Marla M.

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My new year has started out GREAT!  I spent a few days with my mother and loved every minute of it.   I have had several WOW moments lately.  First of all, I had new lab work done a few days ago. One of the test was HbG1C, this is where they take a blood sample and are able to look at the past 90 days and see how your blood sugar has been running. The normal range for this test is 4.0 - 6.5.  Before I started this journey, my level was at 12.0!  Today my level is 5.6!!!!!!! NO MORE DIABETES!!!!!! YAY ME!!!   

I havent been able to fit into a pair of regular blue jeans in YEARS!  About a week ago, I decided to break down and try some on.  Before this surgery, I was not able to fit into a size 26/28.  When I tried them on this time, I was able to fit into a size 20!!!!! I couldnt believe it.  I became a little more brave and decided to try some American Eagle jeans on yesterday.  OMG, I put on a pair of 18 jeans and they actually fit!!!!  I just cant describe the feeling that came over me when I was able to zip and button those jeans without having to lay down and cut all oxygen off to my body to get them to close. I know I have a long way to go but I am feeling better and better about my health and myself every day. 

My 11 yr old son tells me all the time how proud he is of me and how small I am looking.  God bless his heart!  He is struggling with his weight as well.  He has an appointment with Vanderbilt Childrens Obesity Clinic in Nashville this month.  I do NOT want him to go thru the pain and heartache of obesity like I have.  We will win this battle together.  I want this for him more than I want it for myself.  If the good Lord would let me, I would gladly take all of his weight and other problems on myself.  He is my joy and my world and I will help him get thru this and WIN!  

Most of my family has really started to notice my weight loss. It feels so good for them to praise me. They know how much I have battled with my health.  My mother has been my angel. She lives in another state and she is still able to support me and keep me motivated.  I wont be seeing her again until Feburary. I miss her so much when shes not around. 

If things keep going this well, I will be able to return to work very very soon. THANK YOU SWEET JESUS FOR GIVING ME THIS BLESSING.

My family had our Christmas Eve get together this evening.  I was excited to go. I had bought me a nice black outfit and dressed up alot more than I have in the past.  My family was really bragging on the difference they could see in me. I posted a few of the pics on my profile. While looking thru them, I couldnt believe the difference!!!!  I'm so happy with the surgery.  I feel more confident every day.  I'm actually starting to feel kinda "pretty".  Thats a huge step for me.  I was given money, so I bought me a digital camera for myself.  This way I can take monthly pics and keep them stored on my computer.  My son had a great Christmas.  He told me that he got everything he has always wanted.  That meant more to me than any gift I could get.  I am looking forward to seeing what else is in store

Today I am officially 4 weeks and 4 days post op. I had another visit with Dr Wright today. I am 33lbs lighter from the day I left the hospital.  I am absolutely thrilled with my progress. I know that my weight loss will eventually slow down but for now I am just enjoying the ride. I am actually starting to look forward to what my future might hold for me.  My self esteem has already went way up. I still have the head hunger and struggle with that daily. I figure that will be something that I will have to deal with for the rest of my life.  Life is good!

Yesterday was Thanksgiving.  My dads family gathered at my grandmothers house for dinner.  All of the foods that I absolutely LOVE was there.  As I walked thru and looked at all the foods, I realized that I wasnt a bit hungry.  So, I decided not to eat anything and take some food home for me to eat later.   I took home some fresh turnip greens and some baked ham.  I pureed the two together and enjoyed a few bites of it.  For some reason, my food seemed lodged in my chest and throat, so I gave up eating anymore.  
My mother came in from Florida to stay with me during my surgery. She has been here with me since November 4th.  Shes leaving to go back to Florida tomorrow and I am kinda sad about it.  She has been an absolutel livesaver for me.  She has waited on me and my son hand and foot since she has been here.  She loves taking care of someone and fussing over them.  God knows I needed that for a little while. I really want her to move back to Tennessee. So does my other two sisters.  I think she is home sick as well. I really hope she comes home soon. I'm gonna try  my best not to cry when she leaves tomorrow but i'm betting that the dam will break. lol   
I havent worked since I was diagnosed with MS in May 2005.  My goal is to return to work after first of the year.  I am determined to do this. I need to work.  I miss not working.  
My incision is looking extremely well. Most of the soreness has went away. I'm actually suprised at how quickly I was able to bounce back. I have had no dumping at all. thank God!  I am tolerating foods well. Sometimes I feel like I am tolerating too well.  I am in fear of being a failure at this.  I have to keep reminding myself every day that I WILL win this battle.  I know when I think that I am hungry that its just head hunger.  Thats something that will take a very long time for me to correct. 

Its been a while since I have added anything to my profile.  When the ball started rolling, it seemed like everything was moving so fast. I had my surgery on Monday, November 6th.  The pain was a bit more intense than I had thought it would be.  After a few pain med adjustments, things went alot better. I had a wonderful surgeon and was not worried at all.  The nursing staff was not as wonderful.  Nobody came in and asked to get me up and walk me.  I had to ask for the breathing tube that they give you right after surgery for a day and a half.  I knew I needed to use it but couldnt make the staff understand that. Thank god I had someone that stayed with me the whole time. I was able to go home on Thursday Nov 9th.  I was more than ready to get out of there.  My mother lives in Florida but took some FMLA time to be with me. She will be here until after Thanksgiving.  She has been a god send.  She does everything for me and my son.  I dont know what I would have done without her. Today, I went back to my surgeon for my 2 week post op checkup and learned that I have lost an amazing 20 lbs!!!!!!!  I was thrilled.  I have had a couple of quick minutes where I have doubted myself and the choice to have the surgery, but I KNOW that I have made the right choice.  The bad moments are usually when I see an ad on TV for something that I use to love to eat!!!!!! lol  I will try to do better to keep my journal updated better now that I am feeling more like a human again!

November 1, 2006-  Today was my pre op visit and meeting with my surgeon.  Things went really well.  I filled out lots of paperwork, had an ekg ran,  a blood test on my thyroid,  and answered lots of medical history questions.  I feel very fortunate to have such an awesome surgeon.  I will be picking up my mother on Saturday night.  She is coming in from Florida to take care of my for a few weeks.  I love knowing that my mom is going to be with me.  It seems that no matter how old you get,  you never outgrow the feeling of needing your mommy! lol   Monday isnt  very far away and I CANT WAIT!!!!!!

October 14, 2006-  There are so many reasons that I have for wanting this surgery.  Here are a few things I want to accomplish

1.  No more diabetic medicine
2.  No more high blood pressure medicine
3.  Be able to bend over and tie my shoes without feeling like I am going to pass out due to lack of oxygen.
4. Take my son to an amusement park and ride every single ride with him and not be afraid that I wont fit in the ride.
5. Be a positive role model for my son in being healthy and living healthy.
6. Get my Multiple Sclerosis under control
7. Go back to work 
8. Not have to shop in the plus size department.
9. Not be ashamed to admit how much I weigh
10.  To go in public and not feel like everyone is staring at me
11. Go to a resturant and sit in a booth without feeling like I am going to stop breathing at any moment.


I'm sure there are many many many more but I just cant thing right now.  I'm sure I will post more goals later.