Support Group Meeting

I went to a support group meeting for gastric bypass surgery yesterday. It was very informative and helpful. I go back to the Dr. on Aug 3rd and to the nutritionist on Aug 4th. Very excited to see what's in store for me. After that, the surgeon will turn everything in to my insurance com. Veronica (the girl over surgery scheduling) said it could take from 24 hours to 2 weeks to get a response. Hope it doesn't take long! I know that this is not an easy journey but I am geared up and anxious to get healthy. Yes, I said get healthy. As I said in my last post-the weight loss is only a great benefit as I get rid of diabetes, acid reflux and the list goes on and on (as well as 22 pills a day not to mention the insulin shots) . If anyone reads this, just be praying for me as I do this. Ronnie has been so supportive of me and so have my girls. I love them so much and need them as I go through this surgery.

WLs Journey

I have been trying to lose weight for many years. Due to my medical conditions and medication it has been a losing battle. Diabetes along with oral medications and insulin (A1C-8.2)--- sleep apnea with the CPAP machine--- acid reflux with medication---fibromyalgia with medication---high cholesterol and triglycerides (320) with medications for both---several liver diseases--- very bad back: spinal stenosis, scoliosis, pinched nerves, and 9 bulging discs and degenerative discs disease (trying to keep from having the worst back surgery possible-(according to my surgeon)---osteo-arthritis in my back, hips, knees, shoulders and neck---asthma---These are my enemies! I have fought them for years. I went to Dr. David Bell in December. He is an endocrinologist (a diabetic specialist). He told me that with my diabetes destroying my liver, I didn't have a choice but to have Gastric Bypass surgery. That surgery cures diabetes, asthma, sleep apnea, acid reflux, high cholesterol and triglycerides, liver disease and could prevent me from having back surgery. That is the reason I have decided to have gastric bypass surgery. I have been going to Weight Watchers for years. If I hadn't gone and tried so had to lose weight, there's no telling how much I would weigh. I don't weigh enough to have the surgery but I will probably qualify because of my medical conditions. I have been going to my Dr. ance a month for 4 months. I go for my 5th visit next Wednesday. I'll go back the first week of August. Then the WLS surgeon will turn my case over to the insurance company. I go to see the nutritionist Aug 4th. I am tired of struggling with my weight and all of my medical problems. I act like everything is all right and I act like my former hyper self most of the time. I try to act like I feel fine when I am in such bad pain all the time. I am anxious for the next month to be over. The Dr. says there is no way the insurance company would turn me down. My medicine alone is $1,000.00 to 1,200.00 a month. There is a 1% risk with this surgery. It is a lower risk than gallbladder surgery. I am not afraid. I know that this surgery is only a tool for weight loss and you have to do what the Dr.'s tell you to. I know of some people who has gained weight back after surgery. I have so much to gain by using this tool for the rest of my life. I feel like it will set me free of a lot of pain, suffering and MEDICINE!!!!! I get so tired of taking medicine and giving myself shots. That is why I am having this surgery--weight loss is an added benefit. I would have this surgery even if that wasn't a benefit. I want to feel good! I want to run around town with my PRECIOUS girls! I want to have fun the rest of my life with my WONDERFUL HUSBAND! I want to run around and play with my ADORABLE grand babies! I want to just feel good all of the time. I don't know what that feels like anymore. I will continue to blog. I want to keep up with the rest of my journey. I hope anyone who reads this will pray for me and my efforts. Until next time...