Patricia B.
11/08/04: Hi folks! My name is Pat. I have been obese since I was 17. My insurance is Great West Healthcare. I have one daughter. She is my sunshine; the reason I exist! I took a long time to make up my mind to do this. I was afraid I'd die on the table. Now, with all these co-morbidities, I'm afraid I'll die if I don't have the surgery! I have two more appointments (nutritionist & psychological) then I can submit everything to the insurance company. This was a long process. I've spoken to a few other Great West members. They all had no problem getting accepted with their first letter! I pray the same holds true for me. We'll see shortly. I'm trying to stay focused. It's difficult when everyone has an opinion on whether this is necessary. All I know is this - I will live longer to be with my child, I will be able to care for my parents, I will be able to ride a roller coaster again, and I will be able to dance again! So to all those contemplating surgery - go for it! Life is waiting for you too!
11/24/04: I had to cancel both my appointments. My legs are very swollen and one has become infected. I'll try again in December. The devil is truly busy ... and he's a liar! It'll take more than this little set back to stop me. I hope everyone has a fantastic Thanksgiving! As for me, this is my last Turkey Day before WLS. I'm gonna have a ball! Banana pudding - here I come!
12/06/04: This is a bad day. I missed my daughter's first high school chorus performance because I'm too darn fat to get there. She tried to console me but I knew she was disappointed. My legs just aren't holding up. Times like this really make me hate myself! Lord, please help me hold on just a little longer!
12/07/04: Well folks - I finally had my last two clinical appointments. The dietician was cool and cracked jokes. She had lots of helpful information but more than that she broke it down so even I could get it. She kept repeating "THIS IS DO-ABLE". The psychologist just let me ramble on a bit then she asked a few questions. I broke down and cried a few times but all in all it went well. The test was so weird. 370 questions! It wasn't hard but it sure makes you think. Now, all I have to do is wait about a week and call the insurance person at the doctor's office. My packet should be ready to send to Great West soon! Pray-Pray-Pray!
12/18/04: Yipppeee! The Psych doc says I'm not nuts! They better not ask my 15 year old for her opinion! I called for the results of the latest tests. Dr. Strickland's nurse (Mindy) is a sweetheart. Her words are always so encouraging. She said she would leave a note for the insurance clerk but that my packet should go out next week! I have an appointment with the doc 01/06/05 just to go over everything "before surgery" she said!!!! BEFORE SURGERY folks!! Doesn't that sound promising? I prayerfully believe I'll be approved with the first letter!
12/25/04: Merry Christmas! I had a great meal and enjoyed watching my family open their gifts. Best of all, my daughter came home from her Dad's so we were able to spend most of the day together after all! The rest of my family and friends are out and about visiting. As for me ... my travels are limited. My legs are terribly swollen. I won't go in to details. They look very gross. I'm having trouble walking. The pain is pretty intense. More than likely I'll be at the hospital in the morning. Gotta have some relief soon! I've already prayed, cried, moped, whined, fussed, and even cussed a little. Now - I'm more determined than ever for this to be my LAST fat Christmas!!! With God as my witness - this is IT!!!!!
01/01/05: Happy New Year! I ended up in the hospital because of my legs. Good thing - I lost 25# (water) while I was there. The news of my pending surgery spread and the hospital staff was very encouraging. No word on approval yet. Called the doc's office - closed for the holiday. The suspense is overwhelming.
01/03/05: Dr Strickland's office said still no word from my insurance. The package was sent December 20th and when she checked on December 30th it was still in review. My legs are already getting swollen again. Just 4 days out of the hosiptal. I'm worried that this problem will delay my surgery. I pray not!
01/04/05: """THANK YOU JESUS""" I was approved!!!!! At first the lady said it was denied on Dec. 30th but I could appeal. Then she said there was another entry for today. Disgusted and hurt, I was about to hang up when she asked me to hold on. When she came back she said the approval letter went out to me today!!!!! I started crying and shaking. I felt like I could barely breathe. She said, "Are you okay?" I kept telling her how happy I am. She said, "I can tell." The original surgery date was Jan 12th but the doc's office is changing it due to nutritional requirements. I should have a new date on my visit this Thursday. I'll sure let ya'll know.
* * * * SPECIAL NOTE * * * *
I want to thank the Lord for giving me the patience to WAIT. I want to thank my family for putting up with me. I pray they know what they mean to me. Especially my daughter. She's my "Angel". I want to give a special thanks to my co-workers for their faith and support. When I gave them the good news they simply said, "You didn't KNOW it was already approved? We did!" Their faith is tremendous and greatly appreciated. They have been speaking APPROVAL since this started. My manager said, "The Lord knows your heart and he will do what is best for you. Just hang on. It's already done!" Just in case you don't know, I work for World Acceptance Corporation. My supervisor, manager and co-workers are the greatest folks you'll ever meet. The company REALLY supports it's employees in family and health related matters. Their patience and encouragement is overwhelming. God Bless them all!!
01/07/05: It's been a rough few days. I went to see Dr. Strickland thinking I'd get a surgery date. I got DENIED! Not from the insurance company - by the cardiologist. When I went to him he asked some questions and listened to my heart. I gave him the Echocardiogram done in April which didn't indicate anything that would deny me. Get this - he said my "breasts are too large for him to get good pictures during testing". He said he would "not deny me but could not clear me either". He'd "leave the decision up to me and my surgeon and would send him a letter saying such." Here's the kicker - that nut didn't do ANY tests. He wouldn't even try. Then he sent a terrible letter based on NO facts or data saying that I'm too high risk. That creep took pieces of several of my sentences and put them together to suit him. He told at least two bold faced lies!! Obviously he has "breast issues". I was so angry when my surgeon told me about it. I told him I want to go forward. He said if I could get a second opinion in my favor we could go ahead. I was upset and crying by the time I got home. I went to the chat room and got a wealth of information. My WLS friends brought me back to my senses. They offered all kinds of great info. Now I have two appointments with 2 different cardiologists. I have a list of possible tests that can be (and have been) performed on big breasted WLS gals. Thank you all for your encouragement and info.
01/19/05: Here I sit, yet another doctor telling me that my medical condition is caused only by my obesity. DUH!!! No stink sherlock! Anyway - I go for my 2nd opinion with the new cardiologist this Friday. Ya'll say a prayer that he sees things my way. I went to the nutrition class yesterday. It was very informative. Lynn goes to a lot of trouble to make sure we are all on the same page and well versed in the procedures both pre and post-op. I appreciate all the effort Dr. Strickland's team puts forth. Now, all I gotta do is get a DATE!
01/23/05: Well - the heart doc set me up for a heart cath on Feb. 1st. Yipppeeeee! (He had no problem with the size of my breasts.) His staff was very professional and helpful. They did an EKG and he listened to my heart. We talked a very short time then he started explaining what a cath entails. I know the grin on my face was soooo big!! They did the blood work before I left the office and pre-registered me at the hospital! Now that's what I call a doc! He did caution me that although we are doing the cath I may not be happy with the results. I'm really NOT going there. I truthfully believe that God would not have seen me through all these hurdles to drop me on my face now. Just a little longer ... my surgeon's office said when I get the good results from the cath I should be able to get a WLS date in early March!! {{{You go girl - it's ya birthday - it's ya birthday!}}} That's what it will be. A NEW day of birth! I can hardly wait to be a great big LOSER!!!
02/06/05: The heart cath went very well. The doc went through my wrist. I strongly suggest anyone going through this - ask your doc to go thru the wrist! It's much less evassive, not painful and recovery time is much shorter. Anyway ... I'm fine. The doc told me while I was still on the table that it's a go for the WLS surgery! Can anyone say "happy tears of joy"!!!! One more hurdle. The insurance company approved the WLS but denied the filter for blood clots. DUH??? I have history of clots (so does my immediate family) and somehow they didn't think this was a necessary procedure. It's under appeal. It's been weeks and through several examiners. They told me I would have a decision this past Friday. No such luck. The young lady helping me is very nice. She said I should hear something Monday. I pray so. I'll let you tomorrow. :)
02/08/05: I'VE GOT A SURGERY DATE!!!!! (04/06/05) First of all let me say to all of you who support and encourage me - THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!! To those of you who were less than supportive, God bless you and may you one day be as happy as I am right now. Great West over-turned the filter denial. I called the surgeon's office immediately. Lisa called me back today just as she promised and gave me the surgery date. They'll do the filter on 03/25/05 then the BIG DAY!! APRIL 6, 2005.
03/02/05: I went to my support group tonight. It is amazing what one can learn just through conversation. The wealth of knowledge is astonishing. We talk very openly about the surgery and it's ups and downs but EVERYONE without exception says they would do it again a million times over ... hanging skin and all! If you don't have a group - get one! It seems that I have reached a mental plateau. Before now, it was a mad rush to get approved with the doctor appointments and insurance company battle. Now, it is quiet. Too quiet. No calls to make. No appointments. No more planning. Just WAITING! How many of you know - my timing and God's timing are set by two TOTALLY different clocks! Time is creeping along - so it seems. It would probably help if I'd quit counting the hours til surgery. {{34 1/2 days left}} (lol) Anyway, I thank the Lord that he has brought me this far. It has been a heck of a ride so far with the best is still yet to come. By the way - Thanks to all you posties who share info.
03/20/2005: It's official! I did the pre-op stuff on Friday. I've lost 22 pounds and will certainly lose more on the liquid diet in the next two weeks. Believe it or not some people, upon learning I'd lost a few pounds, actually said I should back out now - forget the surgery - and "do this on your own." What a crock! My blood pressure is up a lot but I thinks it's because of the pain in my legs and back. All else went well. All the paperwork and bloodwork is done. I'll have the filter put in on Good Friday, March 25th. Counting the days 'til the BIG DAY!
03/26/2005: The filter is in. That was truly a journey in itself. After just one boost of "joy juice" I got very sleepy so they decided to withhold any other sedative. During the procedure the surgeon had to ask for more because I was feeling some pain. My heart rate kept dropping to the low 30's. They had to keep stimulating me so I'd breathe. All complications of sleep apnea and high blood meds. More confirmation that I'm doing the right thing! No big deal though. I came out of it just fine. WLS is in 11 days! Some aggravating (but expected) news ... I gained 12 pounds back. Most of it is water weight - my legs are huge! Some of it is the "last meal" eating. Trying to get in a few of the things I will kinda miss after surgery.
04/05/2005: Tomorrow is the big day. I'm ready!
04/09/2005: I'm home! The surgeon said I did great! He was able to do it Lap! Lots of pain still. Not able to get much liquids down. Everything hurts my pouch. Doc said just keep sipping and it should get better. The folks at Lexington Medical were great. No problems with anesthesia. Not nearly as much pain as I expected. Gas is a killer. Believe me - you'll want to walk to get rid of it. Will post more later. Really tired now.
04/16/05: WOW! 10 days out! I feel great! Having much trouble with getting in the meals and liquids. I forget to eat! OMG! I never thought I'd say that! I rode my bike today for 10 minutes. I walk around in the house but afraid to go on outside walks without partner. Knees still not doing too good so I'm still on the crutches. I can already see a difference in my face and waist! No idea how much I've lost. I'll weight on my 1st post-op visit this Monday. I'm excited. I hope I've lost at least 25#. I'll be happy with whatever it is!!! Oh it is so good to be alive!! More later ..... :)
04/18/05: WOW, WooHoooo, and OMG!!! 12 days out and 49 pounds gone. I started crying when the nurse read the scale! I got off the scale then told her I wanted to look again! Even the nurse was getting teary eyed! The surgeon took my staples out.(Ouch)It wasn't as bad as I thought. I talked the whole time trying to take my mind off what he was doing! I was so excited about my progress that I forgot to ask when I could go back to work! I go back to doc in 6 weeks.
04/19/05: Went to the Coumadin clinic for blood work. All levels are great. Next test in 2 weeks then I'm done with blood thinners. One less pill to take. Great!
04/20/05: Oh crap!! I feel really bad. I ate too much. I really wish I'd throw up! No luck yet. Never thought I'd say that! I was warned about this. I should have listened. Do yourselves a big favor. MEASURE YOUR PORTIONS! This sucks! I didn't drink much either. Hard head makes a soft A** is sooo true! I rode my bike today. I didn't get far. My knees still hurt a lot and straining to push the pedals kinda hurt my side. I'd better hold off on that a bit. I'll just ride my incline cycle inside since it's less stressful to the knees. Gotta go. I think it's time :( Oh well, I guess you live - you learn. I always did have a hard head! Later .........
05/06/05: ONE MONTH ANNIVERSARY! Lost 56 pounds so far. I talked to some folks about this plateau. Apparently my body has decided it's confused so the scale won't move. The funny thing is I'm still losing inches. (I can tell by my clothes.) Go figure!
I joined the YMCA. I go to Aqua fitness classes. It's great, however, the warm water messed with my high blood pressure and I almost passed out when I tried to get out of the pool. I just have to take it easy. I exercised over 2 hours my first time. PCP says I over did it. No whirl pool or sauna until BP is under control. Rats!
05/07/05: GREAT NEWS!! The lump in my breast is no problem. It was just puffy lymph nodes. Should go away after my body settles down and gets used to the changes. What a tremendous relief!
06/14/05: 11 weeks out and 70 pounds GONE!!! Lots of inches gone. I neglected to measure myself prior to surgery so I'll never know exactly how many inches are gone. I'm just glad they're going! I'm still having a little problem getting in all the protein and enough water. I suppose as time goes on I'll get the hang of it. I've finally done a better job of figuring out what 'full' is. Lots less throwing up when you figure it out! lol. My family and friends are astounded at the difference in me. I rarely use the crutches in the house or at work. My knees are still very painful but my back is getting a lot better. I can feel myself getting stronger. It's so very exciting! Just think, soon I will be able to dance again! I went to Paramount's Carowinds in NC over the weekend. I still can't fit on the coasters but I had a ball on the water rides. Of course there are still folks who said something about the fat lady on the ride but this time it didn't bother me as much because I know what progress I've made. The joke is on them. I'll do more later. Right now---protein time.
08/08/05: I had my 4 month anniversary on the 6th. **92 pounds gone** I fluctuate 2 to 5 pounds depending on water retention. My legs still swell some but not nearly as bad a before. The open wounds on my legs have all healed! I'm still self conscious about the scars but I wore a pair of shorts. My daughter and I were at the beach for 4 days. I had so much fun! I cried when I fit in the Ripley's 4D Theater ride. I walked with my crutches (for stability) from the hotel, across the street, and to the beach without the electric scooter. It was a great feeling of freedom! Life is just beginning!! I can hardly wait!
05/15/05: Here's one of the bad things that sometimes happens to bypass patients. My 15 year relationship is over. He can't stand all the new attention I get and I can't stand being treated less than. Guys & girls ... take it from me - get counselling. I wish we could have. He refused. Of course all the blame was put on me because I've "changed". I guess I finally figured out that I was more than just a fat cow afterall. Good luck to all of you.
07/27/05: I went out dancing tonight. I met new friends and had a great time. It was so awesome not to be the center of attention because I wieghed so much but rather because of my moves. lol
10/2005: I've lost 119. I feel so much better. I can do things with my child like never before. I've found a best friend. Someone who likes me just for me. It's great!!
11/20/05: Happy Birthday to ME!!! I'm 45. I feel 25 and look ... well lets not go there. But I do look a whole lot better. It's harder controlling the portions. I want to experiment & go where I really shouldn't. Guess what? I spent lots of time at the toilet for it. Do yourselves a favor ... don't EVEN go there. Stay on course. It's a lot less painful. Not really looking forward to Thanksgiving. Kinda worried about my will power. I'll just chat with you guys and go to my meetings with my WLS family for support. I'll learn a lot from our group Christmas party. Nothing like having all those like minds together for moral support. AMEN!
12/25/05: Merry Christmas. My friends and family from out of town don't even know me. It's so cool to have someone say where's Pat while I'm standing right beside them. I went to Carowinds in Charlotte to see the Christmas lights with my daughter. We cried together as WE WALKED from the parking lot through the gates. My daughter is so happy and proud of me. We had a ball.
01/01/06: Happy New Year! I made it through the holidays unscathed. Looking forward to a new year with a new life. By the way, Splenda is a great product.
04/03/06: My Daddy passed away on the 3rd. He's been sick a while but it was still very unexpected. I never got the chance to take him fishing. Do yourselves a favor ... start living now. Make plans and goals and stick to them. Time stands still for no one. I will miss my Daddy! He was very proud of me.
07/27/06: It's the one year anniversary of my friendship with Robert. We are so close. He's been tough on me and keeps me focused. No pitty parties on his watch. We all need a friend like this. He's a Godsend! We go to football & basketball games, movies, out to dinner, drag races, Carowinds, & the Zoo. I've gone more places and done more things in the past year than I have my entire FAT life. Keep going folks. There is one heck of a pot of gold at the end of the WLS rainbow. God's speed to you all.
9/29/06: I've lost 225#. I had my tummy tuck 9/27/06. It's wasn't bad at all. I just feel like I have on a permanent girdle! lol Not having that flab hanging on me is so liberating. Now to get the arms, legs, butt, & boobs done. Not hardly ... but it's a dream. The insurance company turned me down for all those things. They paid for the tummy. No complaints. I just bought some new clothes. Size 16/18. WoooHooo!!!!!!!!!
10/30/06: Oh well ... it can't all be glory. I got the hernia and adhesions that some WLS folks get. It hurts like heck but the surgery to correct it was not bad at all. Dr. Strickland knew what was wrong right away and took care of it the very next day. He did it LAP. Down to 185 ... that hospital food knocked off another 10#.
I feel great today. Oh yeah ... Last week Robert (best friend) was watching me eat. He said he just couldn't do it ... you know ... eat so little and be happy especially on holidays. I told him when I could eat a house full of food it didn't make me happy - it nearly killed me. (I've lost a little over 100# since I met him.) Get this ... he said, "you were beautiful with the weight and you are still beautiful without it." Girls - do I have to tell you my head got so big and my heart got so full. I have waited ALL MY LIFE to hear those words. Ok - enough of that - I'm starting to get emotional. :)
11/13/06: I met a new friend today, Jerome. He's a great guy. He's a lot younger than me but it doesn't seem to bother him. We danced all night long. Some girls in their 20's said aloud "what's that old woman doing out here" and laughed. You see - they don't know where I've been & where I've come from nor where I'm headed. They sat down after a few songs. I was still droppin it like it's HOT! Life is sooo great. My birthday is next week. I'll be 46. I feel 26. People tell me all the time I look 36. FINALLY I get "girl you look good" instead of "you got such a pretty face & pretty eyes".
12/29/06: Jerome and I went shopping. He asked if he could pick out my outfit for the News Years Eve gathering. I NEVER would have picked the outfit he did. I was looking in the 'fat' clothes section for something loose and comfy. He chose a gorgeous form-fitting blouse and a pair of fitting SIZE 16 pants (down from a size 34 I might add). I looked at him like he was nuts. Reluctantly I tried it on. For the first time in my life I looked in the mirror and said, "Damn - you look good" to my own self! I've tried it on at home 3 more times just to look at myself in amazement. It's amazing how God put someone new in my life to show me that I am a beautiful person on the outside too ... Thanks to HIM.
01/02/07: HAPPY NEW YEAR! I had a blast last night. Jerome proudly introduced to people as his "girl". He's a truly wonderful friend. Always trying to keep me uplifted. We danced all night then went to Huddle House. I had a few bites of philly cheese steak. We laughed for hours with our friends. You know ... it was wonderful to have fun without having to be the happy fat lady or without worrying about awkwardly getting in & out of the booth. This year is going to be a winner. I can already tell!
04/03/07: Today is a rough one. The 1 year anniversary of my Dad's passing. It helps for me to believe he can still see me making progress and keeping it real. I still try to make him proud in everything I do. My Momma is proud of me too. This has been rough on her worrying about me. She has always supported me no matter what. Everybody - do yourselves a favor - make sure you have someone in your life to support you whole-heartedly. They don't necessarily have to agree with you but just BE THERE! It's important.
06/23/07: Another company picnic at Paramounts Carowinds in Charlotte, NC. I loved it! My daughter and I played like two kids. We rode every coaster and I finally got on a water slide!!! Jerome jumped off too fast and dumped me head over heals in the bottom of the wading pool at the end of the ride. I popped up laughing. It was a little rough on the ole knees going up all those stairs but I could breathe and made it fine. I can't wait to do it again!! It felt good seeing people look at me and me not be ashamed of it. If I must say so myself I look good in my swimsuit. Of course I wear longr spandex pants to hide the upper legs but I feel comfortable walking around in front of hundreds of people with shorts & a swim suit. I never in a million years thought I would say or do that.
07/12/07: Today I found out I have to have my right knee replaced for sure. (9/20/07 is the surgery date) No problem though. I knew it was coming. All the years of being morbidly obese took it's toll on my legs. I'll have to have the other one done next year. Speaking of all those years - I haven't mentioned lately how the sleep apnea is gone, the asthma is gone, the venous stasis disease in my legs is gone, the blood pressure is much better and ***guys close your eyes *** Ladies -- the S*X is GREAT!!! When I say my WHOLE life changed - I mean my WHOLE life. Keep that in mind folks - soon you'll be able to be "close to the one you're with" like the song says. Holla :)~
08/04/07: I want to tell my sister, Pam in Ohio Happy Birthday. Even though we live hundreds of miles apart she has been a definite source of comfort. Although she too was very concerned about the WLS she took time to educate herself and then encourage me. She has often told me that she's proud of me. That's important people. Educate your family. It will ease many of their fears. Lack of knowledge can perpetuate great fear. Help them understand the process. Don't forget the kids. Take them with you (if it's age appropriate) to meetings and doctor appointments. Let them ask the doctor questions. Explain what changes they will see soon. I did all that for my daughter. Now when she goes with me to my WLS monthly meetings she finds herself trying to "counsel or advise" other kids/teens who may be there. It's so cool to see her in that capacity. I would not have made this journey without her. To tell the truth I did it for her. I wanted to be here to see her grow and live a fruitful life. At 440 pounds that wasn't likely to happen. Now we have lots more time to enjoy one another. I love her with all me heart. She is truly the "wind beneath my wings".
Speaking of WLS meetings. If your surgical group offers one - GO GO GO!!! I've only missed 2 meetings in 2 1/2 years and that was due to illness. Lots of us have dropped out. Believe me ... you need the input of others like you. Your WLS sisters and brothers can share invaluable information that even your doctor can't give you because they've been there done that! You may have some helpful information that could help someone through a very rough time in their journey. I know there have been times you had to learn something the hard way that you sit back and wish someone would have told you about that. Find a WLS support group. Stay here on OH.com. We have to stick together and support and educate. I love all my WLS family. Together we can help others make a decision to save their lives.
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My WLS Goals & Date Done ****Surgery Date 4/3/2005*****
(this is very therapeutic - everyone should try it)
1. go to bathroom & actually reach, w/o struggling ... 4/19/05
2. stand up during whole shower ... 6/25/05
3. fit all the way down in the tub ... 05/25/06
4. take tub bath & get out w/o help ... 05/25/06
5. sit in a regualr chair with arms ... 4/18/05
6. fit in the car w/o swinging in ... 1/11/06
7. sit in a restaurant booth comfortably ... 8/5/05
8. have daughter not ashamed of me ... I guess I underestimated her - she said she was never ashamed of me !!
9. not have people stare at me ... 10/05
10. have daughter hug me & actually feel it ... 11/20/05
11. be able to get on ground & know I can get up ... 6/15/06
12. walk to daughter's chorus program at school ... 05/16/05 !!!
13. tie my shoes while bending down ... 06/19/05 (cried too)
14. walk through a turnstile & fit ... 10/18/05
15. walk up stairs & not be out of breath ... 11/06
16. walk up stairs normally & not one at a time ... 8/4/05
17. go to a movie & sit in a regular seat ... 05/21/05
18. get off crutches completely ... 09/05
19. jump on trampoline (had it 7 years) ... still too scared for this
20. walk to the fishing hole ... 04/28/06
21. put on panty hose alone ... 05/1/05
22. Dance again! ... 07/27/05
23. walk around mall without breaking a sweat ... 10/05
24. successfully ride a bike again ... too scared for this one too
25. go camping with daughter ... 09/20/06
26. have fun on the beach - unashamed ... 05/07
27. go to a gym ... 4/20/05 joined the Y
28. get on a rollercoaster again ... 06/06
29. go to a water park ... 6/11/05 no slides yet :( water slide 06/07 & it was great!!!
30. play ball with daughter ... 08/2005
31. ride a jet ski ... 06/07
32. buy first pair of jeans since 11yrs ago ... 7/29/05
33. walk around zoo & swan lake with daughter ... 06/2006
34. walk around block with daughter ... 05/2006
35. buy clothes under size 30 ... 7/29/05
36. buy clothes under size 20 ... 09/2006; Size 16 12/06
37. weigh under 300# ... 10/2005
38. weigh under 200# ... 09/2006
39. shop in JC Penney for a dress ... 05/2006
40. get groceries w/o electric scooter ... 9/2005
41. shop walmart w/o electric scooter ... 10/2005
42. wear favorite purple dress (saved 5yrs/still in style) ... just bought new clothes instead .. yippeeee!
43. see my jawline ... 5/2006
44. bunjee jump ... 06/2006 (sky cable at Carowinds - a blast!)
45. take my mom on a long trip ... planning for 2007
46. clean house w/o having to rest every few minutes ... 5/2005
47. take my dad fishing on the boat ... he died 04/3/06 before I had a chance to take him - God Bless You Daddy.
48. mow the lawn & use chainsaw again ... 7/2006
49. have tummy tuck ... 9/27/06 (get headlights done next ... lol)
50. LOVE LIFE AGAIN ! ! ! I started loving life again the day I had surgery. I was so proud of myself for finally doing something positive & taking control of my own life. Today, 10/30/2006, I can honestly say I am the happiest I've ever been with myself. I still have a ways to go but God knows I've come even further than I could have ever dreamed. To all of you starting on this journey - do it for YOU! For those of you who are post-op - keep on keeping on, don't give up and ENJOY. God Bless You All. Patricia B.
