ronascott
See BLOG for most recent entries!!!!
8/06/00 I've spent my life hearing people say "You have such a pretty face". What does that mean? The rest of me is ugly? I am hoping to have surgery for several reasons -- I never want "X" to be a part of my dress size again -- I never want anyone to rub my stomach and ask me when the baby is due again -- I want to go up the 14 steps to my supervisor's office without huffing and puffing -- I don't want to be diabetic -- I want to go to Six Flags and not have to spend time thinking up creative reasons to tell my friends and family when they ask me to get on a ride that I'm scared I won't fit in -- I want to shop in "any" store without worrying if they have clothes that will fit me -- I want to be able to lean over and tie my shoes without shifting my stomach out of the way -- I want my doctor to find valid explanations for symptoms instead of dismissing everything from a bladder infection to an ingrown toenail with "all you need to do is lose some weight" -- I want to look in the mirror and see the person inside who's been looking out for so long -- I want to drive with my foot instead of my tippy toes because I have to move the seat back to accomodate my stomach -- I want to be "normal" as I perceive normal -- I want to live to see grandchildren one day...am I asking too much? No way.
I've spent alot of years learning to love and accept myself the way I am. Now that I do - I feel that I am ready to graduate from caterpillar and shed my coccoon and be a butterfly. Society has squashed me for so long....for some unknown reason people feel that it is acceptable to scorn and chastise those of us who are overweight. You would never think of telling someone - Boy - your face sure looks bad as a result of that teenage acne! But people don't hesitate to say - Boy - you sure have put on alot of weight! And would we suggest that a cancer survivor feel bad about having breast reconstruction surgery? Gosh no! But how many people would tell us.....Surgery??!! Why don't you just go on a diet? Well.....the reason is the same that cancer survivors won't just stuff their bra - we deserve more and finally we are getting it!!!
Pray for me that my surgery will be approved. My doctor, Dr. Clements, is a good and kind man. He had the ability to make me feel good about myself instead of making me feel inferior because of my weight. I have submitted my request to Blue Cross and I pray that they will help me save my life.
09/01/00 Oh my gosh!!! I got approved. I wouldn't let myself get excited but it happened after only 2 weeks. I find out my exact surgery date this coming Tuesday. My best advice is this: Be really nice and REALLY persistent with your insurance company!!!
9/05/00 Well darn, now I'm frustrated. I am approved and the insurance lady at my doctor's office has spoken with Blue Cross and confirmed that approval but they won't make my appointment until they actually have my approval in writing. GRRRRR!!! Actually it's just a way for me to learn patience. Hopefully I'll have my date in just a few days. Whew!!
9/12/00 It was kind of funny that I got my approval letter yesterday and when I immediately called the doctor's office to make the appointment I found out that the lady who makes the appointments was out of the office. Talk about Murphy's law. Anyway, I have my second appointment with Dr. Clements in 1 week and surgery will be 3 to 4 weeks from that day. So.....I'll be on the other side within 6 weeks. I feel like I'm flying!! Back in a week with an exact date!!! Thanks to my angels Jacy and Kara...you truly are angels!!
9/22/00 FRUSTRATION!!!! There must be a reason that I am forced to learn all this patience!! :) I didn't have my appointment last Wednesday to schedule surgery because my doctor had to have emergency surgery (get well soon!!). When the office called to reschedule me the wanted to make my appointment toward the end of the first week of October. I told them that there was no way I could wait that long. I mean really, my initial appointment was July 5. But, then I had to stop and think that some people wait a year for this and that this surgery was not the most important thing in the doctor's office staff's lives like it was mine. So, whew - attitude adjustment time. They ended up scheduling me for next Wednesday so hopefully I'll get my surgery date then. Patience is a virtue.
9/26/00 Well, tomorrow is the big scheduling day - say a prayer that all goes well. My patience is wearing thin (and thin is where I want to be). Will update tomorrow.
9/27/00 I GOT IT!!! I'm having my surgery October 26, 2000. That's only 4 weeks from tomorrow. I'm so excited!! Dr. Clements said to tell everyone that he was recovering well from his surgery and he was rather impressed that we all knew he'd had surgery!! Less than a month - WOW! Guess I'll get started on the pre-op stuff....buying food, vitamins, pretty robe, etc. I'll be reborn in less than a month. Miracles really do happen.
10/10/00 I'm surprised that I'm not more anxious than I am. I thought I'd be paranoid about something happening and the surgery being postponed but I'm not. I thought time would pass so slow but it's just flying by. I even thought I'd have so many questions and concerns that I'd be updating my profile every couple of days to express them but I don't. I have such peace of mind about this. I know this is so right. One of the best things I've done (and I encourage everyone interested in WLS to do this) is go into the chat room. You don't have to chat or be a computer wizard. Lots of times I just sit back and watch and learn. I've gotten so many helpful tips (if you take meds with sugar free/fat free whipped cream it doesn't fill up your new tummy so much, take a body pillow to the hospital, etc). Only 16 more days!!! Can you feel me smiling? The joy is immeasurable.
10/19/00 One week to go. WOW!! Time is going by so fast. Just can't say enough about how supportive and wonderful my angels are....Congrats to Jacy on the incredible weight loss AND Congrats to Kara on FINALLY getting approved (what will we talk about on the phone now?). Thank you Terri (my sister)for all the silly cards and being almost as excited as I am. Thank you Donna Lee for calling me and being so, so sweet. The support received by members and visitors to the AMOS sight is second to none. I never realized we were such a "family" type group. I'm not scared or nervous or anxious or having second thoughts or anything. I have such a peace about it. This time next week I'll be on the other side. I CAN'T WAIT! :)
10/29/2000 I made it to the other side!!! It wasn't the experience I'd hoped for but I am still as sure as ever that it's the right decision for me. I was scheduled for LAP but 45 minutes into the procedure they had to switch to open. Seems my liver is terribly large (haven't investigated that yet). Am so tired...........will update more tomorrow..........
11/03/00 Well tomorrow turned into 4 days later......I am up and about and have been giving lots of thought about what to say about my surgery. I would never want to discourage ANYONE and want to assure everyone that my surgical situation and hospital stay was very UNIQUE. Surgery was one week ago today and I have lost 11 pounds. I am up and about and with the exception of having tremendous difficulty sleeping, I'm doing pretty good. As I said, my procedure was converted from LAP to Open. It looks like I have a zipper in my tummy. I learned about the surgery conversion in the recovery room. I heard them discussing it. I was awfully disappointed. I didn't have an NG tube (thank you GOD) but had a drain tube in my stomach and an IV. No catheter. Around midnight I began to experience the need to go to the bathroom. I'd already waited over 2 hours for pain meds. My husband helped me to sit up and I hobbled into the bathroom. This seemed to be a trend for my 4 day hospital stay. NOT ONCE during my hospital stay did a nurse or nurses aid: Offer any instruction or assistance in using the bathroom.
Bring pain meds within 45 minutes of requesting it.
Change my sheets (I lay on bloodied sheets for 4 days).
Offer me a bath (Nor did I have towels or washcloths).
I was never told to sit up in a chair.
I was never told to walk in the halls at all.
They tried to intimidate me into eating ham and spinach and
scalloped potatoes on the 3rd day.
So....why, you ask, didn't we top the timbers and raise cain? Well, in some areas we did (pain meds) and in others it wasn't worth it (bloodied sheets). My wonderful, wonderful, supportive husband stayed with me 24 hours a day and we used good sense and made it through on our own. My husband asked me just yesterday -"what if we hadn't had the internet?" It's true. If I'd not had the ability to research the surgery and recovery we would have been completely lost. But I knew I needed to walk in the hospital and spend time sitting up. I knew that ham was not acceptable for the 3rd day after surgery. I tearfully explained everything to my doctor, who I still think is THE BEST!! I tried to convince myself that I wasn't treated negligently in the hospital just because I was fat, surely they must treat other patients negligently too. Frankly, I don't know the reason. I just know that I learned alot. If I had it to do over again I'd have asked my doctor to wait in my room while they called the charge nurse and we all addressed my issues one by one. Let's face it, it's not hard to prove that I was laying on bloodied sheets and had no washcloths, towels or personal hygiene items in my bathroom. But, pain, disbelief, depression, etc. made me keep my mouth shut. I don't feel that way anymore. I encourage you all to investigate your hospital as throroughly as you investigate your doctor. If you find questionable issues, discuss them with your doctor. Finally, if you are treated inappropriately - PUT THE WORD OUT!! Negative publicity can go a long way in improving a bad situation. After my experience I've heard from literally dozens of people that they, too, had similar experiences there. So.....CARRAWAY METHODIST MEDICAL CENTER IN BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA......if you're listening....I'm putting the word out about your substandard nursing care and we're not gonna take it anymore!!!
Well, that's enough about all that. Because, I'm going to be fine in spite of it all. I deserve it and you do too!!
11/07/2000 Well, not much to update. I'm doing really good. I go to the doctor a week from today to get the staples out (YAY!!) . I did dump last Friday. Let me tell you - IT WAS AWFUL AND I RECOMMEND DOING ANYTHING IN THE WORLD TO AVOID IT!!!
I ate a little beef, knowing it was too soon, and my body really punished me. This may sound strange though, I'm thankful for those boundaries. It makes me behave. Happy day to you all.
11/12/2000 27 1/2 pounds gone forever!! Yippeeeee! I go to the doctor on Tuesday. I hope I'm on track! It's been easy and hard at the same time. No regrets though.
12/01/2000 Wow!! Has it been that long since I updated? I can't believe it. I'm doing well in spite of some complications. I developed a staph infection (not surprising considering the poor after surgery care I received). I now have a drain in my abdomen which my husband must change twice a day until the end of December. Please don't let this discourage you. I know it's just a temporary setback and I still am 100% committed to finding my way to good health, good appearance, good life, etc. I HAVE LOST 38 POUNDS!!! Can you imagine? I am able to eat just about anything. Went out to dinner last night and had Mexican. YUM!! I had only about 4 bites of chicken and about 8 or 10 chips with salsa or cheese dip. I was very satisfied. Nowadays when I see someone eat a normal size meal I'm always amazed at the amount of food they consume. I'm satisfied with so little.
Thanks to all my family and friends for their ongoing support. I've heard people say this surgery is not a magic pill.....it's a tool. Let me tell you, it's both. If you will listen to your body and put forth the effort, you'll make it. 38 Pounds!!!
12/17/00 42 pounds gone forever!!! The infection is about the same - no better no worse. Wade packs the opening in my incision twice a day. (Icky) It doesn't hurt but it's more of an annoyance, really. I still don't regret the surgery but I sure am anxious to get better. I've been stuck at 42 pounds since my last update but plateaus are to be expected. Boo Hoo. This will be a happy Christmas for the new me and my family.
12/30/00 44 pounds history!!! I am doing well. The incision closed but started to get inflamed and painful and I just knew I was headed for trouble again. Dr. Clements didn't really open it back up - he just sort of irritated it with a Q-Tip (sounds worse than it was) and it opened up and started draining and now the inflamation and pain is gone. Whew!! I'm so very careful about keeping it clean so I can't figure out why it wants to stay infected. Oh well. It's been 9 weeks since my surgery and I feel so good. I have normal blood sugar, my arthritis has all but disappeared and I can actually walk up a flight of stairs without huffing and puffing. My life is very, very good. I am basically back to normal in that I can pretty much eat anything but I am VERY limited as far as the quantity I can eat....and that's just fine with me. I'm still enjoying having those boundaries. In spite of my terrible surgery/hospital experiences I'd do it all over again tomorrow. "Normal" is just over the horizon and I'll be there soon. It has been so "worth it". Never give up!
1/16/01 Almost 12 weeks since surgery and I'm doing great. The infection is finally GONE!!!! I've lost 48 pounds. The weight loss has stayed slow and I attribute that to not exercising and not getting enough protein. I started Jazzercise yesterday and went again today. I'm on a schedule of 4 times a week and I think that will really kick up my metabolism. I'm working on the protein thing. The drinks are simply not tolerable to me. YUCKO!! I admire the folks who can drink them but I simply can't. I have discovered a protein bar that has 24 grams of protein but also has 23 grams of sugar. I worked it into my nutrition plan and the sugar doesn't seem to have affected me. So maybe now I'm on the right track and will lose a little faster. I have gone from a size 24 top and 26 bottom to a 14/16 top and an 18 or 20 bottom. If you think you need a "shot in the arm" just start trying on clothes. I felt like a princess when I started attempting to wear smaller clothes. I was so hesitant about it but the 24/26 things were falling off me and looking so sloppy. I never thought I'd have gotten into a 20, let alone a 14/16. Life is good. If you are reading this and considering surgery, all I can say is....it's the greatest gift you will ever give yourself!!! I'm a LOSER and proud of it!!!
1/27/01 Stuck again!! Still at 48 pounds. That's ok though. When I feel that it's coming off so slow I remind myself that I've lost 48 pounds is less than 3 months. Not too bad, huh? We are starting a support group for Birmingham & central Alabama. I'm looking very forward to this. I worry alot that I am eating too much, about 1000 calories a day. I shouldn't worry about this - 1000 calories a day will only support 85 pounds........so, it may be coming off slow but it's definitely gonna come off sooner or later. This loser still has no regrets!
2/03/01 Finally made it to 50 pounds!!! Every day I discover something new about myself. It's sort of funny. The dog can sit in my lap - 3 months ago I didn't even have a lap. My husband and I can stand straight up and have a kiss - 3 months ago he had to lean over my stomach to kiss me. My watch slides halfway to my elbow on my arm and I can't wear any of my rings. It's such an exciting journey. I've even tucked my shirt in a few times!! It's my hope to make it to 60 pounds by March 1st - I think that might be a stretch but I'm really going to work at it!!
2/10/01 52 Pounds!! I made it into my "goal" jeans. Size 18 and comfortable!! WOW!! I'm so excited!! This is one of the best things I've ever done for myself. Losing really is winning!
2/14/01 Haven't weighed since my last update. I'm trying to weigh only every 10 days now. I have learned in the past few days that even after 3 1/2 months that food still has a tremendous grip on me. For the past few days I can't seem to think about anything but food. I haven't blown it but it's so consuming. I've been keeping a journal and this helps. I'm sure it's all part of the journey we must take to find the "normal" in ourselves. And, even though it doesn't feel like it right now, I'm convinced that I can, in fact, survive without Creme Filled Little Debbie Oatmeal Cakes. :)
2/18/01 55 Pounds!!! Only 5 pounds to go to make my March 1st goal. Can it be done? Hmmmmmmmm I kinda doubt it but I still won't be dissapointed. I'm more than half way to my final goal!!
2/24/01 56 Pounds !!! But only 4 days to go lose 4 more pounds by my March 1st goal. Oh well, I'm not worried if I don't quite make it. Had our first support group meeting yesterday. It was GREAT!! My hair is falling out by the handfuls. This is a bit distressful but Wade and I went to a wig store and I bought an extension. Actually it's more than an extension but less than a wig. Does that make sense? Instead of feeling sad about wearing a "wig" I ended up feeling pretty. My 16 year old son said I even looked "young" and "hot". WOW!! No regrets for this old girl!!
3/3/01 57 Pounds Gone Forever!!! It's coming off alot slower now but I'm excited that it's still coming off. It's very easy to keep it in perspective. I didn't make my March goal but that's ok. I seem to be losing it slower than some folks I read about here but that's ok too. Yesterday someone told me that my jeans looked like a family of 4 had moved out of the seat of them. My size 18 jeans are getting baggy. Talk about a thrill!! I haven't been a size 16 in over 20 years and it looks like I might be down to a 16 in a couple of weeks. :) I'm loving my hair extension/wig. It's not a hassle at all and everyone knows there's something different about me but they seem to have a hard time figuring it out. When I tell them it's an extension they can't believe it. Some days I feel like a princess living out a beautiful dream. I've had a bit of a grazing problem lately but have been able to limit it to pretzels so I'm not doing any big "no no's". Still glad to be a loser!!
3/11/01 I MADE IT AND ONLY 11 DAYS LATE BUT ONE POUND EXTRA!! What is all this screaming about you ask? I've lost 61 pounds. I didn't make my March 1st goal of 60 pounds but I'm not too far off and even have an extra pound in there. :) I bought a pair of 16 jeans yesterday. Took them home, tried them on and THEY FIT!! AND I COULD EVEN STILL BREATHE!! Actually they are a bit snug but nothing unbearable. It's funny, I didn't want to weigh yesterday because I just felt like I hadn't lost anything. I just felt bloated and icky. It's probably due to the ongoing problem I have with constipation. I hope to have some good advice about this when I see the doctor next week. Anyway - when I got up this morning I decided I needed to keep on schedule and weigh myself so I headed for Winn Dixie (I weigh at the grocery store because they have more reliable scales and I don't weigh every day like I would if I had scales in the house). You can imagine my surprise when it said 168. I felt like skipping all the way to my car. I feel like shouting from the roof tops. When we were looking at clothes yesterday my husband kept showing me things and I'd wrinkle my nose up and shake my head. He finally said "You used to like clothes like this". I quietly told him, almost feeling embarrassed, "I want clothes that look younger." Not teeny bopper stuff at all - just not matronly stuff either. I want to spread my wings. I think he got a kick out of this. My mother-in-law and her mom and sister are coming for a visit next weekend from Texas. It will be interesting to see their reaction. They don't know I've had surgery. For years I've always been the biggest person to be at any of my husband's family get togethers. Now I'll be just like everyone else. It will be GREAT!! I've already said it before but I'll say it again - if you're reading this and considering weight loss surgery - do it!! Take that step. It's just the greatest thing!!
03/22/01 Went to the doctor - stuck this week at 168 but that's ok. Dr. Clements said I was doing GREAT and he was so sincere that I genuinely believe this man gets alot of pleasure from helping people find their way to good health and being normal. He also actually thanked me for stirring up a hornet's nest with the hospital when they didn't treat me properly after surgery. He said my campaign to improve surgery aftercare at Carraway Hospital had really made a difference. He said his only regret is that there wasn't good aftercare when I was in the hospital. It touched me tremendously and only served to reaffirm that I made the right choice when I chose weight loss surgery. My jeans are getting looser and I've even had a couple of little old ladies say "honey, you don't really need to lose any more weight". Of course I still do need to lose 39 pounds but that's ok because I only get happier every day.
3/24/01 Had a fun weekend with Wade's mom and aunt and grandmother here from Texas!! Went out to eat and stayed in complete control. I still experience a few days a month where food is the only thing I can think about - will it ever go away? I doubt it. I'm down 2 pounds since Tuesday. HOORAY!! That makes 63 pounds gone forever with 37 more to go!!
3/31/01 3 more pounds gone forever!! This must be my lucky month. I've experienced GREAT weight loss this month. I credit it to one thing, too.......I started drinking protein drinks. In the short time that I've been drinking protein drinks I've really seen an increase in the weight loss!! I'm now down 66 pounds with 34 to go!! My mom took me shopping and I tried on X-Larges and they were all too big. I bought 3 dresses, all size Large. WOW!! I tried on several pairs of shoes and find that I'm down from an 8 to a 6 1/2. Even after 5 months, this journey is as exciting today as it was the very first day!!! I LOVE BEING A LOSER!!
4/7/01 2 more pound are OUTTA HERE!! I'm feeling great and have only 32 pounds to go!! Maybe in the next couple of weeks my BMI will even move into the 20's. It's 30.4 right now. WOW!! What a change from 44 huh? Took some family photos last week. I usually hide behind the camera but this time I jumped right in the group. It was such fun! I'm happier every day!!
4/15/01 2 pounds lost this week make a total of 70 pounds that are GONE GONE GONE for GOOD GOOD GOOD!! Today is Easter and my dress was a size 12. Boy! What a change from last year when my Easter dress was a size 26. I saw lots of folks I hadn't seen in several months because we went to church with my parents. I have to say - all the attention was dizzying!! Everybody kept saying - "Wow, what have you done? How much weight have you lost?" It's not something that gives you an inflated sense of importance but instead it's something that makes you feel that your sacrifices and efforts are truly worth it. I had another milestone today too. I ran to the store to buy pantyhose this morning (I'd been wearing ankle length roomy dresses for the last 20 years so who needs pantyhose? I just wore knee highs). Instead of having to buy JUST MY SIZE 3X or 4X I was able to buy Leggs Silken Mist Panty Hose. Who would've imagined that pantyhose could make you cry? I was normal and bought normal pantyhose for the first time in a very, very long time. I never knew such little things could bring me so much happiness. 30 pounds to go and being a LOSER just gets better and better!
4/22/01 1 More pound Gone Forever for a total of 71 pounds outta here. I can't imagine only needing to lose 29 pounds. Joy Joy!!
4/29/01 Still going S - L - O - W! But it's still going so I can't complain!! Lost 1 pound this week for a total of 72 pounds. Got some new clothes yesterday. Sizing in clothes is funny isn't it? I bought one dress size medium - one dress size Extra Large - one pair of pants size 13/14 and one pair of shorts size 12. :) So I figure I'm somewhere between a size huge and a size not so huge. Ha Ha. I'm learning that satisfaction when I look in the mirror is what's most important. 28 pounds to go!!!
05/06/01 2 More pounds gone for a total of 74 pounds that are GONE FOREVER!! It just keeps getting better - what more can I say? Thank you Lord!!!
5/19/01 3 More pounds have been whittled away for a total of 77 pounds. I lost 14 pounds before surgery and I find that I'm claiming that too. I tell folks that I've lost 77 pounds since surgery and 14 prior to surgery for a total of 91 pounds. That's not cheating is it? :) Had our support group today and the people are so wonderful and uplifting. I feel really honored to have been able to have this surgery and to know these great folks.
5/27/01 What an amazing day!! Weighed in this morning at 150 pounds. That's a loss of 79 pounds. For some reason being at 150 pounds was like a giant milestone for me. I felt so proud. I weighed more than 150 when I met my husband so every day is a new day in uncharted territory. We went to my sister's house today for a Memorial Day Party and Cookout. Had a BALL!!! They played 70's Disco music and we danced ourselves into total exhaustion. I NEVER would have done that when I weighed 243 or 229 or even 200. But today I felt normal - just like everyone else. It was awesome!! The Disco music was popular during my high school years (yes I'm old, HA HA!!) and when Wade and I were dancing today I felt young and healthy and alive, more so than I have in years and years. I have a hard time even putting into words all the wonderful changes weight loss surgery has brought about in my life. Life is fun and I've been given a second chance to savor every moment of it. THANK YOU GOD!!!!!
6/10/2001 SHAME ON ME FOR NOT UPDATING FOR TWO WEEKS!! Actually I've been a teeny bit blue these days. Since I host a support group I feel like I should always be on top of the world for the sake of the folks in the group, my family, etc. I've been stuck on a plateau for the last two weeks but it's been the first plateau for me in a LONG time so I really shouldn't complain. My hair is coming out like crazy. I'm still thrilled with my wig but there's just something about looking at yourself first thing in the morning and you hardly have any hair. YIKES!! I also continue to have an ongoing and even worsening problem with constipation. ICK!! The funny thing is, with the hair loss, plateau and constipation you might think I'd be regretting having weight loss surgery, wouldn't you? NO WAY!!! I'm just as delighted as ever. I went through some particularly awful "before" photos today and I was just amazed at the change in my appearance. Even my son said, "Gosh mom, I never remembered you being that big!!" The plateau will break, I'll eventually find something that works for the constipation and if my hair never comes back I'll still have beautiful hair thanks to my wigs. I think it says something about WLS considering that even though I'm a little blue I'm still the happiest person on the planet!!! Gotta keep my chin up, right? Till next time.
6/22/01 Boy when I get stuck on a plateau I don't play around!! I'm still stuck at 150 pounds however I'm pleased to say that my gloomy period has passed. I even went shopping at the mall for a new outfit. I didn't get anything because I couldn't find "it". I felt like when I bought the first brand new outfit in a regular store, in a regular department for the first time in 20 years in would just have to be "it". So, I'm going out again this weekend to look. I wore Wade out at the mall. Ha Ha. Our support group is growing by leaps and bounds and I'm so proud of it. Every day, in every way it gets better and better and better.
6/28/01 PLATEAU IS BROKEN!!! Thank heavens! I lost 2 pounds this week which puts me in an interesting position. For the first time EVER (in 22 years) I weigh 2 pounds and 2 ounces LESS than my husband. I've NEVER weighed less than Wade. How funny is that? I fit into a size 10 jeans this morning!! Of course I couldn't breath well or sit down but by gosh I could button and zip them!!!! My goal is to be comfortably in them by August 1st. I should be able to do that with no trouble. (I hope) It still gets better every day!!!
7/15/2001 I've learned this past week that you can go on vacation and be normal and not gain weight. WOW!!! Wade gained 7 pounds and I didn't gain a thing. I didn't lose anything either but I guess I can live with that. Went to the mall to check on having my wedding rings sized and discovered my ring finger has gone from a size 10 to a size 5. Each day is as fun and exciting as the day before. I find joy in everything no matter how big or how small. Hope to update my photos soon. Love to all.
7/29/2001 Down to losing about 1 pound each week. Went shopping yesterday and find that I still am amazed each time I try on a size 10 or even smaller and it fits. My hair is growing back and I've gotten it cut and am not wearing the hair extension any more. It's so hot in the summer time. I thought I'd just hate having shorter hair but I REALLY like it and Wade does too. I feel more blessed every day. The support group I started is growing by leaps and bounds with 80 people in attendance at our last meeting. Wade and I have been fortunate to visit so many patients in the hospital and get to know them. We are now working closely with many people in the WLS field and advocacy for this wonderful weight loss tool has become a passion for both of us. I knew that becoming healthier would change my life - I just had no idea it would change EVERYTHING about my life. I'm so fortunate - my complications from this surgery have been nothing more than minor annoyances and I'd do it again tomorrow. NEVER GIVE UP THE DREAM!!
8/5/2001 One more pound is history!! Does it get any better than this?
8/19/2001 Just one more pound gone but I'm so happy!! I've decided to start weighing and updating once a month. I almost said that I was going to start weighing and updating only once a month because I'm nearing the end of my journey. BUT, it's surely not the end of the journey. Reaching goal is still only the beginning as each day is new and exciting. Good Luck everyone!!
9/02/2001 Just stopped in to say I weighed today even though it hasn't been a month. TWO MORE POUNDS ARE GONE!!! I went to my family reunion today and it was a real boost to the old ego to see all the looks of surprise on everyone's faces when they saw me. Last year I was a whole lot bigger. When people asked me how I lost the weight I proudly told them about weight loss surgery. I expected some negative reaction but everyone thought it was wonderful. I was so proud!! I guess I'll break down and weigh again next week because it's support group week and then I'm really going to stick to weighing only once a month. Life is so good!!
9/09/2001 Say goodbye to another pound! I weigh 141 now and have only 17 pounds to go to reach goal. I never thought I'd make it this far. Our support group got together and gave Wade and I an all expenses paid trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. We couldn't believe it!! I was shocked. I have all these wonderful, wonderful people thanking me for what I do for our group yet it is me who feels compelled to thank them for their kindness and support and love. What a shame that obese people are not given the credit they deserve. We're an incredibly nice group of folks!!
10/13/2001 I've been doing the "plateau" thing but have finally lost another pound. I weigh 140 - oh how I wanted to be in the 130's by October but that's o.k. Life is still going great!! As I told you, I started a support group in February 2001. It has been one of the greatest joys of my life. Now that support group has led to my being appointed as Bariatric Program Coordinator for one of the largest hospitals in Birmingham. My overwhelming passion and desire to help morbidly obese people is now my career. Is God good or what???? I have 16 pounds to go to reach goal and I will be happy to take it at one pound a month if necessary. For those of you considering this surgery - stay focused and determined and YOU WILL SUCCEED!! As always thanks to my FABULOUS husband, GREAT kids and wonderful friends for their continued support. When I asked God to change my life through WLS I sure had no idea what He had in store for me. It just keeps getting better!!
11/10/2001 Well, I said I'd be happy if I lost the last 16 pounds at 1 pound a month and I guess that's how it will be. I'm down to 139 and feeling GREAT!! The new job is wonderful and the support group is a joy!! I'm one happy person!
12/18/2001 Ok, ok I WAS KIDDING ABOUT THE 1 POUND A MONTH!!! Ha Ha. I lost one more pound and am down to 138. Santa Claus, please let me lose 2 pounds in December!!! Things are going wonderful. I feel GREAT and enjoy every day. Our support group had a Christmas bash last Sunday and it was such a thrill to see our folks dressed up in their finery and looking so good. This has been an incredible year for me and there are no words to express my gratitude to my Heavenly Father, my family and my friends. WLS is a miracle - don't ever forget it. Best wishes to you all.
01/14/2002 Well, as far as weight loss goes I guess I have reached my comfortable weight and probably won't lose any or much more. That's o.k. with me. I'd like to lose about 10 more pounds but I think my body is happy right where it is. I feel so good. Just last night I walked past a mirror and glanced at it. I recognized the person looking back at me and I felt comfortable with her. So content! I feel like I've been waiting for the person I saw in the mirror for a long time. I felt like the person looking back at me was the person I was always meant to be. Not a beauty queen but not a hag, not perfectly put together but not totally disheveled either. She was just a nice looking, normal woman. I honestly felt like "Oh, the real Rona is finally here." I am completely at peace and it's such a wonderful feeling. I am seeing the Plastic Surgeon today about the panniculectomy. I'll keep you informed on how that goes. I hope I can have it and I can't really see any reason that I couldn't but if, for some reason, I couldn't have it - I'd still be happy with who I am. It's been an exciting journey.
2/01/2002 What a busy week this has been! Saturday I got a letter from the doctor's office saying my mammogram was abnormal and I needed to come in for another test. As you can imagine that made for the longest weekend of my life. Monday came and I couldn't get in for a test that day so I'd have to wait 24 more hours. I had fun in spite of it all at Monday night's support group meeting. I've lost 3 pounds!! How about that??!! Tuesday came and the repeat mammogram didn't look good either. It was so scary. The surgeon who does WLS here is also a general surgeon so I immediately went to see him and he took such good care of me. He scheduled a surgical biopsy for Wednesday. The biopsy wasn't too painful but it wasn't a walk in the park either. He said we'd have some results on Thursday and more results on Friday. He was very honest with me and said from the looks of it, it didn't look benign. On a brighter note he said that if it was malignant we'd caught it very early and I would be fine. I guess it bears mentioning that I have a terrible family history in regards to breast cancer. My birth mother (I'm adopted) died of breast cancer in December of 1999. At least 5 other women in my family have also had it. Thursday came and the results were BENIGN!! Dr. Miles thought it was great but said to wait until Friday to celebrate. Today is Friday and the results are.....BENIGN!! God is so good. I have to have another mammogram in 6 weeks. He feels that mastectomy is still in my best interest anyway because of the family history and "suspicious activity" already in my breasts. I know some people might think this is drastic but I don't have a problem with it. My breasts do not define who I am as a person. If having them removed will improve my chances for a long healthy life with my family then I'll have it done. The plastic surgeon said I could have it done at the same time as my panniculectomy and they can even use some of my tummy tissue to reconstruct my breasts. If the mammogram in 6 weeks doesn't show any growth then there won't be any sense of urgency about having surgery. If it does show growth....well....we'll deal with that then. Instead of feeling bad, I actually feel good knowing there are ways of finding out about cancer before it actually becomes cancer. If I hadn't had WLS I probably wouldn't have had a mammogram. I was too embarrassed to go to the doctor. Every day I find other ways that WLS is improving my life.
2/13/2002 A week ago a member of our support group died of complications following weight loss surgery. I was so honored to call this man a friend. As the leader of a support group and a Bariatric Surgery Program Coordinator I was afraid of how to approach this with our members, patients and friends. My friend had a weak heart going into this surgery and his doctor had been telling him for 4 years that he should have weight loss surgery. He left behind a wife of 20 years and 2 young sons. It's just been devastating. If I learned anything it's that my friend wouldn't want his death to discourage other weight loss surgery patients from having surgery. Just hours before his death, after almost a whole month in the hospital, he said that he had no regrets. He had been steadily improving and simply had a heart attack and died. He left this earth while fighting so hard to live. If you are a pre-op patient and fearful of this surgery, search your heart. Don't wait if you can possibly help it. Each day you put off having this life saving surgery puts you at greater risk. I know this surgery isn't for everyone and I respect anyone's decision not to have it. Just be sure to give WLS all the consideration you can. WLS can be the path to your dreams. Here's to you Johnny! We sure miss you!
02/17/2002 I'VE BEEN APPROVED FOR THE TUMMY TUCK!!! The plastic surgeon was almost as surprised as I was at how fast the process was. He kind of chuckled and told us that it would be AT LEAST 30 days but he was expecting more like 60 days and he even thought I might have some problems getting approved. THANK YOU BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD!!! I really can't say anything but good things about BCBS and how they've treated me. My surgery date is May 15th. We've applied for coverage for double mastectomy now and I'm not sure how that will go - we'll see. My other surgeon thinks they may deny it since it's not cancer yet. I'm believing good things though and won't get discouraged. I haven't come this far to give up now. I see good things in my future. Sometimes I can't believe how blessed I've been. Thanks again, God!!!!
03/06/2002 Wade and I are renewing our vows two weeks from today on our 20th anniversary. I had planned on wearing this "fairy princess" type wedding dress that belongs to a friend but my mom was determined for me to wear my original wedding gown. So we got it out and she altered it (took up 2 or 3 inches on each side)and we figured out a way to pin it to my bra at the shoulders so it won't slide down (how do you lose weight in your shoulders?? Mine are tiny now compared to how they used to be - ha ha). I thought it would look "altered" when I put it on but it looked beautiful and I felt like Cinderella. We're then going to the Smokie Mountains on a second honeymoon. I feel great all the time. WLS has been the best thing, medically, I could have ever done for myself.
03/25/2002 We survived our wedding vow renewal ceremony! It was so much fun. I was never so anxious to wear a dress in my life as I was to wear my wedding gown. After 2 hours in it, however, I was never so glad to get out of it and into something comfortable! The ceremony was beautiful and special. We left the next day on our 2nd honeymoon to Gatlinburg. The support group gave us this trip last year and we saved it for our "honeymoon". I had all my clothes on the bed and ready to go in the suitcase. Wade decided at the last minute to use a garmet bag and set aside my clothes that were on the larger plastic hangers. He was going to switch them to wire hangers so they'd go in the garmet bag. Well, he got in a hurry and forgot them so I ended up in Gatlinburg with several shirts and only one pair of jeans. I surprised myself by not getting upset about this and even thought it was kinda funny. Gatlinburg really is in God's country. The scenery was incredible. We took a helicopter ride, we rode 22 miles on four wheelers, walked for what seemed like 1000 miles, rode the tram up the mountain (and saw a naked man dancing in his picture window), went to a Broadway style show and had a ball. It's something I never would have attempted prior to WLS. I have more energy and a feeling of freedom I've never experienced before. It was just wonderful. Now it's back to work and packing (we're moving!). I'll be having breast surgery on the 15th along with my panniculectomy. My 2nd follow up mammogram still has suspicious calcifications in it so the surgeon is going to go in and remove a large area where the calcifications are. We're still waiting on approval from BCBS for mastectomy. Who knows how that will turn out? I'm very at peace with all of this and know things will turn out the way they're supposed to.
3/30/2002 I received approval from BCBS for bilateral subcutaneous mastectomy yesterday. I'm relieved and a bit aprehensive too but I know in my heart that it's the right thing. They're going to do it on the same day as my Tummy Tuck. In fact, they will use tummy tissue to reconstruct my breasts. How convenient is that?? I will be in the hospital for 5 days. I'm not looking forward to that but I'm sure it will be just fine. Seems I'm off on another adventure doesn't it? Happy Easter everyone!
4/30/2002 No new info to report. 2 weeks until my big surgery. I am seeing the surgeon today and still feel confident. Life has been so busy for me. I went to a WLS workshop in Tijuana about the Lap Band which was interesting. I'm leaving Thursday to do a presentation on WLS at a national meeting in Portland, Oregon. Life seems to be scary and exciting all at the same time. I know God isn't finished with me yet and I'm hoping for only good things!
5/14/2002 So tomorrow is the big day. I've received so many sweet messages on my surgery page here. I'm going to be in good hands. Thanks to everyone for your prayers and well wishes - see you on the other side!
5/25/2002 I'm back amongst the living after my double mastectomy, reconstruction and tummy tuck. It wasn't nearly as painful as I'd prepared myself for it to be. I did have to have 4 units of blood and had an adverse reaction after the 2nd unit. My temperature soared and my blood pressure dropped to 44/40. It was a scary night for my family although we didn't know how serious the situation was until it was over. Dr. Miles and Dr. Eich took wonderful care of me. My hospital stay was fantastic too - I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I'm home and up and moving around. All in all I'd say it was much, much easier than I expected even with the complications. In the middle of my joy at having my surgery behind me I have experienced a tremendous sadness. Dave Odom, a friend and member of my support group, passed away after WLS. He had his surgery the day before mine and we visited back and forth in the hospital. He went home the day before I did. He stopped by my room and gave me an ear to ear grin and headed for home. Complications developed and Dave died yesterday. I can't believe it. Still, I know that WLS is the only hope for so many of us and I remain as committed and supportive of it as ever. HERES TO YOU MULE! WE'RE GONNA MISS YOU!
06-17-02 It's been almost 5 weeks since my surgery and I'm doing just great! It's been so much easier than I expected. I know all people are different but I have to say that I've had almost no pain - just mild discomfort and actually very little of that. I love the results of the tummy tuck. It's so funny to look down and not see that big apron of skin. My life has changed so much in the last 2 years. I still can't believe how blessed I've been. I live life to the fullest and cherish every moment. When I was still in the losing phase of my journey I began updating once a month. Kind of sadly, it seems I won't have much new info to report from this point on. I'll still read posts every day and keep up with everyone but I guess I won't be updating too often. It's kind of bittersweet. If I can provide any of you with any information please do not hesitate to email me. Keep believinging in yourselves and reaching for your dreams. It's so incredibly worth it! I'll check in from time to time to let you know how I'm doing. Good luck to everyone! I wouldn't trade one minute of this rewarding journey.
7-31-02 I did have something cool to report. Last month I got to meet Carnie Wilson and have my photo made with her. We were in Las Vegas for the ASBS (American Society of Bariatric Surgeons) conference and she was there. She was very nice and so approachable. Not stuffy or snooty at all. That night at dinner Wade had to run back to our hotel room for something and when he stepped on the elevator -there she was. So he rode up 26 floors with her - just the two of them. I was jealous. I asked him if he talked to her much and he said that they only talked about losing money in the slot machines. Ha ha - I guess she's human like the rest of us after all!
8-26-2002 Just had to share that our support group had our 1st Annual Come As You Were / Go As You Are Fashion Show this past Saturday. 24 magnificent supermodels walked the runway in their "before" clothes stuffed with pillows or bubble wrap and then walked the runway again in their "after" clothes. IT WAS AMAZING! I can't even tell you how much fun it was. I wore a beautiful royal blue beaded dress to introduce the emcee and then wore a sparkly sequined dress to walk the runway. In the moments before I changed into my "after" clothes I tried to sit down while wearing my "before" clothes that were stuffed with pillows. I had to cram myself into the chair. It was a scary flashback. But, when all of the supermodels walked the runway it was a sweet reminder that the days of having difficulty fitting in chairs are gone. We felt 10 feet tall. A local television personality was the emcee and we had gorgeous men to escort the ladies and a beautiful woman to escort the men. I was the last supermodel and when I came out Wade was dressed in a Tux and he escorted me. WOW! He looked so good. It was just entirely too much fun. Visit our website soon to see pictures. It was such a feel good event. A great reminder that every step of the journey is worth it. Pinch me! I must be dreaming!
10/24/02 My gracious! Has it really been 2 months since I updated? Life is still so good. My husband has changed careers and now works for a physican at the hospital where I work. Once we started spending so much time with WLS patients and working with the support group he seemed to get the fever to be in the medical field too. He doesn't work with WLS patients but he's loving every minute of his new job. His sweet spirit and desire to help people make him the perfect healthcare worker. We've been traveling all over the place speaking at conferences about WLS. In the last two months we went to California, Washington D.C., and Maryland. Looks like we may be going to New York City in the not too distant future. My health is good. No weight loss/gain to report. I'll be having some additional reconstructive surgery in November since having the bilateral mastectomy in May. It won't be a big surgery and hopefully I'll be out of the hospital in a day or so. I never really had any grief about losing my breasts in May but in the last month or so I've found myself feeling a little down about it. I think completing the reconstruction will make a big difference. I have no regrets, however. My two year WLS anniversary is Saturday and I thank God for every single day since. I continue to feel more healthy and alive and vital each day. I saw a slimfast commercial the other day and the person in the commercial said "I've seen life from both sides of the scale - I like the view from this side better". Oh yeah.....that about sums it up for me too.
11/11/2002 Had masses removed from each breast 3 days ago. It was just "fat necrosis" (dead fat - ICK!). They also liposuctioned them some so they'd be a little smaller. I was only in the hospital about 6 hours! Isn't it amazing how streamlined the whole process has gotten? I'm very tired but surprised at how little pain there is. This process is almost finished and I have to say I can't wait until I'm no longer a "work in progress". God continues to be very good to me. WLS has changed my life in ways I never dreamed possible.
12/26/2002 It's hard to believe that Santa has finally come and gone! Had a great Christmas holiday. Wade and I flew to Texas on Sunday for his big family Christmas. We literally flew from Alabama to Texas just to have lunch. But, it was so worth it. Wade hadn't seen his family in over a year and I surprised him with tickets to go home. There were about 35 of his family members there. I hadn't seen some of them since losing weight and that was fun. After lunch people started asking me questions about WLS and we ended up having an impromptu WLS seminar. Everyone wanted all the details. We only stayed 18 hours but it was the most fun we've had in 18 hours in a long time. The boys had a big Christmas. I think they benefitted materially from my breast cancer scare and from the fact that they've moved into their own apartment. I sort of felt like this might be the last Christmas where it was just Wade and I and our boys - who knows, maybe next year they'll be married. I also spent some time reflecting on my own mortality a bit. All of this combined to make it a very profitable Christmas for the boys. It was so fun to see them opening all their presents. They were both very grateful. We have GREAT kids! Wade is loving his new job at the hospital. 2003 is going to be a TERRIFIC year!
02/24/2003 Seems there are still bumps in the road even when life is going great. Had some pain in my lower abdomen. Went to see my GYN and she found a cyst that was just over 6 centimeters in size. She did an ultrasound and found that it wasn't a simple cyst (just fluid filled) but a complex cyst (some solid areas). So, this means another surgery.....an OPEN surgery. There's too much scar tissue to even try it laparoscopically. There's a possibility of cancer but the GYN feels pretty sure that it's benign. I had a CA125 cancer screening and it was well within normal. I'm going to have to have both ovaries removed which may bring on symptoms of menopause. *SIGH* I feel sad and scared and wonder why cancer seems to be chasing me. On the other hand - I feel confident in the abilities of my doctors and really believe that I will be fine. We'll have to postpone my final breast reconstructive surgery for a little while but that's o.k. This experience has given me the ability to council my surgical weight loss patients that losing weight does not make life perfect. However, losing weight certainly makes it easier to cope with crisis when it comes our way. Would I change anything? No way! Stay tuned and we'll see how this all plays out.......................
3/25/2003 Just to update - had surgery two weeks ago. NO CANCER! I seem to keep dodging this bullet but I refuse to let it get me. Turns out no endometriosis either. The bad new? Well, tons of scar tissue - surgeon said it was a mess, "a real mess". She said everything was stuck down and she just had to pick it all apart. I feel physically fine but found that I was so sad and hopeless and then it dawned on me.....this must be hormonal! Sure enough, she said it was classic menopausal symptoms. So, I started hormones yesterday and should feel better in a day or two. The scar tissue or "adhesive disease" as they call it, will recur and get worse and I'll probably have to have surgery again in a few years but it was very bearable. I did have an ironic experience. I lost 6 pounds! And I was too big to fit in any of my clothes. You can imagine how freaky it is to lose weight and get BIGGER all at the same time. Ha ha. I know it's just swelling. I still wouldn't change a single thing!
04/04/2003 Had additional breast reconstruction 3 days ago. I am almost finished with all this surgery. One more little procedure in a few months and I'll be done. I'm so thankful. The hormones have returned me to my normal, usually happy self (Wade is real thankful for this - ha ha). Life is good and getting better every day.
06/03/2003 Not much to update. I can hardly imagine it's been a whole year since we went to ASBS last year. We'll be going to ASBS (American Society of Bariatric Surgeons) in Boston in 2 weeks. I don't know if Carnie is going to be there this year or not. I am excited about being appointed to the Editorial Advisory Board of WLS Lifestyles magazine. I even wrote an article that will be in the premier issue. I'm still traveling around speaking at conferences and events. I never would have dreamed 32 months ago that my life would have changed so much. I went to a Bariatric Support Centers International conference last weekend and heard Colleen Cook and Janean Hall speak. It was very motivational and exciting. I got it in my head that I wanted to lose 10 pounds and I have been the model bariatric patient for a whole month and guess what??? I gained 3 ounces. I guess it goes to show that our bodies find a place where they're happy and that's where they're going to stay. I'm a solid size 10 so I guess that leaves me out of ever being a cutesy size 6. Still - no regrets...only immeasurable joy!
07/02/2003 ASBS in Boston was wonderful. It is a beautiful city with amazing architecture. We walked and walked. We came home for a week and then headed to San Antonio for a family reunion. It was hot but so much fun. I'm so thankful for WLS. If it hadn't been for this surgery I'd never have been able to walk all over Boston and I'd REALLY never have been able to tolerate the heat in Texas at the family reunion. I'm so happy that I can LIVE each day to the fullest!
09/24/2003 Time sure passes quickly when you're living life to the fullest! Wade and I just got back from a wonderful trip to San Diego and Los Angeles. My boss and I spoke to a group of O.R. Managers in San Diego who are thinking of setting up a bariatric practice or enhancing the one they already have. It was a great conference. Then we took 5 days for vacation and were the typical tourists. We took a harbor cruise, went to Chinatown, went to Hollywood (and accidently caught a movie premier in progress so we saw tons of movie stars) saw the Hollywood sign, had lunch on Rodeo Drive, went to the Farmer's Market and the Beverly Center and more. We rented a convertible and drove up the Pacific Coast Highway. It was awesome. While this may simply sound like a typical vacation, I cannot stress enough that this vacation would never have happened had it not been for WLS. Oh, I could've made the trip but I wouldn't have been so participatory. And I'd NEVER have considered renting a convertible and tooling around Beverly Hills! I would have been embarrassed to death! It was so wonderful to just enjoy the sights and sounds and experiences the city had to offer.
On the weight loss front - I find that I have gained about 5 pounds. At nearly 3 years post op I see that it is no longer a breeze to remain small. It is requiring some effort but nothing in comparison to the effort involved in losing 100+ pounds. It is now simply a matter of eating more healthy and cutting back some. Even Wade wants to drop a few pounds so we've both committed to eating healthier and exercising more. The 5 pound gain is scary. The only difference is that now I have a confidence in myself that I can correct this. Prior to WLS I would have hung my head and felt like the biggest failure in the world. I am thankful every single day for the self confidence and self worth WLS has given back to me. I have gone from "hopeless" to "confident" that the future can be good for me. There continues to be joy in every thing.
11/16/2003 Life has been very busy lately. Three weeks ago I had to have a lump removed from my left breast. I think I'm probably the only person in the world who can have double mastectomy and end up with a lump in the new breast. AND I'VE DONE IT TWICE! (Which prompted me to name my breasts. The left one is Delilah - which is the trouble maker. The right one is Angelica - the perfectly healthy and recovered one. ha ha) It was some calcifications and fat - so that was very, very good news. I only missed 1/2 a day of work. Two weeks ago Wade and I drove from Birmingham, Alabama to Albany, New York in 2 1/2 days to pick up a new puppy. Two friends went with us and picked up a puppy too. CRAZY, huh? We got a Papillon and fell in love with her and decided we wanted another one. They're pretty hard to come by and we found the perfect one in New York so we just raced up over the weekend and got him. It was about 2200 miles round trip. What fun! I'd never have had the stamina to do that prior to WLS. The Blue Ridge Mtns were beautiful and the fall colors were breathtaking. I also had an article published in WLSLifestyles magazine called "Are We Leaving Out The Spouse". Then they asked me to write another one so I wrote an article called "Surgeon Spotlight - Dr. Les Miles". That will come out in this weeks issue (wlslifestyles.com). That was SO exciting. Then - they asked me if I'd consider doing a regular column in each issue called Ask Rona. Sort of a Dear Abby type column for WLS patients. You can imagine that I said YES! YES! YES! I feel like I've died and gone to heaven. God is so good! We had our 2nd Annual Come As You Were / Go As You Are Fashion show on November 8th (the weekend after our marathon trip to New York). It was awesome. We had 53 supermodels who'd lost 7093 pounds! There were about 700 people in the audience. Every single day holds a new blessing. I've had several bumps in the road but my family and friends and the Good Lord have been with me each step of the way. I'm back on track with doing protein more and eating healthy and I feel great! I can only hope for happiness, peace of mind and joy for each person who pursues this amazing journey. Each step is an adventure.
12/23/03 Wow! Christmas is almost here. The shopping is all done, the presents all wrapped, the groceries all bought. Now I can spend a couple of days just enjoying the season. I buried my Papaw 6 years ago today. I sure wish he could've been here to see me as a normal size person. He would've been so proud. I miss him alot. He used to call me his Little Blue Eyed Granddaughter. How sweet is that? The holidays are a wonderful time of reflection. I am so thankful for the blessings in my life, my husband, my family, my health, my career and more. How fortunate we are to have a 2nd chance at life. Merry Christmas one and all.
2/24/04 Not too much new to report. Next month I will be having the FINAL reconstructive surgery after my mastectomy 21 months ago. I'll be so happy to get that behind me. I started a new e-group called GetBOT. It's a group to help WLS patients get back on track if they're struggling. It's been a great group. If anyone wants to join the address is: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/GetBOT/ I'm also doing something fun with a fellow WLS patient. Both of us want to lose 10 pounds. So, we're each putting up $50.00 and having a race to see who loses 10 pounds first. The winner gets the money. The only catch is that whoever wins the money has to take the other person along on their shopping spree and the winner has to spend the money totally on themselves. We thought it sounded fun and was great for motivation and accountability. Dear Rona in WLSLifestyles magazine is still going great and I'm enjoying doing that. Life is so good.
4/19/2004 Well, here I am 3 and a half years post op. My friends and I are still working on that 10 pound contest. We've been diligent but not to the point that we've let it disrupt our lives. One thing I recently started doing was going to counseling. Personally I believe that professional counseling or therapy postoperatively is the most underemphasized component of a good, thorough surgical weight loss program. I remember telling people that I overate simply because I had a love affair with food. The truth is that I DO have a love affair with food but there are other issues that compel me to make poor choices and it's important to figure out what they are and overcome them. There's no shame in that. I had a psychologist come and speak at our support group meeting on Saturday. I have settled firmly in a size 12 which is bigger than I wanted so have I two options. I can either figure out why I can't lose the last 10 or 15 pounds or I can learn how to be happy in a size 12 as opposed to a size 24/26. I'm convinced that therapy can help me either way. I've finished with my reconstructive surgeries and am enjoying living life to the fullest. It's been a wonderful journey to this side of the scale. Some days it's hard or frustrating or complicated but still it's been an amazing journey. I wouldn't change a thing.
