zinisgrl
*My Weight Loss Journey*
I am 34 year's old, and I have been overweight since at least the age of 6. I haven't been under 200lbs since I left high school 16 years ago. Like most of you, I have tried every diet imaginable. I've joined WW so many time that I can't even count. I think that I can tell you the name of every WW leader in the central Florida area! I usually lose 25lb and then hit a plateau. I've been contemplating WLS for several years now, but I work in the medical field and I know that this is a for real PERMANENT change. I have a couple of coworkers who have recently had the surgery, and they look and feel great. I started seeing my PCP in August of 2005 for my monthly weight loss consults, and now I have a few more months to go before I can file my insurance paperwork. I'm ready to move on with life and hopefull feel and look better than I ever have!
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April 18, 2006
I got the insurance approval today for my surgery! I still have to have a sleep study done and clearance from a pulmonologist in order to schedule a date. I hope to have a date soon!! I've jumped thorough many hoops to get this far, so I can't give up now!!
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July 27, 2006
I FINALLY got my surgery date. I did have sleep apnea, and my surgeon wanted me on a cpap machine for 2 months before scheduling surgery. Oh well!!! So as of today, my surgery is scheduled for September 6, 2006.
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August 2, 2006
This month marks a year since I started seeing my PCP in preparation for having WLS. I've kind of been in denial that it would actually happen, but now I have a date! I need to buckle down and get things in order such as post-op vitamins and supplements. I'm very lucky that I have a very good friend who is having surgery a few weeks before myself. We can support each other trough this journey. I admit that I am somewhat nervous, but I am trying to keep a positive attitude about the bright possibilities of the future!!!
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This is a picture of me and my dog Zoe on Thanksgiving Day 2005
A cute picture of my furbabies Zini and Zoe. My friend Renee and I are having surgery within 2 weeks of each other-Great to have a weight loss buddy!!
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August 29, 2006
Well today I went to TGH for all of my pre-op appointment "stuff." I had to have a chest x-ray, ekg, lab tests, and arterial blood gases (yuk!) Not quite as traumatic as I was expecting. I'm just antsy to get this surgery behind me. My friend Renee is now 6 days post-op, and she has had a few glitches along the way. I know that problems are a possibility, but I pray that everything goes fairly smoothly. 8 days til surgery!
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September 5, 2006
My surgery is tomorrow! I am incredibly excited as well as nervous. I have worked very hard toward having this surgery. I can't wait to join all of you on the losing side! A big thank you to all of my friends and family who called or e-mailed me today to let me know that they were praying for me.
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September 9, 2006
I am now three days post op! I am still very sore from surgery and trying to make myself walk and move around. It's not fun! I am glad to be on the losing side now; although, I've only gained a few pounds instead of lost them. I know that I'll start dropping pounds when my swelling goes down. I was well taken care of in the hospital, and I was able to come home yesterday.
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October 2, 2006
I am now 3 1/2 weeks post op. I don't regret my decision to have WLS, but it has surely not been an easy road. When you are an obese person, food is such a vital part of your life. Giving that up has been hard!! I knew that I wouldn't be able to eat as much food, but I don't think that I was fully prepared for being able to eat as little as I do. When I drink and eat, things feel very heavy. It feels like a rock drops into my pouch when I drink or eat. I know, or at least I hope, that this is only a temporary phase. I've been off from work for four weeks, and I have had very little to occupy my time while recuperating. Maybe when I'm back in the swing of work and everything, I'll transition a little more smoothly. Hope that I'm more cheerful the next time I post. Good luck to everyone!!
