are far and few in between. I notice that foods high in fat and butter etc make me sick to my stomach. I get so nauseous. I will be eating chicken or eggs and then after tow bites I get sick to my stomach so pepcid has been a very good friend of mine.

Ok - The Love Scene

I'm getting married....... My soul mate, my true love has finally found me. I wasn't even looking for love. I was getting my life on track with the health, My Chef career, and on and on. Well I went to my borther in-law family reunion and hooked up with his cousin. It was just like the song...Our eyes met across the room and we've been hooked for each other since then. He is my world and I am his. We are planning to get married towards the end of this year and I will be leaving NY. There is so much more to say but at this time I am very happy and glad that most of all he is a man of god and I know the lord sent him to me.

Ok so I started this weight thingy at 298lbs I am know 235 which makes the grand total to date for weight loss is 64lbs... I am averaging about 10lbs a month which means by June 15th of 2007 I hope to be down by a total of 120lbs...at least 100lbs and I will be good with that.

My goal weight is 150 - 135lbs. By June I hope to be around 175lbs. I know it gets a little tough as you get closer to one year but my goal is to incorporate more exercises so that my health eating will match the exercises....crossing my fingers.

ok well i'm outta here but will be back

Stay tuned!

old me 298/Current234/150

January 30, 2006

Hello - I'm just putting in a quick update. I am not losing a whole lot right now only five pounds this month. I think part of it is due to the fact that I've been eating way too many carbs. I'm gonna do better. I really wanna drop about 60 more pounds come June 15th my anniversary date. I am also a bit concerned because I noticed when I eat i've been getting lightheaded and woosey. I don't know why.. I've been getting more nauseous I may drop by my doctor's office sometime this week. We'll see.

On a good note I went to try on wedding dresses today. Lawd I had such a good time. I believe I found THE DRESS it is just nice. I look so slim and pretty in it. It makes me look taller considering I am only 5'3. Today was my sister birthday so she went with me and then we just ate a quick lunch at TGI friday's. We didn't do too much because my birthday is next week wednesday and we are all gonna hang out (the fam) this weekend coming up.

Ok, that's about it cause I'm sleepy.

Will check back in with my weight next month because a sistuh is exercising and trying to get sleek and smooth.

catch yah later

nepo