My Weight World

I want to write down the reason I want to have the WLS and the effects the excess weight is having on me so if I ever start to falter, I can read this for a quick reminder.

Being overweight takes a real toll on my body, physically and emotionally. The physical reasons include breathing difficulties, walking difficulties and struggling to complete the activities of daily living (ADL). At work I walk to the front office, about 150 feet and I'm out of breath and sweating. My back is beginning to hurt already today but I arm myself with 2400 milligrams of ibuprofen every day, I can't imagine what my liver looks like! Of course, there's the other maladies, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and borderline diabetis. I think I have sleep apnea because I wake up every night gasping for air, frequent morning headaches and feeling tired all the time. I have lost my "zest" for life as the struggle to get through everyday becomes harder and harder. When it gets real bad I reach for my "comfort food" which is the core of my problem to begin with. A very vicious circle. 50 pounds ago I could work in my yard for hours, weed whacking or just cleaning. Now I'm lucky to work more than 1/2 hour, which wears me out for the day. Putting my shoes and socks on is a struggle, getting dressed makes me sweat and working is almost impossible. But that's just the physical, the emotional...

Looking in the mirror everyday and not liking what I see. Knowing that the people I meet view me as fat. Confidence is non-existant. Going out dancing is not a reality right now and it's what I love to do. I'd love to feel the warm touch of a loving man. That's another story that I won't get into at this moment.

I want to play with my grandson, shop with my grandaughter, go dancing with friends. I want to shop in a regular store and buy beautiful dresses and shoes. I want to go for a day at the spa and go on a trip to Italy. All I really want to do is stop thinking about losing weight!!! JUST DO IT!

My Journey

Today I had my psych evaluation with Dr. Paul. She was a great counselor and I hope to have the opportunity to work with her again. The appointment was almost 3 hours long and I really hope she doesn't diagnose me as crazy!

I have one more step and that's with the nutritionist on August 28. Then they submit the paperwork to my insurance for approval. I swear there are a lot of hoops to jump through and at any step there could be a delay or denial.

Back to Work

Had to return to work yesterday after a lovely vacation. Only one person was fired while I was gone; a salesman that was drinking in a company vehicle - real stupid!

I did my 30 minutes on the treadmill when I got home and did some stretches that help the siatica tremendously. I'm eating a lot of fruit and trying to drink water but many times I just forget.

When I got home yesterday, cg, nm and ab were at the house. It's always so good to see them - ab is a typical 14 yr old and drop dead gorgeous! Nm is always cute as a button and Carrie has lost about 35 pounds - her pants are so droopy but it must feel fantastic - she looks great!!

Weight loss surgery

Yesterday was my first appointment with the surgeon who I've chosen to perform my weight loss surgery, Dr. Chaisson. He's very professional and has a great track record. His bedside manner is comforting and has never had a death due to the gastric bypass surgery - what a relief! He's also very handsome which is always a plus!! LOL
I have completed the information packet including labs, ekg, stress test, drs referral, diet history, weight history and other forms pertaining to medical issues, etc. I attended one of Dr. Chaisson's seminars that is required and have signed up for the weight loss surgery support group. Now what I have to do is see a nutritionist (August 28) and have the required physh evaluation (August 14). My ERD is scheduled for Monday, July 28 (scope my stomach) so everything is well under way. I should have the surgery sometime in September but that's just my opinion.
I was going to get the Lapband but am leaning towards the Gastric Bypass. One of my daughters is all for it but the other one is concerned. Both will support my decision because they know my health is starting to be affected by my weight. So the lights are all green for now!!!!

My Weight Issues

I've been battling my weight issues for over 20 years now and instead of losing it I just keep gaining. I quit smoking again about 5 years ago and have ballooned once again. Currently, I'm 100 pounds overweight and find that I felt better when I was thinner and smoked. It's hard to tie my shoes, put on socks, take a leisurly bath or just walk. I know my health is suffering, my back certainly is! I'm on Weight Watchers, again, but don't have much hope for long term success. My other option is weight loss surgery so I've been doing the research. It looks like gastric bypass is the best option. Lapband is frought with issues and my insurance doesn't cover vertical sleeve. My appointment with the surgeon is July 22 - I can't wait!!!