The in Between?!

I love antique shopping. On Friday, I stopped at a sale near work because they had chairs I wanted. They were waay out of my price range. So, I put in a bid and they called Saturday and said they were mine! (that never happens!) So Sunday, I pick them up and I am hanging out because it's raining and I would prefer to not get my new to me "victorian parlour chars" wet! Somehow we start talking about losing weight and low and behold the lady having the sale had "gastric sleeve" surgery. She was 20 or 30 years older than me and has already had hip replacement surgery. Her husband didn't support her or come to the hospital during surgery. Her sister took care of her post surgery. She talked about the fear of working out.. Of course, we talked about loose skin and our options.. And it's in that moment I realize again -I am blessed..

Here I am. One year ago this week- I asked my husband what he thought about me having weight loss surgery and I met Dr. Fuller (my surgeon) at a weight loss seminar..  And now I am 11 weeks post surgery.. Beginning my 6th week of working out..  What an incredible journey to being healthy! I like working out but, I struggle with eating enough and working out. I am working out 2-3 days a week to be able to keep it balanced. (what a somewhat silly problem to have!) There is not many days I hit over 1,000 calories. I like working out especially when I am not dying. It's strange, eh? I think the weight training is going to be a key part of me tightening up my skin as I lose weight.

We all make excuses for being unhealthy or fat or apathetic. My girls keep me busy with appointments. I struggle with finding time for everything. Maddie has allergy shots twice week. I actually started shots too. Sounds great but, we learned that I don’t do well working out post allergy shot. One more thing to work around. Maddie has 4 doctor's appointments this month.. This month Lauren has 4 doctors appointments this month plus weekly therapy and weekly i Can dance class.  Life is about choices and decisions. I am moving personal therapy to twice a month. I am not going to feel guilty for working out only 3 times a week. I am working out more this month than I worked out in the past 2 years. We do what we have to do for our families. Oh, have I told you I am taking 12 hours of college classes too? Yes, yes I am crazy but, blessed!

I am excited to do my three month update (coming up next Sunday night). I hope to finish the week strong!  I am about 30 pounds from being to my halfway point. I do believe I am "thinner" than I have been in 5 years. Defiantly since I moved Little Rock. Eating is getting easier but, I still struggle with eating enough. My favorite go to lunch is smoothie (with splenda and soy protein) and half sandwich. {Total Calories=500 calories and Total Protein= 50} I usually do eggs for breakfast but, no matter how I spin it- 1 egg is all I can do. Dinner is usually a few bites and I feel done. So, as you can imagine I feel like my tropical smoothie lunch is important.

I waited long enough. I have been overweight 20 years. I am committed to being healthy and sharing my story. The ups and the downs. The highs and the lows. The success(es) and the struggles.

You are the author of your story. Make it a good one. Some of my contacts are below. And as always, thanks for reading. Your support means so much!

My (Surgeon) is Dr. Jon Fuller. He is at Arkansas Bariatric Surgery Center. You can click here to learn more about weight loss surgery with Dr Fuller.

Josh (My physical therapist) says you don't even have to join D1 gym to receive PT with him. Seriously, if you have joint or muscle aches or  just too fat or too weak to work out please call or email Josh. (joshlanders(at)sbcglobal.net) or message me for his #. He takes most all insurances.    

If you are looking to step up to your game then Tisha is the person to connect with at D1. (tisha.kelly(at)d1sportstraining.com

Do Something Different....

At lunch on Friday with my friend Sarah we discussed how people like to talk about change but most people are not interested in the hard work required to get the results they want.. This quote sums it up pretty well...

My friend Sarah shared with me some of her goals to being healthy and asked me if I had considered a 5k. Immediately-- I went negative in my brain.. Before I could finish my thought - she says you know you will be capable since you are training and working out. Then it hit me. She is right.. Attainable goals are good.. So, if you are not meeting your goals then step it up a notch..  

So, thanks Sarah for encouraging me! Maybe the fitness bug is hitting me afterall.   

Day 1 of the D-1 experience

It's late. I am tired and sore- so this will be short and sweet.  Andrew was right! The experience was awesome. It was addicting.. The people are encouraging.. And boy howdy, do you feel the work-out.

Background info on D-1:
D1 is The Place for The Athlete.  They provide custom training programs, expert coaching and the latest in physical therapy, all in a motivating, high-energy environment. Every person who walks through the doors of this state-of-the-art facilities is trained and treated like an elite athlete.  D1's athletic-based, motivating atmosphere is designed for student-athletes and adults to receive the D1 Experience via their replication of top college/pro training environments and facilities.  D1 places a strong emphasis on developing positive character, core values and self-esteem, ingraining character building in every workout. Profanity, negativity and tardiness are prohibited at D1. Click here to check out Little Rock D-1.

My thoughts:

D-1 is serious, motivating, positive and hard work. They use everyday tools to help you be your best. This is

not dancing or movement class or walk around and get your heart rate up.. This is a fast paced training environment where you might or might not cry 30 minutes into because you physically can't go another step- they encourage you EVERY step of the way- even if when your only half done. They were so glad I just showed up. I will not lie.. I completed warm ups (jogging 4 laps, doing lunges and other activities I can't really describe then we did "mini station work outs".   There were 2 -5 exercises I could do. There were 2-5 exercises I couldn't do.. and 2-5 I just didn't do because of my tiredness. As my leader (Tish) says "listen to your body"- so I made it roughly 30 minutes. Tish said.. I would be tired tomorrow. She was wrong. I was tired 15 minutes after I left... I am pretty worn out.

Hey, I did waaay more today than I have done in years. Ladies and gentlemen we will call this success.  But, I am going back. Actually, I am joining a Burn it 2 Earn it weight loss challenge at D-1. So, it looks like I will be sticking around till the holidays. Come join me. If I can do it then so can YOU!!

FEAR (just a 4 letter F word)

We fear the thing(s) we want the most. Why is that?  Have you ever been so afraid of failing at something that you decided not to try it at all? Or has a fear of failure meant that, subconsciously, you undermined your own efforts to avoid the possibility of a larger failure?  I mean I am sure most of my readers have experienced this at one time or another. The fear of failing can be immobilizing – it can cause us to do nothing, and therefore resist moving forward. 

But when we allow fear to stop our forward progress in life, we're likely to miss some great opportunities along the way.

A few weeks ago- one my former co-workers asked me if I wanted to work out at D-1. For those of you like me-allow me to explain--- D-1 Sports Training (A Place For THE ATHLETE) is an athletic training complex that does like NFL combines  and they are generally owned by athletes like Peyton Manning, Michael Oher, Tim Tebow and the one in Little Rock is co-owned by Jermain Taylor. I am not an athlete. No one uses that word to describe me. 

And then the stories begin in my head.. I don't have the clothes to work out. What if I am the fattest girl ever to work out at D-1? What if the people there think I took the "easy way" out?  What if I collapse after 3 minutes? What if...... Wait- what am I scared of? Failure? Failure would be not trying. It's mind over matter.  I need to become...

Andrew (who was a UCA soccer player and works at D-1) has faith that this is good for me. He believes in me. Actually, everyone I tell that I am considering this-says that's awesome and I can do it.  When I tell Andrew my fears.. he says just the words I needed to hear:  "Don't. Worry. About. It. Seriously. People come in all sorts of different fitness levels and strengths. As long as you can beat your embarrassment you'll fit in perfectly".  Deep breathes.. tomorrow at 11:00 I have a date at legit gym.. with a real person and a whole lotta work out....

We all know my end goal is to be healthy. Not to be perfect.  One step- one day- pound by pound- the transformation will continue... 

and so As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Mama said there'll be days like this...

Today was rough... Not sure if I can say why but, it was.. 

7:30 am..  Knocking on the door.. Is the babysitter early? Another solicitor? I put on my robe and a young

mans says "A man drove by and his tire came off and went through your fence." I look at him and I am like "what?" So, I go out in the back yard and find this. Call the police for a report...  Thank the Lord there was no in the way of the tire!!!

Then it was time.. Time to the doctor for follow up from you know that weight loss surgery I had three weeks ago.. He said "You are making great progress... 22 pounds since surgery is awesome..." We also discussed my problems with my adderall. Apparently, we need to adjust it because my body is not "processing" the XR component. So, I am not crazy.  I was diagnosed with ADHD a while back. You can read that blog here. My life is so much better with meds. I also can start working out for real in a few weeks!

Then lunch with my sister was a delight.  She is all grown up and studying Nuclear Medicine Technology.

And it's Wednesday. Therapy day. I enjoy therapy time.. Several things are going on with our family.. Please pray for us that timing of things will work out...  As for now- I will be thankful for the 22 lbs gone! 

Today is the last day of July... Tomorrow means game on for me... Summer break is almost over... 

Intolerance to foods

They say with weight loss surgery lots of people become intolerant to certain foods. I prayed mine would be bread. It still might be because I have not had any bread!!!  But, we know one of my intolerances.. Sunday I thought if I don't figure this out I will end up severely dehydrated. The bathroom and I were spending a lot of time together. 

Oh yes, 2 ounces of it and time it.. oh 90 seconds...  I am in severe pain and in the bathroom. I call it my Al Rooker fear... Basically, I get really weak, nauseated, cramping and I have to go sit on the potty pronto. So, called the doctor and we limited it to 3 things.. Whey, dairy or sugar alcohol.. And with trial and error we found it.. We believe it's the sugar alcohol aspartame. It's found in most sugar free items, protein shakes and lots of diet food. You can't be serious???  So, now I am eating soft foods only. I have to make my own shakes right now. I have been on a break from them but, should restart today.   

The scale hasn't "moved" very much. My WLS friends says to stop weighing myself. My friend A only weights on Fridays and my friend Bre only weights at the doctor. I weight 3 times a day.  Need to move it out of my sight.

After much research- I think I see the problem. I am not eating enough. I need to eat probably 1,000 calories a day. I have to be more deliberate and eat even when I am not hungry  I also need to drink more water!! Calculate how much your water intake here.

Daily walking and Water Aerobics begin next week. 

Happy Friday Friends!

Question and Answer from the patient!

My brother and his wife stopped by last night and stayed over. My family is heading to the beach.  They played with Lauren this morning on the trampoline. I probably won't do that for a

while.. 

Lots of folks have been asking questions about the procedure. Here is my point of view. This is not from my doctor and it's not medical approved. It's my opinion. Every patient is very different and ALL the doctors have a different methods.

Are you hungry? No. Not one bit. They say during the first seven days after surgery your goal is to consume 64 ounces of fluids per day. Hahaha. That is not happening. You are also suppose to have 75(+/-) grams of protein. Not happening either. I hope to make improvement over the weekend. Monday I move to a pureed soft diet (that includes eggs and soft fruits!!!!) Stoked about that!

What can you eat?
Once I finish the 8 week recovery process I can eat whatever my heart desires; just not in big proportions. Unlike the Lap Band the stomach isn't restricted so there’s nothing for food to get caught on. But, right now I can't eat anything solid- I will spend six weeks developing new habits.  They say I will make changes to the food I want- There is a chance I will not enjoy what I used too. 

Do you get sick?Not yet. However, I am getting about 2-3 ounces per meal. I also feel like Thanksgiving over and over. You know where you eat too much and lay around moaning...  Dumping/vomiting doesn't always happen with the sleeve. My stomach muscles would cry if I vomited. 

How fast have you lost the weight? 
From my highest weight I have lost 33 pounds. I am averaging about a pound a day. This will slow down.. 


What do you find most different since the surgery?
My bloated belly.. I dread to eat. I want to eat ice chips and be done. 

I have been overweight all my life and am seriously considering having a gastric sleeve. Any advice?
Today: Contact your insurance and see what they can pay. (this could change as time goes on)
This weekend: Look online at the doctors who do the surgery. If they are local- go to every doctor's seminar and learn their method. They are not the same!!!  I only went to one seminar- a big regret of mine. I like my doctor but, each doctor has a very different method. Several folks I know used doctors in Mexico or Canada.. There are several in the state. My insurance led me to my doctor.  

What is your biggest fear? 
Other than it not working??  My skin being in bad shape. Though that fear has left. I have Rodan and Field products that will help me out. I will share more soon. 

How did you feel immediately after surgery?
Dry mouth, regretful, groggy, tired, excited

How long did you stay in the hospital? 
Surgery was Monday. Recovery took almost 8 hours (very rough). Tuesday= Ice chips were my new love. Wednesday jello and chicken broth  was the most delish thing ever!

How long until you feel fine? (everyone has a different answer). I hope soon! 

Does it feel tight or like anything is left in your stomach??
I feel like I had major tummy surgery. No desire to eat.  I also think gas is making me feel bloated/full. 

Cheers to each day improving! 

Day 3 of Post op and first day "home"

Type of surgery I had..

First off, I should never doubt my friends support for our family. You guys made the hospital stay bearable.

Overall, I feel good for just having major surgery. Slow, very sore and still groggy. 

I am still on my liquid diet till Monday. We have that covered. It's very challenging for me to drink what I have. I have no hunger and no desire to eat. I just have cottonmouth and some gas.

On top of all this I hurt my knee- very minor scrape but, using my knees to position myself make it very painful. I also stub my pinky toe in the hospital on my IV cart. Bruised and bleed a lot.  So, if I could quit

My minor knee injury

injuring myself maybe I could start focusing on my stomach healing!!   Above in the picture in the incisions. (See I am keeping this real!). 

If you want to bring food for us- just bring enough for John and Lauren (2 servings max). Next week while I will be eating soft/mushy foods- I will be limited and I need to make good food choices..  Each meal I get 1/8 of a cup of two different things. So my portion sizes are way small. My first goal over the week is to work on getting plenty of protein and drinking plenty of water.. 

I am hoping I can quit pain meds tomorrow and once I am off of them then I can drive. I know that will not be today or tomorrow. So, perhaps driving Monday will be more realistic.  I am walking like an elderly person still yet.

NO REGRETS! Thankful to be on the flip side!

The Post Op Review-unedited

I am not going to sugar coat this experience. Because I want people to know the real deal.

Communication about the exact time of surgery was not very clear. (I plan to report this through evalution). We were told Surgery was scheduled for 1pm and found out it was in fact scheduled for 3:55 and started at 5:45.  For several reasons you can imagine- it was not a fun day.. My momma and John stuck by with me! I had a bad headache all day(Monday).. So bad the bright lights and coolness in pre opt- made the headache worse and I was given Valium (twice) and finally post surgery it was gone. The anesthetic drug cocktail they gave me was super strong due to my family history of MH.. That made recover much rougher!! It was after 9 (I think) when I got to my room.. My mom is a caregiver by profession and as you can imagine she was not going  to let me stay alone. I was having some buyers remorse at that moment. I was so thirsty and my mouth was so dry-I was not prepared for that feeling. Morphine doesn't help the thirsty feeling. 

Lessons Learned:

• CALL the business day morning before surgery and confirm time. (I never got a confirmation call).
• Prepare for someone to stay with you the first night. If you don't need it then you can send them home. 
• Ask people to text before visiting. (That was so helpful for me!)
• Bring chapstick! (Thankfully, I was warned)

I woke up feel very un-rested today but, I feel so much better than last night except I was so thirsty. I finally received 1 oz out ice chips every 30 minutes at around 10am.  I also walked around the floor 6+ times. The doctor says I am doing great.  My night nurse says I get clear liquid sat 6 am tomorrow. I am super pumped about that! 

Mama Rho and Lauren

Pretty excited about the new life! No pain- no gain!

Tomorrow we should head home! Super big hugs to all texted, facebook, call or stop by. YOU made the day fly by. Mama Rho is very tired and I will blame the mistakes on the morphine. 

Day One- Pre Op Diet

Ahhh! I made it! We have 13 days to go. Day 1 was what I called a success. And I didn't have to apologize to any of my friends for my unkind words. I had a physical this morning. Just happen to be scheduled. My doctor is Dr. Robertson. She came in and sat down and listened. She is so happy for me. So supportive.. Speaking of support - I had a lot of friends call, text, email, message me... You have no idea how much that means to me. I worked from 11a-530p today. So, I think I did okay. I felt great. My headache started around 7 and I think it's just bed time. No exercise today but, mentally I kicked butt. So, again we will try tomorrow. 

So, here we are by the numbers.
I had 57 grams of Protein
I had 51 ounces of water
I had 930 Calories
I am not a person who shares the numbers of my weight.. But, it's time because we are going to say good bye to each set of the next digits.  When I decided to make a change in my life I weighted 350 pounds. <<<not going back up>>> I have lost 15 pounds since I decided to start this journey. So, yeah, I needed to desperately make a change in my life!  

So not a bad first day. I had 3 protein drinks, bowl of tomato soup and some yummy sugar free jello. 

Best thing I had was: AdvantaEdge Carb Control Strawberry Cream Protien Drink
Worst thing: sugar free Strawberry Shaved Ice (threw it away)
My secret Power: Sugar Free Gum! 

Tomorrow's goal: Drink 70 ounces of water. 60 grams of protein. 30 minutes of walking

We did it friends. We made it through the first day and no one got hurt. Again, love you and thanks for rooting for me! 

This time in between..

So, this week has been busy! I am working as much as I can this week so I can "tie up" loose ends while Lauren is at Camp Aldersgate next week. I love the support I am receiving! Friends, family, professional friends, my fellow "surgery" friends- I feel so blessed. Comments and private messages mean so much. 

To everyone taking time to read this blog THANK YOU!

My dear husband, John, started weight watchers this week. He is also blogging as he goes on this journey with me.  It's easy to feel inspired around him. By the way, he is down three pounds this week. 

My baby brother, Kyle, decided he was not going to be left behind when I confided in him this winter about my surgery. He has lost 56 pounds since January. He also started P90 x and he jogs a lot. What a real rockstar! 

Lauren and Mama Rho at Daddy's Band Concert

I am also spending my time figuring our the pre opt process. My friend Kate- encouraged me to take time to trust in God and lean on him during this time. So, she bought me a book to read and to encourage me along the way. Again my friends inspiring me during this journey of me becoming healthy!

The title of this blog is the special family.. My family is just that.. Lauren, our nine year old, has autism. She is a bright, happy and smart little girl. We met with her Developmental Pediatrician this week- who was blown away by Lauren's progress in the past 2 years. Some big achievements for her include totally potty trained, ability to ride in the car without a harness (and uses seat belt), follow through directions on cue, ability to communicate, express happy emotion, social skills and ability to connect with others and we could go on.. At Dennis Developmental her doctor says the improvement is astonishing. We have come along way. Oh and according to test she went from 18 months to preschool level.  

Maddie is ten! She lives at Arkansas Pediatric Facility in North Little Rock with a group of people who is like extended family.. Maddie has Sotos Plus along with a series of another crazy problems. Maddie has had a very rough year. Not sure exactly why - but, we are thankful for improvement. Again we have a great medical team who we work alongside every day. We nearly lost Maddie in February.. Thankful for every extra day God gives us with Maddie..

So, on the surgery side of life- I learn all this info this week. If all goes well- I will spend 2 nights in the hospital. After I am off pain meds- I can start driving.. I should be able to take daily walks every evening.. 

Together team- we will do this!!! xoxo

Sqeaky wheel...

Thanks for all your support. Nice to feel your support!

I called yesterday and asked the financial lady if there was anything I could do to help speed up the process... I am ready! She says well, I will see what I can do today. By the end of the work day not only was the financial stuff squared away but all my appointments, tests and surgery was scheduled. 

Finally- a plan. 

So we begin the process June 24th and surgery is scheduled on July 8th. Right now, I am preparing recipes. The pre-opt diet is somewhat rigorous. Any input or advice would be appreciated!

My instructions say:

Your will need to drink 3 protein shakes daily, one for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We do not require you to purchase a particular brand of shakes. Some good examples would be Slim Fast Optima Shakes, EAS AdvantEdge Carb Control Shakes, or Adkins Advantage Shakes. You may supplement the 3 main meals with sugar free clear liquids and sugar free full liquids.

Examples of Sugar free Clear Liquids and Full Liquids:

Fat Free broth

Sugar free Jell-O (nothing added)

Coffee or Tea

Unsweetened fruit juices

Sugar free plain popsicles

Sugar free flavored beverages (Crystal Light, Sugar free Kool-aid, Very Fine H2O)

Hot cereals (oatmeal, cream of wheat)

Fat free cream soups (ex. Healthy Choice Cream of Mushroom, Tomato Soup)

Skim Milk or Fat free Milk

V-8 Vegetable Juice

Sugar free pudding

Sugar Free Low Fat yogurt

Liquids sweetened with Sweet-n-low, Equal, or Splenda are OK!!

Any flavor of cream soup is fine as long as it is Fat Free or Very Low Fat (95-99%).

No solid foods and no cheating!

It is extremely important for you to follow this diet prior to your surgery. This diet is designed to help reduce the amount of fat in and around your liver, and to shrink the liver itself. You may also lose a little weight before surgery. If you do not follow the diet plan your surgery could be postponed.

things are coming together!! 23 DAYS!

Educating your friends and family about bariatric surgery

Lots of people advise you to keep your weight loss surgery hush hush. Now, I have over 100+ pounds to lose. (Don't worry photos and actual weight # will be revealed later) I am not going to fool you folks into thinking that I just woke up one day and "lost all this weight". According to my research it will happen quickly. My friends and family are way smarter than that. So, I want to help educate others about my surgery. So, education about my journey begins now. 

What type of surgery will I have??  

We have not had our final decision appointment but, with the information I know- I plan to have Gastric Sleeve (also called sleeve gastrectomy) procedure. A sleeve gastrectomy is a restrictive surgical weight loss procedure that limits the amount of food you can eat and helps you feel full sooner. In this procedure, a thin, vertical sleeve of stomach is created and the rest of the stomach is removed. The sleeve or stomach will be about the size of a banana. You can read some good information here. The majority of weight loss sleeve gastrectomies performed today use a laparoscopic technique, which is considered minimally invasive.  As far as weight loss goes, most people who have gastric sleeve surgery lose 50 to 80 percent of their excess body weight over the first six months to one year after surgery. There is lots of information out there

When is my surgery?  

That is the magic question. Everything moves quickly once certain decisions are made and my team knows I am ready. We are hoping that it will happen in the next 3 weeks so, I am recovered when school starts. 

After much reading they say to help those who are "worried" for me- that I need to take time to educate you specifically about this: 

How did you make this decision? 

I encourage you to read my blog. I have been blogging along the way. But, I went to Baptist Health for my seminar. It was so helpful. The information was very helpful and honestly- if you want to learn more about weight loss surgery- you should go. But, don't delay- go now. It actually changed my whole opinion on weight loss surgery. It's free. Check out the website here. You might ask- what exactly changed your opinion: The doctor was very upfront- he took questions- For example: I assumed I would have the lap-band  Come to find out- in order to be successful - the lap-band isn't my best option. For women who need to lose over 80 lbs studies show that it's not as successful. Also, I learned that attending a support group is part of the success. The information was plentiful. 

Have I prepared for this? I feel so overwhelmed with this question. Get Ready:

• I started with the seminar. 

• Then I had 8 monthly appointments with my PCP and we created a weight loss plan. This included medication.

•  I also met with my chiropractor.

• Made an appointment with my OB/GYN. Lots of women end up pregnant in the middle of this journey. While it's not immediate failure- It's not healthy. We decided a long term birth control so, I could spend the next 3 years on being healthy and ready to have a baby if I choose. (Don't worry- they are aware of my age- my weight is more of an issue than my age). Plus while motherhood is a dream of mine- I never dreamed I was pregnant. So, I feel good about this decision. 

• Meet with a nutritionist. She was awesome. We did a couples appointment. She told me the reality- what to expect during the liquid phase. We also discuss what the transition would be like. My husband is such a rockstar. 

• Therapy. At first this was just to say "I am okay for surgery". But, turns out- I needed it for more. Part of behavior modification is finding out your food issues.. they also work on your problem areas. Caffeine was my biggest challenge. My staff will tell you- I was on edge, mean and hateful for the first month. If I knew my husband would let me - I would have started smoking. It was rough. Come to find out- I wasn't honest about my addiction. I will do a whole post on saying good bye to caffeine. Sonic was one of my problem areas. Also, learning to drink a glass of water before every meal. Also, avoid using straws- can't have them with surgery anyhow-  I also had to figure out how to keep my friendships alive without going to lunch. I was already working on this before- Dave Ramsey helped me saving money. My free friend Sarah is my favorite lunch friend and I know we are going to be okay. She is super supportive and our friendship is going to only get stronger. My cousin had weight loss surgery and she warned me about how she really "missed eating out". I am so glad I talked with her because I had not realize that could be an issue.  I have come a long ways on all this. This is somewhat personal and I am happy to share more with you.

• Had a sleep study and met with a Pulmonary doctor.  I do have sleep apnena. I hate my sleep machine. I am not following what the doctor says on this. I struggle with it. But, I also learn something else-

• Meet with ENT. I was over the whole 2 strep throats plus I was having issues in the middle of the night. Yeah, I have early symptoms of GERD. They looks like middle of the night panic attacks where I take off my sleep mask and nearly throw up from choking. We are working on this and we hope surgery will change this.

I also have 3 other doctors on my team. But, I am prepared for weight loss surgery. 

Will your insurance pay for this?

Insurance is a red tape process that is very slow when working with a doctor's office. Getting approval took around 2 weeks. My weight loss nurse actually knows her stuff. She knows exactly what they want and need. It takes her probably 4-6 to put together your information. 

Then we work on financial stuff. (This is where we are right now). I have already spoke with insurance but, they get this in writing and then the doctor's office and I work out a plan. Insurance says if you used a "Center for Excellence" and they are in network they pay 90%. Due to Maddie's hospitalization we have met our deductible  So, insurance has told me that me they will pay 100%. 

Another concern: Have I thought about the lifelong lifestyle changes you have to make and how will you maintain weight-loss?

My biggest challenge will being able to eat the right amount of protein and drink water each day. I need 60 to 80 grams of quality protein per day.  They say it will take me weeks to be able to meet this goal. More about the protein below. 

Numerous websites and experts have told me this about protein:

What is insufficient protein? 

The first sign of lack of protein is often fatigue or weakness. Not just the feeling that I didn't get enough sleep last night, but deep fatigue….or weakness you know where it’s hard to get through the day. 

A second sign is weight loss plateau. When we don’t get enough protein, there is increasing evidence that the body tries to store calories rather than burning them.  I have heard those who focus on protein intake are successful in reaching their weight loss goal. 

A third sign is hair loss, which is preventable - they say. While one cause of hair loss following the surgery is the “shock” of the surgery to the body, another reason of hair loss in weight loss surgery patients is insufficient intake of protein. 

My nutritionist also said  after the surgery, if your protein status is low, your body will heal more slowly, sometimes very slowly. 

Another challenge- keeping this loose skin under control. Chances are I will need a breast reduction after the weight loss. A lot of unknowns.. But, as soon as I am cleared I plan to be very focused on working out and being proactive. This is one reason why I am a fan of Rodan and Fields. I am wanting my face to stay firm and healthy. Check out my R+F. The exercise will be very intense for 6-8 months- so my results will be optimal. Also, I am learning to eat my veggies FIRST at every meal. I also will meet with a nutritionist and my therapist often in helping coach me through my next phase of life. It's not a diet- it's a lifestyle change. 

Thanks for reading about my weight loss journey. I am happy  to allow others to reuse or share my content, as long as link it to my blog and give me credit. -Mama Rho 

You are taking the easy way out..

According to the CDC  did you know that 70% of america's adults are considered overweight?

I don't go around telling people I am weeks maybe days away from my first surgery. I am not telling everyone that I am preparing to say good bye to my fat. But, I want to. I have not shared my blog with Facebook  I feel like I am keeping a secret. But, I am not. It comes down to this. I like to have a solid plan. When I don't have a plan and it's not set in stone- I over think it. I BELIEVE this is going to happen.  Am I really going to post a blog about this? If I am going to post on Facebook  I need to address something before I tell Facebook  (My friends and supporters- I love you and thank you for your continued support). 

Believe it or not- this is my LEAST favorite thing to hear:  "You are taking the easy way out by having surgery." (I have heard it 3 times). And this is when I say this "I have been considered overweight since 1992. That is 21 years. Way over half of my life. I have tried dieting- I have exercised- I have taken supplements- I have taken pills- My last 50 pounds was gained while on birth control. 

Choosing to change my life is not most people's business and I assure you that nothing about being unhealthy is easy. This decision is right for me and my family. We welcome your support and prayers. While your approval is nice- it's not necessary. 

My therapist says if the disapproving folks mean something to me then you have to educate them. Tell them your journey- Share with them how they have improved complication rates and mortality rates when bariatric surgery is performed at a Center of Excellence. 

Pam Davis says this: We have to remember there are many environmental, societal, hormonal, physiological and genetic factors that come together to impact our weight. We as a society cannot be so naïve as to think behavior change alone will be a successful treatment. We have to be ready, willing and able to educate the naysayers regarding obesity prevention and treatment. We have to be willing to stand-up for ourselves and others. We have to be willing to educate those who think any treatment for obesity, including surgery, is an easy way out.

After being a “fat” kid, teen and adult, my physician and I determined that bariatric surgery is the best course of treatment for me. I am having bariatric surgery to treat a chronic, lifelong disease and I am not taking the easy way out. I assure you. Thanks Pam Davis for reminding me of this. 

Paperwork, paperwork

The paperwork gathering is a beast. I hate it. Let's learn from my experience.. People don't do what they say. It's not any one person's fault. Paperwork gets lost. So, when you finish your 6th and final appointment with your PCP- call, fax, email your other doctors and ask them if have sent your paperwork. If they say yes then call your paper gathering person and if she has not received them- call the other doctor and tell them you will be hand delivering the paperwork. Ask them when will it be ready for pick up? Don't wait on them to fax, email or mail the paperwork. It's won't happen. I am three weeks behind- I should have already sent in my paperwork but, it's lost- so, don't depend on anyone!!!!!!!!!

UGGGGGGHHHHH