lordservnt

In 30 days I will be giving myself the best tool I can find to get my life back. I have tried for a couple of years now to work with insurance companies and it just didn't work out. Either they didn't cover the procedure, didn't deem it medically necessary, or I lost my insurance as soon as I got approval, or my employer didn't pay my insurance premiums - its just been one thing after another. I tried 5 times with insurance companies. Not always their fault, certainly not mine. This time, I've got the power in my own hands. I have the funds to do it myself (pay for the surgery, not perform the surgery - although I would if they would let me! haha) I'll be heading to Mexico the day after my birthday to have the surgery. Dr. Almanza will be performing it. I have done a TON of research. I know that this is the best option for me. I probably won't stay in the recovery house, but at the hotel with my husband. I can't stand being around people when I don't feel well - especially if they don't feel well too. I would like to have my husband be comfortable and he won't be unless he's WITH me. I understand that I will be in a surgical clinic - I'm fine with that - in fact, I prefer it. Hospitals are the biggest source of infections there is - why? because there's SICK people there! I don't feel I need an ICU on hand. I don't have any comorbidities to worry about. I'm actually in relatively good health now that I'm past the heavy metal poisoning and unfortunately I'm left with about 200 lbs extra of me from the aftermath of the treatment of chelation and steroids. I of course didn't help matters - I was weak and couldn't exercise. I was pumped full of steroids and was unsatiably hungry at all times. I made poor food choices a lot of the time. Would I still be in this situation if I had made the best food choices? Yes. But probably not as bad. In conjunction with my surgery, I'll have additional treatment for all the steroid damage. I'm looking forward to getting my life back. It hasn't been all that long that I've been without it. This all started in late 2007. So its been 4 years. 4 years since I've been a size 10. 4 years since I ran 5 miles a day. 4 years since my husband looked at me like I was absolutely the only person on the planet besides him. 4 years since I've had the confidence to be who I am. I can't wait to have that back. Just recently, I've realized my actual size. Wow did that hit me hard. Before, and sometimes still, I feel myself to be a "normal" sized person. Hopefully that will help with body image issues. My body was never perfect, but I was comfortable with it. That's all I want to be - healthy, active, and comfortable. Here's to that goal.

For so many misinformed years I thought that surgery was the easy way out. How wrong was I? I am working so hard to make sure I am hydrated enough, getting in all of the supplements and getting out for walks. What I have learned is that, it takes a lot of planning and effort to be successful which is certainly not easy.
 
Day 7 post op today. I am feeling pretty good. I also had my gallbladder removed during surgery and the largest incision site is still pretty sore. Mostly due to a couple vomiting episodes and a coughing fit I had . The other ones don't bother me at all I have a total of 8. I have only taken a half dose of the pain medication.
 
My post op diet is a sugar free clear liquid diet, no protein shakes until day 8 and this is until week 4. I was feeling pretty weak so I added regular juice and Gatorade I will stop it once I start protein shakes tomorrow. I can't wait. It blows my mind that I am excited for a protein shake. Thus far, I am not feeling any hunger which I hope sticks around. Pre op I always felt hungry and was constantly thinking about food.
 
My starting weight was 278. My weight the date of surgery was 250. My weight today......drumroll please.........239!!!
 
Looking at 239 on the screen is unreal, I can't remember the last time I weighed that. I love my sleeve!!!!!

So today is my two week mark. I am officially down 15 lbs. And sooooooo happy..
 
i will keep this blog short and sweet.
 
I have been going to the gym at least 3 x per week.. and im gonna kick it up to 4 starting this week, because i am afraid of the dreaded.. 3 week stall.. dun dun dun .. lol
 
Anyways i've been doing zumba and free weights and paying close attention to my legs and arms since its about the only things i can do right now that dont hurt. I recently fell so im a little worried about the damage that i may have done so i am being really careful right now, and i will probably be going to the doctors soon to see if i screwed up anything. keep your fingers crossed for me.
 
to date:
starting weight 238.1 day of surgery
current weight 224.0
starting pant size 18
current pant size 14-16 depending on brand
goal 160

Today has been a very good day. I'm on track with my protein and water intake, so I'm pretty pumped about that.
I stepped on the scale today and found that I've lost 15 pounds this week. It's so surreal. I feel like I can DO this. I haven't felt like that in a very long time--or ever.
 
There are no words to express how thankful I am that my worth is not defined by the number on the scale--even on good days like this. It's a good encouragement, and a good motivator, but I'm so glad that God has my worth in His hands. I'm so encouraged (and amazed) by the fact that He loved me when I was at my highest, and he loves me now that I'm on the "right track".