The stress of drs appointments..

So, I am panicking. I can't miss one month during the appointments. My dr is out for 2 weeks and then the month will be gone. I am going to the walk in clinic in hopes that this will count as a "weight in" appointment. I hope this works or I will have to start over!!! 

I am tired of my family being sick . Maddie had a long week of crappy medical issues that all stemmed from strep throat. I hate strep throat. Easy way to lose weight though. 

Adoption Day!

We (legally) adopted the girls on October 23^rd! What a joyous day. However, after looking at the pictures from the event – I am so depressed. I look so fat and I don’t feel that great. Motivation to forward.  Time to get unfat- right?

Meet my fantastic husband - John

A typical family photo.. Maddie loving her ipod. Lauren with her grass. 

Join “get rid of Rhonda’s fat” Team

Today, I met my therapist.  She is so kind and real- I think she will be a great for my “get rid of Rhonda’s fat" team.  I also think she will be good for me in general. Everyone should have a therapist. 

Weight loss seminar day

I am so thankful my husband is so supportive and loves me. We went to Dr. Fuller’s weight loss seminar- it’s the first step to weight loss surgery.  Have to say- it makes me feel better about myself after going there. I am not the only morbid obese person in Little Rock.  After some reflection from the previous blog.. I realized that all the work the insurance is making me do – is to make sure I am actually mentally prepared for this journey.  I learned a lot about the different types of surgeries. I will be honest I thought the lap band was right for me. But, after the consultation I realized I probably wouldn't be as successful with the band. According to research women who have more than 80 pounds to lose need to not do the band.  If I lost half of my body weight I would be what medical doctors consider healthy. 

 I think the gastric sleeve would be my best option. You can read more about gastric sleeve here. The final decision will be made with Dr. Fuller closer to surgery. 

Insurance

Paperwork check. Signed up for a weight loss seminar check. Called Insurance and wow- it's like reading a foreign language. 

If you are so interested here is a sample where you can Click here to read it. 

This journey- quickly became a weight loss surgery marathon. I will spend months preparing for this surgery. I will have lots of doctor’s appointments. I feel over whelmed. What if all this work for nothing. 

Fat. Overweight. Morbid Obese. Fleshy. Portly. Stout. Pudgy. Rotund. Plump. Chubby. Big Boned. Voluptuous. Curvy. Full Figured Woman

Being Fat. Overweight. Morbid Obesity. Those are all phrases I am used to hearing. My weight hasn't really kept me from living life. I have lived a great life all while being fat.  Most of my family is overweight. It’s part of who I am. The term “morbid obesity” is what doctors call my condition. That’s right- insurance and all doctor’s office’s code me with those words. Ouch!!!!  Over the summer of 2012- I injured my back/neck for the second time since meeting John. I could hardly walk without excruciating pain. I went to see several doctors and it was determine that since I was blessed with a large chest- I was suffering from degeneration of the bones or joints of the cervical spine, causing disc herniation or bone spurs to form on my neck vertebrae. I was asked- why haven’t you had breast reduction surgery. I said well because I am somewhat proportionate with them. He said he could help me physical therapy but, it was time for a change or pain could get worse. That lead me to talk with John about our options to help me lose weight. We checked out a number of ideas (shakes, weight watchers, working out, fad diets and weight lose surgery). I finally went to my PCP to ask for help. She asked if I was planning on having kids. I told her that weren't stopping it from happen. And then before my eyes- I saw a look of terror. And she said in her most pleasant doctor’s voice: “Rhonda, I support you growing your family. But, you must lose weight first!” We talked about our options and she supported weight lose surgery. In my mind I thought Okay, maybe over Christmas break- I will do this.  

So, the journey began. 

Wow, I had no idea what I just decided to do.

What is a special family?

I used to say the Duckett's are such a special family. Everyone agreed. Now, I am married to a man we have 2 special needs kids. I am surrounded by special. I am special. I am also considered a special needs mama.  My husband John is special. I bet you are even special. 

Join the The Special Family blogging adventure. I promise to keep it real. According to our friends at thefreedictionary.com

special [ˈspɛʃəl]

adj

1. distinguished, set apart from, or excelling others of its kind

2. (prenominal) designed or reserved for a particular purpose a special tool for working leather

3. not usual or commonplace

4. (prenominal) particular or primary his special interest was music

5. (Social Science / Education) denoting or relating to the education of physically or mentally handicapped children a special school

n

1. a special person or thing, such as an extra edition of a newspaper or a train reserved for a particular purpose

2. (Cookery) a dish or meal given prominence, esp at a low price, in a café, etc.

3. (Historical Terms) Austral history slang a convict given special treatment on account of his education, social class, etc.

4. (Law) short for special constable

Yep, that's us. Thanks for reading.