prival66
I have pretty much struggled with weight my whole life. I was in good shape while I was in the Navy, but all we could do was work, eat and exercise on the ship. (it gets boring on the open ocean) I took up jogging and when I lived in California, that was my past time. Then...I moved back to San Antonio, Texas. Home of the best Mexican food ever.
The weight just creeped back on...I was no longer the 127 pounds I worked hard for. It wasn't that noticable at first but by the time I had realized I was gaining too much, I got pregnant. I was HUGE!! People in the grocery store would stop and ask if I was expecting twins! YIKES! I got up to about 240 pounds.
After Nathaniel was born I told myself that I was going to get serious about exercise and eating right and yada, yada, yada.
But then my husband suffered an injury and was unable to return to work. It was a constant battle with worker's comp. to get anything done...with no income on his part, the role of the provider fell on me. This was very stressful. We went from 2 incomes with a comfortable life, to 1 income and bill collectors calling the house.
For five years I supported my family, fought for my husband to get medical care, and made sure my kids were eating and going to school...As for me I was the silent victim.
Charles finally got approval for the surgery he needed and had nine surgeries in 2005. He came close to death on the last one but Thank God he's alive. He has good days and bad days, but we still have each other.
Anyway...Back to me...all this stress was killing me. My weight never changed. I have been between 230 and 237 over the last 7 years.
I started researching weight loss surgery in Jan of 2007. And continued to do so off and on the whole year.
Finally in November of 2007, I decided that it should be about me. This is it. I need to do something for myself, my health, and for my happiness. Charles agreed and has been my #1 supporter.
November 2007
Contacted Dr. Rumbaut's U.S. office and got all of my questions answered through a series of phone calls.
Got the clearance for surgery from my doctor.
Contacted Connie at Med Choice for financing. My surgery was $9500.00.
I'm starting my travel plans. I live 30 minutes from Matamoros and am planning to take a bus to Monterrey, Mexico. It is $50.00 per person round trip and 4.5 hours.
Talked to my boss...got the ok to use all of my sick leave.
Started my liquid diet.
December 2007
2nd- Got to Matamoros, bought our bus tickets and had a great trip. Luxury buses are the best!
Checked into the Hampton Inn...3 days were covered in the cost of my surgery. Very nice hotel! The beds are sooo comfy. HEB is across the parking lot so we went to buy water and soups and c-lite. Charles went to Mc Donald's since it was next door.
3rd- Hotel provided all transportation to and from MD appointments. Went to get all my pre-op testing done.
Took a taxi to Horsetail Falls with another couple. It was beautiful.
Went to see the nutritional counselor and all of the doctors. Cleared up any questions I had. Ready to GO!
4th- THE BIG DAY! I am having surgery at San Jose Hospital. The hospital is beautiful!! Marble floors, walls, leather chairs in the waiting room. WOW. Nicer than any hospital I've ever seen in the US. Charles says even the restrooms smell like apples. I'm so glad I speak Spanish...all of the doctors speak English, but not all of the nurses do.
5th- Ouch...what the?? Got pain meds?? GAS??? yup. I got excellent care. At 1:00 pm the doctor said I could check out. Shuttle came to pick us up and I rested in the hotel all day. Later that night went to the River Boat tour at the Plaza.
Whew!
6th- Charles' birthday. We took a taxi and went to the Garcia Caves...Up and Down...I have no idea what I was thinking...Oh yeah and the taxi we were in got hit by a drunk driver! Again...so glad I speak Spanish! But we were okay. Just to be sure all 4 doctors came to the hotel to check on me. Great service.
21- We came home for Christmas and everyone can't stop looking at me and smiling...it feels soooo good. I had lost 18 pounds before surgery and am down another 11 pounds. TOTAL so far 29!!! I'm still not hugry and barely taking full liquids. I am getting all of my protein and water requirements in though, so my doc says I'm okay.
January 15, 2008
I am going to get my first fill on Thursday in Monterrey. I am excited for the doctors to see my progress! I am ready and I feel great!
17- Went to the doc, got my fill under fleuro...got to see my band in action! It was sooo cool. I got 1.5 cc's. She was so proud, says I am doing everything right. Yeah! PM...Later...I had some broth, felt a little too tight especially at bedtime.
18- Called the doc, went in to have .1 cc's taken out...feel much better. I still have some swelling, but it should be better in a couple of days. We'll see.
February 28, 2008
Well, I am down 49+ pounds. I am doing great! I have lost 5" in my chest, 5" in my waist and 6" in my hips. I am wearing a size 16 pants and Large top. I am walking/jogging 2 miles three times a week. I still struggle to make good choices everyday, but I am working hard and I think I have finally learned how to deal with my band. My family saw me last week and my sister cried!! Everyone is sooo proud and my husband is the best! I am disappearing, yet no longer feel invisible! I do not feel like I need a fill right now...as I am eating only a cup of food at meal time and really do not snack that often.
