I started a journey toward Gastric Bypass surgery last May. That was the first time that I even allowed myself to consider it as an option.
I gained my weight with an eating disorder in my 20's and have done the yo-yo thing: down a little, and then up higher and higher. I am now 41, almost 42. I have a hernia that may or may not be able to be repaired. In May, after my hysterectomy, I found out that it, (the hernia), had enlarged to the size of a nerf football. If I want to have any hope of repair, then I need to get the weight off once and for all! I don't binge eat any more, but my metabolism is really messed up at this point. And, lets face it that doesn't mean I don't overeat! Of course, some of you know how much pain the hernia causes me, so exercise is harder than usual. (No excuses here, just explanation!)
So, after I talked to my doctors and they encouraged me to look at Bariatric surgery as an option. I went to an informational session on July 28, 2008. I filled out the paper work and called my insurance company the next day. My insurance company covers it, however I needed to have documentation of working with a dietician for 6 months. The first appointment I could get with her was in August. I have been working with her and I have managed to lose 30 lbs so far. It has not been easy. I am so addicted to sugars! (By the way, that is not always sweets).
Today, I found out my surgery date is March 24, 2009. I have decided to keep this blog, so that the people I love can read my thoughts on all of this. Feel free to post specific questions as I am an open book! :)
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I'm proud of you for being proactive. You're an inspiration for trying so hard to begin with and then making this decision - which I know wasn't an easy one! So many people would have just given up and lived in discomfort, the fact that you are doing this for yourself - and everyone who loves you - to lead a healthier life is proof of your strength and perseverance. I'll talk to you soon, but know my thoughts and prayers are with you always!
ReplyDeleteVery cool that you are doing this and very brave. Thank you for letting us do this with you.
ReplyDeleteSheila
You are one of the most beautiful people I know. I admire you for always striving to be a better person, and right now that means taking care of you in this way. I will walk every step of the way with you in this. I love you and will be praying for God to lift you up and encourage you, to strenthen you and give you the wisdom you need to make the choices you face. I know that you can do this. All things are possible for those who are in Christ Jesus
ReplyDeleteI love you mom! And I am really excited for you! but sad I won't be home to take care of you after :(. Good thing you have our family and such great friends! :)
ReplyDeleteLove, Nicole
Dawgonit Jenni......As you well know, there will be many prayers on your behalf from those on the Survivor Message Boards....To some, our group may seem like a strange place for prayers to be birthed from....but you and I know that miracles have taken place......I pray for wisdom and skills within the medical community....I pray for peace and comfort for those who are personally involved in your life....and I pray that you have the confident assurance that your decision is God's Will......Take care my Friend, and may God Bless you abundantly......Jerry aka cd1
ReplyDeleteYou (and your family) will MOST DEFINITELY be in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteWe're with you!!
Robin :0)
Jenni,
ReplyDeleteI'm so proud of you. Your such a good friend. I hope all goes well in this journey set out for you. Just look to God for help, which is what you did. I'm so excited for you. Your are in my prayers.
With LOT'S of Love,
Jacqi
Jackie,
ReplyDeleteTough decision, but the right decision.
You know that you will be in my prayers.
If you wish to talk to someone that has been through it let me know I can connect you up to Mrs. BAND.
Are you doing the lap band or the stomach reduction version.
*BAND*
Hey Jenni,
ReplyDeleteI miss you tons. I've been wondering what you'd found out and decided about the surgery. I'm really glad that you are doing this. I know that you'll be and feel healthier and that your life will change. You are in my prayers- it's a process, but with God it can only be a positive journey. I'm here for you. I'll give you a call very soon. Love ya, Judy
Dear, sweet Jenni,
ReplyDeleteI want to join with the others to let you know that you will be in my prayers too.
You've always been there to pray for us and lend a sympathetic ear. Now it's our turn to repay that kindness. Please know that you will be continually in our thoughts and prayers during this time.
God Bless you abundantly,
Elizabeth
( PL )
To our 'Joyful' Jenni,
ReplyDeleteYou know I'll be praying for you! Believe it or not when you let God take over your worries and just put everything in his hands, things go very smoothly. I had to have 1/3 of my colon taken out in 2003, they told me I would be in the hospital at least 10 days, and the prep was awful. After worrying for 24 hrs. I finally said Okay God it's in your hands 'No more Worries'. I had my surgery Mon. Feb 2, 2003. I was out on that Sat. the 7th. Been Cancer free since then. I went to sleep during the surgery & woke up after and just said 'Thank You God'. Since, I'm 5'6" and 230 lbs. I know all about yo-yoing, but I dislike hospitals so could never be as brave as you are. (Too much noise there for me to sleep). ;)
A friend of mine had GBS about 20 yrs. ago the eating/drinking thing was the worse part. Afterwards she had to eat babyfood for quite some time, don't know if they still do that or not that would be hard also. But all of us on the Survivor MB will be cheering for you and waiting to see the 'After' picture! :)
God Bless You and Keep You!
JackieTN
Hey Jen, I thought I posted before, but I don't see it anywhere. So here I go again. You know I love you and I am praying for you in this journey. So glad you are letting us in on your thoughts. Keep us posted sista.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Teri